I just got back from a lecture/visit from two of the Tuskegee airmen, who were an all-black airplane team (not familiar with the military jargon, but that's not important) during World War II. Basically, they overcame discrimination and segregation to fight in the war and earn high honors, although you don't hear much about them.

A lot went through my head listening to them speak and throughout the whole presentation, but probably the most poignant thought, one that made me want to cry, really, was this: The world is better than it once was. Fifty years ago, black folk were spat upon: the first black naval pilot (in the 1940s) was from Hattiesburg, and he stood in the middle of downtown Hattiesburg, waiting for a bus, in his nice white uniform, while people threw eggs at him. Now there's a tax building at that spot named for him.

Now we can gather in an auditorium, blacks and whites, and celebrate what black people have contributed and struggled against.

Before that, I went to a talk about genomic medicine, given by a lady, a graduate of my school, actually. Women can be great scientists! I'm going to the best veterinary school in the country, and my father, who grew up during a time when women were just beginning to receive opportunities for higher education, is so proud of me and only wants the best for me.

Also during the Tuskegee presentation, there was a singing performance, and a little rap about how things might be better for blacks, but we still segregate ourselves. He used examples in our own school! God, it is so true.

So, yes, inequities undoubtedly exist. The posters we're hanging up for what we've deemed "Queer Black History Month" are getting ripped down. Homosexuals are probably the next big group who WILL see progress. Their struggle is also tough, but blacks and women have seen it far worse, I believe. Therefore, if blacks and women can get through it okay, then so can gays.

I mean, as much as President Bush SUCKS, he has actually said that he supports civil unions. Most people do.

There is hope. I am optimistic. Probably society will always be crap on most levels, because humans are humans, and we might be too smart for own good and end up destroying ourselves, but hey: might as well try to make it easier on us all.