‘Purple’ column hit the mark

The following is to thank you for [Mickey Maurer’s] column in the March 19 IBJ: “The Indiana we’ve always wanted.” I am a U.S. citizen of Hispanic origin, I have served in the U.S. Air Force, I was married to a woman for a short time, but now I have a same-sex partner and live with him and his children.

I fell in love with Indianapolis during a visit and I decided immediately to move here from Florida (seeking a more tranquil lifestyle). Upon arriving, I secured employment, established friendships and completed my bachelor’s [degree]. I have been working, paying taxes and patronizing local businesses with my income.

I had been house-hunting to finally set roots here, until all this nonsense came up about laws that do nothing for our economy but instead are designed to fuel hatred by separating human beings based on skin color, language, sexual orientation. It infuriates me to see the overwhelming ignorance that plagues this state. And it has made me reconsider my final step of purchasing a home to be a true Hoosier. I’d rather give my hard earned money to a place where I will be accepted and valued for my contributions, rather than for who I sleep with.

I stand in disbelief of the lack of action by the Hispanic/Latino communities (legal or not), the African-American communities, the Jewish, the Greeks and so many other communities that had to endure prejudice and bigotry for so many years until finally blending into mainstream America.

Does history not teach us anything? I understand that your article was directed to those in the parties that created the legal nonsense that is being considered in the state Capitol, taking up our tax dollars, but I can imagine that their ignorance is so grand that they will read it and actually consider the purple hat idea. So, while I consider it well-written, I am left wondering what effect it had on those that need to open their eyes.

Thank you for taking the time to bring awareness to the blind and for standing on the side of humanity.

____________

Jean Leroux