so my comment system is still not working

which isn't a big deal since no one really ever comments on my page anymore, probably because i never have much to say

but my recent column actually got a few comments that i thought i'd share and make my own response comment too:

david writes: let's cast off our backpacks of privilege and shame!
cute

victor writes: i understand the reason for the boycott, but what do the boycott-ers want in return? i hear a lot about what wrong was done, but it seems like the boycott has no mission. do they want badlands to close its doors forever? what do they want?
thought-provoking and very good questions

my response to victor's inquiries and similar queries in the community surrounding this issue:

what those being discriminated against wanted to begin with over the last several years was to not be discriminated against or targeted at all in general. that obviously happened.

what these official legal complainants who spoke out wanted a year ago was to have a conversation with the owner of badlands to discuss these problems. the owner steadfastly refused to meet.

what the complainants asked for over 6 months ago was a mediation to discuss the complaints, discriminatory practices, and ways to make the danceclub more inclusive and end the discrmination. the owner steadfastly refused to meet with them and created a PR campaign against them.

what the complainants asked for over several months ago was for the city and state to look into these allegations and help broker a mediation. the city has looked into the allegations and written a long, detailed Finding of Fact. the owner still has not met with them, continually dismissed the city's human rights commission's work and reporting, refused to participate in discussions, and continually missed deadlines for having this appropriately dealt with.

when the complainants finally received a formal written government document which highlighted and described in detail the history of discrimination, they have now created a boycott. now, the owner wants the complainants to 'compromise' and he wants to buy his way out of this problem he created.

the complainants and the individuals and groups who have joined the boycott no longer have an interest in negotiations and discussion. that time is long past over. that may seem harsh, but the owner and his bar have repeatedly over the years discrminated illegally and that should be enough to revoke his liquor and operating licenses. until that revocation finally occurs, the boycott continues to spread the word about the malpractices at this establishment.