Texas State Capitol
What Is Happening in Austin?
RECEIVED Wed., April 16, 2008
Dear Editor,
A month ago, while cruising around Lady Bird Lake, my friend and I were thrown off of our bikes, beaten, and I had my wallet stolen. I understand wanting my wallet. Not the beating. It was South by Southwest week. These kids thought we had money. Blah blah blah. Take it. It's gone. We are both okay.
A little more than a week ago, while cruising Sixth Street for a slice, my friend and I were punched in the face for being “faggots.” I am a faggot, tried and true. A faggot that is wondering what the hell is going on in Austin? A faggot that wants solidarity. A faggot that wants all the aggressive folks out there to understand why this is obviously not okay.
I am a faggot that wants Austin to think about its obnoxious slogan "keep it weird" and actually do that exact thing. This city is growing and changing. Its problems keep growing and changing. Drunken tourism seems to be a stable and growing income for this town. Drunk or sober, let's not forgot that anybody can jaunt down down the street and deserves to do so peacefully.
With this said … I know that I am not the only one that this has happened to over the last month. Five friends have had similar altercations. I know stuff happens … but this is crazy. What is happening?
A month ago, while cruising around Lady Bird Lake, my friend and I were thrown off of our bikes, beaten, and I had my wallet stolen. I understand wanting my wallet. Not the beating. It was South by Southwest week. These kids thought we had money. Blah blah blah. Take it. It's gone. We are both okay.
A little more than a week ago, while cruising Sixth Street for a slice, my friend and I were punched in the face for being “faggots.” I am a faggot, tried and true. A faggot that is wondering what the hell is going on in Austin? A faggot that wants solidarity. A faggot that wants all the aggressive folks out there to understand why this is obviously not okay.
I am a faggot that wants Austin to think about its obnoxious slogan "keep it weird" and actually do that exact thing. This city is growing and changing. Its problems keep growing and changing. Drunken tourism seems to be a stable and growing income for this town. Drunk or sober, let's not forgot that anybody can jaunt down down the street and deserves to do so peacefully.
With this said … I know that I am not the only one that this has happened to over the last month. Five friends have had similar altercations. I know stuff happens … but this is crazy. What is happening?
Scott Tankersley