Gay Youth Death Demands Answers and Actions

I know all of my readers are used to reading about Arlie Rufus' comments on my fellow four legged friends. I'm becoming quite famous for making others think about the lives of homeless dogs and other pets.

But today is different. Today, Arlie Rufus wants each and every one of you to think about the recent senseless death of a 15 year old young boy in Oxnard, California. This boy was killed because he was gay. And the shocking, even sadder revelation to this story is: the killer was a 14 year old boy. So, just in case you need to understand what the Arlie Rufus is saying let me repeat: a 15 year old boy was shot in the head by a 14 year old boy because he was gay. That's right America, its 2008 and kids are killing kids because they say they are gay.

As the Arlie Rufus did his diligent work of reading the news about this, it was sad and somewhat embarrassing that other countries were covering the story and in some cases, they seemed shocked this happens in this day and this time in this country. But what I have only read a bit about (some news in the link above) was the killer’s parents. Where were they? Who are they? What in the wide world of beagles happened in the household that could have led to this action? Arlie Rufus believes God made all of us with ability to be good, upstanding, peaceful humans and animals. And much like some of my four legged friends, hate and meanness is taught, and in some cases witnessed. And sadly for many, there is no stable love in the place they call home. Well, it appears the young boy who pulled the trigger had such a home. His father had problems with the law -- domestic violence was one such problem. And the irony of this story, the victim had been taken from a bad home and was in foster care.

So let's recap here if the Arlie Rufus may. The victim was in foster care because he had been taken out of his home, and the boy who pulled the trigger was in a home with what appears to be an abusive father.

Now let me get to the point here because it is time to speak for those without a voice. Children, just like my four legged friends need a home full of love, respect, trust and caring. And people (I use the term people because no animal could ever do such a horrible act as this) that means one parent, one mom, one dad, two moms, two dads -- or yes even a mom and a dad. Do you think if the boy who pulled the trigger had been in a home full of love and respect for others -- and was taught those traits daily that this might not have happened? Yes, it is possible. So America, get your heads out of your tails and work for tolerance, respect, love -- and yes LAWS THAT PROMOTE AND DEFEND THESE TRAITS. No person -- and especially no child deserves to be shot in the head and killed because of his or her sexual orientation, what they wear, how they talk or walk, or for any perceived differences. Contact your U.S. Representative, U.S. Senators and for the love of Arlie Rufus even try "W" and DEMAND the passage of the federal hate crime law. The HRC is a resource for information on hate crime legislation, and for young readers of The Arlie Rufus Report, check out a wonderful organization in Arlie Rufus' hometown of Atlanta -- Youth Pride, that helps young people facing the challenges of coming out.

Sorry for the rant people, but this one has Arlie Rufus needing to really speak loud! Be tolerant, show love and compassion and maybe we'll soon see a "compassionate" nation.

Long Live the Beagle!

Fans of Arlie Rufus would be unrewarded if this dog with a voice did not send a shout out for his long lost cousin -- Uno -- champion of the Westminster Dog Show.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/sports/othersports/13westminster.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

In an arena full of breeds that are used to taking home the prize, my cousin knocked it out of the park. Like the Arlie Rufus, he put on a show for the crowd. Walking, jogging, little run here, little run there -- yep, the beagle had it going on. And when the crown came, what did my cousin Uno do? Howled to the moon! That's right -- we beagles can howl till the cows come home (good thing the judges had already given me the crown!).

Now sure, Uno had some good breeding. Just like the Arlie Rufus, well cared for by his owners. But even though Uno seems perfect, he lacks one skill the Arlie Rufus has -- he can't speak! So on behalf of Uno and all the beagles out there who howl like the moon, thank you for the support. Now for those of you who want another Arlie Rufus or Uno -- check out http://www.petfinder.com/ and select "beagle" under the breed. There you can search within your local area for beagles that desperately need a home. Don't let a homeless beagle or other breed of dog live another night in a cage at a shelter. Give them a home. Do it for Uno. Do it for the Arlie Rufus. We are howling for your support! Congratulations again cuz!