The Ybor City Stogie

A Comment By Mark Ferguson
Largo(City of Regress, not Progress)

All I could do after seeing this is shake my head and cry. Its sad that here we live in country that offers freedom to those who seek it. But yet when it comes to beliefs, views, or differences that freedom is easily taken away. Brandon Pride started because Hillsborough County faced similar bigotry, and hatred 2 years ago when commissioners passed a policy that Gay Pride was no longer allowed, or recognized. The question still remains to this day...Are we truly free to live our lives the way we want to live them, or not?

Former Hillsborough County Commissioner, and newly elected Tampa City Council member Tom Scott once said quote "Civil rights, and Gay Rights are not the same." But this is not about Gay Rights. This is about Equality, nothing more, nothing less. By what Hillsborough County Commissioners, and Largo Commissioners have done is a great injustice to our county by spiting on the Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution. Most of all they do not represent the districts they serve. Many people in both Hillsborough County, and Largo have stated that they are supportive of the GLBT community. But those commissioners have put their own interests ahead of their constituents, and that is wrong. I have decided I will no longer be confined to a prison camp created by those who spread bigotry and hate. I will continue fighting for Equality by speaking out, and standing my ground. If anyone discriminates against me for who I am my warning is this: "DON'T TREAD ON ME!" I am who I am and I will fight for my freedom and independence to my last breath.

Mark Ferguson
Brandon Pride President