"Hello, Crystal Lake? You're all wet!"
Found this in my MySpace inbox today. It was sent by American Idol Season One singer and Eating Out actor Jim Verraros in heated response to the grotesque hate-flyer case in Crystal Lake, IL. I think it's the kind of letter a lot of gay people have wanted to write to their hometowns at various times:
"***To Whom It May Concern:My name is Jim Verraros, and unfortunately I am from Crystal Lake,Illinois. I refuse to use the term, "hometown," as I am sickened and embarrassed at the turn of events that happened on Wednesday, May 16th 2007 at my former High School, Crystal Lake South High School, which I graduated from in 2001.
Two girls were arrested on Hate Crime Charges. Both just 16 years old. As I begin to write this, I am infuriated by this detailed account (www.nwherald.com) of an attack on a fellow male student. Whether he is gay or not, this is a serious issue that has not been taken lightly, thank God.
This is not the first time Crystal Lake, Illinois has been associated with homophobia. How long will it take the people, especially the PARENTS of these misguided children, to see that they're actually raising HOMOPHOBIC, IGNORANT kids? The problem lies at home, people. No matter what way you slice it.
When I was 17 years old, attending the very same school these girls were arrested from, my brake lines were cut on my 89' Buick Century. I was a decent student, had friends, and was heavily involved in extra curricular activities. I just happened to be a 17-year old boy too afraid to come out to my fellow peers in high school. And the article below proves why.
So, good for you, Crystal Lake. For continuing to prove time and time again, that you breed hatred. You breed ignorance, and most of all you're breeding an entirely new generation of people that will do nothing but continue the hate crime acts.
As far as the two girls who were arrested are concerned; I don't hate you, even though you've shown that you already hate me. I pity you. I pity YOU and your parents that have CLEARLY taught you ignorance. So no, WE don't need to pack up and move to Chicago or the nearest Metropolitan City. YOU need to pack up your families and move. Anywhere that says, "Population
1,000."That should suit you well.
Jim Verraros
www.jimverraros.com
jim@jimverraros.com"
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