** Judy Shepard Appreciation Thread **

[Political Tiger]

I would just like to express my admiration for Judy Shepard, mother of murdered Matthew Shepard, for her tireless and unrelenting work on behalf of the GLBT community and her campaign against hate. She is truly a class act!

Please visit the Mathew Shepard Foundation, of which she is the Executive Director, to learn how you can help fight hate:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/PageServer

And if you can, please donate to the cause:
https://secure2.convio.net/msf/site/Donation2?idb=1083422198&df_id=1010&1010.donation=form1



JUDY SHEPARD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR



In October 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21 year-old son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Matthew’s death moved many thousands of people around the world to attend vigils and rallies in his memory. Determined to prevent others from suffering their son’s fate, Judy and Dennis decided to turn their grief into action and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthew’s legacy. The Foundation is dedicated to working toward the causes championed by Matthew during his life: social justice, diversity awareness & education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

As Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, Judy oversees the overall management and strategic direction of the organization, while traveling across the nation speaking to audiences nationwide about what they can do as individuals and communities to make this world a more accepting place for everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation. Speaking from a mother’s perspective, Judy focuses her efforts on the prevention of hate crimes and respect for everyone.

Under Judy’s leadership, the Foundation has become a well-established, highly effective and much respected institution in the civil rights community. She has spoken to over one million young people about the impact of hate speech and violence, the importance of understanding and appreciating diversity in all of its forms and has inspired countless individuals and communities to play a role in making the world a safer place for all of us.

http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Our_Story_Judy_Bio

[spanone]

1. K&R

[xchrom]

2. recommend

[ccharles000]

3. she is wonderful

[bleever]

4. Thank you, Judy.

Your courage is an inspiration.

[annabanana]

5. Deserves our heartfelt support. . . n/t

[Sebastian Doyle]

6. I heard that Mrs. Shepard was present when that dumb cow Virgina Foxx went off on her ignorant rant.

If I was Mrs. Shepard, I probably would have walked up to that ignorant homophobic piece of shit and slapped her across the face.

[BonnieJW]

42. Question

Matthew Shepard was NOT in the middle of committing a robbery, as stated in front of Congress by Foxx the Pig. Can't Mr. and Mrs. Shepard sue foxx for libel?

[Lavender Brown]

46. She said that Matthew's killers were just committing a robbery

and weren't motivated by anything else when they killed him. :grr:

[knitter4democracy]

57. That's mean to cows. She was worse than that.

In her blind bigotry, she was viciously mean.

[felinetta]

61. I agree, Judy has a lot more tolerance and class than I would have!

[Stinky The Clown]

7. I saw her on Maddow. She's a very special woman

I've seen her before, too. She exudes two basic emotions - love and strength.

[eleny]

8. I just love her

[myrna minx]

9. What a powerful woman. My heart aches for her.

:hug: RIP Matthew.

[malaise]

10. K & R

Maybe DUers can arrange some flowers for her Mothers' Day.

[Political Tiger]

13. That's a nice idea but I think donating to the Foundation would be better

https://secure2.convio.net/msf/site/Donation2?idb=1083422198&df_id=1010&1010.donation=form1

[BonnieJW]

43. I emailed the foundation and asked

how we can donate in someone's name. Haven't received a response yet, but when I do I plan on donating in the name of foxx the pig.

[Lancer]

11. God bless her.

She is so right when she says hate crimes are not aimed at the individual, but at prejudices, fears and communities. So in a sense her son was just "collateral damage." How sick and sad is that. Perhaps "civil rights advocate" was never something she envisioned on her resume, but she is a quiet and powerful voice. It takes a very strong person to see that something good can come out of the worst of personal tragedies.

[mrs_p]

12. amazing, gracious, strong woman

[Danger Mouse]

14. Definitely.

She's fought long and hard.
God it must be so upsetting for her hearing the shit that Fred Phelps and his slimy ilk spew out.

[ThomCat]

15. She has shown that she's a very incredibly strong woman.

She has had to be.

I wish there were more people like her, and less of the ignorant fucktards like Rep. Virgina Foxx (R - Batshit Crazy). x(

If we had more parents and straight allies like Judy Shepard the world would be a better place, and maybe we'd have equal rights by now.

[Bluebear]

16. Love and admiration for Judy.

[npk]

17. Yes. Thank You. n/t

[ColbertWatcher]

18. Kick and rec for Matthew's mom.

Matthew Shepard Memorial Bench outside the University of Wyoming's arts and sciences building, Laramie, Wyoming

[Hissyspit]

19. Here's her interview tonight with Rachel Maddow:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=305980&mesg_id=305980

[me b zola]

20. What poise and grace

Thank you, Judy Shepard. I don't think that I would have the strength and courage that you possess. Godspeed.

[Canuckistanian]

21. Of course

It just boils my blood that she was present during that speech by Virginia Foxx.

[Boomerang Diddle]

22. Bless You Mrs Shepard!

"Scarecrow" by Melissa Etheridge

Showers of your crimson blood
Seep into a nation calling up a flood
Of narrow minds who legislate
Thinly veiled intolerance
Bigotry and hate

But they tortured and burned you
They beat you and they tied you
They left you cold and breathing
For love they crucified you

I can't forget hard as I try
This silhouette against the sky

Scarecrow crying
Waiting to die wondering why
Scarecrow trying
Angels will hold carry your soul away

This was our brother
This was our son
This shepherd young and mild
This unassuming one
We all gasp this can't happen here
We're all much too civilized
Where can these monsters hide

But they are knocking on our front door
They're rocking in our cradles
They're preaching in our churches
And eating at our tables

I search my soul
My heart and in my mind
To try and find forgiveness
This is someone child
With pain unreconciled
Filled up with father's hate
Mother's neglect
I can forgive But I will not forget

Scarecrow crying
Waiting to die wondering why
Scarecrow trying
Rising above all in the name of love

A message for those who choose to bash and attack gay people

[MinneapolisMatt]

23. HUGEST K&R

I love her.

[Boomerang Diddle]

24. K & R!

:kick: :kick: :kick:

[grace0418]

25. When I think of that poor woman being forced to listen to that idiot Foxx spout her evil lies

I just want to scream. :mad:

[Withywindle]

26. Thank you, Judy.

For your amazing strength - in taking the pain of your own unspeakable loss, and turning it to positive energy to work for a day when no mother, no father, no brother, no sister, no son, no daughter, no lover, no friend has to feel that kind of grief and rage ever again.

We are all with you in hoping for this. So Mote It Be.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

27. I'm hopeful

that Ms. Foxx's rant and Judy Shepard's appearance on "Countdown" will inspire thousands to donate millions to Matthew's foundation.

[Booster]

28. Thank you, Mrs. Shepard, for all you do to rid the world of hate

for anything they don't understand. :hug: Matthew was a beautiful and good young man. Your loss is our loss.

[RetiredTrotskyite]

29. Thank you, Mrs. Shepard.

You are an inspiration to all of us.

[northofdenali]

30. My heart hurts.

My mom is the same type person, and I love and miss her so much.

Thank you, Judy.

[SusanaMontana41]

31. K&R for the Shepards

We will never forget Matthew. We will never give up or give in. We stand shoulder to shoulder with you.

I wish you love and peace.

[Wetzelbill]

32. K&R

[Solly Mack]

33. K&R

[pinto]

34. Kick.

:thumbsup:

[The Wizard]

35. k&r

:kick: :kick: :kick:

[stlsaxman]

36. Thank you, Judy!

:patriot:

[WillyT]

37. Big K & R !!!

Will be making a donation this weekend.

:grouphug:

:kick:

[Echo In Light]

38. K&R

[Bluenorthwest]

39. She's just amazing

[H2O Man]

40. Definitely nominated.

She is inspirational. I think this is an important place to invest some money. And I really appreciate that you have provided this information for us. Thanks, very much.

[tomm2thumbs]

41. Kicked and app'Reciated

Such a burden she has carried all these years - nice to know when someone steps up to the plate, sometimes they actual stay there swinging at the balls through the years, not just waiting for a good pitch they can get a piece of - a true patriot.

[FourScore]

44. I cannot imagine where she gets her strength from. k/r

[Dinger]

45. I Appreciate You Judy

And somewhere, I'm sure Matthew does too.:grouphug:

[Kajsa]

47. She is a strong, brave woman who

has turned a horrific hate crime into a chance
to educate people.

i can't say enough good things about her.

:kick: and R.

[DinahMoeHum]

48. God Bless You, Judy Shepard.

:grouphug:

[Spazito]

49. She truly is a class act!

Her work in fighting for equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people IS making a difference!

Recommended.

[kag]

50. I watched her on Rachel, and immediately donated to the foundation

She was truly inspiring. I'm a mom, too, and I can't imagine the kind of strength she has after what she has been through.

On a more enraging note...V. Foxx can pucker up and kiss my ass. What a pig.

[Zuiderelle]

51. Glad to K&R

:thumbsup: to Judy Shepard. What a wonderful person.

[Politicub]

52. Judy, we love you

And are behind you 100 percent!

:kick:

[enigmatic]

53. .

[catrose]

54. I don't know what to say to Judy

It could have been my son. It still could be. I don't know how you even go on, much less do the work she does. I am so sorry for your loss, and thank you for all your work.

[closeupready]

55. K&R

:woohoo: Judy! :hi:

[Lugnut]

56. K&R n/t

[NanceGreggs]

58. K&R!!!

:applause: :applause: :applause:


:patriot:

[foxfeet]

59. K&R

[AspenRose]

60. Thank you for everything you do.

Keep fighting the good fight. We are with you.

[onestepforward]

62. Thank you Mrs. Shepard. You are deeply appreciated.

[polichick]

63. Bless Judy & Matthew - may this country finally get it and stand up to hatred!

[lebkuchen]

64. I was not aware of this foundation and contributed

Others will as well, so Rep. Foxx has served that purpose at least, for going international with this cause so those of us overseas can help out.

[graywarrior]

65. Add me to the list

[glinda]

66. She is "walking grace". I think she is amazing.

[rhett o rick]

67. Please don't be hateful when you send your email to Rep Foxx

I am series. Be polite.

http://www.foxx.house.gov/?sectionid=95§iontree=3,95

[roguevalley]

68. It still makes me sick to think about how her little boy was hurt. I

love her.

[SIMPLYB1980]

69. K&R!

[immoderate]

70. I'm in.

--imm

[defendandprotect]

71. Saw Judy on Maddow Show last night -- great comments ....

on Foxx's apology for "semantics" --- !!!

[jeff30997]

72. "lost their 21 year-old son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate"

Each time I read about this,my throat begins to contract and my eyes become wet.When I saw Bluebear's

post (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5563826)

and read this part:

"The beating was so severe that the only areas on Shepard's face that were not covered in blood were those where his tears had washed the blood stains away."

I totally broke up in tears which doesn't happen often to me.I'm sad and angry.

Thanks for posting this, Political Tiger. Judy Shepard is a wonderful person and I wish her the

best.Well,I don't know what to add because I'm pretty speechless right now. :(

[katandmoon]

73. K&R!

[Flying Dream Blues]

74. Nothing is as fierce and passionate as a mother's love!

I admire her courage and determination; she's done a phenomenal job of creating positive change in the aftermath of her tragic loss.

[dixiegrrrrl]

75. Kudos to her and the Foundation

[BlancheSplanchnik]

76. joining the list of appreciation and support K & R

[shadowknows69]

77. +11111111111111111111

[tbyg52]

78. Many, many thanks. nt

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

79. So brave! A true American hero!! n/t

[Vidar]

80. Applauding Judy.

[AtheistCrusader]

81. K&R, she's amazingly strong, and effective for her cause.

[Jack Rabbit]

82. For Matthew Shepard

Pebbelz.com

[nolabear]

83. Dear Lady,

You and Matthew are in my heart. Perhaps this current travesty will give someone the courage to speak out when someone is suffering. Be well.

[sonias]

84. Brave woman

She is honoring her son's life in a way that he would be proud of - by helping others.

Wonderful soul.

:applause:


Sonia

[trickyguy]

85. K&R It's totally heartwarming to know that Judy Shepard is working for my benefit..

I can't find words to thank her enough for her tireless effort in behalf of the

LGBT community. We owe her a million thanks for all the powerful work that she does to fight hate

and ignorance. She has turned Matthew's death into a life's crusade.

She really is an angel here on earth.O8)

[LittleGirl]

86. I wrote to my congressman who voted against this bill

I was so angry about his vote that I sent a mail to voice my opinion. Note that this is the first time I have EVER written to my congressman in my life. And this was his reply:

May 1, 2009

Dear ,
Thank you for contacting me about hate crimes legislation. I value your views, and your input helps me better represent Indiana's Second District in Congress.
All violent crimes are in some way born of hate, and I believe all should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of motive. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors do their best to punish violent criminals, but they cannot eradicate hate from our society. It is up to us-in how we raise our children and how we treat one another-to limit the impact hate has on our communities.
With this in mind, I voted against H.R. 1913, The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which passed the House of Representatives on April 29, 2009 by a vote of 249 to 175. If signed into law, this bill would expand the types of crimes and victims covered by federal hate crimes law, strengthen covered penalties, and provide grants to prosecute these hate crime provisions.
While I am not convinced that a federal hate crimes law would reduce the incidence of crime in our communities, Congress should play an active role in supporting the work of our police departments and prosecutors. That is why I support increasing funding for the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to help state and local law enforcement entities hire new prosecutors and pay for overtime, training and equipment, and why I have cosponsored legislation to reauthorize the Community-Oriented Policing (COPS) Program to put tens of thousands of additional police officers onto our streets.
Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. Please do not hesitate to write, call or email me again if I can ever be of assistance. Also, if you would like to receive regular updates on my actions on your behalf in Congress, sign up for my e-newsletter, The Donnelly Dispatch, at http://donnelly.house.gov.

Sincerely,
Joe Donnelly
Member of Congress

Member of Congress? No, you are a member of the newly turned blue state of Indiana - and a Democrat. Start acting like you know what you're talking about...because right now, this reply read like - blah, blah blah. I think I know better.

Argh! I'm so angry, I can't find the words to reply. Any suggestions for me?

[calimary]

87. KICK!!!!

This should be kicked in perpetuity!!!