02 Mar 13
The post that was quoted here has been removedIn the late '50s and early '60s I had quite a few albums of Van Cliburn performances, along with Elvis and Fats.
I had no idea he was gay, not that it mattered. I wonder, whether staying "in the closet" harmed or helped him. I wonder if the many socialite gay people who "come out" with great flair and pomp, really do any good for the run of the mill gay man or woman who just wishes to be left alone?
03 Mar 13
The post that was quoted here has been removedMusic is a universal language, I'm not suprised the Soviet people did not resent him for being an American. I'm sure they understood Van Cliburn cared far more for his music, than politics. I doubt however that Van Cliburn would have been the same household name today if he were a young pianast. The world of entertainment is many times larger than in the days of the cold war, he would have been a big duck, in a far larger pond. RIP Van Cliburn...your music was a joy to listen to!🙂
04 Mar 13
The post that was quoted here has been removed"Given that you (Normbenign) seem very concerned about other people (such as your government) telling you how you should lead your life, why don't you attempt to extend that kind of tolerance toward other people?"
Exactly my point! I don't have a dog in the hunt, but why is it presumed that all gay and lesbians out to "come out"? What I asked had nothing to do with compulsion, but whether every day people with that life style benefit by activist's actions calling undesired attention to them. You have no idea of my level of tolerance.