Transgendered former Dallas mayoral candidate Jennifer Gale found dead in Austin

[Natasha]

Transgendered former Dallas mayoral candidate Jennifer Gale found dead in Austin

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/121708dntexgale.709fa3f0.html
12/17/2008

A body found near the University of Texas campus this morning is that of perennial mayoral candidate Jennifer Gale, Austin fire officials said.

Ms. Gale, 47, a transgendered homeless former Marine, had run unsuccessfully for numerous public offices in Austin and Dallas. She finished ninth out of 11 candidates in the 2007 race for Dallas mayor.

[sarahb]

Very sad, but one good thing is that at least the article got the name/pronouns correct. They didn't take one last jab at the victim like others do by referring to them with the wrong pronouns and the old name, or using he/she, etc. Seriously, when will the violence stop?

[Kaweah]

The EMS director has said she died from cardiac arrest.  EMS workers unofficially think that cold temperatures may have played a part.

Quoting the mayor of Austin:

Jennifer's passing saddened me.  She was much more than a 'perennial candidate.' She had a true passion for Austin and worked, in her own unique way, to make the city she loved more vibrant, caring and of course, weird.  She was an Austin original and she will be missed.  Perhaps this loss will raise awareness about life on the streets.

http://www.keyetv.com/mostpopular/story/Austin-icon-Jennifer-Gale-found-dead/ibzRyKEbHEGUGuKD6J-2Ow.cspx

[Old Sarge]

Semper Fi, Marine... Go with God.

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An Angel writing in a book of gold:

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."

"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men."

The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!

       -- James Leigh Hunt (1859)

[lisagurl]

If she was so popular in Dallas what was she doing in Austin? No one who voted for her would offer her a place to stay? Something is missing here.

[RebeccaFog]

Whether it was natural causes or not, it's depressing to know that a person died on the streets.

[lisagurl]

Whether it was natural causes or not, it's depressing to know that a person died on the streets.

Why because it is an American street? Hundreds die every day around the world from lack of food and clean water as America puts its resources into war.

[Alyssa M.]

  Show some compassion.

[lisagurl]

Show some compassion.

Compassion is all around us everyday. How about doing something about the worlds problems rather than just showing feeling and talk about them. As most American consumers think throwing money is the answer. Why did not all those who voted for her take her in during a cold night? Something is missing here.

[RebeccaFog]

Whether it was natural causes or not, it's depressing to know that a person died on the streets.

Why because it is an American street? Hundreds die every day around the world from lack of food and clean water as America puts its resources into war.

You don't think that depresses me?   

[lisagurl]

You don't think that depresses me?     

There are over 6.5 billion people in the world. Thousands are born and die each day. It is not rational to be depressed about facts. Your life is too short to worry about it. The facts are that if you spend every minute doing positive things then you never will be depressed.

[Kaweah]

There are over 6.5 billion people in the world. Thousands are born and die each day. It is not rational to be depressed about facts.

Depressed wouldn't be good, but saddened perhaps is a good emotional response to Jennifer's death.  We likely won't get to know the 6 billion people in the world who live outside our nation, but Jennifer lived here.  And there are others in our community who are in her situation of being homeless.  I think sorrow and compassion are the first steps to doing something about it.

[lisagurl]

I think sorrow and compassion are the first steps to doing something about it.

Do rational decisions depend on emotions and beliefs or facts?

Bush uses emotions and beliefs.

[RebeccaFog]

Bush is a fool.

There's a difference between relying on feelings to ruin a nation and screw up the world and an individual simply exercising their compassion.

[tekla]

Someone dies every .75 second or something, or about 150K per day, worldwide, in contrast about 350K are born, big problem there.

[RebeccaFog]

I, myself, have died so often that I have lost count.   


I wish I could stop people from reproducing so much, but that's way beyond my capabilities.  It would be nice if everyone was Infertile for 3 years out of every 9.

Maybe I'll construct a potion for that purpose.

Personally, I've given up on humans.  I'm investing all my caring into monkeys, bats, and earthworms.

[tekla]

Roaches and Rats are going to inherit the earth.

[lisagurl]

There's a difference between relying on feelings to ruin a nation and screw up the world and an individual simply exercising their compassion.

It seems he has compassion for Jesus as he interprets the bible as it is his bases for war and discrimination for others that do not hold the same beliefs. many had compassion for Hitler also. Compassion without factual reasons is decisions by beliefs as those who turn a blind eye to all the facts.

I wish I could stop people from reproducing so much, but that's way beyond my capabilities.  It would be nice if everyone was Infertile for 3 years out of every 9.

It would seem reproduction should or would be a human right. But one person's rights stop where another's begins. A parent can not guarantee that a child will survive if that parent is not secure in providing food, shelter, safety and education for that child. Who's rights are being violated?

Rational thinking trumps emotion.

[RebeccaFog]

Roaches and Rats are going to inherit the earth.

I'm okay with rats, but roaches are icky.  I'd rather see ants get the earth.  Nice ants, like the kind in my yard.