We've talked a lot lately about the proposed Non Discrimination Ordinance that will soon be passed in Billings.  It seems like everyday we are bombarded with messages promoting tolerance.  And that's a good thing.  However, there is a lot of hypocrisy in some of those messages.

For example, this morning, The Flakes read an article from the City Link section of the newspaper that offered low interest loans to mobile home owners in need of structural upgrades and repairs.  If you meet certain qualifications, the City of Billings will help you fix your mobile home.

The article mentioned that "ethnic minorities, non English speaking citizens, female heads of households and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply".  That's the problem with being overly inclusive.  What about the average person?  It doesn't say "bonded families are encouraged to apply".  It didn't say "heterosexual men" are encouraged to apply, or "left handed people" or "people with blue eyes".

We're not suggesting that average people are being discriminated against.  Not anymore than we're suggesting that certain groups are already legally protected from discrimination.    If you're going to be inclusive, you should include everyone.  Not just certain groups.  What's wrong with saying "Everyone is encouraged to apply"?

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