I forget sometimes what a liberal area I live in, socially anyway. The Houston Chronicle ran the San Jose Mercury News’ (my local paper) story about the funeral of Mark Bingham, the man who called his mother from the hijacked flight which subsequently crashed and said he and other passengers were planning to “do something“. But, as reported by the Houston Press, references to Bingham being gay were edited from the story. Perhaps it was too long. Perhaps the Chronicle didn’t want to intrude on his privacy since it really isn’t anyone’s business. Perhaps the Chronicle doesn’t think its readers should believe a man held up as a hero could be … different. Whatever the reason, it’s good reminder not to take my environment for granted. What is a fact of life for the status quo here may be regarded differently in other places. (via MediaNews)