Simultaneously, however, there is an insistence, in some quarters, that the shortfalls never be mentioned or the past never be seen for what it was. When Jesse Helmes was eulogized, there were many references to his 'alleged” racism and prejudice against gays. That was so bizarre because Helmes himself never hid behind 'alleged'.

It's not right to judge people of a previous time or generation for not having insights ahead of their time. Neither is it right to expect that nothing good can be said about someone who has/had objectionable traits. The problem can be easily solved by not talking about he negatives when you want to bring up the positives. But 'alleged'? That's a deception.

I saw an article a few days ago about 'gay supremcy'. The same fear that elicits allegations that blacks are trying to 'take over', elicits accusations that gays are trying to destroy the lives of straights.

We're looking at the same screen, but we're not seeing the same movie.
And that's disturbing. Very disturbing.