
Sorry for this lengthy message -- but it is critical and timely.
     
An unusual joint letter was released to the media today from the Family 
Research Council, Concerned Women for America, American Family Association 
and Coral Ridge Ministries.  Radical right leader Beverly LaHaye also went on 
Christian "talk radio" today to blast American Airlines because "American's 
sponsorship of homosexual 'pride' events constitutes an open endorsement of 
promiscuous homosexuality."  She and the others have written Bob Crandall at 
American to complain that the airline has "gone beyond mere tolerance" for 
gays and lesbians.  [The full article appears in today's Fort Worth 
Star-Telegram, and possibly picked up by other newspapers around the 
country.]
     
American Airlines is in truth a major sponsor to and supporter of groups like 
GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, AIDS Action 
Foundation, DIFFA, AmFAR, and scores of community-based groups represen ting 
gays and lesbians.  It is also the first airline to adopt a written 
non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation in its employment 
practices, and it is well represented by the leadership of its gay and
lesbian employee group, GLEAM.  For these pioneering efforts, and its 
marketing and sales outreach to the gay and lesbian traveler, American has 
become the next bulls'eye for hard-hitting, anti-gay corporate attacks.
     
THE RESULT:  American's switchboard and e-mails are being bombarded now by 
homophobic and hateful callers who have been urged by LaHaye and others to 
demand the company terminate its gay-friendly policies.
     
THE NEED:  We need to send our messages of support and encouragement.  Below 
are two spontaneous e-mail messages from concerned individuals -- these kinds 
of individual expressions are valuable and essential to management.  If you 
especially are a frequent flyer on American, or have recently used American as 
your carrier, make a note.  That is important to counter-act the impression
 that we are silent and unconcerned when the vicious attacks are unleashed.
     
THE MEANS:  E-Mail to this address:
           Webmaster@amrcorp.com 
           or Call personally to the American switchboard in Dallas at
817-963-1234, then hit "0" and request the operator to send your caller 
comment to their executive offices.  You should be able to reach an 
individual to whom you may register your views.
     
