In "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", the wizard Albus Dumbdledore died. Those who followed the myriad episodes of Harry Potter lost a true hero in this 5th book of the series.

Then, in Carnegie Hall, J.K. Rowling announced that this wizard of all wizards was gay. The hall erupted into thunderous applause. I wonder why.

I don't agree to the gay lifestyle and I really don't go out of my way to mingle with gays. However; some of the best people at heart I've known over the years were gay.

When Ellen DeGeneres announced she was gay I was one of those who refused to watch and support her shows. Yet; she is now my favorite talk show host. She is honest and is very down to earth. No other talk show host (including Oprah) even comes close to the quality of Ellen's show.

But; I really have to question the timing of this announcement of a Harry Potter character being gay. Why wasn't he brought out of the closet long before now? Could it be that the money mongers were afraid they'd lose sells? Could it be they were afraid people would stay away from the movies which brought millions of dollars into their pockets?

That's exactly what I think happened. The announcement was made only after the cash had rolled in and the announcement was made in a convenient place at a convenient time.

My Take: This is cowardice and selfishness at it's best. J.K. Rowling and friends should take a lesson from Ellen. She's one of my true heroes; not because she's gay, but because she has the courage to be herself; no matter what you or I think.