Where were you? department:  I've recently viewed the Keith Olbermann "special comment" on Prop 8.  It's well-written, well-delivered, and appears to be heartfelt.

It was also broadcast one week after Election Day.

So where the hell were Olbermann's comments before the election, when they might have swayed some votes and done some good?

Right now, I have no use for someone being outraged over our loss in California who could have used his nationally-televised cable TV show to make a forceful statement against this repugnant referendum item.  Maybe I missed his earlier (that is, pre-Election Day) comments about Prop 8.  After all, I don't watch "Countdown" every single night.  But I was deeply involved in watching the news/comment shows on MSNBC for the two weeks or so running up to the election, and somehow I didn't hear anything like this from Mr. Olbermann.

Changing the subject (but still related to Prop 8):  It's reported that comedienne Wanda Sykes took the occasion of Saturday's protest in Las Vegas to announce that she was gay.

I've said before, the decision to come out is deeply personal.  No one has the right to insist anyone come out before they feel ready, just as no one has the right to insist anyone stay in the closet.  Ms. Sykes is a welcome addition to the ranks of openly gay and lesbian entertainers and celebrities.

Having said that, I only wish she had come out before the elections.  She is what was desperately needed in terms of outreach to the African-American community:  an out black lesbian, proud of who she is, who could put a human face on the issue of same-sex marriage and communicate what was at stake with authority within the community.

Like I said, coming out is personal, and no one -- not even me -- has the right to tell someone when and how to come out.  But oh, I can still wish.