I hate to belabor the point but the meeting between John McCain and the Log Closet Republicans last week apparently had an interesting effect. Today McCain met with a group of Ohio conservatives and promised to be more vocal on his opposition to gay marriage. In addition he told the group he would pick an anti-abortion running mate.
Yup, the LCRs are really having an effect on the GOP. They provide comic relief from the dour business of appeasing the religious right. Time for the people who are suffering the self-deception of being "gay Republicans" to get into counseling. There is a better way!
Friday, June 27, 2008
John McCain On Gay & Lesbian Americans
Stonewall Democrats, an organization I am proud to be part of cut together this little music video of John McCain's record on LGBT rights. Nice work!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Michelle Obama Addresses Gay & Lesbian Gala
While McCain meets in secret with the Log Closet Republicans, Michelle Obama is the Keynote speaker for the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council Gala Thursday night at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
Other Democratic luminaries attending will be, Howard Dean, New York Gov. David Paterson's wife, Michelle and President of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors David Cicilline.
Other Democratic luminaries attending will be, Howard Dean, New York Gov. David Paterson's wife, Michelle and President of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors David Cicilline.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Handgun Ban
Here in the wild west of Texas having a gun has always been seen as just a fashion accessory. The problem with them is that they keep going off and killing people. Oh well, fashion knows no pain!
Now the Supreme Court has affirmed the right of individuals to own handguns for the first time since the second amendment was written. There is that pesky part about a "well-regulated militia", but who cares about that.
The ruling strikes down Washington, DC's 32-year-old handgun ban. Now I do have to ask if that ban has made DC any safer? Somehow I doubt it, yet I have to believe that should a sudden proliferation of handguns occur, many of them will find their way into the hands of criminals. Oh boy! More criminals with guns, too! Heck, in Texas that sounds like a party, just add some booze!
Cynicism aside, I believe the country has been made less safe by this ruling. I have owned guns in the past. That past tense is because my house was burglarized and the thief stole them, along with almost everything else. That was many years ago and I haven't had a gun since. I have a burglar alarm system now.
The ruling thankfully, did not prevent states from requiring permits to carry guns. Let's hope that small measure of sanity remains in place.
Now the Supreme Court has affirmed the right of individuals to own handguns for the first time since the second amendment was written. There is that pesky part about a "well-regulated militia", but who cares about that.
The ruling strikes down Washington, DC's 32-year-old handgun ban. Now I do have to ask if that ban has made DC any safer? Somehow I doubt it, yet I have to believe that should a sudden proliferation of handguns occur, many of them will find their way into the hands of criminals. Oh boy! More criminals with guns, too! Heck, in Texas that sounds like a party, just add some booze!
Cynicism aside, I believe the country has been made less safe by this ruling. I have owned guns in the past. That past tense is because my house was burglarized and the thief stole them, along with almost everything else. That was many years ago and I haven't had a gun since. I have a burglar alarm system now.
The ruling thankfully, did not prevent states from requiring permits to carry guns. Let's hope that small measure of sanity remains in place.
Bush Administration Wants To See You In Your Yard!
Not content with invading the privacy of Americans in just about every place but the toilet, now Big Brother Bush wants to use spy satellites to spy on Americans. Consider how much you can see just using the publicly available sources like Google Earth.
The picture above is of our house. The greenhouse in the back yard is clearly visible as well as the sun room where our hot tub is. Had we been in the tub, a more powerful lens could see more than just the bubbles.
Consider that when you decide to go for a skinny dip in your fenced in backyard pool. Consider it when you decide to visit your local adult video store or when you travel to work. You could be watched, and there would be nothing you could do about it. Disturbing?
Well I am not overly modest, but I don't want Bush or his henchmen watching me go about my daily activities. Personally, I don't even want to think about them watching...but if they get their way, privacy will be a thing of the past, at least outdoors. Next, expect the thermal imaging and Xray cameras in the streets to see inside your house as well.
So what are a few rights compared to the threat of terrorists! Heck maybe we would be safer if we all lived in barbed wire surrounded camps under the watchful protective eyes of garmed guards?
Ralph Nader - Still Crazy After All These Years
Ralph Nader is so 30 minutes ago! He hasn’t done anything worth talking about since his book “Unsafe at Any Speed”. His runs for president have worked only to assure a conservative gets in the White House and though I suspect this year he will get about as many votes as Pat Paulson, he is at it again.
This time he is bashing Barack Obama and using race as his bludgeon. He accused Obama of trying to “talk white” and went on to disparage his mixed race background. Seems Nader has drifted completely into the realm of crackpot and for someone who once actually made a difference that’s sad.
The Obama campaign has responded with, “We are obviously disappointed with these very backward-looking remarks.” That is a very polite and reserved way of saying Nader is a jerk. But anyone who would insist on running just to split what few votes he could from the Democratic Party without regard to the mess it could put the country in is running purely for his own ego. Nader has no chance of winning, yet he continues to run as though he will.
Time for a reality check, Ralph. It’s over for you and has been for years. Why not do something that will actually promote the causes you claim to represent and get involved in the solution instead of seeking personal fame and aggrandizement? Take a clue from Al Gore, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for President, was cheated out of the win by the Supreme Court and still went on to win a Nobel Prize. He is doing something to make a difference. Think about it!
This time he is bashing Barack Obama and using race as his bludgeon. He accused Obama of trying to “talk white” and went on to disparage his mixed race background. Seems Nader has drifted completely into the realm of crackpot and for someone who once actually made a difference that’s sad.
The Obama campaign has responded with, “We are obviously disappointed with these very backward-looking remarks.” That is a very polite and reserved way of saying Nader is a jerk. But anyone who would insist on running just to split what few votes he could from the Democratic Party without regard to the mess it could put the country in is running purely for his own ego. Nader has no chance of winning, yet he continues to run as though he will.
Time for a reality check, Ralph. It’s over for you and has been for years. Why not do something that will actually promote the causes you claim to represent and get involved in the solution instead of seeking personal fame and aggrandizement? Take a clue from Al Gore, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for President, was cheated out of the win by the Supreme Court and still went on to win a Nobel Prize. He is doing something to make a difference. Think about it!
Log Cabins Meet With McCain - What WIll The GOP Base Think?
People have asked me why I write about Log Cabin Republicans. The short answer is I find them strikingly amusing. To me, they are like those handful of African-Americans who actually supported George Wallace when he ran for president. They are a walking oxymoron at odds with their very existence,
Now comes the news that McCain secretly met with the Log Cabin folks earlier this week. McCain apparently has scraped the bottom of the barrel when it comes to support. He seeks support from a group his party ignores and whom he actively works to deny rights. What gives?
Personally, I think this offers a great opportunity to promote the meeting with the GOP base. They will be outraged that McCain even acknowledged that gay people even exist much less are worthy of being talked to. McCain can't have it both ways. He will either alienate the GOP base of bigots and home schoolers or he will pry open the closet of the Log Cabins and look like he is pandering for votes. Oh wait, I guess he already is!
Now comes the news that McCain secretly met with the Log Cabin folks earlier this week. McCain apparently has scraped the bottom of the barrel when it comes to support. He seeks support from a group his party ignores and whom he actively works to deny rights. What gives?
Personally, I think this offers a great opportunity to promote the meeting with the GOP base. They will be outraged that McCain even acknowledged that gay people even exist much less are worthy of being talked to. McCain can't have it both ways. He will either alienate the GOP base of bigots and home schoolers or he will pry open the closet of the Log Cabins and look like he is pandering for votes. Oh wait, I guess he already is!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Log Cabin Republicans And Other Strange Syndromes
Sometimes I have to wonder what makes a gay man or lesbian become a Republican. It must be some strange compelling mania that overtakes them when they are young. Perhaps they are tempted into the Republican lifestyle by offers or money or lurid promises of big fancy cars. Who knows?
All I know is that it must be some kind of sickness that has yet to be addressed by the medical community. We need a “Manhattan Project” to cure Gay’s of the Republican lifestyle!
Consider the strange Log Cabin Republicans. This group claims to be working from within the party to change it. I guess in Texas they have not had much success, ever!
Here is a very telling passage directly lifted from the state’s Republican Party Platform.
I will spare you the clause about marriage being between a “natural man and natural woman”.
So why are there such strange creatures as Log Cabin Republicans? The world may never know.
All I know is that it must be some kind of sickness that has yet to be addressed by the medical community. We need a “Manhattan Project” to cure Gay’s of the Republican lifestyle!
Consider the strange Log Cabin Republicans. This group claims to be working from within the party to change it. I guess in Texas they have not had much success, ever!
Here is a very telling passage directly lifted from the state’s Republican Party Platform.
Homosexuality - We believe that the practice of sodomy tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases.
Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, recognition, or privileges including, but not limited to, marriage between persons of the same sex, custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.
Texas Sodomy Statutes - We oppose the legalization of sodomy. We demand that Congress exercise its authority granted by the U.S. Constitution to withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy.
I will spare you the clause about marriage being between a “natural man and natural woman”.
So why are there such strange creatures as Log Cabin Republicans? The world may never know.
Tainted Beef in Ohio and Michigan Causes Illness
Deregulation and lax regulation has lead to another exciting benefit of free market economics. A big boost in health care costs.
Take the example in Ohio and Michigan this week. Beef tainted with e-coli has popped up. 19 cases of illness atributed to the contaminated beef have been identified in Ohio and Michigan.
According to Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs, "the department is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to perform a trace back investigation to find the source of this ground beef." Funny how it's always tracing backwards and not preventing in advance?
Take the example in Ohio and Michigan this week. Beef tainted with e-coli has popped up. 19 cases of illness atributed to the contaminated beef have been identified in Ohio and Michigan.
According to Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs, "the department is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to perform a trace back investigation to find the source of this ground beef." Funny how it's always tracing backwards and not preventing in advance?
Limbaugh Calls "Blacks And Gays...Kooks"
I am reminded of the joke, “what is the difference between Rush Limbaugh and the Hindenburg?”
“One is a Zeppelin and the other is a flaming Nazi gas bag!”
As further proof of that analogy, Limbaugh yesterday called all “blacks” and “gays”, “kooks”. Not only did he smear minorities, but he went on a rant explaining that the Democratic Party is full of “fringe based kooks” and… Oh heck, why not listen to it yourself!
How can this idiot keep spouting his hate-speech on radio without the station losing its license? I guarantee if he was African-American doing the same kind of thing against whites he'd be off the air in a heartbeat. I think it's time to start a campaign to get Limbaugh off the public airwaves.
“One is a Zeppelin and the other is a flaming Nazi gas bag!”
As further proof of that analogy, Limbaugh yesterday called all “blacks” and “gays”, “kooks”. Not only did he smear minorities, but he went on a rant explaining that the Democratic Party is full of “fringe based kooks” and… Oh heck, why not listen to it yourself!
How can this idiot keep spouting his hate-speech on radio without the station losing its license? I guarantee if he was African-American doing the same kind of thing against whites he'd be off the air in a heartbeat. I think it's time to start a campaign to get Limbaugh off the public airwaves.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Big Gay Smootch On Letterman?
Sorry, but this image was just too good not to pass on. Last night on Letterman, Will Smith appeared thumping his new movie. They greeted with a kiss...say what! Thanks to Towleroad for find it.
Broken Government By John Dean - A Must Read
I just finished reading John Dean’s latest book, “Broken Government, How Republican Rule Destroyed the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches”. It is not light reading, but it is enlightening.
Dean carefully details the long slow demolition of our government by the Republican Party. He starts with Regan and works carefully up to the current administration and the evidence is very startling. Though they may have moved at a glacial pace, the GOP has systematically dismantled the three branches of our government and molded them into something our founding fathers would scarcely recognize.
At least one quarter of the book is notes and appendices chocked full of facts that support Dean’s premise. Starting with the legislative branch, which he calls “broken but on the mend”, he shows how political rancor and ham handed politics has replaced the collegial attitudes that the legislature once had. The Republicans, once in control, shut out the democrats and any opposition to an extent that is shocking. Only now, with the Democrats back in the seat of power has some of the bipartisanship returned.
In the Executive branch, one that Dean lists as completely broken, the powers of the President have expanded enormously. The “unitary executive” theory has governed the GOP’s ideology for many years and steadily the executive branch has become primary in the governmental process. This is extra-constitutional and not at all the role you might have learned in school. The president, through use of signing statements and raw power grabs resembles more of a dictator than the second branch of our government.
Finally the Supreme Court and the judicial branch is in sore need of repair. The shift of judges especially on the Supreme Court toward a judicial fundamentalism has and will change the freedoms of our country. The next president will most likely be appointing one of two justices and their ideology, which was once not supposed to be an issue, could change everything. This alone is a strong argument against John McCain.
Dean’s book is not an easy read, but for anyone who has been following the process of our government, it is a must. He is scholarly yet readable. Unlike his previous books, this one has an earnestness of a man on a mission. His mission is to pull our country back from the brink of something very different from the democracy we grew up with. That alone should make you nervous and willing to devote a few days to reading his book.
Dean carefully details the long slow demolition of our government by the Republican Party. He starts with Regan and works carefully up to the current administration and the evidence is very startling. Though they may have moved at a glacial pace, the GOP has systematically dismantled the three branches of our government and molded them into something our founding fathers would scarcely recognize.
At least one quarter of the book is notes and appendices chocked full of facts that support Dean’s premise. Starting with the legislative branch, which he calls “broken but on the mend”, he shows how political rancor and ham handed politics has replaced the collegial attitudes that the legislature once had. The Republicans, once in control, shut out the democrats and any opposition to an extent that is shocking. Only now, with the Democrats back in the seat of power has some of the bipartisanship returned.
In the Executive branch, one that Dean lists as completely broken, the powers of the President have expanded enormously. The “unitary executive” theory has governed the GOP’s ideology for many years and steadily the executive branch has become primary in the governmental process. This is extra-constitutional and not at all the role you might have learned in school. The president, through use of signing statements and raw power grabs resembles more of a dictator than the second branch of our government.
Finally the Supreme Court and the judicial branch is in sore need of repair. The shift of judges especially on the Supreme Court toward a judicial fundamentalism has and will change the freedoms of our country. The next president will most likely be appointing one of two justices and their ideology, which was once not supposed to be an issue, could change everything. This alone is a strong argument against John McCain.
Dean’s book is not an easy read, but for anyone who has been following the process of our government, it is a must. He is scholarly yet readable. Unlike his previous books, this one has an earnestness of a man on a mission. His mission is to pull our country back from the brink of something very different from the democracy we grew up with. That alone should make you nervous and willing to devote a few days to reading his book.
Obscene? How About The Google Defense!
Anyone who has half a brain knows that lots of people regularly view and enjoy adult videos and photographic material. When I say "adult" I mean what most people would call porn. I try not to use that term and here is why.
Porn or pornography is connotative of something illicit or immoral. I have long contended that viewing such material is neither illicit or immoral as long as all the participants are conscenting and of legal age. Adult oriented videos and photos and stories are simply expressions of sexuality. They arouse, titillate and enhance sexual experiences for many people and in some cases are an alternative to unsafe sexual practices.
So now that you know where I am coming from you will see why this article in the New York Times is so interesting to me.
An adult web site operator in Pensacola Florida is using an unusual defense argument. Since the measuring stick for what is and is not pornographic in the eyes of the court is that vague "community standards" clause, the defense has expanded the scope of community. Thay are showing records of searches in Google from the area to present community standards. Seems the folks in Pensecola search for the term "orgy" many more times than they do "apple pie".
It will be very intersting to see if the defense works. Personally, I feel it is long overdue. America is far to closeted about sex. We seem obsessed with hiding the fact that we like adult films and photos, otherwise it would not be the billion dollar industry it is. As Stephen Colbert would say, "the invisible had of the market has spoken!"
Porn or pornography is connotative of something illicit or immoral. I have long contended that viewing such material is neither illicit or immoral as long as all the participants are conscenting and of legal age. Adult oriented videos and photos and stories are simply expressions of sexuality. They arouse, titillate and enhance sexual experiences for many people and in some cases are an alternative to unsafe sexual practices.
So now that you know where I am coming from you will see why this article in the New York Times is so interesting to me.
An adult web site operator in Pensacola Florida is using an unusual defense argument. Since the measuring stick for what is and is not pornographic in the eyes of the court is that vague "community standards" clause, the defense has expanded the scope of community. Thay are showing records of searches in Google from the area to present community standards. Seems the folks in Pensecola search for the term "orgy" many more times than they do "apple pie".
It will be very intersting to see if the defense works. Personally, I feel it is long overdue. America is far to closeted about sex. We seem obsessed with hiding the fact that we like adult films and photos, otherwise it would not be the billion dollar industry it is. As Stephen Colbert would say, "the invisible had of the market has spoken!"
Monday, June 23, 2008
McCain Advisor Sees A New Terrorist Attack As "Advantage To McCain"
John McCain’s advisers are really sick puppies. McCain's chief strategist, Charlie Black, told Fortune magazine, that a terrorist attack before the elections would be, and this is the real quote, “…it would be a big advantage to him.”
So the McCain camp sees terrorists attacks on the US as a political leverage, not as what it would be, a horrific tragedy. This is the same kind of thinking Bush/Cheney used after 9-11 and it is the kind of thinking that has brought our nation to the brink of disaster.
To openly admit that your campaign would use a terrorists attack as an opportunity for electioneering is outrageous. Anyone who considered voting for McCain should read this and understand that McCain is cut from the same cloth as Bush and Cheney. He is a despicable opportunist who will use anything, even a national tragedy to political advantage.
So the McCain camp sees terrorists attacks on the US as a political leverage, not as what it would be, a horrific tragedy. This is the same kind of thinking Bush/Cheney used after 9-11 and it is the kind of thinking that has brought our nation to the brink of disaster.
To openly admit that your campaign would use a terrorists attack as an opportunity for electioneering is outrageous. Anyone who considered voting for McCain should read this and understand that McCain is cut from the same cloth as Bush and Cheney. He is a despicable opportunist who will use anything, even a national tragedy to political advantage.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
ElBaradei Says He WIll Quit IAEA If Iran Attacked Now
With all the hubbub over the elections here few folks have been watching what is happening in the Middle East. Seems like Israel is practicing military maneuvers for what appears to be an attack on Iran. Suspicions are running high that they might plan a bombing attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities much like the one they carried out on Syria several years ago.
Meanwhile, in an interview with IAEA’s General Mohammad ElBaradei the agency’s director says he will resign should an attach be carried out against Iran at this time. He said, “I don’t believe that what I see in Iran today is a current, grave and urgent danger. If a military strike is carried out against Iran at this time … it would make me unable to continue my work.”
Furthermore ElBaradei predicted that the Middle East would “become a fireball” should Iran be attacked when they are clearly not a present danger.
To think that Israel will be attacking alone is ludicrous. The Bush administration has been overtly and covertly encouraging such actions for months. It is time to write your congressperson and the President and tell him how you feel. Not that the president will listen, but at least you can know you made your objections clear!
Meanwhile, in an interview with IAEA’s General Mohammad ElBaradei the agency’s director says he will resign should an attach be carried out against Iran at this time. He said, “I don’t believe that what I see in Iran today is a current, grave and urgent danger. If a military strike is carried out against Iran at this time … it would make me unable to continue my work.”
Furthermore ElBaradei predicted that the Middle East would “become a fireball” should Iran be attacked when they are clearly not a present danger.
To think that Israel will be attacking alone is ludicrous. The Bush administration has been overtly and covertly encouraging such actions for months. It is time to write your congressperson and the President and tell him how you feel. Not that the president will listen, but at least you can know you made your objections clear!
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