Washington, DC - City Of No

When I was a child, my family took me to Washington, DC to see where the sausage was made. They didn't call it that, they used terms like "how our government works", but you get the idea.

Back then it seemed every street had a "No Left Turn" sign at the corner and my father began calling DC the "city of no". Well, here it is fifty years later and it's still true. I had to laugh at every corner because of thre number of "no" signs.

Some things never change.

In Washington, DC.

After an uneventful flight and a short train ride from Baltimore, we are in DC. The low light of the trip so far was the amazingly lack luster service at American Airlines ticket counter. Other than a half hour wait to speak to a ticket agent who was on the phone for that entire half hour, it was OK.

We arrived in Washington Union Station and had a tasty lunch at Pizzeria Uno and cabbed to the hotel. So far I highly recommend the Hotel Lombardy in Washington. Charming small boutique hotel just a couple of blocks from the White House and right off two Metro stops. Reminds me of some of the nicer hotels we stayed at in Europe.

Lots of LGBT people starting to be visible on the streets and particularly at Union Station. I suspect by tomorrow night the city will be bursting at the seams with queers! Yeah!.

Off To Washington!

I am leaving for Washington DC in the morning. My partner and I will be attending the March and various activities while there. I will be posting to my blog here and to the Dallas Voice blog with reports from the March and the events in DC. Hope to have pictures and more soon. See you ALL there!

Republican Senators Vote In Favor Of Covering Up Rape

I have often spoken about "family values" in this blog, usually in the context of the Republican lawmakers who seem to have none of them. Now I offer further proof that a big portion of the GOP is not only against"family values" but pro-rape. What?

Yup, just look at who voted against a recent amendment to the Defense Appropriations Bill by Senator Al Franken that would punish contractors if they "restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court."

Who would be against that? Well Huffington Post has a list.

Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Wicker (R-MS)

Every one of these guys thinks it fine if a big company covers up a rape of one of its employees. Just to make it clear, they all feel business is more important that the safety of employees, even if they are sexually assaulted.

Now that's "family values" but only a "Crime Family". But hey, they are Republicans?

Larry Wilmore Plays The Race Card on The Daily Show

So it was a funny bit, but even better Larry Wilmore did some nice slight of hand on the Daily Show last night. Two of my favorite things, magic and political commentary, great work Larry.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Playing the Race Card
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Ron Paul Interview

Brand America - Number One!

It seems like forever since the USA was considered a respected member of the international community. Today comes the report that our brand, the USA, is the most admired country in the world.

According to the National Brand Index (NBI), the US rose from #7 to the top spot. From a report on Reuters:

The United States is the most admired country globally thanks largely to the star power of President Barack Obama and his administration, according to a new poll.

It climbed from seventh place last year, ahead of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan which completed the top five nations in the Nation Brand Index (NBI). “What’s really remarkable is that in all my years studying national reputation, I have never seen any country experience such a dramatic change in its standing as we see for the United States for 2009,” said Simon Anholt, the founder of NBI, which measured the global image of 50 countries each year.

Glenn Beck Loses More Sponsors!

Even more companies have decided to distance themselves from Glenn Beck, the poster child for the right wing lunatic fringe.

The total of advertisers who have walked away from Beck's show is now 80 and growing. Internationally his sponsor base is slipping as well. Think Progress poster these responses that were originally posted on Color of Change's website about Beck and his hate filled show.

“We are appalled at what’s going on. Metropolitan Talent Management is 100% dedicated to not buy advertising on any part of Fox News.” — Metropolitan Talent Management

– “We’re no longer going to book any of his air time. I’m really glad to be informed of what you guys are doing.” — Overture Films

– “The Seoul government has no plan to extend, resume, or add its commercial on the program. In other word [sic], there will not be Seoul commercial in the Glenn Beck program any more.” — Seoul Metropolitan Government

– “You will not see Flexitol commercials on the Glenn Beck show. Period.” — Eulactol USA, makers of Flexitol

Another Reason to March On Washington - DADT

As I get ready to travel to Washington D.C. for the National Equality March, I find another reason to go and to be vocal when I get there. When Senator Harry Reid sought President Obama's help in repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell he got this response:

"The President appreciates the Majority Leader's letter and looks forward to working with him and other members of Congress as they move towards a legislative repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

So, if anyone reading this can go, get your butts to Washington and let the President and Congress know there are thousands of LGBT people in this country who are second class citizens and demand full rights!