These excerpts from a speech given by Texas Governor Rick Perry recently really make me think the man is either drunk or high. If not, it's just another example of how poor a public speaker he is when forced to improvise.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Occupy Oakland Calls for General Strike November 2
We as fellow occupiers of Oscar Grant Plaza propose that on Wednesday November 2, 2011, we liberate Oakland and shut down the 1%.
We propose a city wide general strike and we propose we invite all students to walk out of school. Instead of workers going to work and students going to school, the people will converge on downtown Oakland to shut down the city
All banks and corporations should close down for the day or we will march on them.
While we are calling for a general strike, we are also calling for much more. People who organize out of their neighborhoods, schools, community organizations, affinity groups, workplaces and families are encouraged to self organize in a way that allows them to participate in shutting down the city in whatever manner they are comfortable with and capable of.
The whole world is watching Oakland. Let’s show them what is possible.The International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union has announced that they will stand in solidarity with this general strike. Occupy Oakland will march on the Port of Oakland and shut it down. The idea being to stop the flow of capital into the coffers on the 1%.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Time to Prosecute Bullies - Make it Better!
Canadian comedian Rick Mercer makes a very good point, and it's time we not only sympathized with the kids who get bulled, but go after the bullies legally and show them it has a price.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Republican Lawmaker Finally Participate in "It Gets Better" Project
From Huffington Post:
A bipartisan group of lawmakers from the New Jersey congressional delegation have filmed an anti-bullying video for the It Gets Better Project, making it the first time that Republican elected officials have participated in the effort.
Ten out of the 15 members of the New Jersey congressional delegation -- including three Republicans -- participated in the video, which was spearheaded by the office of Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) for National Bullying Prevention Month. The group included: Reps. Leonard Lance (R), Frank LoBiondo (R), Jon Runyan (R), Rush Holt (D), Bill Pascrell (D), Donald Payne (D), Steve Rothman (D) and Albio Sires (D), as well as Sens. Robert Menendez (D) and Lautenberg.
Occupy Oakland - Police Disgrace!
After watching the unedited video of the Occupy Oakland mess, I have to say the police were so far out of control it looked like something I would expect to see in a Third World country. They should feel ashamed and the authorities who ordered this kind of over-the-top response to a peaceful protest should be arrested and charged with a crime!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Oakland Police Throw Bomb at Injured Woman - Oakland Police = Thugs!
Need further proof that the police are out of control in Oakland? Watch this video. A woman falls and two other people rush to help her up. As they try to assist her the police toss a flash grenade directly into the group. Absolutely unexcusable!
Our country is in the grips of a bunch of rich bastards who have what used to be law enforcement in their grip.
Apparently, in Oakland trying to help someone get ot of the way of tear gas is a crime punishable by assault by police. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Our country is in the grips of a bunch of rich bastards who have what used to be law enforcement in their grip.
Apparently, in Oakland trying to help someone get ot of the way of tear gas is a crime punishable by assault by police. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Oakland Police Open Fire On Protesters - Feels Like 1968 Again!
Police in Oakland opened fire on the protestors in the Occupy Oakland movement. Using Tear Gas and rubber bullets the police thundered into the crowd of unarmed protesters using tactics I haven't seen since the Chicago police riot of 1968. The powers that OWN this country (the 1%) are very intent on crushing this protest and they are willing to turn the police into thugs to do it.
Sad that the police in Oakland don't realize they are being used, and soiling any reputation they might have had as public defenders.
This cell phone video shows the activity from a very high vantage point.
This unedited video shows the chaos on the street.
Sad that the police in Oakland don't realize they are being used, and soiling any reputation they might have had as public defenders.
This cell phone video shows the activity from a very high vantage point.
This unedited video shows the chaos on the street.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Men Who Crashed the World - Video
This series by Al Jazeera is the kind of reporting CNN and NPR should be doing. Great documentary on why the economic meltdown happened.
The rest of the series is here.
The rest of the series is here.
Bryan Fischer - AFA Spokesperson - Just Plain Evil
Jody May Chang does some in depth reporting on the rantings of Bryan Fischer. Worth watching, but don't hit your computer screen, especially during the lies about Hitler recruiting gays because they were more brutal than straight Germans.
Episode Two - Mormons attacked and Perry endorsed for President.
Episode Two - Mormons attacked and Perry endorsed for President.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
As We Leave Iraq, Look Back at the Numbers - and Get ANGRY!
From the Center for American Progress.
And why isn't George W. Bush being tried as a WAR CRIMINAL?
8 years, 260 days since Secretary of State Colin Powell presented evidence of Saddam Hussein’s biological weapons program
8 years, 215 days since the March 20, 2003 invasion of Iraq
8 years, 175 days since President George W. Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech on the USS Abraham Lincoln
4,479 U.S. military fatalities
30,182 U.S. military injuries
468 contractor fatalities
103,142 – 112,708 documented civilian deaths
2.8 million internally displaced Iraqis
$806 billion in federal funding for the Iraq War through FY2011
$3 – $5 trillion in total economic cost to the United States of the Iraq war according to economist Joseph E. Stiglitz and Linda J. Blimes
$60 billion in U.S. expenditures lost to waste and fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001
0 weapons of mass destruction found in Iraq
And why isn't George W. Bush being tried as a WAR CRIMINAL?
Friday, October 21, 2011
Happy Rapture Day! Yet Again.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again and again. That should be the motto of those who predict the end of the world.. Take Harold Camping, the guy who was touting his calculations for the day of the Rapture back in May 21, 2011. Ooops!
Well, not to be denied, Camping predicted today was the real date, he just miscalculated. The problem is the term "Rapture" is not even in the scriptures, it was something Cotton Mather came up with in the 17th century. Of course it was cashed in on with the Tim LaHay series of fictional books commonly referred to as the "Left Behind" series.
So, if you are in a festive mood today, sneak out tonight and leave some old clothes on the sidewalk, shoes, pants and shit just like someone was "taken up" and then watch for the faithful wondering why they didn't get the wake up call!
Well, not to be denied, Camping predicted today was the real date, he just miscalculated. The problem is the term "Rapture" is not even in the scriptures, it was something Cotton Mather came up with in the 17th century. Of course it was cashed in on with the Tim LaHay series of fictional books commonly referred to as the "Left Behind" series.
So, if you are in a festive mood today, sneak out tonight and leave some old clothes on the sidewalk, shoes, pants and shit just like someone was "taken up" and then watch for the faithful wondering why they didn't get the wake up call!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wild Animal Slaughter in Ohio Could Have Been Prevented
By now, most everyone has seen the images of huge Bengal tigers laying dead, shot by police after 50+ wild exotic animals were released to roam through the Ohio countryside. The owner of the animals, Terry Thompson apparently opened all the cages and set the animals free just prior to turning a gun on himself and committing suicide. Police and authorities tried in vain to use tranquilizer guns, but for the safety of the populace in the area, they had to kill most of the creatures.
The tragic events are even more tragic when you realize they could have been prevented. Ohio has the most permissive laws when it comes to owning exotic animals. So, the personal collection of someone like Thompson is unregulated and a problem just waiting to happen.
The whole thing could have been prevented if people understood that taking exotic animals out of the wild and keeping them as pets is a really bad idea.
In my younger years, I had a chance to actually help raise a lion cub. Pasha, would occasionally spend the night at my apartment, and I got to know first hand the problems of raising a wild animal in a domestic situation. First there was the whole potty training thing. I had to walk her to prevent the stench of lion urine from permeating my house. Though she was on a leash, it was a dicey situation. Looking back, I am amazed myself or my friends were not hurt while interacting with the lion cub.
Though it was fun, and she was an amazing animal, I would never do it again. Lions belong in their own habitat or at least special protected habitats where they can behave like lions. Walking on a leash is not a lion behavior, and though Pasha was pretty good, she was in reality a wild animal just behaving like a domestic cat. That was the illusion.
I never had any permanent scars, but my friends who helped raise her did have a few nasty looking scratches that lasted for years. Pasha was returned to a zoo once she got about as big as a German Shepard. She lived the rest of her life in captivty with people who understood how to care for her and kept her safe from humans and vice versa.
So, I can say with authority, that though exotic big cats look really cool on a leash, they belong in the wild not your home. I can also say that the loss of all those animals could have been prevented if there were stricter laws in Ohio about their care and possession. Maybe this will be a wake up call to the legislators and potential exotic animal owners.
The tragic events are even more tragic when you realize they could have been prevented. Ohio has the most permissive laws when it comes to owning exotic animals. So, the personal collection of someone like Thompson is unregulated and a problem just waiting to happen.
The whole thing could have been prevented if people understood that taking exotic animals out of the wild and keeping them as pets is a really bad idea.
In my younger years, I had a chance to actually help raise a lion cub. Pasha, would occasionally spend the night at my apartment, and I got to know first hand the problems of raising a wild animal in a domestic situation. First there was the whole potty training thing. I had to walk her to prevent the stench of lion urine from permeating my house. Though she was on a leash, it was a dicey situation. Looking back, I am amazed myself or my friends were not hurt while interacting with the lion cub.
Though it was fun, and she was an amazing animal, I would never do it again. Lions belong in their own habitat or at least special protected habitats where they can behave like lions. Walking on a leash is not a lion behavior, and though Pasha was pretty good, she was in reality a wild animal just behaving like a domestic cat. That was the illusion.
I never had any permanent scars, but my friends who helped raise her did have a few nasty looking scratches that lasted for years. Pasha was returned to a zoo once she got about as big as a German Shepard. She lived the rest of her life in captivty with people who understood how to care for her and kept her safe from humans and vice versa.
So, I can say with authority, that though exotic big cats look really cool on a leash, they belong in the wild not your home. I can also say that the loss of all those animals could have been prevented if there were stricter laws in Ohio about their care and possession. Maybe this will be a wake up call to the legislators and potential exotic animal owners.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Marine Confronts NYPD - Marine Wins!
It is about time someone stood up and told the NYPD that their actions are shameful and dishonorable. They need to be reminded that are dealing with American Citizens and in many cases residents of NYC. Though this Marine is shouting a great deal, his message is spot on, there is no honor in the way the police have been acting.
It's hard to watch, but it's worth it. Thanks Derek DaSilva for the link.
It's hard to watch, but it's worth it. Thanks Derek DaSilva for the link.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
New Book Details How Companies Plunder Pension Funds
Ever work for a company who jettisoned their pension plan or drastically reduced it's value? Well, now there is a book that explains why and it's not for the reason you have been told.
Ellen Schultz has been writing for the Wall Street Journal for years, and much of that time has been about how corporations are systematically screwing their retired employees. In her new book, "Retirement Heist - How Companies Plunder and Profit from the Nest Eggs or American Workers" she has compiled damming evidence of how corporations have not only cheated retirees, but have made big profits from doping so. In many cases the pension plans contributed to the bottom line of companies and executives took credit for the profit.
It is an eye opening book and one that every person in the Occupy Wall Street movement should read and know by heart. Powerful ammunition in the struggle against corporate greed and deception.
Watch her interview on Jon Stewart's show last night.
Ellen Schultz has been writing for the Wall Street Journal for years, and much of that time has been about how corporations are systematically screwing their retired employees. In her new book, "Retirement Heist - How Companies Plunder and Profit from the Nest Eggs or American Workers" she has compiled damming evidence of how corporations have not only cheated retirees, but have made big profits from doping so. In many cases the pension plans contributed to the bottom line of companies and executives took credit for the profit.
It is an eye opening book and one that every person in the Occupy Wall Street movement should read and know by heart. Powerful ammunition in the struggle against corporate greed and deception.
Watch her interview on Jon Stewart's show last night.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Ellen Schultz | ||||
| ||||
Record Red Tide on Texas Coast
The last time an algae bloom was this big was back in 2000. Along the Texas coast, the drought conditions and very warm waters have led to a very large algae bloom sometimes called a Red Tide. The red comes from the algae bloom which gives a red tint to the sea water.
People with respiratory problems should take heed. These kinds of algae blooms can cause respiratory problems for people with asthma and other lung problems.
One side effect is the glowing blue waves at night caused by algae bio-luminescence. Should make for interesting night surfing along South Padre.
People with respiratory problems should take heed. These kinds of algae blooms can cause respiratory problems for people with asthma and other lung problems.
One side effect is the glowing blue waves at night caused by algae bio-luminescence. Should make for interesting night surfing along South Padre.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Reaping the Whirlwind of Alabama's Draconian Immigration Laws
Crops rot in the fields. Apartments and mobile homes stand empty. Restaurants and grocery stores are noticeably less busy, and in many cases employees just didn't show up. Some neighborhoods look abandoned.
Alabama passed one of the strictest immigration enforcement laws in the country and a federal judge upheld most of the provisions. Now police can ask for "papers" during routine traffic stops and city services are unavailable to undocumented families. The result was thousands of undocumented immigrants just left the state.
Perhaps that is what the lawmakers envisioned when they wroth the draconian laws, but the unintended consequences may be worse than the "problem" the law was written to fix.
In a New York Times report, John Weathers, an Albertville businessman who rents and has sold houses to many Hispanic residents, said his occupancy had suddenly dropped by a quarter and might drop further, depending on what happens in the next week.
Across the state, 1,988 Hispanic students were absent from public schools on Friday, about 5 percent of the entire Hispanic population of the school system.
Pets have been abandoned, and some homes were just left unlocked and empty.
Many contractors and home builders, say the measure has already been devastating. Jobs will remain unfilled until skilled labor can be found to replace the thousands who have left the state.
After a few months of living without the thousands of undocumented immigrants who did much of the menial and skilled jobs in Alabama, I suspect the citizens will be thinking very hard about the wisdom of their elected officials. So far there are not lines of legal Alabaman's lining up to fill the positions.
Alabama passed one of the strictest immigration enforcement laws in the country and a federal judge upheld most of the provisions. Now police can ask for "papers" during routine traffic stops and city services are unavailable to undocumented families. The result was thousands of undocumented immigrants just left the state.
Perhaps that is what the lawmakers envisioned when they wroth the draconian laws, but the unintended consequences may be worse than the "problem" the law was written to fix.
In a New York Times report, John Weathers, an Albertville businessman who rents and has sold houses to many Hispanic residents, said his occupancy had suddenly dropped by a quarter and might drop further, depending on what happens in the next week.
Across the state, 1,988 Hispanic students were absent from public schools on Friday, about 5 percent of the entire Hispanic population of the school system.
Pets have been abandoned, and some homes were just left unlocked and empty.
Many contractors and home builders, say the measure has already been devastating. Jobs will remain unfilled until skilled labor can be found to replace the thousands who have left the state.
After a few months of living without the thousands of undocumented immigrants who did much of the menial and skilled jobs in Alabama, I suspect the citizens will be thinking very hard about the wisdom of their elected officials. So far there are not lines of legal Alabaman's lining up to fill the positions.
Out in the Workplace? 52% LGBT Americans are Out!
Being out at work is a good thing. Those who are out feel better and have better advancement than those in the closet. Watch this segment on MSNBC. Perhaps this is a tipping point?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
CitiBank Customers Arrested for Trying To Close Accounts
Well the real profile of where the power lies with the police really shows in this video. 25 or so customers of CitiBank entered and attempted to close accounts. Police locked them inside and arrested them without any explanation. Watch it and ask, who are the police working for, the people or the banks.
This is crazy!
This is crazy!
NYPD Look Like A Bunch of Thugs
All that good will the NYPD built up back in 2001 has gone out the window. Their actions toward the Occupy Wall Street protestors is just plain despicable. This latest video shows a motorcycle policeman not only running over a guy, but stopping his bike purposely on the guys ankle.
Serve and Protect? More like beat and assault.
I get a lot of flack when I have criticized the NYPD. Some folks say yeah they are rough, but they are better than in other countries. Bullshit. With the exception of Rome most of the protests have been peaceful and there has been little violence, except in New York from the police.
Give me your take on this clip.
Serve and Protect? More like beat and assault.
I get a lot of flack when I have criticized the NYPD. Some folks say yeah they are rough, but they are better than in other countries. Bullshit. With the exception of Rome most of the protests have been peaceful and there has been little violence, except in New York from the police.
Give me your take on this clip.
Friday, October 14, 2011
NYPD Brutality Against Occupy Wall Street is Getting Out of Hand!
The blatant brutality being used by the New York City police really makes me reconsider envisioning them as heroes. After 9/11 they seemed pretty heroic, but now they look more like Nazi Brown Shirts.
In this video clip they just run up and slug a demonstrator in the face. He was doing NOTHING! To top it off, he was HIV positive and the policeman was spattered with his blood. I doubt if they ever considered any health risk to themselves or the protestors, they just want to hit people.
Sad considering the police are underpaid and every bit as much the victim of Wall Street excesses as the protestors.
In this video clip they just run up and slug a demonstrator in the face. He was doing NOTHING! To top it off, he was HIV positive and the policeman was spattered with his blood. I doubt if they ever considered any health risk to themselves or the protestors, they just want to hit people.
Sad considering the police are underpaid and every bit as much the victim of Wall Street excesses as the protestors.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Pinky & the Brain - Pluck Socks and Slip Sheets - VIDEO
And this scene is one reason Pinky and the Brain was one of my favorite cartoon shows. Pity this show is not still in production. Satire, ribald humor and a whole second level or hilarity that only an adult would get. Now that's comedy!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Happy Pledge of Allegiance Day!
Back in 1892 the Pledge of Allegaince of the United States was composed by Francis Bellany. The pledge was later adopted officially by Congress in 1942 and it not surprisingly contained no reference to God.
Here is the original pledge:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
By the time it reached official status it had been changed to the following:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The inclusion of the words, "under God" were added first by the Knights of Columbus in 1951, but the official addition didn't happen until June 14, 1954, by a Joint Resolution of Congress. Most likely this addition was to emphasize the difference between the US and the Soviet Union, after all it was the Cold War.
Additionally, the original pledge involved saluting the flag with an outstretched hand, which in the 1940's looked all-too-similar to a Nazi salute, and so it was changed to a hand over the heart.
The salute was officially removed in 1942 again by an Act of Congress.
So, Happy Birthday Pledge of Allegiance! Maybe some day we can add "with liberty and justice for all citizens" just to make a point.
Here is the original pledge:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
By the time it reached official status it had been changed to the following:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The inclusion of the words, "under God" were added first by the Knights of Columbus in 1951, but the official addition didn't happen until June 14, 1954, by a Joint Resolution of Congress. Most likely this addition was to emphasize the difference between the US and the Soviet Union, after all it was the Cold War.
The salute was officially removed in 1942 again by an Act of Congress.
So, Happy Birthday Pledge of Allegiance! Maybe some day we can add "with liberty and justice for all citizens" just to make a point.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Former Leader of Ex-Gay Program Comes Out
What a great story for National Coming Out Day! John Smid, former Executive Director for Love in Action, and ex-gay ministry came out last week in his blog. Smid admits he has been rethinking his understandings of sexuality since resigning his post in 2008. Several of his key points are worth repeating.
"One cannot repent of something that is unchangable." He goes on to say, "I've never met a man who has experienced a change from homosexual to heterosexual."
"I used to define homosexuality or heterosexuality in terms describing one’s behavior. I thought it made sense and through the years often wrote articles and talked from that perspective. Today, I understand why the gay community had such an issue with my writings." He concludes with this revelation, "homosexuality is much more than sex."
"I hear story after story of men and women who accept themselves as being gay, in Christ, and finally find that life makes sense to them. Many are able to then nurture an authentic relationship with Christ because they are being honest and authentic with themselves and finally are able to accept His love unconditionally which changes the dynamic of their understanding of Him"
Heady stuff and worth reading. More is on Think Progress, here.
"One cannot repent of something that is unchangable." He goes on to say, "I've never met a man who has experienced a change from homosexual to heterosexual."
"I used to define homosexuality or heterosexuality in terms describing one’s behavior. I thought it made sense and through the years often wrote articles and talked from that perspective. Today, I understand why the gay community had such an issue with my writings." He concludes with this revelation, "homosexuality is much more than sex."
"I hear story after story of men and women who accept themselves as being gay, in Christ, and finally find that life makes sense to them. Many are able to then nurture an authentic relationship with Christ because they are being honest and authentic with themselves and finally are able to accept His love unconditionally which changes the dynamic of their understanding of Him"
Heady stuff and worth reading. More is on Think Progress, here.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Right Wing Journalist was Agent Provocateur at D.C. Museum
In an effort to discredit the Occupy Wall Street movement, Patrick Howley, Assistant Editor of The American Spectator. Infiltrated the crowd protesting at the Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC and rushed the building trying to provoke violence. He managed to get pepper sprayed by guards and made the peaceful protest look like a much more aggressive one.
Firedoglake has the story including photos and an admission by the reporter of his actions. Apparently the Right-Wing is not satisfied with the media attention given Occupy Wall Street and is intent on making the protestors look violent. Abhorrent behavior, but not surprising from these thugs.
Firedoglake has the story including photos and an admission by the reporter of his actions. Apparently the Right-Wing is not satisfied with the media attention given Occupy Wall Street and is intent on making the protestors look violent. Abhorrent behavior, but not surprising from these thugs.
Geraldo and Fox News Chased From Occupy Wall Street Protest
As Geraldo Rivera tried to do a story from the Occupy Wall Street protest in New York, the crowd let him know in no uncertain terms how little they cared for Fox News. They chanted "Fox News Lies" incessantly and eventually made his attempt to report futile. This video shot by a protestor shows the results. He left without a usable piece of propaganda for Fox News, (AKA the GOP talking point company).
In other OWS news I have finally seen a coherent list of objectives and I am behind them one hundred percent.
Impose a tax on all stock trades (known as the financial transactions tax), break-up the banks and the media oligopoly,outlaw usury.
In other OWS news I have finally seen a coherent list of objectives and I am behind them one hundred percent.
Impose a tax on all stock trades (known as the financial transactions tax), break-up the banks and the media oligopoly,outlaw usury.
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Glitter Bombs and WTF
OK, I have been doing political activism sine the mid 1970's and I can tell you one thing. Never do an act of civil disobedience unless there is a clear and obvious message to be sent by doing it. Sit-ins at lunch counters during the Civil Rights struggle, made perfect sense. Stonewall riots, made very clear what the point was. Even the often misunderstood Occupy Wall Street movement has finally gotten a clear media talking point.
Then there is glitter bombing. I understand it because I have been privy to the gay media take on it, however to the mainstream media and most folks, it's just strange and silly. This glitter bomb of Carl Rove makes my point. I know what it is about, maybe, but the folks standing in line are just cofused and the whole thing is festive but pointless.
For Carl perhaps setting his pants on fire to emphasize the fact that he is a compulsive liar? (just a joke homeland security) Something that actually makes the point rather than just makes him sparkly. And worse they used big metallic confetti not real glitter. That stuff never comes out, but the confetti just brushes off. Ah, kids these days!
Then there is glitter bombing. I understand it because I have been privy to the gay media take on it, however to the mainstream media and most folks, it's just strange and silly. This glitter bomb of Carl Rove makes my point. I know what it is about, maybe, but the folks standing in line are just cofused and the whole thing is festive but pointless.
For Carl perhaps setting his pants on fire to emphasize the fact that he is a compulsive liar? (just a joke homeland security) Something that actually makes the point rather than just makes him sparkly. And worse they used big metallic confetti not real glitter. That stuff never comes out, but the confetti just brushes off. Ah, kids these days!
Friday, October 07, 2011
Values Voter Summit - Industrial Strength Crazy
The immense amount of crazy pouring from the Values Voter Summit is astounding. Though I don't have any transcripts from there yet, take a listen to this crap from one of the speakers as previously broadcast on the American Family Association radio program.
And please tell me how equal rights for all Americans is a "zero sum game"? These people are friggin' hate mongers plain and simple.
And please tell me how equal rights for all Americans is a "zero sum game"? These people are friggin' hate mongers plain and simple.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish - Steve Jobs Commencement Address at Stanford 2005
This speech is well worth listening to. I suspect it will be taught in business schools in the future and perhaps we will have a culture that is a little more innovative and a lot less money hungry. Jobs wasn't so much interested in taking the proscribed "path to success" rather he let life toss challenges at him and find his own path. Enjoy!
Meet The Enemy - Value Voters Summit Speakers - Compilation
People for the American Way compiled this video of the speaker line up for the "Value Voters Summit". Give this a look and listen carefully to how these guys use rhetoric to make the screwy connections they do about LGBT people and Nazi's, Marxists, Socialists, etc. Make no mistake, they are trying to demonize LGBT Americans, plain and simple.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Tennessee High School Principal Assaults Student for Wearing Pro-Gay T-Shirt
I guess this must be another example of good ol' family values in Tennessee. A 17 year old student was assaulted and verbally abused by his high school principal for wearing a shirt supporting the attempt to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance on campus.
Chris Sigler, a student at Sequoyah High School in Madisonville, Tennessee has enlisted the ACLU for help in the matter. Sigler wore a homemade T-shirt to school that said "GSA: We've Got Your Back". According to a statement by the ACLU, the following assault was the result.
Chris Sigler, a student at Sequoyah High School in Madisonville, Tennessee has enlisted the ACLU for help in the matter. Sigler wore a homemade T-shirt to school that said "GSA: We've Got Your Back". According to a statement by the ACLU, the following assault was the result.
A teacher ordered Sigler to cover up the shirt in the future. Sigler, knowing he had a right to wear the shirt, wore it again Friday, and resisted an order to remove the shirt. Sigler says that Moser then ordered all students out of the classroom, except for Sigler’s sister Jessica, who refused to leave. According to both students, Moser then grabbed Sigler’s arm, shoved him, and chest-bumped him repeatedly while asking “Who’s the big man now?” Sigler’s mother reported that when she arrived at the school, she saw her son seated in a desk with Moser leaning over him and shouting in Sigler’s face. The Siglers filed a report about the incident that afternoon with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.Guess Tennessee is still waiting for the "It Gets Better" campaign to have an effect? I single out Tennessee, because my maternal roots are from that state and it seems that all states beginning with the letter "T" in this country are about as bigoted and backward as can be. For the record, I live in Texas!
Monday, October 03, 2011
George Carlin - Speaking the Truth From Beyond the Grave
The Occupy Wall Street people would be well advised to watch this and adopt the very clear and simple argument of the late George Carlin.
Church Pastor and Deacons Assault Gay Couple
This is just about as ugly as it gets. What the hell kind of Christianity are these people practicing?
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Surviving another Beyond Vanilla
My chief duty was producing a show for Friday night entertainment and helping out with things during the Teeter Totter-a-thon, the fund-raising and fun event that benefits Bryan's House. How hard could it be?
Well, considering the fact that I always bite off a bit more than I can chew, pretty hard, but fun. The Friday night show was my chief concern. Since it was our 21st year and we had adopted a Las Vegas theme (21 and all) I figured a Burlesque Review would be the kind of thing that would be perfect.
Enter my friend Lillith Grey. Lillith is a very attractive woman, a Leather activist, a burlesque performer, a producer and PhD candidate. She generously offered a list of performers she thought would be suitable for our show.
Thanks to YouTube, I managed to view most of the performers acts and put together a roster of folks who would give the show the kid of pizazz I thought it deserved. Now, all we needed was a stage, lights, sound and Las Vegas table games to round out the decor.
All day Friday, with the help of my friends Ron, Steven and Claire we assembled the stage, put up the lights and wired up the sound system, By 4:00pm everything actually worked and all that was left was performers, dealers for the Blackjack tables and our DJ for the evening.
After a last minute scare when one performer got lost on the freeway, we ran though the show and it came off flawlessly.
What I forgot was, taking everything down. Surprise! Forgot to schedule volunteers to help. Today, I managed to rope Ty into assisting and we are loading the car this morning.
Now I know why I will never join the Circus. It's all glitter and lights during the show, but mainly a lot of back breaking work before and after that nobody sees. Ah the glamor of show business!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Transgender Attacks in DC - Troubling Trend
This morning I listened to a report on NPR that gave chilling details of the attacks on transgender DC residents in recent days. The most abhorent of these was described in the article.
A study, conducted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality, surveyed nearly 6,500 transgender Americans. In that study they found that 26 percent of people surveyed had been victims of physical assaults because they were transgender.
These assaults and this trend needs to be brought to a higher profile, perhaps if enough people are as horrified as I am by this something will be done to stem toe violence.
"On Aug. 26, an off-duty police officer stood on the hood of a car and shot through its windshield, hitting two transgender women and a male friend, wounding one critically. The officer is a 20-year veteran of the city's police force and is currently in jail, awaiting trial."This is more than disturbing, and when coupled with the DC Police reluctance to call these attacks Hate Crimes it gives a picture of violence against transgender citizens that is pervasive.
A study, conducted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality, surveyed nearly 6,500 transgender Americans. In that study they found that 26 percent of people surveyed had been victims of physical assaults because they were transgender.
These assaults and this trend needs to be brought to a higher profile, perhaps if enough people are as horrified as I am by this something will be done to stem toe violence.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Lawrence O'Donnell Exposes NYPD Police Bruitality
Whether you agree or disagree with the Occupy Wall Street people this report is worth a view. The NYPD is looking like a bunch of thugs and they are trying their best to cover it up. They are attacking people with cameras and inncoent folks. Time for an investigation and specifically some changes made!
China's High-Speed Rail - Progress or Propaganda?
From the People's Republic of Chairman Mao to the current capitalist economic powerhouse, China has seemingly been a lesson in turnarounds. The latest example of progress is the high-speed rail network that has been constructed at a breakneck pace to show the world how progressive and modern China is.
The reality is much less impressive. Since the deadly crash on the new rail line in July that killed 40 people that progress is being exposed as an exercise in corruption and incompetence. In a recent NPR report it was revealed that the blame for the crash keeps shifting, looking more like a political issue than a real investigation of the cause.
Shoddy workmanship, substandard materials and poor engineering have led to the system slowdown from what promised to be 217mph trains are now limited to 186mph for safety reasons. Worse still are indications that corners were cut to cash in on profits from construction across the system. One example was the new terminal building at Nanjing. The huge glass encased station developed leaks in the roof that resulted in parts of the building to sink into the ground. Outside the entire newly paved square had to be reconstructed due to shoddy materials.
Anyone who has bought goods manufactured in China has undoubtedly been aware of the quality control problems faced in a country where capitalism seems to have run amok. Though the new high-speed rail system was intended to be a showcase for Chinese engineering and progress, it is tainted with the same cache as anything labeled "made in China". That label translates to, "let the buyer beware" in many cases and it seems from the smallest cheaply made Walmart products to the biggest projects in China, the problems of quality will persist. God help Chinese astronauts in the future!
The reality is much less impressive. Since the deadly crash on the new rail line in July that killed 40 people that progress is being exposed as an exercise in corruption and incompetence. In a recent NPR report it was revealed that the blame for the crash keeps shifting, looking more like a political issue than a real investigation of the cause.
Shoddy workmanship, substandard materials and poor engineering have led to the system slowdown from what promised to be 217mph trains are now limited to 186mph for safety reasons. Worse still are indications that corners were cut to cash in on profits from construction across the system. One example was the new terminal building at Nanjing. The huge glass encased station developed leaks in the roof that resulted in parts of the building to sink into the ground. Outside the entire newly paved square had to be reconstructed due to shoddy materials.
Anyone who has bought goods manufactured in China has undoubtedly been aware of the quality control problems faced in a country where capitalism seems to have run amok. Though the new high-speed rail system was intended to be a showcase for Chinese engineering and progress, it is tainted with the same cache as anything labeled "made in China". That label translates to, "let the buyer beware" in many cases and it seems from the smallest cheaply made Walmart products to the biggest projects in China, the problems of quality will persist. God help Chinese astronauts in the future!
Occupy Wall Street - Frustration Without Focus
After trying to get a handle on the Occupy Wall Street protests I find I am at a loss to understand exactly what these people are protesting. I personally think the current state of Corporate America is badly broken and the folks on Wall Street are merely the super-wealthy making side-bets in the casino. The frustration the protesters feel, the being diss-empowered and cogs in a big machine they have no control over is palpable, but their message is so scattered it is not getting through to the media.
If they want to really have an effect they need to pick one big grievance that everyone can get behind and jettison the hangers on and distractions. They need to look more like a popular revolt and less like a neo-hippy street fair.
I support the idea that we need to stop the kind of corporate looting of our economy that has gone on for the last 30+ years, but changing that will take more than buskers and students who can't express a clear concise vision for the protest.
Remember folks, America suffers from societal ADD, and unless you can encapsulate your message into a sound bite, it will be lost.
If they want to really have an effect they need to pick one big grievance that everyone can get behind and jettison the hangers on and distractions. They need to look more like a popular revolt and less like a neo-hippy street fair.
I support the idea that we need to stop the kind of corporate looting of our economy that has gone on for the last 30+ years, but changing that will take more than buskers and students who can't express a clear concise vision for the protest.
Remember folks, America suffers from societal ADD, and unless you can encapsulate your message into a sound bite, it will be lost.
Monday, September 26, 2011
More Brutality by NYPD - Pepper Spray on Peaceful Protestor
This is getting way out of hand in NYC at the Occupy Wall Street protest.
A policeman walks up to a protestor who is corralled in a temporary fence and sprays her with pepper spray without provocation, then calmly turns and walks away. Watch the slow motion video.
A policeman walks up to a protestor who is corralled in a temporary fence and sprays her with pepper spray without provocation, then calmly turns and walks away. Watch the slow motion video.
NYPD Using Excessive Violence Against Peaceful Protestors
The Occupy Wall Street protest is getting ugly, and it's the police that are becoming violent. This video clearly shows a protestor being violently thrown to the grown for doing nothing. His hands are raised in a gesture of surrender to the police and he is just talking when the officer wrenches his arm and throws him to the ground.
Though I think the protestors are really scattered in their message, they have a right to be there and the NYPD is doing itself no favors by abusing them.
Though I think the protestors are really scattered in their message, they have a right to be there and the NYPD is doing itself no favors by abusing them.
"Occupy Wall Street" Spreads to LA
"Corporate interests seem to be controlling both parties,” one protester told laactivist.com. “The ‘little man,’ the ‘American every man,’ just isn’t getting their voice heard. When you need $35,000 to donate to a campaign to get your voice heard, to have a meeting, that’s not democracy.”
That is the kind of message that will resonate.
Tommy Wi Show? From the Man Who Brought You the Room!
Tommy Wiseau, the man who brought you the amazingly bad movie "The Room" now has a web series. I guess he figures we just can't get enough of him. Maybe he is right. After struggling to watch the movie, to see him in this series, playing video games is more of the same pointless drivel, yet it is strangely compelling. Maybe it is a Dada-esque take on new media, or maybe it is just a megalomaniac with too much money.
Watch at your own peril.
Watch at your own peril.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Occupation of Wall Street - Haven't Heard of It? Not Surprised.
for the past several days a really grass roots effort to make a point has been going on and the media has been largely ignoring it. A group of predominately young activists have set up camp at Liberty Square in the financial district of New York City. Essentially they are occupying Wall Street.
Why? Well these are the folks who stayed in school, got saddled with a load of school loans and debt and now emerge into a world where there is just not that much opportunity. A place where the super-rich control the money and banking and the average American is just SOL.
There are people who have just awakened to the realization that our economic system is being perverted for the benefit of a few very powerful people who have gamed the system for their own purpose. They have discovered that we are living in a 3rd world economy masquerading as the 1st world.
Harsh assessment? Well that is the assessment the people occupying the financial district have made and I tend to agree with them. My fear is this is only going to get worse and I am amazed that more people haven't heard about it. If you want to learn more and support the cause go here.
Due to media blackouts and police harassment of the media, this revolution is not being televised, so far.
Why? Well these are the folks who stayed in school, got saddled with a load of school loans and debt and now emerge into a world where there is just not that much opportunity. A place where the super-rich control the money and banking and the average American is just SOL.
There are people who have just awakened to the realization that our economic system is being perverted for the benefit of a few very powerful people who have gamed the system for their own purpose. They have discovered that we are living in a 3rd world economy masquerading as the 1st world.
Harsh assessment? Well that is the assessment the people occupying the financial district have made and I tend to agree with them. My fear is this is only going to get worse and I am amazed that more people haven't heard about it. If you want to learn more and support the cause go here.
Due to media blackouts and police harassment of the media, this revolution is not being televised, so far.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Cure for Cancer? Might Just be A Virus!
Cancer research is of interest to me. Not just because my mother died of the disease but because my father was a research scientist pursuing a cure for liver cancer. Though his years of research did yield some interesting results, they were nothing like this.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a virus that seems to destroy cancers. Specifically they found that the virus, adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) which is benign in humans is deadly to HPV a precursor to cervical cancer. Additionally, they found that in the lab the virus destroys human breast cancer cells very efficiently.
More here on Raw Story.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a virus that seems to destroy cancers. Specifically they found that the virus, adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) which is benign in humans is deadly to HPV a precursor to cervical cancer. Additionally, they found that in the lab the virus destroys human breast cancer cells very efficiently.
More here on Raw Story.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Caught on Red Light Camera? CERN Finds Particle Traveling Faster than Speed of Light.
The theoretical speed limit for all things in the universe has apparently been broken. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research have clocked neutrinos traveling faster than the speed of light.
According to an AP report:
My hope is this leads to warp drive technology. Star Trek here I come!
According to an AP report:
"CERN says a neutrino beam fired from a particle accelerator near Geneva to a lab 454 miles (730 kilometers) away in Italy traveled 60 nanoseconds faster than the speed of light. Scientists calculated the margin of error at just 10 nanoseconds, making the difference statistically significant. But given the enormous implications of the find, they still spent months checking and rechecking their results to make sure there was no flaws in the experiment."If this can be verified it will change the way we understand physics and rethink the laws of nature.
My hope is this leads to warp drive technology. Star Trek here I come!
Texas Miracle - Not So Much (VIDEO)
Two new videos from Second City. These are funny and sadly true!
Tomorrow is Sexual Freedom Day
Sept 23, 2011 is Sexual Freedom Day. So what does that mean?
Well here is some background. I am a board member of the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance, a non-profit human rights group founded on the principal that sexual freedom is a basic human right. That means all people should have the following:
Our nation has taken adolescent approach to sex for too long. It is time we grew up and started being frank and honest in our discussions of sexuality and human rights. Part of the foundations mission is to provide a safe space for that discussion.
To learn more about Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance check out our website.
Now what can you do for Sexual Freedom Day? Well for starters try discussing the concept with friends. Without dialogue, we will remain mired in our old ways and as far as sexuality is concerned, I don't want to remain an adolescent. Come and grow up America! Life is much more fun and fulfilling as an adult.
Well here is some background. I am a board member of the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance, a non-profit human rights group founded on the principal that sexual freedom is a basic human right. That means all people should have the following:
- Freedom to express their unique sexuality.
- Open and unrestricted access to accurate sexual education and health information.
- Freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies.
- Freedom to enjoy sexual dignity, privacy and consensual sexual expression.
- Freedom to express sexuality free from censorship, & irrational governmental policies regarding obscenity and indecency.
Our nation has taken adolescent approach to sex for too long. It is time we grew up and started being frank and honest in our discussions of sexuality and human rights. Part of the foundations mission is to provide a safe space for that discussion.
To learn more about Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance check out our website.
Now what can you do for Sexual Freedom Day? Well for starters try discussing the concept with friends. Without dialogue, we will remain mired in our old ways and as far as sexuality is concerned, I don't want to remain an adolescent. Come and grow up America! Life is much more fun and fulfilling as an adult.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Ed Wood Move Over!
I am a connoisseur of awful films. I love the bad dialogue and rotten effects of films like Ed Wood's "Plan 9 from Outer Space". So how did I miss this one?
The Room, by actor-writer-director-producer Tommy Wiseau came out back in 2003 and not surprisingly I missed it. Having seen a few clips, I have to say this is first rate schlock. This film takes wooden acting to new levels, and it's $6 million budget must be a high mark for bad movies. Watch this scene on a rooftop which is one of the highlights of the movie. (Warning, it is painful to watch)
It's no Robo Geisha, but it comes damned close!
The Room, by actor-writer-director-producer Tommy Wiseau came out back in 2003 and not surprisingly I missed it. Having seen a few clips, I have to say this is first rate schlock. This film takes wooden acting to new levels, and it's $6 million budget must be a high mark for bad movies. Watch this scene on a rooftop which is one of the highlights of the movie. (Warning, it is painful to watch)
It's no Robo Geisha, but it comes damned close!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Ben & Jerry's Introduces Schweddy Balls Ice Cream
Alec Baldwin's character on SNL gets his own flavor of Ben & Jerry's. Check out the new flavor, Schweddy Balls, here.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Gamers Solve HIV Mystery Scientists Could Not
Score one for the geeks in Mom's basement playing games. Apparently they figured out how a key protein is structured in HIV by playing a game. From a story in PC Magazine:
"Using an online game called Foldit, players were able to predict the structure of a protein called retroviral protease, an enzyme that plays a critical role in the way HIV multiplies. Unlocking the build of the protein could theoretically aid scientists in developing drugs that would stop protease from spreading.
Developed by researchers at the University of Washington, Foldit turns scientific problems into competitive games. Players were charged with using spatial and critical thinking skills to build 3D models of protease. Few of these players had any kind of background in biochemistry. "Better living through gaming?
Friday, September 16, 2011
Why the Tea Party Must be Defeated
Not to raise the alarm, but the whole Tea Party mess is really just conservatism in disguise. These folk hate government of any kind and government programs, at least on the surface. If they have their way, you can count on every function of the government being affected, especially social programs, civil rights and education. Don't believe me? Watch this compilation of quotes from Tea Party darlings in congress and state government. Pay particular attention to Rick Perry's statements.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Bullied by Gays - Tragic Stories of Straight Kids Pain
With all the attention on bullying it is about time someone looked at the problem of straight youth being bullied by LGBT kids. The site, Bulliedbygays.com tracks these tragic cases. Take time to visit and read the list of names.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Anti-Rick Perry Attack Ad That Never Aired...Until Now!
Kay Bailey Hutchison had this ad produced and it never aired. This needs to flood the internet and let everyone know how corrupt and rotten Rick Perry is.
Rick Perry Lies Again - Took Much More Than $5000 from Merck
Perry's pants are on fire again. This time from his response to Michele Bachmann in the Tea Party Debate. He claimed to have only gotten $5000 from pharma company Merck. The same company who manufactured the HPV vaccine he mandated for all Texas pre-teenage girls. Though the intent may have been honorable, his claim that he only took $5000 from Merck is not. It is a lie.
Perry received at least $23,500 from Merck and the company also gave $500,000 to the Republican Governors Association, a group Rick Perry headed two times and has been the recipient of cash from that group.
Perry shares a pillow in bed with Merck and that fact may be his undoing in the primary. Of course it wouldn't be the first time Republicans ignored less than ethical ties with businesses, but at least it has put a bump in the road to the election for the big-haired boy from Texas.
Perry received at least $23,500 from Merck and the company also gave $500,000 to the Republican Governors Association, a group Rick Perry headed two times and has been the recipient of cash from that group.
Perry shares a pillow in bed with Merck and that fact may be his undoing in the primary. Of course it wouldn't be the first time Republicans ignored less than ethical ties with businesses, but at least it has put a bump in the road to the election for the big-haired boy from Texas.
Vacation Plans - Avoid Iran, Uganda, Saudi Arabia & Belize?
Most folks know how dangerous it is to be LGBT in countries like Uganda where lawmakers are constantly trying to pass a law proscribing the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality". Iran recently hanged three men for the crime of "lavat" or sex between men. Considering the sex in question was consensual it is particularly disturbing news. And Saudi Arabia, well it's no surprise that being gay there is not a good thing, but Belize? The sleepy little coastal Central American nation has long been a tourist destination for US travelers, however a little research shows that Belize criminalizes homosexuality.
In an interview in the Guardian, Belize Minister of Works, Anthony "Boots" Martinez is quoted as saying:
In an interview in the Guardian, Belize Minister of Works, Anthony "Boots" Martinez is quoted as saying:
"My position is that God never placed anything on me for me to look at a man and jump on a man. I'll be clear on it … How would you decriminalise that, I am sorry, but that is law. Not only is the law made by man, that is a law made from the Bible. Why you think God made a man and a woman, man has what woman wants, and woman has what man wants, it's as simple as that. I'll fight tooth and nail to keep that law."So next time you think about spending some time on the beach, consider Key West or South Beach.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
DFW Sets Record For HEAT!
We're number one! Well at least for the number of days over 100° F. Back in 1980 I thought the summer could never get hotter. That year we had 68 days of 100°+ weather but this year we broke the record. Today will mark the 69th 100°+ day and counting. I expect to see at least a couple of more before we cool down into the 90's.
More troubling is the overnight low temperatures. Not only did we have a record number of highs, but the low temperature sometimes never dropped below the 80's and that will add toward making 2011 the hottest year on record for DFW and most of the country. According to some reports parts of the country haven't had heat this bad in 140 years of reporting.
Now the question is, what is causing it? Well, even though our kicked-in-the-head idiot Governor doesn't believe it, man-made factors contributing to global warming are the most likely cause of the trend. Meanwhile, the power companies are playing blackmail games by threatening to shut down plants if they don't get laxer emissions regulations.
The coal burning power industry has seen the handwriting on the wall for decades and has refused to modernize or innovate with any real results. Our power companies have reluctantly moved into wind and solar, but lacking a real kick in the butt, they will continue to pollute, since it makes the most profit in the short term.
Meanwhile, I am enjoying the soul searing heat and trying to decide how best to landscape in sand and desert plants. I get the feeling we are seeing a desertification of our state, and it will not be pretty, especially for agriculture. Good thing we built that new bridge over the Trinity, of course that river might just dry up before long.
More troubling is the overnight low temperatures. Not only did we have a record number of highs, but the low temperature sometimes never dropped below the 80's and that will add toward making 2011 the hottest year on record for DFW and most of the country. According to some reports parts of the country haven't had heat this bad in 140 years of reporting.
Now the question is, what is causing it? Well, even though our kicked-in-the-head idiot Governor doesn't believe it, man-made factors contributing to global warming are the most likely cause of the trend. Meanwhile, the power companies are playing blackmail games by threatening to shut down plants if they don't get laxer emissions regulations.
The coal burning power industry has seen the handwriting on the wall for decades and has refused to modernize or innovate with any real results. Our power companies have reluctantly moved into wind and solar, but lacking a real kick in the butt, they will continue to pollute, since it makes the most profit in the short term.
Meanwhile, I am enjoying the soul searing heat and trying to decide how best to landscape in sand and desert plants. I get the feeling we are seeing a desertification of our state, and it will not be pretty, especially for agriculture. Good thing we built that new bridge over the Trinity, of course that river might just dry up before long.
Batch of New Exoplanets Discovered
Really nifty story about the search for new planets, including one that is at the right distance from its star to support liquid water.
Perry Looks Lame During Debate
I only watched a few moments of the "Tea Bagger Debate" last night, but that's all it took to see that Rick Perry is not looking as good as he did. As I suspected the more you know about him the less appealing he looks, even to the "true believers" at the debate.
When Michele Bachmann hammered him on the HPV vaccine issue, saying he forced vaccinations for teenage girls because the vaccine maker, Merck donated to Perry's campaign, all he could do was get indignant.
"It was a $5,000 contribution that I had received from them. I raise about $30 million. And if you’re saying that I can be bought for $5,000, I’m offended.”
Bachmann snapped back, "Well, I’m offended for all the little girls and the parents that didn’t have a choice.”
Perry was pretty much on the defensive all night.
Meanwhile the crowd showed its true colors when Wolf Blitzer posed the hypothetical question whether a very sick 30-year-old man who had refused to get health insurance should be left to die. The Tea Baggers began shouting "Yeah!"
I was horrified and turned the television off. If that is the kind of citizen who supports the GOP, then the Republican Party has lost any shred of soul it may have had. As my grandfather once said, "if I ever touched the polling lever for the Republicans, it would burn my fingers." Amen Mr. Rambo, Amen!
When Michele Bachmann hammered him on the HPV vaccine issue, saying he forced vaccinations for teenage girls because the vaccine maker, Merck donated to Perry's campaign, all he could do was get indignant.
"It was a $5,000 contribution that I had received from them. I raise about $30 million. And if you’re saying that I can be bought for $5,000, I’m offended.”
Bachmann snapped back, "Well, I’m offended for all the little girls and the parents that didn’t have a choice.”
Perry was pretty much on the defensive all night.
Meanwhile the crowd showed its true colors when Wolf Blitzer posed the hypothetical question whether a very sick 30-year-old man who had refused to get health insurance should be left to die. The Tea Baggers began shouting "Yeah!"
I was horrified and turned the television off. If that is the kind of citizen who supports the GOP, then the Republican Party has lost any shred of soul it may have had. As my grandfather once said, "if I ever touched the polling lever for the Republicans, it would burn my fingers." Amen Mr. Rambo, Amen!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Michele Bachmann Says the Darndest Things!
Sometimes I forget how absolutely crazy Michele Bachmann is. How the hell did she get elected?
Arctic Sea Ice at Lowest Levels Recorded
Directly from a report from the Universityof Bremen:
Alerting message from the Arctic: The extent the the Arctic sea ice has reached on Sep. 8The full abstract of the report is here. Also interesting is that CNN reported this without any caveats or weasel words. The press may be finally getting behind what science has been saying all along. Global warming is real and it is caused by man. Now what are we going to do about it?
with 4.240 million km2 a new historic minimum (Figure 1). Physicists of the University of
Bremen now confirm the apprehension existing since July 2011 that the ice melt in the Arctic
could further proceed and even exceed the previous historic minimum of 2007. It seems to be
clear that this is a further consequence of the man-made global warming with global
consequences. Directly, the livelihood of small animals, algae, fishes and mammals like polar
bears and seals is more and more reduced.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
New Picture of Saturn
The universe is more beautiful and amazing than we can imagine. This new picture of Saturn from the Cassini Probe looking back toward the Sun is so beautiful it looks artificial, but it is not. Enjoy and be awestruck.
In the Company of Men
After spending the weekend at the Utah Rebellion, a men's leather gathering in Salt Lake City of all place, I really appreciate spending time with my leather brothers. Though not all of the men at the gathering were gay, some were bi and even straight, I do sincerely appreciate having the time with the guys.
That special camaraderie and intimacy leatherman can share, and I am talking about in public not private, is very special. There is a bond that makes me feel like I am with family. They are the brothers I never had, they are the comrades in arms I never experienced. My leather brothers can exchange big bear hugs without a second thought. Equally they can be mischievous rabble-rousers and can joke about almost anything. No matter how caustic their comments you know it is meant in the spirit of fun. These are all guys who would come to the aid of a fellow leatherman and never ask questions. They are buddies with benefits. They are witty yet coarse, cerebral yet physical.
Spending tie with them makes me feel more part of the community than doing any kind of activism or service. Just hangin' with the guys feels great.
I was recently asked to define leather for an article being written for publication. I found myself at a loss, but I can tell you now that to spend the weekend in the company of leathermen you will know it when you see it. You will know it when you experience it.
Thanks to everyone in Salt Lake City who made my stay so much fun!
That special camaraderie and intimacy leatherman can share, and I am talking about in public not private, is very special. There is a bond that makes me feel like I am with family. They are the brothers I never had, they are the comrades in arms I never experienced. My leather brothers can exchange big bear hugs without a second thought. Equally they can be mischievous rabble-rousers and can joke about almost anything. No matter how caustic their comments you know it is meant in the spirit of fun. These are all guys who would come to the aid of a fellow leatherman and never ask questions. They are buddies with benefits. They are witty yet coarse, cerebral yet physical.
Spending tie with them makes me feel more part of the community than doing any kind of activism or service. Just hangin' with the guys feels great.
I was recently asked to define leather for an article being written for publication. I found myself at a loss, but I can tell you now that to spend the weekend in the company of leathermen you will know it when you see it. You will know it when you experience it.
Thanks to everyone in Salt Lake City who made my stay so much fun!
9-11 Security Theater
This film by Joe Hollier really sums up the exact points I have made many times before. He does it with wit and clarity and it bears watching every time you consider how many freedoms we have given up in the name of security. I was terrified on 9-11. That fact meant the terrorists did their job and it worked. They created terror and in the wake of that terror we willingly sacrificed far to many freedoms, far to much money and far too many of our military. Watch and think about it.
Security Theater from joehollier on Vimeo.
Security Theater from joehollier on Vimeo.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Prostitots - Kiddie Beauty Contest Kids Dressed Like Hookers
And we wonder why our culture sexualizes children?
StoryCorps Animation - 9/11 Stories
It is not often that a piece of animation will make you cry, but this StoryCorps interview set to animated images is very moving.
High School Students Confront Fred Phelps Cult - With Song!
This story made be feel great. I wish things had been this way when I was in high school. It is a sure sign things are getting better.
When the Kansas hate group known as the Westboro Baptist Church announced they would picket Bay Area schools and Jewish institutions, students at Gunn High School decided they could not sit by quietly. Learn more and get involved: http://www.niot.org .
When the Kansas hate group known as the Westboro Baptist Church announced they would picket Bay Area schools and Jewish institutions, students at Gunn High School decided they could not sit by quietly. Learn more and get involved: http://www.niot.org .
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Flash Mob for Trevor Project in LA
I love these things! Great fun and get a lot of attention. This one is for the Trevor Project and happened at Universal Studios CityWalk in Los Angeles.
And for more information about the teen suicide and the Trevor Project watch this informative video as well. Far too many LGB youth are at risk of suicide - 4 times more likely than their straight counterparts.
And for more information about the teen suicide and the Trevor Project watch this informative video as well. Far too many LGB youth are at risk of suicide - 4 times more likely than their straight counterparts.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Paige Elliott Phoenix - Transgender Performer Has The X Factor - Australia
Thanks to Towleroad for finding this clip. Really cool video clip of Paige Elliott Phoenix on X Factor Australia. He comes out about his transition from female to male just prior to knocking the judges over with his great performance.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Happy Labor Day - Time to Thank Unions for What They Have Given America
Contrary to the crap the Tea Party will tell you we have lots to be thankful in this country for unions. Here are a few examples:
1. Unions Gave Us The Weekend: Even the ultra-conservative Mises Institute notes that the relatively labor-free 1870, the average workweek for most Americans was 61 hours — almost double what most Americans work now. Yet in the late nineteenth century and the twentieth century, labor unions engaged in massive strikes in order to demand shorter workweeks so that Americans could be home with their loved ones instead of constantly toiling for their employers with no leisure time. By 1937, these labor actions created enough political momentum to pass the Fair Labor Standards Act, which helped create a federal framework for a shorter workweek that included room for leisure time.
2. Unions Helped End Child Labor: “Union organizing and child labor reform were often intertwined” in U.S. history, with organization’s like the “National Consumers’ League” and the National Child Labor Committee” working together in the early 20th century to ban child labor. The very first American Federation of Labor (AFL) national convention passed “a resolution calling on states to ban children under 14 from all gainful employment” in 1881, and soon after states across the country adopted similar recommendations, leading up to the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act which regulated child labor on the federal level for the first time.
3. Unions Won Widespread Employer-Based Health Coverage: “The rise of unions in the 1930′s and 1940′s led to the first great expansion of health care” for all Americans, as labor unions banded workers together to negotiate for health coverage plans from employers. In 1942, “the US set up a National War Labor Board. It had the power to set a cap on all wage increases. But it let employers circumvent the cap by offering “fringe benefits” – notably, health insurance.” By 1950, “half of all companies with fewer than 250 workers and two-thirds of all companies with more than 250 workers offered health insurance of one kind or another.”
4. Unions Spearheaded The Fight For The Family And Medical Leave Act: Labor unions like the AFL-CIO federation led the fight for this 1993 law, which “requires state agencies and private employers with more than 50 employees to provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected unpaid leave annually for workers to care for a newborn, newly adopted child, seriously ill family member or for the worker’s own illness.”So next vacation or next weekend even, sau thank you to a union member for giving you the day off!
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Inflatable Airplane from the 1950's - Video
What an awesome idea and cockamamie at the same time. Pity this one never become commercially viable.
Friday, September 02, 2011
More Rick Perry Gay Rumors - This time NAMES!
An article in the San Francisco Gate contained this blog post by one of their contributors. Watch it and then let me know if you or someone you know has had sex with Rick Perry. That rent boy is out there somewhere!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
American Family Association - Re-criminalize Homosexuality
Why the American Family Association, a recognized hate group, is still getting press is beyond me. Now these bigots are calling for the reinstatement of sodomy laws! This kind of crap is one of the biggest arguments against "states rights". That phrase is code for just plain discrimination. AFA would hae us living in a nation divided by modern day versions of Jim Crow Laws, but this time they would be against LGBT people. Don't believe me, watch this:
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Catholic Priest Calls Homosexuality Evil in Full Page Newspaper Ad
Found this on JoeMyGod.com, a wonderful blog. Seems a Catholic priest in El Paso has decided to use his parish budget to take out a full page ad in the El Paso Times to condemn homosexuality. As amazed as I am at the whole hypocrisy of the idea of an institution rife with child molesters and very sick closet cases trying to make moral pronouncements, the tone of the missive is particularly un-Christlike.
"Engaging in depraved and unnatural sexual acts will lead directly to the ruin of both the homosexual's body and soul," [Father Michael] Rodriguez writes. "Our very anatomy cries out against the lie that homosexual acts are 'ok.'" Rodriguez closes his screed by saying we live in a "godless society" that condones homosexuality. "Reflect, first there are (a) individuals committing mortal sins of a homosexual nature; next, evil extends its tentacles to (b) society as a whole accepting homosexual and homosexual activity as 'normal"; and finally, iniquity's victory is all but sealed when (c) laws are enacted which impose the putrid homosexual ideology on everyone, while those who, rightfully resist it, are ridiculed, attacked, and persecuted..."Luckily Joe also included Father Rodriguez contact information.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Bachmann Sees Messages From God in Earthquake & Hurricane
A person's faith is one thing, but when a politician starts making prophetic announcements like the recent earthquake and hurricane are messages from God about Washington policy, I really draw the line.
Michele Bachmann has actually come out and said that the recent natural disasters are "warnings from God" that politicians need to change their policy.
Crazy eyes indeed.
Michele Bachmann has actually come out and said that the recent natural disasters are "warnings from God" that politicians need to change their policy.
"I don't know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We've had an earthquake; we've had a hurricane. He said, 'Are you going to start listening to me here?'"This is the kind of politics that I would be less surprised to see in the Middle-East coming from a fundamentalist Islamic leader than from an American politician. Once again, this demonstrates how much alike the right-wing in this country and the Islamic radicals in the Middle-East really are.
Crazy eyes indeed.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Jet Ski in the Streets of Newark
Courteous jet skier pulls over to let Truck pass in Newark, NJ after Irene.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Jedi Kitties! Too Cute Video of the Day.
Thanks Malcolm for finding this, it made my day a little brighter. I love kitten puppetry! (humane)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Rabbi Blames Quake on Gays
OK, I admit I got punked by the story about Pat Robertson blaming Metrosexuals for the quake,(thanks Tim for catching this) but this one checks out.
Rabbi Yehuda Levin, an ally of the National Organization for Marriage who last month blamed the murder of an 8-year-old Brooklyn boy on the passage of marriage equality in NY, has posted a new video in which he claims yesterday's earthquake on the east coast was because God is angry about homosexuality.The YouTube video that accompanied the article was removed from YouTube for hate speech.
Says Levin: "We saw today an earthquake. The Jerusalem Talmud tells us that one of the reasons that God brings earthquakes to the world is because of the transgressions of homosexuality. The Talmud states, 'You have shaken your male member in a place where it doesn't belong. I too, will shake the earth.'"
Roger Williams Sees Welfare Recipients as Livestock
I am not making this up. I suspect he was trying to use donkeys as a metaphor for the Democratic party, but his dialogue seems directed specifically at the kind of "welfare queen" myth that Regan started. Williams sees the poor and those in need of government help as donkeys and he figures his supporters will as well. This is outrageous class warfare stuff and I thing the GOP knows exactly who they are targeting, the base and in this case the bigots.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Don't Think BDSM is a Sexual Minority? Think Again.
For folks who labor under the illusion that their sexual proclivities toward BDSM do not make them a sexual minority, this is a wake up call. Sex in almost any form is still a big taboo in this puritan country. Take the case of the chancellor of the University of Northern Virginia. David Lee looks pretty good for someone 63 years old, and he is still very sexually active including various BDSM activities in his life.
Unfortunately, being a little indiscreet and posting a picture of yourself flexing on the internet is enough to get you into a brouhaha of epic proportions. David and his partner Regina Biscoe posted pictures of themselves and their home dungeon online where they were discovered by snooping press folks and voila a scandal!
Lee resigned his post over the incident which quite frankly has nothing to do with his performance as chancellor or anything else other than his sexual preferences. It's time we grew up as a nation and took a mature attitude toward people's sexuality. The continued use of consensual sexual behaviors as leverage by the press or others to cause a scandal is just plain juvenile.
Puritanical attitudes toward sex in this country drive politics and policy that should have nothing to do with what is essentially private behavior. It's time we began understanding that what happens between consensual adults is not news.
The only exception I make to this is when the person or persons engaged in these activities is activley working to deny the rights of other sexual minorities. Now that is a cause for outrage and scandal, not for their sexual behavior but their hypocrisy.
Unfortunately, being a little indiscreet and posting a picture of yourself flexing on the internet is enough to get you into a brouhaha of epic proportions. David and his partner Regina Biscoe posted pictures of themselves and their home dungeon online where they were discovered by snooping press folks and voila a scandal!
Lee resigned his post over the incident which quite frankly has nothing to do with his performance as chancellor or anything else other than his sexual preferences. It's time we grew up as a nation and took a mature attitude toward people's sexuality. The continued use of consensual sexual behaviors as leverage by the press or others to cause a scandal is just plain juvenile.
Puritanical attitudes toward sex in this country drive politics and policy that should have nothing to do with what is essentially private behavior. It's time we began understanding that what happens between consensual adults is not news.
The only exception I make to this is when the person or persons engaged in these activities is activley working to deny the rights of other sexual minorities. Now that is a cause for outrage and scandal, not for their sexual behavior but their hypocrisy.
Orthodox Rabbis Play Lesbian/Gay Matchmakers - Oy Vey!
In an announcement that seems more like something out of a very cruel and twisted sitcom, Orthodox Rabbi Arale Harel has started a matchmaking service. Unlike Dolly Levi, the Rabbi is pairing up gay men and lesbians so they can procreate, with the caveat that they will seek conversion therapy. The service is for "religious homosexuals and lesbians"and is thankfully available only in Israel for now.
Oy vey!
Oy vey!
The Great Texas Desert?
That is what it seems like here in Dallas this year. After 56 days of 100+ temperatures and no end in sight it is a valid question, "is Texas becoming a desert?"
I did a little digging and found that the Chihuahuan Desert in South West Texas gets just under 17 inches of rainfall on average and though this is far more than some other spots in Texas, the amount of water that evaporates from the area far exceeds the rainfall (evapotranspiration), thus the desert conditions. This year in Dallas we have had only a little over 20 inches of rain and none in the forecast. That puts us over 11 inches behind our yearly average.
Though in Dallas this year we had a wet spring, right now the primary color of the landscape is brown. My grass is a nice crispy tan and most likely will stay that way until the fall. It makes me wonder if I shouldn't pull out the lawn and out in a rock garden like the folks in Las Vegas do. No water needed, and the desert plants used for landscaping do just fine even through a few harsh winters.
Maybe we could just add a few casinos and become the entertainment capital of the South?
I did a little digging and found that the Chihuahuan Desert in South West Texas gets just under 17 inches of rainfall on average and though this is far more than some other spots in Texas, the amount of water that evaporates from the area far exceeds the rainfall (evapotranspiration), thus the desert conditions. This year in Dallas we have had only a little over 20 inches of rain and none in the forecast. That puts us over 11 inches behind our yearly average.
Though in Dallas this year we had a wet spring, right now the primary color of the landscape is brown. My grass is a nice crispy tan and most likely will stay that way until the fall. It makes me wonder if I shouldn't pull out the lawn and out in a rock garden like the folks in Las Vegas do. No water needed, and the desert plants used for landscaping do just fine even through a few harsh winters.
Maybe we could just add a few casinos and become the entertainment capital of the South?
Monday, August 22, 2011
Uganda May Push Forward with Anti-Homosexuality Bill
Despite the rumors that the Uganda "anti-Homosexual" bill was dead, it looks like the Ugandan Parliament is pushing forward with it. This law would be deadly to many Ugandan LGBT people and has been uniformly condemned by most developed countries in the world. Sadly, a group of right-wing evangelicals in this country have helped move this bill forward.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Pukkelpop Festival Storm Disaster
At the Pukkelpop festival in Belgium last night a very intense storm wreaked havoc on the concert goers and campers. A stage collapse, reminiscent of the Indiana State Fair disaster last week, and reportedly 5 people were killed. This video clip shows a band onstage performing to rain soaked crowds, when debris from the storm gust front begins pelting the stage. As it begins to hail, concert goers and performers flee. Not a good place to be in a big storm. Why the concert continued is a mystery to me. Guess Belgium doesn't get severe storms? Sad and very scary event. The remainder of the 3-day festival has been cancelled.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Texas Miracle? Not So Much.
The Texas Miracle, that's the phrase you will be hearing more and more of in coming months as our Governor Rick Perry makes his run for the White House. The whole "miracle" thing makes for a catchy political phrase, but there is no miracle going on here in Texas.
You will hear Perry point to how great Texas has fared during the recession, but you will never hear him say we still have higher unemployment than 25 other states including New York, most of New England and our neighbors to the north, Oklahoma. Nor will you hear Governor Perry relate how much of the employment in our Miracle State is in low paying jobs. 37% of the jobs created in the past year are at or below minimum wage. The Texas miracle for jobs? Well, we lead the nation in minimum wage earners - 550,000 of them to be precise.
And the climate for business in Texas, it's terrific unless you want an educated work force. Out of all 50 states we rank number 41 for jobs requiring a post-secondary education. Luckily, Perry and the Texas legislature are cutting an additional $2 billion from the state education budget. I guess that is being done to attract more low-tech companies or perhaps just to put us on a level playing field with a 3rd world country.
But hey, we have lower taxes than most other states! So, the rich can keep even more money and the poor, well they will have more to spend on things like health care. Now in health care we top the list, the list of most people without health insurance. A whopping 26.9% of Texans have no health coverage. It's a miracle we don't have more considering Rick Perry's attitude on government spending.
Meanwhile as an LGBT Texan, I would like to relate to you the Miracle Worker's positions on a few points salient to our community.
Take a look at the basics, like our state's Sodomy Law (2106). Well, Perry says, “I think our law is appropriate that we have on the books," to heck with the Supreme Court, whom he dismisses as “nine oligarchs in robes". Every time proposals to expunge the law have been put forward, he has declined to support any of them.
He even criticized the federal hate crimes law for including LGBT people saying that President Obama overstepped his authority by “making homosexuality a protected class”. Tell that to any of the hundreds of Texans who have been victims of gay bashing. I suspect they would all be delighted to be part of a protected class, considering they were attacked strictly because of their sexual orientation.
He also comes down squarely against same-sex marriage. "Gay marriage is not fine with me," Perry said in an interview Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council. If you will remember that group was recently classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Nice folks, and the same ones Governor Perry palled around with during his prayer day extravaganza in Houston. So if you are gay or lesbian and you want to marry, Perry suggests, “…if there’s a state that has more lenient views than Texas, then maybe that’s a better place for them to live.”
Well, Governor Perry, as one of "them" let me tell you something and since I understand you didn't do very well in college, I will put this in simple language even you can understand.
I have lived in Texas all my life, and I am not about to move and relinquish my state to a wise-cracking hate-mongering empty suit like you. I know lots of the people you so flippantly dismissed as "them" and I will let all my gay and lesbian, bisexual and trangender and straight brothers and sisters know just the kind of man you are. In fact I encourage them to let all their friends on Facebook and Twitter know this as well. I will be damned if I will see your intolerant and ignorant face in Washington as anything but a tourist, and personally I would be just as happy if it was you who left Texas. Now that would really be a miracle!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
America Spreads It's Craziness to Australia
Fundamentalists are not content to spread their brand of crazy here in the US. Now they are going overseas to let people know just how intolerant and psychotic their faith is. Sorry Australia, she somehow escaped from the asylum.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Brand New Hotel to be Imploded in Las Vegas
The company is in litigation with the construction contractors Perini Building Company who says they can fix the structural problems. Clarke County is considering the request.
Of the many hotels that have been imploded in Las Vegas to make way for bigger and newer properties, I would guess this is the first one that was demolished before a paying guest even set foot on the property. Know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em or in this case implode them!
S&P Downgrade Proves Boon for US Treasuries
As I suspected the S&P downgrade had little to do with real economics and more to do with politics and retaliation for being hauled before Congress. Though the Ratings agency lowered US Treasury ratings to AA+ from AAA, the market for those bonds is stronger than ever.
Motivation becomes the real question for their downgrade, and I am still banking on the whole revenge aspect. What is even stranger is their upgrade of China. Read more at Bloomberg.
Motivation becomes the real question for their downgrade, and I am still banking on the whole revenge aspect. What is even stranger is their upgrade of China. Read more at Bloomberg.
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Twisted Logic of Rick Perry
In a desperate attempt to cover the fact that most of th4e jobs Perry claims to have created in Texas were at or below minimum wage, he made this amazing statement.
By making a statement so grossly over general, he might as well have been saying, "how many times have you heard the story of a child born in the US who ended up running a company?" He is just plain ridiculous.
"How many times have you heard the story about a minimum-wage worker who made their way up to upper management? The mail room employee who eventually ended up running the company?"He spouted this tripe at the National Conference of State Legislatures last week.
By making a statement so grossly over general, he might as well have been saying, "how many times have you heard the story of a child born in the US who ended up running a company?" He is just plain ridiculous.
The Insanity of Eugenics is Still With Us
As a fan of Star Trek I am familiar with the whole "Eugenics War" concept. The idea was that mankind began trying to breed a superior race of humans by selective breeding. If the idea sounds familiar, it might be because the Nazis tried it with the whole "Master Race" thing, but what a lot of people don't realize is that Eugenics is not a foreign concept.
Back in 1898 there was a world's exposition held in Omaha, Nebraska of all places. The Trans-Mississippi Exposition was a grand affair that featured exhibits from around the country and across the globe. Much of the entertainment was provided by ethnic exhibits of strange peoples from far off lands, however one of the exhibits featured the idea of "better families" for a better future. The exhibit showed how superior breeding could result in superior human beings. The term Eugenics had yet to be coined.
Several scientists were working on the idea of selective breeding of human beings around the turn of the 19th century. The idea caught on and states began enacting Eugenics Laws which prohibited anyone who was "epileptic, imbecile or feeble-minded" from marrying or in some cases undergo forced sterilization.
Sadly these grotesque laws stayed on the books well into the 20th century in some states. Not surprisingly, much of their implementation was racially motivated.
Case in point, Elaine Riddick of North Carolina who had an unplanned pregnancy at 13 and after delivering the baby was forcibly sterilized on the ruling of the Eugenics Board of the State of North Carolina in 1968. Today she is fighting for compensation for this inhuman act. She was deemed "feeble minded" and given no choice in the operation.
So the next time you hear the word "eugenics" or see some story about the inhumanity of the Nazis and their selective breeding, pause for a moment to remember that they were not acting alone, and that our country participated in that same kind of "human experimentation". Seeking to create a master race, whether by decree of some megalomaniac dictator or by scientists is equally misguided. Natural selection as far as human beings are concerned has worked very well for thousands of years, and tinkering with it has been shown to produce some pretty bad results.
Back in 1898 there was a world's exposition held in Omaha, Nebraska of all places. The Trans-Mississippi Exposition was a grand affair that featured exhibits from around the country and across the globe. Much of the entertainment was provided by ethnic exhibits of strange peoples from far off lands, however one of the exhibits featured the idea of "better families" for a better future. The exhibit showed how superior breeding could result in superior human beings. The term Eugenics had yet to be coined.
Several scientists were working on the idea of selective breeding of human beings around the turn of the 19th century. The idea caught on and states began enacting Eugenics Laws which prohibited anyone who was "epileptic, imbecile or feeble-minded" from marrying or in some cases undergo forced sterilization.
Sadly these grotesque laws stayed on the books well into the 20th century in some states. Not surprisingly, much of their implementation was racially motivated.
Case in point, Elaine Riddick of North Carolina who had an unplanned pregnancy at 13 and after delivering the baby was forcibly sterilized on the ruling of the Eugenics Board of the State of North Carolina in 1968. Today she is fighting for compensation for this inhuman act. She was deemed "feeble minded" and given no choice in the operation.
So the next time you hear the word "eugenics" or see some story about the inhumanity of the Nazis and their selective breeding, pause for a moment to remember that they were not acting alone, and that our country participated in that same kind of "human experimentation". Seeking to create a master race, whether by decree of some megalomaniac dictator or by scientists is equally misguided. Natural selection as far as human beings are concerned has worked very well for thousands of years, and tinkering with it has been shown to produce some pretty bad results.
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