Mall Shooter Sought Fame & Forgiveness

In his suicide note he said he was sorry, but he said so much more. The note made reference to not being a burden to anyone anymore and then the disturbing line, "I have been a piece of shit all my life, now I’ll be famous."

With that the boy, 19 years old, became "the gunman" referred to by the news media. This boy, who had just lost his job at McDonald’s took an SKS assault rifle and went down to the mall. There he began shooting people randomly to achieve his fame. What he left was a tragedy of 9 people dead and many more wounded but I will not use his name, that would bring him the "fame" he wanted.

Whatever went wrong in his life, in his mind and in his character, the story says something about us as well. It says that in our society, we can value fame over life, we can value violence as a way to solve problems and we can express our sorrow for our actions, yet still go on to commit murder. Surprisingly, I don’t find this mind-boggling. I see very clearly how a young man could develop these beliefs.

As a society we endorse killing as a way to stop killing. We do this in our capital murder cases with the death penalty and we do this in our politics with "preemptive wars". As a society we value fame over character. We reward the vapid troubled celebrities like Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears, yet find little compassion for people who work 6 to 7 days a week just to make ends meet in our inner cities. As a society, and particularly in some forms of religion, we value hollow words over actions and character.

I do not excuse what this disturbed man did. It is horrible and tragic for him, his victims and their families. I understand how he could have reached the conclusions he did, and that is what bothers me more. I am disturbed by living in a society where his actions might indeed bring him fame and where others might see him as an example of how they too might achieve it. Fame, or in this case infamy should have less value, but only we can weigh the costs. Only we can change our currency from the gilded shine of celebrity to the solid rock of love and compassion.

White House Reveals Bush Lying Again!

Big news! Bush lied again. This is news? It is when the White House actually comes out and proves he is lying! From ThinkProgress.com comes this stunner.

The White House statement released by Dana Perino tonight also states McConnell told Bush "the new information might cause the intelligence community to change its assessment of Iran’s covert nuclear program."

Now even his own staff is calling his bluff. Come on Congress, impeach this liar and be done with it!

35% of Toys On Shelves Have Toxic Levels of Lead!

I am getting tired of the lead paint in toys story, but every day there seems to be another new twist. Today the Michigan-based Ecology Center along with the national Center for Health, Environment and Justice released a study that showed only 20% of the 1200 tested toys showed no trace of lead, and a full 35% had levels over the federal limit. Here’s the alarming part, these toys are still on shelves and no recall has been issued on them.

I suggest if you are buying for a child this Christmas, check out the Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys. (http://www.healthytoys.org) Though there are not many that are not poisoned, there are still a few that pass muster and you can always buy your kids books! (If they are printed in the US or Europe!)

By the way, guess where most toys are made today? China...BINGO! Time for American consumers to insist that the government enforce product safety standards on imported goods.

Fred Thompson on the NIE - "It's a Conspiracy!"

So Fred Thompson, the great white hope of the GOP has now officially joined the ranks of the conspiracy wackos. His take on the recent NIE announcement that Iran stopped its nuclear weapons development program back in 2003? Conspiracy!

He somehow figures that it was just too convenient for the report to be issued when in his words, "…the administration gets to say its policies worked; the Democrats get to claim we should have eased up on Iran a long time ago: and Russia and China can claim sanctions on Iran are not necessary. Who benefits from all this? Iran."

So Iran is somehow behind the report from our own intelligence agencies! Puleeeze! Thompson is living proof that the delusional can rise to high status and that anyone, absolutely anyone can run for President!

America's First Gay Ambassador Resigns

Back in 2001 when Bush appointed Michael Guest as ambassador to Romania I had hopes that things were changing. At that time when he was confirmed, then Secretary of State Colin Powel even recognized Guest’s partner, Alex Nevarez, during the swearing-in ceremony. Guest was the first openly gay ambassador appointed by the Bush administration. It was a landmark event.

Today that auspicious beginning comes to an inauspicious close. Michael Guest resigned because of the State Department’s failure to treat the partners of gay and lesbian foreign service officers the same as the spouses of heterosexual officers. In his words he publicly lambastes the State Department and its leadership.

"For the past three years, I’ve urged the Secretary and her senior management team to redress policies that discriminate against gay and lesbian employees. Absolutely nothing has resulted from this. And so I’ve felt compelled to choose between obligations to my partner — who is my family — and service to my country. That anyone should have to make that choice is a stain on the Secretary’s leadership and a shame for this institution and our country."

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

December 17, 2007 7:00-8:30pm at Charis Books and More(1189 Euclid Ave NE in the Little Five Points Business District in Atlanta, GA)

December 17th is the 5th annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This event was created to call attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers all over the globe. Please join us as we celebrate this important day of action with a sex worker open mic, a few brief video screenings and inspiring conversation on the movement for sex workers rights, dignity and de-criminalization!

This event is free and open to everyone, however to participate as a performer in the open mic, the organizers request that you be a current or former sex worker. For more information, please visit: http://www.myspace.com/redumbrellaatlanta

Danny Glover - Rescue the Constitution

This one speaks for itself. Unfortunately, FOX refuses to run it.

Kellie Picker - Proof The Some Stereotypes Are Based In Fact

OK, all my feminist friends will kill me for this, but I had to post this because it is absolutely unbelievable. Kellie Picker, who I Googled and found out was a recording artist, appeared recently on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader". Here is a spoiler...she isn't! This has to be an act because nobody is this clueless!

Wolfowitz Is Back! Now WMD Intelligence Czar

Sometimes the old adage about the bad penny rings true. Take that perennial bad penny Paul Wolfowitz. He left the Bush administration much to the relief of many and ended up at the World Bank. There he became the center of a scandal and was forced to leave. And now, guess what? Back in the Bush administration.

I guess with the Bush folks, there is no such thing as burning a bridge, as long as you are loyal to our glorious leader. Wolfowitz is loyal. So, Bush created a new position that will not require Senate approval, and bingo, Wolfie is back!

The revolving door for criminals and cronies at the White House is a disgrace, but the Congress apparently has no problem with it. Write your Congressperson and let them know what is going on, I suspect they are living in an alternate reality and haven’t got a clue.

What's worse is the position he is in. Head of intelligence for WMD! If you recall he was deeply involved in the pumped up claims of Saddam's WMDs in the lead up to the war. Go figure?

Texas Legislators Defrauding Votes in the Texas Legislature

State Representatives have been voting for each other using the push button system in the Texas Legislature. Crookedness knows no boundries especially in Texas!

Rudy Giuliani TV Ad Parody - Funny and True!

12% of Iraq Police Can't Read - Time To Party!

Glad to see our training has paid off in Iraq. Got this video from an Iraqi blogger who is frustrated by the unprofessional attitudes of the Iraqi police. He said in a recent report released by the Iraq government that a full 12% of the police force is illiterate. How can they check ID's if they can't read.

Enjoy the party!

GOP - Gay Old Party? More Larry Craig Encounters.

At least four more men have come forward and are willing to put their names in print as having had "encounters" with Sen. Craig. Add this to the growing rumors about Trent Lott and the previously outed Republicans and you have to wonder if the GOP is not the party of choice for closeted gay men?

I would be willing to say that if you hear a Republican loudly arguing against gay rights, there is a good chance he is a closeted queer. (I use the term queer not as an epithet, just for your politically correct folks.) Me thinks they protesteth too much!

Bush Claims Records of Abramoff's Visits Are State Secrets

Shhh! It’s a secret. At least that is the word from the Bush administration. Records that might show how many times Jack Abramoff visited the White House are being withheld because according to White House lawyers, "the Secret Service has identified a category of highly sensitive documents that might contain information sought in a lawsuit about Abramoff’s trips to the White House."

Bush is playing the national security card again, and I feel he is over playing his hand. The tired lie that everything that happens in the White House if directly involved in the nation’s security is not working. The White House is the nation’s house, the presidency is our realm, we in a democracy decide what and who is welcome there. It’s time the people spoke and turned the current residents of our house out!

Michigan Loses Its Delegates To Democratic Convention

Another state has lost its delegates to the Democratic Convention. This time it’s Michigan because of moving their primary too early in violation of rules. In addition to having their delegates stripped, these states will see no campaigning by Democratic hopefuls. Candidates have pledged to only campaign in states that abide by party rules.

More on this at Raw Story!

I-35 Is God's Highway? Pat Robertson - Still Crazy After All These Years

This clip from the 700 Club is about a wacky as it gets. As a Christian, I find this kind of simplistic brain dead theology offensive. As a gay man, I find it obscene...but it's still somewhat amusing.

World AIDS Day - Always A Good Time To Remember

On World AIDS day I find myself becoming bit maudlin as I searched the Names Project Quilt online. Finding far too many panels that bore the names of friends I finally decided to just log off and write.

I listened to an interview this morning on CNN with a leader in the African American community talk about how it was time that the black churches in America came forward to help stop the spread of AIDS. I found myself talking to the TV saying that, "20 years ago was the time ALL churches came forward to stop the spread of AIDS." And the story was followed by our glorious leader lying about how well abstinence programs are working.

Sometimes I think we live in some sort of alternate universe? Instead of kicking in the TV, I decided it would be better if I continued to work on behalf of people living with AIDS and continue to try educating my community about safer sex. It might not be as dramatic as putting my foot through the TV, but it just might save a life.

The quilt panel here was for John Thomas, a friend and tireless AIDS activist. God blessed us with his presence.

Bush Uses Another Signing Statement To Circumvent The Law

So our glorious leader has once again used a signing statement, a dubiously legal trick, to assert that he will not obey 11 provisions in the Military Appropriations Bill he signed yesterday. In a typical Friday news-dump, he quietly added the "signing statement" to the bill.

As this president continues to add up these signing statements, which claim executive power over the law of the land, he again breaks the record of any other president in their use. Bush has enacted a de facto dictatorship and Congress is silent. Why? That is the $64,000 question.

Write your Congressperson and ask that question. Of course you may not get an answer unless you include the $64,000. The sad truth is that our government is run by the Golden Rule. He who has the most gold, rules!

Now That's Just Plain Odd - Debbie Reynolds Sings Spirituals!

OK, thanks to the folks at McBlogger for this really weird video. Hope it makes your day!

Updated List of Toys & Products With Lead Paint - Merry Christmas!

Here is the Consumer Product Safety Commissions latest list of lead related recalls:

Children's Metal Jewelry Recalled by Buy-Rite Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Cherrydale Fundraising Recalls Bracelets Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Children’s Metal Jewelry Recalled by Colossal Jewelry & Accessories Due to Risk of Lead Exposure La Femme NY Inc. Recalls Children’s Necklace and Earring Sets Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Pure Allure Recalls Metal Jewelry Sold at Michaels Stores Due to Risk of Lead Exposure to Children Metal Jewelry Sold by Family Dollar Stores Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure to Children Dollar Tree Stores Inc. Recalls Children's Jewelry Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Children's Metal Jewelry Recalled By WeGlow International Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Bendable Dinosaur Toys Recalled by Kipp Brothers for Excessive Lead Key Chains Recalled by Dollar General Due to Risk of Lead Exposure TOBY N.Y.C. Expands Children’s Metal Jewelry Recall Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Children’s Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces Recalled By Rhode Island Novelty Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
Lead Paint Slipcovers Used With Boppy Pillows Recalled Due to Choking Hazard and Risk of Lead Exposure Children’s Pencil Pouches Recalled by Raymond Geddes & Co. Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Discount School Supply Recalls Paint Brushes Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hobby Lobby Stores Recalls Halloween-Themed Baskets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Children's Sunglasses Recalled by Dollar General Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Curious George Plush Dolls Recalled By Marvel Toys Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Schylling Associates Recalls Collectable Toy Robot Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard Schylling Associates Recalls Dizzy Ducks Music Box Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard Additional Spinning Top Recalled by Schylling Associates Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard Schylling Associates Recalls Duck Family Collectable Toy Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard Toy Cars Recalled by Dollar General Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (Español) International Sourcing Ltd. Recalls Toy Dragster and Funny Car Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Northern Tool & Equipment Recalls “Big Red” Wagons Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Toy Figures Recalled by Henry Gordy International Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (Español) Halloween "Ugly Teeth" Recalled By Amscan Inc. Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Pearl-like Bead Attachment Sold with Girl’s Gift Sets Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold exclusively at Limited Too Stores Toys "R" Us Recalls Elite Operations Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard SimplyFun Recalls Ribbit Board Games Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Family Dollar Stores Recalls Halloween Pails Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard DecoPac Inc. Recalls Football Bobble Head Cake Decorations Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Jo-Ann Stores Expands Recall of Children's Toy Garden Tools Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Standard Fisher Price Recalls Go Diego Go Boat Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Albert's Recalls Halloween Skull Pails Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (Español) Antioch Publishing Recalls Additional Bookmarks Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Guidecraft Inc. Recalls Children’s Puppet Theaters Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard J.C. Penney Recalls Breyer Stirrup Ornaments Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard J.C. Penney Recalls Deluxe Art Sets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard J.C. Penney Recalls Disney™ Winnie-the-Pooh Play Sets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® Recalls Travel Art Sets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Riddell Recalls Collectible Mini Racing Helmets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Kahoot Products Inc. Recalls Cub Scouts Totem Badges Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Sports Authority Recalls Aluminum Water Bottles Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Antioch Publishing Recalls Bookmarks and Journals Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard CKI Recalls Children’s Decorating Sets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold Exclusively at Toys “R” Us Dollar General Recalls Tumblers Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Eveready Battery Co. Recalls Toy Flashlights Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Kids II Recalls Baby Einstein Color Blocks Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard KB Toys Recalls Wooden Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Guidecraft Inc. Recalls Children’s Puppet Theaters Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Children’s Toy Rakes Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Recalled Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Standard RC2 Recalls Knights of the Sword Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Target Recalls Children’s Toy Gardening Tools and Chairs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (Español) RC2 Corp. Recalls Additional Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (Español) Fisher-Price Recalls Bongo Band Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (Español) Fisher-Price Recalls Geo Trax Locomotive Toys Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard (Español) Mattel Recalls Various Barbie® Accessory Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (Español)

Seem like a lot? You bet and this is only the recent stuff. Our friendly trading partner China makes almost all this stuff and obviously has absolutely no safety enforcement. The reason? Profit!

Eventually, we as American Citizens will become weary of having our children poisoned by cheap unsafe goods and will be willing to pay higher prices for toys made with safe materials, maybe even in the good old USA?