Watching an interview with Joe Barton I was struck at the calm way he describes Global Warming as a net benefit to mankind. Yes, you heard me right, "Smokey" Joe Barton, Congressman from Texas believes or says he believes that since CO2 is something we create when we breathe it must be OK for the ecosystem. I guess he sees no problem with higher sea levels, increased desertification and worse. All not only predicted, but proven to be actually happening.
Watch this an tell me if you think he is just "kicked in the head" stupid or a very skilled liar.
Monday, December 14, 2009
10 Iranian Men Await Execution For Being Gay
It's not just African countries that abuse and imprison LGBT people. It comes as no surprise that Iran is holding 12 young men in prison for "sodomy". What's worse is they are awaiting execution!
Though Iran may look pretty civilized from pictures of it's street life, modern cars, neon signs and lots of internet cafes, its still in the Dark Ages as far as human rights. The dictatorship of the Supreme Leader teamed with President Ahmadinejad makes Iran a pretty bad spot for being gay.
According to an article in Gay City News:
Though Iran may look pretty civilized from pictures of it's street life, modern cars, neon signs and lots of internet cafes, its still in the Dark Ages as far as human rights. The dictatorship of the Supreme Leader teamed with President Ahmadinejad makes Iran a pretty bad spot for being gay.
According to an article in Gay City News:
The information about the ten youths currently under sentence of death for sodomy (lavaat in Persian) was released on November 25 in a joint appeal by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), the Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO), and COC of the Netherlands, the world’s oldest LGBT rights group, founded in 1946. The three organizations called on Western countries “with significant diplomatic and economic ties to Iran, including Germany, France, Canada, as well as the European Union, to pursue diplomatic efforts to cease these executions.”The US already has problems with Iran and so diplomatic ties are sketchy at best. Seems like Uganda has plenty of company as far as "not ready for prime time" countries.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
President Obama Condemns Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Law!
I don't know if it was because of pressure from the LGBT community or because of genuine personal conviction, and I hope it is the latter, but the White House has issued a strong statement on the Uganda law I have been railing about for the last few weeks.
"The President strongly opposes efforts, such as the draft law pending in Uganda, that would criminalize homosexuality and move against the tide of history."More here.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Uganda Moderates - A Little - On Anti-Homosexuality Bill
The proposed law which enraged LGBT activists and just about anyone interested in human rights in Uganda has been amended. The new Anti-Homosexuality Bill still makes it a crime to be LGBT but dropped the death penalty and life in prison portions of the proposed law.
It's not much of a step, but I suppose in Uganda even that is something. Still Uganda is not about to show up in the Bob Damron's Guide any time soon.
It's not much of a step, but I suppose in Uganda even that is something. Still Uganda is not about to show up in the Bob Damron's Guide any time soon.
Gay Man Injured By Bouncer In Straight Bar
What was he thinking? A gay man walked into a nightclub in Queens New York and began dancing with his partner! The bouncer grabbed him and told him to stop and when he resisted he was beaten and tossed out. What was he thinking?
Maybe, just maybe he was thinking, "hey straight people go into gay bars and dance together all the time, so why not the reverse?"
Considering he is a well known New York gay activist, that is a pretty sure bet. Now the cops might just charge the bouncer with a hate crime and good for them! Equality is a two way street, and as long as an establishment is open to the public, there is absolutely no reason two men or two women can't dance together. Especially in New York City!
I would expect and frankly hope more of this happens, the dancing that is not the beating. We might not be able to get married, but we sure as hell can dance anywhere we please. Does that sound like a "fuck you"? Take it however you wish.
Maybe, just maybe he was thinking, "hey straight people go into gay bars and dance together all the time, so why not the reverse?"
Considering he is a well known New York gay activist, that is a pretty sure bet. Now the cops might just charge the bouncer with a hate crime and good for them! Equality is a two way street, and as long as an establishment is open to the public, there is absolutely no reason two men or two women can't dance together. Especially in New York City!
I would expect and frankly hope more of this happens, the dancing that is not the beating. We might not be able to get married, but we sure as hell can dance anywhere we please. Does that sound like a "fuck you"? Take it however you wish.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Glen Beck - "Abolish Medicare"
Most mornings I stroll through the mall attached to my office building and sit at a coffee shop to read and get my morning dose of caffeine. As with many malls in America, this one has its share of "mall walkers", mostly senior citizens out to get some exercise and indulge in this new social activity.
A group is always gathered at a table nearby where they discuss everything from grand kids to politics. From the conversations I have overheard, they are conservative and must listen to Glen Beck or Limbaugh from the quotes they spout.
I have to wonder how they would react to Glen Beck's latest tirade on Medicare.
In reality, Medicare is actually more efficient at providing health care and costs less than private plans.
Of course that is "reality" and I keep forgetting that conservatives create their own "reality". Go figure!
A group is always gathered at a table nearby where they discuss everything from grand kids to politics. From the conversations I have overheard, they are conservative and must listen to Glen Beck or Limbaugh from the quotes they spout.
I have to wonder how they would react to Glen Beck's latest tirade on Medicare.
"...why don’t you just abolish Medicare, because it’s so wildly corrupt and out of control. It’s so inefficient, it is so bad and there’s $47 billion in suspected wrong payments, okay, in Medicare."I would make a bet that every one of those folks at that table are actually beneficiaries of Medicare and so are many of Becks loyal listeners.
In reality, Medicare is actually more efficient at providing health care and costs less than private plans.
Of course that is "reality" and I keep forgetting that conservatives create their own "reality". Go figure!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Former GOP Lawmaker In S&M Scandal.
OK, when a politician says he is "leaving office to spend more time with his family", that always means caught with his hand in the cookie jar, either sexually or monetarily. Well the case of former Missouri Speaker of the House Rod Jetton ( is that a porn name or what?) gets even more fun. And did I say this loser was behind anti-gay legislative efforts in his home state?
Jetton was already facing corruption allegations, but the latest news of his sexual escapades is choice.
Seems Jetton was a bit kinky, and he and his girlfriend (not his wife, mind you) were planning an evening of rough sex. They even arranged a safe-word, "green balloon" but forgot the third part of the BDSM mantra, "Safe, Sane & Consensual". You see Rod brought along a couple of bottles of wine and after his gal pal indulged in a glass or two, she began "fading in and out".
After an evening of very rough sex which included choking and face slapping she was upset. He told her as he was leaving, you should have used your safe word. And there is the problem!
If you are drunk, or in this case perhaps drugged (there is a suspicion of that as well) you can't give consent and if your are "fading in and out" remembering "green balloons" is tantamount to calculus.
Of course that is making the assumption that Rod and his friend had any kind of education in basic BDSM safety and protocol. HAH! (Sorry that was unavoidable, fat chance a homophobic Republican would ever be out enough to get any kind of educaton in BDSM safety!)
Read all about it and let this be a lesson to any would be kinksters, you can't give consent if you are drunk!
Jetton was already facing corruption allegations, but the latest news of his sexual escapades is choice.
Seems Jetton was a bit kinky, and he and his girlfriend (not his wife, mind you) were planning an evening of rough sex. They even arranged a safe-word, "green balloon" but forgot the third part of the BDSM mantra, "Safe, Sane & Consensual". You see Rod brought along a couple of bottles of wine and after his gal pal indulged in a glass or two, she began "fading in and out".
After an evening of very rough sex which included choking and face slapping she was upset. He told her as he was leaving, you should have used your safe word. And there is the problem!
If you are drunk, or in this case perhaps drugged (there is a suspicion of that as well) you can't give consent and if your are "fading in and out" remembering "green balloons" is tantamount to calculus.
Of course that is making the assumption that Rod and his friend had any kind of education in basic BDSM safety and protocol. HAH! (Sorry that was unavoidable, fat chance a homophobic Republican would ever be out enough to get any kind of educaton in BDSM safety!)
Read all about it and let this be a lesson to any would be kinksters, you can't give consent if you are drunk!
Is The Senate Selling Out? Dropping Public Option.
Carefully parsing his words, Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader said the Senate had reached a "broad agreement". That is double speak for throwing in the towel. Other Senators leaked the details to the press and the "broad agreement" includes dropping the public option on health care in favor of "non-profit" private insurance option overseen by the federal Office of Personnel Management. That is a similar deal to what federal employees get...similar is the key word.
One bright spot is that Medicare would be extended to people 55 and older.
My suspicion is that this alleged not for profit deal insures that insurers will get at least the cash flow if not the complete profits from this bill. Cash flow can be a profit center, especially if you are skilled at bilking every dime of interest and add-ons as insurance companies are.
What a lot of people forget is that one of the biggest insurance companies in the country started as a "not for profit" alternative to private health insurance. Blue Cross & Blue Shield was started prior to my birth back in the depression. It was a product of Baylor Hospital who wanted to find a way to provide insurance for working class folks like teachers and to make sure they got paid for their hospital services. It was not for profit up until the 1980's (thanks to the Regan-Bush years) when it became the big time money maker it is today.
So don't expect that non profit thing to last. Meanwhile, the another bright spot was the defeat of an anti-abortion amendment that would have denied coverage for abortion to people covered under the bill. That little gem was another attempt by the GOP to take away a woman's rights. I suspect most Republican men would like to see women's sufferage repealed. But that is another story.
One bright spot is that Medicare would be extended to people 55 and older.
My suspicion is that this alleged not for profit deal insures that insurers will get at least the cash flow if not the complete profits from this bill. Cash flow can be a profit center, especially if you are skilled at bilking every dime of interest and add-ons as insurance companies are.
What a lot of people forget is that one of the biggest insurance companies in the country started as a "not for profit" alternative to private health insurance. Blue Cross & Blue Shield was started prior to my birth back in the depression. It was a product of Baylor Hospital who wanted to find a way to provide insurance for working class folks like teachers and to make sure they got paid for their hospital services. It was not for profit up until the 1980's (thanks to the Regan-Bush years) when it became the big time money maker it is today.
So don't expect that non profit thing to last. Meanwhile, the another bright spot was the defeat of an anti-abortion amendment that would have denied coverage for abortion to people covered under the bill. That little gem was another attempt by the GOP to take away a woman's rights. I suspect most Republican men would like to see women's sufferage repealed. But that is another story.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Pepsi Says They Are Appalled By Beenie Man Concert
Apparently enough people wrote Pepsi about their sponsorship of a Beenie Man concert in Uganda that they issued the following statement.
"We are appalled by the performer’s lyrics and find them repugnant. Our bottling partner in Uganda was not aware of the performer's views and never would have sponsored the concert with this knowledge.... Moving forward, we will work closely with our bottling partners to be more vigilant about the events associated with our brands."
Good for Pepsi and good for all those who write and told the soft drink giant how outraged you were. For those who didn't know, Beenie Man is a Jamaican singer whose homophobic lyrics included exhortations to "slit the throats" of gay men.
"We are appalled by the performer’s lyrics and find them repugnant. Our bottling partner in Uganda was not aware of the performer's views and never would have sponsored the concert with this knowledge.... Moving forward, we will work closely with our bottling partners to be more vigilant about the events associated with our brands."
Good for Pepsi and good for all those who write and told the soft drink giant how outraged you were. For those who didn't know, Beenie Man is a Jamaican singer whose homophobic lyrics included exhortations to "slit the throats" of gay men.
Stem Cells To Kill HIV? Hope Or Hype?
This year I have posted at least three stories on dramatic advances in the fight against HIV/AIDS only to be crestfallen by the follow up that either indicated the stories were complete hype or the results when reanalyzed were inconclusive. Now comes an announcement by UCLA that they have a "proof of concept" around using genetically engineered stem cells as a vaccine against HIV.
Until I see a patient walking around completely cured of the virus, I can only say...blah, blah, blah! This sounds like hype to secure either funding or to make a first claim on a patent. Today, medical research seems to be about getting patentable drugs and processes rather than about curing disease. The big winners find a way to make previously deadly diseases "manageable". That is medical double speak for , not a cure, but still big profits.
Skeptical? You betcha! The "Living with HIV" industry is worth billions of dollars a year. A cure though it would be wonderful would only generate income until the disease was wiped out. I suspect if polio were an emerging epidemic today, there would be no vaccine, but lots of drugs to "manage" the disease.
Until I see a patient walking around completely cured of the virus, I can only say...blah, blah, blah! This sounds like hype to secure either funding or to make a first claim on a patent. Today, medical research seems to be about getting patentable drugs and processes rather than about curing disease. The big winners find a way to make previously deadly diseases "manageable". That is medical double speak for , not a cure, but still big profits.
Skeptical? You betcha! The "Living with HIV" industry is worth billions of dollars a year. A cure though it would be wonderful would only generate income until the disease was wiped out. I suspect if polio were an emerging epidemic today, there would be no vaccine, but lots of drugs to "manage" the disease.
Monday, December 07, 2009
McDonald's To Transgender Applicant - "We Don't Hire Faggots!"
Seems like some folks just can't handle transgendered people. The manager of a McDonald's in Florida left a message for a transgendered job applicant on their answering machine. The gist of it was this:
"It doesn't matter how many times you go down there: You will not get hired. We do not hire faggots."Nice sentiment from the house of Ronald McDonald. Pam's House Blend has the recording.
Uganda Make Me Crazy!
After being pounded by emails and comments from Ugandans defending their Middle Ages bill which makes homosexuality a capital offense, now it looks like Pepsi is in the mix. The soft drink sponsored concerts by Beenie Man, the Jamaican singer whose lyrics endorse killing gay people.
At the Pepsi sponsored concert Beenie Man is reported to have song that gay men should have their throats slit. Now that doesn't sound like the "Pepsi Generation" I remember.
Write or call Pepsi and ask them why they are sponsoring a singer who endorses murder? Or you can sign the online petition here.
At the Pepsi sponsored concert Beenie Man is reported to have song that gay men should have their throats slit. Now that doesn't sound like the "Pepsi Generation" I remember.
Write or call Pepsi and ask them why they are sponsoring a singer who endorses murder? Or you can sign the online petition here.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Porn Study Ends - No Porn Virgins Found!
Well that must have been a disappointing moment. Researchers at the University of Montreal failed to find a single male in his 20s who hadn't been exposed to porn. Back to the drawing board on that study!
So next time someone gives you grief for watching porn give them the link to this story. If they calim they have never done it, they most likely have their pants on fire, and not from the porn!
So next time someone gives you grief for watching porn give them the link to this story. If they calim they have never done it, they most likely have their pants on fire, and not from the porn!
Fair Park Esplanade Fountains Dazzle This Weekend!
For those who know me, it's no surprise I am excited about the new fountains going into Fair Park. The installation was inspired by the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas and will give the park's esplanade a wonderful focal piece. Additionally, the two statues often referred to as the "chorus" are back. These disappeared after the 1936 Centennial and have been lovingly recreated to grace the grand entrance of the park.
Below is a computer simulation of the lighting and fountains as they will look starting this weekend during the Holiday in the Park celebration.
Below is a computer simulation of the lighting and fountains as they will look starting this weekend during the Holiday in the Park celebration.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
New York Senator Monserrate - Convicted Abuser Voted Against Gay Marriage
A nice little tidbit exposed on the Daily Show. Once again Jon Steward is a better reporter that CNN, FOX, and all the other networks combined. He even showed the surveillance footage used to convict him of assault against his girlfriend.
It's here in this segment of The Daily Show:
It's here in this segment of The Daily Show:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Gaywatch - Meredith Baxter & New York State Senate | ||||
| ||||
NY Democrats Who Voted Against Marriage Equality - Traitors!
OK so here are the names of the NY Senators who voted against Marriage Equality:
- Addabbo
- Aubertine
- Diaz
- Huntley
- Kruger
- Monserrate
- Onorato
- Stachowski
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Bishop Says "Gays Won't Go The Heaven" - What About Pedophile Priests & The Church That Protects Them?
Well, the headline says it all. Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan made the statement that homosexuals and transsexuals "will never enter the kingdom of heaven".
Then in a backhanded attempt to sound like a man of God he intoned, "People are not born homosexual, they become homosexual, for different reasons: education issues or because they did not develop their own identity during adolescence. It may not be their fault, but acting against nature and the dignity of the human body is an insult to God."
Of course the good Cardinal like every other Catholic official remains mute on the systematic cover up by the church of the dozens of pedophile priests who have molested children in recent history. Ain't is swell that folks like him actually know how God thinks?
Then in a backhanded attempt to sound like a man of God he intoned, "People are not born homosexual, they become homosexual, for different reasons: education issues or because they did not develop their own identity during adolescence. It may not be their fault, but acting against nature and the dignity of the human body is an insult to God."
Of course the good Cardinal like every other Catholic official remains mute on the systematic cover up by the church of the dozens of pedophile priests who have molested children in recent history. Ain't is swell that folks like him actually know how God thinks?
This Christmas, Pass The Red Kettle By
It's hard to miss the Salvation Army red kettles. They are outside most store and malls with a volunteer ringing a bell which I am sure drives retailers crazy.
I used to drop a dollar or two into the pot every time I passed one until I found out that the Salvation Army, actually a worldwide religious organization actively works to obstruct LGBT rights. If you thought all they did was rescue drunks, think again.
In Scotland the Salvation Army actively lobbied to prevent a repeal of anti-gay laws while at home a few years ago they worked in tandem with the Bush administration to remove any barriers to discrimination against LGBT people while still receiving government funds through the "faith biased" initiates program.
John Aravosis over at Americablog pulled this from their website last year regarding their Austrailian barnch:
I used to drop a dollar or two into the pot every time I passed one until I found out that the Salvation Army, actually a worldwide religious organization actively works to obstruct LGBT rights. If you thought all they did was rescue drunks, think again.
In Scotland the Salvation Army actively lobbied to prevent a repeal of anti-gay laws while at home a few years ago they worked in tandem with the Bush administration to remove any barriers to discrimination against LGBT people while still receiving government funds through the "faith biased" initiates program.
John Aravosis over at Americablog pulled this from their website last year regarding their Austrailian barnch:
"[Homosexual activity is] as rebellion against God's plan for the created order.... Homosexual practice, however, is, in the light of Scripture, clearly unacceptable. Such activity is chosen behaviour and is thus a matter of the will. It is therefore able to be directed or restrained in the same way heterosexual urges are controlled. Homosexual practice would render any person ineligible for full membership (soldiership) in the [Salvation] Army." - Salvation Army Australia Web site (emphasis added)This year why not donate to your local Food Bank, Kiva.org or to the Human Rights Campaign Fund?
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Merry Christmas, You're Deported!
Ah, in the spirit of the season the Salvation Army and Houston Fire Department are asking for birth certificates or Social Security cards for the children they are handing out toys to. Yes, St. Nick now works for the IMS in Houston. Something you might want to remember when being asked to donate a toy or other item to these organizations.
Funny, I don't remember Jesus attaching strings to His miracles? Maybe Lou Dobbs is really Santa Clause?
Funny, I don't remember Jesus attaching strings to His miracles? Maybe Lou Dobbs is really Santa Clause?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Whale Go Boom!
OK this is an old video, but I first saw it almost 40 years ago when it was first shot... of course the it was on 16mm film.
News reporter Paul Linnman of Portland, OR was sent to cover the story of a dead whale that washed up on shore. The parks department or some other rocket scientist figured they could blow the whale carcas up and the shore birds and crabs would take care of the pulverized remains.
The proceeded to pack the whale with a ton of dynamite and pushed the plunger. The story is below. Obviously no one thought this through and from the huge pieces of blubber falling and destroying cars parked 1/4 mile away, it clearly belongs in the "hey watch this" hall of fame.
News reporter Paul Linnman of Portland, OR was sent to cover the story of a dead whale that washed up on shore. The parks department or some other rocket scientist figured they could blow the whale carcas up and the shore birds and crabs would take care of the pulverized remains.
The proceeded to pack the whale with a ton of dynamite and pushed the plunger. The story is below. Obviously no one thought this through and from the huge pieces of blubber falling and destroying cars parked 1/4 mile away, it clearly belongs in the "hey watch this" hall of fame.
Minaret Ban In Switzerland?
I can't imagine this happening here...note the irony in my voice.
Right wing voters in Switzerland look poised to win an election that will prohibit mosques from building minarets. Seems they don't want people thinking that radical Islam is spreading in their country. So they ban minarets?
Seems the right wing Swiss are as crazy as the GOP.
Right wing voters in Switzerland look poised to win an election that will prohibit mosques from building minarets. Seems they don't want people thinking that radical Islam is spreading in their country. So they ban minarets?
Seems the right wing Swiss are as crazy as the GOP.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Dubai Awash In Debt - Asks For Hiatus On Repayments
The city state of Dubai, also known as what I call the "Architecture Factory" is putting on the brakes. Driven by immense debt incurred in it's insane building projects, like the worlds tallest skyscraper in the middle of the desert or the palm shaped islands, the emirate is over $60 billion in debt.
The call for a debt standstill for 6 month has shaken the world markets. Seems everyone is surprised that Dubai is in trouble. I have to wonder do these folks who are the power brokers in he world markets every do some basic arithmetic?
Sheik Mohammed has been spending like a drunk who thinks he won the lottery and now everyone else is figuring it out. Certainly hope he doesn't take the rest of the middle east down with him.
The call for a debt standstill for 6 month has shaken the world markets. Seems everyone is surprised that Dubai is in trouble. I have to wonder do these folks who are the power brokers in he world markets every do some basic arithmetic?
Sheik Mohammed has been spending like a drunk who thinks he won the lottery and now everyone else is figuring it out. Certainly hope he doesn't take the rest of the middle east down with him.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
GOP Rewriting History Again - No Terror Attacks Under Bush?
Sure feels like 1984 at least the fictional one. Dana Perino is trying to rewrite history in an interview where she claims there were no terrorist attacks under the Bush administration. Hummm? So what was 9/11 and that Anthrax thing?
Atlanta Police Sued By Eagle Patrons
Lambda Legal is representing 19 individuals in a lawsuit over the police raid on the Atlanta Eagle. From an interview in OnTop Magazine, Greg Nevins, supervising senior staff attorney in Lambda Legal's Southern Regional Office made this statement:
“The illegal activity going on in the Atlanta Eagle that night was committed by the APD (Atlanta Police Department).... If it is APD procedure for elderly men and wounded veterans to be thrown to the floor and harassed simply for being in a bar having a drink after work, then the APD should change its procedure."During the raid, no one was allowed to leave the building and police forced 62 patrons to lay prone on the floor while they collected IDs. Anyone questioning their activity was told, “Don't speak until spoken to” or “Shut up.”
Maybe the patrons of the Rainbow Lounge should take note? The Fort Worth Police and TABC have clearly covered up their tracks with their lame investigations that found no wrongdoing, yet one of the men they detained was sent to the hospital with a brain injury. Where is the outrage?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
An Ocean On Mars?
Last night my partner and I were looking at Google Mars. It's a wonderful program developed from the photographs taken by several Mars probes and includes details I had never seen before. We were postulating the features that are obviously due to erosion.
Today, I find this article which states that Mars once had a great ocean in its northern hemisphere and was a damp and rainy place. Pretty cool stuff. Especially when you consider how similar Mars and Earth are and that leads to the obvious question, was there life on Mars?
Hummm? Damp rainy, oceans, most likely a richer atmosphere? I suspect it is only a matter of time before we find the first Martian fossils.
I hope I am around to see that. I can only wonder how it will affect the theology of folks who cannot envision a God big enough for life on other worlds. Should be some interesting crises of faith.
Today, I find this article which states that Mars once had a great ocean in its northern hemisphere and was a damp and rainy place. Pretty cool stuff. Especially when you consider how similar Mars and Earth are and that leads to the obvious question, was there life on Mars?
Hummm? Damp rainy, oceans, most likely a richer atmosphere? I suspect it is only a matter of time before we find the first Martian fossils.
I hope I am around to see that. I can only wonder how it will affect the theology of folks who cannot envision a God big enough for life on other worlds. Should be some interesting crises of faith.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Anti Gay Hate Crimes Rise Alarmingly
The latest report from the FBI shows that hate crimes against LGBT people are rising at a rate of nearly 11%. That is reason for alarm.
The statistics are a bit dusty, since these were from 2008, but I guess it takes time for law enforcement officials from around the country to compile them. Of the 1706 people who were targets of sexual orientation hate crimes here is the breakdown according to the FBI:
The statistics are a bit dusty, since these were from 2008, but I guess it takes time for law enforcement officials from around the country to compile them. Of the 1706 people who were targets of sexual orientation hate crimes here is the breakdown according to the FBI:
57.5 % were victims of an offender’s anti-male homosexual bias.The breakdown reflects a couple of strange things, first the general anti-homosexual category seems odd anbd the lact of "transgendered" as a category is also troubling. With the new Byrd/Shepard Hate Crimes Act in place I suspect the next compilation will include trangendered victims as well.
27.3 % were victims because of an anti-homosexual bias.
11.6 % were victims because of an anti-female homosexual bias.
2.0 % were victims because of an anti-heterosexual bias.
1.6 % were victims because of an anti-bisexual bias.
DADT Hearings On Hold - Indefinitely
Senator Carl Levin, who in October said that Don't Ask Don't Tell would be brought up at a Senate hearing in November has apparently decided it is not a wise move and has pulled it off the table.
In an article on the blog LezGetReal.com sources are quoted as saying the issue will most likely be tucked into next years DOD appropriations bill. This confirms what Barney Frank intimated in an Advocate magazine interview last week.
Once again the Democrats are delaying LGBT issues. I have to wonder if they really plan to do anything or just delay hoping we will forget? Here's the deal, we won't forget!
In an article on the blog LezGetReal.com sources are quoted as saying the issue will most likely be tucked into next years DOD appropriations bill. This confirms what Barney Frank intimated in an Advocate magazine interview last week.
Once again the Democrats are delaying LGBT issues. I have to wonder if they really plan to do anything or just delay hoping we will forget? Here's the deal, we won't forget!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Airport Blogging
Stuck at the airport so I am bored. Only bright spot was watching a crowd of Palin fans "boo" her as she left a book signingbefore signing all their books. Small comfort!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Virginia Foxx Rewrites History
The Republicans continue to try to rewrite history. If it wasn't bad enought that Fox News is using faked footage to imply broad support of the radical right agenda, now another Fox, this one in Congress is just plain telling big fat lies!
Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) told these whoppers:
Fox and Foxx are full of crap, but that's just my opinion!
Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) told these whoppers:
"Actually, the GOP has been the leader in starting good environmental programs in this country.... Just as we were the people who passed the civil rights bills back in the ’60s without very much help from our colleagues across the aisle,”Of course she forgets it was during the Kennedy/Johnson years that the Civil Rights Act was debated and passed. She also forgets that a good portion of southern Democrats might as well have been Republicans since they were about as ultra-conservative.
Fox and Foxx are full of crap, but that's just my opinion!
Fox Claims Disciplinary Action For Fake Footage Of Palin
In the category of "I'll believe it when I see it", Fox has said they will discipline the people responsible for the fake footage of alleged crowds at a Sarah Palin book signing. The actual footage was of a campaign rally last year.
This follows their other false footage from the anti-health care reform on Sean Hannity's show where they actually showed footage from the "teabagger" rally months previously. Fox seem unable to live in the real world, and like the GOP they continue to create their own reality. The problem is now the FCC may get involved for them disseminating false information.
This follows their other false footage from the anti-health care reform on Sean Hannity's show where they actually showed footage from the "teabagger" rally months previously. Fox seem unable to live in the real world, and like the GOP they continue to create their own reality. The problem is now the FCC may get involved for them disseminating false information.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Fox News Fakes More Footage!
Fox News, or as I call it the "all GOP Channel", has been fudging their footage again. This time in support of their favorite celebrity, Sarah Palin. Afternoon host Gregg Jarrett breathlessly spoke of the huge crowds Palin is drawing at her book signings and the showed footage of her behind a teleprompter waving at the crowd, holding McCain for President signs? Oh come now!
How stupid do you think the average Fox viewer is? Never mind that rhetorical question!
How stupid do you think the average Fox viewer is? Never mind that rhetorical question!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Palin Gets On My Nerves
Will someone call Sarah Palin and tell her that her 15 minutes of fame are up!
Her fiction filled book seems to be everywhere, yet I have met no one but pundits and fact checkers who have read it. She is all over television and frankly, she gives me a headache.
Her fake folksiness act no longer works and though she is an easy target for Tina Fey, I just wish she would go away.
Presidential material? Nobody in the GOP seriously thinks so unless they just want to put a smartly dressed air head in the White House....oh wait, they already did that with George W!
Her fiction filled book seems to be everywhere, yet I have met no one but pundits and fact checkers who have read it. She is all over television and frankly, she gives me a headache.
Her fake folksiness act no longer works and though she is an easy target for Tina Fey, I just wish she would go away.
Presidential material? Nobody in the GOP seriously thinks so unless they just want to put a smartly dressed air head in the White House....oh wait, they already did that with George W!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Water on the Moon!
Water on the MOON! Now that is big news.
The recent NASA mission that bombarded the lunar surface generated a plume including a significant amount of water vapor. This means our vision of the moon being a cold dry place is wrong and it could have implications for further exploration and for the search for life on other worlds as well.
The recent NASA mission that bombarded the lunar surface generated a plume including a significant amount of water vapor. This means our vision of the moon being a cold dry place is wrong and it could have implications for further exploration and for the search for life on other worlds as well.
Coney Island Redux
Last month, my partner and I paid a cold rainy visit to Coney Island to make a pilgrimage to Gargiulio's restaurant. It's a tradition for me to have a great Italian dinner at one of Coney Island's landmarks. The other landmarks are dwindling. Astroland, though never a great amusement park was still a remnant of what Coney Island used to be, is long gone. Luna Park and Steeplechase are dim memories for only the older crowd, and the last remnants of Coney are the Cyclone roller coaster, Wonderwheel Park and the Sideshow by the Seashore.
Today the city gave the aging fun-zone new hope. New York announced a 12.5 acre amusement park and major revival projects for the boardwalk and entertainment areas surrounding it. Read more here on Huffington Post.
Today the city gave the aging fun-zone new hope. New York announced a 12.5 acre amusement park and major revival projects for the boardwalk and entertainment areas surrounding it. Read more here on Huffington Post.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
GOP Funds Abortions
No really! Their health insurance program for the Republican National Committee actually pays for abortions. The hypocritical votes of Republicans forcing a "no publicly funded abortions" clause in the health insurance reform is amazingly cynical.
Of course I should have expected no less.
Of course I should have expected no less.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Lou Dobbs - Buh Bye!
Tonight Lou Dobbs leaves CNN. I suspect in a few days he will show up on FOX. His once semi-coherent voice has become a shrill call for the right as he rants about illegal aliens and other far right diatribes.
Perhaps he will be happier somewhere else?
Perhaps he will be happier somewhere else?
Veteran's Day
I always try to spend a few moments in meditation remembering the veterans who have gone to war in the name of our freedom. Though I have often disagreed with the government as to the need for the wars they wage, I never have lost respect for the men and women who fight them.
I also spend a little time praying for peace. I pray for a day when nations work out their problems at a negotiating table and not a battlefield. Want to get involved? Check out the Dallas Peace House.
I also spend a little time praying for peace. I pray for a day when nations work out their problems at a negotiating table and not a battlefield. Want to get involved? Check out the Dallas Peace House.
AIG CEO Feels Restricted By Government Pay Czar
Spending the first two weeks on the job telecommuting from his villa on the Adriatic Sea where he oversees wine production in his vineyard, Robert Benmosche feels pinched. Apparently he resents government oversight of the company the US Taxpayers now own and wants more "freedom" to dole out bonuses to his execs.
My heart bleeds for him!
My heart bleeds for him!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Mayan Calendars & UFOs
As the opening day of the new disaster movie 2012 nears, the internet is abuzz with pseudo-science! Talk of the end of the world abounds and yet it is nothing new. Back in 1844 a guy named William Miller claimed that Jesus was coming back and he knew the exact date. October 22, 1844!
Thousands of his wide eyed followers gathered for the second coming and waited with breathless anticipation. The next morning brought disappointment, yet Miller continued to wait for Jesus until his death several years later. That event "the great disappointment" actually gave birth to the Adventist movement and eventually the 7th Day Adventist Church.
Maybe a new church will form in 2013?
The Mayan calendar is segmented into cycles and one does end in 2012, but another begins immediately following that.
Other crackpots claim a planetary alignment will throw the earth off kilter or some such crap. According to NASA, don't hold your breath. Once again it's a load of hooey, but this time it's being exploited for profit by writers and movie makers instead of religious zealots.
So have fun at the movie and sleep well knowing that we have a much better chance of destroying ourselved with our weapons and carbon emissions than we do of an apocalypse in 2012.
Thousands of his wide eyed followers gathered for the second coming and waited with breathless anticipation. The next morning brought disappointment, yet Miller continued to wait for Jesus until his death several years later. That event "the great disappointment" actually gave birth to the Adventist movement and eventually the 7th Day Adventist Church.
Maybe a new church will form in 2013?
The Mayan calendar is segmented into cycles and one does end in 2012, but another begins immediately following that.
Other crackpots claim a planetary alignment will throw the earth off kilter or some such crap. According to NASA, don't hold your breath. Once again it's a load of hooey, but this time it's being exploited for profit by writers and movie makers instead of religious zealots.
So have fun at the movie and sleep well knowing that we have a much better chance of destroying ourselved with our weapons and carbon emissions than we do of an apocalypse in 2012.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Don't Ask, Don't Give
Interesting tactic launched by the folks at AmericaBlog and one that might get the attention of the White House. The Gay-TM is officially turned off until the President and his people begin prodding Congress to do the right thing and repeal DOMA, DADT and pass ENDA! So many acronyms!
Here is the petition.
Here is the petition.
Far Right Forms New Party In Florida
Conservatives have circled the wagons in Florida and are engaged in a circular firing squad. Not content with Charlie Crist who many of the right wing-nuts consider too liberal they have formed a new political party. The Tea Party!
This is pretty good news for progressives. If the GOP splits into right wing and further right wing, their power will be even further limited than it is now. My hope is that this kind of schism will relegate the Republicans and their ilk to a minor Southern party with little actual power. Now if we can only get the Democrats to understand how powerful their position is and start behaving like the majority party!
This is pretty good news for progressives. If the GOP splits into right wing and further right wing, their power will be even further limited than it is now. My hope is that this kind of schism will relegate the Republicans and their ilk to a minor Southern party with little actual power. Now if we can only get the Democrats to understand how powerful their position is and start behaving like the majority party!
Joe Leiberman Still In The Pocket Of Health Insurance
How to put this tactfully? Sen. Joe Lieberman is a dick. yup that just about sums it up as kindly as I can put it. He has sworn to kill the health care bill so long as there is any chance of reasonable and affordable insurance for all Americans. He still clings to the delusion that private companies do it better.
Well, Joe, go take your Ayn Rand books and invisible hand of the market and stuff it. You know very well the insurance companies will do everything they can to gouge American's however and whenever they can. Just try jumping through the hoops to get any kind of procedure approved... oh that's right, you have GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE!
What a piece of work you are!
Well, Joe, go take your Ayn Rand books and invisible hand of the market and stuff it. You know very well the insurance companies will do everything they can to gouge American's however and whenever they can. Just try jumping through the hoops to get any kind of procedure approved... oh that's right, you have GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE!
What a piece of work you are!
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Fundamentalists Stone Adulterer
Ah the delights of fundamentalism!
In Somalia, the country without a government, or at least one that works, a crowd of fundamentalists stoned an adulterer to death. The woman he impregnated will be killed once she has her baby. I guess "life is sacred" to these Muslim fundamentalists. In truth, these might as well be Christian fundamentalists. If they really believe the Bible is inerrant, there should be more stoning and public executions. (Deut. 22:22)
The whole fundamentalist problem is an inability to do critical thinking and a willingness to consider anything written as truth. So for the fundamentalists reading this, it is written:
"Thou shalt not inflict thine own ignorance upon others."
In Somalia, the country without a government, or at least one that works, a crowd of fundamentalists stoned an adulterer to death. The woman he impregnated will be killed once she has her baby. I guess "life is sacred" to these Muslim fundamentalists. In truth, these might as well be Christian fundamentalists. If they really believe the Bible is inerrant, there should be more stoning and public executions. (Deut. 22:22)
The whole fundamentalist problem is an inability to do critical thinking and a willingness to consider anything written as truth. So for the fundamentalists reading this, it is written:
"Thou shalt not inflict thine own ignorance upon others."
Friday, November 06, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Stupid Torture Gadget - As Seen On TV!
It's no secret that I am kinky, but even I have to wonder at the genius of this product. It forces the wearer to be humiliated but to perform an uncomfortable exercise that borders on torture. And to think I try to come up with SM ideas when there are things like this being sold on QVC!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Democrat Wins NY Seat Held For 150 Years By GOP
While some pundits are making hay with the GOP wins in New Jersey and Virginia gubinatorial races, the New York District that has been staunchly Republican for 150 years elected a Democrat to the US House. The race, breathlessly watched by conservatives because of it's ultra right wing candidate, Doug Hoffman, was won by Democrat Bill Owens. There were two conservatives running, one moderate and the other far right and their campaigns effectively split the vote to give Owens the win.
So while a couple of governors are now Republican, the US House gains another Democrat. Sounds like a toss up to me, and far from some kind of plebicite on President Obama as some media mavins would have you believe.
So while a couple of governors are now Republican, the US House gains another Democrat. Sounds like a toss up to me, and far from some kind of plebicite on President Obama as some media mavins would have you believe.
Maine Marriage Fails By Thin Margin
Score another win for bigotry and the Mormon and Catholic Church! Voters in Maine rejected the Same-Sex Marriage law spurred on by church funded campaigns. The margin of victory was very thin, but enough for a defeat, making Maine the second state to take away rights from LGBT people.
If there was any positive spin to be had it was that the margins were razor thin, roughly 51.8% to 48.2%
If there was any positive spin to be had it was that the margins were razor thin, roughly 51.8% to 48.2%
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Ohio Rapist May Be Murderer - Met Victims Online!
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Real Free Credit Report! The FTC Flexes Its Creative Muscles
Those ads with the singing slackers whose credit got screwed up have always seemed a bit strange to me. I checked out the alleged "free" report and the catch is that you have to sign up for a paid service to get the "free" report.
Now the FTC, which apparently has finally woken from it's Bush Era induced slumber has taken steps to fight back. You see, an annual credit report has been free for some time. Now they are staging their own commercials to promote the real free service and debunk the fake ones. Enjoy!
Now the FTC, which apparently has finally woken from it's Bush Era induced slumber has taken steps to fight back. You see, an annual credit report has been free for some time. Now they are staging their own commercials to promote the real free service and debunk the fake ones. Enjoy!
Friday, October 30, 2009
"This Is It" Really Is!
I just got back from seeing Michael Jackson's "This Is It" and I am exhausted. What an emotional rollercoaster of a film. The music and dancing, even though it was rehersal was thrilling. The concert, if it had come to fruition would have been legendary. That was part of the emotional rollercoaster. The great genius of Jackson and his crew shines through and though I was exhillirated by the performances, I was sadded=ned to know it would never be seen on stage...had it not been for this film.
I first though they made the film just to recoup some of the money the producers of the concert lost when Jackson died, but after seeing it, I get the feeling they felt an obligation. An oblgation to Jackson and his art that this concert highlighted. The special effects were amazig just in the rehersal, I can't imagine what they would have been like on stage in London.
Not to spiol things but Jackson's entrance in the newly revitalized Thriller as he crawled out of a giant mechanical spider was genius. There is that word again!
If you get a chance to see this film, don't pss it up. It really is "It"!
I first though they made the film just to recoup some of the money the producers of the concert lost when Jackson died, but after seeing it, I get the feeling they felt an obligation. An oblgation to Jackson and his art that this concert highlighted. The special effects were amazig just in the rehersal, I can't imagine what they would have been like on stage in London.
Not to spiol things but Jackson's entrance in the newly revitalized Thriller as he crawled out of a giant mechanical spider was genius. There is that word again!
If you get a chance to see this film, don't pss it up. It really is "It"!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Senate Adds $50 Million For "Abstenince Only" Sex Education
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
That bumper sticker wisdom is something I hear in 12 step meetings and though it has been overused, it is true. Pity the Senate never heard it!
Yes the Senate...same group who brought you a watered down health care reform bill has approved a little known amendment by Orin Hatch (Utah Republican). This little gem reinstates $50 million in funding for "abstinence only" sex education.
Let me repeat, $50 million in funding for "abstinence only" sex education!
Study after study shows that this approach is discredited and ineffective. In fact under this kind of alleged sex education pregnancy rates increase! So how crazy is that?
Well when you are lobbied by a big time Washington firm funded by a pro-life catholic millionaire, I guess it makes sense. After all, Washington is bought and sold by lobby firms so why should the health of our kids be any roadblock to a personal agenda of a rich guy?
Write and call and visit your Senator and/or Representative and tell them to stop the insanity.
That bumper sticker wisdom is something I hear in 12 step meetings and though it has been overused, it is true. Pity the Senate never heard it!
Yes the Senate...same group who brought you a watered down health care reform bill has approved a little known amendment by Orin Hatch (Utah Republican). This little gem reinstates $50 million in funding for "abstinence only" sex education.
Let me repeat, $50 million in funding for "abstinence only" sex education!
Study after study shows that this approach is discredited and ineffective. In fact under this kind of alleged sex education pregnancy rates increase! So how crazy is that?
Well when you are lobbied by a big time Washington firm funded by a pro-life catholic millionaire, I guess it makes sense. After all, Washington is bought and sold by lobby firms so why should the health of our kids be any roadblock to a personal agenda of a rich guy?
Write and call and visit your Senator and/or Representative and tell them to stop the insanity.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Piano Playing Cat - Mindless Video For Wednesday
I love cats and I play the piano...so enjoy this clip from YouTube!
Monday, October 26, 2009
The GAP Goes Anorexic
Walking by the GAP this morning I saw their visual merchandise people putting up a new window display. This isn't anything unusual since they change these displays about every month, but the image today was startling. There was a larger than life photo of what I assume was a woman wearing ultra tight jeans and a bare midriff top. Her face looked normal enough but her body was impossibly thin.
Like Calvin Klein, the GAP has decided to Photoshop inches off their models to make them look like Auschwitz survivors. If this woman is really as thin as she appears in the photo, she would be too frail to stand, and her face is bigger than her waist!
I understand fashion marketing. Clothes that are designed impossibly thin on paper, look better on tall thin models. The problem is, these artificially reduced bodies hold up impossible ideals for people. Worse still, the whole "skinny look" looks good on only a tiny fraction of men and women, on the rest it just looks ludicrous.
American's as a whole are overweight, and I am no exception, but to design clothes for only emaciated bulimics is silly. I guess the fashion industry is so drunk on their own Kool-Aid that they forget what actually looks good on the street.
How long will it be until the GAP has to fess up to it's deceptive window display and apologize like Ralph Lauren. Of course he did fire the model he Photoshopped for being too fat. She was a size 4!
Like Calvin Klein, the GAP has decided to Photoshop inches off their models to make them look like Auschwitz survivors. If this woman is really as thin as she appears in the photo, she would be too frail to stand, and her face is bigger than her waist!
I understand fashion marketing. Clothes that are designed impossibly thin on paper, look better on tall thin models. The problem is, these artificially reduced bodies hold up impossible ideals for people. Worse still, the whole "skinny look" looks good on only a tiny fraction of men and women, on the rest it just looks ludicrous.
American's as a whole are overweight, and I am no exception, but to design clothes for only emaciated bulimics is silly. I guess the fashion industry is so drunk on their own Kool-Aid that they forget what actually looks good on the street.
How long will it be until the GAP has to fess up to it's deceptive window display and apologize like Ralph Lauren. Of course he did fire the model he Photoshopped for being too fat. She was a size 4!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Repeal Of DADT On Agenda For November!
The wheels of the Gods grind exceedingly slow...but it looks like the Senate Armed Services Committee will take up the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell in November". A spokeswoman for committee chairman Carl Levin confirmed this to CNN on Friday. Maybe this will be the beginnings of real change?
Friday, October 23, 2009
New Site Tells Story Of Atlanta Eagle Raid
"On September 10, 2009, a SWAT-team of Atlanta police officers detained and searched over 60 people without a warrant, probable cause, or even reasonable suspicion of any criminal activity, just because they were patrons at a gay bar called the Atlanta Eagle."Thus begins the web site put online to educate the LGBT public about the raid on the Atlanta Eagle. Check it out and get angry...with the authorities and the police!
Microsoft Launches Retail Store - Apple Store Knock-off?
Remember when Microsoft mimicked the Macintosh Graphical User Interface and called it Windows? Well now they have knocked-off the Apple Store and called it the Microsoft Store. Window dressing!
The new store opened in Arizona to much brouhaha from Microsoft and immediately underwhelmed patrons. The new store was even had a former Apple Store designer on the team.
As Windows 7 makes it emergence, allegedly a product that will "fix" all the problems of Windows Vista, a product that was supposed to "enhance" the features of XP, the new store marks Microsoft's first move into the retail world. Let's hope the next version of the store is something original and not just a parody of the real deal at Apple.
I wonder if they will shut down at random times and completely rearrange the store eliminating popular products and changing the names of others?
The new store opened in Arizona to much brouhaha from Microsoft and immediately underwhelmed patrons. The new store was even had a former Apple Store designer on the team.
As Windows 7 makes it emergence, allegedly a product that will "fix" all the problems of Windows Vista, a product that was supposed to "enhance" the features of XP, the new store marks Microsoft's first move into the retail world. Let's hope the next version of the store is something original and not just a parody of the real deal at Apple.
I wonder if they will shut down at random times and completely rearrange the store eliminating popular products and changing the names of others?
Hate Crimes Bill Finally Passes And Includes LGBT Protections!
Attached to a defense appropriation bill, the Matthew Shepard-James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act is finally law or at least will be when President Obama signs it today.
This long awaited step toward full rights and protections for all people has languished in Congress for far too long. The bill includes race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity! It was finally attached to a must-pass defense spending bill as a tactic to push it through. Though it has nothing to do with defense, this tactic is a common one to get bills passed.
Of course the far-right is pissed. They are claiming it will stifle freedom of religion? really? The law only covers actions not speech, so unless your religion is one that actively participates in hate crimes you've got nothing to worry about. That might make some folks nervous who are militant white supremacists or neo-nazis but for everyone else it's not going to affect us.
What it will do is make hate crimes easie to prosecute at a federal level and that is a good thing.
This long awaited step toward full rights and protections for all people has languished in Congress for far too long. The bill includes race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity! It was finally attached to a must-pass defense spending bill as a tactic to push it through. Though it has nothing to do with defense, this tactic is a common one to get bills passed.
Of course the far-right is pissed. They are claiming it will stifle freedom of religion? really? The law only covers actions not speech, so unless your religion is one that actively participates in hate crimes you've got nothing to worry about. That might make some folks nervous who are militant white supremacists or neo-nazis but for everyone else it's not going to affect us.
What it will do is make hate crimes easie to prosecute at a federal level and that is a good thing.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
GOP Tries Lying Again, This Time On Twitter!
So the GOP is not content to be a marginalized party of racists and hate mongers, now they are trying to defraud the American public by creating fake accounts on Twitter and masquerading as pissed off Democrats. Twitter caught wind of the scam and shut them down.
33 fake accounts created by Connecticut Republicans meant to impersonate Democratic state representatives have been pulled from the micro-blogging site. Now I guess the GOP will have to try to impersonate real public servants or maybe just get more in step with America as a whole and stop acting like spoiled kids on the playground.
I doubt it!
33 fake accounts created by Connecticut Republicans meant to impersonate Democratic state representatives have been pulled from the micro-blogging site. Now I guess the GOP will have to try to impersonate real public servants or maybe just get more in step with America as a whole and stop acting like spoiled kids on the playground.
I doubt it!
Sen. Dan Inouye Favors Rape!
Yes, now a Democrat has moved toward the Pro Rape camp and seems to be wanting to remove the Franken amendment from the Defense Appropriation Bill. That is the amendment that would alloy victims of "gang Rape" to sue their employers when they were raped on the job. Specifically it's about Halliburton, no surprise there.
Seems Senator Inouye has been getting pounded by defense lobbyists who are trying to convince him that allowing employees who were raped on the job to sue would hurt their contracts. Good, they should provide adiquate security to insure that doesn't happen. Every other company in America would be liable for that kind of thing, but because Halliburton is a defense contractor they get a pass to put a "don't sue us" clause in their contract for employees.
So, I encourage you to write the Senator from Hawaii about this or call his office and encourage him to defend American's right to a safe workplace and vote for the Franken Amendment.
Seems Senator Inouye has been getting pounded by defense lobbyists who are trying to convince him that allowing employees who were raped on the job to sue would hurt their contracts. Good, they should provide adiquate security to insure that doesn't happen. Every other company in America would be liable for that kind of thing, but because Halliburton is a defense contractor they get a pass to put a "don't sue us" clause in their contract for employees.
So, I encourage you to write the Senator from Hawaii about this or call his office and encourage him to defend American's right to a safe workplace and vote for the Franken Amendment.
Pat Robertson Thinks Gays Want To Destroy Marriage...And Other Fantasies
Sometimes Pat Robertson can be downright funny, but most of the time he is annoying and occasionally infuriating. After watching this clip, I am not sure whether to be mad or laugh. Pat on his hour of propaganda, the 700 Club has determined that gays are not out to gain equal rights such as marriage, but to destroy marriage completely.
News Alert for Pat: Heterosexuals have done a pretty good job of that already! Want to save marriage, outlaw divorce! Yeah right.
Watch this clip and let me know whether you laughed or threw a brick at your computer.
News Alert for Pat: Heterosexuals have done a pretty good job of that already! Want to save marriage, outlaw divorce! Yeah right.
Watch this clip and let me know whether you laughed or threw a brick at your computer.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
South Pacific On Broadway - What A Show!
Last week my partner and I spent a few days in New York City after the National Equality March. We were lucky to get tickets for the revival of South Pacific, the Rogers and Hammerstein classic about love, war and racial prejudice set on a military base.
The venue of the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center is an amazing place to see this big a production. The theater is a thrust stage with seating on three sides, more suited to intimate plays than big musicals, yet this production uses hat intimacy to its advantage.
Actors who might normally play their roles more broadly on a big theater stage can lend more subtle touches in the Beaumont and it works well in this show. The orchestra, a big ensemble for such a small venue was lush and forceful without overwhelming the action on the stage.
For me Paulo Szot in the role of Emile de Becque was a revelation. I had always associated the role with Rossano Brazzi in the 1950s movie of the show, but Szot gives de Becque character real depth. His singing brought me to tears along with much of the audience. What a telant!
Kelli O'Hara as Nelly Forbush is spot on with her accent, so much that my partner thought she was actually from Arkansas. An this girl can sing!
Finally, Danny Burstein was a real audience favorite as Luther Billis. The Billis character has several great songs, and a real chance to show the actors comic talents in the "Honey Bun" drag number.
This South Pacific is timeless, and if you get a chance to see it, don't pass it up.
The venue of the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center is an amazing place to see this big a production. The theater is a thrust stage with seating on three sides, more suited to intimate plays than big musicals, yet this production uses hat intimacy to its advantage.
Actors who might normally play their roles more broadly on a big theater stage can lend more subtle touches in the Beaumont and it works well in this show. The orchestra, a big ensemble for such a small venue was lush and forceful without overwhelming the action on the stage.
For me Paulo Szot in the role of Emile de Becque was a revelation. I had always associated the role with Rossano Brazzi in the 1950s movie of the show, but Szot gives de Becque character real depth. His singing brought me to tears along with much of the audience. What a telant!
Kelli O'Hara as Nelly Forbush is spot on with her accent, so much that my partner thought she was actually from Arkansas. An this girl can sing!
Finally, Danny Burstein was a real audience favorite as Luther Billis. The Billis character has several great songs, and a real chance to show the actors comic talents in the "Honey Bun" drag number.
This South Pacific is timeless, and if you get a chance to see it, don't pass it up.
Pope Recruits Homophobic Anglicans
In a direct response to the inclusion of LGBT people in the Anglican church, the Pope has made it easier for Anglicans to convert to Catholicism. According to a New York Times article:
So much for God's grace, love and inclusion in the Catholic Church!
Pope Benedict XVI approved a new church provision that will allow Anglicans to join the Catholic Church while maintaining many of their distinctive spiritual and liturgical traditions, including having married priests.His invite is designed to gather the homophobic members of the Anglican church who have broken away from the Episcopal Church in America after the ordination of openly gay priests and Bishop Gene Robinson.
So much for God's grace, love and inclusion in the Catholic Church!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Frail & Emaciated - The Latest Fashion?
By the look of the runway models at the recent Fashion Week in New York you would have thought the country was suffering from Cholera. The frail and sickly looking twigs that pass for models border on the disgusting. Ralph Lauren even recently retouched a photo to make his model look even thinner!
At a time when Americans are larger than ever, designers are making clothes for people suffering from starvation. Come on guys, I know you really hate the women you design for but please don't try to kill them!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Is FOX Real News? Is Pro-Wrestling Real?
Finally the administration is telling the truth and it's high time the media listened. Here is the deal:
FOX News is simply a propaganda arm of the Republican Party.
There are no "ifs", "ands" or "buts" about this and anyone who hase even half paid attention knows this. Now, it's time the real media stopped taking their lead from FOX and started doing their job. Reporting the news.
Listen to NPR some day or the BBC and you will hear real news. They have no agenda, they try to be objective and they spend time investigation stories instead of just reading press releases or having alleged news shows which feature talking heads spouting party lines.
I am so friggin' tired of a reporter simply saying "he said - she said" instead of finding the facts behind the talking oints I want to scream. Some pundit saying "blah-blah" is not news, it is one man's opinion and nothing more. Try actually finding the facts and when anyone, including politicians of eaither party lie, call them on it! For God's sake that is one reason why we have freedom of the press, so start exercising it!
Oh yea, and Pro Wrestling? Well it's a wonderful athletic display of strength and tumbling abilities but a real contest? Please. Years ago during the heydays of World Class Championship Wrestling at the Sportatorium in Dallas, I used to run a ringside camera for the television feed. The director always knew when to call for us to get a shot of an "unexpected" move. Nuff said.
FOX News is simply a propaganda arm of the Republican Party.
There are no "ifs", "ands" or "buts" about this and anyone who hase even half paid attention knows this. Now, it's time the real media stopped taking their lead from FOX and started doing their job. Reporting the news.
Listen to NPR some day or the BBC and you will hear real news. They have no agenda, they try to be objective and they spend time investigation stories instead of just reading press releases or having alleged news shows which feature talking heads spouting party lines.
I am so friggin' tired of a reporter simply saying "he said - she said" instead of finding the facts behind the talking oints I want to scream. Some pundit saying "blah-blah" is not news, it is one man's opinion and nothing more. Try actually finding the facts and when anyone, including politicians of eaither party lie, call them on it! For God's sake that is one reason why we have freedom of the press, so start exercising it!
Oh yea, and Pro Wrestling? Well it's a wonderful athletic display of strength and tumbling abilities but a real contest? Please. Years ago during the heydays of World Class Championship Wrestling at the Sportatorium in Dallas, I used to run a ringside camera for the television feed. The director always knew when to call for us to get a shot of an "unexpected" move. Nuff said.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Balloon Boy - Or Not!
I go out of town for a few days and don't watch TV and what do I miss? BALLOON BOY!
I caught a glimpse of it in J&R Music World in New York. For the uninitiated, J&R is a temple to anything electronic. A block long complex of stores that have everything imaginable that needs batteries or plugs into the wall.
Well, while waiting for a clerk at J&R I saw an image on the wall-sized Plasma TV that looked a lot like a stunt my partner and I tried several years ago. We constructed a bunch of balloons with glow sticks attached to release in the dark hoping to spark a little talk-radio buzz about UFOs. We got nada! Not a peep by anyone even though the ascending glows looked pretty cool.
Well here was a monster sized version, except some guy actually made a Mylar flying saucer balloon and the press was all over it. Not as a UFO but because somebody somewhere said a kid was in it. For hours the 24 hour news junkies followed pictures of the obviously unmanned or un-kidded balloon drifted aimlessly over Colorado.
Meanwhile lots of "real" news was happening but oh noooo, we had to watch endless pictures of a flimsy Mylar balloon and hear announcers ramble ad nauseam about how they really didn't know anything about it.
Turns out there was no kid on board and now the Sheriff is trying to drum up charges because he is so embarrassed he was wasting time following a damned balloon.
Ain't TV grand!
I caught a glimpse of it in J&R Music World in New York. For the uninitiated, J&R is a temple to anything electronic. A block long complex of stores that have everything imaginable that needs batteries or plugs into the wall.
Well, while waiting for a clerk at J&R I saw an image on the wall-sized Plasma TV that looked a lot like a stunt my partner and I tried several years ago. We constructed a bunch of balloons with glow sticks attached to release in the dark hoping to spark a little talk-radio buzz about UFOs. We got nada! Not a peep by anyone even though the ascending glows looked pretty cool.
Well here was a monster sized version, except some guy actually made a Mylar flying saucer balloon and the press was all over it. Not as a UFO but because somebody somewhere said a kid was in it. For hours the 24 hour news junkies followed pictures of the obviously unmanned or un-kidded balloon drifted aimlessly over Colorado.
Meanwhile lots of "real" news was happening but oh noooo, we had to watch endless pictures of a flimsy Mylar balloon and hear announcers ramble ad nauseam about how they really didn't know anything about it.
Turns out there was no kid on board and now the Sheriff is trying to drum up charges because he is so embarrassed he was wasting time following a damned balloon.
Ain't TV grand!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Pilgrimage To The Smithsonian
OK, I admit it, I am sooooo gay! We spent our last day in Washington at the Museum of American History, home of the original Ruby Slippers worn by Judy G in the Wizard of Oz. OK it's just a pair of shoes, but still I had to see them again. They look a bit dingy, but still have a sparkle left in them.
We also visited Julia Childs' Kitchen, preserved in its entirety in the Smithsonian. They even had a tape of Julia trussing up a chicken running from her TV show. Damn, that woman used a lot of butter!
After a late lunch we made our way to the Holicost Museum. Any elation I had from seeing the Ruby Slippers vanished there. It's a wonderful museum, but it is well designed to have an overwhelming effect on visitors.
The heavy iron truss work that surrounds you and the slow descent through the madness of Nazi Germany to the final rooms with an actual box car used to transport Jews, Gays and Gypsies to the camps was very effective.
The room that got to me was one filled with shoes. Shoes confiscated from prisoner prior to their gassing and cremation. These are the actual shoes gathered from one of the camps and seeing all of them piled knee-high as you walk a path through them was intense. Each pair spoke of the owner and their absence.
If you miss this museum on a visit to Washington, you are short changing yourself.
Tomorrow, riding the Acella Train to New York City!
We also visited Julia Childs' Kitchen, preserved in its entirety in the Smithsonian. They even had a tape of Julia trussing up a chicken running from her TV show. Damn, that woman used a lot of butter!
After a late lunch we made our way to the Holicost Museum. Any elation I had from seeing the Ruby Slippers vanished there. It's a wonderful museum, but it is well designed to have an overwhelming effect on visitors.
The heavy iron truss work that surrounds you and the slow descent through the madness of Nazi Germany to the final rooms with an actual box car used to transport Jews, Gays and Gypsies to the camps was very effective.
The room that got to me was one filled with shoes. Shoes confiscated from prisoner prior to their gassing and cremation. These are the actual shoes gathered from one of the camps and seeing all of them piled knee-high as you walk a path through them was intense. Each pair spoke of the owner and their absence.
If you miss this museum on a visit to Washington, you are short changing yourself.
Tomorrow, riding the Acella Train to New York City!
Monday, October 12, 2009
And Now The Money Shot From The Oozenator!
This is a real kids toy that looks like a behind-the-scenes tool for porn producers. Go figure!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thousands of LGBT People March On Washington - Where Is Barney Frank?
He's off to the west coast to raise funds to Democrats. His opinion of the march, "Barack Obama does not need pressure." Commenting on Michelangelo Signoreli's radio program Frank says we should model ourselves as lobbyists on "the National Rifle Association." He says people should not come to Washington and should stay home and lobby their members of Congress.
Well Senator Frank, they should do both! If you and other members of Congress won't change the unequal system we have now, someone else will. I would not be surprised if Barney Frank loses his seat in the next election if full equality is not given to all citizens of America. I guess he has his, so screw the rest of us.
Sorry for the editorial comment, but lets get real. Incremental appeasement is only creating an apartheid in America.
Imagine if the Civil Rights bill had been as "measured" an approach as our GLBT politicians are advocating?
And for Frank, who says most of Washington didn't even know about the march. Here is a photo of just a few Americans who are denied their rights, or did you forget who we were?
(Photos copyright Hardy Haberman 2009)
Well Senator Frank, they should do both! If you and other members of Congress won't change the unequal system we have now, someone else will. I would not be surprised if Barney Frank loses his seat in the next election if full equality is not given to all citizens of America. I guess he has his, so screw the rest of us.
Sorry for the editorial comment, but lets get real. Incremental appeasement is only creating an apartheid in America.
Imagine if the Civil Rights bill had been as "measured" an approach as our GLBT politicians are advocating?And for Frank, who says most of Washington didn't even know about the march. Here is a photo of just a few Americans who are denied their rights, or did you forget who we were?
(Photos copyright Hardy Haberman 2009)
Equality March Draws Thousands
It was a big turnout for the National Equality March. I would estimate close to 200,000 or more.
Wonderful weather for the march and lots of news media, and that is what we hoped for!
I was tired but really happy when Patrick snapped this shot. I was glad the march had reached its destination.
Obama Says He Will End DADT
President Obama did what no sitting president has done before last night. He spoke to the Human Rights Campaign at their annual dinner. Though there were protesters gather outside, the scene inside was much more cordial.
He opened with a joke, saying, "It's a privilege to open tonight for Lady Gaga" the iconic singer who performed later in the evening. Then he got down to his speech.
Obama made a bold promise, "I will end 'don't ask-don't tell." The same words he spoke during his campaign. Then he acknowledged the he understood the impatience felt by the LGBT community but he assured the crowd of about 3000, "do not doubt the direction we are heading and the destination we will reach."
Now my only question is, when? Thirty years ago I came to this same city and marched for gay rights. and here I am still marching 30 years later. I am not going to live my entire life without seeing equal rights!
So Mr. President, had I had a micerophone to ask questions during your speech I would have thanked you for your show of support and then encouraged you to take action and use the bully pulpit to move Congress forward to real equality for LGBT people.
He opened with a joke, saying, "It's a privilege to open tonight for Lady Gaga" the iconic singer who performed later in the evening. Then he got down to his speech.
Obama made a bold promise, "I will end 'don't ask-don't tell." The same words he spoke during his campaign. Then he acknowledged the he understood the impatience felt by the LGBT community but he assured the crowd of about 3000, "do not doubt the direction we are heading and the destination we will reach."
Now my only question is, when? Thirty years ago I came to this same city and marched for gay rights. and here I am still marching 30 years later. I am not going to live my entire life without seeing equal rights!
So Mr. President, had I had a micerophone to ask questions during your speech I would have thanked you for your show of support and then encouraged you to take action and use the bully pulpit to move Congress forward to real equality for LGBT people.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Washington, DC - City Of No
When I was a child, my family took me to Washington, DC to see where the sausage was made. They didn't call it that, they used terms like "how our government works", but you get the idea.
Back then it seemed every street had a "No Left Turn" sign at the corner and my father began calling DC the "city of no". Well, here it is fifty years later and it's still true. I had to laugh at every corner because of thre number of "no" signs.
Some things never change.
Friday, October 09, 2009
In Washington, DC.
After an uneventful flight and a short train ride from Baltimore, we are in DC. The low light of the trip so far was the amazingly lack luster service at American Airlines ticket counter. Other than a half hour wait to speak to a ticket agent who was on the phone for that entire half hour, it was OK.
We arrived in Washington Union Station and had a tasty lunch at Pizzeria Uno and cabbed to the hotel. So far I highly recommend the Hotel Lombardy in Washington. Charming small boutique hotel just a couple of blocks from the White House and right off two Metro stops. Reminds me of some of the nicer hotels we stayed at in Europe.
Lots of LGBT people starting to be visible on the streets and particularly at Union Station. I suspect by tomorrow night the city will be bursting at the seams with queers! Yeah!.
We arrived in Washington Union Station and had a tasty lunch at Pizzeria Uno and cabbed to the hotel. So far I highly recommend the Hotel Lombardy in Washington. Charming small boutique hotel just a couple of blocks from the White House and right off two Metro stops. Reminds me of some of the nicer hotels we stayed at in Europe.
Lots of LGBT people starting to be visible on the streets and particularly at Union Station. I suspect by tomorrow night the city will be bursting at the seams with queers! Yeah!.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Off To Washington!
I am leaving for Washington DC in the morning. My partner and I will be attending the March and various activities while there. I will be posting to my blog here and to the Dallas Voice blog with reports from the March and the events in DC. Hope to have pictures and more soon. See you ALL there!
Republican Senators Vote In Favor Of Covering Up Rape
I have often spoken about "family values" in this blog, usually in the context of the Republican lawmakers who seem to have none of them. Now I offer further proof that a big portion of the GOP is not only against"family values" but pro-rape. What?
Yup, just look at who voted against a recent amendment to the Defense Appropriations Bill by Senator Al Franken that would punish contractors if they "restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court."
Who would be against that? Well Huffington Post has a list.
Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Wicker (R-MS)
Every one of these guys thinks it fine if a big company covers up a rape of one of its employees. Just to make it clear, they all feel business is more important that the safety of employees, even if they are sexually assaulted.
Now that's "family values" but only a "Crime Family". But hey, they are Republicans?
Yup, just look at who voted against a recent amendment to the Defense Appropriations Bill by Senator Al Franken that would punish contractors if they "restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court."
Who would be against that? Well Huffington Post has a list.
Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Wicker (R-MS)
Every one of these guys thinks it fine if a big company covers up a rape of one of its employees. Just to make it clear, they all feel business is more important that the safety of employees, even if they are sexually assaulted.
Now that's "family values" but only a "Crime Family". But hey, they are Republicans?
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Larry Wilmore Plays The Race Card on The Daily Show
So it was a funny bit, but even better Larry Wilmore did some nice slight of hand on the Daily Show last night. Two of my favorite things, magic and political commentary, great work Larry.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Playing the Race Card | ||||
| ||||
Brand America - Number One!
It seems like forever since the USA was considered a respected member of the international community. Today comes the report that our brand, the USA, is the most admired country in the world.
According to the National Brand Index (NBI), the US rose from #7 to the top spot. From a report on Reuters:
According to the National Brand Index (NBI), the US rose from #7 to the top spot. From a report on Reuters:
The United States is the most admired country globally thanks largely to the star power of President Barack Obama and his administration, according to a new poll.
It climbed from seventh place last year, ahead of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan which completed the top five nations in the Nation Brand Index (NBI). “What’s really remarkable is that in all my years studying national reputation, I have never seen any country experience such a dramatic change in its standing as we see for the United States for 2009,” said Simon Anholt, the founder of NBI, which measured the global image of 50 countries each year.
Glenn Beck Loses More Sponsors!
Even more companies have decided to distance themselves from Glenn Beck, the poster child for the right wing lunatic fringe.
The total of advertisers who have walked away from Beck's show is now 80 and growing. Internationally his sponsor base is slipping as well. Think Progress poster these responses that were originally posted on Color of Change's website about Beck and his hate filled show.
The total of advertisers who have walked away from Beck's show is now 80 and growing. Internationally his sponsor base is slipping as well. Think Progress poster these responses that were originally posted on Color of Change's website about Beck and his hate filled show.
“We are appalled at what’s going on. Metropolitan Talent Management is 100% dedicated to not buy advertising on any part of Fox News.” — Metropolitan Talent Management
– “We’re no longer going to book any of his air time. I’m really glad to be informed of what you guys are doing.” — Overture Films
– “The Seoul government has no plan to extend, resume, or add its commercial on the program. In other word [sic], there will not be Seoul commercial in the Glenn Beck program any more.” — Seoul Metropolitan Government
– “You will not see Flexitol commercials on the Glenn Beck show. Period.” — Eulactol USA, makers of Flexitol
Monday, October 05, 2009
Another Reason to March On Washington - DADT
As I get ready to travel to Washington D.C. for the National Equality March, I find another reason to go and to be vocal when I get there. When Senator Harry Reid sought President Obama's help in repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell he got this response:
"The President appreciates the Majority Leader's letter and looks forward to working with him and other members of Congress as they move towards a legislative repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell."So, if anyone reading this can go, get your butts to Washington and let the President and Congress know there are thousands of LGBT people in this country who are second class citizens and demand full rights!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
It's Official - Florida Hates Gays!
That is the message sent by a court ruling in a Dade County Federal Court when it threw out a lawsuit by the partner of a lesbian who was dying in the hospital. Her partner of 17 years was denied the right to visit her as she died.
To add insult to injury she was told by a social worker at the hospital "Florida is an anti-gay state".
To be fair this is a Federal Court and therefore it highlights just how LGBT people in this country are denied the same rights as anyone else. Read more about the case here.
To add insult to injury she was told by a social worker at the hospital "Florida is an anti-gay state".
To be fair this is a Federal Court and therefore it highlights just how LGBT people in this country are denied the same rights as anyone else. Read more about the case here.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Send Max Baucus Your Health Care Bills!
Watching Stephen Colbert and he had a GREAT idea. Max Baucus stated clearly he wanted a health care bill, yet he ditched a public option. Colbert's idea? Send Baucus your health care bills.
His address is here.
He and the other lame guys in Washington need a dose of reality. How about a truck load of medical bills. Heck they can afford it, hey get millions from insurance companies!
His address is here.
He and the other lame guys in Washington need a dose of reality. How about a truck load of medical bills. Heck they can afford it, hey get millions from insurance companies!
Dems Cave On Public Option
OK, let's just get this out in the open. Democratic Senators and House Members are PUSSIES!
They have a super-majority and the American public wants a public option, so what do they do? Strip it out of the health care bill.
What would you call that? Pussies for sure!
They have a super-majority and the American public wants a public option, so what do they do? Strip it out of the health care bill.
What would you call that? Pussies for sure!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Right Wing Confrence Calls For Violent Revolution
Say what? Yup, pretty much the story. The "How To Take Back America Conference" featured a speaker who advocated a citizen's arms buildup in preparation for a violent confrontation with the government.
Kitty Werthmann led a workshop called “How to recognize living under Nazis & Communists.” During the strange lecture she advocated the following:
She also forgets that the Nazis and the Marxists were about as polar opposite in their political beliefs as can be but hey, why let facts get in the way?
Kitty Werthmann led a workshop called “How to recognize living under Nazis & Communists.” During the strange lecture she advocated the following:
If we had our guns, we would have fought a bloody battle. So, keep your guns, and buy more guns, and buy ammunition. [...] Take back America. Don’t let them take the country into Socialism. And I refer again, Hitler’s party was National Socialism. [...] And that’s what we are having here right now, which is bordering on Marxism.Excuse me but I could have sworn National Socialism was about "National Identity" run amok. Hitler wanted an ethnically pure master race. Funny, the current government advocates diversity and inclusion. Is this crazy lady not sure she is talking about her own ideals?
She also forgets that the Nazis and the Marxists were about as polar opposite in their political beliefs as can be but hey, why let facts get in the way?
Vandals Destroy Gay Soldier Billboard
A billboard promoting National Coming Out Day in Memphis was vandalized and ripped to shreds according to news reports. The billboard pictured a marine and said, "I'm gay and I protected your freedom"
Funny how the right wingnuts always talk about how much respect they have for our troops in uniform and yet can find it in their puny philosophy an excuse to deface a picture of one of those same troops. These are the same people who were livid that anyone could criticize the President during a time of war, that is as long as the president was white and Republican. Now they deface billboards with pictures of marines and join in Facebook polls with topics like, "should Obama be killed?"
Enough of their crap! it's time we treated them just like any other criminal. Vandals should go to jail and people who make threats against the President should be arrested. Where is the outrage? Right here!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Anti Gay Marriage Forces In Maine Lying Again!
Surprise, surprise! The anti-gay Catholic Church funded groups in Maine are lying again. I guess that 10 commandments thing only applies when you want it to. They are claiming that schools would be required to teach about same-sex marriage in their curriculum. The truth is it's not an issue.
Glad to see a local TV station telling why their ad is false!
Glad to see a local TV station telling why their ad is false!
Arizona Steals Benefits from LGBT Couples
The leatherfaced governor of Arizona signed a bill that steals the benefits that had been available to LGBT couples who are state employees. Jan Brewer signed the bill in the name of cost savings. I wonder how cutting benefits to straight couples as a cost saving measure would go over.
Can you say "bitch"?
Can you say "bitch"?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Lingerie Football! Sign Of The End Times?
Just when I thought I had seen every cheesy exploitation trick in the book along comes Lingerie Football! Yup, you heard me, Lingerie Football, and no it isn't a bunch of guys in camisoles. This is a team of buff, tanned, fitness model women in sports bras and trunks with garters and a few other frillies and football pads. Silly, oh heck yes.
Now do I think this is degrading to women? Pretty much as degrading as it is to the men who watch it. You see I have watched men looking at these kinds of "tease" gimmicks and it's really hard to tell who is being used. Yes the pretty girls are being objectified and quite frankly made to look ridiculous, but the men watching might as well be drooling. Both the watcher and watched get an equal dose of degradation.
So, though society hasn't come to an end, I have to wonder if this isn't a sign of the end times.
So to my feminist friends, get your pens out and start writing letters and to my straight make friends, here is the link. Oh, and to my lesbian buddies, that same link will work for you too.
Now do I think this is degrading to women? Pretty much as degrading as it is to the men who watch it. You see I have watched men looking at these kinds of "tease" gimmicks and it's really hard to tell who is being used. Yes the pretty girls are being objectified and quite frankly made to look ridiculous, but the men watching might as well be drooling. Both the watcher and watched get an equal dose of degradation.
So, though society hasn't come to an end, I have to wonder if this isn't a sign of the end times.
So to my feminist friends, get your pens out and start writing letters and to my straight make friends, here is the link. Oh, and to my lesbian buddies, that same link will work for you too.
Dallas Gay Pride Parade A Hit!
It was the largest crowd I can remember for this year's Alan Ross Freedom Parade, (aka, Dallas Gay Pride Parade). Cheering parade watchers lined Cedar Springs from the corner of Wycliff all the way to Turtle Creek and then up that street to Lee Park. Estimates put the crowd at 40,000+!
The thousands of p[eople included lots of LGBT Dallasites as well as a whole lot of straight folks and families. It was really nice to see so many people enjoying the event. Only 5 protesters stood at the corner of Hall and Turtle Creed shouting through bullhorns, but largely drowned out by cheering well-wishers.
Additionally, it was nice to see all but one City Council member riding in the parade as well as the Police Chief and Sheriff, who was one of the Grand Marshals. Luminaries were in abundance including activist Cleve Jones and author Larry Kramer.
Once again the weather was great, but muggy. That was the only challenge for those of us wearing leather.
The thousands of p[eople included lots of LGBT Dallasites as well as a whole lot of straight folks and families. It was really nice to see so many people enjoying the event. Only 5 protesters stood at the corner of Hall and Turtle Creed shouting through bullhorns, but largely drowned out by cheering well-wishers.
Additionally, it was nice to see all but one City Council member riding in the parade as well as the Police Chief and Sheriff, who was one of the Grand Marshals. Luminaries were in abundance including activist Cleve Jones and author Larry Kramer.
Once again the weather was great, but muggy. That was the only challenge for those of us wearing leather.
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