Peace Chapels, Mosques, Pundits and Malarkey

As my church is putting the finishing touches on our Interfaith Peace Chapel I am wondering why having a place for people to pray in New York City is causing a ruckus?  There is a similar chapel located a mere 80 feet from another 9/11 attack site and daily Muslims gather there for prayers with no controversy. 

Inside the Pentagon, there is such a chapel and Jews, Christians, Hindus and Muslims use it regularly for prayer and meditation and nobody has a problem with it.  Why in New York City, one of our country's great melting pots of culture and religion is there a stink about a Muslim Cultural Center being built on the site of an old Burlington Coat Factory?

Maybe because the talk show pundits have used this non-issue as a chew toy for the right wing?  Why shouldn't Jews protest German Restaurants within walking distance from synagogues?  It's a bunch of malarkey and the controversy is completely manufactured.

Meanwhile, our peace chapel nears completion and I invite anyone to visit it.  Designed by the late Phillip Johnson, the chapel is part of the larger cathedral planed for the church.  Inside will be symbols of all major religions in a sacred space that everyone can enjoy.  Funny thing for a Christian church to build?  Not for the Christians of our congregation.

Latest Polls Show Americans "R" Just Plain Stupid!

Welcome to the land of idiots.  Here in Stupid we have a general lack of intellectual curiosity.  All our information needs are met with convenient sound-bites and bumpersticker slogans.  Our new national motto should be "If you can't say it in 10 words of less...." 

If you don't get that joke, I understand, you are a citizen of our Great Republic of Stupid.  Discussion is carried out in Tweets and text messages rather than conversation.  Listening is a lost art, unless it's the latest pop song.

The latest polling proves my point with this lovely fact.  One in five Americans believe President Obama is a Muslim.  That's an astounding 20% who apparently either have an inherent distrust of facts or listen to nothing but talk radio. The even more disturbing result of that poll was this little slice of stupidity:  an amazing 30% of Americans say followers of Islam should be barred from running for president or serving on the US Supreme Court.

So what happened to civics classes in schools?  When did we start teaching our population that religious minorities are not allowed to run for public office?  I know that home schooling is not solely to blame.  Much of this crap comes from the bigotry of preachers and pundits who have successfully framed America as a "Christian Nation".  That would come as a big shock to our Founding Fathers, but heck why look up that info when you can just tweet to your pals that the "durned Muslims are trying to take over the country".

OMFG! wht 2 do? 

Ann Coulter Booted From Right Wing Conference

I have really been out of touch.  Seems Ann Coulter is the new darling of the allegedly gay Republican group GOProud!  Say what? 

What's more strange is that she was then diss-invited to another conservative event because she is speaking to the gay neocons!
A spokesperson for World News Daily who was throwig the "Taking America Back" conference gave this reasoning:

"Ultimately, as a matter of principle, it would not make sense for us to have Ann speak to a conference about 'taking America back' when she clearly does not recognize that the ideals to be espoused there simply do not include the radical and very 'unconservative' agenda represented by GOProud,"

OMG!  Next there will be dogs and cats living together!  And yes it really is called Homocon!

Photoshop Crazy Designers

OK, anyone who knows me will tell you I am overweight. Yes I struggle with it and yes I want to shed some pounds. That said, I can spot someone who is having weight problems, both too fat and too thin, but the latest freak show that passes for fashion is going way too far.

Proenza Schouler has decided that thin isn't enough and so with the aid of Photoshop has made their models look like circus freaks. If the girl in this picture was really this thin, she would be on crutches.

And we wonder why women often have a distorted body image?

See more at Photoshop Disasters Blog.

Boycott Target? This is all over $250?

OK, I understand the issue.  Target gave $150,000 to a PAC called Minnesota Forward.  That PAC in turn gave the cash to a candidate for governor, Tom Emmer.  Well Emmer is a conservative, but that is not what the brouhaha is all about.  Apparently Emmer gave some money to a rock band.  That band Junk Yard Prophets, part of the You Can Run but You Can't Hide ministries and there is the rub.  The Band and the ministry are vehemently anti-gay and even intimated that Muslims execution of homosexuals was a good idea.  He also spouts a lot of insane crap like "gays molest 117 people each before they are "found out".  (say what?)

Now how much money did he give?  From what I can find he donated $250 to the homophobic group.

OK, let's do the math.  $150,000 goes to a PAC that gives that money to a conservative candidate who gives $250 to a bunch of jerks that play guitars.  That around 0.16% of that money that made it into the hands of the jerks.

Now, do I dislike that idea.  You betcha.  However, thanks to our lovely Supreme Court, corporations can give whatever they want to whoever they want.  When I look at Target as a company, they support a lot of LGBT causes as well as have a pretty good employment policy for equal rights. They score 100 on the Human Rights Campaign scorecard of corporations and that's pretty good.

So when I consider boycotting Target, an action that will have negligible results, I just have to wonder if it's the right idea.  Companies donate money to candidates across the political spectrum, it's unfortunate but true.  If I boycotted every company that ever gave a dime to a conservative cause I would be making my own soap and growing veggies in the back yard.

So if you want to boycott Target, good for you.  Will it do anything?  Probably not, but it might make you feel good.  While you are at it don't shop at WalMart either, they scored a dismal 40 on that report card from HRC, and same with Office Depot and Radio Shack and stay away from Exxon, AutoZone and ....well the list goes on.

My point is, a one time donation is paltry compared to corporate policies that discriminate against LGBT people.  Boycott Target?  I might, but I prefer to give them a little more time.  Meanwhile the HRC is stewing and wondering how to react.  They gave $150,000 to the challenger in the Minnesota race, so at least some of the money I give to HRC is actually going to facilitate change, but I prefer to wait a bit and see all the facts in this mess.

UPDATE:  Below is an ad produced by Move-On encouraging a boycott.  Here is my problem.  They give absolutely no statistics, no facts just a bunch of catchy slogans.  "Target is trying to buy elections."  Well, duh yes they are and so are every other company in the country since the Supreme Court opened the flood gates. 
I would expect something a little more substantial from Move-On, but they have fallen into the world of mindless advertising that works well for the right wing.  Make it catchy, and avoid any facts!  Welcome to America the Stupid.

DADT? In WWII No One Seemed to Care.

Every time I see the musical South Pacific I have a really hard time believing that DADT is still in place. This advertisement from the 1940's for Cannon Towels gives the impression that LGBT Americans have been serving in the armed forces for a long time and nobody seemed to care back then.

Check out the slide show on Huffington Post of other vintage homoerotic ads here.

Bryan, Texas Pastor Arrested for Coercing Man Into Having Sex

I found this lead on Joe My God and it's a corker!

Seems a find pastor of an Assembly of God church in Bryan, TX was using Craig's List to pose as a 17 year old boy looking for sex with men. (The pastor was 51) He would then masquerade as the stepfather of the person the victim had been emailing and coerce them into giving him a blow job.

The Pastor, George Randall Scott has been arrested and has resigned his post at the Bethel Temple Church. So far no word on how his wife has taken the news or just what the pastor will do now that he has posted bail.

And you thought the Catholic Church had a lock on the whole sex scandal thing?

Newt Gingrich Lies Again - Calls Unemployment Insurance "Welfare"

I guess I should expect this from Newt. He loves twisting the truth to fit his agenda, and calling unemployment payments welfare is just another example. This clip shows an unemployed mechanic whom Gingrich postulated was just lazy because of his "welfare" payments.

I can spin as good as the next guy, but this is a bit much Newt!

Debbie Riddle & Louie Gohmert Believe in Terror Babies. Oh Puleeze!

Texas state Rep. Debbie Riddle and Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) are idiots. Either that or they think all Texans are idiots, and heck, I might be right about both of those statements.

These two jokers actually got on national television and put forth the insane theory that pregnant women are sneaking into the country to have babies who will become citizens by birthright , only to raise them for sleeper cell terrorist organizations. Seriously. And I wonder why people think Texans are idiots? Well when we elect Bozos like these two, heck I 'spect we are!

Mexico Leads US in Human Rights

As some of you know, I lived for about a year in Mexico City back in the 1980's.  I was working for the television network Televisa and had an apartment in the DF as well as here in Dallas.  It was an eye opening experience for me and one that I would never trade.

Mexico City is about as cosmopolitan a city as any in Europe.  It has a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class restaurants with every cuisine and entertainment of all types.  There is even a thriving LGBT scene and was even back in the 1980's.  What's more, my employer knew I was gay and even offered to move me and my partner to Mexico if I so desired. 

It was not so much of a surprise when I heard that Mexico City was issuing same-sex marriage licenses this year.  What was a surprise was a ruling by the Mexican Supreme Court stating that couples married in Mexico City would be legally married anywhere in Mexico's 31 states. 


In a New York Times article one of the judges was quoted as asking, “What’s going to happen to a same-sex couple” who marry in Mexico City “when they cross the border” to another state. Does this marriage disappear? They go on vacation and they’re no longer married?” The judge, Justice Arturo Zaldívar, makes the point clearly and precisely.  Equal is equal or it is not.

It is telling when the US falls behind its Latin American neighbors.  Our place as the premier world power is slipping away.  Our economy has been sold down the Yang-see River by greedy corporations looking to squeeze every nickle from consumers by outsourcing the production of just about everything.  Our knowledge base is slipping as we dumb down text books to pander to back woods religions and our record in human rights looks pretty bad these days.  It's time we reversed this trend.  Maybe we should take a lesson from Mexico?

Rand Paul - Gov. Should Not Regulate Mining Industry

Rand Paul is the gift that keeps on giving.  I have said it before and I will say it again but this guy is industrial strength wacko.  Aside from the whole kidnapping and "aqua Buddha"  stuff he just keeps getting in way over his head.

In an interview with Details magazine, the Republican candidate for Kentucky Senate says the government should keep out of the mine safety business.  He feels companies should be allowed to self-regulate.  Yea that would work!

In response to questions about the recent Massey Energy mine explosion which killed 29 miners back in April he responded in his trademark cryptic way.

"Is there a certain amount of accidents and unfortunate things that do happen, no matter what the regulations are?" Paul says at the Harlan Center, in response to a question about the Big Branch disaster. "The bottom line is I'm not an expert, so don't give me the power in Washington to be making rules. You live here, and you have to work in the mines. You'd try to make good rules to protect your people here. If you don't, I'm thinking that no one will apply for those jobs."

Paul also said that the practice of mountaintop removal mining simply needs to be rebranded.

"I think they should name it something better," he says. "The top ends up flatter, but we're not talking about Mount Everest. We're talking about these little knobby hills that are everywhere out here. And I've seen the reclaimed lands. One of them is 800 acres, with a sports complex on it, elk roaming, covered in grass." Most people, he continues, "would say the land is of enhanced value, because now you can build on it."

 You just can't make this stuff up!

Orthodox Jews Issue Ground Breaking Statement on Homosexuality

As many of my readers know, I was raised in the Reform Jewish faith, the liberal end of the Jewish spectrum.  That is why the story that came out recently about Orthodox Judaism is so surprising.  A group of Orthodox Rabbis have issued a "Statement of Principles on the Place of Jews with a Homosexual Orientation in Our Community", and it's quite a bombshell.

Previously the orthodox view was the same as in Leviticus, but this is a major departure and a real nod toward the real contemporary world we live in.  The first two tenants of this amazing document are worth reading in total.

1. All human beings are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect (kevod haberiyot). Every Jew is obligated to fulfill the entire range of mitzvot between person and person in relation to persons who are homosexual or have feelings of same sex attraction. Embarrassing, harassing or demeaning someone with a homosexual orientation or same-sex attraction is a violation of Torah prohibitions that embody the deepest values of Judaism.

2. The question of whether sexual orientation is primarily genetic, or rather environmentally generated, is irrelevant to our obligation to treat human beings with same-sex attractions and orientations with dignity and respect.

 All I can say is oy!  The Orthodoxy is apparently ready to step into the 21st century.  That is a mitzvah of the highest order.

Colbert Destroys Gay Marriage - Armagaydon!

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Prop 8 is Unconstitutional!

In Judge Walker's ruling this stood out:

"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional."

Lindsay Lohan - Star of Taiwan-imation!

This is just to strange for words, luckily there are English subtitles.

Prop 8 - Pins and Needles?

Any minute now a decision is expected on Proposition 8, or at least the decision to it's constitutionality.  Though this is a state law in California it has definite implications for us here in Texas.  No, I don't expect Texas to allow same-sex marriage anytime soon, but I do see the California law as a bellwether.

If the judge overturns the proposition, I expect California may take it to the Supreme Court and with the current court configuration I have my doubts as to whether it would stand the conservative majority there.  If it is not overturned, I suspect it will energize both the left and right.  The left will see it as another reason to push even harder for federal protections and the right will use it as a rallying cry to try similar laws in other states.

Either way, will it have any lasting impact on the lives of LGBT people in Texas and more immediately Dallas?  Maybe.  It could motivate the community to action.  Though there has been some activism of late, it pales in comparison to the initial Gay Rights movement in the 70's.  A lot of work was done for the national elections and I feel many people figured once we had a Democrat in the White House everything would be hunky-dory.  As I have stated before, I don't believe that, but I do believe at least we have a sympathetic ear in the executive branch.  That means the work done by local and state activists cannot let up.

Whatever the ruling is, one thing is for sure.  There is still a lot more work to do to make our country a place of equality for LGBT citizens and that will not be handed down in a single court case.  If you believe that, look at how the Civil Rights movement has still had to work even long after the laws were changed.  It will be a long road, but it will be highlighted with many successes, a few failures but ultimately we will win.

As Martin Luther King said, "the arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice."

Rupert Murdoch Considers Buying Texas Rangers

OK I admit it I like baseball.  Oh, I don't play the sport but going to The Ballpark (it will always be "The Ballpark" to me and not Ameriquest Field) and watching a game live is one of life's great pleasures.  Baseball on TV?  Fagetaboutit!  Boring shot of pitcher and catcher and baseball is more than that.  The action in the outfield and how players prepare for different hitters is fascinating and something just never seen on TV.  Also you can't get ballpark hot dogs at home, not the real thing at least.

Now after suffering through a heap of guilt every time I went to a Rangers game when George Bush owned the team now I will have to just eschew any Rangers games at all.  Rumor has it Rupert Murdoch is considering purchasing the team, and when the owner of News Corp/aka FOX News takes over, I am stepping to the sidelines.

I know it won't make any difference my being at a game or not, but I just won't feel right about it.  Maybe I will be able to compartmentalize it like I do watching 20th Century Fox movies? 

Photos from the Afghanistan War

When I got this link from Americablog.com I had no idea how moving and amazing these photos are.  Please check out the pictures and you will start to understand the real scope of the Afghanistan War.  Explicit content is blocked unless you click on it, but even the non-graphic photos are deeply moving.  Don't pass this up.

When Conservatives Eat Their Own

It's not surprising when the GOP uses fear tactics to smear a Democratic candidate, but in this case they are smearing one of their own.

In Michigan, a Republican candidate for Macomb County State Senate 11th District primary, has become the target of a conservative smear.  It's no surprise that the smears involve the latest boogeyman of the right, the GAYS! Seems there is a flyer going around that shows the candidate, Leon Drolet’s face superimposed over a rainbow flag, with two male figures holding hands. The flyer goes on to intimate that if elected Drolet would sanction public sex in restrooms.  Say what?

Drolet's opponent in the primary, Kim Meltzer apparently is the author of the mailing which calls Drolet a "Libertarian" and even worse in the GOP dictionary, a LIBERAL!

Read more here.

False Prophet Rev. Terry Jones Wants To Burn Holy Books!

There seems to be a cottage industry comparing people to Hitler, so I will let you draw the conclusions.

Rev. Terry Jones, of the Dove World Outreach center has started a campaign to promote his book, "Islam is of the Devil".  I guess you can imagine what kind of publicity stunt the "good" reverend has come up with the promote sales of his tome.  Yup, burning books!  Specifically he has declared "National Burn a Quran Day".

In an interview on CNN he strangely declared, "We have nothing against Muslims...", nothing except the holy book that is at the center of their religion!

I give Rick Sanchez credit for asking this AssHat "how he would feel if Muslims burned the Bible?"  He mumbled something about not liking it but "we live in America!".  So I guess in his ethos, it's OK to burn other peoples sacred scriptures, but not his?

This kind of inflamitory insanity is designed to make bucks for this alleged Christian and to inflame tensions between Muslims and Christians.  He is sowing the seeds of a Holy War and he knows it.  This kind of apocalyptic  thinking is what gets people into crazy wars and drives terrorists to murder.  He is no Christian or follower of Christ.  Enough of this charade, time to call out these charlatans for what they are, false prophets.

So if you wish to draw a comparison to Hitler now, go ahead.

NOTE:  Since Jones has decided to NOT burn the Qu'ran let's not give him any more publicity for his hateful church.  Also,  threatening comments will be deleted. Making threats has no place here or anywhere. 

NOM Hate Tour Continues - Priest Gives Sex Advice?

Interesting interview of a Catholic Priest during the National Organization for Marriage hate tour. Funny how a person sworn to celibacy can pontificate on sex. He tries to say that any kind of sex other than penile/vaginal lack dignity because they abuse their partners as instrumentalities of pleasure for non-procreative potential.

He is full of bad theology and even worse advice on sex...but what would you expect from someone who does not use God's gift of sexuality. Go figure.

The World of the Future! 1939

Some of you might know of my fascination with the past ideas of what today and the future would look like. Of specific fascination is the 1939 New York World's Fair. This exposition influenced much of our lives today. This wonderful archive clip is the General Motors Futurama. A prediction of what America would be like in 1960!

This was a brilliant propaganda piece that actually helped shape the current automobile age. You'll see the inception of the Interstate Highway systems in this vid. Of course I am still waiting for those floating dirigible hanger but you can't have everything. Enjoy!



And from my childhood, a glimpse of the Futurama from the 1964 World's Fair. Notice the prevalence of cars again?

Daily Show Nails Nazi Nut

Once again the Daily Show nails it. This time it is a wacko trying to sell the idea that all the Nazis were gay. Oy vey!

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Bill O'Reilly Calls For End of DADT!

It must be a sign of the End Times! I actually agree with Bill O'Reilly.

On Jay Leno's show he actually came out against DADT and encouraged the President to sign an Executive Order to end the practice. Either he really has had a change of heart or he cynically figures his "ditto heads" don't watch Leno. Either way it's way past time to repeal this insipid law.

Lt. Gov. of Tennessee Thinks Islam Isn't a Religion

Yet another GOP idiot?  Maybe.  But for sure Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey is uninformed and perhaps just a plain old bigot. In a video posted on the web recently he notes that Islam is possibly not a religion, but a cult or a nationality.

That is like saying Catholicism is a nationality. Puleeze! What Ramsey is really doing is trying to stoke the fires of hatred and bigotry and use that energy to get votes or money or both. Wow! The GOP using ignorance, hate and bigotry as a tool? Standard operating procedure.

Here is the video, enjoy!

Bill Donohue Is At It Again!

Whenever the Catholic Church gets it's ass in a crack you can count on Bill Donohue of the Catholic League to rush to the defense of the church.  Though some would applaud his loyalty, this time his defense is pure unadulterated crap.


Strong words to use against someone?  But oh so true.  Donohue wrote an op-ed piece in the Washington Post recently that focused on the Catholic Church pedophile priest problem.  My problem with that is Mr. Donohue filled it with hate and outright lies.  The primes of his piece is that the problem is not with pedophilia, but with homosexuality.  He blames homosexuals for the whole child molesting thing and he uses lies to support his argument.


First he twists figures mercilessly as he states, "Alfred Kinsey was the first to identify a correlation between homosexuality and the sexual abuse of minors. In 1948, he found that 37 percent of all male homosexuals admitted to having sex with children under 17 years old." 

That is actually not what Kinsey said.  What he asserted in his study was 37 percent of all males had some overt homosexual experience to the point of orgasm, sometime between adolescence and old age.  That's a far cry from Donohue's crap.

My big beef is that the Washington Post published this piece at all.  Next they will be publishing Fred Phelps.

Tony Hayward Gets Sacked - Stays Amazingly Rich!

Big corporations are really amazing.  Take BP for example.  They rigthly sacked their CEO, Tony Hayward over his dismal handling of the oil spill crisis.  His bungled statements to the press and general lack of leadership has served him well though.  Seems in the world of corporations, you can screw up big time and they give you lots of money to go away!

He gets a pension, that's their term for it, a pension of £600,000 ($930,000 US) per year!  If only I could get fired like that!

Microsoft Unveils New Slogan. Whoop-de-friggin-do!

As with all things Microsoft, you take the good with the bad.  That goes for the latest in a series of operating systems as well as the continually lame advertising slogans the software giant foists upon the helpless public.

The latest is this:
"Be What's Next"

In the case of a phone, that would be the iPhone rather than the derivtive and lame Kin.

In the case of music downloads that would be the iTunes Store rather than Symphony.

In the case of games, that would be the Wii not the XBox.

What is it with Microsoft?  They are not what's next, they are what someone else pioneered before.  Need I tell the story of Windows?  Looks like Mac, acts like Mac, just doesn't work as good as Mac.

What's the next slogan going to be?

An Evening WIth The Love Goddess

Last night we attended the Cathedral of Hope 40th anniversary gala celebration, and it was great fun, even more so because of the visiting celestial royalty.  Judy Tenuda, aka, the Love Goddess made her appearance carried in by her customary buffed hunks.  She and her holy accordion were the main event of the evening. 

She may be a little older, but her shtick still works.  In her soaring and wavering tones she made it abundantly clear she was the font of wisdom for love and relationships, gay or straight.  She even had special advice for the "Lesbiterians" in attendance as well as just about everyone else. 

Later she performed for a smaller crowd at the "Judy Unplugged" after party on the roof of the InfoMart.  The room was more conducive to her humor and she was at her raunchy best.  If you missed it, you missed an unforgettable time.  Happy birthday, Cathedral of Hope!  My kind of church.

Worker Testifies BP Rig had Alarms Turned Off on a Regular Basis

As the government is investigating just what went wrong on the BP/Transocean Deep Water Horizon rig, the list of problems looks pretty long and moreover, pretty damming for BP.


In an article on the New York Times Mike Williams, chief electronics technician aboard the Transocean rig, testified that emergency alarms and procedures were routinely disabled or just set to bypass mode. The safety alarm system was set to "inhibited" to avoid its noisy siren going off and waking the crew in the middle of the night.  Unfortunately when the rig caught fire, that siren did not alert anyone and 11 men died.

On Friday, Mr. Williams added several new details about the equipment on the vessel, testifying that another Transocean official turned a critical system for removing dangerous gas from the drilling shack to “bypass mode.” When he questioned that decision, Mr. Williams said, he was reprimanded.

“No, the damn thing’s been in bypass for five years,” he recalled being told by Mark Hay, the subsea supervisor. “Why’d you even mess with it?”

He recalled that Mr. Hay added: “The entire fleet runs them in ‘bypass.’ ”
Problems existed from the beginning of drilling the well, Mr. Williams said. For months, the computer system had been locking up, producing what the crew deemed the “blue screen of death.”

“It would just turn blue,” he said. “You’d have no data coming through.”
Replacement hardware had been ordered but not yet installed by the time of the disaster, he said.

The rest of the article details even more infractions and for me it was sickening.  The whole thing smacks of corporate expediency and just plain cutting corners at the expense of safety and the environment.  In case you are wondering, that adds up to just plain GREED.  Make money as fast and as long as you can and if there are accidents, well that will not show up in this quarter's report.

The result of these investigations is still in play, but from what I have read, BP, Transocean and the rest have no business operating in US waters.  Furthermore, the callous disregard for safety shown by BP and Transocean must be rectified.  I sincerely believe that the only just way to deal with these criminals is to seize their assets and either sell them off for damages or operate them safely to pay for the lives and livelihoods they have destroyed.  Just fining them a few billion is not enough.  They need to be put out of business.

US House Votes To Ban "Crush" Vids

And to think some people call me twisted?  In a million years I would never consider watching or worse yet making videos of animals being deliberately crushed to death.  It gives me shivers just to say it, but apparently it's all the rage on the sick side of viral videos.

In an effort to stop the despicable practice the US House has passed a bill to prohibit the making or distribution of such videos.  The new bill specifically exempts videos showing hunting, trapping, fishing, or any typical veterinary practices.

And please, do not send me any links to these disgusting videos!  Seriously.

Republicans Declare War On Unemployed

In a continuing effort to block just about any legislation at all, the Senate Republicans are trying to block the unemployment extension by tactical means.  They are filing a batch of motions design to delay it as long a possible.  Apparently they feel they can make some kind of political gains by starving Americans who are unemployed. 

The GOP lives in a fantasy land where people do not seek jobs because they are rolling in government money.  If you have ever collected unemployment it is hardly a windfall, and without it many people are falling below subsistence level.  Though the GOP feels there are plenty of jobs out there, apparently they have never had to actually search for a job.

Write your GOP Senator and tell him or her to stop diddling and get this relief bill passed now!

Pete Sessions Asks What Would You Cut From the Budget? Start WIth His Salary!

I once wrote a letter to Pete Sessions, my Congressperson, or at least the Representative from my part of Texas and BINGO I am on his mailing list! That is a mixed blessing. First it lets me know what the GOP propaganda line is on whatever is going on in Washington, and second, it occasionally gives me a chance to screw up their "push polls" and other disinformation initiatives.

In my last update, Representative Sessions wanted me to join other "loyal supporters" and tell the GOP what we thought could be cut from the budget. As a start they suggested a half dozen red herrings and then made the mistake of asking me what I thought could be cut. Well let me tell you what I told Pete.

For starters how about trimming tax subsidies we give the oil companies. In a study by the Center for American Progress it is stated that "the total government savings from eliminating these subsidies is projected to be $45 billion over 10 years." That's not chump change and a good start.

Next I suggested that the C-17 Cargo plane the military uses was another example. The military already says it needs 180 of these heavy lifting cargo planes for efficient operation. So what does the Congress do? It authorizes 223 of them, 43 more that the military even wants. In 2009 Congress continued to fund the production of C-17s with a $2.5 billion appropriation, despite the strong objection by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the President.

The military in general is a problem. The Pentagon budget for 2010 is $693 billion. That represents more than all other discretionary spending programs combined. In fact the US spends 55% of the global military budget, more than any other country. How about a little trimming the fat there?

Another spot where a little fat could be snipped? Tobacco Subsidies in the United States totaled $944 million from 1995-2009. How about making that $0? Spend enough to transition farmers to less deadly crops and stop subsidizing the deaths of millions of Americans.

Shall I continue?

Now do I think Sessions will read or much less care about my suggestions? Aw hell no. Pete is in business for Pete. He and his cronies will manipulate public opinion and federal dollars to benefit their pals, that is a given especially with the GOP. But at least it made me feel better.

Oh and the best cut we could make wold be to snip his salary. If we did, he might resign and go into the "private sector". After all the Private Sector does everything better, right Pete?

Quantum Physics Friday - Gravity May Not Exist?

OK, most of the details of quantum physics go way beyond my understanding and I have only recently been able to scratch the surface on "string theory" and "membrane theory" (M-theory)  Let's say I won't be passing any theoretical physics tests any time soon, but the latest in the world of "spooky action at a distance" comes from Dr. Erik Verlinde, a Dutch professor of physics.

Verlinde, father of something called "Verlinde Algebra" which is essential to string theory, has posited that to explain gravity we have been looking in the wrong direction. Rather than it being a force caused either by the distortion of space-time or other phenomenon, he suggests gravity is a side effect or new element of an entropic force. In short, Gravity as a force does not exist.

So while I re-read the article from the New York Times and try to wrap whatever neurons I have left around it, take a gander at this and see if you understand.  It is a novel and interesting idea that really could lead to further more concrete research.

Tesla and Toyota to Build Electric Rav4

A lot of critics scoffed at the Tesla Motors first few models.  They first said electric cars are slow.  Then they said no one would buy them. Then they said they would never be affordable.

Tesla, creator of the Tesla Roadster set out to prove that electric cars could be peppy, sporty and outperform internal combustion.  They proved it with their first release.

Buyer flocked to Tesla and quickly filled up the slots on the waiting list for new models.  and though the Tesla was pricey, now comes the announcement that Tesla and Toyota are going to produce an electric version of the Rav4 perhaps at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant in Fremont, Calif.  The Rav4 EV was previously available in California only 10 years ago but was pulled from the market.  Still a number of the vehicles are still running today.

I fully expect to see electric or hybrid electric cars as the norm in the next 10 years.  Just my wish.

Glenn Beck for President? Oh Puleeze!

I needed a laugh today and this video provided it. The woman in need of a makeover actually is serious, so my laughter is tinged with a tear for the vapid stupidity on display here. Sad but true, she actually wants Glenn Beck to run for president? I believe so. Heck if the "Moose Killer Mom" can run, why not the bipolar Beck.

A further sign that critical thinking is a thing of the past in America. Enjoy!

BP Spill Might Be Capped

Keep your fingers crossed.  BP says the new cap may have worked.  They are still monitoring it to see if it holds, but the video shows no more oil.

Streaming live video by Ustream

Subway Car Star Wars!

Divorce Ban May Make the Ballot in California - Now That's Defense of Marriage!

Several years ago when the ridiculous Defense of Marriage Act was passed, the then pastor of my church, Rev. Michael Piazza suggested if people really wanted to defend marriage they could ban divorce.

Well, some enterprising folks in California have taken up the cause.  The California Secretary of State announced that a citizen has filed papers to do just that. John Marcotte has started a drive to put the measure on the ballot.  If he can raise 694,000 in the next 150 days it will go to a vote!

Here's to  you, Mr. Marcotte!  Good luck and I certainly hope you succeed since marriage is far more threatened by divorce than giving same-sex couples the right to marry.

New National AIDS Policy Will Take Community Involvement

When friend of mine started getting sick in the 1980's we got worried.  Once the cause of their illnesses and deaths was found we got busy.  We started educating our friends to practice safe-sex and to get tested for HIV.
We also felt pretty sure that once the scientific community got fully engaged in fighting HIV/AIDS the epidemic would be wiped out in a few years.  We mourned those who had fallen and held out hope for those who were living with AIDS.

It's been 30 years and still no cure and that's a shame.  30 years and people are still getting infected and that is preventable!  HIV is not being transmitted through transfusions any more, the blood supply is safe and tested, it's being transmitted by unprotected sex and sharing needles, both are pretty basic and very fixable.  Finally a White House realizes this and is willing to propose this concrete goal.

The United States will become a place where new HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic circumstance will have unfettered access to high-quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination. 

Now to implement that plan it's going to take work and our community is a great place to start.  We are where the rubber meets the road (pardon the intentional pun).  We cannot wait for the government to do something, because it is us, every LGBT person who can and must do something.  First we have to insist on safer-sex and that means always having and using condoms.  Barebacking needs to be de-eroticized and made unacceptable.  That means boycotting bareback videos and websites and consciously eroticizing condom use for penetrative sex.

Next we need to sponsor needle exchanges.  Making sterile needles available for intravenous drug users will lessen the possibility that they will cross contaminate their friends and partners.  To those who think this will enable drug use, I say bullshit.  Drug use will happen with clean or dirty needles whether we want it to or not.  We need to take an adult view of the problem and address the transmission of HIV through dirty needles.

Finally the government needs to do a couple of things to help.  Make health care accessible to everyone and make funds available for HIV prevention education and programs. 

With or without the government we can make a difference in our community, but first we have to get off our collective asses and work for it.

Iraqi Police Beat LGBT Suspects in Raid

Reason number 501 to pull out of Iraq.

Iraqui police raided what they describe as a Male Beauty Parlor.  The business offered waxing and massage and catered to gay men.  the raid was ostensibly for prostitution, but the owners say that is not what they offered.

Witnesses say the police beat patrons and used cattle prods on them before arresting them.  Though the government claims, "homosexuality is not a criminal offense in Iraq" apparently the police believe otherwise.

It's time we left this country to it's own devices.  Supporting an opressive regeim is the last thing we need to do.
The story was reported by UK Gay News.

More Gibson Rant Released - Worse Than Others!

Wow!  Just when I thought I had heard all the venom Mel Gibson could spew, part 3 of the infamous tape comes out.  His language and dialogue is so bad a writer couldn't come up with this filth.  He rants and insults and spews more racial epithets and threats.

I feel like a voyeur listening to it, and yet it's like watching a train wreck, I just can't look away.

Gibson has lost his agent, his reputation such as it is and I would not be surprised if he didn't "go postal".  Someone needs to take him into protective custody or something really bad is going to happen.

In the long run I guess it is his just deserts.  His hatred and prejudice and severe mental problems have surfaced and it really makes him unattractive to anyone.  Unattractive is the worst thing an actor can be, especially a former "star" like Gibson.  Too bad.

Nevada Health Organization Splits from Local Church Over Uganda Anti-gay Laws

It's interesting to note that some folks other than the LGBT community are taking matters in Uganda seriously.  The Southern Nevada Health District in Las Vegas has cut ties to the Canyon Ridge Community Church.  The state organization had been working with the church to find a location for their HIV testing and AIDS awareness activities.  After learning that the church had an ongoing relationship with anti-gay pastor Martin Ssempa of Uganda, they severed ties.

Ssempa is one of the forces behind the draconian anti-homosexuality laws in Uganda and Canyon Ridge has supported him and the policy.  More from Salon.com.

Mel Gibson is a Ranting Lunatic. Talent Agent Drops Him.

I just listened to the tape of Mel Gibson ranting and cursing at his ex-girlfriend and he is certifiable. The guy is out of control and a raving rage-aholic. The tape of the phone conversation is amazing and disturbing. She is calm and he is shouting like a crazy man screaming curses worse than anything I could imagine.

I would not be surprised if Gibson ends up in a hospital or graveyard from his craziness. If you think you can stand it listen to the insanity here on Radar Online.com.

UPDATE:  News just came in that his agency, William Morris Endeavor is dropping him.  This means they feel representing him is a liability to their reputation or that he is no longer a bankable property.  Either way it's a blow to what is left of his career.

Where Was This Guy a Few Years Ago?

Hawaii - Not Very Civil About Civil Unions

I have been to Hawaii twice, both times on business, but I did get a chance to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Scenery is about all Hawaii has going for it right now, that and some of the strongest pot around. (Something I no longer indulge in.)

The Governor of Hawaii is being widely quoted as saying allowing same-sex civil unions is tantamount to allowing incest. Well that is not exactly what she said. She stated that she felt civil unions were not a civil right. Since the state could restrict brother and sister from marrying, there was precedent to disallow same-sex marriage.

OK, splitting hairs aside, Linda Lingle has made a powerful mistake.  She vetoed the same-sex civil union bill and tacked on this little gem in her response, "A vote by all the people of Hawaii is the best and fairest way to address an issue that elicits such deeply felt emotion by those both for and against."  So we are going to put civil rights to a popular vote?  How is that going to work on other "deeply felt emotional" issues.  Say taxes?

Ask just about anyone and they will tell you they would prefer not to pay taxes.  Is Hawaii going to put state taxes to a vote of the people?  Oh hell no!  This is a pile of manure as an argument against doing the right thing.  The governor is just weaseling her way out of making an unpopular decision that is morally right.  Governor Lingle, it comes with the territory!

As for Hawaii, well I put it to a popular vote, and it's a tourist trap that can live without my or any other GLBT dollars.  Take your leis and inedible poi and fake hula shows and stuff it!

Next time I want to pay way too much or a vacation, I'll head to Massachusetts for a tour of the fall foliage. 

Pro Gay Marriage Ad - Argentina

From Joe. My. God., this lovely commercial in Spanish.

Despicable Me - A Lovable Picture!

Steve Carell is everywhere this month. Doing cameos on the Colbert Report, making the radio talk circut and all over the media.  His career has been on the ascendant for several years but his latest copu,. having a successful TV show, and two movies released at the same time really shows just how much this guy works.

His latest role, as the voice of Gru in "Despicable Me" give Carell a chance to do a really broad character that clearly falls outside his "look".  If it was a live action movie, it wouldn't work, but as the voice of the nefarrious and yet lovable Gru he is perfect.

At times sounding a bit like Boris Badenoff of "moose and squirrel" fame Gru is driven by his life long quest to be the most evil villain ever.  His foil is a Bill Gates like nerd who dresses in sweatpants and has a Moe Howard haircut.

The story is fun and sweet and spiked with enough dual-level humor to entertain adults...a lot!

The 3D was spectacular and used to good effect, though the gimmick aspect was evident, however the producers used the gimmicks self consciously and so it all became part of the joke.  The inside joke came at the end during the credits.  If you had an iPhone or other smart phone, you could download an app...yes there is an app for this movie.  Best Buy teamed up with the producers to provide an interactive experience at the end of the picture.  I won't spoil the gag, but get the app before going and turn on your iPhone to silent and start the app when the picture begins.  You won't be disappointed.

Futurama - Robosexual Marriage! Oh My!

Futurama	Thursdays 10pm / 9c
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www.comedycentral.com
Futurama New Episodes Futurama New Episodes It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

LGBT Youth In Prison - Violence Behind Bars

The idea of being in prison is bad enough, especially for a young person.  When the other youth in the facility attack and abuse you, who do you tell?  When the guards call you," a disgrace to mankind," a "punk" or "fucking faggot", what do you do?

It's not a very pleasant world for an incarcerated LGBT youth, and the recent article in The Nation gives a vivid picture of how bad it is for LGBT kids who wind up in correctional facilities. What's worse is that many are jailed prior to their trials in inordinate numbers.  According to the article, "in Louisiana, 50 percent of the gay youth picked up for nonviolent offenses in 2009 were sent to jail to await trial, while less than 10 percent of straight kids were".  Louisiana is not alone.  The same holds true for many states.

Once in a facility after a conviction, gay youth report constant attacks, rapes and little if any recourse.  Many are placed in isolation after an attack rather than punishing their attackers.  It's a no win situation and it is made worse by the disproportionate number of LGBT youth in the system.

An LGBT youth's problems with the law frequently begin at home. "LGBT youth are more likely to be arrested than straight youth because they're more likely to be pushed out of their homes," says Dr. Beyer. And "family rejection is a direct pipeline to the juvenile justice system," says San Francisco State University researcher Caitlin Ryan of the Family Acceptance Project. While only 3-10 percent of Americans are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, LGBT youth make up 15 percent of the prison population. Indeed, one-quarter of all LGBT youth are kicked out of their homes or run away. Compared to their heterosexual peers, incarcerated LGBT youth are twice as likely to report abuse at the hands of family members, homelessness or state-ordered foster placement. A shocking estimated 20-40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBT.

This article is worth a read and worth thinking about.  As a community, we have to start recognizing the problems specific to LGBT youth and finding ways to address them.

Beheading Was a Hoax

Today the blog, Box Turtle Bulletin issued a retraction for the story of the murder of a gay activist in Uganda.  Apparently the story, first propagated by Changing Attitude, an LGBT Anglican blog was true in that there was a beheading, but the victim was not an LGBT activist as first reported.

Box Turtle Bulletin has the rest of the story.

Woman With Leukemia Has Insurance Canceled Because She Was One Penny Short

OK, if you ever needed a reason why we need health care reform, check this out.  A woman with Leukemia had her coverage canceled because she was 1 cent ($0.01) short in her payment. Only when she threatened to go to the press was she reinstated.  The Colorado Springs Gazette describes it this way:

La Rosa Carrington has more than enough to worry about. She’s a single mother with two teenage daughters, she’s fighting a type of leukemia that requires five days of chemo a month for four months, and she lost her job in May. So the last thing she needed was news that her health insurance benefits would be terminated because she hadn’t paid her premium in full. The shortfall? One penny.

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/rosa-101227-carrington-threatened.html#ixzz0t253z9ES

Amazing!

Artist Formerly Known as Prince Says the Internet Is "Over"

First he was Prince, then he was (whatever that symbol was) and now he is back to Prince I think.  Though I love his music, his intellect is somewhat in question.  His latest pronouncement is that, "The internet's completely over".

In an interview with the Daily Mirror the pop icon is shutting down his website and pulling his material from YouTube.  In the interview he stated, "the internet’s like MTV, at one time, MTV was hip, and suddenly it became outdated.... Anyway, all these computers and digital gadgets are no good. They just fill your head with numbers and that can't be good for you."

Well he is releasing a new album,and it was recorded digitally, so all those numbers, specifically 1's and 0's must be good for something!  Let's hope his dismissal of the internet isn't followed by the public's dismissal of Prince.  I like his music!

Ugandan LGBT Rights Volunteer Beheaded in Brutal Murder

When I hear the name of the country Uganda, I have vivid memories of Idi Amin, the brutal dictator who ruled that African nation for many years.  I also think of the draconian laws against LGBT people in that country especially a draft of a new law that makes even knowing the whereabouts of homosexuals a crime.  Not a happy place.

That impression was strengthened when I saw the horrifying news in the Box Turtle Bulletin blog about the murder and beheading of a gay rights activist there.  Pasikali Kashusbe who volunteered for Integrity Uganda, a pro-LGBT organization founded by an Anglican Bishop, Christopher Senyonjo. 

Here are some of the details published in a release on the Anglican, Changing Attitude blog, they are not pretty.

Judith Nabakooba, a police spokesperson, identified the head as that of Pasikali Kashusbe, one of the workers on Kigggundu’s farm and a member of Integrity Uganda. Pasikali and his partner Abbey are youth workers with Integrity Uganda charged with the responsibility of mobilising young LGBT people in activities which build community capacity to face up to the challenge of homophobia, especially in the area of attitude change and care through drama and sports activities.

According to the police, a mutilated torso which was earlier in the week discovered in Kabuuma Zone, about half a kilometre away from Kiggundu’s farm was probably Pasikali’s The torso was described as belonging to a young man and had no genitals.
Pasikali went missing over three and half weeks ago when the country was celebrating Uganda Martyrs Day. All efforts by his partner Abbey and other family members to find him had been fruitless.

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, Chairperson of Integrity Uganda lamented the murder of this young man as ‘absurd’ adding that, ‘clearly, the values of tolerance and social inclusion are sadly being sacrificed on the altar of state ignorance, ineptness and good old colonial stupidity’.

 What is worse is that the state owned media is encouraging a "crackdown" on homosexuals.  I put crackdown in quotes because it is in my opinion a code for vigilantism.  One article published a few years ago contained the following inflammatory rhetoric, “The police should visit the holes mentioned in the press, spy on the perverts, arrest and prosecute them”.

Obviously, some people in Uganda have decided to take the law in their own hands.

A-Team Tries to Thrill. Fails!

What was I expecting?  Well I figured it would be a campy send up of the A-Team that would have a good story with a few self conscious nods to the old series.  As it began, I had high hopes.  The just in the nick of time rescue and the reappearance of the A-Team van worked into a somewhat plausible story.  Unfortunately that was just the credits.  From there it went downhill, or at least into far left field quickly.

Why the writers had to include the impossibly beautiful Army Captain/busted to Lieutenant in charge of some sort of top secret sting operation, I don't know.  Also the whole "we are all crazy rangers" thing made no sense at all. But as I said the whole story made little sense.

Part of a good movie is the "suspension of disbelief".  The same thing that is needed for a good play.  You have to believe the characters and action is real, even though you know it's acting and special effects.  I found I could not suspend my disbelief long enough to get two bites of popcorn down. The whole thing was unbelievable, and not in a "wow isn't his a great fantasy", or "gee this is so goofy" kind of way. It was just bad, and when it got so convoluted there seemed like no way out, Well, the producers used the old "deus ex CGI" to save the day. Except it didn't.  

I rarely find a movie where I not only don't care about the lead characters, but I actively am rooting for their demise!  The A-Team was the B or really the D-Team.  Don't waste your money and 2 hours of your life.

Michael Steele Puts Another Foot In His Mouth!

Sometimes it's just too easy.  Michael Steele is challenging Rand Paul for the silliest guy in politics.  Either he has decided to try just ignoring history or he has a short term memory loss problem.  Either way it's just too easy to shoot holes in this guys arguments.

Yesterday, he makes a speech at a fundraiser in Connecticut and says of the war President Bush started in Afghanistan:

"Keep in mind again, federal candidates, this was a war of Obama’s choosing. This is not something the United States had actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in."

So I guess when Bush ordered troops into Afghanistan to track down Osama Bin Laden it was just a bad dream?  I wish it was but now Obama is havingto finish Bush's war.  Not a plesant situation and certainly not of "his choosing".

Either the man is an idiot, or just a really bad spin doctor.  Either way it's another embarrassment for the GOP and it has me dancing the "schadenfreude polka"!

Friday Engrish Blogging

I have long been a fan of the website engrish.com.  They post hundreds of pictures of signage form Japan that is mistranslated into broken English.  But they are not the only ones with this kind of malapropism.  Huffington Post recently posted a series of pictures of least appetizing food.

This example must be what I had for lunch yesterday.  Still can't get the taste out of my mouth.

Bon Appetite!

Mel Gibson is an Asshat & Other Well Known Facts

The recording of Mel Gibson spewing a stream of invectives at his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, mother of his child, just goes to prove that the star who may seem hot and romantic on-screen is a really good actor.  In real life he is a bitter, racist, homophobic jerk.

Radaronline posted a few choice quotes from the tape like these:

"You're an embarrassment to me.... You look like a f***ing pig in heat, and if you get raped by a pack of n***ers, it will be your fault."

Sad really, when I think of how I had fantasies about Mel back in his Road Warrior days.  I now have trouble picturing him as anything but a bitter drunk. 

George W. Ranks High - In Worst Presidents of All Time!

I always suspected George W. Bush would go down in history as a really bad president, but just how bad is startling.  A recent poll of 238 Presidential scholars ranks "W" 5th from the bottom.  He can take heart that he ranked above Andrew Jackson,  James Buchanan, W.G. Harding, and Franklin Pierce.

At the top of the list for Best President stands FDR for the fifth consecutive survey.  It's interesting reading for sure.

2 Shot at Vigil for San Francisco Shooting Victims

The shooting that happened near the Gay Pride celebration in San Francisco this weekend has spawned another problem.  At a vigil help last night for the victims, two more people were shot and injured.  Luckily no one was killed this time.

Though the previous deaths were not classified as hate crimes, since they were most likely gang related, I have to wonder how this could be related unless it was indeed a hate crime.  This story will not go away soon, I suspect.

Montana Republicans Hate Gays Too!

I have to admit, the Montana Republican Party's platform sounds much more sane than the wacko document released by the Texas GOP.  Still, just because it sounds a little less zany does not mean it is good.

Look under the section on "Crime" and you will find this little nugget:

Homosexual Acts
We support the clear will of the people of Montana expressed by legislation to keep homosexual acts illegal.

Clear will?  Funny how these guys have their finger on the pulse of the will of all Montana citizens.  First of all "homosexual acts" sounds like something you would see in a bus and truck musical, not to mention the fact that "homosexual acts" are no longer illegal by the ruling of Lawrence v. Texas. 

What this comes down to is hate, pure and simple.  Not as vehement as the hate in the Texas platform, but hate none the less and once again it shows why anyone who considers themselves an LGBT Republican is living in cognitive dissonance.  For God sake at least call yourselves "Independents" and stop supporting the Republican Party! The LGBT community has enough enemies, we don't need them working from the inside to harm us as well.

Oil Layer Coats Pensacola Beach

The pride of the gulf, Pensacola Beach is destroyed for the near future.  These photos on TampaBay.com show not only tar balls and patches on the surface of the white sand beeches, but a layer of tar and oil about 6 inches below the surface.
The "Redneck Riviera" will not be a vacation spot this summer.

There is a movement to demand the government seize BP's assets and use them to pay for damages.  I have to say I think it might be a good idea.

Robert Byrd, Senate Icon, Dead at 92

He always carried a copy of the Constitution in his pocket and frequently referred to it in his speeches on the floor of the Senate. Robert Byrd, the longest serving member of Congress in US history has died at age 92. The conservative Democrat from West Virginia had been hospitalized for about a week prior to his death.

He was elected to the Senate in 1958 and reelected nine times, a record for any Senator. His work for the citizens of West Virginia was often seen as "pork barrel politics" but it won him praise from his constituents.

As a young man he once was "Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan" but in later life his views moderated. He supported the Martin Luther King holiday and endorsed President Barack Obama.

His achievements included a scholarly history of the US Senate as well as numerous laws.

I best remember him as standing on the floor of the Senate and vehemently opposing the Iraq war. His words still haunt many in Washington:

I believe in this beautiful country. I have studied its roots and gloried in the wisdom of its magnificent Constitution. I have marveled at the wisdom of its founders and framers. Generation after generation of Americans has understood the lofty ideals that underlie our great Republic. I have been inspired by the story of their sacrifice and their strength.


But, today I weep for my country. I have watched the events of recent months with a heavy, heavy heart. No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned.


Instead of reasoning with those with whom we disagree, we demand obedience or threaten recrimination. Instead of isolating Saddam Hussein, we seem to have isolated ourselves. We proclaim a new doctrine of preemption which is understood by few and feared by many. We say that the United States has the right to turn its firepower on any corner of the globe which might be suspect in the war on terrorism. We assert that right without the sanction of any international body. As a result, the world has become a much more dangerous place.

Shaving Gay Cougars and Orange Drinks?

What in the heck is this ad trying to say?

HIV Study in Houston Show Many Have Disease and Don't Know It

Something many in the medical community long suspected has been proven out by an empirical test.  In Houston, the emergency rooms at two inner-loop clinics tried testing all patients for HIV as a routine part of their care.  They found one out of every one hundred people tested positive and many of those had no idea prior to the emergency room visit. 

Epidemiologists and HIV researchers have long believed that the general population has a higher infection rate than previously reported.  They believe almost 200,000 Americans are living with HIV and don't know it.

The routine testing removed any stigma that might have cased some people to opt out of testing and gives a much truer sample of how widespread the virus really is.  The long term goal of this pilot program is to make testing for HIV far more widespread to make sure people who are infected can get treatment early and avoid spreading the disease to others.  More from the Houston Chronicle.

Catholic Coloring Book Warns of Pedophile Priests

The Catholic Church with all its emphasis of orthodoxy and tradition has certainly strayed outside the lines with their latest educational initiative.  It's a coloring book for kids that warns them of the dangers of pedophile priests!  Well, not exactly, but the subtext is far from subtle.

The book comes from the New York Archdiocese and is entitled, "Being Friends, Being Safe, Being Catholic".  The book features among other interesting images, an angel cluing a child in to the safety tip,  make sure they're never alone in a room with a priest.  I would have thought this was a joke had I not seen it in Newsweek.

This will either become a valuable tool for protection of children, or the greatest camp joke of all time.  Only time will tell!

LGBT Youth - Alarming Number are Homeless and on the Streets

The figures are staggering. Between 1.6 million to 2.8 million homeless youth in our country! More staggering still is the data that shows up to 40% of those homeless are LGBT youth.

For some reason I never considered homelessness as an LGBT issue but the figures speak clearly, it is. The reasons for these kids ending up on the street are myriad, but they share some disturbing similarities.

A report from the Center for American Progress shows 58% of them are victims of sexual assault. This is much higher than their straight counterparts. Additionally, 62% suffer discrimination from their families because of their sexual orientation. I would imagine that is a big cause of the problem.

The report is eye opening and worth your time to read. Beyond understanding the problem is doing something about it. That will take both our community and our local state and federal governments getting involved and working to change this.

Raining Oil? Strange Video

OK, I am not at all convinced that this is real or at least really what the guys filming it believe, but it is interesting.  I personally suspect that the heavy rain pulled up oil from the streets.  The whole water cycle would have to be really messed up to rain oil.  What do you think?

President Pledges to Sign DADT

In the first White House Gay Pride event, President Obama made a great speech and this part stood out:

And finally, we’re going to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. (Applause.) That is a promise I made as a candidate. It is a promise that I reiterated as President. It’s one that this administration is going to keep. Now, the only way to lock this in -– the only way to get the votes in Congress to roll back this policy -- is if we work with the Pentagon, who are in the midst of two wars.
And that’s why we were gratified to see, for the first time ever, the Secretary of Defense, Bob Gates, testify in favor of repeal. And the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, has repeatedly and passionately argued for allowing gay men and women to serve honestly in the military. (Applause.) We know that forcing gay and lesbian soldiers to live a lie or to leave the military, that doesn’t contribute to our security -- it harms our security.

And thanks to Patrick Murphy and others, for the first time in history, the House has passed a repeal that would allow gay men and women to openly serve in our armed forces. And this repeal is authored so that the Pentagon can complete its review of the policy -- which is critical, by the way, not only to passage, but it’s also critical to making sure that the change is accepted and implemented effectively. In the Senate, the Armed Services Committee has approved repeal for the first time, and the full body is poised to vote soon.

So here’s the bottom line: We have never been closer to ending this discriminatory policy. And I’m going to keep on fighting until that bill is on my desk and I can sign it. (Applause.)

Rand Paul - Fake Doctor? His Board Certification is a Hoax

Rand Paul is the gift that keeps on giving.  The Kentucky ophthalmologist states in his bio that he is board certified by the National Board of Ophthalmology.  That would be no big deal, except that it's a bogus organization Dr. Paul actually owns and heads!

Who else is on this "board"?  Well, his wife and father-in-law for starters.   He says he formed the non-profit after a dispute with the American Board of Ophthalmology, the only group recognized as actually being capable of issuing officially recognized certifications.

I would expect to hear more on this in coming days since the election is getting closer.  Wonder where his degree came from?  Though he may not be a fake doctor, bolting from the only organization that can certify a doctor in his field and setting up his own group to "certify" himself is really suspicious.

Remembering Leonard Matlovich - 22 Years Later

Leonard Matlovich is a name a lot of younger LGBT people don't recognize today.  Sgt. Matlovich was an early advocate for LGBT rights and he was discharged after a stellar career in the Air Force for coming out.  His forthright announcement that he was gay, shocked a nation into realization that there were thousands of LGBT people serving in the military.

Yesterday, on the 22nd anniversary of his death, his friend and roommate Michael Bedwell released this YouTube video.  atch it and if you never knew who he was, remember his name.  Leonard was a brave pioneer in the fight for LGBT rights.

I had the pleasure and privileged of knowing Sgt. Matlovich.  He came to Dallas to help us promote the National March on Washington for Gay Rights in 1979.  I spent a couple of days with him shuttling him from press event to press event.  We finished with an appearance on the Charlie Rose Show.  Charlie was a local talk show host then and shortly afterward his career took off on the national stage. Leonard was an unassuming man, yet he was fierce in his activism and belief in equality.

Leonard, unfortunately, was an early victim of AIDS and though his life was cut short, his achievements and spirit continue to inspire me and many other LGBT people.

McChrystal Resigns - A Day of Changes!

It's been a day of big changes.  The most significant one for LGBT Americans was the addition of family leave for LGBT families.  This means the same leave granted new mothers and fathers will be offered to new LGBT citizens as well.  Bravo President Obama!

The other change is still in the works, but it looks like General Stanley McChrystal is submitting his resignation.  Seems he just couldn't get beyond the outrageous things he said in a Rolling Stone interview.  Dissing the Commander in Chief is not a road map for career advancement!

Wonder what else will happen today?

Dismal Forecast for Texas Education - A State Full of "Idjits"

Sad state of affairs here in the Lone Star State.  According to a recent demographic forecast, we will have 3 of every 10 workers with no high school diploma by 2040.  Add that to the rising levels of poverty and you have whats called a "feedback loop".  Poor kids can't get an education and they raise more poor kids who can't afford an education....well you get the idea.

So far our state lawmakers have failed to step up to the plate and do anything about rising poverty and falling education except insist on testing and bellyache about welfare.  That won't cut it anymore.  It's time to actually do something.  Like support preschool education, fund more scholarships for higher education and make "learning" a priority, not "testing".

Yea, like that will happen.  Meanwhile as we slide into becoming a 3rd world country in this state maybe we could build a few assembly plants that require unskilled and uneducated workers cause the Burger Kings can only employ so many folks!

Oil Spill From Space

Here is what BP has left our country with.  This photo from space shows the extent of the spill in graphic detail.  They have turned the Gulf of Mexico into a cesspool and Joe Barton (R-TX) apologizes to them?

My guess is the $20 Billion will be a drop in the bucket when it comes to cleaning this up.  Now estimates of the leak range from 50,000 to 100,000 barrels a day.  Nice job BP!

NASA updates this image regularly here.

Tony Hayward Attends Yacht Race While the Gulf Drowns in Oil!

Well my bad.  I assumed that Tony Hayward, beleaguered CEO of BP was off the case, but instead he was only attending a yacht race and eating buttered scones for tea., Perhaps he even had time to play the grand piano while he considered the plight of the "small people" back in the coastal communities of the "colonies".

It sounds like a plot form a Monty Python sketch but it is true.  Hayward, in an effort to get his life back, is still in charge of the Gulf situation, he was just taking a break to attend the race.  Now I understand everyone needs a break, but could he PR of this situation be worse?  I hardly think so.

Tony Hayward Out! Carl-Henric Svanberg In! BP Switches Hitters.

Tony Hayward will now have his life back! The CEO of BP whose lackluster showing in front of Congress this week made both him and BP look like they were asleep at the wheel has been unceremoniously removed from day to day operations at the spill site.

BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg announced today that Hayward was out and in his words,  "this has now turned into a reputation matter, a financial squeeze for BP and a political matter and that is why you will now see more of me."

Let's hope he knows more than Hayward about the whole drilling business.

FOX & Other Wing-Nuts Defend Smokey Joe Barton

Apparently the talking points went out prior to Barton apologizing.  This is absolutely insane how these clones can defend Joe Barton for his apology to BP  This will not play well with the GOP base.