iwantu2know

from an old boyfriend

2011-10-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

You know what I don't quite understand about you're country is why they expect the president to solve a huge crisis which took an entire generation to manufacture and which was not even the fault of his administration. I don't think that even a totalitarian regime like China would be able to solve the situation in less a decade. Things up here are better relatively speaking since our finacial institutions are so heavily regulated that they can't do anything wierd since we still have an the old fashioned notion that the primary function of a bank is to fuction as a bank and not as a money making buisiness. It probably accounts for why none of our banks have failed.
(guess where he lives)

West cares about the wise use of Federal dollars, my ass.

2011-08-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Shocked, just shocked. Congressman West is getting his marching orders for big PHARMA now and spinning it against the President. Completely shocked…

Teabaggers, you need to do your homework and see who is leading you by your collective noses.
The unfunded Part D from George Bush and Big Pharma.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_Part_D
By the design of the program, the federal government is not permitted to negotiate prices of drugs with the drug companies, as federal agencies do in other programs. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which is allowed to negotiate drug prices and establish a formulary, pays 58% less for drugs, on average, than Medicare Part D.[25] For example, Medicare pays $785 for a year's supply of Lipitor (atorvastatin), while the VA pays $520.
Former Congressman Billy Tauzin, R-La., who steered the bill through the House, retired soon after and took a $2 million a year job as president of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the main industry lobbying group. Medicare boss Thomas Scully, who threatened to fire Medicare Chief Actuary Richard Foster if he reported how much the bill would actually cost, was negotiating for a new job as a pharmaceutical lobbyist as the bill was working through Congress.[26][27] A total of 14 congressional aides quit their jobs to work for the drug and medical lobbies immediately after the bill's passage.

Super Happy Pride.

2011-06-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations New York and the timing could not be more perfect. San Fran was abuzz last night with the news. The national org for non inclusive marriage is already blathering on about spending 2 million bucks to defeat certain legislators. Class act they are. Kind of like the effort they did in Iowa against judges. Anyhoo, let's celebrate a win for equal civil marriage. On the home front in Florida, we need to get cracking on putting together a campaign and an energized effort to move forward the legislation sponsored by State Rep. Mark Pafford. The domestic partnership bill will provide responsibilities, protections and rights for same gender couples in the great State of Florida. Who's with us?

CORETTA SCOTT KING QUOTES

2011-05-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

"I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice... But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King, Jr., said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere' ... I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brotherhood and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people."

-March 31, 1998

“Like Martin, I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others", she would tell black civil rights leaders angered by gays and lesbians comparing their struggle to their own. She would quote her husband and say, “I have worked too long and hard against segregated public accommodations to end up segregating my moral concern. Justice is indivisible."

-June 23, 1994

"Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages."

March 24, 2004

"We have a lot more work to do in our common struggle against bigotry and discrimination. I say "common struggle" because I believe very strongly that all forms of bigotry and discrimination are equally wrong and should be opposed by right-thinking Americans everywhere. Freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation is surely a fundamental human right in any great democracy, as much as freedom from racial, religious, gender, or ethnic discrimination."

November 9, 2000

"We have to launch a campaign against homophobia in the black community."

June 8, 2001

"Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood. This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all too easily to victimize the next minority group."

April 1, 1998

do socks get raptured?

2011-05-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

cuz i am missing some today and it's not yet 6pm..

Actually, it kind of sad / maddening to me that this is the conversation we are having regarding the rapture. Plenty of good Christian people get to endure this silliness all brought about by someone who can’t even read his own bible. Of course maybe he / they just think they are smarter than the word. I put this whole subject matter away a long time ago. Not even the angles in heaven are supposed to know when the rapture is to happen. I’m a Christian, so what do I care. I’m pretty sure we get a pass. I didn’t ask Christ spirit into my heart because I was afraid. I actually think it was a formality anyway. I think that spirit has always been there and is ever present. I have a relationship with my higher power that rocks. Best relationship eva! If you don’t like that, it’s on you. I’m willing to share what I have and you can take it or leave it. For those of us who choose to connect with a higher spirit, that’s kind of personal, like any relationship. Being honest and loving is it’s own reward. Having integrity and compassion is it’s own reward. So today, I kind of grieve that this is how we talk about such things. I grieve that there is such a divide. I’m encouraged by the many who have figured how to see the forest.

state of the state

2011-05-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

It's been an all out assault on unions, women, immigrants, public schools, public school teachers, women's health care, Voters rights, clean water and the environment, responsible planning practices, AIDS/ HIV prevention funding and education, the disabled, workers pensions, college students, the Florida Supreme Court, Citizens Insurance, Children's Heath Services, the unemployed and JOBS (high speed rail?). It's been a potential windfall for corporations and the top tax brackets.

And this is just Florida at the state level. Never mind the assaults on the federal level. I have no real issue with the rich or corporations. This is the republicans sucking up to the rich, plain and simple. The only problem with that? Is it doesn't work for Florida or America. Money is like manure and the wealthy know this, you spread it around and it does a world of good. Who wants to pay more in taxes? no one. Will this plan work to fire the engine that is our economy? no, it won't.

Click the link above to attend our next meetup

2011-04-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Pafford and Sobel ROCK!

2011-01-26T11:34:00.000-08:00

State Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, has filed legislation to provide domestic partnership protections to committed couples throughout Florida.
From Pafford's statement:
Florida is the eighth most populous state in the nation with an estimated 5.5 million individuals living in communities that recognize domestic partnerships, either through registries or public employer's benefits. House Bill 337 would make partnership benefits available to all domestic partners statewide.

More than half of all Fortune 500 companies and a majority of Florida’s universities offer domestic partner benefits in order to attract and retain the best and brightest employees.

"At a time when many Florida families are facing difficult financial challenges, this bill will provide valuable protections, as well as responsibilities, to unmarried couples and will help more Floridians to take care of their loved ones," said Representative Pafford. "House Bill 337 recognizes the intrinsic value of all families, and the importance that they be recognized and protected by law.”

The Domestic Partnerships Act would grant individuals in a domestic partnership the same benefits and responsibilities currently available through marriage.

Allan Hendricks, Palm Beach County organizer of the gay rights group Equality Florida, said his organization would push for passage of the legislation.

A Senate version of the measure is sponsored by state Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood.

Listen.

2011-01-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

Enough already.
WE. You and I. The American People are responsible for a lot of things. We are responsible to seek out the truth, not someone’s slanted spin on the truth. The truth. We are responsible to fact check shit. We are also responsible to turn off the radio show or TV show when we find the nimrods spouting off their nonsense to be lying to us. That means Rush and Beck and the like. I get we need political discourse and need to look at both side to whatever conversation we are having. But seriously yo. It’s not that fn hard to see the facts Can it be confusing? Yes. Look to information sites that report the truth without an apparent agenda. Look at both sides of every story, look for the facts. Then use you common sense. News flash; Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh are not news sources. Good reliable news sources are out there, ones without a political agenda, right or left.

THEN we are also responsible to stand up to the politicians who roll along with the money bags who keep their political campaigns rolling and do harm to the greater good with their greed. I am all cool with capitalism. I am NOT ok with the American public getting focked by someone wanting more power or a bigger ranch. Fock that. The ONLY check to this is people power. Feel me? And for that, WE are responsible.

We are responsible for raising good kids. We are responsible to elect good people and throw them out if the screw us. We are responsible to get involved and running for office. We are responsible for our finances, our schools, our safety in our neighborhoods.

What started me on this rant? Turn off Rush Limbaugh and he will go away.

Inequality Strikes Again.

2010-11-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

"There are no immigration benefits available to [gays] based on their relationship. With
that said, there's certainly nothing that says a U.S. citizen cannot move to another
country." -- Chris Bentley, spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security's Citizen
and Immigration Services, LA Weekly, January 9, 2004

FACT: LGBT Individual do not have the same immigration rights as hetero individual. We cannot
sponsor our partners (or our partners cannot sponsor us) for green cards and the right to stay together in
the United States.

FACT: The United States does not recognize LGBT relationships at a federal level—and
immigration is a federal issue. Many of us have been with our partners for several years, work hard, pay
taxes, have children—but in the eyes of our government none of that matters. We are legal strangers.

FACT: The U.S. government is breaking up LGBT families. This happens every day. Because U.S.
immigration laws discriminate against us we have very few legal options for staying together. Visas are
temporary. When a foreign partner’s visa runs out, their American partner cannot help them. The couple
is forced to either separate—or leave the country and live in exile.

FACT: At least nineteen countries—Canada, most European countries, Australia, New Zealand,
Brazil, Israel and South Africa—recognize same-sex relationships for the purpose of immigration.
The United States does not.

Sign the pledge here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/special_visa_for_binational_lgbt_spouse-perma-partners

Orgs:
http://www.out4immigration.org/immigration/homepage.html
http://www.immigrationequality.org/
http://eqfl.blogspot.com/2009/06/immigration-laws-affect-glbtq-community.html

Cynthia & Natalia (Colombia)
I met my partner in 2001 and began our relationship then. From the beginning we fell in love with each other.
The impact of not having the right to stay together here in the U.S. reverberates at every level of our lives. It puts our relationship under incredible stress everyday. Every day there is something that reminds us. She can't get an ID or Social Security card so we can't even go out for dinner and have a drink without her feeling bad because we are reminded when she has to use her passport.
Most importantly, I have to see the person I love suffocating because she can't live, work, or even go to school freely and I am impotent to do anything about it.
The most incredible thing is that this happens in my own country, the United States!
I have to watch the person that I love suffer because she is with me and there is nothing I can do to help or ease this pain.
I live in fear that she will get tired or get sent back to a place that is not home anymore. We can't plan because we never know what will happen in the future.
To see her overcome her difficulties gave me strength to pull myself together. At 31 years old, I went back to school for my M.A. degree and then continued for my Ph.D. to become a college professor.
We have refused to live a lie by having her marry someone else or attempt other avenues for getting her legal status.
If no options for her legal status are available, we will be forced to leave the country.
I am astonished that this "great" country can not do such a simple thing in order to retain such highly trained and committed Americans that have so much to contribute to this society -- just because of who we love.

Working the margins

2010-10-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Fabulous People,

I’ll try to be brief. The election is Tuesday. As I type, the person I want to be elected Florida’s Attorney General, Dan Gelber, is behind in the polls by 2 points. Now, that might not be a big deal IF the alternative was someone who was fair on our issues. Pam Bonbi is no friend of the GBLT community as best I can tell. Dan Gelber is a proven friend of the GLBT community and an awesome candidate for the job. The same scenario goes for the Governor race and house and senate races up and down the ticket, up and down the state. Kelly Skidmore, who has been a fighter for the cause of equality, is in a tough race. Her opponent Bogdanoff is no friend of the GLBT community. Scott Maddox is running for Agriculture commissioner, which might not seem to be a big deal, but it’s a cabinet position and that position sits right next to the Governor. If we lose too many house seats, the democrats may as well just stay home because the republicans will be able to run right over them. If we win the Governors’ race, we will have veto power over bad legislation. Without enough seats in the house, that veto power can be run right over.

Ted Deutch, Mark Pafford, Jeff Clemens and Hava Holzhauer all supporters of equality. Alcee Hastings, ALWAYS strong on our issues. Ron Klein, well not really sure but Allen West is a tea bagging train wreck. Joe Abruzzo, who the hell could not love Joe Abruzzo? Seriously, his opponent opposes repealing the adoption ban and supports the ultra sound bill. Kevin Rader, well he seems enthusiastic on marriage equality AND has co sponsored everything EQFL has brought to him. His opponent? Yea, not so much. His opponent DOES support the ultra sound bill. Alex Sink supports the repeal of the adoption ban, Rick Scott does not. Go and look it up yourselves. Goggle Christian Coalition of Florida or Florida Family Policy Council and check THEIR endorsements.

ALL of these races are tight. That means the margins count. Know where the margin is, us. If you’re mad about DADT, lets fight that battle later. If we don’t get out and rally the vote for these races it will just make the work we do that much harder. The redistricting that is to be done will be a train wreck. The wealthy will see that they can buy elections.

What more do I have to tell you? If we don’t get out the vote, we will pay a dear price.

I propose you all call your friends and give them this message (edited of course). I propose we work with whomever we can for the next 6 days to push these candidates into the win column.
Get your voters guide online at http://eqfl.blogspot.com Send your friends an email. I will be posting events every day from the Facebook group. We may plan a quick meeting for this Friday, just to give out a reduced size voters guide and discuss the races and candidates. Plan on giving some time Tuesday to polling place action in your neighborhood. It’s a weird mid term. Perhaps they are all weird and I’m just paying more attention. However, they are ours to win or lose. We (Equality Florida) put in great effort to make change in Tallahassee and if we don’t win some of the afore mentioned races, man is it going to be a rough haul.

Happy Coming Out Day

2010-10-11T08:57:00.001-07:00

Here’s the bottom line. Living an authentic, self loving, honest life is the most rewarding thing you can do, ever. If we can’t love ourselves, we cannot love those around us fully. Throwing off the burdens of fear or shame free the spirit. Not to be missed. Get your courage on and let go of the baggage

Many Happy With Ruling To Overturn Gay Adoption Ban - Video - WPBF West Palm Beach

2010-09-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Many Happy With Ruling To Overturn Gay Adoption Ban - Video - WPBF West Palm Beach

Amendment 4 and why I am voting NO on it.

2010-09-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.collinscenter.org/page/FL_Amend_Home

Amendment 4 would require voter approval to growth-plan changes.

Oh my goodness. I know we have development problems. As a native, I hate it. Peanut butter development is what I call it. And with the passage of SB 360 the problems will only get worse.
Here’s the rub, in very short form:
Any of us or all of us has had to deal with amendments and referendums. They are a pain in the butt. They are hard to understand, confusing and no one takes the time to do their homework before they vote. Now, if amendment 4 passes, not only will we not have any changes out west (where I would argue we don’t need any additional density OR growth) but we will have no changes to the east, where I would argue we DO need changes. If we are to grow responsibly, we need to change some densities in the eastern side of the tri county area. Developers go west because it’s cheaper. To attract them to redevelop the east side, in areas that could sorely use improvement, we need to use the old carrot and stick. If amendment 4 passes, there will be no stick and no carrot to use. Do not kid yourself into thinking the citizens will approve any changes in the east. It won’t happen. NIMBY (Not in my back yard.). There is a solution out there, but this is not it.

I shudder to think of the consequences that will be forth coming if this passes. You think things are tough now? Development and all of the allied trades will shut their doors. And I am not being dramatic here. It will sink the Florida economy. Can’t they get retrained? Sure in how many years? We ain’t got that kind of time. The ripple effect of loosing all of those jobs will be something I do not wish for my state. We’ve been suffering through a stopped construction industry for the last few years; this will be worse, by far.

What to do to stop the raping of our environmental culture? Well, that is a good damn question. We have mechanisms in place to control growth. What is the problem? They need to be stronger AND citizens need to actively participate in the process. Will this happen? Doubtful. If you are not in the business of growth planning, it’s probably way over your head. You can learn it, but it is complicated and takes years and is constantly changing. Hell, most land planners are lacking in vision in my opinion AND the politics of the process typically gets in the way as well. In theory, we vote in government and expect them to do their job. If they don’t it is our responsibility to get rid of them. I’m slightly encouraged by the movement in local governments to issue and adhere to stricter ethics standards. We’ll see how that goes.

I want a solution, trust me I do. Even if we stop growth dead in its tracts, we need to be able to redevelop to make our existing built environment safe and affordable. There will be no mass transit if critical mass does not happen in the eastern (or coastal) side of our counties. Hard decisions are going to have to be made by educated planners from the locals to the state government. And when I say educated, I mean the planners. We can develop responsibly. Now how that happens, I don’t know. Actually, I do know. And the planners know (the sharp ones anyway). How do we get what we want? Well, amendment 4 is not the way.

“The plans outline specifics for future development: where, what kind and how dense.”

“The debate can also be framed as a challenge to the republic form of government, which is based on the premise that voters select representatives to make decisions for the good of the entire community after hearing from their electorate.”

Shame.

2010-05-17T14:06:00.001-07:00

farewell.

2010-03-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

I lost my Grand mom a few days ago. The funeral was yesterday, today it hits me. Never once did I have to convince my Grandmother to accept or tolerate me. I never had to have a conversation with her about how I reconcile my Christian faith with my sexuality. One of the last conversations I had with her was calling her and giving her the correct spelling of Javier’s name so she could get it right on the many cards she would send. She was 93 and active member of her church. She was fun and steadfast. Our spirit lives on, but today I am sure missing her presence. Love conquers all.

2010-03-04T05:44:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes. Why? Last night, I got to watch the Lake Worth City Commission pass a resolution in support of 2 bills that would repeal the ban on adoption by gay Floridians. It's always moving to experience that kind of support. For one who has worked to secure equal rights for GLBT Floridians it's a very big deal. It feels something like a best friend coming to your aid when you're getting beat up.

Here's how it went down:Commissioner Cara Jennings contacted me and asked if I knew of any other cities that had passed similar resolutions in support of repealing the adoption ban. I asked Mallory Wells, Equality Florida's public policy director to do a draft resolution, which she did. We passed this along to Commissioner Jennings and her fabulous intern Genia Guirand. They created the resolution and it was voted on last night, and with some very positive discussion it was passed. Applause and on to other city business.Congratulations of the City of Lake Worth for being the first City in Florida to pass such a resolution. Now it's time for other cities to follow suit.

"We appeal to all cities across Florida to take a stand to equality for all Florida families and call for an end to the ban on gay adoption, said Jennings."We must as local officials send a strong message to Tallahassee that this discriminatory ban should be replealed." Commissioner Cara Jennings

2010-02-09T07:40:00.000-08:00

Religious right showing hostile new militancy against the lgbt community

2010-02-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

and the retoric heats up yet again......

but never did he do something braver than what he did on Capitol Hill

2010-02-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

Why is it that when people have the courage to stand up to discrimination, it just moves me to tears?

typical Government non Action

2010-02-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

Perhaps we should study the study of the study.

SLDN Applauds Historic Hearing: For First Time, U.S. Military Brass Support Repeal.

I'll applaud when I see results.

UGANDA NATIONAL PASTORS TASK FORCE AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY

2010-01-06T11:09:00.001-08:00

don't even know where to start with this one.....

w o w

2009-09-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

never heard of a lizard brain.

Big News Flash

2009-09-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

anti marriage peeps in Maine, LIE!
stop the presses.....

Baltimore Raven stumps for same-sex marriage

2009-09-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

rock on brother.

this makes me so mad i could cry

2009-05-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

What the take away is, I am not sure.
Guess one is that politics suck.
You don't want to punish friends and people who do right.
I have NO problem, punishing those who promise and diss.

Air Force Boots Their 25 Million Dollar Aviator (He's Gay)

stupid, naive me.

2009-05-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

I was so hoping, the power pigs would find a way to make profits AND do the right thing.
America's oil, gas and coal industry has increased its lobbying budget by 50%

There are no silver bullets.

2009-05-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

N.E.'s identity bolsters gay marriage tolerance.

DEBUNKING “The Thirty Sexual Orientations” MYTH.

2009-05-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

love this blog.

MIA On Gay Marriage

2009-05-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that equality means equality, and either you're for it or you're not. I believe gay marriage should be legal, and it's hard for me to imagine how any "fierce advocate of equality" could think otherwise.
hmm, interesting read. I like this guy.

just because it's fun.

2009-05-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

New Hampshire Senate Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

2009-04-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

cool.

Republican congresswoman says Matthew Shepard's murder was "a hoax"

2009-04-29T11:45:00.001-07:00

heartbreaking savagery.

Maine, blow by blow

2009-04-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

A live blog, from Pam's place

Love Not Laws

2009-04-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

fun video.

Happy Earth Year.

2009-04-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well, we are working on it. We create an amazingly small amount of trash at our house.
You can thank Javier for most of our household efforts.
He's the recycle police. and the organic food police.
All that and he's a hottie too.

Hate Crimes Bill

2009-04-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

If the religious right were truly opposed to hate crimes laws, they would be agitating to repeal America's current hate crimes law, the one protecting them.

Fucking stupidity. Shows you their true colors, no?
Tony Perkins, bite me.

here's the rub.

2009-04-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Top McCain presidential campaign aide comes out in favor of marriage for gay couples.

Schmidt argues that, first, there's a moral reason to embrace marriage for gay couples, and compares being pro-gay to being pro-life (that should spin some heads).

Indeed. Like Javier says, how are you pro guns and pro life? Now, I kinda get that. I'm pro guns, pro life, pro choice AND pro equality.
But, here is the rub. To be activily fighting tooth and nail to protect a fetus and then could care less about the person standing next to you.
WTF is that about?
ignorance. Ignorance of what is actually going on (or not going on) inside your own head.

someone else has written my response

2009-04-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

to the whole teabaggers thing.
I LOVE this blog!

why lobby days matter.

2009-04-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

For this my wife, my friends and I, both black and white, battled with police brutality, barbed wire and teargas? Meanwhile Adams and Parmon use any restroom, sit in any section of the movie house, ride in any part of the bus and drink from whatever water fountain they choose. Such outright hostility toward matters of social justice on the part of African-American legislators is disheartening.

make the jump

2009-04-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

What whould be their endgame?

They now are trying to establish a "civil right" by which any American worker can refuse to serve any other American, simply by offering the excuse that their bigotry is justified by their freedom of religion.

Evan Wolfson points out in this Huff Post piece that the anti-gay-marriage crowd is now not just targeting gays, they're trying to undermine all civil rights laws affecting blacks, Latinos, and every other person covered by civil rights law in this country.

hmm, makes sense to me.

2009-04-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Memo to the GOP: Go Gay
by Meghan McCain
People may always have a difference of opinion on certain lifestyles, but championing a position that wants to treat people unequally isn't just un-Republican. At its fundamental core, it's un-American.

OMG

2009-04-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

Just click the link and go do what you can to help.
Please.
In response to the 2 million 4 marriage yahoos. aka the nom dudes.
You know "the storm is coming" people.
This site should take the piss out of them.

This site was created less than 48 hours ago when we realized that the natural domain, 2m4m.org, was unregistered. As such, we're in what you might call "crash mode" to populate the site with valuable content to make it a resource to combat the fear, uncertainty and doubt being spread about the equality of marriage rights. Many people have asked how they can help. Here's where are thinking is right now:

Religious Bigotry DOES Hurt People!

2009-04-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

When someone tells you that your relationship of 16 years that has been full of love, laughter, pain, heartache, giggles, road trips, movies, dinners, etc. isn't worthy of the word "marriage", they aren't saying they love you.

Spot On.

2009-04-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

How Anti-Gay Activists Keep Their Gay Friends (hint: they don’t).

Iraq’s Newly Open Gays Face Scorn and Murder

2009-04-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

yikes.
In the past two months, the bodies of as many as 25 boys and men suspected of being gay have turned up

Tony Blair ?

2009-04-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

has a message for the Pope on Gays and Religion.
hmmm. And make some very good points.

Iowa

2009-04-03T21:07:00.001-07:00

break it down, law dork.

Iowa

2009-04-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

one word, unanimous.

Rock On Sweden.

2009-04-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sweden now joins the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, and parts of the United States in allowing its gay and lesbian citizens to marry.

Click and watch

2009-03-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa gave a powerful speech about marriage equality and renewed the vows of gay and lesbian married couples at a rainy Eve of Justice rally last night in Los Angeles marking today's Supreme Court challenge to the constitutionality of Proposition 8.

Hawaii - Civil Unions

2009-02-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in Hawaii, the state House Judiciary Committee unanimously (12-0, including two Republicans) approved House Bill 444, which would allow same-sex couples to enter into a civil unions.

Krugman: "It’s time for Mr. Obama to go on the offensive." And, it sounds like Obama is getting fired up.

2009-02-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

great article.

What Gays Owe Black America.

2009-02-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

Civil rights activists also schooled this nation on the idea that policies can’t be judged by their popularity.
Great post... go read it.

Mainiacs

2009-01-15T10:49:00.000-08:00

There IS good news out there... think I'll ... well I post all of it, good and bad...

Equal marriage rights for Norway, 2009

2009-01-13T19:57:00.000-08:00

I don’t know how I forgot to mention this earlier this month, but on January 1, 2009, Norway became the sixth nation to offer marriage equality nationwide.

same shit, different state

2009-01-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

gawd, this was painful to watch.
Indiana, marriage amendment, tony perkins... nausea.

Sharpton: Church uses money and power to persecute gays but ignores poverty

2009-01-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

holy crap.
If we could turn around the thinking of the black church goer...

SF Archbishop Niederauer Wants Gays to Accept Second-Class Status

2008-12-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

falls on deaf ears here.
Oh, I hear him and all it does in make me more angry.
It's the bully being "shocked" when he gets some push back.
Personally, I think they should melt from the fury we give them.
Then, maybe we can kiss and make up.
They are called consequences, get used to the idea papi.

not 4 nothing

2008-12-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

I found this article to be a big.... duh, no shit.
However, you may find some of the healing solutions helpful.

Colorado’s Amendment 2 was eventually overturned by the US Supreme Court. And although the losses on November 4 were devastating, it’s important to recall that the election also brought many positive changes. In 2009, a new Congress and a new Administration will assume leadership in Washington, and they have already indicated their willingness to end many forms of discrimination against sexual minorities at the federal level.
And that is cause for hope.

prop 8 buyers remorse.

2008-12-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

Of the adults who tell SurveyUSA they voted FOR Prop 8, 90 percent of them told us recent rallies held by “No on Prop 8″ Protesters have not changed their minds about the issue. 8 percent say protesters have changed their minds.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/24/13811/931/272/665857

Despite Marriage Ban, Support Grows For Gay People

2008-12-01T14:05:00.001-08:00

hmm. From Tampa.

The Hidden Meaning Behind Sarah's "Gobble Gaffe"

2008-11-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

So what about Sarah? She was using a sophisticated unspoken code last Thursday. Her mouth was saying, "Blah blah blah," but the message from the activity going on behind her sent a clear signal to her Republican rivals, which I've translated here:
"I am going to destroy you.
Huckabee, I mean you. Romney, you, too also. Jindal and Pawlenty, you pencil-neck lightweights, get on your knees and beg for mercy. Yeah, Newt, I'm lookin' at you, too, also---if you value your wattle you'll go back into hiding. And Rudy: don’t even think about runnin' again also---just don't. That goes for all 'o ya! Because I can see ya from my house and I know where to find ya.
You see those turkeys behind me? That's you, guys, if you dare to challenge me in 2012. That election is mine, you hear? Mine! You betcha, also."

I hate to say we told you so.....

2008-11-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

It's really hard NOT to hate these people.

We're going to use the momentum from the marriage amendment to speak to the fact that most people in this state don't want a recognition of that type of relationship. At this time of economic stress, our government should not be providing benefits to nonemployees on the basis of their sexual relationships.

Miami Herald http://www.miamiherald.com/news/front-page/story/781282.html
St. Petersburg Times http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/local/article911491.ece
From my buddy Waymon. http://florida.bilerico.com/2008/11/domestic_partnership_benefits_they_are_a.php
Fear not fellow babies, we will prevail.

Young People Strike Back

2008-11-24T13:30:00.001-08:00

T H R I L L E D.

WTF?

2008-11-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

THIS is the best the great state of Florida can come up with!?!?!?!
George Rekers considers himself a pro-family expert. He is a retired professor at the University of South Carolina who taught neuropsychiatry and behavioral science.He also was a member of the founding board of the Family Research Council. In addition, he travels from state to state giving "expert testimony" on the subject of gay adoption.

About those “Peaceful Christians” In the Castro

2008-11-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

All of this places the recent protest in the Castro in an entirely different light.

Taking the Long View on Prop 8

2008-11-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

While Prop 8 opponents were understandably frustrated, the way some lashed out at African Americans was counterproductive at best. Although the Right is still trying hard to drive a wedge between blacks and gay rights activists, the broader conversation has mostly moved on.

Some of whom we are dealing with.

2008-11-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

"The Mormons are particularly vicious homophobes"
The cruelty the Mormon church inflicts on its gay members is matched only by the Mormons' centuries-long demonization and hatred of black people.

How much do I love this man? CLICK HERE

2008-11-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

I always get some wind in my sails from Terrance.
Remember that we used to live in a country where civil rights weren't decided by majority vote. Remember that we used to live in a country whose founding documents cite "inallienable rights." Remember that we're may not be living in that country anymore, and even if your rights were not up for a vote this time around, they are almost certain on someone's hit list.

kinda says it all, no?

2008-10-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Proponents of the Michigan amendment filed legal briefs supporting Cox's decision.

Some of those same proponents had promised the amendment would not have that kind of impact, said Jay Kap- lan, the Michigan American Civil Liberties Union attorney who has been fighting to protect domestic partnership benefits. As in Florida, supporters of the Michigan amendment said it would merely enshrine existing state law barring same-sex marriage.

And though it's true no public employees have lost existing benefits, some never received negotiated benefits that were suspended, then canceled, once the state supreme court made its decision, Kaplan said.

foreshadowing.

2008-10-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

If Florida marriage protection amendment passes, this is what you can expect.

a little information

2008-10-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

on that lovely couple in the new vote yes commercials.

Obama pumps iron at Gardens’ Planet Fitness

2008-10-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

I wish I had this kind of balance in my life right now.

2008-10-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Behind the GOP's voter fraud hysteria

2008-10-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

what to make of all the voter fraud hubbub.

Data prove untrue charges that push for affordable housing caused crisis

2008-10-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

always question. always research.
Better targets for blame in government circles might be the 2000 law which ensured that credit default swaps would remain unregulated, the SEC’s puzzling 2004 decision to allow the largest brokerage firms to borrow upwards of 30 times their capital and that same agency’s failure to oversee those brokerage firms in subsequent years as many gorged on subprime debt.
The financial meltdown was caused by investment banks packaging the risky loans into complex securities, selling them to institutional investors around the world, AND selling insurance (credit default swaps) on those securities, thus magnifying the problem many times over.

In Florida’s Economic Pain, Obama Gains Ground

2008-10-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

..... has been battling false rumors that the state’s so-called “no match no vote law” will keep people from casting ballots if the address on their driver’s license does not match the address on the voting rolls. (Just the name and license number need to match, state election officials say.)

Well, is it?

2008-09-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Constitutional?

as House Republicans grumble that Bush is “trying to tear up the Constitution”

2008-09-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, now he's trying to tear up the Constitution.

it ain't pretty

2008-09-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

The truth is not always pretty.
And it smacks, strongly, of the very same dynamic that has governed the last few decades of American history. We're transferring yet another giant chunk of money from the general public to the most wealthy. In this case, a trillion dollars or so worth.

exactly.

2008-09-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

"He can't run the campaign because the economy is cratering? Fine, put in your second string quarterback, Sarah Palin. Where is she?"
What a train wreck of a campaign. It'd be funny if the stakes where not so high.

Politics First!

2008-09-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

By the time Obama returned to his hotel about 20 minutes later, McCain had already made his announcement.

Fascist, Peter.

2008-09-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Constitutional amendments restricting human rights are not traditional values in countries except for those akin to Vichy France, post 1932 election Germany, Peron's Argentina, Pinochet's Chile, Franco's Spain, and de Valera's Ireland.

f**** lying piece of st.

2008-09-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

“Twenty-seven states have passed marriage amendments. Not a single senior or any person has lost a single benefit,” he said.
Really now, how about all of this? click here

Oh shit.

2008-09-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

McCain Blasts Wall Street Failure, Neglects To Mention His Adviser Helped Cause It.
Go Mother Jones!

holy crap!

2008-09-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Was Comey going to sit there and watch a barely conscious man make his mark? On an order that he believed, and knew Ashcroft believed, to be unlawful?
Unexpectedly, Ashcroft roused himself. Previous accounts have said he backed his deputy. He did far more than that. Ashcroft told the president's men he never should have certified the program in the first place.

one word,

2008-09-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

lies.
Click it, it's extensive.

Florida Family Policy Council prez divinely inspired to pass amendment.

2008-09-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

We need to walk humbly as we fight this fight and repent of pride, self-righteousness and for not loving our gay neighbors as we love ourselves.
WTF does that mean?!?!?!?!?!

slanted front page

2008-09-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

I am so ready to move to Spain.

Koch backs Obama, calls Palin 'scary'

2008-09-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

"Any time someone goes to the library and says, 'I want to ban books,' and the librarian says 'no,' and she threatens to fire them -- that's scary," he said.

(Palin at the time said she was just inquiring about the library's policy on banning books, with no aim of actually banning any. "It was a rhetorical quesiton -- nothing more," the McCain-Palin campaign said in a memo yesterday.

A "rhetorical question" she asked repeatedly, including in front of the city council, even though she already had the librarian's answer. That wasn't a rhetorical question. That was intimidation.

She tried to fire this librarian, but backed down when the town raised up their arms.

Sarah Palin Was My Mayor: a Guest Opinion Piece

2008-09-08T22:10:00.001-07:00

And if we vote, we cannot be outnumbered.

O M G!

2008-09-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Speaking before voters in Colorado Springs, the Republican vice presidential nominee claimed that lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had "gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers." The companies, as McClatchy reported, "aren't taxpayer funded but operate as private companies. The takeover may result in a taxpayer bailout during reorganization."
Either I am way smart or this woman is an idiot.

exactly.

2008-09-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Friedman on ‘drill, drill, drill’: It’s like someone chanting ‘IBM Selectric typewriters’ during the IT revolution.»

election tampering

2008-09-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Brad blog is the best website for information on how they will try to steal this election.

no, this is not conspiracy theory

2008-09-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

How many voter-registration mass mailers are "returned to sender" in the run-up to Election Day may determine how many Ohio residents are eligible to vote.
It's called caging.

Palin is a high-energy distraction from the top of the ticket

2008-09-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

His decision-making process is impetuous and, in its Bush-like preference for gut instinct over facts, potentially reckless.

The Conservative Palinguage Guide Vols. 1 and 2

2008-09-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

Love this.
a sample; And, finally, if you’re a man and you decide to run for office despite your wife’s reoccurrence of cancer you’re a “questionable spouse.”
If you’re a woman and you decide to run for office despite having five kids including a newborn with Downs Syndrome… Well, we don’t know what that is ‘cause THAT’S NOT A FAIR QUESTION TO ASK!
Go add your own....

lies

2008-09-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Imagine that, a lying politician.

interesting take on the selection of what's her name.

2008-09-03T07:49:00.001-07:00

I love this guy. He's in Canada now but stays up on our craziness.