Another Right-Wing Hypocrite

Bush AIDS Abstinence Appointee Quits State Department In Hooker Scandal

Bush AIDS Abstinence Appointee Quits State Dept. In Hooker Scandal
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

Posted: April 29, 2007 - 12:00 pm ET

(Washington) Randall Tobias, the head of the US Agency for International Development and President Bush's former coordinator for global AIDS relief, has quit amid allegations he was a client of a high-priced DC call-girl ring.

In announcing his resignation the State Department said on that Tobias was resigning for personal reasons.

ABC News was given the names of clients of what has been described as an exclusive escort service in the capital by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the owner of the service who has been charged with running a prostitution ring.

Palfrey, who is 65 and married, maintained in an interview with the Washington Post that her service provided university educated women to engage in legal game-playing of a sexual nature at 275 dollars an hour for a 90 minute session.

Tobias' name was among those clients. He submitted his resignation a day after being confronted by the network.

In an interview with ABC he confirmed that he had called the Pamela Martin and Associates escort service to have women come to his condo and give him massages. But he denied there was any sex involved.

Tobias, 65, who is married,

In 2003 Bush appointed Tobias as the first global AIDS coordinator. For three years he promoted abstinence over the use of condoms, and fidelity in traditional marriage, to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa and was blamed for tying abstinence programs to aid to foreign countries.

His agency also funneled money to faith-based groups that not only preached abstinence, faithfulness, and denounced sex between men or ignored male-on-male sex altogether in AIDS educational programs.

In 2006 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice named Tobias to head USAID.

Before joining the Bush administration Tobias was chair, president and chief executive of the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. In addition, from 1997-2000, he was chair of the board of trustees at Duke University.

©365Gay.com 2007

Impeach Bush/Cheney Demonstrations April 28

An Impeachment Demonstration was held in Memphis, TN and across the nation on April 28, as part of a nationwide day to speall impeachment across the United States, sponosred by a coalition of groups called A28.
I was there with my Impeach Bush sign. Response in Memphis was overwhelming, lots of honks in support of impeaching Bush and Cheney. Many people wanted to sign a petition or get more info and bumper stickers. Why is the Democratic Party ignoring the growing movement to Impeach Bush/Cheney? Why aren't more Democrats in Congress supporting Dennis Kucinicjavascript:void(0)h's proposal to Impeach Cheney? The Democratic "leadership" in Congress is turning its back on its base once again. While the GOP responded to their base an impeached Bill Clinton for far lesser crimes, the Democrats are more worried about offending "swing voters" and independents. Have they not looked at the polls showing growing support for impeachment of Bush and Cheney? Do they not care if Bush/Cheney are held to account for their crimes? If the Democratic Party does not take its base seriously, they may loose more of us to the Green Party, which does take the impeachment of Bush/Cheney seriously.
If you want to get involved, take action and put some pressure on our Democratic representatives to move on impeaching bush/cheney get invovled in one or more of the groups organizing aroune impeachment:
Impeach Bush.org
Impeach07
After Downing Street
World Can't Wait
The Green Party

Giuliani Flip Flops Again

In the race to the Christ-Fascist base of the Republican Party, adulterer and part-time drag queen Rudi Giuliani Now Says He Opposes Civil Unions for Gays .
As recently as 2004, on Fox News, he said he supported civil unions. It seems Giuliani is suffering from "mutiplemittromney" syndrome. Even the few "moderate" Republican candidates realize they can't win the GOP nomination without pandering to the anti-gay base of the GOP. So much for the great white hope of the Log Cabin Republicans.

He was for abortion, now he's not so much. He supported gay righs, now he's not so supportive. He committed adultery, but claims to be a defender of "family values." Let's use, what does the book of Leviticus say about adulters?

First Democratic "Debate"

The Democratic candidates had their first "debate" on MSNBC tonight. (Isn't it kind of early to be having debates for a an election that is a year away??) Anyway, I was not too impressed with any of the leading candidates. The only two candidates that seemed real and honest were Kucinich and Gravel. I never heard of Gravel until tonight, I like him. He was angry (justifiable since he was ignored) and he showed something most Americans feel right now--he was mad as hell! He was mad a Bush/Cheney and their lies and crimes. He was mad the the Democrats for being talking out of both sides of their faces on the war. And in the most embrassing moment for progressive Demcrats, when candidates were asked who supported Kucinich's proposal to impeach Cheney, no one raised their hands (didn Gravel? I don't remember). Gravel made Kucinish seem more "mainstream," but I have to say that Kucinich is the only real "progressive" Democratic presidential candidate and he gets my vote in the primary. While I will support the eventual nominee (probably HIillary, god help us) and think any of them would be better than Bush or the Republican candidate, Kucinich is the best choice based on the issues and his positions on the War, Impeachment, and gay rights. He is the only one that supports marriage equality and doesn't hide behind "civil unions," though that issue was not discussed much. He may look funny, but he is the most attractive Democratic candidate on the ISSUES.

Kucinich Introduces Articles of Impeachment Against Cheney

Congressman (and Democratic Presidential Candidate) Dennis Kucinich has introduced Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Dick Cheney. In H.S. 333, Kucinich lays out the case against Dick Cheney for:
1. Manipulating intelligence to fabricate a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction
2. Manipulating intelligence to fabricate a relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda
3. Openly threatening aggression against Iran absent any real threat to the the United States

You can read the resolution, Article of Impeachment and lots of supporting documentation on his website.

Go to Impeach Cheney to take action and support the Impeachment of Dick Cheney!

Gay Anti-Discrimination Bill Introduced (ENDA)

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would make it illlegal to fire or refuse to hire employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity, has been reintroduced into Congress Today. It is still legal to discriminate against gays and lesbians in 33 states and in 42 states it is legal to discriminate against transgender people. A majority of Fortune 500 companies, nearly 90 percent actually, include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies. ENDA was introduced in 1974 and came witin one vote of passing in 1996. With Democrats back in control of Congress, and some bipartisan support, passage is looking pretty good. ENDA is one of three pieces of pro-gay legislation in Congress (along with The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and a bill to abolish the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on gays openly serving in the military.

Now that the focus is off of "gay marriage," maybe we can at least get some legislation to protect us from employment discrimination, hate crimes and anti-gay military policies. I think we have a majority of the people on our side on these issues.

Catholics in Limbo

Do people really believe in this crap in the 21st Century? "Pope Revises Limbo View, Hope for Unbaptised Babies" Apparently Catholics, who cherish the life of zygotes and unborn fetuses, believe that unbaptized babies will be punished by their "loving god" for eternity, or wait somewhere called "limbo", a waiting area for those who can't get into heaven but are not evil enough to burn in hell. Thi is about as relevant or rational as debating how many angels can sit on a pinhead. Hello! The Dark Ages were a long time ago, welcome to the MODERN WORLD where we are supposed to use reason and science to undestand the world.

The End of Roe v. Wade?

The Bush/Scalia Supreme Court decision ( Gonzales v. Carhart upholding the law against "partial birth abortion" is a signal of the end of Roe v. Wade. With the addition of Bush appointees John Roberts and Samuel Alilto, the Supreme Court is now 5-4 conservative and anti-abortion rights. This means the next major challenge to Roe v. Wade will probably be the end of a women's right to abortion in the U.S.

Spineless Politicians Won't Stand Up to NRA

Our spineless DEMOCRATIC leaders are unwilling, even after another "largest massacre in U.S. History" by a mentally ill person with semi-automatic weapons purchased LEGALLLY, to stand up to the NRA and the gun industry profiteers. CNN says Gun Control Unlikely to Get on the Agenda Despite The Shootings, Senate Majority "Leader" Harry Reid Warns Against Rush to Gun Control. We have such spineless political "leaders" in the U.S.

And the few gun laws politicians do throw out, like background checks and waiting periods, are not enough to stop the LEGAL purchase of the semiautomatic weapons that allow people to kill 30 people in a matter of minutes. The guns the VA Tech killer used were bought LEGALLY, under current laws. There is no way to stop people like him, withouth crimninal records or any officially recognized "mental illness", from legally buying weapons of mass destruction, designed for the sole purpose of killing other human beings, quickly and efficiently. In addition to doing a better job of detecting and addressing mental problems, we have to BAN the legal purchase of these kind of weapons which have NO legitimate sporting purpose, and we can do so WITHOUT infringing on the "rights" of hunters and sportsmen to have hunting rifles. Why is everyone bending over backwards to kiss the asses of the gun nuts in this country???

Not Again: VA Tech Massacre (Stop the NRA!)

It's happened again, each time the death toll gets higher. Over 30 people killed in the VA Tech Massacre. How many more will die needlessly before our political "leaders" (Democrats and Republicans) stand up to the NRA and the gun lobby that funds them and profits from the culture of guns and violence? When will our media (movies, music & video games,etc.) quit glorifying guns and violence? The NRA is little more than the lobbying arm of the gun industry. It pays politicians, mostly Republican, millions of dollars a year to stop or weaken meaningful gun laws. The groups opposing the NRA have dwindled down to ONE: Handgun Control which is now under the umbrella of the Brady Campaign to Stop Gun Violence Go there for more information on gun violence, the gun lobby, the myth of the Second Amendment, and to join and get involved with the campaign to STOP THE NRA! If you haven't seen it yet, or even if you have, now would be a good time to buy or rent Michael Moore's excellent film on gun violence in the U.S. : Bowling for Columbine
No the problem is not JUST guns, but guns and gun control is a big part of the problem. There are cultural issues and mental health issues, etc.. as well, but can we at least get some sensible gun control laws?

"Abstinence" Sex Ed Programs Do Not Work

Here's more evidence that abstinence only sex education programs DO NOT WORK. Abstinence Programs Questioned
Every major study has shown the same thing: students who take abstinence sex education classes engage in just as much, if not more, pre-marital sex and some have shown they are more likely to do so and not use contraceptives or condoms. It is time politicians quit listening to the religious fanatics and listen to the experts. Students need COMPREHENSIVE sex educaton that includes all their options and how to reduce pregnancy and diseases for those (most) who will engage in sexual activity.

Democratic Candidates Compete for Gay Support

Sometimes its frustrating being a gay democrat, until you look at the Republican candidates. Short of “gay marriage” all the Democratic candidates are courting gay voters and support our civil rights, while the Republican candidates (less and except Rudy Giuliani) are racing away from us.
I respect David Mixner and his decision to support Edwards..I’m still divided between Edwards, Obama and Bill Richardson. Despite all the media attention to the other candidates, Bill Richardson is the most qualified and experienced Democratic candidate (New Mexico governor, ambassador, secretary of energy, etc. etc..) and has a very good record on gay rights. I don’t understand why he isn’t raising more money and getting better poll numbers.

But despite the occasional timidity of Democratic candidates to fully support equal rights for gay people, their support for gay rights and the willingness of most of them to openly campaign for our votes distinguishes the Democratic candidates from the Republican candidates who are competing for the support of Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and James Dobson!
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Edwards Touts Prominent Gay Supporters
April 10, 2007 9:25 PM EDT
WASHINGTON - Democrat John Edwards is touting prominent gay supporters who have signed on to his presidential campaign, including a former adviser to President Clinton.

Blogger David Mixner is one of 25 people listed on a news release that the Edwards campaign distributed Tuesday, along with a statement from the candidate saying he is honored to have the backing of so many respected gay leaders.

"They work hard every day to make our country a better place and I am proud to join with them to fight for equal rights for all Americans," Edwards said.

Edwards is making a push for gay support in the competitive Democratic presidential primary. In February, he came out in support of legislation that would end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that prevents people who are openly gay from serving in the military.

But Edwards has competition for the gay community's support - Barack Obama's campaign has also said he is opposed to "don't ask, don't tell," as has Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign. She also told the Human Rights Campaign last month that she wants a partnership with gays if elected president.

Clinton's husband, Bill, was president when the Pentagon instituted the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which says gays may serve in the military only if they keep their sexual orientation private. The policy was a compromise that Clinton was forced to accept.

"Don't ask, don't tell" created a rift between President Clinton and Mixner, who raised millions for him among gay and lesbian voters but was later arrested in front of the White House in a protest of the policy. The two later said they patched up their differences and agreed to disagree on the administration's policy.

Mixner said he's supporting Edwards because he agrees with his position against the Iraq war and believes he would bring the troops home quickly.

Mixner said the Democratic candidates are roughly equal on gay rights issues and he also likes Edwards' focus on poverty and his detailed policy positions.

"I have supported the Clintons in every race they have run in the last 33 years since Bill Clinton ran for Congress up to Hillary's two Senate campaigns," said Mixner, who lives in upstate New York. "But I am baffled and concerned and frustrated with her position on the war."

Mixner said he hadn't told Hillary Clinton that he was changing allegiances, but his position has been clear on his blog.
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"One of the problems of that campaign is that it's very hard to gain access if you don't have a lot of money or aren't in the inner circle or I would have talked to her directly," he said.

The Clinton campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

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Imus And Conservative Bigotry

CBS radio and MSNBC have suspended Don Imus for two weeks after his latest racist/sexist outburst, calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy headed hos". This is one of a LONG list of racist comments made by Imus, FAIR has a number of documented cases. A two week suspension is not enough. Bigots like Imus should not be rewarded and encouraged by mainstream media at all. The Imus racist outburst comes in the same week that Newt Gingrich tried to apologize, in Spanish, for his recent racist comment calling Spanish a "ghetto" language. We could go on and list the racist and sexist blather spewing from the mouths of Fox's Bill O'Reilly, CNN's Glenn Beck, and of course Rush Limbaugh. Add all this to the racist politics of the Republican Party and it is very clear that the conserative movement uses racism, sexism and homophobica to appeal to white men. According to recent polls, white men and the Republican Party have a lot to be worried about, as women and minorities gain political power and vote them out of office.

Is Conservatism Dead?

It is looking like conserativism, at least the Republican variety of "conservatism" is on its death bed. Polls are showing a growing majority of the U.S. population identifies as Democrat now, a big change from a decade ago. Democratic presidential candidates have raised a lot more money than the Republicans. Bush and Cheney's poll numbers continue their nose dive. The Democratic congress is getting good poll numbers, and most people in polls expect a Democrat to win the 2008 presidential election. Of course, all of this could change, but it certainly is looking bad for the Republicans and conservatives. Oh yes, strong majorities of Americans oppose the Iraq occupation, think the corporate rich have too much political power, support government programs like Social Security and Medicare, and want universal health insurance, all "progressive" positions, to the left even of the Democratic leadership in Congress!