Anti-Abortion Terrorist Kills Dr. George Tiller

Dr. George Tiller Murdered at Church

Dr. George Tiller, a Kansas doctor whose clinic received national attention for performing late-term abortions, was shot to death as he entered his Wichita church on Sunday. Media reports said the suspected killer fled the scene in a blue Taurus. Police described him as a white male in his 50s or 60s. (Suspect has been caught.)

Tiller has been among the few U.S. physicians performing late-term abortion, making him a favored target of anti-abortion protesters. He testified that he and his family have suffered years of harassment and threats. His clinic was the site of the 1991 "Summer of Mercy" protests marked by mass demonstrations and arrests. His clinic was bombed in 1985, and an abortion opponent shot him in both arms in 1993.

Dr. Tiller has been a target of anti-abortion terrorist groups for years, and was frequently called "Tiller the Baby Killer" by Bill O'Reilly on Fox News. Operation Rescue had a "Tiller Watch" web site.

Fox/O'Reilly's Jihad Against Dr. Tiller

Christian Fundamentalist Terrorism Strikes Again

The Tiller Murder Wasn't a Lone Killler's Sick Plot--It Came Out of the Radical Anti-Abortion Movement

Republican Right-Wing Wage Racist/Sexist Attack Campaign on Sotomayor

Right Wing Hate Machine Launches Vicious Campaign of Racist and Sexist Attacks on Sotomayor

The rabid right-wing base of the Republican Party has launched a shocking racist (and sexist) campaign against Obama Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Newt Gingrich has called her a "Latina Racist" and Rush Limbaugh, the great advocate of "color blindness", has launched his white racist campaign claiming Obama and Sotomayor hate white people. It gets worse...

The Republican right-wing is showing is UGLY head. Hopefully the American people will reject the racist hate campaign against Sotomayor and see through the right-wing rhetoric the truth--it is the right-wing which is being racist.

Even Republican Party leaders are getting nervous and trying to distance the party from the right-wing hate directed at her, warning that it will hurt the party, especially among the growing Latino voting population.

Gay Rights Groups Say No Thanks to Ted Olsen

Gay Rights Groups Say Thanks, but No Thanks, to Ted Olsen

Why do gay rights groups NOT want the conservative lawyer to challenge Prop. 8 before the Supreme Court? They are afraid the challenge will fail and be a further set back for the LGBT movement. They may have a point, but I sure would like to see Prop. 8 challenged in the SCOTUS. Is Ted Olsen, a right-winger, really trying to help us or does he have sinister motive?

Theodore Olsen and David Boies, Bush v Gore Lawyers, Join Forces to Challenge Prop. 8

Gays Protest Against Obama

Gays Protest Against Obama in Beverly Hills

President Obama's honeymoon with the LGBT community is coming to an end. He has not delivered on his promises and has been silent LGBT civil rights since taking office. He has caved in to the military on Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and is backing away from his promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Nearly a hundred protesters assembled Wednesday outside the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, CA where President Obama hosted a Democratic Party fundraiser.

Protest organizers called for Obama to repeal the government's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that exempts openly gay men and women from serving in the military.

Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and an Arabic translator, was discharged from the Army when he declared he was gay on national television. His conviction that the military's policy is "a deadly poison" inspired him to lead the protest on Wednesday.

"There is a message that I want to give to Obama," said Choi. "Stop forcing our soldiers to hide. Let them be free to serve."

Undeterred by Tuesday's decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold the ban on gay marriage passed by voters in November, Choi said to the crowd, "We can't wait for somebody else to give us rights.... if we want rights, we have to fight for it. We have to earn it." Choi ended his speech the same way it began, chanting, "Love is worth it."

Pro-peace and anti-torture protesters took part in the demonstration as well.
--
LA Gay & Lesbian Community Center's Letter to Obama

"There's Nothing Wrong With Discrimination," Shelby Co. Commission Committee Votes Down Discrimination Ordinance

MEMPHIS FLYER
Discrimination Protections for Gays Voted Down in County Commission Committee
POSTED BY BIANCA PHILLIPS ON WED, MAY 27, 2009 AT 3:56 PM

"There's nothing wrong with discrimination," said Shelby County Commissioner Wyatt Bunker, while addressing the county commission committee charged with a vote on an ordinance that would prevent discrimination toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender workers in Shelby County government.
Though audible gasps from the audience followed Bunker's statement, five other commissioners apparently agreed, as they voted down the ordinance in committee. The ordinance will still go to the full commission for a vote on Monday.

The original ordinance, proposed by commissioner Steve Mulroy, would protect Shelby County employees, workers with county contractors, and employees of large private businesses in unincorporated Shelby County.

Commissioners Deidre Malone and J.W. Gibson proposed an amendment to the ordinance removing protections for all but Shelby County government employees.

"We need to get our own house in order before we can start regulating other people," said Malone.

Gibson also had concerns about the cost of enforcing the ordinance, if passed.

"This will require time and more people," Gibson said.

But Mulroy disagreed, stating that no additional investigators would be needed in the county's human resources office.

"It's not like we're going to have investigators roving the hallways looking for discrimination problems," Mulroy said. "The [Equal Opportunity Employment] Commission investigates based on complaints, just like they already do with other issues of discrimination."

Religious convictions guided the votes of several commissioners, including Mike Carpenter and Bunker. Bunker blamed the ordinance on a "homosexual agenda" and compared protections for gays to "the seven deadly sins."

"Once [homosexuals] get their foot in the door, they push their way through society until [homosexuality] becomes the norm," said Bunker.

Supporters and opposition for the ordinance filled the committee meeting room. Brad Watkins with the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center pleaded with commission members to consider God’s love when using Christian faith to justify their opinion on the ordinance.

"Our faith is one of inclusion and love. We can't say that we love someone and then sit back and discriminate against them," said Watkins.

COMMERCIAL APPEAL: Anti-Discrimination Bill Fails in County Committee

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This is scary! If we can’t get this passed, my partner and I are leaving Memphis, Tennessse and the Confederate South!
Jim M.
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OK, Here are my responses to the anti-gay bigots, or, HOW TO TALK TO HOMOPHOBIC BIGOTS:

Quit trying to quote the Bible! First, you are picking out verses to suit your political agenda. If you really want to follow the Levitical Code, then just go all the way and say your support putting people to death for homosexuality, adultery, disobeying parents, and eating the wrong foods! And if you want to follow the New Testament literally, you need to make your women shut up and be quiet. After all, Paul says, God made Adam first gave him dominion over the earth--and women! Second, what the Bible says is irrelevant to CIVIL rights and laws in the United States. Thanks to Thomas Jefferson and other enlightened founders of this country, we have a SECULAR constitution! If you want to live in a country where gay people are put to death, move to Iran or Saudi Arabia!

Evidently some black preachers didn't get the message of the Civil Rights movement. They think Civil Rights are only for them! Dr. Martin Luther King said Injustice anywhere is an injustice to everyone. He didn't limit the struggle for social justice and equality to just one race. If it is a disgrace to the civil rights movement and black people to compare gay rights with other civil rights, you better correct Civil Rights leaders like Rep. John Lewis and Rev. Joseph Lowery, and rebuke the words of Coretta Scott King who said:

"I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the civil 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 brother-and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people."

Quit trying to impose your religious beliefs on me! You have the freedom to CHOOSE your narrow-minded archaic religious dogmas, I have the freedom to CHOOSE to be a gay, atheist!

And if you don't think gays and lesbians need protection from discrimination, maybe we should rescind all civil rights laws, including those covering race and religion! I don't see any evidence that racist Southern Baptists and homophobic black preachers are being discriminated against! Why should you be getting "special rights" because of your race or religion?

Let's make a deal--you respect my CIVIL rights (to be a gay atheist) and I will respect your right to be a religious fanatic or a bigot. The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights protects all of our rights! Don't try to take away MY rights!

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On the Non-Discrimination Ordinance (The Civil Rights Argument)

CA Supreme Court Upholds Prop. 8 (Ban on Gay Marriage)

As expected, the CA Supreme Court Upheld Prop. 8, which took away the civil marriage rights of gay and lesbian couples, but left the 18,000 same-sex marriages that took place prior to Prop. 8. Although it was expected, it's still a shock that the civil rights of gays and lesbians can be taken away by the vote of a slim majority.
Now What Do We Do?

As the old labor anthem said, DON'T MOURN, ORGANIZE!

Religious Bigots Protest Ordinance to Protect Gays

Former civil rights activist protests ordinance to protect gays

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC-TV) - Although he marched for civil rights in the 1960's, Rev. William Owens of Memphis says he's opposed to a proposed ordinance that would prohibit Shelby County employees from being discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

"We don't want San Francisco, Shelby County," he said.

Owens says he's against giving gays equal employment rights.

"I don't see where these people are being discriminated against. If so, it's very isolated," he said.

Owens and several other ministers plan to hold a news conference Tuesday outside the Shelby County Administration Building in Downtown Memphis.

Although he marched for civil rights, Owens said,"I did not march one inch, one foot, one yard for this type of legislation."

Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy says he expected the opposition. Mulroy is behind the potentially groundbreaking measure that would not only protect gay employees of the county, but also those who work for county contractors.

"If you're against my ordinance, then what you're saying is you believe people ought to be able to discriminate in employment on the basis of sexual orientation," said Mulroy."If you think that, you're entitled to your opinion. But I think it's profoundly misguided, and I think the tide of history is against you."

Mulroy says his intent is for the county to protect the employment of gays in the same way African Americans, Hispanics and women are protected from discrimination.

"They want to be treated under the law like everybody else. And who can blame them?" said Mulroy.

Opponents say commissioners will be to blame if the measure passes, and they say they'll voice their displeasure loudly come election time.

"We're gonna do everything in our power to see they don't have a seat on that commission the next time," said Owens.

Mulroy says he hopes his colleagues on the Shelby County Commission don't bow to the pressure.

All content © Copyright 2000 - 2009 WorldNow and WMCTV, a Raycom Media station. All Rights Reserved.
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UPDATE: Memphis Pastors, County Commissioner, Speak Against County Anti-Discrimination Measure

Six Memphis Pastors Oppose Equal Protection for Gays
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TAKE ACTION: Contact Tennessee Equality Project!

County Ordinance Targets Discrimination Against LGBT People

National Black Justice Coalition: King Would Stand With Us Civil Rights Belong to ALL People!

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Remember Gay/Lesbian Vets on Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day let's remember the thousands of gays and lesbians who have been kicked out of the military simply because of their sexual orientation, or being honest about it.

Let's support those who are standing up for freedom and justice:

Tell Pres. Obama to NOT fire Lt. Dan Choi

Also, sign petition to Urge Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley to allow Lieutenant Colonel Victor Fehrenbach to keep flying

Service Members Legal Defense Network

For Gays in the Military Obama's Good Intentions Not Enough

Study: Obama Doesn't Need Congress to Stop Gay Discharges

Little Traction on DADT Repeal

Why are DEMOCRATS Blocking Gay Rights?

As Frank Rich points out in his latest column, La Cage aux Democrats, it is not the Republicans who are stopping gay rights laws in Congress, it is the DEMOCRATS who control the House and Senate, and the White House! Obama PROMISED the gay community that he would be a "ferocious" defender of gay rights who would work to REPEAL Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act, both laws supported by the last Democratic President, Bill Clinton, who folded under pressure from the anti-gay military and Christian Right.

Like other issues (healthcare, gun control, torture, Guantanomo, etc.), the Democratic Party, lead by Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, has become a party so afraid of the Republican Right that they are scared of their own shadows! They don't want to stand up to the NRA, the gun lobby, health insurance companies, or the anti-gay religious groups and the military. Once again, the Democratic Party is putting POLITICS ahead of principles. So much for REAL "Change We Can Believe In"!

Now is the time for equal civil rights for LGBT people! No more delay, no more excuses!
Support the DALLAS PRINCIPLES



Read more about the Dallas Principles on Pam's Houseblend:
Equality For all NOW: The Dallas Principles

Remembering Harvey Milk

Friday was Harvey Milk Day 2009, commemorating the anniversary of the murder of the first openly elected gay man, Harvey Milk, City Supervisor of San Francisco in 1978.

Would Harvey Milk Be Proud of Us?

Student's Harvey Milk Report Banned for "Sex Education"??

ACLU Sues Tennessee Schools for Blocking LGBT Websites

ACLU SUES TENNESSEE SCHOOLS FOR BLOCKING LGBT WEBSITES
The American Civil Liberties Union sued two Tennessee school districts in federal court yesterday, claiming that the districts' Internet filters unconstitutionally block students from accessing Web sites focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues.

The suit alleges that the filtering software used by the districts blocks access to Web sites specializing in LGBT policy issues, including the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network and Human Rights Campaign. In contrast, the suit notes, students are able to access Web sites that condemn homosexuality or advocate "reparative therapy" programs that attempt to change a person's sexual orientation.

Dick Cheney LIES again!

War criminal Dick Cheney continues his campaign of lies to cover up the crimes of the Bush administration.

Waterboarding is not torture, "Enhanced Interrogation" worked, torture (I mean "Enhanced Interrogation") stopped terrorists attacks on the U.S., and Sadaam Hussein and Iraq were aiding al Qaeda... blah blah blah.. In the words of Whoopi Goldberg, Cheny is a "lying sack of dog mess!"

From McClatchy Newswire:
Cheney's Speech Contained "Omissions, Misstatements" (LIES)

Stand Up for Single-Payer National Healthcare!

The Big Med lobby is fighting hard against a single-payer universal health insurance program, and they are even trying to kill Obama's proposed public health insurance option in the "healthcare reform" being debated in Congress. The Big Med industry has successfully killed any discussion of the single-payer option in the current debates in Congress. Sen. Max Bacchus, Chair of the Sen. Finance Committee, is chairing a committee to discuss healthcare "reform" that does not include ONE advocate for single-payer health insurance!

If we are going to have REAL healthcare "reform" we need to organize and get active NOW! Once again, the healthcare industry is KILLING serious healthcare reform, and is killing the ONLY option that will provide universal healthcare for every American, without all the cost and waste of the private insurance industry.

Get Active, Get Involved, Contact your Representatives and ask them to support the National Universal Healthcare Bill HR 676!

These groups are working for you, and need your support:

Healthcare Now!

Physicians for a National Health Program

Progressive Democrats of America

Universal Healthcare Action Network

Democratic Socialists of America

You may have seen the ad by the "Conservatives for Patients' Rights" (CPR). The ad is filled with lies. Rick Scott, the sponsor of the CPR ads, is the discredited owner of Columbia/HCA, of the the largest private health care companies in the world. In 1997, his board of directors removed him during the largest health care fraud scandal in the U.S. The company was forced to pay $1.7 billion in fines for overbilling state and federal government health plans.

The ad features the former president of the Canadian Medical Association (the Canadian version of the AMA) who is another opponent of public health care and an advocate of private for profit health insurance. Dr. Day, whose private surgical clinic in Canada is under investigation by the B.C. govenment for illegal billing, does NOT represent the values of Canadians or the views of most doctors in Canada.

Read the Open Letter to President Obama from the Canadian Health Coalition

(One of the leading crusaders for private insurance and against public single-payer insurance in Canada, Dr. Jacques Chaoulli had a patient DIE in the waiting room of one of his clinics because Dr. Chaoulli withheld cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a basic procedure than any public health facility would have administered to save a patient's life!)

Don't belive the LIES of the for profit private health insurance industry!

Here's a great video from the Democratic Socialists of America demonstrating the need for a SINGLE-PAYER health insurance program in the United States:

Operation DOMA Flip Flop

OPERATION DOMA FLIP FLOP

Join the Impact has a new campaign to pressure Pres. Obama to keep his promise to REPEAL the "Defense of Marriage Act". Send a Flip Flop card to the White House

Torture and Hypocrisy: Pelosi v. Cheney

How in the hell did the Democrats in Congress allow the Republicans to get an upper hand on the issue of torture?
House Minority Leader John Boehner Says Pelosi Should Back Up Her Allegation that the CIA Lied to Her

After form V.P. Dick Cheney's trail of LIES and WAR CRIMES, the GOP has been able to take the media spotlight off of the crimes of Bush & Cheney and focus the country's attention on whether Speaker Nancy Pelosi LIED, or knew about TORTURE, which Cheney and the GOP have been arguing is NOT torture?

How inept are the Democrats?? Do they not know how to play rough politics? If Newt Gingrich can still grab headlines calling for Nancy Pelosi to be removed, why can't the Democrats call Dick Cheney a war criminal and try him for lying about Iraq, Al Qaeda, authorizing torture, etc. ??? Cheney is such an EASY target, and the Democrats can't even take him down??

Let's have a "truth commission" and expose the crimes!

Lanny Davis: The Cheney Care: INDICT CHENEY ON TORTURE!

Laura Flanders: Pelosi or Cheney? Who's the Torturer in Chief?

Feminists Losing Debate on Abortion

Feminists are Losing the debate on Abortion.

Most Americans now "Pro-Life"

A new Gallup Poll, conducted May 7-10, finds 51% of Americans calling themselves "pro-life" on the issue of abortion and 42% "pro-choice." This is the first time a majority of U.S. adults have identified themselves as pro-life since Gallup began asking this question in 1995. The new results, obtained from Gallup's annual Values and Beliefs survey, represent a significant shift from a year ago, when 50% were pro-choice and 44% pro-life. Prior to now, the highest percentage identifying as pro-life was 46%, in both August 2001 and May 2002.

A year ago, Gallup found more women calling themselves pro-choice than pro-life, by 50% to 43%, while men were more closely divided: 49% pro-choice, 46% pro-life. Now, because of heightened pro-life sentiment among both groups, women as well as men are more likely to be pro-life. Now nearly half, 49%, of women are pro-life, only 44% are pro-choice.

Men and women have been evenly divided on the issue in previous years; however, this is the first time in nine years of Gallup Values surveys that significantly more men and women are pro-life than pro-choice.

How did feminists lose the debate on Abortion? I think they failed to recognize the moral complexities involved in abortion, making it only an issue of a women's choice, with no recognition of another life involved. Even most women do not reduce abortion to just the women's choice. There is another life involved, and abortion is KILLING a human life.

As an atheist, humanist, and yes a feminist, I support the legal right of women to end a pregnancy under some circumstances, but even I cannot ignore the moral cost of abortion in all circumstances. I oppose the right-wing attempts to make all abortions illegal. It is essential that women have the legal right, and the ability, to end pregnancies when it affects their health and well-being.

However, the argument for keeping abortion legal and safe cannot ignore the moral issue of the life of the fetus. Like most liberals and progressives, I consider myself "pro-life" in the sense that I think it is a moral imperative to support life in all situations. I oppose war and the death penalty (why aren't the "pro-life" Catholics and religious groups protesting those??)

I don't have all the answers, politically or morally, but there is something wrong with the mainstream liberal feminist approach to abortion that has failed to address the moral issues involved in abortion. They have tried to ignore completely that abortion is taking a life, and by not wanting to face that issue head on, they are losing the moral and political debate on abortion, even among women.

LET ME REITERATE--I support women's reproductive rights, including abortion. I have been in protests supporting abortion rights, and have escorted women at abortion clinics. I'm concerned about how to make a more effective moral and political argument to keep abortion legal. Abortion cannot be simplified as just the right of the fetus vs. the right of women to choose. We have to find a way to change the debate.

UPDATE: Good discussion in the comments section on this.. I'm re-evaluating my argument/view on this...

Here's another point of view:
Why "Choosing Life" is a False Choice

Isn't is possible to be "pro-life" and "pro-choice" ?

International Day Against Homophobia

Pain, Progress, Pride on Day Against Homophobia

The International Day Against Homophobia, initiated by a Quebec organization, will be celebrated in more than 50 countries Sunday, decrying discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Cuban gays and lesbians march against homophobia on May 16, 2009 in Havana, accompanied by Raul Castro's daugther Mariela Castro (C). The International Day Against Homophobia, initiated by a Quebec organization, will be celebrated in more than 50 countries Sunday, decrying discrimination against gays and lesbians. (AFP)"There are 192 countries at the UN, and half of them still ban homosexuality, notably most countries in Africa, in Asia and Arab countries," said Laurent McCutcheon, president of Quebec's Emergence Foundation, an activist group behind the annual fete.

Five countries punish homosexual acts with death, said its website.

In 2003, Emergence launched a national day against homophobia in Canada, which caught on internationally in the past three years.

May 17 was chosen because it was on this date in 1990 that the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. The acronym IDAHO is often used to delineate this day.

Gay Marriage Focus of Conservative Attacks on Supreme Court Nominee

Gay Marriage Supplants Abortion as Social Priority for Conservatives

Looks like Obama's first Supreme Court nominee will be squeezed for their opinion on the legality of same-sex marriage.

Conservatives Map Strategy on Court Fight

RNC Chief: Gay Marriage Will Burden Small Business

Russia Police Violently Attack Slavic Gay Pride

Russian Policy Violently Attack Slavic Gay Pride

40 arrested as Moscow anti-riot police use violence to break up Slavic Pride march
 
Boycott Eurovision, say Pride organisers
 
Moscow - 16th May
 
Sources from Moscow have reported that police have used violent and oppressive tactics to break up the peaceful Slavic Pride march in the city.
 
The march had been outlawed by Moscow city authorities, but permission had been given for counter-demonstrations by far right ultra-nationalists.
 
Between 35 and 40 Russian LGBT activists have been arrested, including British human rights activist Peter Tatchell and Chicago LGBT activist Andy Thayer. Pride organiser Nikolai Alekseev was held down by 5 fully armed riot police and arrested.
 
European Embassy diplomats witnessed the violence are said to be planning a joint diplomatic action.
 
Slavic Pride organisers have called on the artists and performers of Eurovision to boycott tonight's showpiece event in solidarity with the beaten and arrested protesters.
 
Organiser Nikolai Alekseev said
 
"I call upon all of the artists who are due to perform at tonight's Eurovision to boycott tonight's event and send a message that Russia's state oppression of human rights is not acceptable.
 
"The Russian Government is using this years Eurovision in Moscow as a gala showpiece to show the world how far the country has improved since the early 1990's.  However, what was witnessed this afternoon on the streets of Moscow shows the world just how little Russia has travelled when it comes to supporting fundamental human rights.
 
"The police brutality that we witnessed here this afternoon is shocking. We planned a peaceful march to highlight the dire state of LGBT rights in Russia today. The police, given violent legitimacy by the openly homophobic Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, did not hold back with their weapons, despite the world's media watching.
 
"We were defending the often violated human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Russians. We demand the same legal protection against discrimination and hate crimes that none LGBT people enjoy.
 
"This episode has shamed the Russian Government and Moscow authorities before the world."  
 
See Peter Tatchell

Barack Obama Fails to Lead on Gay Rights

Barack Obama has failed the test of a great leader on gay rights. He is backing away from his promises to gay voters that he would work to REPEAL the anti-gay Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. In fact, he is continuing the firing of gay soliders who are being kicked out of the military simply for being gay and being honest about it.

One brave gay solider is fighting back! Lt. Dan Choi has written a letter to President Obama pleading with the Commander in Chief not to fire him.

ABC: Dan Choi Explains "Why I Cannot Stay Quiet"

A West Point graduate and Arabic linguist, Choi is being discharged from the National Guard because of "homosexual conduct" has appealed directly to President Obama to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gay soldiers.

Here's Lt. Choi on the Rachel Maddow Show, where he publicly violated the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and lost his job defending America.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Obama administration is also trying to back peddle away from other campaign promises, including changing the Defense of Marriage Act to allow the federal recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions, to provide federal benefits for LGBT couples.

Obama and other Democratic leaders continue to maintain the untenable position that they support "equal rights and benefits" for gay couples, but NOT civil marriage! By opposing same-sex marriage, Obama and other Democrats are providing support for the opponents of marriage equality! Sarah Palin and MS California can both correctly say they have the same position on marriage as Barack Obama!

Obama Caving on Gays in the Military

Obama's Gay Marriage Flip-Flop

Obama's Failing Grade on Gay Rights

Obama AWOL on Gay Rights

Anti-Gay Bigots LIE!

Anti-gay religious bigots get all worked up over a "sin" that is not even in the Top Ten Commandments, but they sure piss all over one of the biggies: THOU SHALT NOT LIE!

The Christo-Fascist "World Net Daily News" has been stirring right-wing opposition to the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (Hate Crimes Bill) by confusing "sexual orientation" with paedophilia, and calling the bill the "Pedophile Protection Act."

Faith2Action's anti-gay crusader Janet Porter has been leading the right-wing campaign to kill the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, falsely claiming that the hate crimes bill would infringe on the religious freedom and freedom of speech of Christians and would protect pedophiles and other "sexual deviants."

First, there is nothing in the Hate Crimes Bill to infringe on any one's freedom of speech! The bill clearly targets CRIMINAL ACTS that target people based on race, gender, religion, handicap, sexual orientation or gender identity. People can say or think whatever they want about gays, or Jews, but they cannot commit CRIMINAL ACTS! If someone commits CRIMINAL ACT, like physically attacking or killing someone because they are Jewish or gay, the bill will provide FEDERAL resources to prosecute the crime and enhanced penalties. (Our criminal justice system takes motivation into account in sentencing crimes.)

Second, religious fundamentalists are free to preach their anti-gay bigotry, as long as they don't preach VIOLENCE against people who are gay, Jewish, etc. Why are bigots like Janet Porter defending violence against gay people as "freedom of speech" or "freedom of religion"???

These Christo-fascist anti-gay campaigns are not just targeting the U.S. Congress, they are sowing their anti-gay bigotry across the states. Here in Tennessee they are using the very same radical right-wing propaganda against a state hate crimes bill and against a non-discrimination ordinance here in Memphis!

A group of anti-gay preachers have formed an ad hoc group, Memphis City Churches, to fight the Shelby County non-discrimination ordinance, using the same lies they used against the hate crimes bill. Memphis City Churches is a front group for the Christo-fascist Traditional Values Coalition

If you live in Memphis or Tennessee, visit the Tennessee Equality Project to take action against this anti-gay bigotry and support LGBT civil rights in Tennessee

Take Action on the Shelby County Non-Discrimination Ordinance

Take Action on the Tennessee Hate Crimes Bill

See Also:

American Family Assocaition: Senate Poised to Give Special Protection to Pedophiles

RIGHT WING WATCH: A HATE CRIMES THOUGHT EXPERIMENT

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

Grand Divisions: News and Comment on TN Politics: A refresher course on the Ten Commandments needed for some Shelby Co Churches

The Happiest Places to Live? SOCIALIST!

The World's Happiest Places

Where in the world do people feel most content with their lives?

According to a new report released by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), a Paris-based group of 30 countries with democratic governments that provides economic and social statistics and data, happiness levels are highest in northern European countries.

Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands rated at the top of the list, ranking first, second and third, respectively. Outside Europe, New Zealand and Canada landed at Nos. 8 and 6, respectively. The U.S. did not crack the top 10. Switzerland placed seventh and Belgium placed tenth.

Let's see...Denmark, Finland, Netherlands..what do these happy Northern European countries have in common?? DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM! Of course people in these countries which provide "free" public healthcare and college tuition, strong labor unions, gay rights, month paid vacations, etc. would be happier than in "the greatest country on earth"--the United States where 15% of the country is unemployed, 45 million + have NO health insurance, 1 in 5 children live in POVERTY, etc....

Those Crazy Libertarians

Now that the Republican Party is falling apart with no leader or direction, many right-wing nuts are jumping ship and joining the LIBERTARIAN Party. Fewer people identify themselves as "Republicans" but more are calling themselves "Libertarian." Most people I talk to who claim to be libertarian really don't know all the wacko Libertarian beliefs (i.e. unregulated capitalism, no government programs like Social Security, etc.)

Here's a great website for reading up on the intellectual arguments for and against libertarianism:
Critiques of Libertarianism

For the less intellectual, here's a great video promoting the "Libertarian Paradise" (Somalia)

Marriage Equality Victories, Will Democrats Stand or Run?

The march toward marriage equality is picking up speed!

Main Gov. Signs Marriage Bill
Maine governor John E. Baldacci signed legislation Wednesday that will enact marriage equality for the fourth state in New England.

Next up is New Hampshire, where the legislature of that state sent a marriage equality to the governor for his signature...

And the Washington D.C. city council passed a measure to recognize same-sex marriages from other states, former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry cast the only vote against the measure.

Barry, a former mayor of D.C. who previously has expressed support for gay rights, initially said he would support the marriage measure, which passed the city council by a vote of 12 to 1. It now moves to Mayor Adrian Fenty, who is expected to sign it, and on to Congress, which oversees the District's laws.

Marriage-equality opponents led by African-American ministers protested yesterday’s vote and vowed electoral defeat for council members who supported the proposal.

Barry also predicted significant civil distress should broader measures for marriage equality advance. "All hell is going to break lose," he said. "We may have a civil war. The black community is just adamant against this."

First, I don't think Marion Barry is in a position to speak for the "black community." Let him without sin cast the first stone..

Second, why are these black ministers risking their churches' tax exempt status to campaign against city council members who support marriage equality??

And why are "Democratic leaders" running in fear from this vote supporting the civil rights of LGBT people? When will Democrats, including Barack Obama, get a backbone and stand up for the rights of gay people?

NYT: Obama Under Pressure to Deliver on Gay Issues

"Joe the Plumber": Would Never Let "Queers" Near His Children

Joe the Plumber: I Would Never Let "Queers" Near My Children

Is this the "new face" of the Republican Party? Looks like the old one..

Obama's First 100 Days: Where's Our "Fierce Advocate"?

High Marks for Obama's First 100 Days
With a few exceptions, LGBT leaders are giving President Obama high marks for his first 100 days, though not much has been accomplished yet. So far all talk, little action in Congress, and the Democrats may be getting cold feet already when it comes to LGBT civil rights.

Candidate Barack Obama claimed to be a "fierce advocate" for gay rights, but Richard Socarides, former advisor to President Clinton asks a pertinent question:
Where's Our "Fierce Advocate"? and offers some suggestions on what Obama needs to do for LGBT voters.

Happy 90th Birthday Pete Seeger!

Peter Seeger's 90th Birthday Celebration

Pete Seeger is the greatest American songwriter. For over 50 years his music and political activism has championed the oppressed, the poor, labor, and uplifted the spirits of all who have fought for social justice.

Happy 90th Birthday Comrade Pete!

Smithsonian Folkways: Peter Seeger Standing Tall

Houston Chronicle: As Pete Seeger Turns 90, His Songs Remain Timeless

Now Let's All Sing Along: IF I HAD A HAMMER...

Growing Acceptance of Gay Rights Helps Democrats

Dems: Opportunities as Acceptance of Gay Marriage Grows

WASHINGTON — Gay marriage legalization in several states and the public's growing acceptance of same-sex unions have Democrats sensing political opportunity and some Republicans re-evaluating their party's hard-line opposition to an issue that long has rallied its base.

In recent weeks, Vermont and Iowa have legalized same-sex marriage, while New York, Maine and New Hampshire have taken steps in that direction. Polls show younger Americans are far are more tolerant on the issue than are older generations. For now at least, the public is much more focused on the troubled economy and two wars than on social issues.

In addition, over the past decade, public acceptance of gay marriage has changed dramatically.

A Quinnipiac University poll released last week found that a majority of people questioned, by a 55-38 percent margin, oppose gay marriage. But it also found that people, by a 57-38 percent margin, support civil unions that would provide marriage-like rights for same-sex couples, indicating a shift toward more acceptance.

With congressional elections next year, Republicans, Democrats and nonpartisan analysts say the changes benefit Democrats, whose bedrock liberals favor gay unions, and disadvantage Republicans, whose conservative base insists that marriage be solely between a man and a woman.
Democrats have a broader base filled with more accepting younger voters, as well as flexibility on the issue. Hard-core liberals support gay marriage, while others, including President Barack Obama, take a more moderate position of civil unions and defer to states on gay marriage.

Conversely, the GOP base is older, smaller and more conservative. Republicans have no place to shift on the issue but to the left, because the party has been identified largely with its rock-solid opposition to gay marriage and civil unions...

Poll: US Supports Most "Gay Rights"

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This may be a good time for Obama to appoint a LESBIAN Constitutional scholar to the Supreme Court: Kathleen Sullivan!

Happy May Day (International Workers Day)!

Happy May Day (International Workers Day!)

Throughout the world May 1 is a day of celebration of the Labor Movement, and protest against the injustices of capitalism and the conditions of workers throughout the world capitalist system. May Day commemorates the 1886 Haymarket Massacre in Chicago, where workers protesting for an 8 hour working day were attacked and killed.


Learn more about May Day events at the Socialist Party USA

WORKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE!