Obama Under Fire for Ties to "Ex-Gay" Gospel Singer

"Barack Obama Connected to Homophobic Singer".

Barack Obama is under fire from gay rights groups for taking part in a concert in South Carolina featuring "ex-gay" gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, even though Obama has repeated his support of gay rights and opposition to discrimination, and McClurkin has also said he opposes discrimination against gays and lesbians. His "sin" is that he believes he has been "cured" of his homosexuality and that sexuality is a choice. Wayne Besen's Truth Wins Out organization has asked Obama to cut ties with Donnie McClurkin for claiming that homosexuality is a matter of choice.

I don't agree with McClurkin's religious beliefs about homosexuality, but I also oppose the "politically correct" gay thought police calling anyone who questions their belief that "sexual orientation" is biologically innate and fixed from birth "homophobic." Scientific evidence is mixed on the causes of sexual orientation (gay or straight) and some of us are Queer By Choice and believe that we should be free to choose our sexual preference or identity. If people are not happy being gay (or straight), or it is against their religious beliefs, they should also be free to choose their sexual identity.

I am more concerned about Barack Obama pandering to conservative anti-gay black churches. I'm not sure if it is fair to accuse Obama of Playing to Anti-Gay Sentiment. And it seems like a questionable political strategy for gay groups to pressure Obama to drop McClurkin from the concert and alienate black voters. Obama could help unite gays and African-Americans to oppose hate and discrimination against both groups. The GOP has been making significant gains in the black community, until Katrina and Bush's disastrous second term, by appealing to homophobia and anti-gay prejudice as well as other conservative religious beliefs on social issues like school prayer and abortion. Those gains may be minimal now, but they could provide just enough support to help the GOP in tight elections. Like it or not, the Democratic Party cannot allow the GOP to keep taking away African-American and evangelical votes. The challenge is for the Democratic Party and Democratic candidates to appeal to religious and African-American voters without undermining their commitment to the equality and civil rights of LGBT people. Perhaps a progressive Christian like Obama could remind African-Americans that MLK was right when he said that "Injustice against any of us is a threat to justice for all of us."

GAZE is Back!

Congratulations to Allen Cook and Bob Dumais for resurrecting GAZE, one of the early Memphis gay newspapers. Allen was the publisher of Triangle Journal News, which he handed over to the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Communty Center. Triangle Journal is now the newspaper of the MGLCC. GAZE will feature more national news and different local writers and news as well. And it will carry my column, QUEER NOTES! You can pick a copy up at a local gay bar or business, or online at the GAZE Website.

GOP Courts Christian Right

None of the GOP Presdidential candidates would appear at the Human Rights Campaign/LOGO forum to discuss gay issues, but they did climb all over themselves to appear at the ant-gay Family Research Councils' Values Voters Summit" this weekend. Most of the candidates tried to reinforce conservative doubts about Rudy Guiliani, who in the past has had moderate views and positions on abortion and gay rights. "Multiple-Mitt" Romney, a former supporter of gay rights who claimed he would be more supportive of gay rights than Edward Kennedy when he ran for the Senate, is now championing the radical right's anti-gay agenda. In fact, all of the GOP candidates seem to be competing for the most ant-gay award. The Christian Right is not too happy with the leading GOP candidates, especially Giuliani, and their favorite candiate, Sam Brownback, has dropped out of the race because of his extreme positions. However, all of the remaining candidates (except libertarian Ron Paul) have been pandering to the Christian Right because they cannot win without the support of the base of the Republican Party. Some may see the predicament off the Christian Right as good for gays ("Values Voters" Anarchy Good News for Gays">, but even Giuliani is promising to support the Christian Right's agenda, including appointment of federal judges like Scalia, Thomas, Alito and Roberts, and has distanced himself from gay rights and now tells the Family Research Center that he would support a constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriages. The danger of Giuliani is that he can appeal to the anti-gay Christian Right and "moderate" voters, making him the GOP's best chance of winning in 2008. The bad news is that he can probably beat Hillary Clinton, who appears to be the Democratic candidate for 2008.

ENDA Victory ?

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) moves to the House of Representatives following approval thursday in committee. The House Education and Labor Committee voted 27-21 to approve the bill, which would protect gays and lesbians from discrimination in the workplace, but without gender identity, will not cover transgender people. According to Rep. Barney Franks, there are not enough votes to pass ENDA with gender identity included, therefore it was left out of the bill. The exclusion of gender identity has divided the gay community. The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the National Stonewall Democrats have led a coalition of 300 LGBT groups to push Congressional Democrats to include gender idendity in ENDA. In an attempt to salvage ENDA and try to bring LGBT groups together, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has agreed to allow an amendment to the bill to include gender identity. Rep. Tammy Baldwin will be presenting the amendment after ENDA is voted on in the House.

I am divided on this one myself. I want ENDA to include gender identity and protect eveyrone, LGBT, from discrimination. But ENDA was first introduced in 1975 and this is the first time it has been brought to a vote in Congress. Can we afford to kill a legislation the gay community has been working on for 25 years? Is it wrong to pass ENDA without gender identity, and get the protection for gays and lesbians now, and work to add gender identity when there is more support for it and enough votes to pass it? I cannot answer these questions to my own satisfaction. Let's do all we can to get ENDA passed with the amendment! If you haven't done so already, CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE in Congress to urge them to support ENDA and Tammy Baldwin's amendment! If you live in Memphis, call Rep. Steve Cohen (202) 225-3265. Cohen already supports ENDA, but he needs to hear from us to know he has our support.

Draft Gore 08 ?

As expected Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Draft Gore campaign is trying to persuade Gore to run for President in 2008, but Gore insists he is not running. Because of Hillary Clinton's commanding lead in the Democratic Primary, it is probable wise for Gore to wait until 2012, but the growing movemement to draft Gore in 2008 is an indication of the growing dissatisfaction with the Democratic candidates, at least among progressive/liberal Democrats. It looks like Hilllary Clinton has pushed Gore out of the race in 2008.

Memphis Election Thoughts

I haven't been able to assess how all the winning candidates for Memphis City Council will affect the gay community, but several of them are supportive of equality. As far as Mayor goes, too bad Herman Morris did not win. I think he could have probably done the best job of uniting Memphis (black & white, gay & straight). Some will blame him for helping Herenton get re-elected by taking votes from Carol Chumney, but that argument could go either way. If Chumney had stayed in the City Council, Herman Morris would be our new Mayor. And if Chumney had publicly supported equal rights for gays and lesbians, she would have received more votes. I have no regrets voting for Herman Morris since he had the courage to defend the civil rights of gays and lesbians. I want to thank Morris for reaching out to the gay community, and I wish we could have done more to support him.

Sticks and Stones...

Someone keeps posting these personal attacks against me on Memphis blogs:

"In the interest of full disclosure, Mr. Maynard, tell us how many times you've "flip flopped" been bought and sold and screwed over the gay community for your own gain or advancement. Despite your self-appointment as "the decider" and spokesman for the entire gay community, those of us who are in the community and KNOW you, know not to trust you."

When I have done any of those things ??? These are LIES! I wish this person would call or email me in person and we can discuss his/her personal attacks on me. I would like to know why anyone would accuse me of selling out or screwing the gay community for "gain or advancement"? What?? How have I done this? And how in the hell do you "know" me? I don't think you know me at all.

Over the years of being a "gay activist" I have endured many personal attacks, usually from people who criticize my "leadership" in gay organizations, but never supported those organizations in any way. I am open to constructive criticism. I have made many mistakes over the years, said and did things I regret, and I am eager to apologize or correct them. But what I do not accept are UNFOUNDED personal attacks like this. I resent people LYING about me, usually behind my back, who do not seem to have the courage to talk to me in person, but attack me behind my back and spread lies for THIER own personal gain.

This person is upset that I support Herman Morris for Mayor and NOT Carol Chumney. I don't speak for the entire gay community, and I don't claim to. I am an individual activist, etc. I have the freedom to express my opinions and not be attacked for them. Herman Morris has been endorsed by the Memphis Stonewall Democrats and the Tennessee Equality Project. It is not just ME endorsing Morris. Maybe this person is working for the Carol Chumney campaign and is trying to discredit ME. But the endorsements by Stonewall Democrats and TEP were not MY decision.

So if this person would like to have a discussion on the issue, here's your chance. Please back up your claims about me or be prepared to APOLOGIZE for spreading LIES.

The GOP and the Christian Right

The Christian Reich base of the Republican Party is throwing a temper tantrum! A group the conservative Christian leaders meet over the weekend and are threatening to support a third party if the GOP nominates a pro-choice candidate (i.e, Rudi Giuliani).
Maybe they should save John McCain's faltering campaign. In an interview on Beliefnet, the Arizone Republican presidential candidate said that he would prefer a Christian president to lead the U.S., and that "the Constitution established the United States as a Christian nation" ! Evidently McCain has not read the U.S. Constitution, which does not even mention Christianity or god! The Constitution estabished a SECULAR government that forbids (a) religious tests for candidates and (b) the "establishment of religion"! Another reason John McCain should NOT be president!

ENDA: A tough choice

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibt employment discriminaton based on sexual orientation and gender identity, has a good chance of passing in Congress, IF, gender identity is dropped. This is forcing LGBT rights activists and organziations to make a tough choice: Do we work to pass ENDA with gender identity and sexual orientation and it fail or get vetoed, or do we pass ENDA without gender identity have have a better chance of it passing and not getting vetoed? The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and transgendered actitivists say NO WAY to excluding gender identity, while Rep. Barney Frank argues that we should go ahead and pass ENDA without gender identity and work on adding it later. Tough decision.

Senate Passes Hate Crime Bill

The Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Bill today. Sen. Ted Kennedy attached it to a defense appropriation bill, but George Bush may still veto it.
(Wide-stance toe tapper Larry Craig voted against it.)

Will Congress/Democrats Stop the War Machine? (No)

Did the U.S. Senate Just Authorize Military Action Against Iran?
By a vote of 76-22, the Senate passed the Lieberman-Kyl amendment, which threatens to “combat, contain and [stop]” Iran via “military instruments.” Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) called the amendment “Cheney’s fondest pipe dream” and said it could “read as a backdoor method of gaining Congressional validation for military action.” (Hillary Clinton voted for it!)

Following the Senate, The House Passed A Resolution Condemning Moveon's Betray Us Ad (The Vote was 341-79) (Rep. Steve Cohen voted AGAINST it! It's great to have a real progressive representing us finally!)

And today, Defense Secretary Gates presented the Bush Administration's request for an additional $190 billion for the military. If approved, Congress would have appropriated more than $760 billion for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, having already approved of $450 billion for Iraq and $127 billion for Afghanistan.

Will Democrats stand up to the military-industrial complex's war machine? Don't hold your breath!

In Wednesday's Democratic Debate on MSNBC none of the leading Democratic Presidential candidates would commit to pulling all U.S. troops out of Iraq by 2013!

Gays In Iran

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejab spoke at Columbia University today. The audience broke out in laughter when he said that Iran did not have any gay people!

Here's what happens to gay people in Iran:

Iran Executes Gay Teenagers

Bush: The New Saddam!

Oouch! Canadian MacClean's Magazine has this cover story on How Bush Became the New Saddam

Congress Fails Again

Republicans have stopped several Democratic bills to bring troops home and end the illegal occupation of Iraq. In fact, MORE Senators, including many Democrats, voted FOR the GOP resolution condemning the Move On ad exposing General Petraeus than voted to support our troops and start bringing them home. Maybe that is why the approval ratings of Congress continue to fall (to 11% according to one poll) below George Bush's 30% approval.

Why do the Democrats continue to allow the Republicans to change the debate from the Iraq War to Moveon.org? Why did the Democratic leaders even allow this stupid resolution to come up for a vote? Why did so many Democrats fall for the bait and vote for this resolution? Are the Democrats in Congress, especailly the Senate really this stupid and incompetent?

It is time Democrats and activists do something to counter the GOP filibusters. Maybe the Democrats should use the "nuclear option" the GOP threatened to use agains the Democrats when they controlled the Senate. There should be a simple majority vote to pass bills in the Senate. Otherwise, if GOP obstructionism continues to thwart the will of the American people, maybe it is time for a REVOLUTION! No I'm not kidding... We need to consider all options to end the illegal occupation of Iraq, bring our troops home, and save this country.

First Amendment Under Attack

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
— The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

According to a recent poll by the First Amendment Center, 65% of Americnas believe the founders of our country intended the U.S. to be a Christian Nation, and a majority (55%) believe that the U.S. Constitution established a "Christian Nation". If they read the U.S. Constitution they would know that it is a secular document that does not even mention God or Christianity! If they read the FIRST AMENDMENT they would know that it prohibits "an establishment of religion."

More disturbing than the mistaken assumption of special status for one religion is a broader pattern evident in this poll, taken by the respected First Amendment Center. The poll shows widespread ignorance of basic freedoms and a belief that many of the Constitution's rights apply only to some Americans, not to all:

* 98% said the right to speak freely about whatever you want is essential or important. But 39% would muzzle public statements that might be offensive to religious groups, 42% would bar musicians from singing songs others might find offensive, 56% would outlaw public statements that might be offensive to racial groups, and 74% would prohibit public school students from wearing a T-shirt that others might find offensive.

* 97% said the right to practice the religion of your choice is essential or important, but only 56% said freedom of religion applies to all religious groups.

* 93% said the right to be informed by a free press is essential or important. But 37% would not allow newspapers to freely criticize U.S. military strategy or performance.

After 9/11, the American people seem to have forgotten what, if anything, they learned in high school civics class, if they still teach such a thing in schools. Over the past six years we have seen more and more government and media censorship, especially of anything that is too critical of the government or the military. The Busheviks do not allow anyone critical of Bush to attend a Bush event, the Republican and Democratic Parties restrict protests at their conventions, the media censors anti-war speech... The right to speak or protest has been sharply curtailed, and if you speak too much you might feel the sting of a taser gun!

Maryland Court Rules Against Marriage Equality

In another blow to LGBT civil rights, the Maryland Court of Appels ruled 4-3 today to uphold Maryland's resriction of marriage to heterosexual couples and deny marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. The majority opinion followed a series of similar court opinions in asserting that the denial of marriage rights does not discriminate based on gender, that marriage is not a fundamental right for gay couples, and that sexual orientation is not a "suspect class" requiring the highest level of legal scrutiny. It is unbelievable that U.S. courts continue to support the erroenous claim that states have a legitimate interest in promoting procreation to deny gay and lesbian couples equal rights. Three other states will be taking up the issue in the near future: Conneticut, California and Iowa.

Romney Plays Anti-Gay Marriage Card

Meanwhile, the GOP Presidential candidates are still competing with each other to prove they are the most anti-gay marriage candidate. Multiple-Mitt Romney is airing ads in Iowaclaiming HE is the only "major" GOP candidate to support an ant-gay marriage amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

"Bush Dog" John Tanner Sides with GOP (Again)

Tanner Sparring with Fellow Democrats Over Iraq

"Bush Dog Democrat" John Tanner is an embarrassment to the Democratic Party. He and other DINOS (Democrats in Name Only) are the reason this illegal occcupation is not over yet and our troops are stuck in the middle of a civil war. Anti-War activists should target DINOS like Tanner for protests, etc. We need to get him out of office and replace him with a REAL (progressive) Democrat!

Tanner and fellow ">Bush Dog Democrats are working on a "compromise" to help the Republicans get their way on Iraq, and keep our troops in the middle of that country's growing civil war.

Herman Morris for Mayor

The Shelby Co. Committee of the Tennessee Equality Project had a Candidates Meet and Greet tonight at Quetzal's. It was a great to see a large turnout, especially all the candidates in the upcoming Memphis City elections, including Mayoral candidate Herman Morris. Morris also came out to Mid South Pride in June, and he supports equal rights for LGBT people, and for that he has my support. I endorse HERMAN MORRIS for Memphis Mayor!
Where was Carol Chumney? She seems to be ignoring the gay community. She hasn't even bothered to respond to the Stonewalll Democrats or TEP questionnaires.

UPDATE: Herman Morris has been endorsed by the Commercial Appeal, Mid-South Democrats in Action, Stonewall Democrats and the Tennessee Equality Project.

Gen. Petraeus Testifies/Will Democrats Betray us

MoveOn.org has been under attack by Republicans AND Democrats for this ad telling the TRUTH about General Petraeus, who testified before Congress today that the "surge" is working and that he would only support bringing back some of the troops who were part of the surge by next March! Democrats, scared of their own shadows, were quick to join in the GOP attacks on Move On.

The Center for American Progress has a rebuttal to the Petraeus/White House Surge Report: Petraeus' Song and Dance

Media Matters exposes the Myths and Falsehoods about Progress in Iraq.

Why are American politicians and the media afraid to question or stand up to military Generals? Given the record of the military in our history, why don't our political "leaders" stand up to the military? Giving the military (and corporations) total control over a society is called FASCISM! And if the Democratic Party does not stand up to them, and the military-industrial complex has their way, there will be no end to the illegal occupation of Iraq!

It doesn't look like the illegal occupation of Iraq will be ending soon, and the Democrats are afraid to do anything to stop Bush's criminal acts, so we need to take to the streets this Saturday and demand an end to the "war" and the IMPEACHMENT of Bush and Cheney! I'm losing hope! ImpeachBush.org is organizing a March on Washington D.C. this Saturday to end the war and Impeach Bush & Cheney. I can't go, but I'll be at Poplar & Highland 11 am-2 PM if you want to join me!
IMPEACH BUSH & CHENEY!

Gay By Choice? The Politics of Sexual Identity

Good article by Gary Greenberg at Mother Jones, Gay By Choice? the Science of Sexual Identity He asks, "If science proves sexual orientation is more fluid than we've been led to believe, can homosexuality still be a protected right?" This question is so obviously silly to me! Why do people believe that we can only have civil rights if we are "born" gay and "cannot change" our sexual orientation? Where did this argument that rights are based on biolovy come from? Our Constitutional rights are not based on biology, they are based on the principle that American citizens have the freedom to CHOOSE their identity, whether religious, political or sexual! It has NOTHING to do with biology! I've been making this argument for years now, and we are still arguing in the dark ages!

Of course people can and should be free to CHOOSE to be gay (or straight)!

See:
Choosing the Gay Option
Can Straight People Change?
Queer By Choice

Ministers Apologize/Welcome Rep. Steve Cohen

Good News. Maybe something good will come out of this...

Bethlehem M.B. soothes Cohen's wounds after roughing up at ministers meeting

R.I.P. Progressive Talk 680

What happened to Progressive Talk 680 AM? The Air America affiliate has been on autopilot for a while now, with lots of repetitive filler about "Fun Food Facts" and Memphis history lessons, but no local news, commentaries, etc. except for repetitive and often imbecile "Blue Hotline" comments. Obviously the program director has been unable, for some reason, to get advertisers. Given the fact that Shelby County is a majority Democratic county, and that progressive media like Memphis Flyer don't seem to have a problem getting advertisers, it is hard to see why this station could not get enough advertising. Instead, the station has been airing Cardinal baseball games and other sports programs, and may even become an all sports station.

I have been thinking of many ways to improve the station: have local commentaries from our many local activists and bloggers, have local progressive news, replace the Fun Food Facts fillers with informative short programs like Jim Hightowers Commen Sense Commetaries, better promotion and advertising, and maybe even try another local talk show with a real progressive personality with some connection to the Memphis progressive/liberal communities.

It will be a big loss if we loose Air America and Progressive Talk 680.
It's a shame since we will lose the only Air America radio station in the mdsouth and no longer have Thom Hartmann, The Young Turks, Randi Rhodes, Rachel Maddow and other great progressive talk radio shows to share our airwaves with Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly and company.

UPDATE: Progressive Talk 680 is DEAD, it is now Fox Sports Radio! You can stream Air America online or download the PodCasts for some of the shows on iTunes.
There is also Democracy Now! and Go Left TV
It looks like the progressive/left will have to find ways around the corporate media to make our voices heard, Democracy Now is a good start.

Hypocrisy and Sympathy for Larry Craig

Sgt. Dave Karsnia

As difficult as it is to have sympathy for a right-wing conservative hypocrite like Larry Craig, I have been doing a little rethinking on this incident. Craig deserves a lot of what he is getting for his hypocrisy, but let's take a closer look at this whole thing. First, why are police departments wasting time and money sending hot good looking cops like Sgt. Dave Karsnia into men's bathrooms to entrap lonely closeted men who don't pose any threat to the public? Take a look at that picture, that was a hot policeman, I would probably be tempted to at least return a wink myself. Imagine if men and women shared public restrooms and the police sent undercover cops that looked like Britney Spears in to tempt straight men? Second, as deplorable as Craig's beahavior, especially in light of his public political carrer bashing gays, there are a lot of sociological forces at work in what happened. The anti-gay homophobia that drives men like Craig to attack gay people and repress their own sexual feelilngs for example. And as far as we know, he didn't actually engage in any sexual behavior, at least not with this hot cop. HE DID NOTHING WRONG! Why all this media and public attention to this restroom stall?? And remember that a human and his family have been destroyed by this incident, even if partly his own fault. What about his wife and family? Third, What about the hypocrisy of the Republicans in Congress who forced Craig to resign, while they continue to embrace the adulterer David Vitter?? Read Glenn Greenwald's excellent analysis of that on Salon.com. And then there is the problem of Why Gay Republicans Feel Forced to Hide in Bathroom Stalls

Theocratic Homophobes Target the Commercial Appeal

His Great Behindness "Apostle" Alton Williams (see below) and the Memphis City Churches is waging a boycott of the Commercial Appeal because Wendi Thomas has not agreed with their anti-gay, theocratic stupidity.

The Memphis Flyer reports:
Baptist Ministers Propose Boycott of Commercial Appeal

Blogger Thaddeus Mathews is reporting that an alliance of Baptist ministers, led by A.R. Williams of the World Overcomers church (the man who brought us the Statue of Liberty holding a cross) has begun a movement called "Operation Wake-Up Call."
The purpose of the movement is to boycott The Commercial Appeal because it "opposes Christianity."

The group has published a five-page document which it apparently plans to distribute to churches thoughout Memphis. The flier cites in particular CA columnist Wendi Thomas for her "Godless" writing. It seems Wendi has had the temerity to criticize certain preachers and has even quoted Buddha -- which obviously makes her a spawn of Satan. Or something.

In the document posted on Mathews' site, the ministers say they plan to boycott all Scripps-Howard newspapers and their advertisers.

To which we can only say, Jesus H. Christ, Praise Allah, Oy Vey, and Tickle Me, Elmo, these people are a national embarrassment and we're going to renew our subscription to the CA today.

08/30/2007
The Memphis Flyer

Anti-Gay Black Pastors Attack Rep. Steve Cohen

His Behindness, Homophobic Bigot "Apostle" Alton R. Williams (World Overcomers)

Rep. Steve Cohen Meets with Black Ministers Over Hate Crime Bill and was viciously attacked by a group of anti-gay, RACIST, bigots. The Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association, a group of 100 black ministers, have been using Cohen's support for the Hate Crime Bill which includes sexual orientation to argue that he cannot represent blacks. "He's not black and he can't represent me," said Rev. Robert Poindexter of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. "Apostle" Alton R. Williams (World Overcomers) said, "The real motivation...is about getting laws passed that will federally protect gays and lesbians." That is the real issue is not "freedom of speech" or "freedom of religion," it is that these racist bigots do not want a white person representing them and they do not want gays and lesbians to have the same civl rights they have. LaSimba Gray, past of New Sardis Baptist Church, said they were offended by suggestions that the black and gay communities are somehow connected. Well, we are connected, we are human beings and we have suffered as a group from prejudice, bigotry and discrimination. In MLK's words, injustice against any of us is an injustice against all of us. I guess these "ministers" did not understand the MLK's message.

Bush Declares War on Iran

George Bush has basically declared war on Iran in his speech before the Legions, and now this scary report:

U.S. Preparing Massive Military Attack on Iran

I have been arguing that Bush is not this crazy/stupid, but I guess I was wrong!

Same-Sex Civil Unions in Medieval Europe?

According to historian Allan Tulchin, "Gay" Civil Unions Were Sanctioned in Medieval Europe.
ieval Europe, a historian now says.

Historical evidence, including legal documents and gravesites, can be interpreted as supporting the prevalence of homosexual relationships hundreds of years ago, said Allan Tulchin of Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.

If accurate, the results indicate socially sanctioned same-sex unions are nothing new, nor were they taboo in the past.

Another Anti-Gay Homo Republican Hypocrite

Another anti-gay Homo Repulican hypocrite has been caught with his pants down. Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho Pleaded Guilty for "Lewd Conduct" in a Minneapolis airport restroom. The police report says he signaled to a undercover cop that he wanted to engage in sexual activity, and he was arrested and plead guilty in June, but now denies that he did anything inappropriate and that that the police misinterpreted his actions. Well of course, he is a "family values" Republican hypocrite who opposed gay rights:
Voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
* Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
* Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
* Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
* Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)

Someone needs to defend marriage against these Republican hypocrites!

Will Tinker Play the Gay Card Against Cohen? (Yes)

It Looks like Rep. Steve Cohen will Face a Tough Challenge from Niki Tinker who has been cozying up to the anti-gay Baptist Ministerial Ass. who have been attacking Cohen for supporting the Hate Crime Bill that adds sexual orientation to the federal hate crime laws. A group of predominantly black ministers have been misleading their people into believing that the bill would prohibit them from preaching their anti-gay sermons. Funny how this was never an issue when Harold Ford Jr. supported the same legislation. Could politics have anything to do with this new attack on Steve Cohen? Will Niki Tinker play their anti-gay political game? I'm afraid so. Progressive Democrats need to support Cohen at all costs and stop these bigots.

Democratic Congress Gets Lowest Approval Rating Ever

The Democratic congress has failed the American people. Gallup: Approval Rating for Congress Matches Lowest Ever Recorded Only 18% of the American people approve of the job of this Congress, matching the lowest ever in 1992. It is even lower than George Bush's 32% approval rating. We can thank the Bush Dog Democrats who capituated on the Iraq War and unconstitutional wiretapping. Tennesseans are responsible for FOUR Bush Democrats: Cooper (TN-05), Lincoln Davis (TN-04), Gordon (TN-06), Tanner (TN-08).

There they Go Again

There they go again, the anti-gay "Memphis Baptist Minsterial Association" continues its attacks on the Hate Crimes Bill and Rep. Steve Cohen. Baptist Pastors Slam Hate Crime Bill Why do they oppose the Hate Crime bill? Because it "is a subtle attempt on the part of the gay community to further legitimize itself as an acceptable lifesylte." Well, I don't like the lifestyle of hypocritical preachers who preach prejudice and bigotry in the name of Jesus Christ either, but I oppose hate crimes attacking them. You bigots have the freedom to preach bigotry and homphobia, and I have the freedom to speak against religious fanatics and defend the separation of church and state, we just can't commit "hate crimes", i.e., physically attack each other! (Do they teach these preachers how to read? Read the damn bill!)

Well, autoegocrat has a better response to these bigots.

Kos Smacks Down Harold Ford Jr.

See Markos Moulitsas smack down Harold Ford Jr. on Meet the press!

How the Democrats Blew It

Great article by Alexander Cockburn over on The Nation on How the Democrats Blew It In Only Eight Months

"Thanks to the Dems' inaction on Iraq and compliance with Bush on the FISA bill, the Democratic-controlled Congress now has a "confidence" rating of 14 percent, the lowest since Gallup started asking the question in 1973 and five points lower than Republicans scored last year."

-----
My only disagreement with him is on the need for Impeachment. Bush and Cheney have committed serious crimes and must be held accountable, and the only way to do that is to hold impeachment hearings in the U.S. House of Representatives. They would probably not be convicted in the Senate, but Impeachment hearings to publicize all the crimes that have been committed is a must.
IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY!

While the public's approval of the Democratic congress is sinking fast, Bush's approval rating is starting to edge up. I can't find the links, but several recent polls show that Bush's approval rating has gone up a few points from about 30 percent to about 36 percent, all among Republicans who believe the troop surge is working in Iraq and are rallying around Bush and the "war on terror". What this shows I think is that Republicans will be using the "war on terror" once again to win in 2008 and they will emphasize any "good news" in Iraq to rally Republican voters around Bush and the GOP in 2008. If the Democats think they can just sit this out and let Bush sink the GOP they are WRONG. They must aggresively attack Bush fight like hell to end the illegal occupation of Iraq. And they must hold IMPEACHMENT hearings to expose the lies and crimes of Bush and Cheney so the public will know the truth, otherwise, they can kiss the White House good bye in 2008. Some Democrats, including some progressive ones, feat impeachment will help Bush, I disagree. When his crimes are exposed for all to see his poll numbers will continue to sink and the GOP will be forced to either defend him or jump ship. Otherwise, I see Bush and Cheney getting away with their crimes, like Reagan did, and the public will not face the truth about this criminal administration, and the GOP will gain popular support in 2008.

And the Democats will blow it again if they nominate Hillary Clinton! Here's Why: Democrats Fear Clinton willl be a Drag

LOGO/HRC Democratic Presidential Forum

LOGO/HRC had a historic Democratic Presdiential Forum" tonight. All of the Democratic candidates support ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Support ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) and want to repeal or revise the "Defense of Marriage Act" and all support, in theory, "civil unions" to provide "equal" rights to gay and lesbian couples. In one uncomfortable moment after another, each candidate was asked why they could not support gay marriage, and all of the "leading" candidates gave horrible excuses about why they could not support marriage rights but were still for equality. Only Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich support full marriage equality and in my opinion they are the two best candidates! Not just becuase they support gay marriage, but more importantly, they gave HONEST answers! Hillary, Obama and Edwards just didn't seem very sincere when they tried to explain that they opposed marriage rights for personal/religious reasons. Bullshit! Everyone knows it is becase of political reasons and they were not honest about it.

Richardson was awful. He just didn't seem to be comfortable and rambled around the questions focusing on his (good) record on LGBT issues as Gov. of New Mexico. He is a good man and has been an ally, but like Hillary, Edwards and Obama, did not give honest answers. In my opinion, only Kucinich and Gravel deserve our votes in the PRIMARY, I'm supporting Kucinich.

Melissa Etheridge asked the worst question of the night when she asked Richardson if he thought being gay was a choice or not? Who Cares! I'm sick of that stupid question being asked of Presidential candidates! It doesn't matter if people are born gay, choose to be gay, learn to be gay or listen to too many Madonna records... We should be all have equal rights! Human rights are not based on "biology"! I find the whole "its not a choice" argument to be demeaning. No one asks if being Mormon or Catholic is a choice? Or what about being straight, is that a choice?? What a stupid question, and the answers are always stupid. What a waste of time...

Obama gets an extra point though for having a Gay Pride Web page! I'll have to check to see if Hillary or Edwards have one...

Of course, I will vote for Hillary in the general election, only because the GOP candidate will be far worse. As disappointing as most of the Democratic candidates were in this forum at least they showed up and are trying to win our support. None of the GOP candidates accepted the invitation, and none of them returned HRC quesionnaires. But the Democrats should not take our votes for granted.

You can read the candidates positions/responses to the HRC Questions on the HRC website.

UPDATE:
Bill Richardson has issued some statements trying to clafiy his response to Melissa Etheridge's question about whether being gay is a choice. I didn't catch it, but he did say "It's a Choice.." and was hissed and booed at. I think he was trying to say that it doesn't matter if it is a choice or not, but he didn't do a very good job and was misunderstood, and a lot of people at the forum are not happy with him.
Here is a statement from Richardson clarifying his response:
"I misunderstood the question. Let me be clear- I do not believe that sexual orientation or gender identity happen by choice. But I'm not a scientist, and the point I was trying to make is that no matter how it happens, we are all equal and should be treated that way under the law. That is what I believe, that is what I have spent my career fighting for. I ask that people look at my record and my actions and they will see I have been a true supporter of the LGBT community."
Pams House Blend has more on Richardson and the forum.

Pathetic Harold Ford jr. Attacks Democratic Base!

The PATHETIC Harold Ford Jr., the new leadere of the "Democratic Leadership Council" (sic), appears on FOX NEWS to bash the Daily Kos Yearly Kos convention, and writes a pathetic column attacking the BASE of the Democratic Party, Our Chance to Capture the Center. The DLC, and yes BILL CLINTON, has almost destroyed the Democratic Party! Here is the record HFJ and the DLC are so proud of: NAFTA (destroying U.S. jobs), "welfare reform" (cutting AFDC for poor women and children), telecommunications act (media consolidation), "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA), enshrining discrimination against LGBT Americans into federal law, "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (throwing thousands of military people out of the military for being gay), cave in on Health Care (leaving 50 million people without insurance still..), etc. etc. On issue after issue Clinton and the DLC have abandoned the PRINCIPLES of the Democratic Party, their legacy has been to join the Republican Party and the radical right to DESTROY the legacy of FDR and LBJ! And all of HFJ's pandering to the homophobic bigots in TN couldn't get him elected! Wake up Jr.! The BASE of the Democratic Party was at the Daily Kos convention, NOT the DLC convention! The Democratic Presidential candidates didn't even come to your little meeting in NAshville! And your pathetic DLC Democrats have caved in to BUSH over and over, funding the illegal war that the MAJORITY of Americans oppose, and making Bush's illegal wire-tapping of Americans legal! We can only hope the DLC continues to wither and die so we can save the Democratic Party and our democracy!

Cohen Co-Sponsors Bill to IMPEACH Cheney

The Commercial Appeal reports that Rep. Steve Cohen is Co-sponsoring a Bill to Impeach Cheney! "Before returning to Memphis on Sunday after a marathon weekend House session, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., signed on as a co-sponsor of bills to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney and to censure both Cheney and President Bush." ANother reason to support Tennessee's ONLY progressive U.S. Congressman! We have our own Bernie Sanders here in TN! Folks this is very important, and we MUST do everything to support Steve Cohen and show that we want Bush and Cheney to be IMPEACHED! We must (a) contact Steve Cohen and tell him we support the impeachment of Bush/Cheney (b) organize! We need to get on the street (Poplar/Highland) every Sat./Sunday with signs to Impeach Bush/Cheney! (c) We need to get a petition going in Memphis and present it to Cohen to show the support here in Shelby County to Impeach! Go to Impeach Bush and AfterDowning Street and World Can't Wait and get your t-shirts, signs and bumper stickers, and lets hit the streets in Memphis! There will be a march in Washington on Sat. Sept. 15 to Impeach Bush & Cheney, let's organize a street protest on that day at Poplar & Highland 11 AM to 2 pm! Get your signs and T-Shirts now!

Lesbian Attacked in Jackson

A Dyer Co. Lesbian Was Attacked in Jackson Club
Miranda Greer told Jackson police that a man approached her when he saw her dancing with a male friend. The man thought she was a gay man because she looks masculine, and started calling her names and telling her to leave. When she told him she was a lesbian, he responded by punching her in the face, and then used a beer bottle to jab her in the eye four times before smashing the bottle over her head. I wonder if he thought he was also doing God’s will?

Congress Kisses Bush's Ass Again

The Democratic-led Congress has once again kissed Bush's ass. The same "Democratic" Congress that continues to cave in on funding the illegal occupation of Iraq, has now also caved in on illegal wiretapping of U.S. citizens. Congress has just approved Bush's Request to Expand Wireless Wiretapping. The vote was 227-183, with 180 Democrats voting against it, but enough Democrats voted for it to pass. The bill will expand FISA to allow wiretapping of calls with foreigners. Congress has also passed a Record $460 billlion "Defense" Bill which includes such wasteful spending as $8 billion for "missle defense." This Congress is pathetic! The Green Party or Socialist Party is looking better everyday, but I know, the Democrats are our only hope to hold off total fascist control of our country, gods help us!

Anti-Gay Black Pastors Attack Rep. Steve Cohen

A group of predominantly African-American pastors calling themselves Memphis City Churches is waging a campaign against gay and lesbian civil rights, especially marriage equality, but now are focused on stopping the Hate Crimes bill (H.R. 1592), and are attacking Rep. Steve Cohen for supporting it. Their web site is filled with fallacious attacks on gays and attempts to use homophobia and anti-gay prejudice to scare people into opposing the hate crimes bill by erroneously claiming that the bill would prohibit preachers from preaching against homosexuality and make anti-gay religious views a crime. H.R. 1592 says NOTHING about prohibiting anti-gay speech and was amended to specifically states that the bill will have no effect on free-speech rights. So who is behind this anti-gay campaign? Their web page is linked to anti-gay religious right groups, including the Family Research Council and the American Family Assocication. I suspect these groups are orchestrating a nation-wide campaign to mislead African-American religious groups and pastors to oppose hate crimes legislation and any other legislation that recognizes the civil rights of gays and lesbians.

Rep. Steve Cohen spoke out in support of H.R. 1592 in the House of Representatives.

This group of black minister, including Dr. Bill Adkins of Greater Imani Church and Rev. LaSimba Gray of New Sardis Baptist Church, who tried to get A.C. Wharton to run against Herenton in the Memphis mayoral election have now endorsed Herman Morris for Mayor. Hmm. I wonder if they knew that Herman Morris spoke at the Mid-South Pride Rally in June in support of gay and lesbian rights? And I wonder if Herman Morris knows this group is anti-gay? I know these "black leaders" don't represent all of the black community, but will the progressive African-American leaders (Herman Morris?) stand up to them and denounce their bigotry??

UPDATE: As I suspected, the Memphis City Churches, the group behind the attacks on Rep. Steve Cohen and the Hate Crimes Bill, are getting their talking points from the anti-gay Family Research Council which attacks Steve Cohen on their webpage.

Kucinich For President

I am endorsing/supporting Dennis Kucinich for President. While any of the Democratic candidates would be better than any of the Republican candidates, the leading Democratic candidates are not the best choice for progressives. I believe we must send a message in the primary by supporting a REAL progressive, Dennis Kucinich, and not rubber stamp the mainstream candidates.

I support Dennis Kucinich because:
He is for ending the Iraq occupation NOW!
He supports the impeachment of Bush and Cheney.
He supports UNIVERSAL SINGLE-PAYER Health Insurance.
He supports FULL equality for gays and lesbians, including MARRIAGE EQUALITY.

Why should we support Democrats who do not stand up and defend progressive values?
Let’s vote for a real progressive in the 2008 Democratic Primary—Dennis Kucinich!
Kucinich For President 2008!

Hate-Murder Suspect "Did it for God"

Hate-Slaying Suspect: I did it for God
Terry Mark Mangum, a Texas man charged in the hate-crime murder of Southwest Airlines flight attendent Kenneth Cummings Jr. says he killed Terry Magnum for God. He told reporters that he believed "with all my heart that I was doing the right thing" when he stabbed Cummings in the head wth a six-inch knife June 4, becasue "Sexual perversion" is the "worst sin"? Worse than Murder?? Cummings charrged body was found days later on Mangum's grandfather's ranch near San Antonio. Wonder where Terry Mangum got those crazy ideas? Wonder why the anti-gay religious right is so opposed to "hate crime laws"?
And why does it seem that most of these hate-crimes occur in TEXAS??

What is Gonzales Covering Up?

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales contradicted his prior testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee today, and suggested the existence of MORE illegal domestic spying programs. It didn't hear much discussion of this bombshell except on the Thom Hartmann Air America program. In 2006 Gonzales said that there were not any serious disagreements about Bush's warrantless wiretapping program. But when questioned about the contradictory testimony of Deputy Attorney General James Comey, who told a shocking story of racing Gonzales and White House officials to the hospital bed of ailing Attorney General John Aschcorft back in 2004 to stop them from forcing Ashfcroft to OK a secret program (which he would not give the details about), Gonzales now says that that hospital incident was not about the warrantless wiretapping, but different "intelligence activities" ! What were these other "intelligence activities" that were so questionable that John Aschcroft and his Deputy James Comey would not sign on to? What were these other secret surveillance (spying) programs that neither Aschcroft nor Comey would approve? What other secret illegal spying activities has the Bush administration been engaging in that required Gonzales and the White House (Rove?) to rush to the hospital of a sick Attorney General John Ashcroft to get his blessing over the acting attorney general James Comey? Hopefully Arlene Specter and the Democrats in congress will follow the trail and find MORE impeachable HIGH CRIMES by Bush & Cheney!

IMPEACH! (REVISED)

Sen. Russ Feingold told Meet the Press that he will introduce two censor resolutions against George W. Bush: one for the Iraq War, and one for violations of the U.S. Constutition and the Bill of Rights. Even with growing public support for impeachment or censure of Bush, Democratic Senate "Leader" Harry Reid says no. How did that spineless wimp become Senate Majority Leader?? But I agree with the Progressive Democrats at Democrats.com, "censure" is a cop out. What is wrong with the Democratic Party? If the Democrats fail to IMPEACH Bush and Cheney, as far as I'm concerned, it is finished. It is unacceptable to me that history will record Clinton was impeached for lying about his blowjob, but Bush and Cheney got away with HIGH CRIMES, and a Democratic Congress failed to defend the U.S. Constitution against a lying President who misled Congress and the world into an ILLEGAL war, and violated the constitutional rights of American citizens and usurped powers not granted to him by the U.S. CONSTITUTION. If the Democratic Party cannot show enough backbone to stand up to a President with a 30 percent approval rating, with 45-54 percent supporting IMPEACHMENT hearings, then is there really any hope for the Democratic Party?

THE WORLD CAN'T WAIT!!!

RIP Tammy Faye

Tammy Faye has died. While I am an atheist, I am also a former/ex-Christian who knows a little about the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. I don't have much respect for most TV evangelists, and Tammy Faye and Jim Baker certainly "sinned" back when they enriched themselves on the "donations" of their followers, I really believe Tammy was sincere in her religious beliefs, even if she latched on to the mistaken belief that god rewards his followers with material wealth. Well she lost all of that and I think learned the true meaning of "Christianity." It is not accurate to lump PTL and Tammy Faye with the "Christian Right." The CR is a political movement aligned with the Republican Party and has fought against social justice and equality for gays and lesbians among others. Tammy and Jim Baker were not part of that political movement. In fact, they embraced people with AIDS and gay people in their ministry. Tammy Faye was one of the first "evangelical" Christians to embrace people with AIDS in the 1980s when Falwell, Reagan, etc. were demonizing gays and people with AIDS. While CR leaders like Jerry Falwell and at Robertson demonized gay people and attacked us for political gain, Tammy Faye followed the example of Jesus Christ and embraced gay people with LOVE. In her later years, Tammy found support among many in the gay community and even traveled to gay pride events to share her gospel of love. It was shocking to see her on Larry King a few days ago, little more than a skeleton. She reiterated her faith and love for her "fans" and thanked the gay community for their support. I may not agree with her religious beliefs, and she was not a "saint," but if anyone showed the true meaning of "Christianity" I think Tammy did. She made big mistakes in her life, and suffered greatly. But if you actually read the Bible it is filled with flawed people who made BIG mistakes ("sins"), but found forgiveness ("salvation") through their belief in a god of love. Jesus himself embraced people rejected by society and spent most of his time preaching against self-righteous religous fanatics ("scribes and pharisees"). Tammy did that too, and her son formed a church in New York that reaches out to those who do not measure up to many "mainstream" churches: poor, punks, homeless, gays, etc. I doubt he will become rich or get his own TV network, but maybe he learned the true meaning of "Christianity" from his mother. RIP Tammy Faye, I hope you found peace.
UPDATE: Here is a YOU TUBE VIDEO with Tammy Faye & Her son Discussing the Gays & Tammy

Former Conservative Republican Warns of Police State: Calls for Impeachment

Following up on my last post, here is a RAW STORY summary of Thom Hartmann's interview with conservative Paul Craig Roberts, who is warning that the Bush/Cheney regieme is counting on another "terrorist" attack to follow through on their implementation of a police state. You can read Roberts Column on Counterpunch.

Impeach!

Even some conservatives who still have some principles to stand on are calling for the impeachment of Bush/Cheney! Bruce Fein, the conservative constitutional lawyer who authored articles of impeachment against Bill Clinton and servied in the Reagan Deptl of Justice, has appeared on Bill Moyer's Journal program on PBS and on Air America's Thom Hartmann program to argue Bush and Cheney should be impeached, and that the case for impeaching Bush is more serious than the article of impeachment he authored against Bill Clinton. Another conservative, Paul Craig Roberts was on Thom Hartmann program today (july 19) saying that unless congress Impeaches Bush & Cheney immediately, we may be in a dictatorial police state. They join Bob Barr and a growing number of CONSERVATIVES, who agree with 45 percent of the American people that Congress should begin impeachment hearings against George Bush, and 54 percent who support impeachment hearings on Dick Cheney. When will the Democrats in Congress stand up to defend the Constitution of the United States? It is time for US, the American people, to take action NOW to save our country from the Bush/Çheney regime! Go to Impeach Bush.org and After Downing Street and get involved with the movement to IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY! Order some bumper stickers, signs and T-Shirts! Let's get some demonstrations going in Memphis! ImpeachBush.org has a petition we need to circulate and deliver to Rep. Steve Cohen to encourage him to help get the impeachment hearings going in Congress.

Bush's Surgeon General Pick Another Right-Wing Ideologue

Bush's nominee for Surgeon General, Dr. James Holsinger, has been under attack from gay rights groups for his past writings on the "pathology" of homosexuality and his alliance with anti-gay religious groups who promote various "cures" for homosexuality. Holsinger told a congressional hearing that those past writings no longer reflect his current views. Still, there are reasons to be concerned about his nomination. Former Bush Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona, has accused the Bush administration of censoring his reports to support conservative ideological views on sex education and stem cell research. It is clear that the Bush administration is using every government position to promote right-wing extremist policies and is beholden to anti-gay religous groups.

Michael Moore Slams CNN/US Media

Michael Moore Slams Wolf Blitzer on CNN for their biased analysis of his movie about the U.S. health care system, Sicko, and for failing to do their job on other issues like Iraq. Now this is how liberals should act! Let's show more emotion: anger, frustration, enthusiasm, etc. about what we believe and defend it! Lesson for Democrats: Stand up to the media and conservative lies!

Impeach Bush/Cheney!

According to a new Poll by the American Research Group, 45 Percent of the U.S. support Congress starting IMPEACHMENT hearings agasint George Bush and 54 PERCENT support the impeachment of Dick Cheney! So why does the mainstream media and the moderate Democeratic Party leaders ignore the will of the American people and continue to ignore the crimes of Bush/Cheney?
With the inexcusable pardon of Cheney's right-hand man "Scooter" Libby, convicted of lying and perjury in the coverup of Cheney's criminal behavior, it is time to start the impeachment hearings on Dick Cheney. Go to Impeach Cheney.org and watch a great video presentation on the article of impeachment for Dick Cheney and sign the petition and contact your representatives to support Dennis Kucinich's H.R. 333 to Impeach Cheney! The next step will be to Impeach Bush!

Olbermann: Bush/Cheney Should Resign!

Another excellent Keith Olbermann Special Commentary on Why Bush and Cheney should Resign!

Libby Gets Off

George Bush has commuted the sentence of Lewis "Scotter" Libby today That's the same Bush guy who refused to commute the death sentences of poor, mentally retarded people in Texas. Remember the Righteous Republican Indignation about Bill Clinton's little lie? Conservatives cannot pardon lying about blow jobs, but they sure turn their snake eyes away from lies about illegal wars and lies to cover up crimes by Bush & Cheney in outing CIA agents who are wives of critics of their illegal war. Will Bush & Cheney ever answer for their crimes? It is time to IMPEACH BUSH & CHENEY

SiCKO

I just saw Michael Moore's new movie SiCKO and highly recommend, no I insist, that everyone sees this important movie (is it showing at Studio on the Squre in Memphis). The film, one of Moore's best, does a good job of showing the human tragedies caused by the American for profit health care system and the need for a single-payer universal health insurance system like Canada, Great Britain, France, even Cuba have. None of these systems are perfect, but it clearly all of these countries do a better job of providing healthcare for ALL of their citizens and keeping them heathier than the U.S. does. Moore actually visits these countries and shows real examples to disprove the right-wing propaganda about the "horrors" of "socialized medicine." Even in Canada and Europe, "conservatives" even embrace the "socialist" view that health care is a HUMAN RIGHT for all, not a commodity to be rationed based on ability to pay. The culprits in the U.S. are the profit hungry insurance campanies, drug companies, and the American Medical Association. My partner, who has no health insurnace since he is unemployed, and I came away from the movie wanting more than ever to leave the U.S. and move to Canada, or a European country, or even Cuba. But Moore's main message is that we, the people, in a Democracy must rise up and demand health care for all before profits, as people have done in these other countries. People, all of us, must get politically active and organize to change the system. We have to stand up to the healthcare-indusrial complex. To get involved and take action, go to SickCure.org or check out the Physicians for a National Health Program. Also, read this article on Health Care For All by the Democratic Socialists of America

The Fascist Bitch Strikes Again

Ann Coutler, the Fascist Bitch, spewed more of her vile on Hardball, joking that she learned from her joke about Edwards being a fag that she should just wish he were killed in a terrorist attack. She was once again trying to use Bill Mahr's comments about Dick Cheney being killled by terrorists (which I'm not sure he actually said..) She also continued with her lies about Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda, WMD's in Iraq, etc. Media Matters has a long list of them on their website. Coulter is a lying lunatic, so why does CNN, MSNBC, etc. still reward her ego by giving her air time? Elizabeth Edwards called in to ask her to stop the hateful, personal attacks, but she was too polite. You cannot be polite to Ann Coulter, she won't let you talk, she will interupt and yell over you. You have to be direct: Ann you are a vile, evil fascist bitch!

Gay Pride in North America

Several major cities in North America celebrated Gay Pride this weekend, from Toronto to Mexico City. I sometimes have mixed feellings about all the resources the gay community throws into gay pride celebrations, but it is amazing how "gay pride" unites so many people from around the world. I can't think of another social group or movement with that much world-wide unity on a common identity. The big political news in the U.S. is that the wife of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards, came out in support of gay marriage at a Pride Breakfast in San Francisco, taking a position at odds with her husband John Edwards who stops just short of gay marriage.

Pics from Vacation (Blanchard Springs, AR)

I'm back from my week vacation in the Ozarks (Blanchard Springs, Arkansas). I'm usually short on money so Arkansas is about as far as I get on vacation, but I really love Blanchard Springs in the Ozark National Forest. It's a lot cheaper than a cheezy theme park like Silver Dollar City, and there's a lot to do for little money. Like Enjoy Nature! The Blanchard Springs recreational area has a lot to offer: The Blanchard Springs Caverns (one of the best caves in North America), camping, swiming, hiking and fishing. You can see more pics on my .mac homepage.

Vacation Time!

I'll be on vacation in Arkansas this week (June 18-22). Will return sometime the end of the week...

Congress and Bush Fail Country

Poor George Bush's approval ratings have been on a steady decline for sometime, but now the "Democratic" Congress is joining him down in the low approval ratings. Approval of Congress is at its lowest in a decade, now even lower than Bush's approval rating! Why? Marianna Huffington correctly blames Tyrannosaurus Democrats. As I predicted, Nancy Pelosi and and the "moderate" Democratic leaders would fail to live up to the expectations of voters by not being tough enough in taking on Bush, the military, business and the other "special interests" that control Washington. It has been business a usual. And the main reason for the low approval of Congress must be the failure of the Democrats to stop Bush's illegal occupation of Iraq. The D. C. Democrats have failed to respond to the base of the Democratic Party, and the majority of Americans, and end the Iraq military occupation. By providing Bush & Co. with more funds, they must now join with Bush in owning the illegal war they approved and funded. And as I predicted, Pelosi is a disappointment.

Mid-South Pride

Here I am with my Impeach Bush sign at the start of the Mid-South Pride parade Sunday. It was a good day, Mid-South Pride has been improving each year it has taken over Memphis Pride. It was encouraging see a few Democratic candidates at the Pride Festival. State Senator Beverly Marrero and Jeanne Richardson, the candidate to replace her in the TN House (Dist. 89) spoke, as did Herman Morris, candidate for Memphis Mayr. Morris seemed pretty supportive of equal rights for LGBT people, and any candidate who speaks in favor of "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender" rights deserves our support. But where were the other candidates ???

Republicans Play Anti-Gay Card Again

With an approval rating falling to the levels of Richard Nixon, the Bush Administration is trying to win back support of its Christo-Fascist base by once again attacking gays, or more precisely, forcing the Democrats in Congress to vote on controversial bills that will force them to side with LGBT people. First is a bill that will include funding for abstinence (i.e., anti-gay) sex education programs. Second, the nomination of a Neanderthal anti-gay surgeon general, James Holsinger who sides with the anti-gay Christain right on homosexuality. So the Democrats must choose between LGBT voters and conservative Christian voters. Hopefully the Democrats will listen to its own base rather than try to placate the GOP base.

Democrats Vs. Republicans

I didn't watch all of the Democratic or Republican Presidential candidate debates, I just can't watch stupid reporters asking stupid questions and polished candidates trying to spin their answers to get the best poll numbers. I thought the Democratic candidates were OK, nothing to get excited about, but compared to the Republican idiots tonight, the Democrats sure look good, even Hillary. Seems like one thing the Dems and Repugs all agree on now is that Bush screwed up Iraq. The Republican candidates attacked Bush on Katrina and Iraq. They disagreed on immigration and other issues, but all the Republicans agree on one thing..homos should not be allowed to serve "openly" in the military. It was painful to watch Giulliani and Romney back peddle away from queer folks. At one time, both support some "gay rights," Gulliani even supported "civil unions" once upon a time, but no more. Except for Kuccinich, the Dems have no backbone to defend marriage equality for gays and lesbians, but according to the HRC Report Card they all support "equal rights" for gays, including the same rights and benefits as "married" couples, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and all oppose the military's anti-gay "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy. Wonder what excuse the homo-cons and Uncle Tom Republicans will come up with to support the Republicans in 2008??
And here's something you won't find ont the Republican Party webiste, the Democratic Party Gay Pride Web page and Pride Proclamation!

Gays Attacked & Arrested in Moscow

Gay Activist Peter Tatchell Getting Punched by Russian Nationalist in Moscow

It looks like the spirit of Jerry Falwell lives on in Russia, as gays are attacked by right-wing fascists and orthodox Christians in Moscow, and arrested by the police for exercising their "freedom" to speak and assemble. British human rights activist Peter Tatchell was among the protesters attacked. One crucifix-bearing Christian threatened to beat up any gay person he saw! The Christian attackers called the gays "satanic"! Maybe they have been listening to too much Pat Robertson in Russia. Looks like Russia has embraced Western Christianity.