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"

-----

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!

Hate Crimes Bill Passes House/GOP Rep. Calls Matthew Shepard Act a "Hoax"

The "hate crimes" bill (Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Act) passed the U.S. House of Rep. today by a vote of 247-175, despite a campaign of lies by anti-gay religious groups.

The leader of the Republican opposition to the bill, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) referred to the naming of the bill after Matthew Shepard as "a hoax":

"If you didn't vote for this bill -- against this bill and against this rule for anything else, you could vote against it because we are spending additional money. i also would like to point out that there was a bill -- the hate crimes bill that's called the matthew sheppard bill is named afte a very unfortunate incident that happened where a young man was killed, but we know that that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. it wasn't because he was gay. this -- the bill was named for him, hate crimes bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills."



She is a LIAR!

No wonder only 20% of the American people identify themselves as Republican!

NH Senate Passes Marriage Equality Bill

New Hampshire Senate Passes Marriage Equality Bill

The New Hampshire Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that would legalize same-sex marriage. The 13-11 vote mirrors the House's similarly close vote of 186-179 in March.

Because the senate voted on a bill that has been amended since the house voted on it, HB 436 will return back to the house for a third reading. The senate version removed gender-specific language. Gov. John Lynch has expressed his preference for the same-sex civil unions already legal in New Hampshire.

A poll released earlier this week shows that 55% of New Hampshire voters support marriage for same-sex couples, while 39% are opposed.

Hopefully, New Hampshire will soon join Massachusetts, Connecticut , Vermont & Iowa in granting marriage equality to gay & lesbian couples.

The Shrinking Republican Party

Sen. Arlen Specter has finally switched to the Democratic Party

While his defection is good news for the Democratic Party, it is not clear he will help pass Obama's progressive agenda on health care and other issues. He will probably side with "Blue Dog" DemoCons.

His defection is a reminder that the Republican Party continues to contract, especially outside the South, and that it appears increasingly less welcome to politicians and voters who do not consider themselves solidly conservative. Northeast Republicans have gone from an endangered species to a nearly extinct species. Republicans lost ground in the Rocky Mountains and the Midwest in the last two elections. That's no way to build a national party.

The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll shows the depth of the party's problems. Just 21 percent of those surveyed identified themselves as Republicans. That's the lowest since the fall of 1983, when just 19 percent identified themselves as Republicans. Party identification does fluctuate with events. But as a snapshot indicator, the latest figures highlight the impact of Obama's opening months on the Republican Party. From a high-water mark of 35 percent in the fall of 2003, Republicans have slid steadily to their present state of affairs.

It's hard to see how the Republican Party will become a majority party by denying science, global warming, siding with religious fanatics, supporting and defending torture, and promoting hatred of Barack Obama.

Obama's Big 100 Days Accomplishment: The Defection of Arlen Specter

GOP Right-Wing Base Revolt

There is a Rebellion Brewing in the GOP Base

While Barack Obama's approval ratings remain high, anger is growing in the radical base of the Republican Party against Obama and the mainstream GOP "elites" who want to move the party away from the right-wing fringe. Gay marriage, in particular, seems to be one of their main issues, as more and more New England states, including many Republican leaders, embrace marriage equality.

The Reagan coalition, of socially liberal Northeast Republican capitalists with southern working class whites (including religious fundamentalists and racists) is falling apart. That's good news, unless the Republican Party follows their right-wing fringe base and ignores mainstream Americans, which seems to be the case right now.

The Republican Party will die if it continues to follow the direction of the religious fanatics, anti-gay bigots, racists, and global-warming denying idiots it calls its base.

Stimulate Economy--Forgive Student Loan Debt!

Obama Touts Plan to Change Student Loan System
Obama proposes a good first step in the failed student loan system--get the banks out it! Like credit card debt, banks have been saddling students with debts many cannot and will no repay. Unlike most European countries, where public college tuition is free (publicly funded), American students now primarily rely on student loans to cover the rising costs of college tuition and other expenses (food, housing, etc.) It's another financial crisis about to explode.

Obama wants to eliminate government subsidies to private banks, which profit from student loans while the government "guarantees" the loans (profit without financial risks for banks), and make all student loans directly from the Dept. of Education.

This is a good first step, but doesn't go far enough. Public education should not stop with high school, it should continue through college. There should be NO student loans, and no student loan debts. All current student loan debts should be forgiven.

This is also another way to "stimulate" the economy. Instead of struggling to pay down loans, college graduates could be buying homes, cars, etc., i.e., stimulating demand and economic growth.

Of course, the right-wing conservatives are already crying "socialism" just for Obama's meager proposal.

Education, like healthcare, should be a RIGHT, not a privilege for the wealthy, or a commodity for banks to profit off the backs of struggling students.

If the U.S. government can "bail out" rich Wall Street bankers and financiers, why can't it bail out students??

WHITE HOUSE: Student Loans--Cutting Out the Middle Man
Forgiving Student Loan Debt Would Stimulate the Economy
See Student Loan Justice

What Should the LGBT Movement Fight For?

What Should the LGBT Movement Fight For?

Sherry Wolf analyzes the different political approaches among LGBT activists--and explains what they mean for the future of the fight.

TIME: Pentagon's Role in Torture

TIME has an explosive article detailing the Pentagon's Role in Torture Tactics:

Opponents of last week's release of memos detailing CIA interrogation techniques argue that they will provide enemies of the United States with a training manual to prepare their operatives for capture. The irony is that the U.S. military appears to have done the exact opposite, taking a training program that had been designed to prepare American soldiers to withstand torture by communist regimes seeking to extract false confessions, and twisting it into a highly controversial interrogation manual.

The story of that mutation emerges in disquieting detail in a new report by the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) on the treatment of detainees in U.S. custody. It shows how U.S. interrogators at Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay and camps in Afghanistan based some of their interrogations on techniques taken from the military's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training program. These techniques included water-boarding, walling (slamming detainees into a flexible wall), sleep deprivation, hooding and using dogs to inspire fear...

The final irony: The torture techniques around which the SERE training was devised were used by Chinese interrogators during the Korean War, not to gather actionable intelligence but to force false confessions from captured U.S. soldiers — confessions that could then be used in anti-American propaganda.

SASC Report: "Harsh Interrogation Tactics" Used to Find Iraq Al Qaida Link

Will the Obama Administration Prosecute Rumsfield, Cheney & Bush??

Connecting CIA Torture to Abu Ghraib

Worked to Death vs. Unemployed

I haven't been able to blog much the past few days because I'm working 10-11 hour days! My company has "acquired" several other companies and with the consolidation some workers were laid off--leaving fewer workers to do more work.

Question: Is this a good thing or a bad thing? It is good that I still have a job and am not unemployed like millions of people. But what about the "eight hour" work day workers fought and died for a century ago? What about leisure and family time?

Over the past few decades, worker productivity has INCREASED, along with corporate profits, while wages have remained steady or declined.

In the current recession, companies are laying off workers, but trying to increase the "productivity" of the workers left.

So should we just be lucky we have a job? What can workers, especially those who do not have a union to represent them do?

Jobs With Justice
Labor Net
Worker's Independent News
DSA: Talking Union
Employee Free Choice Act

Religious Fanatics & Bigots Have Destroyed the GOP

Religious Fanatics and Bigots are destroying the Republican Party, but only a few in the GOP seem to care. So far, the only Republicans who willing to take on the Republican Reich are John McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, and McCain's former campaign manager, Steve Schmidt.

Meghan McCain may be the only Republican I can say anything nice about! She has taken on the right-wing fascists, like Ann Coulter, and has come out strongly in support of gay rights, including marriage equality (but why is she still a Republican??)

Meghan McCain: Old School Republicans are "Scared Shitless"

Steve Schmidt, McCain Campaign Manager: Religion Could Kill the GOP

Schmidt Defends Marriage Equality at LCR Convention

Frank Rich demolishes the anti-gay bigots in this NYT Column:
The Last Hurrah

Fanatical Religion is Killing America

TN Schools Block LGBT Sites

Tennessee schools block LGBT info sites, not 'ex-gay' sites
As many as 107 Tennessee public school districts could be illegally preventing students from accessing online information about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, according to a letter to sent to school officials by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The letter demands that Knox County Schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and the Tennessee Schools Cooperative unblock the Internet filtering category designated “LGBT” so that students can access political and educational information about LGBT issues on school computers.

In its letter, the ACLU gives the districts and the Tennessee Schools Cooperative until April 29 to come up with a plan to restore access to the LGBT sites or any other category that blocks non-sexual websites advocating the fair treatment of LGBT people by the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.

If that deadline is not met, the ACLU will file a lawsuit, the letter warned.
The Internet filtering software used by Knox County and Metro Nashville school districts blocks student access to the websites of many well-known national LGBT organizations, including: Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network; the Human Rights Campaign; The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation; Dignity USA; Marriage Equality USA; and the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry.

In its demand letter, the ACLU notes that websites that urge LGBT persons to change their sexual orientation or gender identity through so-called “reparative therapy” or “ex-gay” ministries – a practice denounced as dangerous and harmful to young people by such groups as the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics – can still be easily accessed by students.
No federal or state law requires school districts to block access to LGBT sites. Tennessee law only requires schools to implement filtering software to restrict information that is obscene or harmful to minors.

About 80 percent of Tennessee public schools, including those in the Knox County and Metro Nashville districts, use filtering software provided by Education Networks of America, and the software’s default setting blocks sites ENA categorizes as LGBT the ACLU said.

The ACLU said it believes that most of the 107 Tennessee school districts that use ENA’s filtering software keep the LGBT category blocked. ENA blocks access to a wide category of “LGBT” sites described on the organization’s website as ” Sites that provide information regarding, support, promote, or cater to one’s sexual orientation or gender identity including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender sites.

Also:
Homophobia Is Killing Our Youth

NY Gov. Paterson Introduces Gay Marriage Bill

NYGov.David Paterson Introduces Same-Sex Marriage Bill
NY Anti-Gay Sen. Rube Dias Calls "Emergency Summit" on Gay Marriage

Washington Legislature Expands Domestic Partnership Rights for Gay Couples

Right-Wing "Teabaggers" Don't Know History! Or Facts!

The right-wing teabaggers, organized by Fox News and conservative billionaire clubs, will be staging "tea parties" around the country Wed. to protest raising taxes on the rich back to where they were under Bill Clinton.

The wing nuts apparently know nothing about history. The Boston Tea Party was a protest against a big TAX CUT for the East India Tea Company, a big corporation which was killing colonial small businesses. Glenn Beck and other right-wing clowns are invoking Thomas Paine in their call for people to rise up against redistribution of wealth and government spending, ignorant of the fact that Thomas Paine was a RADICAL LEFTIST, who SUPPORTED redistributing wealth, and advocated taxing the rich to provide universal health care and education, and even called for the creation of a "social security" system! Someone should send Glenn Beck a copy of Harvey J. Kaye's masterpiece THOMAS PAINE AND THE PROMISE OF AMERICA so he can learn something about the history of one of America's great PROGRESSIVE/LIBERALS!

Thom Hartmann: The Real Boston Tea Party was an Anti-Corporate Revolt!

Here's Thom Hartmann and Harvey Kaye discussing Thomas Paine and Glenn Beck's right-wing re-imagining of Paine's Common Sense.



Right-Wing Billionaires Manufacture "Tea Parties"

Huffington Post Tea Party Roundup

Robert Borosage, Campaign for America's Future on Taxing Matters

FAKE Teabaggers are Anti-Spend, Anti-Government: REAL Populists Want to Stop Banks from Plundering America

TAX DAY: You Pay Your Taxes, Why Don't the Rich Pay Their Share?

Robert Reich: A Short Citizens Guide to Kooks, Demagogues and Right-Wingers on Tax Day

Gay Activists Plan Their Own Tea Parties

Gay Activists Plan their Own Tea Party at Boston Harbor

Tea party protests won't be limited to the rightward-leaning, anti-spending, anti-tax crowd come April 15. In Massachusetts, the LGBT community is planning to reenact the Boston Tea Party to protest the tax code's unequal treatment of same-sex couples. Similar protests are also planned for post offices across the country.

Tea Baggers and M4M

First, the right-wingnut Obama haters hold "teabagging" parties across the country

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

And now, the anti-gay bigots at the "National Organization for Marriage" (sic) use another gay term (M4M) for their website:


Teabaggers Unite!

Right-Wing Tea Parties On Tape

The New RED SCARE

Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) says there are 17 Socialists in the House!

That's not all, according to a new Rasmussen Poll, Only 53% of Americans Prefer Capitalism Over Socialism!

NYT: A Different Sort of Red America

REDS are Everywhere!
Socialist Party USA
Democratic Socialists of America

Anti-Gay Bigots Respond to Marriage Equality with Ad Full of LIES and Fake Actors!

The anti-gay bigots (National Organization for Marriage) (sic), have responded to the recent victories for marriage equality in Vermont and Iowa with an ad full of scare tactics and lies, and they use actors, not real people, to LIE about gays and lesbians and our right to marry!

Here's the awful ad:


The Human Rights Campaign publicized the auditions of FAKE actors who were paid to make the ads! (The NOM has removed the audition videos from YouTube.)

The basic argument of the Ad and the "National Organization for Marriage" (sic) is that if gays and lesbians are allowed to marry, the rights of those who oppose gay marriage will be taken away. There will be no freedom of religion, etc..
(Of course, the same arguments were made about inter-racial marriage by the racist bigots!)

The Human Rights campaign has set up a website to country the LIES of the National Organization for Marriage:
End The Lies!
Here's HRC President Joe Salmonese debating NOM Anti-Gay Bigot Maggie Gallagher

Baracknophobia

First it hit the bitter Hillary "PUMAS," now it has hit the right-wing nuts--Baracknophobia! Did you know that Barack Obama is going to confiscate all guns, declare martial law, and is using FEMA to set up endoctrination camps? Some say he is the "anti-Christ" who is going to be the dictator of a New World Order!

As usual, John Stewart give a great summary of the issues:
Baracknophobia: Hannity, Bachman and Beck Terrified of Obama

Bachman: Obama wants "Re-Education Camps" for Young People

Glenn Beck and the Consequences of Crazy Talk

Right Wing Nuts Panic Over Obama

Marriage Equality in Vermont

It was a good week for marriage equality, first the Iowa Supreme Court stuck down a ban on same-sex marriage there, and now:
Vermont Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
The Vermont House voted 100-49 on Tuesday to override Gov. Jim Douglas's veto of marriage-equality legislation. After an earlier morning vote by the senate, 23-5, to override the veto, the house vote makes Vermont the first state to recognize marriage equality through the legislative process without first being ordered to do so by the court. Four states now have equal marriage rights for gay/lesbian couples: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont.

I think I want to move to Vermont now, a Socialist Senator (Bernie Sanders) and now the right to marry my partner!

Will Washington D.C. be next?
Same-Sex Marriage Rights a Step Closer in D.C.
Gay Rights Groups Expand Marriage Push

Clinging to Guns

This is becoming an epidemic!
Guns, Hate and Economic Depression Don't Mix!

Washington Father Kills Five Children, Himself (Lost Job)
Binghamton NY Shooter Distraught over Job Loss (Lost Job)
NY Shooter Had Frequent Gun Purchases (Loved Guns)

Pittsburgh Gunman Kills 3 Police Officers
A gunman wearing a bulletproof vest and "lying in wait" opened fire on officers responding to a domestic disturbance call Saturday, killing three of them and turning a quiet Pittsburgh street into a battlefield, police said.

Police Chief Nate Harper said the motive for the shooting isn't clear, but friends said the gunman recently had been upset about losing his job and feared the Obama administration was poised to ban guns.
Richard Poplawski: A White Supremacist Radical

Could this surge in Gun buying and violence have anything to do with the Right-Wing anti-Obama Scare Tactics:
NRA, Glenn Beck Warn of Insidious Obama Plot to to "Grab Our Guns"
What a Killer Was Watching (Hint: Fox News & Glenn Beck)
Gun Nuts Panic About Obama

What Latest Gun Killings Have in Common: "Legal" Gun Permits!
Why are U.S. lawmakers buckling under to the NRA and Gun Lobby?

Brady Campaign: New York Mass Killing Latest Wakeup Call For Nation

Iowa Legalizes Gay Marriage

IOWA SUPREME COURT: MARRIAGE BAN UNCONSTITUTIONAL

The Iowa Supreme Court says the state's same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples, making it the third state where gay marriage is legal.

In a unanimous ruling issued Friday, the court upheld a 2007 Polk County District Court judge's ruling that the law was unconstitutional.

The case stems from a 2005 lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay rights organization. The group filed a lawsuit on behalf of six gay and lesbian Iowa couples who were denied marriage licenses.

Global Warming Accelerates

Global Warming is Accelerating

Sea levels are rising much faster than expected—perhaps by three feet or more by 2100, according to climate scientists at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Chicago in February.

Scientists there also announced that global warming is increasing at a greater rate than the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted in its 2007 Fourth Assessment report.

Obama Must Head Alarm Bells on Global Warming

Vermont House Approves Marriage Equality

BREAKING: Vermont House Approves Marriage Equality Bill (95-52)

The House and Senate must now get enough votes to override Gov. Jim Douglas's veto.

Sweden Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Sweden Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex couples in Sweden will be allowed to marry as of May 1st. Following a parliamentary vote Wednesday afternoon, MPs voted by a huge majority to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in civil ceremonies.

I think I want to move to Sweden now... what language do they speak?

Protesters Challenge Capitalists in London

Since no one else seems willing to, Anarchists Protest Capitalism in London

Tens of thousands of anarchists took to the streets of London today to protest the G-20 meeting of the world's capitalist leaders. Signs read "Hang the Bankers," "Capitalism Isn't Working," and "Abolish Money." Sounds good to me...

Demonstrators hoisted effigies of the "four horsemen of the apocalypse," representing war, climate chaos, financial crimes and homelessness.

I don't know much about anarchism, or how it differs from socialism, but I'm going to look into it. Since no political party has emerged with a plan or strategy to replace capitalism, maybe anarchism is the answer to the growing crisis of capitalism.

G-20 Protesters Break into Royal Bank of Scotland in London

The Summit With No Answers

G-20: Capitalism Has Failed

Iraq to Execute Gays!

Iraqi LGBT reports that Iraq is preparing to execute about 128 people for the "crime" of being gay!
Stop Execution of Gay Iraqis

Guess this is the "democracy" that the supporters of Bush's illegal invasion of Iraq promised us? Actually, this is a Shiite government like Iran's which can thank the U.S. for putting into power.

UPDATE: Two Gay Men Killed in Baghdad
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi police say the bodies of two gay men have been found in Baghdad's Shiite slum of Sadr City after a leading cleric repeatedly condemned homosexuality.
A police official says the two men were believed killed Thursday by relatives who were shamed by their behavior.
The killings come after Shiite cleric Sattar al-Battat repeatedly condemned homosexuality during prayers, saying Islam prohibits homosexuality.
The official says no family members have claimed the bodies or demanded an investigation.
The killings come weeks after Iraqi police found four bodies near Sadr City with the word pervert written on their chests.

UPDATE: Six Gay Men Shot in Iraq (Clerics Urged Crackdown on Homosexuality

Progressives Vs. Obama

Progressives, who helped to get Obama nominated and elected, are increasingly voicing criticism of the centrist policies of the Obama administration. While Obama has reached out to conservative/moderate journalists, pundits and political groups in D.C., even the small but vocal "Blue Dog Democrats" who are threatening to kill any progressive legislation in Congress, Obama has yet to meet with the much larger Progressive caucus, or invite a progressive critic like Paul Krugman into his office.

On the economy, Obama is following the same policies as Bush and Clinton, even appointing Wall Street insiders like Timothy Geithner and Timothy Summers, to "bail out" the financial institutions who caused the Great Recession...

On health care, Obama has sided with insurance companies to oppose a single-payer public health insurance program and try another failed band-aid approach that will benefit the insurance companies. The Obama administration tried to keep single-payer advocates out of the "health care summit" in D.C.

In the "war on terror," Obama is not only continuing many of the unconstitutional programs of the Bush administration, he is even protecting and covering the crimes of the Bush administration. While he campaigned to end the war in Iraq, he is not going to pull the troops out as he promised, and is going to escalate the war in Afghanistan.

On gay rights, the Obama administration and the Democratic Congress do not want to touch the military's failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy or do away with the Defense of Marriage Act. These were two of the big promises Obama made to the LGBT community. It looks like Obama will follow Bill Clinton's example and throw LGBT people under the bus of political compromise.

One of the most vocal progressive critics of Obama's economic plans has been Paul Krugman, who made some news this week, including the cover of Newsweek


Krugman continues to voice concerns about Obama's economic policies in his NYT Column
The Market Wizards Were Exposed as Frauds: Too Bad Obama Team Believes Their Magic

Krugman takes on Geithner/Obama on ABC's This Week

Krugman is not alone...more progressives are taking on Obama:
William Greider-- Obama's Economic Plan: A Version of Monopoly, but No One Loses

Have Geithner's "Zombie Ideas" Won? Krugman on the "Cash for Trash" Program

James Gailbraith: This Crisis is Way Bigger than Dead Banks and Wall Street Bailouts

Tom Hayden:
Why is a "Progressive" Think Tank Telling Obama to Escalate the War in Afghanistan?
Don't Go There Mr. President!

Jim Hightower: Obama to Send More Mercenaries to Afghanistan--Sound Familiar?

No Change on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Gates: No Change Soon on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
WASHINGTON (AP) — Don't expect any change soon to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy about gays in the military.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says both he and President Barack Obama have "a lot on our plates right now." As Gates puts it, "let's push that one down the road a little bit."

The White House has said Obama has begun consulting with Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on how to lift the ban. Gates says that dialogue has not really progressed very far at this point in the administration.

The Pentagon policy was put in place after President Bill Clinton tried to lift the ban on gay service members in 1993.

The policy refers to the military practice of not asking recruits their sexual orientation. In turn, service members are banned from saying they are gay or bisexual, engaging in homosexual activity or trying to marry a member of the same sex.

Gates appeared on Fox News Sunday.

The Associated Press
--------

Looks like the Obama administration will not even attempt to address the big LGBT issues in the next four years. Nothing on Don't Ask, Don't Tell, or the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). If this Democratic administration and Congress does not at least pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), they will loose even more progressive LGBT voters. Many of us are switching to parties that DO support equal rights for everyone without political compromises (like the Green Party and the Socialist Party USA).

It's not just LGBT issues, from continuing many of the Bush administration policies on the "war on terror" to escalating the military occupation of Afghanistan, not holding Bush administration officials accountable for their crimes, to snoozing up to the CEO's on Wall Street and continuing Bush policies to "bail out" the financial institutions that caused the Great Recession, Obama has not fulfilled his promise of CHANGE. While he has met with every "moderate-centrist" group in Washington DC, he has yet to invite the Progressive caucus to a meeting, and tried to shut single-payer health care advocates out of the "health care summit". From the economy and war to health care and gay rights, Obama is ignoring the progressives who helped get him elected. This is looking more and more like a repeat of the Bill Clinton fiasco. THIS IS NOT CHANGE!

LGBT Executives: How Much Are They Paid?

Washington Blade is reporting on the salaries of executive directors of the top LGBT organizations in the U.S.
How Much Do They Make?
Given the current scandals surrounding CEO salaries and "bonuses" in U.S. corporations, maybe the timing for this discussion is not good, or maybe it is. As an activist who organized and lead several LGBT organizations in my lifetime, with NO pay, I don't think anyone leading LGBT organizations should be in the job for money. I agree that many of the directors of these groups do important work and should be compensated, but $300,000? Should a "leader" of a LGBT organization like Human Rights Campaign, which begs me for $100 donations when I cannot pay my rent, be getting paid over $300,000? Why should directors of non-profit organizations be getting paid as much or more than the President of the United States?

The two LGBT groups I give money to when I can, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (Task Force) and Stonewall Democrats are LOW on this list, and I think Jon Hoadley is underpaid for Stonewall Democrats ($59,000), especially considering the bankrupt (in more ways than one) Log Cabin Republican director gets paid $142,000.

So as in the world of work in general, monetary compensation does not always relate to the value of work people do..

View Chart: Salaries of LGBT Leaders

UPDATE: HRC Seeks Pay, Benefit Cuts from Union Employees (Maybe HRC should cut the salary of Joe Salmonese from $330,000 down to under $100,000!)

Sponsor of TN Gay Marriage Ban BUSTED

ARRESTED: Former State Senator who Pushed Ban on Same Sex Marriage
Jeff Miller, the former Tennessee state senator who in 2005 successfully installed that state's ban on same-sex marriage, was arrested Wednesday for defrauding his home county in his position as tax collector.

Out & About Notes:
Miller’s advocacy for the sanctity of marriage rang hollow at a time when his wife of 15 years sued him for divorce, citing behavior that suggested Miller was guilty of extramarital philandering. Bridgett Suzanne Miller filed divorce papers in Bradley County Circuit Court on February 25, 2005 and accused her husband of “inappropriate marital conduct.”

New England: Less Religion, More Gay Rights

USA Today: Same-Sex Proposals Up in Less Religious New England States
Same-sex marriage proposals are sweeping into New England state legislatures this spring, particularly in places where organized religious opposition may be the weakest.

A USA TODAY analysis finds that states where the percentage of "nones" — people who say they have no religion — is at or above the national average of 15% are more likely to push expanding the scope of marriage, civil unions or same-sex partner rights.

Today in New Hampshire, where nones are 29% of the population, nearly matching Catholics (32%) and Protestants (30%), the House of Representatives is expected to vote to legalize same-sex marriage, and "it has a good chance of passing the Senate this week," says Marty Rouse of the Human Rights Campaign.

Friday in Vermont, a gay marriage bill that has passed the Senate goes to the House. Vermont has the highest rate of nones in the nation (34%), according to the newly released American Religious Identification Survey. Gov. Jim Douglas announced Wednesday that he intended to veto the bill if it passed.

Coming up: Legislatures in Rhode Island (nones 19%) and Maine (nones 25%) will hold hearings this spring on marriage "equality" bills. Nearby in New York (nones 14%), the Legislature could approve a bill "by the Fourth of July," Rouse says.

The religious identification survey's findings work in reverse, as well. The states with the highest rates of identification with conservative denominations — such as Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal and Mormon — were more likely to be among the 30 states where voters have approved constitutional amendments banning gay marriage.

Barry Kosmin, Trinity College sociologist and co-director of the survey, says the correlation is no coincidence. "Given that 25% of GenX (those ages 29 to 42) and GenY (ages 18 to 28) are nones, this is where we are headed," he says. "It's a standoff between young people with a tremendous sympathy for civil rights and what appears to be biblical injunctions from religion."

The more secular countries and states are, the more they support LGBT rights. Clearly, the future of gay rights requires a more secular society and a strong separation of church and state.

See Also: 15% of U.S. Non-Religious (Up from 8%)

UPDATE: NH House Passes Gay Marriage Bill

Wall Street Fights Back

The corporate elite on Wall Street are trying to fight back against the populist backlash to corporate greed and excessive corporate bonuses.

Wall Street Journal: On Wall Street, Talk of Trust and Civil War

Obama has been carefully trying to respond to the public's anti-corporate outrage while not offending the corporate elites. In fact, the Obama administration seems to be more afraid of a backlash from Wall Street and corporate America than they are of the populist uprising. Even in his second prime-time press conference tonight, Obama tried to express some anger at the AIG bonus scandals, while defending business and the "good" corporate rich. Treasury Sec. Timothy Geithner has been meeting and talking with his friends on Wall Street trying to win their support for his bank bailout plan. In order to win their support, Obama is softening his tone toward them.

Wall Street: Obama Dials Down Wall Street Criticism

Maybe the corporate rich on Wall Street, and the Obama administration, should read Matt Taibbi's excellent article in the Rolling Stone explaning why Americans SHOULD be angry at Wall Street: The Big Takeover

Here's a peek:
"It's over — we're officially, royally fucked. no empire can survive being rendered a permanent laughingstock, which is what happened as of a few weeks ago, when the buffoons who have been running things in this country finally went one step too far..."

Sen. Charles Schumer Supports Same-Sex Marriage

In another reversal, NY Sen. Charles Schumer says he now supports marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples.

At a dinner with LGBT groups in New York, Schumer also backed a full reversal of the "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA), which denies federal recognition of same-sex marriage.

Rep. Barney Frank Calls Scalia A "Homophobe"

Rep. Barney Frank Calls Scalia a Homophobe
Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank called Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia a "homophobe" in a recent interview with the gay news Web site 365gay.com. The Democratic lawmaker, who is gay, was discussing gay marriage and his expectation that the high court would some day be called upon to decide whether the Constitution allows the federal government to deny recognition to same-sex marriages.

"I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court," said Frank.

More of Frank's Discussion on the New Gay Agenda On 365gay.com

UPDATE: Barney Frank, "Why I Called Justice Scalia a Homophobe"

Obama's "Katrina Moment"

It's really amazing that a politician as smart and astute as Barack Obama would allow conservative Republicans to get ahead of the populist outrage over AIG and the whole tax payer bailout of Wall Street banks and financial institutions that created the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Once again Democrats have failed to be the party of the working class. Republicans have been able to (hypocritically) point out the financial and political connections between Democrats in Congress, and even the Obama Administration, and these corrupt "welfare queens" on Wall Street.

If Obama is going to be politically successfull, he MUST quit following the failed ideas of Wall Street Insiders like Timothy Geithner and Lawrence Summers and listen to the populist uprising and take on the corporate elite.

Frank Rich: Has a "Katrinia Moment" Arrived?
William Greider: Obama Told Us to Speak Out, but Is He Listening?
Paul Krugman: Zombie Financial Ideas
More Despair Over Geithner Plan
The Voters' Uprising: Pres. Obama, What Are You Thinking?