Obama's Healthcare "Reform" Falls Short

Obama's healthcare "reform" is falling far short of the "CHANGE" he campaigned on. Instead of leading a fight for a single-payer public health insurance program, Obama and the Democrats are proposing minor "reforms" to the current for-profit health care system that will not insure everyone, and will not control costs. The main driving force in the rising costs of healthcare and the lack of universal coverage are the profit-making private insurance companies, which keep raising premiums and deductibles, while denying full coverage, while giving $million bonuses to their CEOs.

The only viable solution to the healthcare crisis is a single-payer system, and socialized medicine. Take the profit out of healthcare!

Lipstick on a pig: The Failure of Obama's Healthcare Reform

Why Obama's Public Option is Defective and Why We Need Single-Payer

Socialist Health Plan? In Norway Obama's Plan Not Even Close

Ralph Nader, Health Care Hypocrisy

Physicians for a National Health Plan

Healthcare-Now! (Medicare for All) Support HR 676

UPDATE: Obama's Doctor Speaks Out for Single-Payer Health Care

Anti-Gay TN State Senator Blackmailed for Adultery

TN State Sen. Paul Stanley, "Defender of Marriage," Blackmailed for Adultery

Tennessee GOP state Sen. Paul Stanley, the architect of that state's failed ban on gay adoption, went to the authorities to complain that the husband of his mistress, an intern, was blackmailing him. Stanley was the chief architect of a bill to ban gay couples from adopting children in Tennessee.

Sen. Paul Stanley Resigns from Powerful Committee
State Sen. Stanley has resigned today as chairman of the powerful Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee in the wake of allegations that he was the target of a blackmail attempt that linked the senator to an alleged relationship with his 22-year-old legislative intern.

Jackson Baker has more in the Memphis Flyer: Sen. Paul Stanley--Victim or Self-Victimizer?

Scenes of The Great Recession

A Scene from the Great Recession

The economic crisis grows:

The Economy is Worse Than You Think (WSJ)

Foreclosures Up 15%

No Economic Bottom Yet

U.S. Income Inequality Continues to Grow

Dean Baker: Our Economy Needs at Least $2 Trillion in Spending Right Now--Tens of Millions of Jobs At Stake

Robert Kuttner: Smoking the Green Shoots--Where is the Economic Recovery Going to Come From?

Jobless Rate Tops 10% in 15 States

1.5 Million to Exhaust Unemployment Benefits by End of Year

Unemployment at 26 Year High

John Nichols: Will Unemployment Sink Obama's Agenda?

Recession Photo Gallery

Pres. Obama Speaks against Anti-Gay Discrimination in Civil Rights Speech

President Obama gave a stirring emotional speech to the NAACP today at the 100th convention of the oldest civil rights organization in the U.S.

Obama expanded his message of equal rights beyond the black communities. He said many Americans still face discrimination.
Racism, he said, is felt "by African-American women paid less for doing the same work as colleagues of a different color and gender. By Latinos made to feel unwelcome in their own country. By Muslim Americans viewed with suspicion for simply kneeling down to pray. By our gay brothers and sisters, still taunted, still attacked, still denied their rights."

He wasn't booed, and got a lot of applause, so at least the African-Americans at the NAACP understand that racism is not the only form of discrimination and African-Americans are not the only group fighting for their civil rights. He was echoing the words of MLK, that injustice against anyone is an injustice against all.

Well, not everyone understand MLK's vision of civil rights. Some still think that "civil rights" = BLACK rights.

Many of us are perplexed by LZ Granderson's column on CNN today, Gay is Not the New Black
Black gays are not upset with Obama's lack of progress on his campaign promises to LGBT people, so gay whites should not attack Obama? Gay rights should not be compared to (black) civil rights?

Pam has more on this on Pam's Houseblend

Bill Clinton (finally) Supports Marriage Equality

A little late--former President Bill Clinton Now Supports Same-Sex Marriage rights. As President, Clinton supported and signed the "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) which now denies federal recognition of marriage rights and benefits for same-sex couples who are now able to marry in some states.

Hopefully President Obama will not wait until he's out of office to say he supports marriage equality for gays and lesbians.

Speaking of flip-flops, Obama is still making excuses for NOT repealing the other legacy of Bill Clinton, the military's anti-gay Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. In an interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN, Obama talks about "changing" DADT, not REPEALING it.

Happy Birthday Woody!

Happy Birthday to Woody Guthrie, the original folk hero, born July 14, 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma, who through the 30s and 40s rode the rails and blasted the bosses and spoke his radical, eloquent mind. He left behind three wives, eight children and perhaps a thousand timeless songs, like "This Land Is Your Land". He was a major influence on other music legends including Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Like me, he was a socialist Okie from Oklahoma.

For more on his life and work, go here.

Stand Up to Insurance Companies--Fight for Public Universal Healthcare

The insurance companies are ratcheting up their propaganda campaign against a single-payer universal public insurance program, or even a public option in the healthcare "reform" being debated in Congress.

Everyone should read and watch what former insurance company insider Wendell Porter says about the lies of the insurance companies:

Wendell Porter on Bill Moyers Journal: How For-Profit Insurance Companies Stand in the Way of of Real Healthcare Reform
Healthcare Industry Adopts Big Tobacco PR Tactics
Dr. George McNeil, It's a Public Service, So Health Care Should Be Publicly Funded
Debunking Canadian Healthcare Myths

Fight the Insurance Companies--Get Active!
Universal Healthcare Action Network
Healthcare-NOW!
Physicians for a National Health Program
Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Healthcare
Democratic Socialists of America

Socialism and LGBT Liberation

Socialist Sherry Wolf has written a great book, Sexuality and Socialism: History, Politics and Theory of LGBT Liberation, laying out a socialist analysis of gay oppression and liberation. She lays out the roots of LGBT oppression, the construction of sexual and gender identities, the history of the gay movement, and a socialist vision to unite all oppressed and exploited groups to win sexual liberation for all. She analyzes different theories of oppression, including Marxism, postmodernism, identity politics, and queer theory, and challenges the myths about genes, gender and sexuality.

Like a lot of my own research and writings, she challenges both biological and environmental determinism, exposing the myth of the "gay gene". Sexual liberation, including LGBT liberation, requires a radical theorization of the social construction of gender and sexuality, as well as a radical political movement to challenge capitalism.

Chapters include: The Roots of LGBT Oppression, The Birth of Gay Identity, The Myth of Marxist Homophobia, Whatever Happened to Gay Liberation, and Sexual Liberation for All!

Sexuality and Socialism is a good starting point for a new LGBT Liberation movement.

See also:
The Freedom to Choose, Jim Maynard

Queer by Choice

MA Challenges DOMA with Lawsuit

Massachusetts Sues Federal Government Over the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

The lawsuit argues that DOMA's definition of marriage as only between a man and a woman infringes on the right of states to recognize same-sex marriages. Will the Obama DOJ defend DOMA again? This could get interesting...

Catching Up (Non-Michael Jackson News)

There was some non-Michael Jackson news this week!

I've been working late and have been too tired to blog much this week.. but here's some things to keep your eye on:

The healthcare battle is heating up! The "healthcare" (sic) lobby is spending something like $124 million a week to kill a public health insurance program. Contact your Senators and Representatives and demand the choice of a public health insurance plan!
(See the Healthcare for America Now link on the right to take action!)

V.P. Biden said that the Obama administration did not realize how bad the economic situation was. Didn't they read Paul Krugman and other progressive economists who warned that the economic stimulus was not going to be enough? Things are not looking good on the economic front, and if the unemployment rate (already at a 26 year high of 9.5%) keeps going up, it could be a real problem for the Democrats in 2010, and Obama in 2012! (I fear that the Democrats will be taking the blame for the Bush-Republican Great Recession.)

Robert Kuttner, Economic Wake-Up Call

Rep. Patrick Murphy, an Iraq Vet, is leading the fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." He was on Rachel Maddow tonight and was very impressive. He is the right person to lead the fight!

There was a right-wing coup in Honduras which ran the democratically elected President, Manuel Zelaya, out of the country and will not even let his plane land. Of course, since the ousted President was a LEFTIST, the American media was pretty silent on the situation, while conservative Republicans sided with the coup leaders! Guess right-wingers don't really care about democracy!

I'll have more to say on these and other issues in the next few days.. stay tuned!

Sarah Palin Quits

Scandal plagued failed GOP VP Candidate Sarah Palin Has Resigned as Governor of Alaska

The Wasilla Dingbat gave another bizarre statement to the press trying to explain why she made such an erratic move, raising more questions than answers. There are many rumors of another "iceberg scandal" coming, and people close to her claim she is out of politics. Or is she really dumb enough to think she has a shot at becoming president in 2012?

Of course, Palin's lack of any qualification to be President, her lack of intellectual ability, and her poor job performance as Gov. of Alaska, don't keep the penis-hating, vagina-loving right-wing "Feminists" at Tennessee Guerilla Women from defending the anti-feminist, religious fanatic from the "women-hating" liberal media....Never mind that Palin had more support from anti-feminist conservative MEN than from women!

(The TGW blog sounds more and more like a Phyllis Schafly Eagle Forum Newsletter!)

This article refutes the TGW Palin victimology propaganda:
The MYTH of How the Media Destroyed Sarah Palin

Eugene Robinson: "Victim" With a Constituency

The Real Story Behind Palin's Bombshell

Robert Perry: Sarah Palin's Latest Crazy Move--Are Republicans a Danger to the Republic?

Happy 4th of July! Remember-This Land is OUR Land!

Happy 4th of July... Here's the REAL National Anthem by Woody Guthrie, This Land Is Your Land, sung by Bruce Springsteen

Another Victim of DADT

As Gay Discharges Continue, Gay Sailor Murdered

While the Democratic Congress, and the "fierce advocate" for gay rights President Obama, fiddle around waiting for the "right time" to repeal the anti-gay "Don't, Ask Don't Tell" military policy, another victim dies. A gay sailor, Navy Seaman August Provost, has been murdered.

Seaman Provost of Houston, Texas, reportedly complained to his family that was he being harassed; his sister told a local newspaper that they’d advised him to tell his supervisor. If Provost revealed his sexuality, however, he could have been discharged from the armed services.

The news comes on the heels of the military’s recommended discharge of gay Arabic translator Daniel Choi, and discontent within the gay community about the Obama Administration’s actions on gay rights. President Obama says he will not stop the military discharges, which have resulted in the expulsion of more than 250 servicemembers since he was inaugurated in January.

A spokesman for a group that provides legal counseling to gays in and out of the military said the federal law that mandates discharging gay servicemembers certainly didn’t help.

“While ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ is in place, anybody in the military who is a homosexual has no place to go to get assistance or counseling,” Servicemembers Legal Defense Network’s Ben Gomez told the San Diego Union Tribune.

Will Obama and the Democrats fulfill their promise to repeal DADT, or continue to play political football with the lives of gay soldiers and the security of the United States?

While Obama can and should be doing more to get DADT repealed, it is up to Congress to repeal the law. People, especially many angry gay activists, seem to believe that the President can repeal a law passed by Congress, he cannot. In 1993, Congress took away President Bill Clinton's ability to issue an executive order to end the anti-gay policy. Obama cannot just issue an executive order to repeal DADT, CONGRESS has to pass a law to repeal it. Civics 101 folks!

Obama may be able to change some things about how the policy is implemented, maybe even hold further discharges pending some investigation or based on national securuity, but he cannot repeal the law that CONGRESS made!

See:
Defense Chief Giving "Don't Ask, Don't Tell " a Closer Look

Did Homophobia Kill Michael Jackson?

Of the many things that contributed to Michael Jackson's death (fame, drugs, exhaustion, money, debt, etc.) one has not been getting any media attention, in fact it is not even being discussed--homophobia.

It is a not-so-secret secret that Michael Jackson was gay. It is an unspoken fact that probably only his parents continue to deny. In his book "Unmasked: The Final years of Michael Jackson" Ian Halperin argues that Jackson was the victim of greed, and handlers that pushed him to perform 50 concerts in London to help keep him out of bankruptcy. But he also spills the beans about Jackson's secret gay relationships:

"It is clear to me that Michael was homosexual and that his taste was for young men, albeit not as young as Jordan Chandler or Gavin Arvizo.

In the course of my investigations, I spoke to two of his gay lovers, one a Hollywood waiter, the other an aspiring actor. The waiter had remained friends, perhaps more, with the singer until his death last week. He had served Jackson at a restaurant, Jackson made his interest plain and the two slept together the following night. According to the waiter, Jackson fell in love.

The actor, who has been given solid but uninspiring film parts, saw Jackson in the middle of 2007. He told me they had spent nearly every night together during their affair – an easy claim to make, you might think. But this lover produced corroboration in the form of photographs of the two of them together, and a witness.

Other witnesses speak of strings of young men visiting his house at all hours, even in the period of his decline. Some stayed overnight.

When Jackson lived in Las Vegas, one of his closest aides told how he would sneak off to a ‘grungy, rat-infested’ motel – often dressed as a woman to disguise his identity – to meet a male construction worker he had fallen in love with.

Jackson was acquitted in the Arvizo case, dramatically so, but the effect on his mental state was ruinous. Sources close to him suggest he was close to complete nervous breakdown."

See Ian Halperin, "I"m better Off Dead. I'm Done": Michael Jackson's Fateful Prediction Just A Week Before His Death"

It may be too simplistic to say that homophobia alone killed Michael Jackson, but let me lay out a theory. Jackson lived a life in the closet. From a young age, he was victimized by racism and a father who beat him. He grew up black in a racist, anti-gay society, and gay in a homophobic black culture. He did not love or accept himself as gay or black. As he tried to change his physical appearance through damaging plastic surgery, he tried to cover up his true sexual identity by playing straight. He had to keep his true self secret, from his family and fans. He could not be himself. He found substitutes for a loving gay relationship with fans, female friends, and children (I don't think he was a pederast though). He could NOT be himself.

All of this would drive anybody off the deep end. Add on the pressures of fame, fortune, stardom, and his growing financial problems, and we can see the results...

What IF Michael Jackson had been allowed, or allowed himself, to be an out gay superstar, who could have a healthy loving relationship with another man? Would he still be alive?

See also:
CNN, Jackson Rabbi-friend: Michael was a "Tortured Soul"

Obama Makes More Promises to Gay Community

Obama Promises Progress to the Gay Community

President Obama held a high profile meeting today with "gay right leaders" in the East Room of the White House to honor Gay Pride Month and to try to make some amends to the increasingly frustrated LGBT community. He acknowledged the slow progress on LGBT issues, but reaffirmed his commitment to repeal the anti-gay Don't Ask, Don't Tell and "Defense of Marriage Act," both laws supported by the last "pro-gay" Democrat in the White House, Bill Clinton.

Obama: Gays will be Pleased by End of Administration

Obama Tries to Win Back Favor of Gays

Not all gays are happy...
Gays Say Obama Hasn't Kept Promises

Ft. Worth Gay Bar Raided on 40th Anniversary of Stonewall

Seven Arrested in in Texas Gay Bar Raid

Shortly after midnight on Sunday, police raided a gay bar in Fort Worth, TX, and arrested seven customers for public intoxication. (One man was reportedly taken to the hospital "with bleeding in his brain after officers threw him to the ground and used zip-ties to handcuff him.") Police said they were simply conducting an "alcohol beverage code inspection" when several customers made sexual advances toward the officers. However, the owner of the Rainbow Lounge, J.R. Schrock, said that claim was a "lie."

Unbelievable that this would happen on the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots!

Talkin' Bout a Revolution

Tracy Chapman, Talkin' About a Revolution


I think this song says it all.

Remember Stonewall: Gay Pride, Gay Power!

It is time for the "gay movement" to rediscover the radical roots of gay liberation. Gay Pride events have largely become commercialized parties. Its time to put "gay power" back in "gay pride"!

Remembering Stonewall
Socialist Party USA, Queer Commission

Peter Tatchell, Our Lost Gay Radicalism

The Gay Rights Movement: 40 Years Since Stonewall

Democracy Now! A Look Back at the Uprising that Launched the Modern Gay Movement

Stonewall Was a Riot: Gay Liberation and the Struggle for Social Change

NYT: Political Shifts on Gay Rights Lag Behind Culture

Frank Rich: 40 Years Later, Still Second-Class Citizens

Anti-Gay S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford Admits Affair

Well who didn't see this coming??
Anti-Gay SC Gov. "Defender of Marriage" Busted for Infidelity

After misleading his staff and family, turns out Sanford was not hiking the Appalachian trail after all.. he was in Argentina practicing his "family values" with his mistress! He ditched his four kids on Father's Day to sneak away with his mistress!

Yes, this is the same right-wing Republican governor of South Carolina who was praised by conservatives for standing against Obama's stimulus money for his state, and for being a defender of family values and marriage. Here he is several months into his affair opposing the real enemy of marriage--Gay Marriage!

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

Mid-South Gay Pride

June is "Gay Pride Month" in most places, we celebrate Mid-South Pride Today in Memphis.

UPDATE: Here Are are some Pics from Mid-South Pride 2009

It was HOT! (Can we move Gay Pride in Memphis to November?)

The Democrats Are Blowing it!

So much for "change we can believe in"--The Democrats have blown their historic opportunity to move this country in a progressive direction.

First, the fallout between Obama and the DNC vs. LGBT people, after the Obama DOJ brief defending the anti-gay "Defense of Marriage Act", and the efforts of the Democratic Leaders to push gay rights issues to the backburner, the DNC is losing gay donations and more groups are pulling out of the DNC Gay Fundraiser next week. The latest drop outs include the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Stonewall Democrats. AmericaBlog's John Aravosis and Andrew Sullivan have declared war on the DNC.

Stonewall Democrats Withdraw from DNC Fundraiser

There is also a growing gap between gay activists and gay Democrats in Congress. Some, like Rep. Barney Frank, are now defending the Obama DOJ and supporting the DNC gay fundraiser. Gay activists are not ready to make up with Obama or the DNC until they start delivering on their campaign promises.

Second, the Democrats in Congress are caving to the insurance lobbyists on heath care reform. Not only have they stopped any consideration of the best plan for universal healthcare, SINGLE-PAYER, they are now taking out any public option and are going along with Republican proposals, like TAXING health insurance benefits! Many prominent Democrats working on the "reform" are deep in the pockets of the healthcare industry--including Tom Daschle and Max Baccus, and are fighting any public health insurance option. They appear to be winning.

Sen. Dems Pare Back Health Bill
Healthcare Lobbyists are Winning the Battle to Screw All Of Us

Third, Democrats now own the Iraq and Afghanistan military occupations. Even many "anti-war" Democrats caved in and voted to support the increased funds for the wars.

Shame on "Anti-War" Democrats Who Sold Out

So much for "Change we Can believe In'--we got more of the same.

Theda Skocpol: A Moment of Truth for Obama and the Democrats

Obama Grants (Some) Benefits to Gay Fed. Employees

Obama Grants (Some) Benefits to Gay Federal Employees
After a week of growing anger and frustration by gays & lesbians over his DOJ anti-gay brief defending the "Defense of Marriage Act," President Obama signed a memorandum granting SOME benefits to gay federal employees. He noted it was a small step, called the Defense of Marriage Act "discriminatory" and called for it to be repealed (again), and urged Congress to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, which would grant full benefits to gay employees, which are currently prohibited by the DOMA. The signing statement was rushed to counter gay anger over the DOJ anti-gay DOMA brief, and to salvage a DNC gay fundraiser next week, which many prominent gay leaders and activists are boycotting.

Obama's Statement on Gay Federal Benefits

This statement does not seem to be enough to calm the gay anger and frustration with the lack of any progress on the promises the DNC and Obama campaigns made to gay voters and supporters:

Gay Critics Say "Too Little, Too Late" From Obama
John Arovosis: Obama Betrays the Gay Community
Deb Price: Obama Backtracks on Gay Rights
NYT: Outcry o Federal Same-Sex Benefits

Maybe the Democrats in Congress got a wake up call and will do something now:
Rep. Barney Frank to Introduce ENDA Next Week

If the DNC wants to get any more gay money, they better ACT NOW!

More Racism from the TN Republican Party

TN Republican Staffer Caught Forwarding Racist Email/Picture

There is a patter of racism and racist attacks on Obama from the Tennessee GOP.

GOP Strategist Call for Republican to be Fired over Racist Email

Obama Throws the Gays a Bone

Obama to Announce Benefits for Same-Sex Partners of Fed. Employees

After all the uproar over the Obama DOJ's anti-gay brief defending the "Defense of Marriage Act," it looks like Obama and the DNC are trying to kiss up to the gay community, especially since so many were pulling out of the big DNC gay fundraiser next week.

When Will Obama Deliver on Gay Rights?

Obama's Plan for Gay Rights

UPDATE: (The Advocate) Obama To Extend Benefits to Partners of Fed. Workers (NOT Healthcare!)

The White House press office declined to detail which benefits would be included, but people familiar with the legal obstacles posed by the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, said health benefits are not likely to be a part of the package.

Pam Spaulding (Pam's Houseblend) is reporting that the "memorandum" Obama will announce Wed. will be very limited. (No Healthcare benefits, etc.)

UPDATE: Harry Reid Changes Tune on DADT
Something is going on in D.C., maybe the gay anger has got the attention of the Democrats and Obama...

More Fallout From Obama DOJ's Anti-Gay Defense of DOMA

There is more fallout from the Obama DOJ's DEFENSE of the anti-gay "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA):

Obama Faces Growing Gay Anger

A Letter to Obama from HRC

David Mixner's Personal Statement: DOMA Brief Brings Shame to Obama

DNC Gay Fundraiser Falling Apart

New York Times: A Bad Call on Gay Rights

Rep. Barney Frank Rips Obama's anti-gay DOJ DOMA Brief

Richard Socarides (former aide to Bill Clinton) refutes the argument that the Obama admistration HAD to defend DOMA since it is current law: The Choice to Defend DOMA and its Consequences

Rachel Maddow and Howard Dean Take on Obama's Defense of DOMA

March on Washington Oct. 10-11

I swore off another LGBT March on Washington after the last Millennium March fiasco, but now that it is clear that Obama and the Democrats in Congress are going to throw us under the bus again, it is time to give them a wake up call. Cleve Jones is organizing a National Equality March Oct. 10-11, 2009. Its going to be focused on grassroots organizing, not a big pride party (like the Millennium March).

On October 10-11, 2009, we will gather in Washington DC from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. We will gather. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation.

Our single demand:
Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.

Our philosophy:
As members of every race, class, faith, and community, we see the struggle for LGBT equality as part of a larger movement for peace and social justice.

Our strategy:
Decentralized organizing for this march in every one of the 435 Congressional districts will build a network to continue organizing beyond October.

Sign Up Now!

Here's the first promo Clip

Obama Administration DEFENDS "Defense of Marriage Act"!

After fighting off a challenge to the anti-gay "Don't, Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which he pomised to repeal, the Obama Administration Moves to Dismiss Challenge to the "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA), which he promised to change/repeal.

John Arovosis at AmericaBlog has more:

Obama DOJ Defends DOMA. Invokes Incest!

Obama DOJ Lies to Politico on Defending Anti-Gay Brief

And The Gratuitousnes!

In both cases (DADT & DOMA), Obama appealed to gay voters promising to be a "fierce" advocate who would defend our rights and REPEAL both anti-gay laws, but instead, his administration is DEFENDING them!

Does Obama have any shame??

LGBT Groups Decry Obama Administration's Defense of DOMA

QEERTY: Obama has Spat Shit in the Faces of Gay America

More Right-Wing Violence, Another Angry White Male Terrorist

White Supremacist Opens Fire at Holocaust Museum, Kills Guard
WASHINGTON — An 88-year-old gunman with a violent and virulently anti-Semitic past opened fire with a rifle inside the crowded U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on Wednesday, fatally wounding a security guard before being shot himself by other officers.

Von Brunn has a racist, anti-Semitic Web site and wrote a book titled "Kill the Best Gentiles," alleging a Jewish conspiracy "to destroy the white gene pool." Writings attributed to von Brunn on the Internet say the Holocaust was a hoax. "At Auschwitz the 'Holocaust' myth became Reality, and Germany, cultural gem of the West, became a pariah among world nations," one says.

DHS Report (Rediculed by Conservatives) Warned Against Anti-Semitic Violence

James W. Von Brunn a White Supremacist

Part of Obama "Birther" Movement

Where do they get their crazy Ideas?

Right-Wing Violence and Fox News

FOX NEWS Anchor Shep Smith: Email from Anti-Obama Viewers Getting "More and More Frightening"

The Problem with the Democrats

What is wrong with the Democratic Party? With a wave of populist revolt and disgust with the corporate elite and Wall Street, the Democrats continue to do the will of their corporate masters. From health care "reform" to regulating Wall Street and challenging corporate power, the Democrats are losing an historic opportunity to be a PROGRESSIVE party of CHANGE.

George Gilder spells it out:
We're Screwed on Everything From Health Care to the Economy if The Dems Don't Shape Up

Progressives Have a Chance to Dominate American Politics for the Next 40 Years

There is a right-wing populist backlash sweeping Europe and the same thing could happen in the U.S. if the Democrats and Obama do not offer a PROGRESSIVE Populist alternative to the right-wing racist, nationalist populism that is growing in the U.S. Trust in corporations and Wall Street is at an all-time low, now is the time to take on the corporate elite and save the American working class from the 30 year war on labor began by Ronald Reagan. The alternative may be a resurgence of FASCISM.

Obama Administration DEFENDS "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" !

Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed with the Obama administration and refused to review Pentagon policy barring gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

The court said it will not hear an appeal from former Army Capt. James Pietrangelo II, who was dismissed under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

The federal appeals court in Boston earlier threw out a lawsuit filed by Pietrangelo and 11 other veterans. He was the only member of that group who asked the high court to rule that the Clinton-era policy is unconstitutional.

"I think this decision is an absolute travesty of justice and I think every judge on this court should be ashamed of themselves," said Pietrangelo, who served six years in the Army, seven years in the Vermont National Guard and fought in Iraq in 1991. "It's nothing short of rubber stamping legalized discrimination, the same way Nazi Germany legalized discrimination against Jews.

"The Supreme Court is not infallible, they get things wrong, and they got it wrong this time," he said.

During last year's campaign, President Barack Obama indicated he supported the eventual repeal of the policy, but he has made no specific move to do so since taking office in January. Meanwhile, the White House has said it won't stop gays and lesbians from being dismissed from the military.

In court papers, the administration said the appeals court ruled correctly in this case when it found that "don't ask, don't tell" is "rationally related to the government's legitimate interest in military discipline and cohesion."

Even Conservatives now support repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell

If Obama cannot support THIS measure of equal rights for gays and lesbians, with broad popular support, how can he be a "fierce advocate" for gay rights??

Candidate Obama promised to REPEAL Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Looks like Obama is a LIAR, and the Democratic Congress is going to betray us again... What a pathetic party the Democratic Party is... no political backbone whatsoever in that bunch of backstabbing liars.

There hasn't been much "CHANGE" yet in the Obama administration--it was just a campaign slogan folks!

The Radical, Violent Right: Homegrown Terrorists

Here are some good articles I found on Alternet about the radical violent right and the radical anti-abortion terrorists:

A Brief History of the Radical, Violent Right: How Racist Hate Groups Joined With Anti-Abortion Terrorists
By James Ridgeway, MotherJones.com.
Alleged murderer Scott Roeder was once a white separatist before he became an anti-choice zealot -- many others have followed the same deadly path.

The Dangerous Lies of Anti-Choice Extremists

The Right's False Rhetoric on Abortion

TN Schools Must Allow Access to LGBT Sites

The ACLU has won it's lawsuit. TN Schools Must Allow Access to LGBT Sites

The lawsuit, filed just over two weeks ago, addressed the use of computer filtering software provided by Education Networks of America at both Nashville Public Schools and Knox County Schools. The software, which blocked access to the websites of national LGBT groups, is used by about 80 percent of the school systems in Tennessee, including Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools. (it blocked pro-LGBT sites, but not the anti-gay ones!)

N.H. Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Nows there are six: N.H. Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Even Dick Cheney supports gay marriage!
This means Dick Cheney is MORE supportive of gay rights than President Barack Obama!

Is Barack Obama Going to be a Bystander to the Gay Civil Rights March??

On Vacation in Eureka Springs

My partner and I are vacationing in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, an oasis of tolerance and diversity in the Ozark Mountains. There are a lot of gay owned and gay-friendly places here, we hare staying at The Byrds Eye View, an apartment owned by Alvin and Charlie, who also own a gift shop downstairs and soon opening a male resort. If you ever come to Eureka Springs, look them up.

Eureka Pride

Shelby Co. (Memphis) Non-Discrimination Ordinance

About 500 people gathered Sunday at First Congregational Church to rally in support of a proposed ordinance to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from job discrimination.


The ordinance goes to a vote today before the Shelby County Commission. The results from an early vote Thursday were 5-5 with abstentions from Democrats Sidney Chism and James M. Harvey. Speakers at the rally called the two out by name in hopes for a change in their favor today.

Supporters Come Out to Support Gay Rights Ordinance

Bianca has more on Memphis Gaydar: Non-Discrimination Support Rally Draws 500

UPDATE: Watered-Down Non-Discrimination Resolution Passed by Shelby Co. Commission

I'm not sure why people are cheering this resolution--it was a resolution, not an ordinance, and cannot be used in court. It basically restates the Shelby Co. handbook! All because a couple of commissioners did not want to give "special rights" to LGBT people or spell out "sexual orientation" or "gender identity".

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Letter from the Editor (Memphis Flyer): Bible Thumping Politics in Memphis

Anti-Abortion Terrorist Kills Dr. George Tiller

Dr. George Tiller Murdered at Church

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

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

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

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

Christian Fundamentalist Terrorism Strikes Again

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gay Rights Groups Say No Thanks to Ted Olsen

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

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

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

Gays Protest Against Obama

Gays Protest Against Obama in Beverly Hills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMERCIAL APPEAL: Anti-Discrimination Bill Fails in County Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Religious Bigots Protest Ordinance to Protect Gays

Former civil rights activist protests ordinance to protect gays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UPDATE: Memphis Pastors, County Commissioner, Speak Against County Anti-Discrimination Measure

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

County Ordinance Targets Discrimination Against LGBT People

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

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Remember Gay/Lesbian Vets on Memorial Day

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

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

Tell Pres. Obama to NOT fire Lt. Dan Choi

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

Service Members Legal Defense Network

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

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

Little Traction on DADT Repeal

Why are DEMOCRATS Blocking Gay Rights?

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

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

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



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

Remembering Harvey Milk

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

Would Harvey Milk Be Proud of Us?

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

ACLU Sues Tennessee Schools for Blocking LGBT Websites

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

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

Dick Cheney LIES again!

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

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

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

Stand Up for Single-Payer National Healthcare!

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

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

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

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

Healthcare Now!

Physicians for a National Health Program

Progressive Democrats of America

Universal Healthcare Action Network

Democratic Socialists of America

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operation DOMA Flip Flop

OPERATION DOMA FLIP FLOP

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

Torture and Hypocrisy: Pelosi v. Cheney

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

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

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

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

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

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