The Episcopal Church, in their national convention last week, announced that they would begin performing marriages for same-sex couples, and resume the ordination of gay bishops and other clergy. Bishop Marc Andrus of the Diocese of California said, "It's important that we recognize the equal stature of all Christians in the church so that we model that type of inclusivity in civil society."
A federal judge in California has fast-tracked a case that may overturn Proposition 8 in California.
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has announced that she will introduce an amendment on Tuesday to the Defense Department reauthorization bill that would place an 18-month moratorium on "Don't Ask Don't Tell." It's progress; finally an elected official in the federal government is actually doing something about DADT instead of talking about it. And appropriate that it is Gillibrand, Clinton's successor in the Senate; Hillary Clinton is clearly the truest ally of the GLBT community in the current administration, taking the lead on same-sex equity issues.
It appears, that with one GOP defector in the NY State Senate, the gay marriage debate is back on the table, and the stalemate broken. If Gov. Patterson had more balls, this wouldn't have happened anyway. But he's running way behind in the NY Governor's primary race. Election politics as usual.
Showing posts with label GLBT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GLBT. Show all posts
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Obama Asks For Time On Gay Issues, But One At Least Is Pressing: Dan Choi
President Obama, addressing a gathering of GLBT supporters at the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, made the following statement:
Today, one day later, Lt. Dan Choi will appear before a military court where more than likely he will be discharged from the Armed Services for being gay. There is a time for patience, and there is a time for action. President Obama can stop Choi's dismissal. And while preventing the dismissal of one person versus the thousands who have been dismissed since Obama took office, under the provisions for Don't Ask Don't Tell is a small thing, it really would be a very big thing. Dan Choi is quickly becoming the poster boy for the plight of gay and lesbian service members, and it would behoove the President to pay attention and act accordingly.
But then, why should he? In spite of massive outcry, and widespread boycotts of a DNC fundraiser last week which hosted high-ticket gay activists, the fundraiser was a massive cash cow. As long as we (gay people) keep writing the checks, there's no urgency. I do have to agree with Huffington Post (mark that one on the calendar) who claim it's time for the GLBT community to get over its "battered wife syndrome," and stop supporting politicians who slap us across the face then ask us to butter their bread.
By this time tomorrow we will see what, if anything, President Obama has to say -- or better, do -- about Dan Choi. Over 150,000 people signed a petition letter to President Obama asking him to intervene on Choi's behalf. If that's not enough to get his attention, I'm not sure what is.
Mr. President, I'm willing to give you time, if you take some of your own today, right now, and help Dan Choi. And I don't want to hear any BS arguments about the "laws of the land" and "durable solutions." Dan Choi is about to lose his job, his future pension, his benefits, his security and his honor as a member of the American Armed Forces. I'm willing to give you time to play the whole game, but you've got to step up to the plate first.
“I know that many in this room don’t believe progress has come fast enough, and I understand that,” Mr. Obama said. “It’s not for me to tell you to be patient any more than it was for others to counsel patience to African-Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half-century ago. We’ve been in office six months now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration.” --NY Times
Today, one day later, Lt. Dan Choi will appear before a military court where more than likely he will be discharged from the Armed Services for being gay. There is a time for patience, and there is a time for action. President Obama can stop Choi's dismissal. And while preventing the dismissal of one person versus the thousands who have been dismissed since Obama took office, under the provisions for Don't Ask Don't Tell is a small thing, it really would be a very big thing. Dan Choi is quickly becoming the poster boy for the plight of gay and lesbian service members, and it would behoove the President to pay attention and act accordingly.
But then, why should he? In spite of massive outcry, and widespread boycotts of a DNC fundraiser last week which hosted high-ticket gay activists, the fundraiser was a massive cash cow. As long as we (gay people) keep writing the checks, there's no urgency. I do have to agree with Huffington Post (mark that one on the calendar) who claim it's time for the GLBT community to get over its "battered wife syndrome," and stop supporting politicians who slap us across the face then ask us to butter their bread.
By this time tomorrow we will see what, if anything, President Obama has to say -- or better, do -- about Dan Choi. Over 150,000 people signed a petition letter to President Obama asking him to intervene on Choi's behalf. If that's not enough to get his attention, I'm not sure what is.
Mr. President, I'm willing to give you time, if you take some of your own today, right now, and help Dan Choi. And I don't want to hear any BS arguments about the "laws of the land" and "durable solutions." Dan Choi is about to lose his job, his future pension, his benefits, his security and his honor as a member of the American Armed Forces. I'm willing to give you time to play the whole game, but you've got to step up to the plate first.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Why I Think The GOP Will Flip on Gay Rights
My friend Maxomai and I have a friendly debate going on over my assertion that the GOP is going to flip in favor of gay rights. He recently claimed: "I am convinced that the GOP is going to remain bitterly hostile towards gay and lesbian rights for at least another generation. The Christian Nationalist Right is too deeply entrenched in the GOP, and the GOP is too heavily reliant on the Christian Nationalist Right, for it to be any other way. But, if I am wrong, the GOP decides to leapfrog Democrats on gay and lesbian rights, then the youth vote will be wide open."
Here's the rub: I have more faith in Conservatives than him, and Maxomai has more faith in Liberals than me. Another friend of mine put it quite bluntly, saying, "If the GOP quits viewing the fundies as their base and instead sheds them like the albatross they are, I would agree with you." I would only add that I believe the Democrats need to shed the ultra-Left just as badly.
Well, the LA Times thinks that the religious right is going to do the dirty work for the GOP, and shove off on their own. They are advancing the idea that the rash of sex, drug, and dishonesty scandals over the last few years throughout the Republican party have left a bad taste in the mouth of Evangelicals and that they will retreat from politics again; they assert that the wave of religious-right involvement in government spurred by the final decadences of the 1970's has run its course, and they will now withdraw again, to keep their own noses clean. I can see a lot of sense in this. You can only support a group or organization who professes your beliefs but regularly abandons them, and remains unrepentant, for so long. Actions do speak louder than words. Just ask the gay constituency, who are responding with lightening speed to President Obama's tepid efforts to support gay rights. They yanked the rug out from under Democrats with no hesitation whatsoever. Or, more accurately, they closed their checkbooks.
Let me ask you this: What if Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) ran for President in 2012? With the exception of one vote in 1996, when she she was a freshman Senator, and under extreme pressure from the freshly-minted GOP majority in Congress, Snowe has consistently voted in favor of gay rights. Human Rights Campaign gives her a lifetime rating of 78% in favor of gay rights, which is ahead of even many Democrats. Anyone who thinks Snowe is "too liberal" to get the GOP nomination, should think again. Her seniority in the Senate (36th overall, and 12th in the Republican caucus, ranking member of the Small Business Committee) gives her clout, and her moderate record gives her a bipartisan appeal. She would draw women, independents, and business interests. The state of Maine, which is a dependably Democratic state, has consistently re-elected her in the 70%+ range her entire 35-year career. She's the Hillary Clinton of Maine; she was elected Senator while she was still First Lady of the Pine Tree State. (Although she had already been in elected office 20 years at that point, and the governor was her 2nd marriage.)
Now, I'm not saying if Olympia Snowe runs for president the GOP will go pro-gay. The point I am getting at is this: moderate Republicans like Snowe are gaining a lot more attention, respect, and political sway than they have enjoyed in quite some time. Larger, more exciting news washed Arlen Specter's defection to the Democratic party out of the media loop, however, the importance of it should not be overlooked. Specter was a veteran Republican, who got pushed out of the GOP by the ultra-Right, and instead of crying, "good riddance," the GOP freaked. They quickly regained their composure and started bad-mouthing Specter, but the initial panic over the loss should tell us all we need to know: the GOP has lost its center, and unless they find a new message, and a new messenger, and fast, they are in trouble. Dick Cheney recently spoke out in favor of gay marriage. Dick Cheney. Likely because he has a gay daughter, Cheney has fairly consistently spoken and voted in favor of GLBT rights. My point is, if a hardliner, ultra-Conservative neocon like Cheney can support gay rights, any Republican can.
There is an opening for the GOP right now. The gay community is not happy with President Obama, and why should they be? We have a Democrat in the Oval Office, Democrats have control of Congress, and popular support for gay equality is at an all-time high nationwide, and yet the current administration persists in back-burnering pro-gay legislation, even goes so far as to defend anti-gay legislation already on the books, that the self-same president vowed on the campaign trail to repeal. Since 2004, the Log Cabin Republican, the GOP gay caucus, have been forging an increasingly stronger partnership with moderate congressional organizations like the Republican Main Street Partnership, which has a strong presence in the House of Representatives, and has attracted big name Senators such as Snowe and John McCain, and whose 8-member Board of Directors contains 6 members from states that currently have or are actively debating pro-gay rights legislation. In 2008, in spite of Obama's landslide win, the closest spread between Obama and McCain was Independents.
Minority voters tipped the balance in Obama's favor, and while we tend to think of "minorities" as racial minorities, at least 5 million self-identified gay and lesbian individuals voted in the 2008 presidential election. And 1.3 million of them voted for John McCain, or 27%, which is up 20% from 2004. If there is no repeal of DOMA, DADT, or any further regressive behavior from Democrats toward the GLBT constituency (even perceived regressiveness) those other 3.7 million voters just might look another direction in 2012. And, if the religious right stays home on election day, like the LA Times seems to think, Republicans will have even greater leisure to expand their base. 5 million votes, or more, is a pretty attractive lure. And, if statistics are right, there are somewhere between 35-50 million gay people in the United States, which means it is a huge untapped voter base, who just might come out on election day if the right political party said the right thing. And at this point, I don't hear Democrats saying it.
Here's the rub: I have more faith in Conservatives than him, and Maxomai has more faith in Liberals than me. Another friend of mine put it quite bluntly, saying, "If the GOP quits viewing the fundies as their base and instead sheds them like the albatross they are, I would agree with you." I would only add that I believe the Democrats need to shed the ultra-Left just as badly.
Well, the LA Times thinks that the religious right is going to do the dirty work for the GOP, and shove off on their own. They are advancing the idea that the rash of sex, drug, and dishonesty scandals over the last few years throughout the Republican party have left a bad taste in the mouth of Evangelicals and that they will retreat from politics again; they assert that the wave of religious-right involvement in government spurred by the final decadences of the 1970's has run its course, and they will now withdraw again, to keep their own noses clean. I can see a lot of sense in this. You can only support a group or organization who professes your beliefs but regularly abandons them, and remains unrepentant, for so long. Actions do speak louder than words. Just ask the gay constituency, who are responding with lightening speed to President Obama's tepid efforts to support gay rights. They yanked the rug out from under Democrats with no hesitation whatsoever. Or, more accurately, they closed their checkbooks.
Let me ask you this: What if Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) ran for President in 2012? With the exception of one vote in 1996, when she she was a freshman Senator, and under extreme pressure from the freshly-minted GOP majority in Congress, Snowe has consistently voted in favor of gay rights. Human Rights Campaign gives her a lifetime rating of 78% in favor of gay rights, which is ahead of even many Democrats. Anyone who thinks Snowe is "too liberal" to get the GOP nomination, should think again. Her seniority in the Senate (36th overall, and 12th in the Republican caucus, ranking member of the Small Business Committee) gives her clout, and her moderate record gives her a bipartisan appeal. She would draw women, independents, and business interests. The state of Maine, which is a dependably Democratic state, has consistently re-elected her in the 70%+ range her entire 35-year career. She's the Hillary Clinton of Maine; she was elected Senator while she was still First Lady of the Pine Tree State. (Although she had already been in elected office 20 years at that point, and the governor was her 2nd marriage.)
Now, I'm not saying if Olympia Snowe runs for president the GOP will go pro-gay. The point I am getting at is this: moderate Republicans like Snowe are gaining a lot more attention, respect, and political sway than they have enjoyed in quite some time. Larger, more exciting news washed Arlen Specter's defection to the Democratic party out of the media loop, however, the importance of it should not be overlooked. Specter was a veteran Republican, who got pushed out of the GOP by the ultra-Right, and instead of crying, "good riddance," the GOP freaked. They quickly regained their composure and started bad-mouthing Specter, but the initial panic over the loss should tell us all we need to know: the GOP has lost its center, and unless they find a new message, and a new messenger, and fast, they are in trouble. Dick Cheney recently spoke out in favor of gay marriage. Dick Cheney. Likely because he has a gay daughter, Cheney has fairly consistently spoken and voted in favor of GLBT rights. My point is, if a hardliner, ultra-Conservative neocon like Cheney can support gay rights, any Republican can.
There is an opening for the GOP right now. The gay community is not happy with President Obama, and why should they be? We have a Democrat in the Oval Office, Democrats have control of Congress, and popular support for gay equality is at an all-time high nationwide, and yet the current administration persists in back-burnering pro-gay legislation, even goes so far as to defend anti-gay legislation already on the books, that the self-same president vowed on the campaign trail to repeal. Since 2004, the Log Cabin Republican, the GOP gay caucus, have been forging an increasingly stronger partnership with moderate congressional organizations like the Republican Main Street Partnership, which has a strong presence in the House of Representatives, and has attracted big name Senators such as Snowe and John McCain, and whose 8-member Board of Directors contains 6 members from states that currently have or are actively debating pro-gay rights legislation. In 2008, in spite of Obama's landslide win, the closest spread between Obama and McCain was Independents.
Minority voters tipped the balance in Obama's favor, and while we tend to think of "minorities" as racial minorities, at least 5 million self-identified gay and lesbian individuals voted in the 2008 presidential election. And 1.3 million of them voted for John McCain, or 27%, which is up 20% from 2004. If there is no repeal of DOMA, DADT, or any further regressive behavior from Democrats toward the GLBT constituency (even perceived regressiveness) those other 3.7 million voters just might look another direction in 2012. And, if the religious right stays home on election day, like the LA Times seems to think, Republicans will have even greater leisure to expand their base. 5 million votes, or more, is a pretty attractive lure. And, if statistics are right, there are somewhere between 35-50 million gay people in the United States, which means it is a huge untapped voter base, who just might come out on election day if the right political party said the right thing. And at this point, I don't hear Democrats saying it.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Don't Disappoint Me, Maine
The PR firm that organized the Prop 8 drive in California has been hired in the state of Maine to help overturn the gay marriage law that will go into effect in September. GLBT activists in the state have responded by hiring Jesse Connolly, chief of staff to House Speaker Hannah Pingree, who will take a leave of absence from the State house to resume his activist work. Connolly led the successful 2005 effort, "Maine Won't Discriminate," which protected the state's existing gay rights.
The state of Maine has consistently rejected anti-gay legislation, as early as 1991. I have cause to hope they will reject the new challenges coming their way now. Don't disappoint me, Maine.
The state of Maine has consistently rejected anti-gay legislation, as early as 1991. I have cause to hope they will reject the new challenges coming their way now. Don't disappoint me, Maine.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Money DOES Talk
One day. Just one day after prominent GLBT figures withdrew from a $1000-a-plate Democratic fundraiser in protest of President Obama's lack of movement on his campaign promises to the gay community, the White House is announcing that the president will extend benefits to same-sex partners who are federal employees. It is seen as "throwing a bone" to the gay constituency. News sources are saying these benefits will not include health benefits, so it's a bone with no marrow. As good as this could be in the long run, I'm still leaving my Obama pom-poms under the bed. As I've said several times now, the time for compromises are over; I expect full citizenship, now, no conditions, no partial benefits, no appeasement. But, one thing is certain, and obvious from this situation: money does talk.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tuesday Bits & Pieces - June 16th, 2009
Transparency -- not so much
"My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government...Government should be transparent. Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset. My Administration will take appropriate action, consistent with law and policy, to disclose information rapidly in forms that the public can readily find and use. Executive departments and agencies should harness new technologies to put information about their operations and decisions online and readily available to the public. Executive departments and agencies should also solicit public feedback to identify information of greatest use to the public." Barack Obama
So, is that why the Obama administration is continuing a Bush administration policy of refusing to publish visitor logs at the White House? In spite of multiple rulings by US federal judges stating that such records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Full story.
I'd say this goes on the same list as the President's near-total failure to keep his "five days sunlight before signing" promise (that laws passed by Congress would appear on the White House website for 5 days before they were signed into law). Only 8 out of 21 so far have even been posted, let alone sat there for 5 days. People might find this kind of nit-picking to be minor, but you can't just say this stuff then not do it. Tally here.
California Goes Broke, Washington In Denial
The state of California, 8th largest economy in the world, is looking at a $24 Billion dollar budget shortfall this July 1st, a deficit that would effectively close the state government down. Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Democratic state leadership have already threatened to cut state welfare programs, which would leave over 1.3 million of California's poorest residents without support or resources. Thus far, calls for federal aid have fallen on dead ears. (I suppose if it was Silicon Valley or Hollywood that was falling apart, we'd be all over it, but you can't buy the state of California with a brokered bankruptcy agreement...) Full story.
Cure For Most Common Form of Leukemia Found
Scientists affiliated with the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, one of the nation's leading genetic and cancer research institutes, have announced that they believe they have found a cure for chronic themyeloid leukemia. Full story.
Middle East 'Peace Process' Gets Muddy
This article seems to both praise and challenge President Obama on his Middle East foreign policy drives. As I have said many times, I think foreign policy is one of things the Obama administration is doing right. And I believe it is in large part due to the rock solid partnership between the President and Secretary Clinton. At the moment, with potentially corrupt elections, riots and international outcry in Iran, the President is facing a credibility challenge -- the credibility of his continued drive to reopen diplomatic relations with Tehran. What I find ironic about this whole situation is that these protests in Iran are the very grassroots building blocks of representative democracy, and yet somehow, the media is spinning it to look like the US failed in some way. When in reality, I've seen little change in US policy toward Iran. President Obama continues to speak for the diplomatic process, backed by strong words from the State department, and continued pressure on Israel not to complicate the situation further. The idea that is out-moded is that we need to choose between Israel and Iran, something that President Obama obviously is not willing to do. I believe that Iran, if it is not already, will become a nuclear state, which means we need further engagement with them, not to shun them just because we don't like the outcome of their elections. We've bungled things with Iran before, and the comparison (to Jimmy Carter) is not one the president can afford. We need to press on, no matter what happens in Iran. As strong a critic of Obama as I am, in this, I have to say: a little patience, please.
Washington D.C. Upholds Pro-Gay Law
Last month the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics voted to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states or municipalities. This week they denied a referendum challenge to this rule, stating that the referendum would "authorize discrimination based on sexual orientation, which is prohibited under D.C.'s Human Rights Act." Full story.
In related news, prominent gay activists are saying, "No thanks," to the DNC.
David Mixner made the following statement concerning his withdrawal from a Democratic fundraiser hosted by Vice President Biden for the DNC:
Amen, brother! How will they ever take us seriously if we keep forking out money while they harm us. According to an extensive study by UCLA, consumer buying power of the GLBT population will reach at least $712 Billion this year. (Equivalent to 91% of the TARP funds authorized by Congress in 2008, designed to rescue the American economy.) Yes, gay people have a voice, and it may well be heard through their checkbooks.
If I'm right, and I believe I am, the Republicans are going to flip in favor of same-sex marriage, Obama and Democrats are in danger of getting their base stolen.
"My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government...Government should be transparent. Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset. My Administration will take appropriate action, consistent with law and policy, to disclose information rapidly in forms that the public can readily find and use. Executive departments and agencies should harness new technologies to put information about their operations and decisions online and readily available to the public. Executive departments and agencies should also solicit public feedback to identify information of greatest use to the public." Barack Obama
So, is that why the Obama administration is continuing a Bush administration policy of refusing to publish visitor logs at the White House? In spite of multiple rulings by US federal judges stating that such records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Full story.
I'd say this goes on the same list as the President's near-total failure to keep his "five days sunlight before signing" promise (that laws passed by Congress would appear on the White House website for 5 days before they were signed into law). Only 8 out of 21 so far have even been posted, let alone sat there for 5 days. People might find this kind of nit-picking to be minor, but you can't just say this stuff then not do it. Tally here.
California Goes Broke, Washington In Denial
The state of California, 8th largest economy in the world, is looking at a $24 Billion dollar budget shortfall this July 1st, a deficit that would effectively close the state government down. Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Democratic state leadership have already threatened to cut state welfare programs, which would leave over 1.3 million of California's poorest residents without support or resources. Thus far, calls for federal aid have fallen on dead ears. (I suppose if it was Silicon Valley or Hollywood that was falling apart, we'd be all over it, but you can't buy the state of California with a brokered bankruptcy agreement...) Full story.
Cure For Most Common Form of Leukemia Found
Scientists affiliated with the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, one of the nation's leading genetic and cancer research institutes, have announced that they believe they have found a cure for chronic themyeloid leukemia. Full story.
Middle East 'Peace Process' Gets Muddy
This article seems to both praise and challenge President Obama on his Middle East foreign policy drives. As I have said many times, I think foreign policy is one of things the Obama administration is doing right. And I believe it is in large part due to the rock solid partnership between the President and Secretary Clinton. At the moment, with potentially corrupt elections, riots and international outcry in Iran, the President is facing a credibility challenge -- the credibility of his continued drive to reopen diplomatic relations with Tehran. What I find ironic about this whole situation is that these protests in Iran are the very grassroots building blocks of representative democracy, and yet somehow, the media is spinning it to look like the US failed in some way. When in reality, I've seen little change in US policy toward Iran. President Obama continues to speak for the diplomatic process, backed by strong words from the State department, and continued pressure on Israel not to complicate the situation further. The idea that is out-moded is that we need to choose between Israel and Iran, something that President Obama obviously is not willing to do. I believe that Iran, if it is not already, will become a nuclear state, which means we need further engagement with them, not to shun them just because we don't like the outcome of their elections. We've bungled things with Iran before, and the comparison (to Jimmy Carter) is not one the president can afford. We need to press on, no matter what happens in Iran. As strong a critic of Obama as I am, in this, I have to say: a little patience, please.
Washington D.C. Upholds Pro-Gay Law
Last month the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics voted to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states or municipalities. This week they denied a referendum challenge to this rule, stating that the referendum would "authorize discrimination based on sexual orientation, which is prohibited under D.C.'s Human Rights Act." Full story.
In related news, prominent gay activists are saying, "No thanks," to the DNC.
David Mixner made the following statement concerning his withdrawal from a Democratic fundraiser hosted by Vice President Biden for the DNC:
"I will not attend a fundraiser for the National Democratic Party in Washington next week when the current administration is responsible for these kind of actions," Mixner wrote of a motion to dismiss a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act that drew a parallel between same-sex marriage to incestuous marriage. "How will they ever take us seriously if we keep forking out money while they harm us. For now on, my money is going to battles within the community such as the fight in Maine or the March on Washington! I am so tired of being told by Democratic operatives to 'suck it up' because so many other profound issues are at stake." Full story.
Amen, brother! How will they ever take us seriously if we keep forking out money while they harm us. According to an extensive study by UCLA, consumer buying power of the GLBT population will reach at least $712 Billion this year. (Equivalent to 91% of the TARP funds authorized by Congress in 2008, designed to rescue the American economy.) Yes, gay people have a voice, and it may well be heard through their checkbooks.
If I'm right, and I believe I am, the Republicans are going to flip in favor of same-sex marriage, Obama and Democrats are in danger of getting their base stolen.
Monday, June 15, 2009
GOP Over The Rainbow
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Obama Defends DOMA
Read this article and tell me if you still think Barack Obama intends to deliver on his promises to the gay community. I personally have heard quite enough of this, "for the time being it is the law of the land," BS, and other such crap like, "Stand with me and I'll stand with you." Say whatever you have to in order to get elected...
Monday, June 8, 2009
Gay Governor In Minnesota?
Minnesota stands a chance of electing a gay governor. And, he's a Republican.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Domestic Partnerships Legal In Nevada
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Obama Makes Light of Prop 8 Protesters
At a California Democratic fundraiser, Wednesday, May 27th, with hundreds of Prop 8 protesters outside, President Obama openly dismissed them by making a joke about not knowing "what promise" they were talking about. See the video here. He later backpedaled a little bit and spun out some generic rhetoric about "standing with him." How about you stand with me, Mr. President?
Someone pointed out to me the other day that Obama's tepid stance on GLBT issues may in fact be supported by the idea: What are you going to do, vote for Palin in 2012? Tell you what, I just might. I came within a moment's hesitation of voting for John McCain this time. And if I have another president who doesn't care about my civil right, why should it matter if I vote for a different one who doesn't care? In fact, having a president who openly despises me just might inflame the community enough to get a unified movement going, instead of this half-baked "wait and see" and "stand with me" crap that just keeps people hanging on a thread.
I just can't get over the hypocrisy of it. The first black man to be President of the United States won't come within striking distance of the last legally sanctioned discrimination in America. And, while he was in California-- California for God sake -- with Prop 8 protesters outside, he has the chops to make a dismissive comment like that. As I've said before, and likely will say again, one of the reasons people hate Conservatives is because they're not ashamed of what they believe. So called "liberals" need to dodge and spew out empty crowd-pleaser rhetoric and make off the cuff offensive jokes that they can later deny. So, come 2012, unless there has been substantive progress on guaranteeing full civil rights for gay Americans from the White House.... You betcha! I just might vote for someone else.
Someone pointed out to me the other day that Obama's tepid stance on GLBT issues may in fact be supported by the idea: What are you going to do, vote for Palin in 2012? Tell you what, I just might. I came within a moment's hesitation of voting for John McCain this time. And if I have another president who doesn't care about my civil right, why should it matter if I vote for a different one who doesn't care? In fact, having a president who openly despises me just might inflame the community enough to get a unified movement going, instead of this half-baked "wait and see" and "stand with me" crap that just keeps people hanging on a thread.
I just can't get over the hypocrisy of it. The first black man to be President of the United States won't come within striking distance of the last legally sanctioned discrimination in America. And, while he was in California-- California for God sake -- with Prop 8 protesters outside, he has the chops to make a dismissive comment like that. As I've said before, and likely will say again, one of the reasons people hate Conservatives is because they're not ashamed of what they believe. So called "liberals" need to dodge and spew out empty crowd-pleaser rhetoric and make off the cuff offensive jokes that they can later deny. So, come 2012, unless there has been substantive progress on guaranteeing full civil rights for gay Americans from the White House.... You betcha! I just might vote for someone else.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Prop 8 Upheld By California Supreme Court
The California Supreme Court today upheld Proposition 8, which outlawed gay marriage in California in Nov., 2008. The court ruled unanimously that Prop 8 will not be retroactive, and all same-sex couples who were legally married in California prior to the passage of Prop 8 will remain legally married. Full Story. Regardless of this small concession, it is sad and discouraging day for the gay civil rights movement.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
More Backpedaling on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
President Obama is reported to be having "active conversations" on changing or repealing the military policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which forces gay service members to stay in the closet, or risk being discharged from the armed forces. So far, on the "Do List" (as opposed to the "Talk About It List") the President has done nothing and called it doing something, i.e., not challenging a Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that allowed a lesbian Air Force officer to stay in the service. Do I need to point out the obvious here? That doing nothing is still doing nothing? That not doing something George Bush wanted done really doesn't count, since he's not president any more?
The Star Tribune also points out that President Obama could intervene in discrimination-based discharges of gay service members by issuing stop-loss orders. And of course the Defense Department wants more time before DADT is repealed, because the process will be so "polarizing." Um... news flash: these people already serve in the armed forces, you probably know who they are, albeit unofficially -- believe me, gay people are experts at letting their sexuality be known without ever saying it; we've been practicing since the first time we got beat up or laughed at on the playground. Repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell isn't the precursor to a wave of homosexuals rushing to the recruitment office. And probably no more gay sex than was already happening will happen -- because, again, as we know, it's not so much gay people as gay sex that has the homophobes all in a tizzy.
Meanwhile, in spite of President Obama's (so far false) rhetoric in favor of repealing DADT, people are still being discharged from the military at alarming rates. Apparently dozens of gay graduates at West Point military academy came out recently in protest, trying to force the President's hand. I've got a recommendation for the President: It's called an Executive Order, Mr. President. White House sources say the president is resistant to an executive order because he wants Congress to deal with it, to ensure "fundamental change." Sounds more to me like the president is running scared from a hot button issue.
The Star Tribune also points out that President Obama could intervene in discrimination-based discharges of gay service members by issuing stop-loss orders. And of course the Defense Department wants more time before DADT is repealed, because the process will be so "polarizing." Um... news flash: these people already serve in the armed forces, you probably know who they are, albeit unofficially -- believe me, gay people are experts at letting their sexuality be known without ever saying it; we've been practicing since the first time we got beat up or laughed at on the playground. Repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell isn't the precursor to a wave of homosexuals rushing to the recruitment office. And probably no more gay sex than was already happening will happen -- because, again, as we know, it's not so much gay people as gay sex that has the homophobes all in a tizzy.
Meanwhile, in spite of President Obama's (so far false) rhetoric in favor of repealing DADT, people are still being discharged from the military at alarming rates. Apparently dozens of gay graduates at West Point military academy came out recently in protest, trying to force the President's hand. I've got a recommendation for the President: It's called an Executive Order, Mr. President. White House sources say the president is resistant to an executive order because he wants Congress to deal with it, to ensure "fundamental change." Sounds more to me like the president is running scared from a hot button issue.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Domestic Partner Bill In Nevada Will Be A Big Fight
The Nevada state legislature on Thursday passed a bill granting domestic partnership rights to same sex (and heterosexual) couples. The state governor, Republican Jim Gibbons, has promised to veto. State senator, David Parks, a gay Democrat from Las Vegas, claims he has the votes to overturn a veto. So, the pissing contest has begun. The voting contest can't be far behind.
Hillary Goes To Bat For Gay Diplomats
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced that she will provide equal benefits for partners of gay U.S. Diplomats stationed in foreign countries. Because of the current regulations under DOMA and other federal laws, these benefits cannot be offered inside the US, yet. In this instance, hopefully where Hillary leads, President Obama, whose follow-through on campaign promises to the GLBT community has been tepid at best, will follow. Secretary Clinton was quick to embrace the gay community in her 2008 presidential campaign, causing a fluster of copy-catting from the Obama campaign; maybe that same urgency will carry over to the Oval Office, as well.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Maine Senate Passes Same Sex Marriage Law
Following on the heels of New Hampshire, the state Senate in Maine has passed a bill re-defining marriage as "between two people" rather than between a man and a woman. Maine Governor, John Baldacci (D) has pledged to "keep an open mind" on the matter, and the Democratically controlled state has a fairly decent record on human rights. Massachusetts pioneered the movement and legalized same-sex marriage in 2003, becoming the first state to allow gay marriage. In November 2008, Connecticut followed suit, then in a single week in April 2009, first Iowa then Vermont did the same. A round of polls this week indicates the majority of the US now favors legal recognition for gay couples, and for repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell," in favor of allowing gay members of the Armed Services to be open about their sexuality. (Note that I despise the term, "openly gay." So, are people, "openly straight"? Ug.)
The state of New York is hemming and hawing over passage of a similar law, with Gov. David Patterson pushing for the vote in Albany, the state capital, but lawmakers are hesitating, claiming the want to "make sure they have the votes." It's an encouraging sign, however, that the governor, Patterson, is openly criticizing opponents of gay marriage, saying guilt propels them to hate. The state of Nevada just passed a domestic partnership law, giving possible signs that a marriage initiative could be next. Sen. John McCain (R-NV) has recently made statements in favor of recognizing same sex couples legally, which is an encouraging sign as well. These statements came directly on the heels of his daughter, Meghan McCain's editorial calling for a "Gayer GOP."
Meanwhile in California, the "Gay State," haters have a new poster girl:Miss. Haterfornia Miss California, who after getting booed on stage for saying she believes marriage is between a man and a woman -- to celebrity judge Perez Hilton of all people--, and likely losing the Miss USA pageant over it, is now appearing in an anti-gay ad campaign. In November, "Prop 8," an anti-gay marriage law was passed in California, and the state Supreme Court will be ruling on the decision sometime before June 3rd. Who would have thought California would become the touchstone for anti-gay sentiment. It seems however, that the rest of the country is reacting, and reacting with a, "Oh really? Well, look what we can do, oh so liberal, cool California. We can let gay people get married. In Iowa."
I have to say I'm pretty pleased to see what is becoming a snowball effect on same sex marriage. Activists are approaching lawmakers the right way this time: as an equity issue, and as a Constitutional issue, not as a social issue, or even specifically a gay issue. State governors and legislators are being painted into a corner in a way, now that the debate is being framed on equality; you can't single out a specific group of people and deny them rights guaranteed to them by State and Federal constitutions. Hopefully the days of Anita Bryant, where gay people were grouped with prostitutes and thieves (ok don't get me started on prostitution and what's not wrong with that...) are behind us. With the exception of Miss California, but I doubt she'll get the toe-hold Anita got. Note she got booed, and denied a crown over it, not a standing ovation.
Of note as well, Sweden legalized gay marriage today, May 1, 2009, as well, redefining their marriage laws with gender-neutral language.
The state of New York is hemming and hawing over passage of a similar law, with Gov. David Patterson pushing for the vote in Albany, the state capital, but lawmakers are hesitating, claiming the want to "make sure they have the votes." It's an encouraging sign, however, that the governor, Patterson, is openly criticizing opponents of gay marriage, saying guilt propels them to hate. The state of Nevada just passed a domestic partnership law, giving possible signs that a marriage initiative could be next. Sen. John McCain (R-NV) has recently made statements in favor of recognizing same sex couples legally, which is an encouraging sign as well. These statements came directly on the heels of his daughter, Meghan McCain's editorial calling for a "Gayer GOP."
Meanwhile in California, the "Gay State," haters have a new poster girl:
I have to say I'm pretty pleased to see what is becoming a snowball effect on same sex marriage. Activists are approaching lawmakers the right way this time: as an equity issue, and as a Constitutional issue, not as a social issue, or even specifically a gay issue. State governors and legislators are being painted into a corner in a way, now that the debate is being framed on equality; you can't single out a specific group of people and deny them rights guaranteed to them by State and Federal constitutions. Hopefully the days of Anita Bryant, where gay people were grouped with prostitutes and thieves (ok don't get me started on prostitution and what's not wrong with that...) are behind us. With the exception of Miss California, but I doubt she'll get the toe-hold Anita got. Note she got booed, and denied a crown over it, not a standing ovation.
Of note as well, Sweden legalized gay marriage today, May 1, 2009, as well, redefining their marriage laws with gender-neutral language.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Gov. Patterson Introduces Gay Marriage Bill
New York Governor David Paterson introduced a bill Thursday to the New York legislature which would legalize gay marriage in New York State, to thunderous applause. Standing side by side with NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, Paterson declared, "The time has come to bring marriage equality to the state of New York." Full story HERE.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Gayer GOP
Meghan McCain, daughter of Sen. John McCain says in order to regain lost political traction, we need a "gayer GOP." She says, "Republican resistance to gay marriage goes against conservative values—and our own self-interest." Her argument is further analyzed and supported by Kristen Soltis at the New Right, HERE. First, let me say, bravo Meghan and Kristen. This is a theory I have long believed; first, that increased personal liberty and choice is highly consistent with Republican core values, and second, that (as I have said many times,) the GOP needs to reevaluate some of their tired old rhetoric that even they don't believe any more. Gay marriage, even (gasp!) gay sex, does not threated Conservative morals. No more than women voting or blacks becoming citizens does. The spectrum of personalities within the GLBT "community" certainly includes conservatives, just as many or more than the ultra-liberal gay people who get so much face time in the media. No one wants to watch an MTV special about the sober, straight-laced, middle class conservative gay guys who work on a farm. Drag queens and exaggeratedly stereotypical over-the-top 20-somethings are a lot more exciting, and polarizing. As much as this kind of polarization is necessary and (according to me,) welcomed, it is not in fact representative of the overall homosexual populace in America. As gay people and gay lives get more and more exposure, more and more freedom and legal protections, and more and more notice in day to day life, we can see for real that gay people really are just like everyone else. Meghan McCain is probably right: if the GOP relaxed its rhetoric about homosexuals, they might achieve the first steps in a contemporary Conservative revival, one that might actually be forward-thinking, like the Republicans used to be, "back in the day."
Allow me to finish with a quote by Meghan McCain, which sums up exactly what I mean:
There just might be hope for the GOP yet.
Allow me to finish with a quote by Meghan McCain, which sums up exactly what I mean:
I am a woman who despises labels and boxes and stereotypes. Recently, I seemed to have rocked a few individuals within my party by saying that I am a pro-life, pro-gay-marriage Republican. So if anyone is still confused, let me spell it out for you. I believe life begins at conception and I believe that people who fall in love should have the option to get married. Lest we forget, our founding document, the Declaration of Independence, grants the same rights to everyone in this country—“All men are created equal.” If you think certain rights should not apply to certain people, then you are saying those people are not equal. People may always have a difference of opinion on certain lifestyles, but championing a position that wants to treat people unequally isn't just un-Republican. At its fundamental core, it's un-American.
There just might be hope for the GOP yet.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Vermont Legalizes Gay Marriage
After a 9-year battle, the state of Vermont has fully legalized gay marriage (rather than the lukewarm consolation prize of "civil union"). Bravo, Vermont!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Iowa Legalizes Gay Marriage
The Iowa Supreme Court has spoken. Unanimously. “The Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution.” Effective April 24th, 2009, gay and lesbian couples in Iowa will be allowed to get married, not civil partnership, but legal marriage, the same as any straight couple. Bravo, Iowa!
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