Ms. Spears just released a new video for her new single "3." It seems that the hype surrounding this song is better than the song itself. And as far as Britney videos go, this one is rather bland. See for yourself.
Feel good music over the Rockies...
ABOARD VIRGIN AMERICA Flight 71 -- Still flying across America and nursing a sprained knee. Just about to cruise over the Rocky Mountains! This song always makes me feel good...maybe you will like it too. It's "Forever Young" by Alphaville.
President Obama signs historic hate crimes bill
Fulfilling a campaign promise and ending a decade of advocacy, President Barack Obama has signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hates Crimes Act into law. The historic moment took place earlier this afternoon at the White House.
This historic event marks the first substantive change that the president has delivered. And he deserves much credit. A great deal of credit also goes to the late Ted Kennedy. No one made this day more possible than the liberal lion.
Kudos also the Senator Harry Reid. Though I'm not a fan of Sen. Reid, it was his idea to attach the bill to the Defense Reauthorization Bill and it worked! Well done, Sen. Reid.
This historic event marks the first substantive change that the president has delivered. And he deserves much credit. A great deal of credit also goes to the late Ted Kennedy. No one made this day more possible than the liberal lion.
Kudos also the Senator Harry Reid. Though I'm not a fan of Sen. Reid, it was his idea to attach the bill to the Defense Reauthorization Bill and it worked! Well done, Sen. Reid.
Technology & Health - Wonderful Things
I'm posting this blog from approximately 32,000 feet above Earth. I'm aboard a Virgin America jet on my way to San Francisco for the United States Conference on AIDS. I think it's fabulously amazing that I can blog from med-air! (Though this may be a common occurrence for some, it's the first time for me.)
I was also reminded today that good health is precious and we should always be mindful of it. On my way of out my house this afternoon I slipped on the leaves that were covering the steps that lead to my front porch. I sprained my right knee. Needless to say, my immense excitement about spending 5 days in sunny San Francisco was greatly tempered.
Once I got to the airport, I could barely walk without assistance and I had to be pushed around the airport in a wheelchair. It's amazing how people stare!
So many thoughts raced through my mind. I was careless to be in such a hurry in leaving; missing a plane would have been preferable to spraining my knee. I'm also thinking of the Afghan woman who was so kind in wheeling me through the airport. She's been in America for 14 years and is trying to become an American citizen. She said that I reminded her of her 24-year-old son. She even shared a picture; he's handsome. I can't pronounce her name, but I will forever remember her face and kindness.
My cocktail should be here soon...here's to technology and good heath.
I was also reminded today that good health is precious and we should always be mindful of it. On my way of out my house this afternoon I slipped on the leaves that were covering the steps that lead to my front porch. I sprained my right knee. Needless to say, my immense excitement about spending 5 days in sunny San Francisco was greatly tempered.
Once I got to the airport, I could barely walk without assistance and I had to be pushed around the airport in a wheelchair. It's amazing how people stare!
So many thoughts raced through my mind. I was careless to be in such a hurry in leaving; missing a plane would have been preferable to spraining my knee. I'm also thinking of the Afghan woman who was so kind in wheeling me through the airport. She's been in America for 14 years and is trying to become an American citizen. She said that I reminded her of her 24-year-old son. She even shared a picture; he's handsome. I can't pronounce her name, but I will forever remember her face and kindness.
My cocktail should be here soon...here's to technology and good heath.
Too many things, part IV
"American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert just released the cover artwork for his debut album. And you actually thought the days of "Solid Gold" were over! (The CD is due out Nov. 23.)
Colbert urges defeat of R-71
BACKGROUND: Washington state has a law granting "everything but marriage" benefits to its LGBT citizens. An anti-gay group called Protect Marriage Washington has successfully placed an initiative on the ballot, R-71, that would overturn the state law. There has been an ongoing dispute over the names of those who signed the petition to get R-71 on the ballot. Some people want the names to be made public and others do not.
On his show last night, Stephen Colbert waded into the ongoing fight over R-71 in Washington state. As I've said previously, there is no reason to release the names of the people who signed the petition against marriage equality in Washington. And even though it's been entertaining folly to watch people fight over names, it's far more important that R-71 is defeated, which is Colbert's exact point.
On his show last night, Stephen Colbert waded into the ongoing fight over R-71 in Washington state. As I've said previously, there is no reason to release the names of the people who signed the petition against marriage equality in Washington. And even though it's been entertaining folly to watch people fight over names, it's far more important that R-71 is defeated, which is Colbert's exact point.
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| The Word - Don't Ask Don't Tell | ||||
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Happy Birthday Hillary!
Today is Hillary's 62nd birthday. The American people have already given her a great present -- her job approval rating is at 62%, which is higher than President Obama's current job approval rating. I have no doubt that Hillary is somewhere enjoying a nice glass of wine and a hearty laugh.
I celebrated Hillary's birhtday by watching the concession speech again from her historic presidential campaign. It is one of the greatest speeches that Hillary has ever delivered. Happy Birthday to a remarkable woman.
I celebrated Hillary's birhtday by watching the concession speech again from her historic presidential campaign. It is one of the greatest speeches that Hillary has ever delivered. Happy Birthday to a remarkable woman.
Schumer on the state of the public option
Appearing on "Meet the Press" this morning, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) did a good job of explaining the type of public option that may end up in the final Senate health care reform bill. Surprisingly, public opinion has completely turned in favor of the public option since the summer. Given this turn of events, it is somewhat jarring that Democrats are still unwilling to go for a full, progressive public option -- the type that competes directly with private insurance and features no co-opts or opt outs.
The next week will be critical. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has asked her caucus to announce where they stand on the public option. In other words, she has no idea whether or not she has the 218 votes she would need to pass her bill in the House. Though she could probably twist enough arms to hit the magic number if necessary. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will have a tougher job as senators don't scare quite so easily. We can only hope that the change in public opinion will put pressure on conservative Democrats to vote for a real public option.
UPDATE 10/26/09: Senator Harry Reid announces bill with opt out public option.
The next week will be critical. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has asked her caucus to announce where they stand on the public option. In other words, she has no idea whether or not she has the 218 votes she would need to pass her bill in the House. Though she could probably twist enough arms to hit the magic number if necessary. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will have a tougher job as senators don't scare quite so easily. We can only hope that the change in public opinion will put pressure on conservative Democrats to vote for a real public option.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
UPDATE 10/26/09: Senator Harry Reid announces bill with opt out public option.
Kano - 'Another Life'
This song has been in my head all day, so I decided to share it with you. It's yet another classic 80s clip. Can you name even two things about Kano? I thought not! (I think this may have even been me in a former life...you never know.) Enjoy.
After a decade, Hate Crimes law finally passed!
Earlier this evening the Senate gave its final approval to an expansion of the hate crimes law by a 68-29 vote on the conference report of the Defense Reauthorization Bill. The hate crimes bill now goes to President Obama for his signature. The president is expected to sign the bill into law next week.
The late Senator Ted Kennedy deserves so much credit for this day. It was Kennedy who tirelessly introduced this bill year after year after year, in an effort to get it passed. Senator Kennedy never saw a problem with attaching the legislation to the defense bill because he always said that our military fights for the freedom of others. He was right.
After all these years, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act is almost law. As it turns out, they didn't die in vain after all.
(Here is a clip of Matthew's mom Judy Shepard on "Ellen" from October 9th. This was just after the bill had been given final approval in the House.)
UPDATE 10/26/09: President Obama will sign the hate crimes bill into law on Wednesday, October 28.
The late Senator Ted Kennedy deserves so much credit for this day. It was Kennedy who tirelessly introduced this bill year after year after year, in an effort to get it passed. Senator Kennedy never saw a problem with attaching the legislation to the defense bill because he always said that our military fights for the freedom of others. He was right.
After all these years, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act is almost law. As it turns out, they didn't die in vain after all.
(Here is a clip of Matthew's mom Judy Shepard on "Ellen" from October 9th. This was just after the bill had been given final approval in the House.)
UPDATE 10/26/09: President Obama will sign the hate crimes bill into law on Wednesday, October 28.
Mario Lopez chats with Ellen
Super sexy Mario Lopez stopped by "Ellen" yesterday to gab about his new children's book, his recent participation in a triathlon and to get wet for charity! Enjoy.
The president's foolish war against Fox News
The war between the White House and Fox News Channel is now in its 10th day. This ridiculous battle began on Oct. 11 when Anita Dunn, communications director for the White House, went on national television and said that Fox News Channel is a "wing of the Republican party."This past weekend, Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel and Senior Adviser David Axelrod went on separate Sunday morning shows and continued the war -- saying that Fox News Channel is not a "real news station" and slants all the news towards conservative viewpoints. And today, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs used his daily briefing to question whether or not Fox News Channel should be included in the White House press pool.
Everyone with a brain in their head knows that Fox News Channel is conservative and critical of President Obama, but that doesn't make the White House's actions any more sane. In fact, it's downright foolish to pick a fight with a major news organization.
It's foolish for two reasons. First, it would be counterproductive for any news organization to take its cue from the White House. Though the White House is out to get Fox this week, it might be out to get ABC next week. And news organizations should never become a pawn in political fights.
Secondly, the White House charge that Fox News Channel is bias is self-serving. Sure Fox News Channel is bias, but so is MSNBC. The only difference is that MSNBC is pro-Obama while Fox News Channel is not. So in effect, the White House does not mind news organizations having a point of view as long as that point of view is consistent with its message. That's called a double standard and it's wrong.
The White House picked this fight to throw some red meat to its liberal base, but the president will suffer in the long run. The president's team has done nothing more than elevate Fox News and its minions Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck. Since this war began 10 days ago, Fox News Channel has gained even more viewers, which means even more money for the evil empire News Corp.
It's truly shameful that this administration would complain about its coverage at all. Throughout the entire campaign and thus far in the administration, the coverage of Barack Obama has been almost entirely favorable. As in the tank as the media has been for him, it's still not enough for President Obama; he wants absolutely zero dissent. That's un-American and dangerous for our republic. Even though Fox is conservative as hell, it is the only news organization that consistently asks tough questions. And that's not a bad thing.
Poor Whitney
Whitney Houston suffered a minor wardrobe malfunction while performing over the weekend. (It starts at about 2:20 in the clip.) She is clearly annoyed by it. But the most stunning thing about this clip is how awful she sounds! This woman's voice was once the most beautiful in all the world -- those days are gone. So sad.
Morehouse Man
Now this is interestingly foolish. Morehouse College, a private all-male African American institution in Atlanta, has instituted a "Appropriate Attire Policy." And one of the college's vice presidents bluntly admitted that the policy was created to eliminate cross-dressing."We are talking about five students who are living a gay lifestyle that is leading them to dress a way we do not expect in Morehouse men," said Dr. William Bynum, vice president for Student Services.
He actually said that to CNN!
As with most colleges nowadays, Morehouse does have a gay student group, which Bynum says he met with to get feedback. According to Bynum (pictured), the gay students group overwhelmingly endorsed the new policy. Wow.
I don't even know where to begin. Rarely are homophobic intellectuals ballsy enough to come right out and say they don't want diversity. But Dr. Bynum has no problem articulating what is the expectation for "Morehouse men." He even went so far as to say that of the 2700 students at Morehouse, this is really an issue with about 5 students. So, in effect, the college devised a dress code to prevent five queens from cross-dressing. Now that's power!
What's amazing to me is that Dr. Bynum and Morehouse are so stone age in their thinking. Black gay men do exist. And not all of them are so easily identifiable by what they wear or how they act. Does the college have a problem with gay men or just effeminate gay men? When you consider we're taking about African-Americans, we could debate that endlessly. Though it seems pretty obvious to me that any gay man would relish attending an all-male college! That's probably the selling point for a lot of young black gay men...and in Atlanta of all places.
The gay student group at Morehouse is called Safe Space and though this vice president says the group supports the new policy, one of it's leaders is definitely not in favor of this.
“Some believe that this restriction is what the entire policy is correlated around (being a strong black man). It is all an issue of perception and what manner of image you want to prescribe to,” Daniel Edwards, co-president of Safe Space, told the Atlanta Constitution.
Morehouse is a prestigious institution, but this policy is discriminatory and homophobic. Even worse, considering the nature of Morehouse, it's also laughable.
Barney Frank still doesn't get it on NEM
Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) appeared on the "Joy Behar Show" last night and explained his recent comments calling the National Equality March "useless." I commented about this last week.
As you might expect, Frank did not back down from his comments. (He never does.) The congressman believes that lobbying from home is more effective than petitioning the government directly. He is entitled to that misguided view, but he is not entitled to discourage people from marching for equal rights! It's sad, but Barney Frank still doesn't get it.
As you might expect, Frank did not back down from his comments. (He never does.) The congressman believes that lobbying from home is more effective than petitioning the government directly. He is entitled to that misguided view, but he is not entitled to discourage people from marching for equal rights! It's sad, but Barney Frank still doesn't get it.
Too many things, part III
Here is an interesting picture of Michael Lohan (Lindsay's father). I could say all sorts of things about this picture, but for once, I'm going to let this gem speak for itself.
180 Days
The man who killed Tony Randolph Hunter, a gay man from Maryland, will only spend 180 days in jail. Prosecutors claimed that the evidence was too shaky to go to trial on more severe charges. Hunter (pictured) was attacked near a gay bar in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 7, 2008. The man who killed Hunter claimed that he touched his crotch, provoking the attack. Hunter died 10 days later from a head injury sustained in the attack.Earlier today I posted an entry about Jack Price, the 49-year-old gay man who was beaten in New York City this weekend. The two men who attacked Price have been arrested. The police are pursuing the case as a hate crime, saying that Price was targeted because he is gay.
In the 8 months since I started this blog, I find myself mentioning hate crimes far too often. You may have noticed that I always mention the victim's name and never the suspects. It is intentional. It is my small way of putting a name (and sometimes a face) to these "hate crimes." Whenever I hear of a hate crime, I always think of how it could have so easily been me or one of my friends. I've traveled this country over, and at all hours, and I'm grateful that my guardian angels have kept me safe. But I think we should know and remember those in our community who are victims of hate. We owe it to them to know their stories; to know their names; to know what we are doing to prevent these things from happening again.
We need not know criminals by name; we only need to know that they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
We certainly should know what we are up against. Just today it was reported that House Minority Leader John Boehner does not believe that there should be hate crime laws protecting gays. That's easy for him to say...he's a white, straight Congressman with every privilege in the world! Typical.
We're also up against a system where it's okay to sentence someone to just 180 days in jail for killing a gay man. This in a society where you can be locked up for a year for tax evasion! It's outrageous and so sad.
The Senate will soon give its final approval to the Matthew Shepard hates crimes bill; the president will then sign it into law. That moment won't come a day too soon.
Video of NYC gay attack (WARNING: Video shows graphic violence)
There is now video of the beating of Jack Price, a 49-year-old gay man in New York City. This video was released just as police announced that they had captured the second suspect. (Both of the criminals seen in this video are now in custody.)
The attack happened early Friday morning and police have ruled it a hate crime.
Price suffered a broken jaw and ribs; both of his lungs also collapsed. He is still being hospitalized in a medically-induced coma. More later...
The attack happened early Friday morning and police have ruled it a hate crime.
Price suffered a broken jaw and ribs; both of his lungs also collapsed. He is still being hospitalized in a medically-induced coma. More later...
Stewart calls out Fox News for ignoring NEM
I'm not a regular viewer of "The Daily Show," but I'm beginning to love Jon Stewart. He has become a very good ally for us. On his show last night he criticized Fox News for not covering the National Equality March. Of course we know that Fox News is a sham of a news organization, but it's refreshing to see how Stewart called them out.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Queer and Loathing in D.C. | ||||
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Finally, I agree with Andrew Sullivan!
I've documented my feelings about Andrew Sullivan on this blog previously, so I won't bore you with that again. However, I fully agree with his position about the Human Rights Campaign and its president, Joe Solmonese. As I mentioned yesterday, HRC has a record of zero achievement and it truly is beyond defensible at this point. Sullivan, who writes a popular blog for The Atlantic, raises some key points in this clip and his rationale is exactly the reason why I stopped giving money to HRC several years ago.
UPDATE 10/14/09: Joe Solmonese responds to calls for his resignation.
UPDATE 10/14/09: Joe Solmonese responds to calls for his resignation.
My thoughts on the National Equality March & Obama's speech to HRC
I've been collecting my thoughts about everything that's happened in the last 4 days. It's been overwhelming on a number of levels. On balance, I think the LGBT civil rights movement has made a few strides this past week, but there is so much work to be done.The March
As someone who has the privilege to work for a LGBT social justice organization, the National Equality March was a reminder of why I go to work every day. Thousands of people, from across the country and world, marched the capital to demand equality. They were actively working for equality on this chosen day, but I have that duty every day. And I will return to my office tomorrow remembering that my work is on behalf of so many who depend on my effectiveness.
Barney Frank took his lumps from several of the speakers at yesterday's rally -- and deservedly so. It was foolish for him to call the march "useless." When 300,000 Americans show up to make a case for equal rights, how can a Congressional representative call that effort worthless? This week was a new low for Barney Frank...he is on the wrong side of history. As activists, it must always be our role to hold the government, and especially the president, accountable.
The march was moving in so many ways, yet the most compelling, was the people. As I've said on this blog previously, it is pointless to stand in the way of people who are fighting to be free. Freedom is inevitable. The march unleashed a lot of anger and angst that people have kept bottled up. I was surprised how many young people came to march. They get it. I'm convinced that the next generation has what it takes to finish our march for equality once and for all. But for every wonderful moment and glimpse of youth there was an equally-compelling glimpse of those who had marched in years past. There were those in their 50s, 60s and 70s, still fighting to be free and equal. So for all the promises and supposed progress, their time to see real change is dwindling. Certainly they know this fact, you can see it on their matured faces, but their marked determination to carry homemade signs and walk 3 miles to petition the government is truly an inspiration. The National Equality March was one of the best things I've ever done in life. It was a shot in the arm; a renewal of purpose.
President Obama's HRC speech
One thing is for certain about President Barack Obama -- he's consistent. Once again, he gave a great speech before the 13th annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign. And once again, the president offered nothing new, no specifics and no time tables for fulfilling promises. It's important that I mention that I'm not surprised by this. When I first heard that the president would be speaking to HRC, I was shocked and confused. I wasn't shocked because he accepted the invitation to speak, but rather I was confused because I knew he would probably say nothing new or newsworthy, which would only anger queer activists who argue that he is dragging his feet on our issues.
HRC is a near worthless organization. Its token diversity is laughable. Its track record for delivering substantive results is nonexistent. And the organization shamelessly curries favor with the White House to maintain its access. Like President Obama and Barney Frank, HRC believes that incremental change, no matter how slow, is how our equality should be achieved. If this were the 1960s, I might agree. But in the 21st century, no American should wait even a day for equality. Not one day. Until HRC realizes this basic fact, they will remain, well, useless as Congressman Frank would say.
Yet again President Obama used his HRC address to tell us about all the promises that he will someday fulfill. And yet again, we wait.
Hillary talks about being 'marginalized' and confirms she won't seek the presidency again
We may not know for some time whether or not President Obama has "marginalized" Hillary within his administration. But what is quite clear already is that there are those in the media who will always look for strife between Obama and Hillary. I get the sense that the president and the secretary of state have long since buried the hatchet. It's probably time that the rest of us did the same. Here is Hillary from the "Today" show this morning.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
President Obama's remarks to HRC
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Icehouse - "Hey Little Girl"
As you probably know by now, I'm a huge 80s fan and this song has been stuck in my head all day! But it's a good one. Enjoy.
Madonna's new greatest hits album tops United World's Global Album Chart
Congratulations Madonna! Enough said.
1 (4) Madonna – Celebration – Warner Bros. – 323.000 (last week: 189k)
2 (-) Paramore – Brand New Eyes – Fueled By Ramen – 273.000
3 (-) Barbra Streisand – Love Is The Answer – Columbia – 244.000
4 (-) Mariah Carey – Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel – Island – 202.000
5 (-) Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue – Virgin – 160.000
6 (1) Ayaka – Ayaka’s History 2006-2009 – Warner Music Japan – 142.000
7 (-) Breaking Benjamin – Dear Agony – Hollywood – 138.000
8 (3) Jay-Z – Blueprint 3 – Roc Nation / Live Nation – 135.000
9 (2) Pearl Jam – Backspacer – Monkey Wrench / Island – 119.000
10 (5) Muse – The Resistance – Helium 3 / Warner Bros. – 118.000
1 (4) Madonna – Celebration – Warner Bros. – 323.000 (last week: 189k)
2 (-) Paramore – Brand New Eyes – Fueled By Ramen – 273.000
3 (-) Barbra Streisand – Love Is The Answer – Columbia – 244.000
4 (-) Mariah Carey – Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel – Island – 202.000
5 (-) Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue – Virgin – 160.000
6 (1) Ayaka – Ayaka’s History 2006-2009 – Warner Music Japan – 142.000
7 (-) Breaking Benjamin – Dear Agony – Hollywood – 138.000
8 (3) Jay-Z – Blueprint 3 – Roc Nation / Live Nation – 135.000
9 (2) Pearl Jam – Backspacer – Monkey Wrench / Island – 119.000
10 (5) Muse – The Resistance – Helium 3 / Warner Bros. – 118.000
Premature Peace
How odd. Just nine months into his first term as president of the United States, Barack H. Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize! He becomes only the third sitting president to win the award. The news came as a complete shock to the White House and nearly everyone else in Washington.I read multiple newspapers every day, yet I can't answer this simple question: What has President Obama done to warrant a peace prize? It's also worth noting that nominations for this prize closed in February, so the selection committee included Obama as a finalists just after his inauguration.
The Nobel committee all but admitted that this selection was a political choice. The president is not being honored for what he has actually done, but rather for what he has promised to do. What's so odd about this whole thing is that the Nobel committee could have just as easily waited 2 years and genuinely given the president an award for his work. By giving him an award before he actually does anything substantive, it only raises the expectations for his presidency. And expectations for this president were already extraordinary high.
Congratulations, Mr. President. You now have a prestigious award that even your supporters acknowledge you don't deserve. What a world.
We deserve better than Barney Frank
I have used this blog previously to both criticize and defend Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA). On the one hand, Congressman Frank is a gay hero; he was the first to serve openly in Congress and he is a pioneer in so many other ways for our community. On the other hand, at times he can be a bitter old queen, content with the status quo and hell bent on having things go only his way.Rep. Frank is not supporting this weekend's National Equality March. Yesterday he went so far as to call the march "useless." To add injury to that insult, Frank said he will spend this weekend in California fundraising while we are marching for equality on the National Mall.
To be fair, there has been a considerable amount of back and forth as to whether this march will have any effect on policy. From the very beginning some activists have said that we should lobby our local officials as opposed to marching in Washington while the Congress will be out of town. A reasonable person could argue that the march, in and of itself, is not enough to bring about change. But to call the march "useless," is short-sighted and it's beneath someone with the stature of Barney Frank. If you can't be supportive of the march, then just shut up! There is no need to publicly speak ill of it.
The Obama administration and this Congress is moving too slowly on our priorities. As of this blog entry, there is still no ENDA. No repeal of DOMA. No repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." No hate crimes protection. No marriage equality.
And it was Barney Frank himself, with the help of HRC, who tried to exclude transgender people from the 2007 effort to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Fortunately, that effort failed.
It is never useless for Americans to petition their government for a redress of grievances. In fact, there is nothing more American than that. It is not useless for human beings to demand to be treated with dignity and equal rights!
Barney Frank should be ashamed of himself.
While it's never useless for people to fight to be free, it's entirely useless to have leaders who lack vision. It's entirely useless to have an openly gay Congressman stomping on the spirit of activists who don't have the privilege or luxury to spend a weekend leisurely fundraising in California! And most of all, it's absolutely useless to have a Democratic president and Democratic Congress pay us nothing but lip-service instead of delivering change.
Though Barney Frank isn't useless, he is a deep disappointment. Our community deserves better from its leaders. Barney Frank may not be ashamed of himself, but I'm sure as hell ashamed of him.
Major progress on hate crimes bill
It's been exactly 11 years to the day since Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten and left to die on a fence in Laramie, Wyoming. He was attacked in the early morning hours of October 7, 1998. (He died 5 days later.)In a weird twist of fate, earlier today, October 7, a key senate committee posted the conference report from the Defense Reauthorization Bill, which shows that conferees have kept the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act as part of the final bill.
The House and Senate only need a simple majority to pass the final bill, which is highly likely. If the president signs the defense bill into law, as he has said he will, the hate crimes act will finally be law.
The House and the Senate have yet to set dates for final votes, though it's expected in the next couple weeks. More later...
UPDATE 10/8/09: House passes Matthew Shepard Act as part of defense bill, 281-146.
Anderson Cooper & Jon Stewart enter DADT debate
Kudos to Anderson Cooper and Jon Stewart for covering this topic on their shows.
I'm still amazed that people can make such ridiculous arguments for keeping "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and do it with a straight face as this woman does in this first clip.
U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy has taken the lead in the House in efforts to repeal DADT. He's been more vocal on that point than the president or anyone in the administration. Just this past weekend, the national security adviser was given a chance to put forth a comprehensive view of the administration's position on DADT and he punted.
Here is an entertaining debate from "A.C. 360."
In this next clip, Jon Stewart uses his trademark humor to criticize President Obama for his constant stalling on this issue. Take a look...
I'm still amazed that people can make such ridiculous arguments for keeping "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and do it with a straight face as this woman does in this first clip.
U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy has taken the lead in the House in efforts to repeal DADT. He's been more vocal on that point than the president or anyone in the administration. Just this past weekend, the national security adviser was given a chance to put forth a comprehensive view of the administration's position on DADT and he punted.
Here is an entertaining debate from "A.C. 360."
In this next clip, Jon Stewart uses his trademark humor to criticize President Obama for his constant stalling on this issue. Take a look...
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| The Gay After Tomorrow | ||||
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The Health Reform Troublemakers
Pictured: United States Senators -- Top Row: Max Baucus (D-Montana), Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas), Evan Byah (D-Indiana). Bottom Row: Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska), Kent Conrad (D-North Dakota), Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana).
In theory, Senate Democrats hold 60 seats, and with it, the power to pass legislation at will as long as they vote as a bloc. In practice, Senate Democrats really have fewer than 55 seats, because some members of the caucus simply refuse to fall in line and support core Democratic principles. Meet the six Democratic senators who are consistently trouble makers in the president's efforts to pass real health care reform: Baucus, Lincoln, Byah, Nelson of Nebraska, Conrad and Landrieu.
I emphasize that they are trouble makers in efforts to pass real reform and not reform in general. All of these senators support health care reform, but to varying degrees, each of them are opposed to a public option as part of health care reform. Without a public health care option to compete with private health insurance, any reform would be pointless and not real in any sense of the word. Therefore, to support a bill without a serious public option is to, in effect, oppose real health care reform.
Health care reform has been a priority for every Democratic president for nearly a century. The idea that every American is entitled to affordable health care is a core Democratic principle -- this ideal is as important to us as tax cuts and smaller government is to Republicans.
A Democratic president with huge majorities in the House and the Senate should enable us to enact real health care reform once and for all. But instead a confluence of issues are bogging down reform efforts. On the one hand, we have a weak-kneed president, who refused to even fight for a single-payer health care system -- which is what true liberals really want. In a foolish effort to acquire a few Republican votes, the president compromised the best parts of reform away at the outset. And on the other hand, conservative Senate Democrats won't even support a watered-down version of health care reform.
Sen. Max Baucus, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, has been bullying the president for months and last week his panel rejected the public option as part of its bill. There are four other health reform bills (3 from the House and 1 from the Senate Health Committee) that contain a public option. At some point there will be one bill in each chamber and if passed through both, they will have to be reconciled in conference committee. Though there is a chance that the public option could survive all of this, there are no guarantees as these trouble makers won't vote for any bill with it.
What is the point of having 60 Democratic senators if a sizable number of them side with the Republicans on the president's signature issue? We fought hard to capture the White House and the Congress so that we could bring about substantive change. We fought hard to win 60 Senate seats so that we would not have to worry about the Republicans obstructing our work. And now we have Democratic senators causing all the trouble! Unacceptable.
All six of these trouble makers are from "red" states or states won by John McCain in the last election. Even if they were otherwise inclined, it would be politically dangerous from any of these senators to support liberal initiatives that are not popular in their home states. In most cases, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will go out of his way to protect these trouble makers by simply not scheduling votes that may cause them political headaches. Obviously with health care reform that strategy was inoperative.
But if we think beyond the needs of these six politicians and consider the needs of our party and country, then we realize that we can protect them no longer. If they refuse to stand with us to reform health care in a meaningful way, then they are of no use to us at all. Democrats believe that this is a moral issue; that health reform is the calling of our generation. And all Democrats, regardless of political consequences, must have the courage to act now. If these six trouble makers won't side with us, then they may as well be Republicans. That may sound harsh and unreasonable, but their consistent roadblocking is tantamount to the same obstructionism we see from the GOP.
We did not capture the White House and great majorities in Congress so that Mary Landrieu and Blanche Lincoln could serve in the Senate forever! We captured the government on a pledge to reform health care. Now! If Max Baucus and Kent Conrad are voted out of office because they supported reform, so be it. Sacrificing six Senate seats to give every American health care is more than worth it. Even if the president loses his own re-election, it would have been worth it if he makes good on his promise and provides health care for all of us.
Assuming the majority is not about keeping it forever. Assuming the majority is about affecting as much change as you can while you are in power. "Trouble won't last always."
"Precious" - November 6
I haven't read the book that this film is based on, but I've heard nothing but great reviews about "Precious," which is due out November 6. Mo'Nique has been mentioned as a possible Academy Award nominee for her work in the film. And Mariah Carey, not my favorite person by any stretch, seems to hold her own in the movie as well.
This true story follows "Precious," an overweight teenage girl in Harlem. She endures abuse from her mother and the fact that she's a teen mother herself. If the movie is as powerful as the trailer, this will be a great film. After seeing the movie, Tyler Perry was so moved that he revealed his own childhood abuse to People Magazine.
This true story follows "Precious," an overweight teenage girl in Harlem. She endures abuse from her mother and the fact that she's a teen mother herself. If the movie is as powerful as the trailer, this will be a great film. After seeing the movie, Tyler Perry was so moved that he revealed his own childhood abuse to People Magazine.
The next 'Showgirls'
There is a God somewhere. They are making a sequel to "Showgirls," the camp classic starring Elizabeth Berkley and Gina Gershon. I absolutely loved the original movie. I can quote the entire thing and for some time, my friends and I could do the dances too. I'm not joking!
The new movie is supposedly going to follow "Hope" aka "Penny" from the original film. Here's a clip in tribute of the original classic.
The new movie is supposedly going to follow "Hope" aka "Penny" from the original film. Here's a clip in tribute of the original classic.
Administration still dodging DADT repeal
Here is a clip of the only news gem to be unearthed from the Sunday talk shows. Once again, the administration is punting on the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." President Obama has described himself as a "fierce advocate" for LGBT equality. And if you consider receptions and flashy speeches as fierce advocacy, then he certainly is. However, I'd consider substantive policy change to be fierce advocacy and we haven't seen any of that yet.
On June 15 I called out Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) as a complete waste of space, especially as far as our issues are concerned. I still hold that view. But last week, Reid pleaded with the president to take the policy lead on repealing DADT. So if Reid is more progressive on this issue than Obama, that's no good. (Though it's worth noting that Reid wants DADT repealed based on the argument that we can't afford to go without qualified troops. The real argument is that we shouldn't stand for discrimination in the military! )
Mr. President, we're still waiting for you to show some leadership on our issues AND deliver change we can believe in, not just empty rhetoric.
On June 15 I called out Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) as a complete waste of space, especially as far as our issues are concerned. I still hold that view. But last week, Reid pleaded with the president to take the policy lead on repealing DADT. So if Reid is more progressive on this issue than Obama, that's no good. (Though it's worth noting that Reid wants DADT repealed based on the argument that we can't afford to go without qualified troops. The real argument is that we shouldn't stand for discrimination in the military! )
Mr. President, we're still waiting for you to show some leadership on our issues AND deliver change we can believe in, not just empty rhetoric.
Gaga promoting National Equality March; Obama set to address HRC
Lady Gaga will be attending this weekend's National Equality March, which she spent the weekend promoting. Lady Gaga is earning her strips every day by using her fame to promote equal rights for queer people. I'm a fan. Go Gaga!
This week will be full of events and activities leading up to the march on the National Mall on Sunday.
The New York Times is reporting that President Obama will address the Human Rights Campaign during its national dinner on Saturday night. This is be only the second time that a sitting president has addressed a gay rights group. President Clinton was the first in 1997. More on the march later. Here is Gaga promoting the march...
This week will be full of events and activities leading up to the march on the National Mall on Sunday.
The New York Times is reporting that President Obama will address the Human Rights Campaign during its national dinner on Saturday night. This is be only the second time that a sitting president has addressed a gay rights group. President Clinton was the first in 1997. More on the march later. Here is Gaga promoting the march...
Madonna and Gaga on SNL
Madonna made a surprise visit to "Saturday Night Live" last night and did a very funny segment with Lady Gaga. Check it out.
Chicago eliminated!
Wow! In a stunning upset, Chicago was eliminated in the very first vote by the International Olympic Committee as it selects a city to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. President Obama went to Denmark to bring the games home, instead he will return deeply embarrassed. This is a political disaster for the administration.
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Ike's Favorite Themes: Days of our Lives
I've been watching "Days of our Lives" since 1994. That was the year that Marlena was possessed by the devil. I've been hooked ever since. The opening of "Days" is one of the most recognizable in all of television. Since its very beginning in 1965, "Days" has began with sand going through an hour glass...even if you don't watch the show, you can probably finish the classic catch phrase, "Like sands through the hour glass..."
The opening sequence is one of my all-time favorites. The theme below is a special one. This modified theme was used for only eight episodes during the 2004 "Salem Stalker" storyline. Only true fans can notice the difference between this opening and the classic opening that is still in use today. Watch and see if you can hear the difference.
The opening sequence is one of my all-time favorites. The theme below is a special one. This modified theme was used for only eight episodes during the 2004 "Salem Stalker" storyline. Only true fans can notice the difference between this opening and the classic opening that is still in use today. Watch and see if you can hear the difference.
Why I'm rooting for Rio
Tomorrow the International Olympic Committee will select a city to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo are the finalists. (Though these things are extremely hard to measure, Chicago and Rio are considered the favorites.)President Obama is on his way to the selection meeting in Denmark in hopes of pushing his hometown, Chicago, over the top. It would be the first Olympic Games for the Windy City.
I admit I get wrapped up in these things. I love the Olympics and I love the politics of the city selection process. Though I'd love to get a chance to attend the Games, I'm not rooting for Chicago to win tomorrow's bid.
The United States has hosted the Olympics 8 times. The first was St. Louis in 1904; and the most recent was Salt Lake City in 2002. I was surprised to discover that South America has never hosted the Olympics. Not a single time out of 46 Games played (Summer & Winter).
As part of its bid argument, officials from Rio have been quick to remind the IOC that the Games have never been to South America. The other three finalist nations have all hosted the games previously. Rio has also made a point to mention that the Olympics should not only belong to the richest, most industrialized countries. I agree.
Though Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo are beautiful cities, so is Rio. And South Americans rightly deserve to be a true part of the Olympic movement. It is long overdue for a continent, as vast and rich in culture as South America, to have an opportunity host the Olympics. Good luck Rio!
