DECLARATIONS OF PRIDE


Marriage is love.

Monday, November 9

"Don't Ask... Don't Give!"

Courtesy of AmericaBlog.

I signed the petition and sent it to my address book; I hope you will too.

Joe and I are launching today a donor boycott of the DNC. The boycott is cosponsored by Daily Kos, Jane Hamsher of FireDogLake, Dan Savage, Michelangelo Signorile, David Mixner, Paul Sousa (Founder of Equal Rep in Boston), Pam Spaulding, Robin Tyler (ED of the Equality Campaign, Inc.), Bil Browning for the Bilerico Project, Andy Towle and Michael Goff of Towle Road, and soon others.

It's really more of a "pause," than a boycott. Boycotts sounds so final, and angry. Whereas this campaign is temporary, and is only meant to help some friends - President Obama and the Democratic party - who have lost their way. We are hopeful that via this campaign, our friends will keep their promises.

So please sign the Petition and take a Pledge to no longer donate to the DNC, Organizing for America, or the Obama campaign until the President and the Democratic party keep their promises to the gay community, our families, and our friends.

You can find our Frequently Asked Questions, below, that explain the entire campaign. You can use our "Tell a Friend" page to tell all of your friends, family members, and coworkers about this effort (and we won't keep any of the email addresses you enter, they'll all be deleted after the emails are sent).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is this?
We are asking voters to pledge to withhold contributions to the Democratic National Committee, Organizing for America, and the Obama campaign until the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is passed, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) is repealed, and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is repealed -– all of which President Obama repeatedly promised to do if elected.

Why are you asking people to take this pledge?
Candidate Obama promised during the campaign to be the gay community’s “fierce advocate.” He and the Democratic party have not kept their promise.

Can you give examples of how the President and Democrats have not been fierce advocates for the civil rights of gay and lesbian Americans?
Asking a religious right activist who claims to have been “cured” of his homosexuality to headline campaign events in South Carolina. Then letting the anti-gay bigot spend half an hour, on stage, haranguing gays at the Obama event.
Refusing for months to interview with LGBT newspapers during the campaign, while his opponent did repeatedly.
Flubbing question on whether gays are immoral.
Inviting anti-gay activist Rick Warren, who helped pass Prop 8 in California, to give the invocation at the inaugural.
Inviting a gay bishop to the inaugural festivities, then not beginning the TV broadcast until the gay bishop has finished and left.
Refusing to appoint an openly gay Cabinet member.
Abolishing the LGBT outreach position at the DNC and never reinstating it.
Refusing to re-establish the White House Office of LGBT Outreach and the White House LGBT Liaison (which was a Special Assistant to the President at one point).
Continuing to discharge two gay servicemembers a day, even though he could stop it immediately by issuing a stop-loss order immediately.
Asking for a study on “whether” repealing DADT would hurt national security, rather than a study on how to repeal it, as promised.
Deleting his gay civil rights promise from the White House Web site.
Changing his commitment to “repeal” Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, to “changing DADT it in a sensible manner.”
Repeatedly defending DOMA in court, including just a few weeks ago, even though he didn’t have to.
Making jokes about marriage equality, which President Obama claims he doesn't support, even though he once did.
Comparing gay relationships to incest and pedophilia in a Justice Department brief.
Joking about gay protesters upset about the DOMA brief.
Refusing to provide health care benefits to the partners of gay employees, and then claiming that DOMA precludes it, when it does not.
Refusing to meet with gay legal groups to discuss how to provide such health benefits within the confines of DOMA.
Claiming that health benefits for partners of federal employees were new, then being caught in a lie.
Showing visible discomfort when asked about gay civil rights.
Suggesting he won’t get to DADT, DOMA or ENDA until his second term, if ever.
Refusing to suspend implementation of anti-gay laws, like DADT and DOMA, while suspending laws that hurt others.
White House staffers worked against amendment proposed by Rep. Alcee Hasting (D-FL) to defund Don't Ask, Don't Tell investigations
Saying won’t repeal DADT until wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have finished.
Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid had to beg President Obama to help on DADT repeal.
A White House official referring to gay civil rights advocates, marching on Washington, as part of “the Internet left fringe” whose opinions don’t matter.
Saying he won’t touch DOMA in his first term.
Refusing to release list of gay attendees at hate crimes reception.
Refusing to mention Maine or Washington state, or anything of substance, in his speech to the Human Rights Campaign dinner.
Saying gays are “naïve” for wanting the president to keep his promise.
Refusing to issue a statement specifically opposing anti-gay ballot measures in Maine and Washington state.
Attorney General Eric Holders flubs question on Maine, twice -- once while in Maine.
DNC/OFA emailed supporters in Maine and Washington state, but didn't ask them to vote against anti-gay ballot measures, then lied about it.
Senator Durbin (D-IL), a very close ally of Obama, says Senate probably won’t repeal DADT in 2010, as promised.
Senior DNC official accuses gays and lesbians of “helping Republicans” by simply asking Democrats to keep their gay civil rights promise.
Refusing to publicly endorse marriage equality for gays.
Continuing to dawdle over DADT.
Refusing to this day to interview with the gay press.
Refusing to apologize for any of these slights.

But won’t your pledge hurt Democrats?
It never hurts Democrats to keep their promises to the voters. The American people respect strong leaders who have the courage to stick to their beliefs. And it will only help Democrats in the next election to stand by their commitments to a core constituency. If Democratic voters aren't motivated, they won't vote. We are concerned that the President's failure to fulfill his promises may suppress voter participation not only from gay Democrats, but from our families, friends and allies. In a very real way, this is an effort to ensure that we get-out-the-vote in 2010, 2012 and beyond.

But if you don’t give money to the DNC, won’t that help elect Republicans who are even worse on gay issues, and other issues Democrats care about?
We are not calling for a boycott of donations to the DNC. We are simply calling for a pause until the party follows through on its campaign promise to repeal DADT and DOMA, and pass ENDA. The party will get the same donations it would have gotten, when the promises are kept. The Democrats could choose to make good on their promise today. And by doing so, they will only further motivate the Democratic base to again turn out for the next election, a decidedly good thing.

You have to admit, gay rights is controversial – wouldn’t it be political suicide for Democrats to push gay rights?
Democrats should not have promised to support gay civil rights rights in exchange for our votes if they never intended to keep the promise. If we're not controversial during the campaign, when politicians are happy to accept our votes and our money, we cannot accept being labeled controversial after our candidates win. We kept our part of the bargain, we voted for Barack Obama and a Democratic Congress. It’s entirely reasonable for us to ask our elected officials to keep their part of the bargain too.

What's more, gay rights are not controversial. Americans favor allowing openly gay men and lesbian women to serve in the military by a margin of 69% - 26%. By a margin of 57% - 37%, "A clear majority of Americans (57%) favors allowing gay and lesbian couples to enter into legal agreements with each other that would give them many of the same rights as married couples." That can't happen if DOMA is the law. And in fact, if these civil rights promises were controversial, they would have hurt candidate Obama at the polls. But, he proudly and loudly proclaimed his support for LGBT equality, and he won.

No matter how disappointed you are, aren’t Democrats still better than Republicans?
The Republican party is terrible on gay issues. That doesn’t excuse the Democratic party breaking specific promises to the gay community made in exchange for our votes. We didn’t break our promise at the ballot box, the Democrats shouldn’t break theirs after we helped put them into office.

President Obama has only been in office less than a year, why the rush?
In less than a year, serious damage has already been done to the President’s commitments to the gay community. The problem isn’t only that he hasn’t been quick enough to fulfill his promises, it’s that he has actually backtracked on his promises and hurt the cause of civil rights and our community, as detailed above.

But aren’t there bigger priorities than gay rights for the Democrats to deal with, like health care and the economy?
Would President Obama, the DNC and the Congress tell other minorities that their civil rights aren't important? The suggestion is that Democrats have more important things on the table. When won't Democrats have more important priorities than the civil rights of gays and lesbians? Will there ever be a day, a year, an administration, when the President and the Congress won't have serious crises to deal with? Suggesting that gay Americans and their friends and families wait until the President and Congress have nothing else to do is not only insulting, it's a recipe for never. And regardless, we trust that this President, unlike the previous, can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Who is behind this effort?
John Aravosis and Joe Sudbay, two longtime political operatives in Washington, DC, and the editors of AMERICAblog.com. AMERICAblog has raised over $300,000 for Democratic candidates and progressive causes, including nearly $50,000 for then-candidate Barack Obama, supported by AMERICAblog early in the primaries. The boycott is cosponsored by Daily Kos, Jane Hamsher of FireDogLake, Dan Savage, Michelangelo Signorile, David Mixner, Andy Towle and Michael Goff of Towle Road, Paul Sousa (Founder of Equal Rep in Boston), Pam Spaulding, Robin Tyler (ED of the Equality Campaign, Inc.), Bil Browning for the Bilerico Project, and soon others.

You can contact us at: dncboycott@gmail.com

How can I help?
Sign the pledge, tell your friends about this campaign, read the blog, and stay tuned for updates and action alerts on how you help make sure that the President, the Congress and the Democratic party keep their promises to the LGBT community, our families, our friends and our allies.

Thank you to the founders of this new measure of accountability; count Declaration's of Pride in!

Labels: americablog, barack obama, Blue dog democrats, boycott, DADT, dnc, dncboycott, DOMA, don't ask, don't give, equality, gay rights

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Posted by Gary @ 5:06 PM | | << Home

Wednesday, November 4

Speaking in the Maine: Marriage Equality is a Birthright

Gay Marriage is no threat to the Nation or our Constitution. Communism is a threat to that document. North Korean nuclear weapons are a threat to that document. Gay men & women entering a legal construct to protect one another legally is not a threat to the nation, it's a validation of the strength of our greater union. A place where the rights of all are held high above the preferential definitions and arguments of the majority. Where all are equal under the law, not just those that meet certain criteria. To be protected equally as an American, you need only be an American...The rest is supposed to be automatic. Alas, it seems some have forgotten that.

So let us review.

First of all, let us be clear, the idea of romance in marriage is new. It is quaint and utterly irrelevant to the discussion of this legal contract. Laws and the government care little about love, and who loves whom...Again, until recently and therein lays the need for discussion. We live in a land drowning in her own Puritan heritage while swimming joyfully in a selective recollection of faith and marriage and a blinding ignorance of the rules of law.

Worst of all the Mormons, with their magical underwear and their polygamous marriages are the ones leading the charge to protect "traditional" marriage. Well, I doubt most support their definition where it is "one man...and a whole bunch of women!"

But that's another issue; where was I...Oh yes...

The Church, no matter which you choose, is nothing more than a window dressing on a legal contact. You can go to any religious organization to request a wedding (notice I did not say marriage) ceremony. That organization can, and often does, at its own discretion either accept your request or deny it. Fro example, the Catholic church won't grant a ceremony to Catholic that has divorced, but the Gov't will still allow that person to legally remarry. That's because churches deal with parishioners of like beliefs. Governments deal with citizens and equality. Faith speaks of equality, but in reality the selectively faithful aren't into equality for anything other than the lip-service it provides to sooth their own consciences.

Evangelicals will often argue that those who haven't accepted Jesus as their personal Savior will go to hell; even those who have no idea of his existence. Screwy! I don't think God or Jesus uttered any rules that say if you are a native in the African wilderness that has never seen a Christian; you will thereby be condemned to hell. But that is the point; your beliefs are your choice. They are personally unique; as your relationship or lack thereof, to God is personal.

In any event, inasmuch as God has little to do with the beliefs of atheists; so to should marriage as a legal set of rights have little to do with attributes of those seeking to enter into the contract. All they need by law is to be Americans.

By way of practical considerations, the only difference is anatomy of the players involved. Otherwise the reasons for entering the legal contract are the same: the protection of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, AND all the property that contributes to and ensures the aforementioned.

You see, above all else, marriage is about protecting property and relationships. Marriage isn't about God. I doubt, in spite of what you may have heard, whether God cares one way or another about who is married to whom? Those are the petty worries of man, not the lofty contemplations of a Supreme Being. Marriage is now, and has always been...Even before Christ, about the claiming, protection, and definition of property. How can so many ignore this obvious fact when you consider the history of this supposedly "sacred" union. Have we collectively forgotten about so-called "arranged marriages?" Those were not about love, God, or anything else so noble...They were about the planned & protected consolidation of power, heredity, wealth and property. Marriages are about protecting wealth and allowing for its preservation from generation to generation through a legally defined family unit. It is a construct of legal necessity, not one of religious wrangling.

Marriage is a civil construct.

In the United States of America, marriage is a manifested by a government issued license that defines and legally binds a couple. It confers, without respect to race, creed, and we hope someday, gender, approximately 1,049+ federal rights. Rights; which in the United States are by definition to be given equally to all citizens under the law. That's the ideal.

This is the reality. In many states, there will be so-called "Marriage Protection Amendments" that will exist to blur the lines of faith and the lines of government with one another. They are faith-based initiatives designed to push an agenda of hate into the legal construct of marriage. If left unchecked, this blending of religious myth and the law has far reaching and devastating potential for America. The religious-right uses so many false arguments to defend the position of need for these amendments. They claim the need for "protection." From what? They claim marriage is sacred. Then why all the divorce? They say many things, yet offer no factual defense of their own positions. It's like they are praying to a false idol.

As usual, this is a cultural divide created by Americans who don't understand something, and who are praying on the fears of others who are woefully ill informed. Whenever that happens in this great nation we get anger, hate, and a call for division or punishment. Instead of growth or living up to our stated ideal of "equality" we turn to hate, and sink to the ugliest of American traits: hateful ignorance. The kind of hate that results in men lashed naked to fences. A place in our history where it is OK to hang a man from a tree by his neck as a cross is lit aflame. A place where Americans can tie other Americans to the back of trucks and drag them to their deaths. Fear has always worked to create hate in America. Fear builds towering walls between reason and logic. Hate obliterates what we know in our hearts to be right, and covers all with ignorant rage. That is the path we are on in the name of God.

I see this ignorance as the ultimate sin.

This is an act of faith that judges in place of God and takes His name most assuredly and inappropriately in vain. In any event, it is a path we must turn away from for our own salvation as American citizens held under the Constitution of The United States of America. It is our base duty; our responsibility.

Yet, so many don't understand that rights in America are to be universal; guaranteed to every citizen under the law. Equal under the law is the other way it is expressed. Somewhere along our journey a percentage of Americans got confused, brainwashed, left-behind, whatever...And began to think of marriage as a religious doctrine not a civil construct. This misunderstanding of the nature of marriage is what has gotten us to this point.

Now, combine our need for salvation with our hate for things we don't' understand, and you have a straightforward American debate; rooted in puritanical history, conflated by individual moral superiority. This is a classic cycle we have played out over and over in our history. Whenever we are afraid of something or someone we don't understand we isolate them. Americans are not the fair-minded individuals they always claim to be. There is always some class of people unworthy of what the others have. We have lost our way, and that is why I speak on this so much.

Consider this: Marriage gets to party at the church. It gets a dress. It gets guests in pews. When the party is over, people will turn to God for guidance, but they turn to the state for a divorce!

To review; you come to the government to get married, and you go to the state to legally dissolve your marriage. You may go to church in between to help you nurture a loving relationship, but that is about as far as the relationship between faith and marriage goes. Need more in the way of reasons I demand Marriage Equality? Ok...Try these on for size:

The right to make decisions on a partner's behalf in a medical emergency. Specifically, the states generally provide that spouses automatically assume this right in an emergency. If an individual is unmarried, the legal "next of kin" automatically assumes this right. This means, for example, that a gay man with a life partner of many years may be forced to accept the financial and medical decisions of a sibling or parent with whom he may have a distant or even hostile relationship.

The right to take up to 12 weeks of leave from work to care for a seriously ill partner or parent of a partner. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 permits individuals to take such leave to care for ill spouses, children and parents but not a partner or a partner's parents.

The right to petition for same-sex partners to immigrate.

The right to assume parenting rights and responsibilities when children are brought into a family through birth, adoption, surrogacy or other means. For example, in most states, there is no law providing a noncustodial, non-biological or non-adoptive parent's right to visit a child - or responsibility to provide financial support for that child - in the event of a breakup.

The right to share equitably all jointly held property and debt in the event of a breakup, since there are no laws that cover the dissolution of domestic partnerships.

The right to Family-related Social security benefits, income and estate tax benefits, disability benefits, family-related military and veterans benefits and other important benefits.

The right to inherit property from a partner in the absence of a will.

The right to purchase continued health coverage for a domestic partner after the loss of a job. Now those are just the highlights.

I ask you, if someone was coming in to tell you that because you are black, Jewish, red, green, yellow or white; you weren't going to get these rights, would you just sit back and accept it? If some supposedly equal peer came along and told you that Christians were no longer eligible to inherit property from their spouses, you wouldn't be as angry as me?

Wouldn't you feel singled out if the government told you they were going to amend the constitution specifically to write you out of the society?

Worse yet, that in America the majority was allowed to VOTE on the rights of the minority?!

Sounds ludicrous doesn't it? It's not!

It has already happened, and it well on it's way to continuing! It is fundamentally wrong to add exclusive language to a document designed to guarantee the rights of all citizens. It is patently un-American and that is why it matters so much. This is not just about gay marriage. Its about who we are as a nation.

It matters to me because I have played by all the rules, and now some people are going to hijack God and use Him as the scapegoat to change the rules of the nation. Notice I said "nation" not game. The separation of church and state is one of our wisest principles, and it too is endangered by this movement; perhaps more!

America is not God's country. It's not God's fault we live here in this democracy; nor was it His plan. (If you believe in such things) It's not your job to judge on God's behalf. It's your job to love thy neighbor. It's your job not to discriminate in this the greatest land on the planet.

So in spite of 17 years of faithful devotion to my partner I am denied the legal protection critical to my relationship and our estate. I can't even pay for it if I wanted to. I can't go to a lawyer and have a will drawn up; they don't hold up in court. They aren't portable across state lines. The bank and the mortgage don't care. To none, we are legally blood; just roommates, with no legal responsibility for or to one another.

I have paid my taxes. I am an American. Marriage is law. Laws in this country apply to us all equally. So, it is my legal birthright to be allowed to marry and enjoy the rights this civil license confers on all OTHER Americans.

Period. End of discussion. Thank you very much!

Labels: 1049 rights, civil contract, equal rights, gay marriage, hearings, Maine, marriage, mormons, orin hatch, PA, pennsylvania, prop8, same sex marriage, scotus, sonia sotomayor, utah

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Posted by Gary @ 12:32 PM | | << Home

Tuesday, August 11

Health Care Reform..."Use your Heads"

My grandmother used to say this to me, and I bet some wise member of your family has said it to you:

"Use your head for more than a hat rack."

I am absolutely dumbfounded by the gullibility of the American populace. How can anyone believe, in any part of their rational brain that there will be "death panels" in Obama's health care reform? What planet do you live on?! This is AMERICA!

I can't believe the horseshit that citizens are willing to embrace & promote without question when it is so utterly ridiculous. Next thing we will here is that the Obama plan allows for a version of Soylent Green to feed the hungry masses. Insanity!

Attention right wing maniacs!

Social Security & Medicare are SOCIALIST by definition, and seen by most as entitlements of a leading democratic nation. Why aren't you declaring anarchy over these? Why aren't you demanding that these programs, in the name of Democracy, be ended immediately?! How is it you are so blinded by hate that you can't reasonably (hell...I would settle for unreasonably) see they hypocrisy in the words that fall so carelessly and vehemently from your mouth?

How can so many otherwise highly intelligent Americans be so dumb?!

Why again is single payer evil?

I think it's the best option out there. This is such a simple plan, and a brilliant solution to our insanely expensive, and sub-standard health care system. Take the GREED & CAPITALISM out of the Doctors offices, off the tarmac of the emergency helicopter pad, and out of your personal health decisions. Single payer, and for that matter, the hybrid that we are exploring doesn't deny care, it doesn't force you to kill your elderly parents; it does nothing of the sort. What it does is forces DRUG, INSURANCE, & Other providers to compete reasonably with a non-profit entity with real purchase power!

People worry about quality of care, when they are NOW turned away for procedures by their own insurance provider. People worry about quality of care, when they could NOW be dropped by their provider for a pre-existing condition. People are worried about so many things that may happen; without even the slightest concern for all the things that are currently happening in the existing system.

"Death Panel?"

Already exists. It's called the underwriter at your insurance company. This persons job is to decide the cost of denying care versus providing it. Take smokers. Why on Earth aren't smoking secession drugs covered in America by any insurance? Simple math. They don't want to spend their money on your addiction because if you are one of the ones that gets lung cancer, they have figured out that the cost of your short battle (which you will statistically lose) with cancer will cost less than providing every smoker in the system with the drugs to help them quit. Wellness is MORE expensive in this model than the chances of terminal cancer. So the mathematician, statistician, and health care executive choose DEATH over prevention.

"Death Panel?"

Already exists. It's your insurance company, or your future company, that finds out you had a pre-existing condition that lead to your massive heart attack, and thereby you are either ineligible for benefits, or are dropped from coverage altogether. Now you must decide to die without care, or put you and your family into EXTREME debt to pay for your life.

"Death Panel?"

Already exists. You end up with a rare disease that is only being treated by a procedure, successfully even, that your insurance provider has classified as "experimental" and thereby won't authorize treatment. That is death, from a panel, at your OWN...EXISTING...INSURANCE!

Why aren't Democrats answering charged levied at these town hall meetings with answers like this. This is such a simple plan, and one that had popular support in MASSIVE numbers ever so recently in the past. The Democrats are losing control of the message, and the fear mongering from the GOP is working on the lest critical of the thinkers in our midst. The MONEY of the industries to be effected is being directed to once again deny coverage! That's right, they are using the MASSIVE profits they gain from denying you coverage to make sure they still have the RIGHT to make a life or death decision based on statistics, not the human being that paid for their protection. How is this OK? How are Americans falling for this crap?

We are ranked 37th in the world on Health care. How do these idiots see 37th as the "BEST" in the world? 37 does not equal 1! Even a second grader knows that. Yet, countless misinformed, and biased Americans are out there demanding they "want their country back!" From who!? We just got it back from the worst president in our collective memory, and in a landslide electoral decision...And you are already ready to go back to the way it was? Where we are spied on, lied into war, and cast aside like trash in the wake of a national disaster? That's what you want back? If you love that so much, perhaps you need to move to a less Democratic "democracy, where insanity rules...I can think of at least one suitable nation for your crazed appeals...I think they will welcome you in North Korea...Otherwise known as Kim Jong Il-land.

Seriously, this rubbish that is being brandied around like it's fact is no better than the state information agencies of so many Free-lite nations around the globe.

Open your eyes America, you are being duped! The great irony, and lasting embarrassment is that the FEARS they are playing to great applause at town halls around the nation are in fact the FACTS of what happens NOW in our present system. The "socialism" thing is a distraction, and nothing more, but an effective one that will shift attention from cost, benefits, and critical discussions of the existing evils of our present so-called health care. The GOP, drug makers, and insurance companies have bated you with their own tactics, re-branded as solutions, when in fact they are the problem.

Stop kidding yourself. The government's job is to protect you. The Insurance companies job is to make a profit, even if it means placing your life before a "death panel" and telling you as you draw one of your final breaths that you are "DENIED!"

Use your heads, engage your brains, and stop the insanity!

Labels: 37th, Arlen Specter, barack obama, cENTRAL pa, death panel, GOP, health care, insurance, penn state, pennsylvania, reform, right wing, state college, townhall, universal health care

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Posted by Gary @ 12:39 PM | | << Home

Tuesday, July 28

Hypocrisy from the Blue Dogs

Fiscally conservative Democrats...So called "Blue Dogs" are all but working WITH the Republicans in an effort to kill health care reform.

HYPOCRITICAL bastards! Virtually all voted in FAVOR of George Bushes BAILOUT of the financial industry. It appears they are only "conservative" with our money, when spending it means "we the people" will directly benefit. They are free wheeling, big spending Republicans when that money is meant for Wall Street & banks. I wonder how much that has to do with their personal investments? Sure, they grumbled, but ultimately they voted in favor of this ridiculously unpopular move by the Bush administration.

They have the best health care the nation can offer as members of the House; and at the best rate: FREE! So why should they care about those millions of Americans without care, or worse, those that lost their homes because they had to pay medical bills? Where is the conservatism there? Absent. Probably cowering in some corner with "compassion" at it's side. That's where it is. These "Blue Dogs" are out of touch with the average American on this issue. Shit, they are out of touch with the majority of Americans on this issue!

Were they not witness to the sweeping tidal wave of Democratic change that was ushered into Washington almost expressly on the ideal of Nationalized Health care? This is the issue that elected Barack Obama. This is the issue that caused many of them to either be elected or retained; YET...They stand in the way of real progress because of the cost. Where was this "higher ground" from them when Bush wanted BILLIONS without a single string attached?

HYPOCRITES!

I would warn them to be careful on what side of the isle they pledge their allegiance to on this issue. Americans are keenly aware of this issue, and are watching their representation to see weather they are part of the solution or part of the problem. Blue Dogs are part of the problem! I am ashamed to see so many of them are from my home state of Pennsylvania. (Click here for complete list).

I implore you to contact your representation and apply the only pressure they understand besides that of money...The loss of a vote! Tell them that if they don't vote in support of the President's Agenda on health care then they will lose your support in the coming election. Remind them that this is the United States of America, and it is a crying shame we are

37 in the world

on health care according to the World Health Organization. We are one of the richest nations on the planet, yet we rank BEHIND Costa Rico when considering the cost and quality of health care we offer our citizens.

Remind them they were hired to represent their constituents, not the interests of Banks! They were hired to protect our best interest, not their own. They were hired because they are DEMOCRATS! Acting like a Republican in this environment is not being "bi-partisan" it's being a traitor to the values the constituency bought when they voted for them. Siding with Republicans on this issue is tantamount to simply being a Republican. We fired them, and we can fire a Blue Dog Democrat too.

Vote in the House against the will of the people at your own peril. House members are easily replaced in the election cycle, and I think that perhaps it is time we started interviewing new candidates that understand what it means to be a Democrat in a majority House, Senate, & White House. Actually, if there was one lesson I would expect a Democrat to learn from a Republican it is UNITY, not matter the issue. Stay on message, and support the team. That is what they should do that the GOP has done so well.

Instead, the Blue Dogs stand neutered in a kennel while America is looking to stud new puppies who are intelligent enough to follow the simple, and common sense, wishes of the people. I wish they would stop offering their balls to everyone, and instead stand up and prove they have a pair!

I mean seriously, are they really getting sucked into the rhetoric of socialism, or ultimately are they just Republicans in Democrats clothing? One does have to wonder, but more importantly, one has to call them and ask them that question? Find out who's side they are on? Nothing rattles a politician faster than a block of constituents that asks "Who's team are your playing for?" I implore you to call and ask them that very question. (Find contact info here)

Labels: barack obama, Blue dog democrats, charlie melancon, GOP, jim cooper, pennsylvania, reform, socialized medicine, stimulus, universal health care

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Posted by Gary @ 2:37 PM | | << Home

Monday, July 13

AMERICAblog GAY...Now that's what I am talking about!

I am thrilled to see the great talent of Americablog create a new sub blog:

AMERICAblog Gay

AMERICAblog has been a daily read from me since I started writing on this blog. It's one of the best resources out there for up to the date news & information. Bookmark and read it...You'll be glad you did!

Labels: Americablog gay, barack obama, breaking news, Defense of Marriage Act, gay, Joe Sudbay, John Aravosis

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Posted by Gary @ 7:23 PM | | << Home

Wednesday, June 24

Governor Sanford: Can you explain the "Sanctity of Marriage" to me again?

I wish I could say I was surprised.

Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina, the now-former Chairman of the Republican Governors Association has been stricken by a dreaded disease now reaching pandemic proportions in the GOP.

"Can't-Keep-It-In-My-Pants Priapism"

This newly emergent disease seems to be caused by the marriage of gay men & women. It seems, as predicted within the Republican party, that when the love of a same-sex couple is granted legal status, another "traditional marriage" bites the dust. Scores of prominent Republicans have been afflicted by ridiculously engorged erections that are only satiated when inflicted on someone other than their legal spouse. Some have even turned to tapping under stalls to find relief for the member that knows no vows, feels no remorse, and who is supposed to be under the careful and well articulated control of his owner.

Alas, gay marriage has undone all this.

The sanctity of marriage has been violated and a vengeful God is now punishing the Republican faithful by making them cheat, apologize, and then divorce.

Perhaps more frightening is the knowledge that this phenomena is not limited to Republicans, but seems to be pervasive within the sanctity of the heterosexual bonds of marriage.

All kidding aside, as you know, I hate hypocrisy at every level and this is just another particularly hideous example of where the rhetoric of the Republicans does not match up with their actions.

Specifically, they scream that gay marriage will undermine the very Constitution and cause the collapse of America, while they go about their affairs without a thought to how their own behaviors are not consistent with their spoken values. As has been advanced in the past, if they really want to protect the "institution of marriage" then they need to outlaw divorce. Perhaps they would find it easier to resist temptation if they knew there was no option for escape from the punishment of "for better or for worse?"

Do those that flog us so regularly with the so-called evils of same sex marriage not see the hypocrisy of their own actions? Do they really not understand how they have fallen from the party of leadership to the small, southern regional party of the crazed religious right? On that score, if they believe so earnestly in God & His judgement, do they not see his punishment will be doubled by their own philandering ways compounded by the judgements they cast upon others in His name? Are they really surprised that the movement they started has only caused Americans to learn that gay Americans are just Americans; with bills, troubles, love, loss, and life like any other. Did they not see in their efforts to divide & frighten that they have healed and caused many to learn? Have they really not seen themselves in the mirror as the reason for their own ultimate demise?

Hypocrites are reaping what they have sown in the beds of staffers, friends, associates, prostitutes and random men & women around the nation and the world. They have violated the sanctity of marriage with "gay abandon" and yet have tried in vain to blame it on the gays.

And I know they want to badly to shift the blame to Bill Clinton, like he started it. I have one thing to say on that score, that in spite of his affair, the Clintons clearly understand the sanctity of marriage, because they still are married. They got the permanence of their own pledge to one another, and they have respected it, even when it was incredibly painful and beyond remorse.

That is what I call respect for marriage.

It takes a person who understands it to deserve it, and to be able to defend it. I am that person. My husband is that person.

Don't tread on me!

Labels: argentina, equality, family values, gay marriage, hypocrisy, Mark Sanford, Pennsyvania, priapism, republican governors association, sanctity of marriage, south carolina, traditional marriage

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Posted by Gary @ 3:40 PM | | << Home

Monday, June 22

Democrats --The New Right Wing?

The chatter on this point is gaining steam. I know Bill Maher has touched on this, and I read something on Americablog, where Senator Paul Krugman is also taking up the cause.

I am sorry, I just don't get it?

They talk about the Republican party having lost its direction? Well it seems to me they are causing confusion for some so-called "centrist" democrats. These waffling GOP wannabe Senators are not sure what position they should take on any issue without the guidance of the bat-shit-crazy GOP.

The Republicans are rapidly relegating themselves to the nut-job fringe of politics, and Senators like Lieberman are still eager to follow them. What is up with that? I thought Lieberman was enough of a political opportunist, that he would follow the popular flow, no matter where it took him or is alleged "opinion." It appears that even this king of the flip-flop has become confused and truly lost his own identity.

The obvious story here is that DEMOCRATS are sabotaging the opportunity to make meaningful changes in our health care system. Polling indicates growing majority support for reform and government involvement in the system, yet growing numbers of Democratic Senators are turning tail to support the AMA, the insurance lobby, and the GOP. This is a seminal issue for Obama, and if he allows them to destroy this first step toward "real change" then his mission of change is truly doomed. As long as politicians are willing to submit to the pressure of the lobbyists, then Americans will never be protected from those charged with keeping us healthy and strong.

I understand that the Obama approach, and that of others, is to make change palatable in increments. I just don't see the point of this when the increment is to be the smallest of baby steps toward a single payer system. We are so ridiculously in the minority on this issue, it is really a joke; and not a very funny one at that. We are 37th in the world for quality of care, and we pay the most for that care! This according to the World Health Organization:

1         France
2         Italy
3         San Marino
4         Andorra
5         Malta
6         Singapore
7         Spain
8         Oman
9         Austria
10        Japan
11        Norway
12        Portugal
13        Monaco
14        Greece
15        Iceland
16        Luxembourg
17        Netherlands
18        United  Kingdom
19        Ireland
20        Switzerland
21        Belgium
22        Colombia
23        Sweden
24        Cyprus
25        Germany
26        Saudi Arabia
27        United  Arab  Emirates
28        Israel
29        Morocco
30        Canada
31        Finland
32        Australia
33        Chile
34        Denmark
35        Dominica
36        Costa Rica
37        United States of America

Notice who is at the top of the list? FRANCE (!); this causes my conspiratorial heart to skip a beat. Is all the France-hate rhetoric tied in part to the fact that they have the most successful health care system on the planet? One has to wonder??? What is really horrifying is that we pay MORE than any other nation for this substandard care. Wanna take this to the next level? Lets talk life expectancy. We are 24th in the world. The longest lived are in Japan, France, and Australia. There is that pesky France again! Best system, and some of the longest lived citizens on the planet. Seems they are doing something very right, while we wrestle over PROTECTING the health insurance industry.

Universal Health care is a no-brainer if someone truly steps forward to lead the charge. If someone tells every senior citizen (read baby-boomer) that taxes will go up, but they will NEVER pay for another doctors visit, procedure, or PILL; they will fall in line supporting a single payer system in numbers that would cause every Senators head to spin. Lest we should forget, and specifically we should remind the Senators, that Obama was PRIMARILY elected based in the Universal Health care angle. America supported him in record numbers on this issue, support significant enough to cause his historical election. Senators that forget this point do so at their own peril; and specifically the peril of an electoral revolt from their own constituencies.

Seriously Senators, allow me to remind you that you are DEMOCRATS! And that hiding behind being a "centrist" now means you are a RIGHT wing Democrat! The country has shifted (seismically) to the LEFT and you are in danger of being left behind. Stand in the way of real change on health care, and I promise it will come back to haunt you in the voting booth. Americans not only want, but deserve a better system that protects their lives, and their pocketbooks.

Imagine...

What happens to your retirement account when you take the cost of health care out of the equation?

Imagine...

What happens to your retirement when you no longer have to allow for paying for & taking care of aging parents?

Imagine...

What happens to your quality of life when you never have to make a choice between seeking medical care or any other item deemed a "priority?"

Imagine...

Never having to go to the Emergency Room again, unless it's an EMERGENCY; but instead going to your regular family physician or other specialist without risk of bankruptcy?

You do know the leading cause (besides loss of employment) of bankruptcies in America is over medical bills? That should tell you something right there. What could be a more clear testament to the fact our system of health care doesn't help the sick, it just drains them.

Only a RIGHT WING REPUBLICAN would defend a "free market" system like our failed health care system. Well, that is what we all thought before we were presented with a real opportunity to fix things. Now we have centrist democrats masquerading as Democrats while the drown themselves on the Kool-aid served "across the aisle." Democrats in name only, but acting increasingly like corrupt Republicans bent on protecting the status quo at all costs.

Who are these Democrats gone Rogue? Lieberman (?-CT), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Kent Conrad, (D-ND), Max Baucaus (D-MT), and Mary Landrieu (D-LA). This is the top of the list.

Now, an interesting observation on them. Something OBVIOUS they have in common. They are all from traditionally RED states. (Except Liebermann...He's just a Red state wanna be). I say they are only "democrats" on paper to begin with. Montana & Louisiana...Both known progressive states...NOT! Well, they had better get with the program or they will likely find themselves replaced in the next cycle. The days of Democrats & Americans at large not paying attention to what their representation does in Washington is at an end. And if they can't end their shenanigans then we will make sure all are reminded...Frequently...Of their sabotage of a great opportunity to make America better.

Labels: 37th, americablog, ben nelson, Bill Maher, college democrats, Healthcare, joe Lieberman, kent conrad, Louisiana, mary landrieu, max baucaus, montana, Paul Krugman, republican, right wing, WHO

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Posted by Gary @ 9:55 AM | | << Home

Thursday, June 18

Obama's Big Gay Mistake

I have simmered, stewed, and am about to explode!

I think President Obama has behaved exactly as I expected, and frankly predicted. I was duped, and so were the rest of us. I was an ardent Hillary supporter specifically because I did not trust Obama on issues of gay equality. I threw my support completely behind him, and "hoped" for the best. What we have gotten as a community thus far is much less than the best; it's not the worst, but not far from there.

President Obama is playing with fire.

Seems to me that he thinks he is smarter than the gays in America. He has mistakenly lumped us into the category of Americans that don't pay attention. He has forgotten that we heard him with our own ears promise equality. He has made a critical mistake to think the LGBT community doesn't pay attention to politics. He has proven himself a fool to believe us dumb, disconnected, or willing to forgive and forget.

President Obama, you said:

"It is my strong belief that the government has to treat all citizens equally. I come from that in part out of personal experience. When you're a black guy named Barack Obama, you know what it's like to be on the outside. And so my concern is continually to make sure that the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for all people.

That's why I opposed DOMA in 2006 when I ran for the Senate. That's why I am a strong supporter not of a weak version of civil unions, but of a strong version, in which the rights that are conferred at the federal level to persons who are part of the same sex union are compatible.

When it comes to federal rights, the over 1,100 rights that right now are not being given to same sex couples, I think that's unacceptable, and as president of the United States, I am going to fight hard to make sure that those rights are available."
Source: 2007 HRC/LOGO debate on gay issues Aug 9, 2007

And then just last week you turned your back on your own words with a hatefully crafted brief that defends DOMA. I have said it before, and meant it quite sincerely, that this so-called brief could have easily been authored by Falwell, proofed by Limbaugh, and then endorsed by Rick Santorum. Not the words of a man of principle, who pleased his case with Change, hope, and a cry of "yes we can." Instead we are met with the reality of hypocrisy in Democracy, where anything is promised to get elected.

Obama caused the LGBT community to mobilize. He empowered some among us to spend; vigorously in an attempt to ensure his election. He inspired many, and now has disappointed all.

I knew as he lamely defended the choice of "x-gay" Donnie McClurkin to head up a fundraising concert series that he was no real friend of gay rights. I knew, and warned, that with the choice of Rick Warren, a new policy was being flaunted. I knew he didn't mean to help me and my partner enjoy the American birthright of equality. I knew it. I was right, and I am now horrified to have to admit it. I too was drawn into the message of hope. I too, when Hillary was cast aside, joined the Obama-bots on the march to Washington. I hoped against my own better judgement that I would be wrong, and I wasn't.

Fortunately, I am a member of a community that is paying attention. We are aware we are being used. We feel the hypocrisy of his message most keenly. I feel the worst for those in the community that supported Obama from day one, and who believed in him with all their hearts. It pains me to see them squirm as they try to defend him today. To listen as they use GOP talking points of priorities, not being able to make time for this issue and such. Still, I am encouraged by those same friends, as they peel away from defense to look on in disgust. One can't use the "gay rights aren't his biggest priority" argument when you actually read the pages long brief. And none can cling to that after yesterday's BS Memo debacle. Instead of real rights, the President thought we wouldn't notice he issued a Memo to give SOME rights to Federal Employees.

So many problems with this failed attempt at a "smoke and mirror" from the Obama administration. First, it's a MEMO! Memo's, though interesting, as null-and-void on the last day of his Presidency. Second, and more importantly, what do those few rights do for all of us (in majority) that don't work for the Federal Government? Finally, how can this Memo be seen as anything but a roadblock to equality when it fails to protect Military personnel, the majority employee group of the Federal government!? Obama, instead of placing a band aid, pulled viciously at a scab and is doing precious little to stop the bleeding.

I hate to speak critically of this President who I so admire.

It bothers me to have to call him out when I support EVERY other thing he has done so far.

It kills me to know that in spite of this, he will do more for this nation than so many generations of President's before him.

I applaud him.

Yet, inasmuch as it is my birthright to be equal under the law in America, it is also my responsibility to speak truth to power. Obama is splitting hairs with our community, and trying to walk a thinning line that allows him to pander to us without follow through. He has played the gay community for cash, and thus far is showing little in the way of remorse for his actions, words, or misdeeds.

I am still proud to call him Mister President, just not as enthusiastic as I once was; for Obama has already changed much, he has forgotten the changes we all sought were rooted in: Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency.

Obama's two-faced course correction is a serious mistake. He has mistaken us as stupid, and he will regret that decision from now until he does right by our community. We paid his way into office, and the LGBT community can pay his way right back out of it.

UPDATE! From Americablog:

The Stonewall Democrats have pulled out of the big fundraiser. I told ya that we aren't stupid and know when we have been betrayed. Never cross a queen! We aren't known for being forgiven, but rather vexed when crossed. This is a HUGE development in the story!

"...Let me put this another way. And again, no offense to Stonewall Dems. But these are folks that sometimes, some of us, think are more Dem than they are Gay. For them to stick it to the Democratic Party is rather huge. It's should be a big red warning light to the leadership of our party that this rupture with the gay community is real, and getting worse by the day.

From Ben Smith:
The members of the Board and our membership put our hopes, our dollars and our time into ensuring the election of Barack Obama because we believed that he supported us. To now have his Administration refer to our relationships in the same terms used by our long time enemies such as Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and James Dobson hurts on so many levels. To have our committed and loving relationships referred to as the moral equivalent of incest and pedophilia is not something that any of us ever expected from this Administration considering how hard we worked to be seen and respected. For that reason alone, advocating for attendance at a fundraiser to support the Administration and the DNC, while they have not condemned this hurtful language, is not something our membership will receive positively.

Labels: 1135 federal rights, barack obama, DADT, DOMA, donnie mcclurkin, gay marriage, joe biden, LGBT, marriage equality, Memo, pennsylvania, promises, rick warren, stone wall democrats

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Posted by Gary @ 2:36 PM | | << Home

Wednesday, May 27

Pennsylvania Senator to Introduce Marriage Equality Bill in State!

On the heels of the validation of Prop8, comes potentially good news from the state of Pennsylvania.

State Senator Daylin Leach is intending to introduce legislation in the state that would grant "full marriage equality" to same-sex couples in Pennsylvania.

From Equality Advocates of Pennsylvania:

"(Harrisburg) Civil rights organizations across Pennsylvania today commended Pennsylvania State Senator Daylin Leach for his intention to introduce legislation that would grant full marriage equality to same-sex couples. The Value All Families Coalition praised Senator Leach’s longstanding dedication to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, calling the proposed legislation an inspiring glimpse into the future of equality for all Pennsylvania couples.

“We absolutely look forward to the day when all Pennsylvania families can enjoy the same benefits and protections under the law that heterosexual couples currently have,” said Jake Kaskey, policy and outreach coordinator of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania. “We are grateful for all of the work that Senator Leach has done on behalf of the LGBT community over the years and look forward to seeing full equality reached for all LGBT people.”

Senator Leach’s decision to introduce an inclusive marriage bill comes as other states, including Iowa and Maine, pass same-sex marriage legislation and one day after California’s Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, an amendment to California’s constitution prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples. It also comes at a time when the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is debating House Bill 300, legislation to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

“Gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and responsibilities as all other married couples across Pennsylvania,” said Andy Hoover, legislative director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. “We look forward to demonstrating the need to recognize every relationship across Pennsylvania.”

Senator Leach’s proposed legislation, which is currently circulating for co-sponsorship, was announced just days after another state senator, John Eichelberger (R-Blair), announced his intent to introduce a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania.

Numerous studies have shown that states that grant marriage equality to all couples receive significant economic benefits. The New York City Comptroller issued a report this week declaring that marriage equality for LGBT couples in New York would garner the state an additional $210 million in revenue in the first three years.

The Value All Families Coalition is comprised of diverse statewide, regional, and local organizations that support equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Pennsylvanians."

I haven't seen the legislation, but I will remind all to get excited with an eye towards NATIONAL marriage equality. Ultimately the FEDERAL gov't convey 1,045+ rights with marriage. State level approval is just a teaser, that until fully portable is progress, but not equality. Good news nonetheless.

Thank you Senator Leach, I couldn't have said it better myself:

“The alternative to legalizing same-sex marriage is retaining our current, archaic protocol which treats an entire group of citizens as second-class,” Leach said. “This protocol denies the reality of same-sex families, many of whom have children. It provides no vehicle by which society can encourage gay couples to do what it encourages straight couples to do: namely to form permanent, monogamous and committed life-long partnerships.”

Labels: 17th district, ban, daylin leach, equality advocates of pennsylvania, john eichelberger, LGBT, marriage equality, new york, PA, pa district 17, pennsylvania, prop8

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Posted by Gary @ 3:43 PM | | << Home

Friday, May 22

17 years...Yet we wait with hope for "with this ring I thee wed."

Today is a special day, a day filled with anticipation of a beautiful tomorrow.

As I have shared in the past, so shall I share today, that tomorrow is my Anniversary day. Tomorrow will herald the 17th year since I fell for my love. Seventeen years of bliss...With rings and promises shared between us.

Seventeen years of dedication, devotion, and dreams of the future. Seventeen years ago I pledged my heart to a man whom inexplicably captured my attention and demanded quietly that I stop and pay attention to what stands vulnerable before me. Seventeen years have passed like pages blowing in the wind, fluttering and waving frantically so as to be noticed and read. I have read every page, told every story, and to this day; seventeen years later, I remain enraptured at out tale of love for the cast was so well set.

I think of him every second of the day. I think of him with a fond smile when he is near and when he is not. I am comforted, challenged, and committed by him to us. I am in love today as I was on the first hot night when we recognized that we were fine apart; fun individuals, but far better together as loyal companions. We struck a balance that night, and inked a deal. I would love him as he would love me. I would be him because he made me better. I would protect him from any and all foes. I would give my unconditional support and be pleased to have his.

And seventeen years later, nothing has changed. The strength of our bond has but grown over time. When others have tired and surrendered to frustration, we have risen and surrendered to our shameless love for one another. We have grown so very comfortable with one another, each the expert on the whims of the other. We have grown beyond tradition and ritual. We never needed either one, because we had each other. We have stood the test of time, and the cruel predictions of those in the first year. Those that said it would "never last" have long since had to swallow their words, and smile in defeat as we march forward, year after year, to this the seventeenth.

It is unbelievable that such a long journey could feel so short. How did we arrive at seventeen? What happened to 10? How did we get so close to 20? I guess, as they say, time does fly when you are having fun.

We have shared joy, victory, and vindication.

So now, on this, the eve of our 17th Anniversary, the only thing we have left to wish for is equality. Equality in the eyes of the law that is blind to gender, blind to love, and blind in the light of so much open hostility. I have stood by my partner for 17 years, and our journey has yet begun; and I will see it to the end. What we need is the protection of a legal marriage. What we need are the 1,175+ rights and responsibilities that are so casually granted to hetero couples, and so callously denied others with a 20 dollar civil marriage contract. I have sworn my allegiance to him, and him to me...Before each other...None other is necessary; yet we are so very vulnerable. Without legal right to, and responsibility for, one another many frightening realities cloud the road ahead and make it impossible to pass.

What if in another 17 years or more, the states are still wrestling this debate, and we both become incapacitated...We could be sent to separate facilities...Because in the eyes of the law we are nothing more that strangers, unworthy of compassion, courtesy, and the dignity to pass with one another after a road long travelled.

What if either of us falls to our genetic reality and suffer a sudden and incapacitating medical complication? Worse yet, it happens in Virgina where we are legally defined as strangers, even if we have living wills? This could happen in so many states, supposedly United and equal under the Constitution; yet so very different and divided in legal reality. What then do we do? I will tell you. One will sit in a cold waiting room as the other dies quietly in a distant room, surrounded by strangers. Without the FEDERAL protection that is our birthright as Americans, we are destined to finish our journey in the most horrifyingly isolated and insensitive way possible...As legal strangers...Alone.

This is the prize for love in America. Seventeen years of unwavering care, commitment, and devotion all to be rewarded by a hateful few in a cowardly nation ripe with fanaticism placed squarely on our shoulders. Rewarded by votes where the majority is permitted to decide the rights of the minority. Rewarded by amendments that not only define, but destroy marriage. We are rewarded with nothing but pain, uncertainty, and hate; where we have done nothing wrong, played by the rules, and loved one another more purely than many, more openly than most, and with greater commitment than the enemy would like to see.

We are one. Seventeen years ago we were a unit, and today we are but a stronger one.

We are in love; purely, proudly, and without apology.

We are celebrating seventeen years together tomorrow. Seventeen glorious years with "wedded bliss" in our hearts, on our faces, and in the eyes of all that know and care for us. We are lucky. We are hopeful, humble, and good humored. We are one. "Ever thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours." We are complete in ourselves, yet so vulnerable in the legal limbo that is a world without protection; a place cold and shallow, devoid of reason and filled with fear. We stand together in every moment, but are cast apart so casually in dreary reality of what it means to be a gay American.

We are hopeful, but wisely fearful. Fate has a twisted sense of humor, and as long as any of us is one heart beat, one tumor, or one accident from ruin, then none of us are safe...Seventeen years, or not.

So today, in spite of the gloom, I write with great enthusiasm for I think of him with every word. Tomorrow is our Anniversary, and it will be a glorious day. It will look pretty mundane to the rest of you; but to us, with love glimmering in our eyes, it will be a celebration of the day we exchanged rings in a quiet bedroom, and said for no other but ourselves: "I do."

Labels: 17 years, anniversary, gay marriage, marriage equality, pennsylvania

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Posted by Gary @ 3:06 PM | | << Home

Thursday, May 7

Words of Wisdom from Colin Powell

Rush Limbaugh is nothing more than a "gas bag."

How is it that the fleeting members of the "base" of the Republican party are not smart enough to see that the defacto leader is ONLY doing what he does, and thereby saying what he says for

RATINGS!!!

He has no power. He has not helped any candidate he endorses to win. He is a false idol.

He is HATEFUL.

He is a radio degenerate.

A thug terrorizing the playground all by himself. Cause all his friends have left him there by himself to throw stones.

He is the leader of the Rethuglican Party.

And...

When Colin Powell responds to him, he offers, in classic reasoned style a very accurate piece of common wisdom where "Boss" Limbaugh is concerned.

"I think what Rush does as an entertainer diminishes the party and intrudes or inserts into our public life a kind of nastiness that we would be better to do without," Powell said.

Well said. True. Accurate.

To the core of why "re-branding" of the party is required. Powell is a Republican that gets it, and if he can silence those that don't then the "old party values" of his party might survive to rule another day.

In the mean time, when I see Rush, all I really see is another stuffed PIG in dire need of some LIPSTICK! Pucker-up Buttercup!

Labels: boss limbaugh, colin powell, democrat, entertainer, GOP, lipstick on a pig, rebranding, republican party, rush limbaugh

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Posted by Gary @ 1:44 PM | | << Home

Arlen Specter given Chairmanship of Sub-Committee

Newly minted, and already confused, Democratic Senator Arlen Specter has been given a Chairmanship of a Sub-Committee by the Democrats. Dick Durbin stepped down as the Chairman of the Crime & Drugs Subcommittee to pass the reigns to Arlen Specter (D-PA).

This committee oversees about 60% of the justice department according to CNN. More importantly, this puts him dead in the center of the debate on the coming Supreme Court nominations of Barack Obama. This is a big deal!!! Especially interesting as so many of the objections to him are rooted in his cross-examination of Anita Hill during the Clarence "Coke Can" Thomas confirmation hearings. (Speaking of which...There is a movement underway on the blogs to recruit her for the opening on the SCOTUS!)

Not too shabby for a man that was just two weeks ago in the minority party. Most spectacular of all is that this was taken from Dick Durbin (D-IL) who is the second most senior member of the party in the Senate. This speaks volumes to how the Democrats are not only happy to have Specter, but want to make sure he is happy with his decision.

Classic case of give and take in politics. Everything is a negotiation, and it seems the skilled Specter is winning all the negotiations!

Good for you Arlen. Keep them on their toes, that's what you are known for.

Labels: Anita Hill, Arlen Specter, barack obama, clarence thomas, cnn, coke can, crimes and drugs, d-pa, dick durbin, illinois, justice department, loyal democrat, pennsylvania, scotus, supreme court

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Posted by Gary @ 1:14 PM | | << Home

Ridge is out! Senate Race of the Century CANCELLED!

I am so glad Tom Ridge has seen the light; he is not running for the 2010 Senate Seat opposite of recent party defector Arlen Specter.

This BLUE state is so over the former Governor that tried to head Homeland Security. He proved himself a rather lackluster lap dog for George Dumbya and Dickity-do Cheney. To be fair to Tom Ridge, I think his own ethics were what made him a poor candidate for that job. He had standards and moral fiber, where his bosses had none, and that caused him to never really have his heart in the job.

I think that same conscience would have ruled him had the Rush-Party gotten thier wish and pushed him into the Senate race.

Tom Ridge is not that Republican. That's why he was popular in this state. He is a centrist Republican who was being pushed by the same GOP machine that caused moderate Specter to leave the party in the first place. Ultimately, after much speculation, I think Tom Ridge made a smart decision. Not for party, but for himself and for his own self respect. He is no Rushie...And they can't force Tom into that mold.

So, inasmuch as I was never a great fan of Tom Ridge, I would like to congratulate him for standing his ground, maintaining his own personal integrity, and not helping the desperately dying RIGHT WING of his party!

Labels: 2010 senate, Arlen Specter, dick cheney, george w bush, GOP, PA, pennsylvania, right wing, rush limbaugh, tom ridge

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Posted by Gary @ 1:02 PM | | << Home

May The Month of the Gays!

Yesterday the state of Maine won the race to be 5th in the nation to make gay marriage legal.

New Hampshire should follow in short order.

The District of Columbia (51st state) has passed an ordinance that will allow DC to legally recognize any legal marriage from any state.

Some GOP'rs are freaking out.

So last election cycle.

And they wonder why they are becoming relegated to the antique shelf?!

Labels: 51st state, DC, district of columbia, gay marriage, GOP, Maine, marriage equality, New Hampshire

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Posted by Gary @ 12:57 PM | | << Home

Thursday, April 30

MAY 1 -- Big Day to be Gay in Sweden!

If you are in love and looking to get married to your partner!

Tomorrow is the first day gay Swede's can legally marry.

Have fun and Congrats!

Labels: gay marriage, sweden

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Posted by Gary @ 3:43 PM | | << Home

Swine Flu Comign to Public Transportation Near You!

As our "pandemic" really ratchets up, the Vice President urged Americans to shun public transportation. Fifteen states are now reporting confirmed cases. (MSNBC has a cool intereactive map to show you the states, cases, and outcomes...Click here) (THIS is the simliar world map of confirmed cases)

I would go one step further and encourage Americans to be personally responsible and vigilant. Sure, regular seasonal flu kills more than this emerging virus has, but the fear (rightfully or not?) is that the virus could mutate to a more deadly version at any time. The more humans who are exposed, the greater the statistical chance that the virus could change and then become not only insanely easy to transmit, but also lethal.

Seriously, to those nay-sayers out there, myself included...

Think about this.

Cases are confirmed as the appear. The reality of that is that MANY more will appear shortly. Those we are seeing reports of are the ones that have already passed the incubation period for the virus. I would venture to bet countless others are infected but not yet showing symptoms. Just going about their lives as usual, spreading the disease without a care in the world. Incubation is 24 to 48 hours, and that is when it's easiest to pass along.

So...

Be diligent & vigilant. Take your vitamins, drink your OJ, do your exercises and stay healthy. Cover your mouth. Don't touch your face. Wash your hands frequently. Buy some Lysol and use it. If you get sick, don't give it to everyone around you. Stay home, get anti-viral drugs and recover without involving the rest of us. (More information from the CDC: HERE)

Really, this is about common sense and what your Grandmother would do, which is keep you home if you were sick. Don't be stubborn, the rest of us will thank you for not sharing your crud.

;-)

Labels: Joseph Biden, pandemic, prevention, public transportation, swine flu, symptoms

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Posted by Gary @ 1:01 PM | | << Home

Maine: Add Another to the ranks of trying for Marriage Equality

Maine has leaped forward in the fight for equality. Their version of the bill has made it past the Senate in Maine, and should have little problems in the House. The Governor, as they seem prone to do, is non-committal on what he will do if the bill comes before him for his signature.

A similar situation is happening in New Hampshire, which came this far through the process yesterday.

As they say, "As Iowa goes, so goes the nation."

I personally would like the to hurry up already. This surge in civil rights needs to catch like a wildfire in the Santa Anna area. If the momentum picks up then perhaps the Obama Administration will make this a higher priority, and then we can get married by or ON(!) our 20th Anniversary. How cool would that be?!

So, that gives the Federal Government 3 years to get with the program. That should be more than enough time.

Congrats Mainiacs!

On a side, and additionally encouraging in Maine, they tried to make this a ballot issue and that was rejected. You see, unlike California, the people of Maine understand that you don't allow the majority to decide the rights of the minority. Which, in my opinion, is the greatest failing of our Democracy in recent history. Never should the majority of California been allowed to tell the minority that they are lesser, and thereby legislated a second class citizen...Officially!

Shameful.

Labels: california, civil rights, gay marriage, governor, iowa, Maine, marriage equality, New Hampshire, prop8, same sex marriage, vermont

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Posted by Gary @ 12:39 PM | | << Home

Wednesday, April 29

So far so good...For the gays.

The Vermont Senate passed a Gay Marriage bill, that has already passed the state house.

AND...

The House of Representatives passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill. Now off to the Senate. I wonder how Arlen will vote?

Labels: Arlen Specter, gay marriage, hate crimes, matthew shepard, pennsylvania, vermont, virginia foxx

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Posted by Gary @ 4:31 PM | | << Home

Oh No She Didn't! Virgina Foxx (R-NC) Just called Matthew Shepard's Death a "HOAX"

I am so angry I can barely see straight!

Time to call this Republican woman and let her know why it is that her party is in the crapper with America!

This is what she said today on the floor of the House:

(via Americablog:)

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

Are you kidding me?!

And the party wonders why Republicans are jumping ship? It's because it's SINKING under the weight of so much hate & ignorance!

Call her and let her have it!!! We need protection from HER!

Phone: (202) 225-2071
Phone: (336) 778-0211
Phone: (828) 265-0240

And then call your own Representatives and demand they support the Shepard Hate Crimes Legislation! Look your rep up here.

Labels: americablog, gay, hate crimes, hoax, matthew spepard, republican, virginia foxx

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Posted by Gary @ 2:08 PM | | << Home

Lipstick on a Flu-ridden Pig! Mark sums it up.

Mark over at Dispassionate Liberal has an accurate assessment of the Swine Flu that I think might be a useful read for MOST of you out there.

Twice in as many days, the acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control noted that the U.S. averages about 36,000 annual deaths from seasonal flu every year -- the kind of flu you've had before and lived to complain about. 98 Americans die of "normal" influenza every day -- day after day.
Tragic that it is for 150 people to have died so far from this H1N1 "swine" flu strain, let's say the Mexico outbreak ends up ten times worse than it is now, resulting in 1,500 total deaths. Let's also reduce the affected population to just the greater Mexico City population -- The largest metro area in the western hemisphere at 22 million -- which might see as many as 40% catching this bug according to one of the latest alarmist headlines.

Again, to quote Mark: "It's the flu, not the plague."

So stop google-ing "Swine Flu Symptoms." Silly humans.

Labels: disapassionate liberal, google, influenza, Mexico, pennsylvania, plague, statistics, swine flu, symptoms, Texas

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Posted by Gary @ 12:34 PM | | << Home

"Benedict Arlen" -- Limbaugh is Loosing it!

Ah...The joys of watching a political party implode!

How did this happen so quickly? Seriously, just on the heels of George W Bush the nation is now experiencing a seismic shift in tone. Over 79% of Americans now identify themselves as NOT Republican! This is no accident, it is the lasting legacy of George Bush, Rush Limbaugh, Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, and FOX News.

Clearly, when Americans signaled that they were ready for "Change" these idiots turned a blind eye and refused to believe it. Collectively they fail to see they are now the "crazy fringe" rattling a saber against the bars of progress. They finally have shown themselves in a light that is not flattering; where lying, misinterpreting, and fear tactics are blindingly obvious and no longer scary. America took a very long time to wake up, but she is sitting up straight in the chair now and paying attention in the front row of the class. The Republican party has been hijacked by the most fanatical members. It has been relegated to ridicule by the majority of the nation, and the frothier Rush gets, the more the majority "non-republicans" just shake their heads in disbelief. You can almost hear the disapproving "tsk-tsk-tsk."

Welcome to the "new century" Dick Cheney! The century you ushered in and then corrupted with corporate greed, cronyism, and religious zealotry; all under the name of Republican. For way too long your shenanigan's went unnoticed by your constituents, those who thought that being a Republican meant small government, fiscal responsibility, and family values. Well those former Republicans, Arlen Specter included, now see that a "family value" is based in the most common bond of love, not the artificially hyped matter of who loves whom...And how! Former Republicans in increasing numbers, as Democrats are seeing that the party of fiscal intelligence is the one they are now members of, not the one you allowed to drive the nation into debt with. Americans in the vast majority are rejecting the hatred & anger of Rush, Rove, O'Reilley, and Cheney for the reasoned, controlled, and honest approaches of Obama.

The Republican party is one in its final death throws. The great party of Reagan destroyed in 8 years by lies for war, lies for profit, and lies for power. I have to say, it is great fun to watch them reap what they have sown. My faith in America and her ideals is restored with every switch in registration, with every story of "i always voted Republican before..." and with every un-protested marriage in Iowa. "As Iowa goes, so goes the nation." When protests of newly approved "gay marriage" in Iowa never materialized, you knew that the fringe is losing. The religious wrong are being relegated to the church shelves in a dark and dirty corner where they can be forgotten. They have the Republicans to thank for this too.

So today, just a single day after the highly symbolic and strategically brilliant shift of Arlen Specter to the Democratic party, Rush Limbaugh is calling him names and telling him to take the McCain's with him! How great would it be for John McCain, the Republican torch bearer in the last election to switch parties? Truly that would be the last nail in the Republican casket. A party relegated to hate in the South; legitimized only by racists, religious fanatics, and other social outcasts. 79%(!) That is a remarkable number of Americans that see the Republicans as out of touch. An insane number statistically that see the Republican agenda as the almost hysterically wrong direction for America; and the party brought it on themselves. And its going to get worse for them as long as Dick Cheney keeps trying to blame Obama for fantasies that never even had a glimmer of reality in the rhetoric that spills from his heartless pie-hole.

60 votes to block a filibuster. Finally a legitimate majority that sees the future and isn't afraid to confront it. It is time. It's my time. It's your time. It is time for progress and eyes to a bright American future. Death has come to the politics of fear, and life to the politics of HOPE!

I want to thank Rush, FOX News, Dick Cheney, and the Republican "leadership" for squeezing out the moderates in their party. I want to thank them for pushing so hard, lying so transparently, and for ranting so insanely. It is to them America owes it's thanks; for without them we might still live in a land where Americans believe Republicans to represent principles, ideals, and realities that were consistent with their heritage. Instead, we live in a land where Americans see the title "Republican" has been stolen, corrupted, and destroyed by those so greedy they would readily and without conscience sends citizens to War for nothing so valuable as life, but as base as a buck.

So thanks to the leadership for squeezing Arlen & all those voters in the middle. Thanks to them for forcing them to choose "HOPE" over a party bent on self destruction. Thanks to them for saving us all from them!

So I would like to echo Rush's crazed response, and implore John, Cindy & Meghan McCain to consider switching teams. Moderates like him have no place in GOP-land; but the Democrats have space at the table if they would like to take a winning seat.

Labels: 60, 79%, Arlen Specter, barack obama, cindy mccain, democrat, dick cheney, family values, filibuster, fox news, iowa, john mccain, marriage equality, meghan mecain, PA, pennsylvania, rush limbaugh

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Posted by Gary @ 9:33 AM | | << Home

Tuesday, April 28

60...What a magical number...In Theory.

Arlen Specter (D-PA) is just the latest symbol of a party on the verge of total collapse.

It is amazing, and kind of heart-warming, to watch the GOP surgically remove it's nose to spite its face. How blind are they to reality? Seriously folks, when the party decides to abandon a "Reagan Big-Tent" Republican with such power in the Senate in favor of the likes of Toomey; what are they thinking? The Rush-Rove power train is off the rails!

The Republican party is relegating itself to a small southern regionalized party without power or a reality based plan for the future. To say "how the mighty have fallen" would be a gross understatement of the current affairs of this recent political powerhouse. They have hooked themselves so heartily on the teet of whack-job conservatism that they are causing members to bail ship?!

Specter sees the ship sinking. He knows that they aren't throwing him a life preserve, but instead and pushing his head under the water because he voted against the leadership. I say good for him! I have always like Specter because he was more prone to actually vote his conscience than any of his peers. He has done it more than once, and will surely do it more than a few times as the new Democratic Senator for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

So, though many are excited about the magic 60 filibuster-proof number, I say not so fast. A vote from Arlen Specter has never been guaranteed to go where you think it should.

However, is realignment with the constituency in Pennsylvania is a brilliant move that will require him to move left if he does in fact hope to be reelected. Now, he won't have to move very far left because the constituents that are most prone to vote for him are new Democrats themselves.

The only Republicans left in Pennsylvania are the frothy-Rick Santorum lovers. The most irrational, easy to anger, and obnoxiously misinformed members of the party....Otherwise known as the "base" are all that remain in this BLUE State. Those remaining voters are the most rabid conservatives America can produce, and they LOVE Toomey. Toomey is the candidate the GOP leadership has decided to support instead of Specter. And the reality is that Specter would loose to Toomey.

This would be an unmitigated failure for the people of Pennsylvania. Especially if a less than adequate challenger emerged from within the ranks of the Democrats.

So Senator Specter saw the writing on the wall, and rightfully so said "to hell with this" and switched to Democrat.

So now there is the potential for a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, but it is only a potential. Specter will not vote party line, he never has and I don't see that changing any time soon. But there will be items he will happily support that the *New Republican party will cringe at the thought of. And good for him! It is time they reap what they have sown by threatening Specter. He's a pit bull, and they are going to get the teeth from him.

Toomey is doomed, which is a huge victory for the State of Pennsylvania.

So I think we owe a great many votes of thanks to Arlen. Sure he has done this to insure his survival, but he has done so by showing clearly that he needs the BLUE majority too. He understands that he represents the majority constituents of Pennsylvania and our agendas...So he has rightfully changed his party affiliation to reflect those he represents.

Brave move, and I am proud of him for it.

Labels: 60, Arlen Specter, blue state, d-pa, democrat, filibuster, GOP, PA, pennsylvania, regional party, southern, toomey

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Posted by Gary @ 1:10 PM | | << Home

Arlen Specter is going to become a DEMOCRAT!

That's the word on the street.

I wonder if he is really going to go all Lieberman on us or not?

It's not a rumor! He's done it!

On MSNBC:

WASHINGTON - Veteran Republican Sen. Arlen Specter announced Tuesday that he is switching parties, a move would give Democrats a filibuster-proof 60 seats if Al Franken is seated in the Minnesota race.
"I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary," the Pennsylvania senator said in a statement.
"I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," Specter said, adding that the "change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans."

Holy crap! I am so excited!!!

CNN is also following the story.

Pennsylvania NOW has TWO Democratic Senators!!! Yeah us.

Labels: al franken, Arlen Specter, democrat, filibuster, PA, pennsylvania, republican, switch party

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Posted by Gary @ 11:15 AM | | << Home

Declarations of Pride

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Big Brass Alliance

Monday, November 9

"Don't Ask... Don't Give!"

Wednesday, November 4

Speaking in the Maine: Marriage Equality is a Birthright

Tuesday, August 11

Health Care Reform..."Use your Heads"

Tuesday, July 28

Hypocrisy from the Blue Dogs

Monday, July 13

AMERICAblog GAY...Now that's what I am talking about!

Wednesday, June 24

Governor Sanford: Can you explain the "Sanctity of Marriage" to me again?

Monday, June 22

Democrats --The New Right Wing?

Thursday, June 18

Obama's Big Gay Mistake

Wednesday, May 27

Pennsylvania Senator to Introduce Marriage Equality Bill in State!

Friday, May 22

17 years...Yet we wait with hope for "with this ring I thee wed."

Thursday, May 7

Words of Wisdom from Colin Powell

Arlen Specter given Chairmanship of Sub-Committee

Ridge is out! Senate Race of the Century CANCELLED!

May The Month of the Gays!

Thursday, April 30

MAY 1 -- Big Day to be Gay in Sweden!

Swine Flu Comign to Public Transportation Near You!

Maine: Add Another to the ranks of trying for Marriage Equality

Wednesday, April 29

So far so good...For the gays.

Oh No She Didn't! Virgina Foxx (R-NC) Just called Matthew Shepard's Death a "HOAX"

Lipstick on a Flu-ridden Pig! Mark sums it up.

"Benedict Arlen" -- Limbaugh is Loosing it!

Tuesday, April 28

60...What a magical number...In Theory.

Arlen Specter is going to become a DEMOCRAT!

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