Ron Paul: The Future, Should There Be One, of the GOP

Ron Paul gets it. I watched a good portion of the Republican debate from Iowa this morning before I went to church, and this little guy is one tough cookie! You see, tough does not necessarily mean 'all brawn, no brains':

Responding to a video question asking the candidates to clarify their strategies for ending the war in Iraq, Rep. Ron Paul came out swinging in support of immediate withdrawal.
"We went in illegally, and we ought to just come home," Paul charged from the podium to scattered audience cheers.

Congressman Paul is no liberal. Quite frankly, I wouldn't vote for him due to the fact that he is a right wing libertarian - too far right for my comfort. But he's no chicken hawk either, like most of these other clowns (except for McCain, who served too). What Ron Paul said was absolutely true. And I heard more than "scattered audience cheers." I actually wondered if the Democrats stuffed the audience for the very purpose of cheering Ron Paul's 'get out of Iraq now' approach. It was something.

Mike Huckabee, the former governor of the state in which I currently reside, said something worthwhile about health care. ABC News is down at the moment, so I'll paraphrase. He indicated that all Americans should get the same health care plan as members of Congress. I agree (for the first time) with him. Actually Medicare for all would be better, but the FEP (Federal Employee Program) is something I am familiar with also. I work for the Medicare and FEP contractor for the state of Arkansas. It ain't a bad deal! I was surprised that Huckabee put that out there. I had learned to expect nothing from bankrupt right wing politics from the Huckster.

The GOP needs a good strong dose of the likes of Ron Paul and a shot of Mike Huckabee in order to rejuvenate itself. The sooner the party learns this, all the better for them. And, I must admit, I think it's important that America have a strong, respectable Republican party. Given its clown act of current front runners for the nomination, however, it appears rejuvenation is a long way off.

'Dem Bloggers Got It Goin' On! Yearly Kos 2007

You know, the only time I'm ever torn in my support for Hillary Clinton is when I hear or read about John Edwards:

An audience member asked the candidates whether they would hire an official White House blogger. Edwards said yes, "and her name will be Elizabeth Edwards," his wife.

The Yearly Kos Convention of liberal-progressive bloggers runs through Sunday August 5th at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.

Who Ever Said The Bible Didn't Belong In Public Schools?

Open Christian minds will recognize this for the blessing that it is. While the fundamentalists may have had something else in mind when they passed laws making Bible classes in public schools legal, The Lord knows how to make it work for everybody:

http://www.au.org/site/News2?JServSessionIdr003=k5i3jmts51.app7b&abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=9279&security=1002&news_iv_ctrl=1241

You see, Bible education taught from a secular standpoint has real-world value and is completely legal under the U.S. Constitution. And, if you believe that the Gospel has its own inherent power to save, you can appreciate AU.org's God-appointed role in this plan.

Hillary Holds The Democratic Lead

Hillary vs. Rudy? There are a couple of reasons why I see this general election scenario as win-win:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20110840/site/newsweek/

1. Both are 'center' candidates; Hillary leaning left, Rudy leaning right. The best place for an American president to govern from is the center, regardless of personal ideologies.

2. A Hillary-Rudy match up is the scenario most likely to make voters who hold extreme viewpoints stay home on election day. Granted, a voter who knows little about the issues is bad. But a voter who thinks he knows everything is far, far worse.

Miracle On The 35W

This certainly qualifies as a miracle. It is extremely difficult to get out of a car that is partially submerged. The pressure keeps you from pushing open a door or opening a window:

You basically have to wait until the pressure is equalized inside and outside the car, which means letting the vehicle fill completely with water!

Update: 35W bridge to be replaced by 2009?

A Blog Is Born

In order to make this blog one that is reliably positive in its Christian progressive take on the world, I have created a new blog to serve as a antithetic companion to American Emprise. While AE will provide a bright outlook on things, the new blog will serve as "the dark side," exposing the sleazy underbelly of neo-conservative politics, policies and people. Now you can choose to read the kind of news and opinion you want! Or, compare sides for a balanced blend of what is left and wrong with the world! :-) For a glimpse of the new blog and the sleaziness to come, visit http://www.garbageshovel.blogspot.com/. For the upside of the world we live in, hang here with American Emprise!

Bush In Retribution Will Veto Anything Congress Passes

George W. Bush is the ultimate sore loser. He will take anyone he can down with him by vetoing any bill congress passes. This is from USNews.com:

Senior Bush advisers tell the US News Political Bulletin that President Bush's best hope for recovering from his slump in the polls -- and proving he isn't a lame duck -- is to demonstrate that he remains a player on the Washington scene,. "The real problem for Bush now," says a senior administration official, "is that it looks like he doesn't have control over the government." He has endured a series of setbacks recently that suggest he is heading toward irrelevance in Washington -- at least that's the way many mainstream media outlets are portraying his situation. Among setbacks: continuing bad news from Iraq, the defeat of his immigration bill, the continuing harsh criticism of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, and this week's contempt citations from the House Judiciary Committee directed at White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former legal counsel Harriet Miers over executive privilege.
White House officials say Bush will emerge from the doldrums as he begins to confront the Democrat-controlled Congress with vetoes of spending bills that he considers excessive. They also expect him to get a lift in the polls for being a strong leader, at least in the view of conservatives, as he continues to block anti-war legislators in Congress from requiring a fast withdrawal from Iraq.

Any supporter of America's armed forces that still supports this president and his 'mission' is worshipping the wrong god. This man is not concerned with any sanctity of life, liberty or anything other than his own historic image. George W. Bush couldn't care less about you or the troops. His reputation is the only thing on his mind.

Shop Lowes.

Lowes knows. They made a business and moral decision.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/7/27/205510/101

Thank you, Lowes.

Caught! Rove's Arkansas US Attorney Pick Was Caging

This poor sap cried in front of cameras and made jokes about 'caged animals.' Silly chump:

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/072607A.shtml

G U I L T Y .

Borrow & Spend Like A Drunken Republican

I'm telling you, something's gonna pop. The Roaring 2000's have seen people overextend themselves on housing, run up huge credit debts and otherwise live beyond their means. This philosophy of "borrow & spend" is not limited to individuals and families. Our country as a whole has done the same thing. Where is all the money (trillions of dollars) for 2 wars coming from?

The Dow and it's related stocks are overvalued. That makes for nice reading when the 401K statement comes in the mail, but eventually imbalances correct themselves. A run on stocks over a weeks time results in this kind of correction:

http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/07/26/724281.html

A decade-long run on credit spending by an entire nation results in a correction similar in type but much larger in size and scope. The Roaring 20's ended in the Great Depression of 1929. How will the Roaring 2000's end?

Shop Lowes, Fly SWA Instead of Home Depot, JetBlue. Let 'Em Know.

Bill-O should not be rewarded with advertising dollars from Home Depot and JetBlue:

http://www.americablog.com/2007/07/oreilly-banned-me-for-exposing.html

Give 'em a piece of your mind.

"Moderate" Baptists To Gays: Don't Call Us, We'll Call You (or not)

While anti-gay sentiments in the Baptist Church are not necessarily newsworthy...

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) -- The organization sponsoring an upcoming historic pan-Baptist gathering has told two gay-friendly Baptist groups they cannot participate in an official capacity.

The North American Baptist Fellowship, under whose auspices next year’s “Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant” is being held, has informed the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists and the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America that they cannot join NABF. Therefore, they cannot be official participants in the event.

...Listen to this patronizing statement by the North American Baptist Fellowship:

“This is not a rejection of either organization or the people in those organization[s],” wrote Alan Stanford, general secretary of the NABF, in a July 18 e-mail alerting leaders of the two groups to NABF’s decision. “[I]t is a recognition that we can not hold together the large coalition of Baptists needed to create a new Baptist voice in North America and address the issue of sexual orientation at the same time. We ask for your forbearance and understanding.”

This statement clearly shows that the organizers of this "Celebration" think that gay-friendly Baptists would have nothing to contribute to the stated goals of the event, or would usurp the discussion with topics of their own. All the leaders of the event would have to do is limit discussions to the Fellowship's 'socially imperative' topics. If they mean what they suggest, that is gay-friendly Baptists would only talk about gay issues, then they admit their own incompetence in being unable to control the discussion. Or, they admit that the very presence of gays or gay supporters would offend the other participants.

When the first sentence of the explanation is a disclaimer (“This is not a rejection of either organization or the people in those organization[s],”), it gets me wondering if the writer is actually denying his own true motives. Such is the case many times when it comes to say, passing gas. "He who first smelt it, dealt it." Right? I suppose there is room for speculation there.

In any case, this policy is a real stinker. I'm really disappointed that Presidents Carter and Clinton are involved in this - Bill Clinton especially. He holds little to no allegiance to those who supported him. As for these North American Baptists, their seemingly worthy agenda comes with a particularly offensive odor: That is, you can't effectively address society's problems from a prejudiced standpoint.

Read the whole article here:
http://www.abpnews.com/2675.article

(Hat tip to BoxTurtleBulletin)

Death Threats Against Hillary From Right Wingers

John Aravosis over at Americablog.com is keeping track of a developing story about death threats made against Hillary Clinton on Bill O'Reilly's website. Sadly, I'm not surprised:

http://www.americablog.com/search/label/Bill%20O%27Reilly

The party of "God Loves Guns" (R) has a serious problem. Its base is made up of people with very little respect for lawful protest and civilized discourse. Violence, naturally takes the place of reasoned debate, when reason is absent in the mind of the debater.

Ex-Gay Or Ungrateful Toward God?

What an inteteresting context Rev. Maneker put the "ex-gay" movement into, in this article:

http://www.christianlgbtrights.org/2007/07/sexual-expression-as-sacrament.html

Can we, by extension of this line of thinking, assume that those who call themselves "ex-gay" or reject their homosexuality in favor of celibacy are ungrateful when it comes to God and his gift of sexuality? They will promptly say that God gives that gift only to married procreating hetero people, which is horse **** since no switch exists that flips on one's sexual equipment and abilities when the words "I do" are spoken.

Ex-gays are ingrates? Should we go there? I happen to think its between God and them. And after all, they would never go out of their way to make self-accepting gay people's lives more difficult, would they?

5 Stages Of Political Grief

I like this post on Good As You for its frankly accurate description of what the targeted, vs. non-targeted people experience after being attacked during a political campaign:

http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2007/07/video-anti-gay-.html

I guess the video is kind of funny too. Can't watch it here at work, but will check it out later. Apologies in advance if it contains any salty language.

The Roaring 2000's?

This article in The Guardian of London examines America's super-rich and the widening gap between the rich few and the working poor.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2131974,00.html

It's interesting that they refer to the Roaring 20's as being analogous to our current American socio-economic situation. The scary question is, how will it end? In 1929, the Great Depression brought the Roaring 20's to a screeching disasterous stop.

Bill O'Reilly's Audience

If you're one of those folks who watches Bill O'Reilly for the 'entertainment value' of his spew, just take a look at who you're sitting on the virtual sofa with:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/7/23/152412/873

There are people behind these comments. These are the people who make up the 25% of the country that still support George W. Bush, the Iraq occupation, killing undocumented immigrants, destroying San Francisco, and hating gays. They are real, they are a threat to this country's well-being, and should be taken VERY seriously in terms of identifying their objectives and stopping them in their political endeavors.

To Those Who Snicker and Roll Their Eyes:
It is not acceptable or smart to just laugh these people off. You can't just 'ignore them', like some of my friends and family say. When these people get done with Muslims, Mexicans, the City by the Bay, gays, and atheists, YOU, YOUR KIDS AND YOUR GRANDKIDS ARE NEXT. Wake up! Stand up! Speak up! Because, before long, it will be your divorced butt, your Mormon butt, your Jewish butt, your adopted butt, or whatever kind of butt you may have that does not meet their expectations. You may not have the kind of butt they're gunning for right now, but you can bet your sorry one that if you ignore these people, yours is next.

What's Another War, Anyway?

Wouldn't it be prudent to actually WIN one of these things before moving on to the next one? Surely even warmongers have some regard for getting one war right (or two, as we currently have in Iraq and Afganistan) before moving on to the next hapless country (Pakistan):

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/22/terror/main3086282.shtml

What ever happened to Iran? Must be on the back burner for now. Help us, Lord.

Skip Jamaica

I doubt that I would ever take a carribean cruise, given the region's notoriously bad attitude toward gays. But, if I could pick and choose among carribean destinations, I might give a couple of the more progressive spots a chance. Jamaica, however, is out of the question:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/html/20070721T200000-0500_125498_OBS_BEENIE_MAN_DENIES_SIGNING_DEAL_WITH_GAY_GROUP_.asp

I've read other stories in the Jamaica Observer which were tainted with the same poisonous reporting style: Uncritical coverage of a foul-mouthed bigot's statements. I urge progressive and centerist Christians to avoid Jamaica and its 'products', such as this entertainer's music. Let the fundamentalists go there to have their pockets picked while supporting Jamaica's hate.

Goodbye Miss Tammy Faye

Our world lost another true representative of Christ.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2126310320070722

If you get a chance, look up Jay Bakker. He's Tammy Faye Bakker's son. I saw him preach here in Little Rock a year or so ago. I believe he possesses her spirit and commitment to true Christian evangelism. Still, this world won't be the same without Tammy Faye Bakker Messner.

Please keep her family in your prayers. She is undoubtedly in a much better place now.

A Still, Small, Courageous Voice

Tammy Faye Messner speaks softly, but the wonder and weight of her words carries within it the true spirit of Christ.

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0707/19/lkl.01.html

That still, small voice drowns out all of those blaring, counterfiet voices that make up the antichrist's 'Religious Right.' God bless Tammy Faye.

Young Fools

College Republicans. Young people who embrace the failed worldview of the neocon right wing deserve the full life of failure that lies before them - very sad. But, it's their life to dispose of as they wish.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-blumenthal/generation-chickenhawk-t_b_56676.html

More GOP Fascination With Hookers

This is turning out to be quite the 'Year of the Hooker' for Republicans. Another sleezebag exposed:

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2370

GOP's Morality Mavens Continue To Succomb To Themselves

Warning: The link takes you to the DownWithTyrrany blog. You get to read about the good senator's lurid sexual transgression (some lascivious language is used) as well as the blog's reader comments - some of which contain profanity.

http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2007/07/third-republican-legislator-in-sex.html

I wouldn't normally link to stuff like this, but it's important to witness the moral disintegration of the Republican party. The Lord has given these people over to their shameful behavior in repayment for their judgemental treatment of others.

You Know It's Bad When Conservatives Cuss Publicly

George Voinovich, R-Ohio, drops the "F" bomb on W and company:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/07/16/gop-senator-to-rove-bush-legacy-on-the-line-in-iraq/

A Happy Story

I should try to devote more blog time to happy stories. They've been somewhat scarce, but maybe that is about to change? In any case, this one is awesome:

http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-12/118449451566160.xml&coll=8&thispage=1

Western Michigan is bizarre. Granted, it's a rural-small town area on the other side of the state from Detroit. But it is a northern state - Yankee territory - which makes it seem strange that it is so stridently conservative. Anyway, as the story indicates, good things can happen there.

Neo-Con Diseased Diatribe Of Death

Peter LaBarbera is a neo-conservative Christian activist, specializing in raising homophobic capital for the neo-con movement at large. One of the hallmarks of neo-conservatism has been to erase any hesitancy in its followers to capitalize on others' pain in their quest for culture domination. Whereas, traditional conservatives will acknowledge the value of dignified debate, neo-cons care nothing about civility, telling the truth, duty to the greater good, or anything else that would limit the extent to which they can go to achieve their goals.

http://bloggernista.com/2007/07/15/absolutely-sickening/

America is developing as sort of 'auto-immune' resistance to this sort of treachery. Evidence of this came during the mid-term elections in November of '06, and more proof is to come in 2008. Any party that embraces the purulent rhetoric of neo-conservatives is to see no successful venture of any kind. It's time for the GOP to wake up and smell the coffin they're in.

So, Who's Fault Will A Terror Attack In The US This Summer Be?

John Aravosis of Americablog states it accuratetly, quickly and to-the-point. Most people I know agree:

http://www.americablog.com/2007/07/next-911-is-bushs-fault.html

More GOP Solicitation Charges

This time it's Bob-Allen(R) of Florida. Check out the story and comments from Joe's blog:

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2007/07/homoquotable-bob-allen.html

Pam's Weekend.

I would like to point you toward one of the best gay blogs out there. Pam Spaulding is the blog's author, and her site is quickly becoming one of the most watched gay weblogs out there on the www. She and her partner took the weekend off to visit family and friends, and ran into some disturbing opinions. Even on vacation, gays get the verbal equivalent to a slap in the face:

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2236

I'll say this: The nice old lady is probably trying, in her own way and at her own pace, to catch up. But it galls me how conservatives think nothing of saying the most caustic things at the worst possible time. This poor old woman has been pumped full of conservative intolerance. Pray for her ability to see the wrong in what she was led to believe. Pray for patience for Pam and her partner. They did nothing wrong by driving hours to see their familyand friends, yet they were rewarded for their efforts with conservative, intolerant, un-Christian venom.

Every Now And Then ...

We find reasonable people who post comments on conservative blogs. This was posted by a user named Polly on townhall.com in response to a venomous Dennis Praeger article about outing gay conservatives (link to the article and it's plethora of vitriolic comments from Town Hall's neo-conservative readers here: http://www.townhall.com/columnists/column.aspx?UrlTitle=on_outing_gay_conservatives&ns=DennisPrager&dt=04/03/2007&page=full&comments=true)
Polly writes:
Tuesday, April, 03, 2007 6:09 PM
Homosexual as sinner/abomination
For the record, since I firmly believe homosexuality is NOT a choice, then homosexuals are as God created them. So when you say gays are an abomination, you are insulting God's work. I know He does some cruel things, but to purposely create an abomination--unspeakably cruel.What if, in reality, He just wanted to see how you would treat his creations? What if YOU are the ones being judged?I wonder if He sees justice when a liberal "outs" a conservative gay "because he/she deserved it." Or is it more like hate?

Thanks, Polly. Your still, small voice is one that reinforces my belief that God is Love.

Insight: The Mind Of A Neo-Conservative Christian

There's a reason that fundamentalist Christians are labeled in exactly that order: Fundamentalist first, Christian second. Here are the American Heritage Dictionary definitions:

fun·da·men·tal·ism (fŭn'də-měn'tl-ĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key n.
A usually religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism. http://dictionary.reference.com/help/ahd4.html

Chris·tian (krĭs'chən) Pronunciation Key adj.
Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
Showing a loving concern for others; humane.

Neo-conservatives, however, place an inordinate emphasis on the former, while treating the latter as an optional afterthought. Consider this posting by a reader on mediamatters.org in response to liberal criticism of Michael Savage's radio show tirade against Media Matters, in which he called the website "the homosexual mafia." http://mediamatters.org/items/200707060002?f=h_side

My neo-conservative opponent stated the following. My commentary appears in red, brackets:

I've never heard Limbaugh or Hannity talk about the gay marriage issue, and I listen to both of them fairly often. I just made my own observation. Marriage has always been a committment between one man and one woman.[Wrong. The Bible is rife with examples of polygamy - 1 man, many women] Gays have the same rights as everybody else has. The have the right to marry someone of the opposite sex. [Gee, thanks. That's exactly what I want, not to mention what an unsuspecting hetero woman wants.] Letting gays marry would give them special rights that no other minority interest group has. [Religious right-wing talking point number 1; makes sense only to homo haters.] If you let gays have the right to get married, you would have to give the same rights to other minority interest groups such as polygamists, NAMBLA types, animal lovers, etc. [The fallacy of the Slippery Slope: Logic 101 covered this when I attended NIU]
- RINO Hunter / Friday July 6, 2007 02:18:09 PM EST

How is it that an argument this simplistic and flawed can prevail in America policy-making? The answer is: It Isn't Prevailing! http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/55254/

Rino Hunter faces the challenge of valuing his or her own marriage, while sharing the civil part of the institution with the likes of me. Poor guy. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator II): "He'll live."

How Much Real Homeland Security Could We Have for $1.4 Trillion

How much universal healthcare, for that matter? The first comment on Think Progress' article asks the 1.4 Trillion dollar question.

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/07/06/iraq-war-costs-could-top-14-trillion/

How much of the future of the Medicare Trust Fund could be guaranteed with this much money? How much of the Social Security Trust? The neo-conservatives hate universal healthcare and public programs. The Iraq war is an ingenious way to bankrupt the country and prevent us from being able to afford what Americans really want: Health insurance for all and the programs that serve as a safety net for the most vulnerable in our society. It's time for these people to go.

Gay Cities Are More Expensive, But Worth It.

I alway say, you get what you pay for. I lived in one of these cities for 4 years (SF). I'm surprised Tampa made the list. Really surprised.

http://pageoneq.com/news/2007/prosperity062307.html

Wal-Mart Blinks

When Wal-Mart stood up to the far-right Christians last year, I made it a point to go out of my way to shop at the McCain Blvd. Supercenter here in North Little Rock. I bought all my motor oil, air filters, oil filters, and other mechanic stuff there in the automotive section. I also would surf the aisles for other not-so-necessary goodies that might jump out at me.

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid46657.asp

While I won't condemn Wal-Mart for blinking in the face of what was probably withering right-wing criticism, I will no longer go out of my way to shop at the constantly overcrowded McCain Blvd. Supercenter. Target happens to be on this side of the freeway, and closer to my house.

High School Yearbooks Defaced by School Faculty

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/06/gay_pairs_photo_blacked_out_of.html

I think the picture is gorgeous - 2 handsome young men (18 and 19) who appear to love each other passionately. How many skanky white trash straight couples have we had to endure seeing tangled up in nasty, lippy embraces throughout the decades? If I were a parent of one of the students at this high school, I would demand an unaltered copy, or else a full refund for the defaced yearbook.

Why Were We Attacked On 9-11?

Do you think that we were attacked on 9-11 because we let women dress the way they want? Do you think it was because we are a free nation which allows unfettered personal expression? Do you think it was because we are a predominantly Christian nation? If so, you're a fool. We were attacked because we meddle in middle-eastern affairs with an emphasis on support for Israel, regardless of its actions.

Our 'addiction to oil' (W's words) has resulted in our greedy manipulation of middle-eastern nations' sovereignty for our own ends. Those ends are directly tied to Big Oil's desire to keep raping everybody they can, including us. And, by extension, we must continue to rape the Middle East.

I am not making excuses for terrorist violence. However, until we own up to our part in the conflict, there will be no victory over those who feel powerless against our monumental greed. They see it as our pillaging of their treasure. We need to use our technological prowess to overcome our addiction to easy, profitable carbon-based energy. This is how we will win the war on terror - not with military brawn, but with brain power.

Am I blaming America? No. Am I saying we can solve the anti-American terrorist problem by examining our own actions and motives? YES! This is not rocket science. But it does require overcoming greed, which is harder to do for some than getting a degree in rocket science.

Open Letter To The Log Cabin Republicans

Here is my response to Patrick Sammon's letter to The Washington Blade at: http://www.washblade.com/2007/6-22/view/columns/10799.cfm. He is the President of the Log Cabin (gay) Republicans' national organization.

Dear Mr. Sammon,

I was very pleased to read your Op-Ed in The Blade regarding the role of the GOP in protecting gay marriage rights in Massachusetts. I completely agree with you when you say that victory would not have happened without support from those GOP lawmakers who sided with us at the last minute. I tip my hat to you and the rest of the Log Cabin Republicans for your work behind enemy lines to change hearts and minds regarding GLBT families in America. In fact, a 'tip of the hat' may not be enough, though. For, I could not live with myself if I signed on with the GOP for any of its current causes.

The fact is that the GOP has been co-opted by the worst people in the world: Those who believe that the strong, rich and numerous have eminent control over the lives of the rest of us who are not so well-heeled, endowed, or privileged in any regard. You see, in a world where all things are equal, and disparities don't exist along the color line, and discrimination doesn't exist along the gender line, and peace is more desirable than perpetual conflict, and religion is not a source of pain, the GOP and its current platform would thrive. That world is not yet manifest. And, the GOP is the primary force standing in its way here in America. Until that changes, I cannot sign on.

America is in trouble due to 6-plus years of unchecked, lazy and corrupt far-right wing Republican leadership. Only a strong return stroke from the Left will undo the damage done to our country, constitution and international countenance. This process will likely involve at least 8 years of liberal Democratic rule in the U.S. I will work as hard as I possibly can to see that this antidote is administered. During that process, I suggest you work equally as hard to re-tool the Republican party platform and its goals, making sure that it is better equipped to lead this democratic republic the next time the GOP is electable. I truly want to see the Republican party regain its dignified reputation. But I will do everything I can to defeat it if its goals are not good for all of America.

Sincerely,

Larry Seiferth Jr.

Military Make-Believe

It's like an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000, with the silhouettes of the three little guys in the front row watching a bad sci-fi movie on the big screen.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/Story?id=3299379&page=1

Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Win Wars

Very good AP piece on gays in the military, starting off with a gay soldier's profound epitaph.

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/06/062107vets.htm

I've said it before. The U.S. military's biggest problem right now is brain-drain. Its leadership is fixated too heavily on brawn and not sufficiently on intelligence. This is a recipe for defeat; vis-a-vis Iraq, Afghanistan.

Open Letter To BeyondExGay.com

I heard an interview with Dr. Michael Bussee today on Sirius OutQ. I am concerned that he has endorsed a therapy model, wherein people who are religiously opposed to homosexual relationships could be counseled to embrace celibacy as a mechanism for dealing with their orientation. For the record, I believe in God, and I believe that certain people are gifted with the ability to be celibate. Not everyone has this gift, however. With that said:

Organizations like Exodus are religious authoritarians with a tendency to prescribe 'one size fits all' solutions to their clients. With that in mind, I fully expect groups like this to take advantage of Dr. Bussee's endorsement to advertise and sell this therapy model to the masses of people who seek a 'remedy' for their homosexual attractions.

Thus, this therapy model is equivalent to Catholic Priesthood Redux. We have witnessed the effects of dogma-based suppression of sexual attraction already. The result is unhealthy, sometimes criminal manifestations of those desires.

I believe that Dr. Bussee's endorsement of this therapy model was naive at best. The organizations with which he brokered this compromise have no intention of applying this therapy model on a case-by-case basis. They will instead package and market it as an alternative to Coming Out, and sell it to the political action committees of the religious right for the purpose of defeating gay rights legislation.

I am deeply disappointed in this setback. While Dr. Bussee's heart may have been in the right place, certainly his head was not. These groups are not interested in compromise, but rather the highest bid they can get from James Dobson for their shill.

Sincerely,

Larry Seiferth Jr.

Missing Soldier's Wife Getting Kicked Out Of Our Brave, Great Country

Her husband having gone missing in IRAQ, this poor lady is getting her butt kicked out of the U.S. Does anybody else get the feeling that we are living on the freakin' Death Star with The Emperor and Darth Vader in charge?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/20/national/main2956093.shtml

Thanks (I think) Americablog.

Couldn't Pass Up A Cute Little Dog Story

Too cute! I don't know how long this link will last, but give it a try:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=49750&cl=3105263&ch=61492&src=news

Is Texas Threatening The Sanctity Of Marriage?

I'm at work, so I can't spend a lot of time commenting on this, but it's a great read with a lot of interesting information regarding the 'rights and responsibilities' of marriage after some commentary on the .99 cent weddings being offered in Texas:

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2077

Ball Back In Bigots' Court in Kentucky And Michigan

Michigan and Kentucky passed constitutional amendments banning legal recognition of gay marriage and any other union for a similar purpose. This means that even domestic partner health insurance benefits cannot be offered to gay couples by state-run institutions, including state universities. But, alas, fairness has found a way around the tyranny of the majority in these states:

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/06/18/ap3832724.html

It looks like it's your move again, Christian heterosexual elitists. I'm sure you'll have some creative legal devilry to sell to the legislatures in your respective states to try and counter Love's latest antidote to your poison. However, I don't think the people who have bitten into your rotten, mean-spirited agenda in the past will have much of an appetite for it anymore.

Red States Fare Worst In Healthcare, Employment And Education

A must-read if you're like me: One who lives in a "red state" and is concerned about healthcare, jobs and education. Thanks Americablog!

http://www.perrspectives.com/blog/archives/000646.htm

Compassionate "Compromise"?

Wayne Besen is one of the most well-written individuals I have ever run across online. He states very eloquently what gay Christians who have unsuccessfully battled that part of themselves which loves people of the same sex think of "ex-gay" groups.

http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/news-flash-alan-chambers-tells-the-truth-sort-of/

I also question any "therapy" developed by married and copulating heterosexuals (ex-gay or otherwise) which is aimed at "helping" gays be celibate. Celibacy is a gift from God - not a lifestyle option that can be adopted by anyone who wishes. I cite the Catholic priesthood as my case-in-point.

The Party (R) Above The Law

I it just me, or shouldn't there be consequences for someone in the Bush administration for breaking any of the laws that they've broken? Why have laws if the the people they were written to regulate are above the law?

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/06/18/emails-waxman/

Gay hair?

I dressed in nasty-ugly camp drag for Halloween one year when I lived in San Francisco. My getup included a horrible black wig, sprayed stiff with hairspray, with plastic spiders in it. That was gay hair, I suppose. Towleroad posted this link to NY Magazine that gives a new perspective on gay hair, fingers, hands, voices.

http://nymag.com/news/features/33520/

So far I'm batting 0. My hair twists clockwise, I'm right-handed, my index finger is shorter than my ring finger (on both hands), and I have a deep voice - I don't think I have a gay accent, but I wouldn't mind if I did. People (you know the kind I mean) might watch their mouths around me if I was more obviously gay. But I digress. What this article does point to is that there are quite a few variants in the human species that occur at a similar frequency as homosexuality in the population. And, religion has been undignified toward more than one of them: Left handed people were once thought to be "possessed" and in need of re-training to use the right hand.

Ex-Gays Should Not Oppose Equality For Real Gays

I don't claim to understand the ability of self-described ex-gays to control their sexual orientation. I tried for many years to do that, invoking my faith in God and Christ. Nonetheless, I take them at their word. However, they sully their reputation by selling their story to anti-gay organizations which use them for a right-wing political advantage:

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/irvine/article_1732269.php

Alan Chambers is entitled to his life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I would never stand in his way. However, he is not entitled to superimpose his experience on American public policy at the expense of those of us who have tried his method to no avail. Ex-gays enjoy all of the rights and responsibilities of heterosexual citizens. They have no business telling us that equality, fairness and justice are not necessary for GLBT Americans.

Father's Day, For Those Of Us Last In Line

PageOneQ posted this article from a Canadian newspaper. I found the final paragraph very interesting. It's about gay dads reflecting on life as a second-class family in conservative western Canada:

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2007/06/17/4267211-sun.html

Could it be that the kingdom of Christ is here on Earth? I don't know the book, chapter or verse, but Jesus did say that in His kingdom, "those who are last shall be first, and those who are first shall be last."

As much as I would love to see Heaven, I am still very much interested in seeing the Earth and our world reconciled and ruled by Jesus, the master of compassion and kindness. If gays will not enter the kingdom of God (Heaven), then I hope that I can live on the "new Earth." A new Heaven and a new Earth are mentioned in the Bible. As one who has seen unspeakable injustice done in the name of God here on Earth, I am really excited about the emergence of Christ's "new Earth."

Right Wingers Kill Dallas Mayoral Candidate's Bid Because He's Gay

The right-wing Texas Eagle Forum and African American preachers in the city were successful in their last-minute character assassination of Ed Oakley, the gay candidate for Dallas mayor. They used automated phone calls and church pulpits to scare the citizens of Dallas into thinking that a gay mayor was worse than a white Republican mayor in charge of a major urban city:

http://elections.beloblog.com/archives/2007/06/oakley_concedes.html

Dallas has rejected Ed Oakley for mayor because he's gay - even though his opponent is a white Republican who is said to have been a member of an exclusive all-white country club. I hope for their sake that the minority citizens of Dallas know what they're doing.

On the bright side, the election of an openly gay mayor in a major American city might have scared left-leaning moderates back into the ranks of the neo-cons. Gays had one major victory this week in Massachusetts. Two major gay victories in one week might have invited some backlash from the center. Instead, this defeat might rightly inspire some sympathy, as this guy was clearly character-assassinated by the far right (white and black) at the last minute.

Our System Counters Majority Tyranny

This is an excellent Op Ed from the Boston Globe on gay marriage and the recent vote by the Massachusetts legislature to kill a constitutional ballot question on the definition of marriage.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/06/16/tyranny_by_ballot/

Thanks PageOneQ!

US Military in Need of Brain Power

Brawn without brains is useless and impotent. It's time for the U.S. Military to get with the program. It is no longer plausible to ignore the mental health needs of the troops on the ground:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/15/eveningnews/main2936403.shtml

This is all about growing up. The U.S. will not succeed in its military endeavors until brains equal brawn, and the Brass understands that psychology is as, or more important than tradition.

Congratulations Americablog!!

Finally, the media is acknowledging the fact that progressives are a force to be reckoned with in this country.

http://www.americablog.com/2007/06/open-thread_15.html

Americablog was my inspiration for starting my own blog. I wrote to John Aravosis, asking for a chance to blog for Americablog. He recommended that I start my own - the best advice I have gotten in a long time.

These guys are the BOMB. I read Americablog no less than twice a day. It's about time that liberal media found its niche, and the blogosphere is it!

Thank God for Americablog!

Loss of a Beloved Spouse

On this day when we celebrate the survival of Marriage Equality for gays and lesbians in Massachusetts, we should also remember those who have suffered the loss of a beloved spouse - even if our philosophies differ.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/14/national/main2931932.shtml

Billy Graham was my grandma's favorite evangelist before she lost her battle with cancer in 1997. I can remember her talking about his sermons and specials on TV. I never came out to my grandma before she died, although I think she knew about me in her own way. But I always admired her Christianity, and still aspire to achieve certain aspects of it.

Billy Graham has incurred the wrath of some very homophobic and hateful people on the Christian right recently. In the name of Christian civility (I believe) he has deflected attempts by right-wing extremists to call him out on the subject of homosexuality. This man and his family are not cut from the same intolerant cloth of most of our high-profile enemies.

If you are a spiritual person, please keep Reverend Graham and his family in your prayers. There is no doubt in my mind that his wife, Ruth Graham, was his lifeline to the Lord in this world. There is no greater loss than that of your lifetime partner. God Bless Billy Graham.

-For Eleanor Seiferth (Grandma)

Civil Marriage Equality: The bar is set.

Americablog is truly a blessing. John Aravosis, Joe Sudbay and the rest of the cast and crew really deserve a 'tip of the hat' for their coverage of progressive topics, including GLBT news. Massachusetts lawmakers rejected an attempt by right-wing Christian activists to put the right of gay people to marry to a popular vote today. The link will take you to a play-by-play account of the day's story:

http://www.americablog.com/2007/06/day-that-was-in-massachusetts.html

Hope springs eternal! There was a time when I thought I would never see marriage equality in my lifetime, and the best I could hope for was 'civil union' legislation in agreeable states. What a wonderful God we have! Through Jesus' death and resurrection, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Americans are now permitted to partake in the joy of temporal life on Earth, as well as eternal life with the Lord in Heaven or on the 'New Earth.' Praise Him!!

Understanding God's Enemy

God's adversary is our worst enemy. God sent his Son to redeeem us, without condition or additional requirement, and The Adversary wants to lead as many people as possible away from that understanding. Any force or power that seeks to attach additional requirements, other than believing in Jesus, to salvation should be understood as the anti-Christ. That list includes the fundamentalist Christian movement in America that suggests that we can contribute to our own salvation by adopting a certain artificially righteous lifestyle which amounts to law worship.

Jesus undid the power of sin and death. PERIOD. Anyone who suggests that you can contribute to or augment Jesus' act of pure grace is the enemy of Christ and God, himself.

18 And Life To Go

One wonders what Tyler Whitney's next step will be.

http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/06/tyler_whitney_just_18_and_already_outed

You can bet that someone with the 'ex-gay' ministries will offer their dubious services (possibly along with some cash - the kid would make a most excellent poster child). And, if he's a typical Republican, money and influence within the party are strong aphrodisiacs. Tyler Whitney, you are now faced with the decision of your life: Emerge into the light of truth and reality, or retreat into the murky (albeit well-paying) world of Republican loathing and denial.

Thanks Americablog! Credit for the article goes to Dan Savage.

Texas Meets Vatican

Bush and The Pope are two peas in a pod - each uniquely awful in their own way. Two heads of the same beast. Thanks, Huffingtonpost!
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2127232,00.html

Here Comes Summer!

Here in the Mid-South, summer means relatively high temperatures and VERY high humidity. People say it's hot here. They know not what they speak of. I lived in the Phoenix area before I moved to Central Arkansas. 110 degrees is hot. 115 degrees is very hot. The warmest it's been here in the four years I've lived in Little Rock was 102. Granted, the humidity here is out of sight compared to Arizona. But I still say these folks don't know what 'hot' is. I go back to visit my younger brother in Scottsdale, AZ twice a year. I was there in the summer of 2006, and the thermometer on my rental car read 121. That's what HOT is.

Nonetheless, it's very warm and humid here in Central Arkansas right now. We had some heavy-duty thunderstorms roll through here earlier this evening. Now the skies are clearing, just in time for me to go outside and greet my little creatures of the night. :) Here's a new pic of me, taken just this evening.

-- Looking at this the next day, I wasn't very smiley in this pic. Oh well. I do smile now and then. :o)

"Let He Who Is Without Sin..."

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/06/061007romania.htm

At least the Romanian police and government can discern the bad guys from citizens expressing their right to free speech. That's more than I can say for Russia, where gay parade organizers were recently convicted of staging an "illegal" event.

They're calling this a 'gay rights parade'. That's smart, because in backward countries under the influence of fundamentalist religion, pride can be viewed as contemtable. American fundamentalists have tried to decry gay 'pride' in a similar fashion, but the fact is that there are all kinds of pride festivals (Irish, immigrant, Hispanic, etc.), so they'd be condemning those groups by extension.

Still, Eastern Europe is sadly behind the times, and still largely controlled by dominionist religious forces: Islam and Catholicism.

Sunday Morning Doggie

The creatures of the night have all gone to bed. I actually saw a couple of very lovely slugs, slithering their way across the flagstone last night. The crushed pretzels I put out last night are all gone this morning. :)

The creatures of the day are now awake. I'm happy to be acquainted with all of them - night and day! Have a great Sunday, and God Bless.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Creator

One thing I noticed about the local flora and fauna when I moved here from the West Coast is that there are plenty of wild-roaming cockroaches here in the South. It got me to thinking about creation and God's plan for those species that are maligned by Man. Consider this: Who created cockroaches? If your answer is God, then why do we hate those creatures so? Is it because we hate what they do with their lives (i.e. scavenge for their livelihood in places we find filthy)? What was God's purpose in creating such a detestable creature?

I can't be too sanctimonious, because there are also creatures I don't like very much. Mosquito's, for example, are not welcome in my house. If I hear that high-pitched buzz next to my ear while lying in bed, I will seek out the responsible creature and kill it to prevent it from biting me while I sleep. Respctively, I would also vanquish a vicious dog from my house if I thought it would harm me in the middle of the night.

Beauty, thus, is in the eye of the CREATOR. We may not see God's plan for such creatures, and we may even seek to anhialate them from our presence. But how do we affect God's plan for them when we do? And, if they pose no physical threat to us, how do we justify exterminating them without cause? As a gay man, I find a lot of comfort in knowing that God created cockroaches. Moreover, I find even greater comfort in knowing that they have survived the eons, while other species have not. Food for thought.

I'm going to go out back and throw some crushed pretzels on the back deck for the cockroaches that come out at night. But, for the grace of God, there go I.

Weapons of Mass Gay Conversion Therapy?

When I read about this story the first time (thanks Americablog), I thought I would click on a link to a satirical story in The Onion. Not! This is from CBS5 (TV) in Northern California. Have you ever seen the likes of something such as this?
http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_159222541.html
Conservatives love to say that liberals hate America. As a liberal, I have to say that I am more embarassed by our country right now than anything. We pick fights over our 'addict(tion) to oil' (W's words), we hate science because it inconveniences us, and we hate homosexuality (because most overfed bullies do) enough to consider weaponizing it - as if that could even be done. America needs to grow up. It's not even funny anymore. We are losing wars now. And these are the people that WE have allowed to take charge of our military. God Save America.

Welcome

I created this blog with the idea in mind that it would serve as an outlet and sounding board for people, like me, who have relocated to the Red States for work or other necessity. My perspective will be that of a gay man who moved to Arkansas from the West Coast (San Francisco, Phoenix) due to a career shift. The culture shock alone makes for quite a bit of commentary. The four years I have spent here and my intended return to the West Coast should fill this theme out quite well. More after some housekeeping.