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P.S. Remorse is what happens when you can not accept that you made a mistake and then learn from that mistake. Lets start this new year with no remorse.
NEW CHAPTER
1 week ago
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year Baby!!
It is that time again. Have a good one, be safe and remember those people and things that made life worth being there.
P.S. Remorse is what happens when you can not accept that you made a mistake and then learn from that mistake. Lets start this new year with no remorse.
P.S. Remorse is what happens when you can not accept that you made a mistake and then learn from that mistake. Lets start this new year with no remorse.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday
Here is one of my favorite Sia songs for the last Sunday of 2008. Gotta love her videos. What a year it has been, but that is the next blog posting (if I can find the time). Enjoy!!
Sunday
For those who've slept
For those who've kept
Themselves jacked up
How Jesus wept
Sunday
Sunday
For those in need
For those who speed
For those who try to slow their minds with weed
Sunday
Sunday
For those who wake
With a blind headache
Who must be still
Who will sit and wait
For sunday, to be monday
Yeah, it will be ok
Do nothing today
Give yourself a break
Let your imagination run away
For those with guilt
For those who wilt
Under pressure
No tears over spilt milk
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Yeah, it will be ok
Do nothing today
Give yourself a break
Let your imagination runaway
Yeah, it will be ok
Do nothing today
Give yourself a break
Let your imagination runaway
Sunday
For those who've slept
For those who've kept
Themselves jacked up
How Jesus wept
Sunday
Sunday
For those in need
For those who speed
For those who try to slow their minds with weed
Sunday
Sunday
For those who wake
With a blind headache
Who must be still
Who will sit and wait
For sunday, to be monday
Yeah, it will be ok
Do nothing today
Give yourself a break
Let your imagination run away
For those with guilt
For those who wilt
Under pressure
No tears over spilt milk
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Yeah, it will be ok
Do nothing today
Give yourself a break
Let your imagination runaway
Yeah, it will be ok
Do nothing today
Give yourself a break
Let your imagination runaway
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
New Soul, New Attitude, New Results
So life is going pretty well for me. The new job is different and completely interesting, my friends are great, my family is in a better place and I am finding new things to keep me occupied. Mistakes have and will be made, but the point of life is to learn from these mistakes and become better people. So I posted this song cause I love it and I am in such a good mood, regardless if my apartment is freezing. I've got my hot tea and the love surrounding me to keep me warm.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Who Doesn't Love a Good Gay Musical...
Hey kiddies, sorry I've been very busy with the new job, and many others things as of late. I'll have to catch you up later, until I do, enjoy my random post like this one. Well, not that random, cause it discusses an important issue with a sense of humor. And no, I have not been up all night, just up this early on a Sat to try and maintain my new schedule. Till later.
See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Doing What Is Best
It has been that time again. The time when I evaluate my life and start chopping away at the cancerous parts that make it harder than it should be. In these last couple of months, I've done several things. I've remembered what it is that I love and gives me pleasure in life and I've gone after those things with a ferocity that made some of my friends wonder if I was loosing my mind. Concerts, great food, wine events, and some guilty pleasure shopping. I enveloped myself back into my spiritual beliefs and attended events with people that strengthen those views. I also reconnected with my philanthropic side and I have never felt better doing so. Whether they were complete strangers, a social cause, or just some attention to my own friends and family, most rewarding things in life start with your heart.
Those were the fun parts, the more difficult side of change and balance is finding the things that are not so beneficial to you in a mental, physical and/ or spiritual way. People that are constantly trying to bring you down with their pessimistic views is a problem I often encounter, especially in a place like Oklahoma. Most people fear change here and can react violently with harsh words or threatening gestures. They fear changes to their ways of thinking, they fear changes to the way they have known the social structure as it has existed and they fear change within themselves. I think most of these people fear change because it somehow negates a part of their lives they have grown knowing. Whether it be family, friends, the church, or just a view of how they treat and/ or interact with new and different people and ideas, it can always be disappointing and scary (whether your views fall to the left or the right) that what you thought once to be true is no longer.
As always, with this change comes introspection. A deep analyzing and critical look at your changed ways is always helpful and beneficial. Do the friends you choose to hang out with inspire you to be better or are they just the same as before with different packaging? Are your eating habits the best for you overall, or the most convenient? Do you have any ideological, religious or spiritual beliefs which are keeping you from being who you are and/ or keeping you at odds with other loved ones? Are there things (whether it be drugs, work, the gym, personal baggage, and/or personal views) in your life that are halting or completely stopping your short or long term goals?
Yeah, its not easy nor is it always pleasant. If anything, sometimes it is helpful to have someone you can talk to that will be encouraging and honest. It can be very hard to share your feelings and fears with people when you are afraid that you will be ridiculed, criticized, judged, or worse; that the person you trusted will try to use your shared faults against you at some point. Luckily, I've made in roads in a lot of these areas and have made some difficult and unwanted decisions. Mistakes will occur, but at least you are trying. If anything, be thankful for those in your life that uplift and love you. They are truly the best things in life.
Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix.
Christina Baldwin
Things do not change; we change.
Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not.
James Gordon, M.D
Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.
King Whitney Jr.
Nothing in the world is permanent, and we're foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we're still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy.
W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965), The Razor's Edge, 1943
Those were the fun parts, the more difficult side of change and balance is finding the things that are not so beneficial to you in a mental, physical and/ or spiritual way. People that are constantly trying to bring you down with their pessimistic views is a problem I often encounter, especially in a place like Oklahoma. Most people fear change here and can react violently with harsh words or threatening gestures. They fear changes to their ways of thinking, they fear changes to the way they have known the social structure as it has existed and they fear change within themselves. I think most of these people fear change because it somehow negates a part of their lives they have grown knowing. Whether it be family, friends, the church, or just a view of how they treat and/ or interact with new and different people and ideas, it can always be disappointing and scary (whether your views fall to the left or the right) that what you thought once to be true is no longer.
As always, with this change comes introspection. A deep analyzing and critical look at your changed ways is always helpful and beneficial. Do the friends you choose to hang out with inspire you to be better or are they just the same as before with different packaging? Are your eating habits the best for you overall, or the most convenient? Do you have any ideological, religious or spiritual beliefs which are keeping you from being who you are and/ or keeping you at odds with other loved ones? Are there things (whether it be drugs, work, the gym, personal baggage, and/or personal views) in your life that are halting or completely stopping your short or long term goals?
Yeah, its not easy nor is it always pleasant. If anything, sometimes it is helpful to have someone you can talk to that will be encouraging and honest. It can be very hard to share your feelings and fears with people when you are afraid that you will be ridiculed, criticized, judged, or worse; that the person you trusted will try to use your shared faults against you at some point. Luckily, I've made in roads in a lot of these areas and have made some difficult and unwanted decisions. Mistakes will occur, but at least you are trying. If anything, be thankful for those in your life that uplift and love you. They are truly the best things in life.
Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix.
Christina Baldwin
Things do not change; we change.
Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not.
James Gordon, M.D
Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.
King Whitney Jr.
Nothing in the world is permanent, and we're foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we're still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy.
W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965), The Razor's Edge, 1943
Friday, November 28, 2008
If Your Gonna Shop, Make It Count...
So the consumerist holiday season is upon us and it seems to be lacking that certain shine as previous economic times brought us. We all work hard for our money, and if you are like my friends and I, you want your money to buy well and some how do well for you or others. That is why I look forward to when organizations like The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) release their annual buying guide. They list the companies that help, support and give back to the GLTB community. If you care, it can give you a good feeling knowing that your hard earned dollars will not be used by a company to help thwart your rights, such as Cinemark CEO Alan Stock. Or how about the vice president of Manhunt, who gave money to McCain's campaign (and no, I've never had a membership on that nasty site!) Look at my friend Dan's blog to read about the Salvation Army and their homophobic actions. Keep informed and keep up the good fight. There is no reason for us to pay people to keep us from our rights. Here are some words from HRC why the guide should be important to you.
Buying groceries? Planning a trip? Making investment decisions?
With the economy as it is, the need to ensure that every dollar spent counts has never been more important. This year hundreds of businesses have earned the right to call you a customer with the commitment they have made to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Buying for Equality guide will help you easily support companies that support equality for LGBT Americans.
Ratings in Buying for Equality are based on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's annual report card, the Corporate Equality Index. A record 260 businesses scored 100 percent on this year's report, which is a significant increase from the 195 businesses that earned a perfect score last year. From enhanced domestic partner benefits to transgender inclusion in non-discrimination policies, we are seeing a revolution in the American workplace.
More than 300,000 people have used Buying for Equality to make informed choices about their purchases. This year, you can do your part to support fair-minded businesses by requesting or downloading Buying for Equality 2009....
...“With this year’s economy, we need to make sure every dollar we spend goes to businesses that have earned the right to call you a customer,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Every day, we make choices that send a powerful message about our values, our principles and our ideals. We do it every time we make decisions on how to clothe and feed our families or what investments to make. Where we spend and invest our dollars has remarkable potential to positively affect the LGBT community because it reinforces what many companies know: fairness is good business.”
According to a Witeck-Combs/Market Research.com study, the buying power of the LGBT community is estimated to be $759 billion in 2009. During difficult economic times, our nation’s businesses know that every dollar spent by consumers figures into the success of their organization.
Get the Buyer's Guide on your phone. Text SHOP and the name of the company to 30644.
Buying groceries? Planning a trip? Making investment decisions?
With the economy as it is, the need to ensure that every dollar spent counts has never been more important. This year hundreds of businesses have earned the right to call you a customer with the commitment they have made to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Buying for Equality guide will help you easily support companies that support equality for LGBT Americans.
Ratings in Buying for Equality are based on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's annual report card, the Corporate Equality Index. A record 260 businesses scored 100 percent on this year's report, which is a significant increase from the 195 businesses that earned a perfect score last year. From enhanced domestic partner benefits to transgender inclusion in non-discrimination policies, we are seeing a revolution in the American workplace.
More than 300,000 people have used Buying for Equality to make informed choices about their purchases. This year, you can do your part to support fair-minded businesses by requesting or downloading Buying for Equality 2009....
...“With this year’s economy, we need to make sure every dollar we spend goes to businesses that have earned the right to call you a customer,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Every day, we make choices that send a powerful message about our values, our principles and our ideals. We do it every time we make decisions on how to clothe and feed our families or what investments to make. Where we spend and invest our dollars has remarkable potential to positively affect the LGBT community because it reinforces what many companies know: fairness is good business.”
According to a Witeck-Combs/Market Research.com study, the buying power of the LGBT community is estimated to be $759 billion in 2009. During difficult economic times, our nation’s businesses know that every dollar spent by consumers figures into the success of their organization.
Get the Buyer's Guide on your phone. Text SHOP and the name of the company to 30644.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
iTunes Top Five Players
This post is in response to a post David put on his blog. I was surprised by my own results. I guess I use my iPod more than my computer.
Moby: Where You End; 41 Plays
Robbie Rivera: Float Away (Rivera Remix); 14 Plays
Arctic Monkeys: D is For Dangerous; 4 Plays
Metro Station: Kelsey; 3 Plays
Moldy Peaches: Anyone Else But You; 3 Plays
Moby: Where You End; 41 Plays
Robbie Rivera: Float Away (Rivera Remix); 14 Plays
Arctic Monkeys: D is For Dangerous; 4 Plays
Metro Station: Kelsey; 3 Plays
Moldy Peaches: Anyone Else But You; 3 Plays
Monday, November 24, 2008
Worthy Of the Name "Hero"
I wanted to post this news clip that tells the story of a little boy who did more than I could hope to accomplish in my life. Truly touching, I was moved to tears by his courage and his handling of the situation. Much more mature than people twice or three times his age. Amazing.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Support Your Local Community
So today is America Unchained. Basically if you are gonna spend your hard earned money, try to do it at local establishments. Eat at that really cool mom and pop restaurant as opposed to the flavor and life sucking chain restaurant. Go have a drink at the hole in the wall you love that your friends pass over for some pub that you can find in most states. Go see a local production or visit your local club and see a local band. Whatever, just experience what we have here for a day and maybe you will find something new that's been there all along.
And you can support a local gay artist, Eric Himan, from Tulsa who plays acoustic/rock music tonight. He will be playing at Galileo's in the Paseo tonight at 9pm. He is really cool, down to earth, socially active and plays good music.
Here is a video of his.
"Little Boy Blue" Music Video
And you can support a local gay artist, Eric Himan, from Tulsa who plays acoustic/rock music tonight. He will be playing at Galileo's in the Paseo tonight at 9pm. He is really cool, down to earth, socially active and plays good music.
Here is a video of his.
"Little Boy Blue" Music Video
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Next Trip Goes to...
So maybe it is the wine or the fact my friends dragged me to a Blazers ice hockey game tonight, but I splurged (?) in spite of rent and bought tickets to see Cut Copy in Dallas in March. It is the day after my birthday and I thought it would be perfect since they are from Australia and I will probably never get a chance to see them again. I posted a previous song from them (Hearts on Fire), but here is another favorite.
Wine Fest 08
So I think this will have me caught up with my events for now. My friends and I attended the First Annual Wine Fest at 50 Penn Place. It was a two day event that highlighted Oklahoma's local wineries and some local eateries as well. A perfect event for a foodie snob like myself. I had a blast. There were some decent wines, some bad wines and some good wines. The point being I encourage all these small, self started businesses to keep doing what they are doing. Where ever you live, you should purchase and support local businesses, not that I don't buy imports, but it should even out.
I also applaud our local wine industry for recent local legislation that allows them to sell their goods to merchants without a middle man. That is a step for small businesses and for Oklahoma laws overall. See you at the next wine event, which is a benefit for cancer and leukemia hosted by my friend Charles and his neighbor's Jessica and Amber. It will be held at Bin 73, November 24th and costs only $25. Plus it supports a really good cause. Check info here. Anyway, here some pics from the event.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Stop the H8 Rally
So I am still catching up from this past weekend cause it was a doozy. On Sat, November 15th, rallies were held across the world to show support against the passing of Proposition 8 in California which would make all marriages between gays and lesbians null in the eyes of the law. This constitutional amendment is seen as a major set back for gay marriage, especially since it took place in California. I could care less if you believe in gay marriage or want to get married yourself, but I believe in accordance with the Fourteenth Amendment, that marriage is a fundamental right guaranteed to all citizens. People claim they don't care how the church views their relationship, nor do I, but this is in regards to the rights that all married citizens enjoy as ordained by the state and national government. If you don't want to marry the person you love, please don't, that will be one less present I will have to buy, but if you want to share a full and satisfying life with your partner without fear of being fully recognized in a court of law then get off your lazy, selfish asses and donate some time, money, effort or something.
Here are some pics from the local rally. I was impressed so many young people attended, but I was also disappointed by how many people I do know that did not visit this function. Seriously, get off your lazy butts out of bed and do something with your lives. It's not just about work and play. I will be working with some other local activists in the coming months. We have some big plans to get some things done in Oklahoma including local elections. We are tired of the stuffiness and self centered attitude of the older activists and we are disappointed in the apathy and cluelessness we see in the younger generations. And of course I threw in some Margaret Cho cause I can and I love this woman. Love the song.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Doing It Cobra Style
So it took a minute, but I finally found some time to post some pics from my Dallas excursion. Here is a sampling of them, more can be viewed on Myspace or Facebook. The Cobra Starship show was awesome, the shopping was mostly on sale (hells yeah), food was great (as usual), and the bars were a rocking. I made it a point to hang out with friends I had not seen in a while and meet new ones. I also made it a point to get these people to take me places I had yet to have gone. My enthusiasm paid off in big ways. I made new friends, rekindled friendships and even hung with a lot of people visiting from OKC as I was. I hung out at new bars and had new experiences. I also realized that I have been clinging too much to my independence. I had become set in certain ways and forgot that there are so many things yet to do. That is funny, because most people think of me as hating routine, but I had fallen into one. I had forgotten about all the wonderful things and people I have in my life and what they have to offer. It felt really satisfying to remember that. And I realized that while I would have liked someone there with me, I would really prefer that person to share my same interests. My love of live music, gourmet food, fine wines, thrifty but nice clothing, taking walks outside just to see the area and people. Just being able to relax and not being so strung up was a nice little retreat for me, and that is something I've been doing the last couple of weeks. Surrounding myself with people like me, that don't freak out at everything and can still have a good time, cause it's hard to forget about anxiety and everything else when you are with someone that is more anxious than you are. Well, I've got plenty more to come and plenty more to do. I just got my Katy Perry tickets in the mail today. Taylor, and I are going for our birthdays since the show is in March and I am bringing a friend that enjoys Dallas as much as I do. I am in love again... and its name is Life.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Two of My Favorite Things...
The first being rocking live music. I had a date with Metro Station in Tulsa today, but decided to attend events that will hopefully effect my future in positive ways. Tough decision, but it had to be done. Here are two of there videos. I am over the "Shake It" song, but I am really enjoying "Control" and "Kelsey". Love them.
The other being my love of discussion of social issues. If you have not heard of Prop 8 in California, there is no hope for you and quit reading now. For the rest who care about your and/or your friend's ability to live as equal citizens, rather than second class citizens should join others and I on the steps of City Hall, Saturday, November 15th at 12:30. It's a national event and this issue does have national repercussions. I thank Keith Olbermann for his words and Dillon for sending this my way. Please watch. I will do it for love.
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The other being my love of discussion of social issues. If you have not heard of Prop 8 in California, there is no hope for you and quit reading now. For the rest who care about your and/or your friend's ability to live as equal citizens, rather than second class citizens should join others and I on the steps of City Hall, Saturday, November 15th at 12:30. It's a national event and this issue does have national repercussions. I thank Keith Olbermann for his words and Dillon for sending this my way. Please watch. I will do it for love.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Oh, so its been a long crazy, busy week. Actually it's been a bit since I've given myself a personal vacation, so as the political brouhaha ends I be headed down to Dallas to get the hell out of OK, the most Republican, conservative state this election and head towards some fun. I'll be headed to go see Cobra Starship, do some shopping, eating and some much needed rest. Can't freaking wait. Don't be surprised if I don't come back.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Gay Rights Update!! Say It Ain't So! Bittersweet....
An online newsletter I receive from the Human Rights Campaign reported ....
Dear Timothy,
Unfortunate news has dimmed the exhilaration of this historic, life-changing election.
I am deeply disappointed to report anti-LGBT marriage bans passed in Florida and Arizona, and in Arkansas voters voted to bar all unmarried people, LGBT or straight, from adopting children or serving as foster parents.
Meanwhile media outlets have begun to report bad news for marriage equality in California. However, the Human Rights Campaign just participated in a conference call with our coalition partners and we firmly believe that all votes should be counted before calling the race. Several million votes in California have yet to be counted. Now is not the time to speculate on somebody’s fundamental rights. So we are waiting to see the final results from those ballots and will be issuing a statement after the race has been called. Please stay tuned.
While this news certainly put a damper on such a historic election, we should celebrate the fact that our movement came together in an unprecedented way, and worked tirelessly to defeat these amendments, and millions voted with us yesterday.
It is indeed a bitter pill to swallow. But we cannot allow distorted facts or shallow tactics – the foundation on which our opponents built their campaigns – to break our spirits. We are on the right side of history – and we will continue this journey.
Let us not forget that we saw many glimmers of hope for LGBT equality across the country last night. We increased the ranks of pro-equality lawmakers in both the House and the Senate. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO), ringleader of the campaign to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution, was soundly defeated. Jared Polis (D-CO) became the first openly gay man ever to be elected to Congress as a non-incumbent. Democrats took the New York State Senate, giving us our best chance ever to pass a same-sex marriage law in a legislature. We beat back a ballot question in Connecticut that could have threatened our recent victory there. In fact, marriages begin next week. And we elected Barack Obama as our next President, ending eight years of anti-LGBT policies. I truly believe that despite these setbacks, our nation is moving in the right direction.
After fighting for years, so many victories are now within reach. And thanks to yesterday’s victories, we can now pass critical LGBT equality measures like the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and begin unraveling the damage of the last eight years...
Dear Timothy,
Unfortunate news has dimmed the exhilaration of this historic, life-changing election.
I am deeply disappointed to report anti-LGBT marriage bans passed in Florida and Arizona, and in Arkansas voters voted to bar all unmarried people, LGBT or straight, from adopting children or serving as foster parents.
Meanwhile media outlets have begun to report bad news for marriage equality in California. However, the Human Rights Campaign just participated in a conference call with our coalition partners and we firmly believe that all votes should be counted before calling the race. Several million votes in California have yet to be counted. Now is not the time to speculate on somebody’s fundamental rights. So we are waiting to see the final results from those ballots and will be issuing a statement after the race has been called. Please stay tuned.
While this news certainly put a damper on such a historic election, we should celebrate the fact that our movement came together in an unprecedented way, and worked tirelessly to defeat these amendments, and millions voted with us yesterday.
It is indeed a bitter pill to swallow. But we cannot allow distorted facts or shallow tactics – the foundation on which our opponents built their campaigns – to break our spirits. We are on the right side of history – and we will continue this journey.
Let us not forget that we saw many glimmers of hope for LGBT equality across the country last night. We increased the ranks of pro-equality lawmakers in both the House and the Senate. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO), ringleader of the campaign to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution, was soundly defeated. Jared Polis (D-CO) became the first openly gay man ever to be elected to Congress as a non-incumbent. Democrats took the New York State Senate, giving us our best chance ever to pass a same-sex marriage law in a legislature. We beat back a ballot question in Connecticut that could have threatened our recent victory there. In fact, marriages begin next week. And we elected Barack Obama as our next President, ending eight years of anti-LGBT policies. I truly believe that despite these setbacks, our nation is moving in the right direction.
After fighting for years, so many victories are now within reach. And thanks to yesterday’s victories, we can now pass critical LGBT equality measures like the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and begin unraveling the damage of the last eight years...
Still A Ways To Go For Equality
Last night, we as Americans witnessed one the most historic elections. Hopefully this bodes well for race relations in America. Yet other elections concerning social issues and local elections didn't fair so well for Democrats and Progressives. Americans have many different beliefs about what we believe are parts of the American way of life and how we view others that are yet to be seen as equal. These various issues will take more time and hard work, but it looks like most people in America are moving toward this change. I also thank everyone who voted for this change and not out of fear, it is only by voting for optimism and change will things gradually begin to get better.
California set to pass Prop 8 ban on gay marriage
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Two U.S. states rejected proposals to limit abortion rights while others said no to gay marriage, in a mixed message over contentious social issues as Americans elected their first black president.
Results of votes on more than 150 proposed state measures across the country showed a more complex cultural map than Tuesday's historic election of Democrat Barack Obama might indicate.
In California, same-sex couples were poised to lose the right to marry, while Florida and Arizona voted to ban gay marriage outright, joining dozens of other states that define marriage as only between a man and a woman.
Attempts to restrict abortion in South Dakota and Colorado met strong voter resistance.
Halting abortion and same-sex marriage are key issues for many conservative Christian voters, an important base for the Republican Party.
With 89 percent of precincts reporting, the California proposition -- which came about half a year after the state court opened the way to gay marriage -- was trailing by nearly 4 percentage points.
"We have Obama," Noelle Skool, 29, said of her hopes for change as she checked identification at a popular lesbian bar in San Francisco's Mission district. "It's small steps. Eventually they'll warm up to the fact that, hey, we're all equal."
Mathew Staver, founder of the conservative Liberty Counsel, had success as a proponent of the Florida gay marriage ban but saw the state vote for Obama the Democrat.
"The passage of this amendment is a bright star on an otherwise dismal night, in which America elected the most liberal President in her history," Staver said in a statement.
Colorado voters rejected a measure that would have made abortion the legal equivalent of murder by defining human life as beginning at conception.
South Dakota defeated a ban on abortion that, if passed, had been expected to spark a court battle leading to the Supreme Court.
"We defeated it here, and it won't spread to other states," said Sarah Stoesz, president of the local Planned Parenthood chapter. "And now we've started a counter movement in a very conservative part of the country."
In other state ballots, Michigan voted to allow medical use of marijuana, Nebraska ending affirmative action to help minorities and Washington allowing doctor-assisted suicide.
(Reporting by Peter Henderson and Alexandria Sage; Editing by John O'Callaghan)
California set to pass Prop 8 ban on gay marriage
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Two U.S. states rejected proposals to limit abortion rights while others said no to gay marriage, in a mixed message over contentious social issues as Americans elected their first black president.
Results of votes on more than 150 proposed state measures across the country showed a more complex cultural map than Tuesday's historic election of Democrat Barack Obama might indicate.
In California, same-sex couples were poised to lose the right to marry, while Florida and Arizona voted to ban gay marriage outright, joining dozens of other states that define marriage as only between a man and a woman.
Attempts to restrict abortion in South Dakota and Colorado met strong voter resistance.
Halting abortion and same-sex marriage are key issues for many conservative Christian voters, an important base for the Republican Party.
With 89 percent of precincts reporting, the California proposition -- which came about half a year after the state court opened the way to gay marriage -- was trailing by nearly 4 percentage points.
"We have Obama," Noelle Skool, 29, said of her hopes for change as she checked identification at a popular lesbian bar in San Francisco's Mission district. "It's small steps. Eventually they'll warm up to the fact that, hey, we're all equal."
Mathew Staver, founder of the conservative Liberty Counsel, had success as a proponent of the Florida gay marriage ban but saw the state vote for Obama the Democrat.
"The passage of this amendment is a bright star on an otherwise dismal night, in which America elected the most liberal President in her history," Staver said in a statement.
Colorado voters rejected a measure that would have made abortion the legal equivalent of murder by defining human life as beginning at conception.
South Dakota defeated a ban on abortion that, if passed, had been expected to spark a court battle leading to the Supreme Court.
"We defeated it here, and it won't spread to other states," said Sarah Stoesz, president of the local Planned Parenthood chapter. "And now we've started a counter movement in a very conservative part of the country."
In other state ballots, Michigan voted to allow medical use of marijuana, Nebraska ending affirmative action to help minorities and Washington allowing doctor-assisted suicide.
(Reporting by Peter Henderson and Alexandria Sage; Editing by John O'Callaghan)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Faint
So Wednesday night, I was to see a band I very much enjoy again, The Faint, with their supporting band, Over The Rainbow. With my friends Matt and Ricki in tow, we rocked a little club on Southside OKC and danced our asses off. It felt so good to be seeing these guys again and being comfortable in my element. It was such an emotional high for me, such as I often attain when rocking out to a band I enjoy, that I realized a couple of things. Events like these allow me feel as if I am not in Oklahoma anymore. I can leave behind the ignorance and machismo of the straight bar scenes and I leave the cliques and bitterness of the gay world behind. At events like this, people united by the love of a band don't care about the gay couple dancing together and the little emo boys and girls don't have to worry about getting pounded by drunk jocks and thrashed by back stabbing princesses. I was blessed to share this event with my friends and am really looking forward to my excursion to Dallas to see Cobra Starship.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Talons
Bloc Party's new single from their new album. One of my favorite bands of all time. A lot of people didn't care when two of the members came out of the closet a couple of years ago. No,it shouldn't matter if someone is gay on whether they can write good music, but in cases like their songs, I can identify better with the singer's lyrics. Like this song, right now, in my life.
And in the dark, it comes for me
Malevolent and without thought
Uprooting trees, destroying cars
Cold and relentless with arms outstretched
No boat nor brick
nor crucifix can hold it back
I have been wicked
I have been arrogant
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
Silent about it
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
And I cannot say that I was not warned or was misled
When it comes it will feel like a kiss
Awaken from dreams of drunken car crashes
You saddened my friends and claimed all my lovers
I try to stay still so it will not see me
Its talons rake the side of my face
I want you to be calm
You're such a slut
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
Silent about it
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
And I cannot say that I was not warned or was misled
When it comes it will feel like a kiss
And I didn't think I'd catch fire when I held my hand to the flame
And I didn't think it would catch up as fast as I could have run
Fate came a-knocking when I was looking the other way
A new disease came in the post for me today
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
And when it comes
(And when it comes)
And when it comes
(And when it comes)
And when it comes
(and when it comes)
And when it comes
It will feel like a kiss.
And in the dark, it comes for me
Malevolent and without thought
Uprooting trees, destroying cars
Cold and relentless with arms outstretched
No boat nor brick
nor crucifix can hold it back
I have been wicked
I have been arrogant
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
Silent about it
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
And I cannot say that I was not warned or was misled
When it comes it will feel like a kiss
Awaken from dreams of drunken car crashes
You saddened my friends and claimed all my lovers
I try to stay still so it will not see me
Its talons rake the side of my face
I want you to be calm
You're such a slut
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
Silent about it
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
And I cannot say that I was not warned or was misled
When it comes it will feel like a kiss
And I didn't think I'd catch fire when I held my hand to the flame
And I didn't think it would catch up as fast as I could have run
Fate came a-knocking when I was looking the other way
A new disease came in the post for me today
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
And when it comes it will feel like a kiss
And when it comes
(And when it comes)
And when it comes
(And when it comes)
And when it comes
(and when it comes)
And when it comes
It will feel like a kiss.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Still Trucking Along
While I envision one day living in an America that no longer sees race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and/or ethnicity as the basis of how view and think we know someone, certain segments of society hold Americans back from this dream. Some people, as this article states, are scared of change. Many people think that racist, bigoted, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic people are dying out, yet the acts committed on college campuses speak against that. Unluckily many young people grow up and are products of their environment. Unlucky that is, when they learn stereotypes and narrow ways of thinking reinforced by family, friends, and/or their local community. This can be amplified by stereotypical images they see on television programs, the news and movies that continuously depict people in negative and stereotypical terms. What people like me, and hopefully like you, can do is try to educate people that are misinformed, question the media (news and entertainment) for more fair and equal representations on television, and basically by showing others that you are like them with the same needs, feelings, and wants as they have. And as a side-note, I do not believe the McCain camp themselves are responsible for views like this, even if these people do support him. This surpasses Republican/Democratic lines in that these people are just misinformed racists.
Ugly Election Incidents Show Lingering U.S. Racism
By Carey Gillam – Wed Oct 22, 3:36 pm ET
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) – Two weeks before an election that could install the first black U.S. president, scattered ugly incidents have reflected a deep residue of racism among some segments of white America.
A cardboard likeness of Barack Obama was found strung from fishing wire at a university, the Democratic presidential nominee's face was depicted on mock food stamps, the body of a black bear was left at another university with Obama posters attached to it.
Though the incidents are sporadic and apparently isolated, they stirred up memories of the violent racial past of a country where segregation and lynchings only ended within the last 50 years.
And some feared that Obama could be a target for people who reject him on racial grounds alone. The Illinois senator leads Republican rival John McCain in polls ahead of the November 4 election and has a big following in many sections of Americans, from liberals to conservatives, black and white, poor and wealthy.
"Many whites feel they are losing their country right before their eyes," said Mark Potok, who directs the Southern Poverty Law Center that monitors hate groups. "What we are seeing at this moment is the beginning of a real backlash."
Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod said the incidents were disappointing but he said there were fewer than some had predicted.
"We've always acknowledged that race is not something that's been eradicated from our politics," said Axelrod. "But we've never felt that it would be an insuperable barrier and I don't think that it will be."
The latest incident occurred on Monday when the body of bear cub was found on the campus of Western Carolina University in North Carolina. Obama campaign signs were placed around the dead animal's head. School officials said it was a prank.
Earlier a cardboard likeness of Obama was strung up with fishing wire from a tree at a university in Oregon and an Ohio man hung a figure bearing an Obama sign from a tree in his yard. The man told local media he didn't want to see an African-American running the country.
ANGRY INDIVIDUALS
Potok said the displays of racism did not appear orchestrated as part of a campaign of racial intimidation, but were rather the acts of angry individuals. Their voices are often heard in radio call-back shows or letters to editors.
Many Americans "see the rise of minority rights, gay rights, women's rights as a threat to the world they grew up in and that their parents grew up in. They see huge demographic changes," he said.
"They see jobs disappearing to other countries, and now they see a man who is African American and who will very likely become president of the United States. For some of those people that symbolizes the end of the world as they know it."
He estimated there were as many as 800 white supremacy or nationalist groups in the United States, with at least 100,000 as "an inner core" of membership and many more on the fringes.
One such group, the League of American Patriots, last month distributed literature about why a "black ruler" would destroy the country.
Michigan State University professor Ronald Hall, writing in his new book "Racism in the 21st Century," said racism remains one of the most pressing U.S. social problems, though it now takes forms that are more subtle than the lynchings and mob violence seen decades ago in some parts of the country.
Some groups tagged with racist acts deny the charge.
In California, a Republican group said it intended no racial overtone when its October newsletter depicted a fake food stamp bearing a likeness of Obama's head on a donkey's body surrounded by fried chicken, watermelon and other images evoking insulting stereotypes about African-Americans.
Some acts have targeted not Obama's black heritage -- his father was Kenyan and his white mother was from Kansas -- but the false notion that he is a Muslim.
Read the rest of the article here.
And watch the accompanying video here.
Ugly Election Incidents Show Lingering U.S. Racism
By Carey Gillam – Wed Oct 22, 3:36 pm ET
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) – Two weeks before an election that could install the first black U.S. president, scattered ugly incidents have reflected a deep residue of racism among some segments of white America.
A cardboard likeness of Barack Obama was found strung from fishing wire at a university, the Democratic presidential nominee's face was depicted on mock food stamps, the body of a black bear was left at another university with Obama posters attached to it.
Though the incidents are sporadic and apparently isolated, they stirred up memories of the violent racial past of a country where segregation and lynchings only ended within the last 50 years.
And some feared that Obama could be a target for people who reject him on racial grounds alone. The Illinois senator leads Republican rival John McCain in polls ahead of the November 4 election and has a big following in many sections of Americans, from liberals to conservatives, black and white, poor and wealthy.
"Many whites feel they are losing their country right before their eyes," said Mark Potok, who directs the Southern Poverty Law Center that monitors hate groups. "What we are seeing at this moment is the beginning of a real backlash."
Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod said the incidents were disappointing but he said there were fewer than some had predicted.
"We've always acknowledged that race is not something that's been eradicated from our politics," said Axelrod. "But we've never felt that it would be an insuperable barrier and I don't think that it will be."
The latest incident occurred on Monday when the body of bear cub was found on the campus of Western Carolina University in North Carolina. Obama campaign signs were placed around the dead animal's head. School officials said it was a prank.
Earlier a cardboard likeness of Obama was strung up with fishing wire from a tree at a university in Oregon and an Ohio man hung a figure bearing an Obama sign from a tree in his yard. The man told local media he didn't want to see an African-American running the country.
ANGRY INDIVIDUALS
Potok said the displays of racism did not appear orchestrated as part of a campaign of racial intimidation, but were rather the acts of angry individuals. Their voices are often heard in radio call-back shows or letters to editors.
Many Americans "see the rise of minority rights, gay rights, women's rights as a threat to the world they grew up in and that their parents grew up in. They see huge demographic changes," he said.
"They see jobs disappearing to other countries, and now they see a man who is African American and who will very likely become president of the United States. For some of those people that symbolizes the end of the world as they know it."
He estimated there were as many as 800 white supremacy or nationalist groups in the United States, with at least 100,000 as "an inner core" of membership and many more on the fringes.
One such group, the League of American Patriots, last month distributed literature about why a "black ruler" would destroy the country.
Michigan State University professor Ronald Hall, writing in his new book "Racism in the 21st Century," said racism remains one of the most pressing U.S. social problems, though it now takes forms that are more subtle than the lynchings and mob violence seen decades ago in some parts of the country.
Some groups tagged with racist acts deny the charge.
In California, a Republican group said it intended no racial overtone when its October newsletter depicted a fake food stamp bearing a likeness of Obama's head on a donkey's body surrounded by fried chicken, watermelon and other images evoking insulting stereotypes about African-Americans.
Some acts have targeted not Obama's black heritage -- his father was Kenyan and his white mother was from Kansas -- but the false notion that he is a Muslim.
Read the rest of the article here.
And watch the accompanying video here.
Monday, October 20, 2008
For Those GLTBF People Who Actually Support The McCain/Palin Ticket...
Wake up! Have some self respect and do some research on the issues. McCain supported an Arizona initiative to make a State Constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage (I highlighted that with a posting at an earlier time and you can find it yourself). As of late, Palin has suggested that she supports the same rights for GLTB people and even has gay friends. Yet, her support for various groups and movements, the lack of theses "gay friends", and her own words show otherwise. I truly believe that any GLTB people that try to justify her views and/or overlook them are seriously lacking in self esteem. They somehow view the rhetoric that GLTB people's second class status in this country is acceptable. Some of these people argue that it should be a state's right to decide these issues as well, yet Palin herself has said she would support a national constitutional amendment against gay marriage. That does not sound like a Federalist to me, more like a religious right wing zealot set on imposing her religious views on those who don't live the lifestyle that she believes is a "choice." Let's remember the Tenth Anniversary of Mathew Sheppards' death and have some self respect for ourselves as GLTB people and not put Palin in the White House. The following information is provided by the Human Rights Campaign.
Palin says she supports federal constitutional marriage amendment
October 20, 2008
Chris Johnson
As tough fights to defeat state anti-gay ballot amendments wage on in Arizona, Florida, and California, Alaska governor Sarah Palin has come out in support of a federal constitutional amendment to prevent gay and lesbian couples from marrying. She made her statement in support of an amendment and "traditional marriage" during an interview with CBN News (founded by Pat Robertson) Senior National Correspondent David Brody (CBN has the video):
Brody: On Constitutional marriage amendment , are, are you for something like that?
Palin: I am, in my own, state, I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that that's where we would go because I don't support gay marriage. I'm not going to be out there judging individuals, sitting in a seat of judgment telling what they can and can't do, should and should not do, but I certainly can express my own opinion here and take actions that I believe would be best for traditional marriage and that's casting my votes and speaking up for traditional marriage that, that instrument that it's the foundation of our society is that strong family and that's based on that traditional definition of marriage, so I do support that.
This is from the same Sarah Palin who stated during the vice-presidential debate that she had gay friends - friends whom we've so far been unable to locate. I guess friendship only runs so deep when it comes to pandering to one's political base....
Watch our video of our Michael Cole travelling to Alaska to talk with members of the LGBT community about Sarah Palin:
Palin says she supports federal constitutional marriage amendment
October 20, 2008
Chris Johnson
As tough fights to defeat state anti-gay ballot amendments wage on in Arizona, Florida, and California, Alaska governor Sarah Palin has come out in support of a federal constitutional amendment to prevent gay and lesbian couples from marrying. She made her statement in support of an amendment and "traditional marriage" during an interview with CBN News (founded by Pat Robertson) Senior National Correspondent David Brody (CBN has the video):
Brody: On Constitutional marriage amendment , are, are you for something like that?
Palin: I am, in my own, state, I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that that's where we would go because I don't support gay marriage. I'm not going to be out there judging individuals, sitting in a seat of judgment telling what they can and can't do, should and should not do, but I certainly can express my own opinion here and take actions that I believe would be best for traditional marriage and that's casting my votes and speaking up for traditional marriage that, that instrument that it's the foundation of our society is that strong family and that's based on that traditional definition of marriage, so I do support that.
This is from the same Sarah Palin who stated during the vice-presidential debate that she had gay friends - friends whom we've so far been unable to locate. I guess friendship only runs so deep when it comes to pandering to one's political base....
Watch our video of our Michael Cole travelling to Alaska to talk with members of the LGBT community about Sarah Palin:
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Not That McCain Supports These People, but They Support McCain
This is what scares me!! These are exactly the people whom I refer to when I say that this country has a ways to go before race, ethnicity and religion are not an issue. A large proportion of people live in smaller, rural communities, and while a lot of them do not share these exact beliefs, they have some of the same fears.
Monday, October 13, 2008
I Thank Him For His Considerate Words
10/12/08
Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement today regarding the ten years since Matthew Shepard was murdered:
"Today, we pause to remember the heartbreaking and senseless murder of Matthew Shepard. A freshman at the University of Wyoming, Matthew was a young man committed to fighting for equality and changing the world around him. He was tragically taken from us far too early, an innocent victim of an abhorrent hate crime, and never had the chance to see his dreams realized.
In the ten years since Matthew's passing, Congress has repeatedly and unacceptably failed to enact a federal hate crimes law that would protect all LGBT Americans. That's not just a failure to honor Matthew's memory; it's a failure to deliver justice for all who have been victimized by hate crimes, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. All Americans deserve to live their lives free of fear, and as Americans, it is our moral obligation to stand up against bigotry and strive for equality for all.
Today, Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Matthew's parents, Judy and Dennis, and to all whose lives have been touched by unconscionable violence."
Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement today regarding the ten years since Matthew Shepard was murdered:
"Today, we pause to remember the heartbreaking and senseless murder of Matthew Shepard. A freshman at the University of Wyoming, Matthew was a young man committed to fighting for equality and changing the world around him. He was tragically taken from us far too early, an innocent victim of an abhorrent hate crime, and never had the chance to see his dreams realized.
In the ten years since Matthew's passing, Congress has repeatedly and unacceptably failed to enact a federal hate crimes law that would protect all LGBT Americans. That's not just a failure to honor Matthew's memory; it's a failure to deliver justice for all who have been victimized by hate crimes, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. All Americans deserve to live their lives free of fear, and as Americans, it is our moral obligation to stand up against bigotry and strive for equality for all.
Today, Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Matthew's parents, Judy and Dennis, and to all whose lives have been touched by unconscionable violence."
Some Truth to The Hype
"He Lied" About Bill Ayers?
October 10, 2008
McCain cranks out some false and misleading attacks on Obama's connection to a 1960s radical.
Summary
In a TV ad, McCain says Obama "lied" about his association with William Ayers, a former bomb-setting, anti-war radical from the 1960s and '70s. We find McCain's claim to be groundless. New details have recently come to light, but nothing Obama said previously has been shown to be false.
In a Web ad and in repeated attacks from the stump, McCain describes the two as associates, and Palin claims they "pal around" together. But so far as is known, their relationship was never very close. An Obama spokesman says they last saw each other in a chance encounter on the street more than a year ago.
McCain says in an Internet ad that the two "ran a radical 'education' foundation" in Chicago. But the supposedly "radical" group was supported by a Republican governor and included on its board prominent local civic leaders, including one former Nixon administration official who has given $1,500 to McCain's campaign this year. Education Week says the group's work "reflected mainstream thinking" among school reformers. The group was the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, started by a $49 million grant from the Annenberg Foundation, which was established by the publisher Walter Annenberg, a prominent Republican whose widow, Leonore, is a contributor to the McCain campaign.
(FactCheck.org, which is nonpartisan, also receives funding from the Annenberg Foundation. But we are in no way connected to the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, which finished its work long before we came into being in late 2003.)
And the rest of the article can be found here.
October 10, 2008
McCain cranks out some false and misleading attacks on Obama's connection to a 1960s radical.
Summary
In a TV ad, McCain says Obama "lied" about his association with William Ayers, a former bomb-setting, anti-war radical from the 1960s and '70s. We find McCain's claim to be groundless. New details have recently come to light, but nothing Obama said previously has been shown to be false.
In a Web ad and in repeated attacks from the stump, McCain describes the two as associates, and Palin claims they "pal around" together. But so far as is known, their relationship was never very close. An Obama spokesman says they last saw each other in a chance encounter on the street more than a year ago.
McCain says in an Internet ad that the two "ran a radical 'education' foundation" in Chicago. But the supposedly "radical" group was supported by a Republican governor and included on its board prominent local civic leaders, including one former Nixon administration official who has given $1,500 to McCain's campaign this year. Education Week says the group's work "reflected mainstream thinking" among school reformers. The group was the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, started by a $49 million grant from the Annenberg Foundation, which was established by the publisher Walter Annenberg, a prominent Republican whose widow, Leonore, is a contributor to the McCain campaign.
(FactCheck.org, which is nonpartisan, also receives funding from the Annenberg Foundation. But we are in no way connected to the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, which finished its work long before we came into being in late 2003.)
And the rest of the article can be found here.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Another of the Same
Please read this full news article after you've watched the previous news clip concerning Sally Kern. Then it might be easier to understand my point concerning these two women. Not that Democrats haven't gone after hot topic buttons that they differ with Republicans, Conservative Christians, especially these two women have and are resorting to hot button issues when it is apparent they know little about the issues at hand. It is also easier to "rally the troops" with issues like abortion and gay rights rather than tackle issues these two women don't fully understand, in this case the national economy and national security. The latter two issues just happen to be what are the major concerns for most Americans at this time and point. I am glad Palin finally acknowledged her radical right wing views. The McCain camp was obviously trying to skirt those under the rug to avoid upsetting more moderate and independent voters, but when things don't well in your campaign you resort to different tactics. I do give McCain props for telling his so called "supporters" to treat Obama with respect, and then they booed him. Lovely.
Palin heightens rhetoric on abortion
JOHNSTOWN, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin charged into the culture wars Saturday in Pennsylvania, painting Sen. Barack Obama as a radical on abortion rights.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks at a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Saturday.
1 of 2
The stop comes amid news that Palin violated Alaska ethics law by trying to get her former brother-in-law fired from the state police, a state investigator's report for the bipartisan Legislative Council concluded Friday.
Ethics woes aside, Palin focused her attention on abortion -- an issue that rallies the conservative base but some say alienates independent and women voters.
"In times like these with wars and financial crisis, I know that it may be easy to forget even as deep and abiding a concern as the right to life, and it seems that our opponent kind of hopes you will forget that," Palin told a crowd in Johnstown. "He hopes that you won't notice how radical, absolutely radical his idea is on this, and his record is, until it's too late."
Palin has mostly avoided raising her opposition to abortion rights on the campaign trail since she was tapped as Sen. John McCain's running mate, a fact she readily acknowledged in her remarks. Watch more of Palin's views on abortion »
But Palin said Obama's record on the matter is too extreme to be ignored, and she spent 10 minutes of her 30-minute speech discussing abortion.
"A vote for Barack Obama is a vote for activist courts that will continue to smother the open and democratic debate that we deserve and that we need on this issue of life," she said. "Obama is a politician who has long since left behind even the middle ground on the issue of life."
Obama opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade and disagreed with Supreme Court ruling to uphold the "Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act." He did not cast a vote on Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions amendment in 2007.
Palin opposes abortion in all cases, including rape and incest, except when a mother's life is in danger, and said she believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned and the decision given to the states.
And the rest of the article can be found here.
Palin heightens rhetoric on abortion
JOHNSTOWN, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin charged into the culture wars Saturday in Pennsylvania, painting Sen. Barack Obama as a radical on abortion rights.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks at a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Saturday.
1 of 2
The stop comes amid news that Palin violated Alaska ethics law by trying to get her former brother-in-law fired from the state police, a state investigator's report for the bipartisan Legislative Council concluded Friday.
Ethics woes aside, Palin focused her attention on abortion -- an issue that rallies the conservative base but some say alienates independent and women voters.
"In times like these with wars and financial crisis, I know that it may be easy to forget even as deep and abiding a concern as the right to life, and it seems that our opponent kind of hopes you will forget that," Palin told a crowd in Johnstown. "He hopes that you won't notice how radical, absolutely radical his idea is on this, and his record is, until it's too late."
Palin has mostly avoided raising her opposition to abortion rights on the campaign trail since she was tapped as Sen. John McCain's running mate, a fact she readily acknowledged in her remarks. Watch more of Palin's views on abortion »
But Palin said Obama's record on the matter is too extreme to be ignored, and she spent 10 minutes of her 30-minute speech discussing abortion.
"A vote for Barack Obama is a vote for activist courts that will continue to smother the open and democratic debate that we deserve and that we need on this issue of life," she said. "Obama is a politician who has long since left behind even the middle ground on the issue of life."
Obama opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade and disagreed with Supreme Court ruling to uphold the "Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act." He did not cast a vote on Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions amendment in 2007.
Palin opposes abortion in all cases, including rape and incest, except when a mother's life is in danger, and said she believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned and the decision given to the states.
And the rest of the article can be found here.
Sally Kern Blinded By Her Hatred Again
Rather than talk the issues, which looks more and more like she knows little about, she sticks with the issue that got her elected and noticed nationally. Especially with the way the economy and country have taken a downturn Kern still decides homosexuals are the cause of America's decline. Lovely woman. Please watch this video.
http://www.koco.com/video/17684102/index.html
http://www.koco.com/video/17684102/index.html
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The Person With No Sin Shall Throw The First Stone....
Meet Sarah Palin’s radical right-wing pals
Extremists Mark Chryson and Steve Stoll helped launch Palin’s political career in Alaska, and in return had influence over policy. “Her door was open,” says Chryson — and still is.
Editor’s note: Research support provided by the Nation Institute Investigative Fund. For Salon’s complete coverage of Sarah Palin, click here.
By Max Blumenthal and David Neiwert
Read more: Alaska, Politics, News, 2008 election, Sarah Palin
Video: Interview with former Alaskan Independence Party chairman Mark Chryson
Oct. 10, 2008 PALMER, Alaska — | On the afternoon of Sept. 24 in downtown Palmer, Alaska, as the sun began to sink behind the snowcapped mountains that flank the picturesque Mat-Su Valley, 51-year-old Mark Chryson sat for an hour on a park bench, reveling in tales of his days as chairman of the Alaska Independence Party. The stocky, gray-haired computer technician waxed nostalgic about quixotic battles to eliminate taxes, support the “traditional family” and secede from the United States.
So long as Alaska remained under the boot of the federal government, said Chryson, the AIP had to stand on guard to stymie a New World Order. He invited a Salon reporter to see a few items inside his pickup truck that were intended for his personal protection. “This here is my attack dog,” he said with a chuckle, handing the reporter an exuberant 8-pound papillon from his passenger seat. “Her name is Suzy.” Then he pulled a 9-millimeter Makarov PM pistol — once the standard-issue sidearm for Soviet cops — out of his glove compartment. “I’ve got enough weaponry to raise a small army in my basement,” he said, clutching the gun in his palm. “Then again, so do most Alaskans.” But Chryson added a message of reassurance to residents of that faraway place some Alaskans call “the 48.” “We want to go our separate ways,” he said, “but we are not going to kill you.”
Though Chryson belongs to a fringe political party, one that advocates the secession of Alaska from the Union, and that organizes with other like-minded secessionist movements from Canada to the Deep South, he is not without peculiar influence in state politics, especially the rise of Sarah Palin. An obscure figure outside of Alaska, Chryson has been a political fixture in the hometown of the Republican vice-presidential nominee for over a decade. During the 1990s, when Chryson directed the AIP, he and another radical right-winger, Steve Stoll, played a quiet but pivotal role in electing Palin as mayor of Wasilla and shaping her political agenda afterward. Both Stoll and Chryson not only contributed to Palin’s campaign financially, they played major behind-the-scenes roles in the Palin camp before, during and after her victory.
You can read the rest of this informative article here.
Extremists Mark Chryson and Steve Stoll helped launch Palin’s political career in Alaska, and in return had influence over policy. “Her door was open,” says Chryson — and still is.
Editor’s note: Research support provided by the Nation Institute Investigative Fund. For Salon’s complete coverage of Sarah Palin, click here.
By Max Blumenthal and David Neiwert
Read more: Alaska, Politics, News, 2008 election, Sarah Palin
Video: Interview with former Alaskan Independence Party chairman Mark Chryson
Oct. 10, 2008 PALMER, Alaska — | On the afternoon of Sept. 24 in downtown Palmer, Alaska, as the sun began to sink behind the snowcapped mountains that flank the picturesque Mat-Su Valley, 51-year-old Mark Chryson sat for an hour on a park bench, reveling in tales of his days as chairman of the Alaska Independence Party. The stocky, gray-haired computer technician waxed nostalgic about quixotic battles to eliminate taxes, support the “traditional family” and secede from the United States.
So long as Alaska remained under the boot of the federal government, said Chryson, the AIP had to stand on guard to stymie a New World Order. He invited a Salon reporter to see a few items inside his pickup truck that were intended for his personal protection. “This here is my attack dog,” he said with a chuckle, handing the reporter an exuberant 8-pound papillon from his passenger seat. “Her name is Suzy.” Then he pulled a 9-millimeter Makarov PM pistol — once the standard-issue sidearm for Soviet cops — out of his glove compartment. “I’ve got enough weaponry to raise a small army in my basement,” he said, clutching the gun in his palm. “Then again, so do most Alaskans.” But Chryson added a message of reassurance to residents of that faraway place some Alaskans call “the 48.” “We want to go our separate ways,” he said, “but we are not going to kill you.”
Though Chryson belongs to a fringe political party, one that advocates the secession of Alaska from the Union, and that organizes with other like-minded secessionist movements from Canada to the Deep South, he is not without peculiar influence in state politics, especially the rise of Sarah Palin. An obscure figure outside of Alaska, Chryson has been a political fixture in the hometown of the Republican vice-presidential nominee for over a decade. During the 1990s, when Chryson directed the AIP, he and another radical right-winger, Steve Stoll, played a quiet but pivotal role in electing Palin as mayor of Wasilla and shaping her political agenda afterward. Both Stoll and Chryson not only contributed to Palin’s campaign financially, they played major behind-the-scenes roles in the Palin camp before, during and after her victory.
You can read the rest of this informative article here.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Her Words Show Her "Experience."
Palin's statements on climate change murky
Fri Sep 12, 2:40 PM ET
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's assertion that she believes humans contribute to global warming — made in her first major interview since joining the Republican ticket — is more definitive than her previous statements.
ADVERTISEMENT
Palin said she didn't disagree with scientists that "man's activities" could be contributing to the problem.
"Show me where I have ever said that there's absolute proof that nothing that man has ever conducted or engaged in has had any effect or no effect on climate change," Palin told ABC News in an interview broadcast Thursday and Friday. "I have not said that."
However, in the past Palin has expressed doubts about the connection between emissions from human activities and global warming. She told the Internet news site Newsmax last month, "A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. ... I'm not one, though, who would attribute it to being man-made."
In a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne in December 2006 about listing the polar bear as a threatened species, Palin questioned what human activities could be regulated to help the bear.
"When a species' habitat (in this case, sea ice) is declining due to climate change, but there are no discrete human activities that can be regulated or modified to effect change, what do you do?" she wrote.
In an interview with the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner within the last year, Palin said: "I'm not an Al Gore, doom-and-gloom environmentalist blaming the changes in our climate on human activity."
Republican presidential candidate John McCain, a convert to the cause of fighting global warming, has said humans have caused climate change and he has proposed capping the greenhouse gases blamed for the problem.
In the ABC interview, Palin said she believes that "man's activities certainly can be contributing to the issue of global warming, climate change. ... Regardless, though, of the reason for climate change, whether it's entirely, wholly caused by man's activities or is part of the cyclical nature of our planet — the warming and the cooling trends — regardless of that, John McCain and I agree that we gotta do something about it."
Questions about Palin's knowledge of foreign policy dominated the interview with ABC's Charles Gibson. Palin repeated her earlier assertions that she's ready to be president if called upon, yet sidestepped questions on whether she had the national security credentials needed to be commander in chief.
McCain has defended his running mate's qualifications, citing her command of the Alaska National Guard and Alaska's proximity to Russia.
Pressed about what insights into recent Russian actions she gained by living in Alaska, Palin told Gibson, "They're our next-door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska."
Palin, 44, has been Alaska's governor for less than two years and before that was a small-town mayor. Asked whether those were sufficient credentials, Palin said: "It is about reform of government and it's about putting government back on the side of the people, and that has much to do with foreign policy and national security issues."
She said she brings expertise in the effort to make the country energy independent as a former chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
Palin said that other than a trip to visit soldiers in Kuwait and Germany last year, her only other foreign travel was to Mexico and Canada. She also:
_Appeared unsure of the Bush doctrine, which President Bush laid out in a West Point speech in June 2002. Asked whether she agreed with that, Palin said: "In what respect, Charlie?" Gibson pressed her for an interpretation of it. She said: "His world view."
The doctrine essentially holds that the U.S. must help spread democracy to stop terrorism and will act pre-emptively to stop potential foes.
"I believe that what President Bush has attempted to do is rid this world of Islamic extremism, terrorists who are hell bent on destroying our nation," Palin said, though she added "there have been mistakes made."
Pressed repeatedly on whether the United States could attack terrorist hideouts in Pakistan without the country's permission, she said: "If there is legitimate and enough intelligence that tells us that a strike is imminent against American people, we have every right to defend our country. In fact, the president has the obligation, the duty to defend."
Bush watched portions of the interview and "thought she handled herself well," White House spokesman Tony Fratto told reporters Friday. Asked how Bush viewed Palin's response to questions about his doctrine of pre-emptive action, Fratto said, "I don't have anything on that."
_Said "we've got to put the pressure on Iran" and its nuclear program. Asked three times what her position would be if Israel felt threatened enough to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, Palin repeatedly said the United States shouldn't "second guess" Israel's steps to secure itself.
_Called for Georgia and the Ukraine to be included in NATO, a treaty that requires the U.S. to defend them militarily. She also said Russia's attack into Georgia last month was "unprovoked." Asked to clarify that she'd support going to war over Georgia, she said: "Perhaps so."
On the environment, Palin said she disagreed with McCain's position against oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.
"We'll agree to disagree," she said, "but I'm gonna keep pushing that and I think eventually we're all gonna come together on that one."
Fri Sep 12, 2:40 PM ET
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's assertion that she believes humans contribute to global warming — made in her first major interview since joining the Republican ticket — is more definitive than her previous statements.
ADVERTISEMENT
Palin said she didn't disagree with scientists that "man's activities" could be contributing to the problem.
"Show me where I have ever said that there's absolute proof that nothing that man has ever conducted or engaged in has had any effect or no effect on climate change," Palin told ABC News in an interview broadcast Thursday and Friday. "I have not said that."
However, in the past Palin has expressed doubts about the connection between emissions from human activities and global warming. She told the Internet news site Newsmax last month, "A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. ... I'm not one, though, who would attribute it to being man-made."
In a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne in December 2006 about listing the polar bear as a threatened species, Palin questioned what human activities could be regulated to help the bear.
"When a species' habitat (in this case, sea ice) is declining due to climate change, but there are no discrete human activities that can be regulated or modified to effect change, what do you do?" she wrote.
In an interview with the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner within the last year, Palin said: "I'm not an Al Gore, doom-and-gloom environmentalist blaming the changes in our climate on human activity."
Republican presidential candidate John McCain, a convert to the cause of fighting global warming, has said humans have caused climate change and he has proposed capping the greenhouse gases blamed for the problem.
In the ABC interview, Palin said she believes that "man's activities certainly can be contributing to the issue of global warming, climate change. ... Regardless, though, of the reason for climate change, whether it's entirely, wholly caused by man's activities or is part of the cyclical nature of our planet — the warming and the cooling trends — regardless of that, John McCain and I agree that we gotta do something about it."
Questions about Palin's knowledge of foreign policy dominated the interview with ABC's Charles Gibson. Palin repeated her earlier assertions that she's ready to be president if called upon, yet sidestepped questions on whether she had the national security credentials needed to be commander in chief.
McCain has defended his running mate's qualifications, citing her command of the Alaska National Guard and Alaska's proximity to Russia.
Pressed about what insights into recent Russian actions she gained by living in Alaska, Palin told Gibson, "They're our next-door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska."
Palin, 44, has been Alaska's governor for less than two years and before that was a small-town mayor. Asked whether those were sufficient credentials, Palin said: "It is about reform of government and it's about putting government back on the side of the people, and that has much to do with foreign policy and national security issues."
She said she brings expertise in the effort to make the country energy independent as a former chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
Palin said that other than a trip to visit soldiers in Kuwait and Germany last year, her only other foreign travel was to Mexico and Canada. She also:
_Appeared unsure of the Bush doctrine, which President Bush laid out in a West Point speech in June 2002. Asked whether she agreed with that, Palin said: "In what respect, Charlie?" Gibson pressed her for an interpretation of it. She said: "His world view."
The doctrine essentially holds that the U.S. must help spread democracy to stop terrorism and will act pre-emptively to stop potential foes.
"I believe that what President Bush has attempted to do is rid this world of Islamic extremism, terrorists who are hell bent on destroying our nation," Palin said, though she added "there have been mistakes made."
Pressed repeatedly on whether the United States could attack terrorist hideouts in Pakistan without the country's permission, she said: "If there is legitimate and enough intelligence that tells us that a strike is imminent against American people, we have every right to defend our country. In fact, the president has the obligation, the duty to defend."
Bush watched portions of the interview and "thought she handled herself well," White House spokesman Tony Fratto told reporters Friday. Asked how Bush viewed Palin's response to questions about his doctrine of pre-emptive action, Fratto said, "I don't have anything on that."
_Said "we've got to put the pressure on Iran" and its nuclear program. Asked three times what her position would be if Israel felt threatened enough to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, Palin repeatedly said the United States shouldn't "second guess" Israel's steps to secure itself.
_Called for Georgia and the Ukraine to be included in NATO, a treaty that requires the U.S. to defend them militarily. She also said Russia's attack into Georgia last month was "unprovoked." Asked to clarify that she'd support going to war over Georgia, she said: "Perhaps so."
On the environment, Palin said she disagreed with McCain's position against oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.
"We'll agree to disagree," she said, "but I'm gonna keep pushing that and I think eventually we're all gonna come together on that one."
Margaret's View on Palin
Friday, September 12, 2008
Palin
At first I thought Sarah Palin was some kind of Republican pandering – a misguided attempt to woo Hillary voters over to the dark side, as if they believed women voters were so stupid that they would vote for anyone in skirt, but now I see that she is much, much worse.
I have nothing against hockey moms – I just don't want to be one. If Sarah Palin had her way, she would take away that right not to be a mom. She wants to outlaw abortion – so to call her a feminist is as laughable as calling evangelicals 'Christians.' They shouldn't have the right to call themselves Christian, for they have no Christ-like attributes. I am a feminist and a Christian – and when I see Sarah Palin – I see neither. And it is official. She is evil. I saw on Violet Blue's awesome blog that Sarah Palin forced rape victims to pay for their own forensic exams.
This is serious and bad.
Palin
At first I thought Sarah Palin was some kind of Republican pandering – a misguided attempt to woo Hillary voters over to the dark side, as if they believed women voters were so stupid that they would vote for anyone in skirt, but now I see that she is much, much worse.
I have nothing against hockey moms – I just don't want to be one. If Sarah Palin had her way, she would take away that right not to be a mom. She wants to outlaw abortion – so to call her a feminist is as laughable as calling evangelicals 'Christians.' They shouldn't have the right to call themselves Christian, for they have no Christ-like attributes. I am a feminist and a Christian – and when I see Sarah Palin – I see neither. And it is official. She is evil. I saw on Violet Blue's awesome blog that Sarah Palin forced rape victims to pay for their own forensic exams.
This is serious and bad.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Another Way Gay Sexuality Is Swept Under The Rug
Andrew Hornery
Sydney Morning Herald
September 6, 2008
Matthew Mitcham looks like a sponsor's dream: an Olympic gold medal, undeniably articulate and good looking.
Oh, and he's openly gay. Indeed he was reportedly the only gay in the (Olympic) village.
Ian Thorpe made millions in sponsorship but spent years avoiding the much-conjectured subject of his sexuality.
Mitcham publicly outed himself long before Beijing. As a result some marketers say Mitcham's face may never grace a box of children's breakfast cereal as Thorpe's did.
Last week ..NBC apologised amid claims of homophobia after failing to comment on Mitcham's boyfriend, ..as it did for partners of heterosexual competitors. NBC Olympics president Gary Zenkel said "we missed the opportunity to tell Matthew Mitcham's story".
Guess what, I'll show his boyfriend...
Sydney Morning Herald
September 6, 2008
Matthew Mitcham looks like a sponsor's dream: an Olympic gold medal, undeniably articulate and good looking.
Oh, and he's openly gay. Indeed he was reportedly the only gay in the (Olympic) village.
Ian Thorpe made millions in sponsorship but spent years avoiding the much-conjectured subject of his sexuality.
Mitcham publicly outed himself long before Beijing. As a result some marketers say Mitcham's face may never grace a box of children's breakfast cereal as Thorpe's did.
Last week ..NBC apologised amid claims of homophobia after failing to comment on Mitcham's boyfriend, ..as it did for partners of heterosexual competitors. NBC Olympics president Gary Zenkel said "we missed the opportunity to tell Matthew Mitcham's story".
Guess what, I'll show his boyfriend...
Monday, September 08, 2008
McCain's Turn
As good as his speech was, he told me very little of what he actually plans to do and how he plans to do it. Well that and he is stealing the whole "Change" idea from someone else. Looks like someone got a big makeover. Imagine that.
FactChecking McCain
September 5, 2008
He made some flubs in accepting the nomination.
Summary
We checked the accuracy of McCain’s speech accepting the Republican nomination and noted the following:
* McCain claimed that Obama’s health care plan would "force small businesses to cut jobs" and would put "a bureaucrat ... between you and your doctor." In fact, the plan exempts small businesses, and those who have insurance now could keep the coverage they have.
* McCain attacked Obama for voting for "corporate welfare" for oil companies. In fact, the bill Obama voted for raised taxes on oil companies by $300 million over 11 years while providing $5.8 billion in subsidies for renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels.
* McCain said oil imports send "$700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much." But the U.S. is on track to import a total of only $536 billion worth of oil at current prices, and close to a third of that comes from Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
* He promised to increase use of "wind, tide [and] solar" energy, though his actual energy plan contains no new money for renewable energy. He has said elsewhere that renewable sources won’t produce as much as people think.
* He called for "reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs," but as in the past failed to cite a single program that he would eliminate or reduce.
* He said Obama would "close" markets to trade. In fact, Obama, though he once said he wanted to "renegotiate" the North American Free Trade Agreement, now says he simply wants to try to strengthen environmental and labor provisions in it.
Analysis
Sen. John McCain's acceptance speech to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul on Sept. 4 was couched more in generalities than in specifics, offering fewer factual claims to check than we found in other speeches to the gathering. But we found some instances where the nominee strained the truth.
And for their analysis look here.
FactChecking McCain
September 5, 2008
He made some flubs in accepting the nomination.
Summary
We checked the accuracy of McCain’s speech accepting the Republican nomination and noted the following:
* McCain claimed that Obama’s health care plan would "force small businesses to cut jobs" and would put "a bureaucrat ... between you and your doctor." In fact, the plan exempts small businesses, and those who have insurance now could keep the coverage they have.
* McCain attacked Obama for voting for "corporate welfare" for oil companies. In fact, the bill Obama voted for raised taxes on oil companies by $300 million over 11 years while providing $5.8 billion in subsidies for renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels.
* McCain said oil imports send "$700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much." But the U.S. is on track to import a total of only $536 billion worth of oil at current prices, and close to a third of that comes from Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
* He promised to increase use of "wind, tide [and] solar" energy, though his actual energy plan contains no new money for renewable energy. He has said elsewhere that renewable sources won’t produce as much as people think.
* He called for "reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs," but as in the past failed to cite a single program that he would eliminate or reduce.
* He said Obama would "close" markets to trade. In fact, Obama, though he once said he wanted to "renegotiate" the North American Free Trade Agreement, now says he simply wants to try to strengthen environmental and labor provisions in it.
Analysis
Sen. John McCain's acceptance speech to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul on Sept. 4 was couched more in generalities than in specifics, offering fewer factual claims to check than we found in other speeches to the gathering. But we found some instances where the nominee strained the truth.
And for their analysis look here.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
They Are Coming Back To America!!!
My favorite crazy Japanese band is releasing a new album and headed back to America!!
Even better is that they get to headline their own show this time and not only play a thirty minute set because they are on tour with 5 other bands. Here are new new videos they have released from their upcoming album "We Ate The Machine," in stores Sept 30th. They will be hitting Dallas October 24th!!! Oh, look for the patented "Shimmy" dance in their new video "Pretty Good."
Pretty Good
Even better is that they get to headline their own show this time and not only play a thirty minute set because they are on tour with 5 other bands. Here are new new videos they have released from their upcoming album "We Ate The Machine," in stores Sept 30th. They will be hitting Dallas October 24th!!! Oh, look for the patented "Shimmy" dance in their new video "Pretty Good."
Pretty Good
A Look at Palin
This piece is from Time magazine and addresses the issue of Sarah Palin's weight in drawing the Conservative Christian Right and scaring away the more moderate voters. Some good points. I think she was perfect for that "injection" of excitement into his campaign, but really, she is not really that good of a choice to win the nomination of presidency. Anything Republicans had leveled against Hilary and/or Obama is coming back at them with Palin and they are screaming bloody murder.
Are Evangelicals Really Sold on Palin?
Saturday, Sep. 06, 2008 By AMY SULLIVAN
Sure, John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin to be his running mate fully consumed a GOP convention that was supposed to be focused on thumping Barack Obama over the head. And it may have raised questions about McCain's own judgment and seriousness. But, as we have been told ad nauseam since the surprise choice was announced last Friday, Palin has already provided one unquestionable, invaluable assist to the Republican campaign: with one sweep of her perfectly manicured hand, she has supposedly erased McCain's Evangelical problem and united the base that proved so key to George W. Bush's victory in 2004. (See photos of Sarah Palin here.)
Related Articles
Sarah Palin: A Frontier Mom's Roots
To a degree, that's true. Palin's pro-life credentials are impeccable — she opposes abortion in all circumstances, even in cases of rape and incest, except when a delivery will result in death. And her strong, open religious faith will make her the perfect person to reach out to conservative Evangelicals, who still don't fully trust the Republican nominee. But McCain and his aides may not want to say hallelujah just yet. While Palin is inspiring rhapsodies from the lions of the Christian right, her appeal to more moderate and younger Evangelicals — as well as independent swing voters — may be limited.
Of course, you can read the rest of the article here.
Are Evangelicals Really Sold on Palin?
Saturday, Sep. 06, 2008 By AMY SULLIVAN
Sure, John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin to be his running mate fully consumed a GOP convention that was supposed to be focused on thumping Barack Obama over the head. And it may have raised questions about McCain's own judgment and seriousness. But, as we have been told ad nauseam since the surprise choice was announced last Friday, Palin has already provided one unquestionable, invaluable assist to the Republican campaign: with one sweep of her perfectly manicured hand, she has supposedly erased McCain's Evangelical problem and united the base that proved so key to George W. Bush's victory in 2004. (See photos of Sarah Palin here.)
Related Articles
Sarah Palin: A Frontier Mom's Roots
To a degree, that's true. Palin's pro-life credentials are impeccable — she opposes abortion in all circumstances, even in cases of rape and incest, except when a delivery will result in death. And her strong, open religious faith will make her the perfect person to reach out to conservative Evangelicals, who still don't fully trust the Republican nominee. But McCain and his aides may not want to say hallelujah just yet. While Palin is inspiring rhapsodies from the lions of the Christian right, her appeal to more moderate and younger Evangelicals — as well as independent swing voters — may be limited.
Of course, you can read the rest of the article here.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
More Facts Checked...
GOP Convention Spin, Part II
September 4, 2008
Palin trips up on her facts, and Giuliani and Huckabee have their own stumbles on Night 3 of the Republican confab.
Summary
Sarah Palin’s much-awaited speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night may have shown she could play the role of attack dog, but it also showed her to be short on facts when it came to touting her own record and going after Obama’s.
We found Rudy Giuliani, who introduced her, to be as factually challenged as he sometimes was back when he was in the race. But Mike Huckabee may have laid the biggest egg of all.
* Palin may have said “Thanks, but no thanks” on the Bridge to Nowhere, though not until Congress had pretty much killed it already. But that was a sharp turnaround from the position she took during her gubernatorial campaign, and the town where she was mayor received lots of earmarks during her tenure.
* Palin’s accusation that Obama hasn’t authored “a single major law or even a reform” in the U.S. Senate or the Illinois Senate is simply not a fair assessment. Obama has helped push through major ethics reforms in both bodies, for example.
* The Alaska governor avoided some of McCain’s false claims about Obama’s tax program – but her attacks still failed to give the whole story.
* Giuliani distorted the time line and substance of Obama’s statements about the conflict between Russia and Georgia. In fact, there was much less difference between his statements and those of McCain than Giuliani would have had us believe.
* Giuliani also said McCain had been a fighter pilot. Actually, McCain’s plane was the A-4 Skyhawk, a small bomber. It was the only plane he trained in or flew in combat, according to McCain’s own memoir.
* Finally, Huckabee told conventioneers and TV viewers that Palin got more votes when she ran for mayor of Wasilla than Biden did running for president. Not even close. The tally: Biden, 79,754, despite withdrawing from the race after the Iowa caucuses. Palin, 909 in her 1999 race, 651 in 1996.
And of course the rest can be read here.
September 4, 2008
Palin trips up on her facts, and Giuliani and Huckabee have their own stumbles on Night 3 of the Republican confab.
Summary
Sarah Palin’s much-awaited speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night may have shown she could play the role of attack dog, but it also showed her to be short on facts when it came to touting her own record and going after Obama’s.
We found Rudy Giuliani, who introduced her, to be as factually challenged as he sometimes was back when he was in the race. But Mike Huckabee may have laid the biggest egg of all.
* Palin may have said “Thanks, but no thanks” on the Bridge to Nowhere, though not until Congress had pretty much killed it already. But that was a sharp turnaround from the position she took during her gubernatorial campaign, and the town where she was mayor received lots of earmarks during her tenure.
* Palin’s accusation that Obama hasn’t authored “a single major law or even a reform” in the U.S. Senate or the Illinois Senate is simply not a fair assessment. Obama has helped push through major ethics reforms in both bodies, for example.
* The Alaska governor avoided some of McCain’s false claims about Obama’s tax program – but her attacks still failed to give the whole story.
* Giuliani distorted the time line and substance of Obama’s statements about the conflict between Russia and Georgia. In fact, there was much less difference between his statements and those of McCain than Giuliani would have had us believe.
* Giuliani also said McCain had been a fighter pilot. Actually, McCain’s plane was the A-4 Skyhawk, a small bomber. It was the only plane he trained in or flew in combat, according to McCain’s own memoir.
* Finally, Huckabee told conventioneers and TV viewers that Palin got more votes when she ran for mayor of Wasilla than Biden did running for president. Not even close. The tally: Biden, 79,754, despite withdrawing from the race after the Iowa caucuses. Palin, 909 in her 1999 race, 651 in 1996.
And of course the rest can be read here.
Friday, September 05, 2008
What The RNC Did Not Tell Us About Their New Star
So during the convention we heard just how tough, yet how much of a family orientated person Mrs. Palin is. Her rosy children joined her on stage (yes I think her oldest son is hot), and she eschewed the image of a person that will fight for the American family. The problem I have with her, like so many Conservative Christians, is their idea of what the American family should look like and how it should be defined. Thank you to alternative media sources such as Moveon.org to put out some info on the RNC's new "superstar" that shows us some of her more "family orientated" views. Segments of this was taken from a newsletter I received.
Dear MoveOn member,
Did you watch Sarah Palin's speech last night? The speech told us a lot about her.
It told us that she can distort the facts and deliver mean-spirited zingers with the best of them. It told us that if Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter ever need a stand-in, she'd be a great pick.
It told us that she can be condescending and dismissive of the real work Barack Obama did helping real people on the South Side of Chicago. It told us that she can uphold the long Republican tradition of lying about Democratic tax cuts—even though Obama's plan would give Americans a bigger break than McCain's.
But the speech—written by one of President Bush's speechwriters—didn't tell us the truth about Sarah Palin's extremist positions. And the more that people know her far-right views, the less they support her. (There's a partial list below.)...
Palin's speech and the reaction to it also made clear why McCain picked her. It wasn't a decision about who's most qualified to serve a heart-beat away from the presidency—it was a political decision about pleasing the far-right base of the Republican party...
* Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task." She's even admitted she hasn't thought about the war much—just last year she was quoted saying, "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq." 1, 2
* Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin told members of the group—who advocate for a vote on secession from the union—to "keep up the good work" and "wished the party luck on what she called its 'inspiring convention.'" 3
* Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools. She hasn't made clear whether she thinks evolution is a fact.4
* Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming. Speaking about climate change, she said, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being manmade." 5
* Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP. 6
* Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest. 7
* Palin opposes comprehensive sex-ed in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches. 8
* As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor." 9
* She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere (before she opposed it). Palin claimed that she said "thanks, but no thanks" to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But in 2006, Palin supported the project repeatedly, saying that Alaska should take advantage of earmarks "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." 10
And in case you didn't know, those numbers are for the references from which they cited this information which I will be more than happy to send you the links.
And always for a good laugh, John Stewart of The Daily Show has his own take.
Dear MoveOn member,
Did you watch Sarah Palin's speech last night? The speech told us a lot about her.
It told us that she can distort the facts and deliver mean-spirited zingers with the best of them. It told us that if Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter ever need a stand-in, she'd be a great pick.
It told us that she can be condescending and dismissive of the real work Barack Obama did helping real people on the South Side of Chicago. It told us that she can uphold the long Republican tradition of lying about Democratic tax cuts—even though Obama's plan would give Americans a bigger break than McCain's.
But the speech—written by one of President Bush's speechwriters—didn't tell us the truth about Sarah Palin's extremist positions. And the more that people know her far-right views, the less they support her. (There's a partial list below.)...
Palin's speech and the reaction to it also made clear why McCain picked her. It wasn't a decision about who's most qualified to serve a heart-beat away from the presidency—it was a political decision about pleasing the far-right base of the Republican party...
* Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task." She's even admitted she hasn't thought about the war much—just last year she was quoted saying, "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq." 1, 2
* Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin told members of the group—who advocate for a vote on secession from the union—to "keep up the good work" and "wished the party luck on what she called its 'inspiring convention.'" 3
* Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools. She hasn't made clear whether she thinks evolution is a fact.4
* Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming. Speaking about climate change, she said, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being manmade." 5
* Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP. 6
* Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest. 7
* Palin opposes comprehensive sex-ed in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches. 8
* As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor." 9
* She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere (before she opposed it). Palin claimed that she said "thanks, but no thanks" to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But in 2006, Palin supported the project repeatedly, saying that Alaska should take advantage of earmarks "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." 10
And in case you didn't know, those numbers are for the references from which they cited this information which I will be more than happy to send you the links.
And always for a good laugh, John Stewart of The Daily Show has his own take.
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