What with all the never ending news coverage of The Supremes hearing arguments about Prop 8 in California and DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) this week, I've suddenly decided that I may agree with conservatives that marriage may not be appropriate for all parties. Specifically Catholics.
First and foremost we all know that God intended for the Bible to only apply to Protestants and people of the Jewish faith (well at least the first half). This has to be evident by some of the bat shit crazy rituals that Catholics perform.
Most disturbing is the Catholic preoccupation with zombies and vampires. Of course Jesus never really wanted his followers to munch on his body and drink his blood! And even if he did, Catholics, you're doing it wrong! How does one go from the body and blood of Christ to grape juice and rice cakes? If one is unable to follow the literal teachings of the good word, how is one expected to raise children in a truly Christian environment? And since marriage is for the sole purpose of procreation, Catholics should be banned from marrying. Strike one Catholics.
Secondly, I learned during the conclave recently in Rome to pick the new Pope that the "retiring" Pope wears Prada shoes! If you wear Prada, and you are a man, you are gay. Therefore all the followers of the Pope are homosexuals and that is inconsistent with marriage and thus Catholics should be barred from marrying. (I know it seems like a stretch but I'm just using typical conservative logic[TM]). Strike two Catholics.
Finally, and I'm relying a little on Bill Maher here, some Catholic traditions and rituals were pulled right out of someone's ass over the last couple of centuries. Priests can't marry? If you have a vagina you can't be a priest? In order to bribe your way in to heaven you must give confession from time to time? The invention of the holy ghost? Our souls came out of a volcano billions of years ago... oh wait, that's another lunacy altogether. The bible doesn't mention any of these rules! Obviously if Catholics feel that the original word laid down by God isn't good enough they are heretics and unfit to procreate and therefore should not be allowed to marry.
Alternatively where in the Constitution does it specify that anyone has the right to marry anyone? Are we using a different Constitution than the one God personally handed to Thomas Jefferson?
Obviously I'm just kidding around. I actually kind of dig Catholics and they are among my favorite mentally ill people in the world. I love conversing with them in airports with their bald heads and tambourines... oh wait, wrong again. The pomp and procedures and rituals of the church can be quite beautiful. And the head of the church wears Prada shoes! How fucking cool is that?
My point is that any idiot can come up with any reason to deny anyone the right to marry. The current argument in front of the Supreme Court that marriage is only for procreation may be the craziest of all.
Don't agree with gay marriage in America? Move to Rwanda, you'll fit right in there...
Showing posts with label Gay Rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gay Rights. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, January 02, 2012
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Sexual Orientation Protected in OKC!
"A measure proposed by Ward 2 Oklahoma City Councilman Ed Shadid that extends employment discrimination protection in city offices to gay people passed Tuesday by a 7-2 vote."
Wow. This is great news for Oklahoma City, or at least for those employed by the city. I don't know if I'm more surprised that the vote was actually held or that the margin was so wide.
I think city leaders are finally starting to realize that in order to compete with bigger cities it's legislation like this that actually helps attract economic development. The state of Oklahoma may still be living in the Dark Ages; however, Oklahoma City itself seems to be making moves in the right direction.
So proud of my city and its council right now!
Link.
Wow. This is great news for Oklahoma City, or at least for those employed by the city. I don't know if I'm more surprised that the vote was actually held or that the margin was so wide.
I think city leaders are finally starting to realize that in order to compete with bigger cities it's legislation like this that actually helps attract economic development. The state of Oklahoma may still be living in the Dark Ages; however, Oklahoma City itself seems to be making moves in the right direction.
So proud of my city and its council right now!
Link.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
News Around the Country
Everyone's favorite bat shit crazy Teabagger, Representative Michele Bachmann announced her candidacy for the Presidency yesterday in Waterloo, Iowa. There's a great story by Matt Taibbi in the latest issue of Rolling Stone discussing Bachmann's rise to politics and why she should actually be taken seriously.
"Bachmann is a religious zealot whose brain is a raging electrical storm of divine visions and paranoid delusions. She believes that the Chinese are plotting to replace the dollar bill, that light bulbs are killing our dogs and cats, and that God personally chose her to become both an IRS attorney who would spend years hounding taxpayers and a raging anti-tax Tea Party crusader against big government. She kicked off her unofficial presidential campaign in New Hampshire, by mistakenly declaring it the birthplace of the American Revolution. 'It's your state that fired the shot that was heard around the world!' she gushed. 'You are the state of Lexington and Concord, you started the battle for liberty right here in your backyard.'"
A subscription to Rolling Stone is worth it just for Taibbi's articles.
Wisconsin takes its politics seriously:
"Liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley has accused conservative Justice David Prosser of trying to choke her during an argument in her state Capitol office on June 13, the day before the court handed down a decision upholding a new law that eliminates most public employees' collective bargaining rights. Prosser has denied the allegations."
Wow. What a bunch of asshattery! Either a Supreme Court Judge is trying to kill a colleague or someone is lying about it. I'm siding with Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, you know, because conservatives are kooky!
Coinciding with many Gay Pride events around the country, the New York State Legislature passed a same-sex marriage measure, becoming the sixth and largest state to do so. What makes this amazing, to me, is that the passage of the bill was a bipartisan effort in the Senate where Republican votes were needed to get the bill to Governor Cuomo. I'm sure Oklahoma will follow the Empire State's lead... in about 20 years.
Asteroid 2011 MD came within 7500 miles of impact with the Earth before being hurled out the planet's way. Holy shit! Though the asteroid was only the size of a bus, what I find disturbing is that it wasn't detected until last week. It really goes to show how fragile our little blue rock in space may be.
A friend of mine posted on Facespace that Democrats make the best lovers. Who ever heard of a good piece of elephant?
Finally, in an extremely rare event, water fell from the heavens this morning coating the mangled yards of many Oklahoma City residents. Scientists are calling this unusual phenomenon "rain," but are assuring a panic stricken public that all should be back to normal the rest of the week with clear skies and temperatures ranging between 101 and 105 degrees!
So what's everyone else reading about this morning?
"Bachmann is a religious zealot whose brain is a raging electrical storm of divine visions and paranoid delusions. She believes that the Chinese are plotting to replace the dollar bill, that light bulbs are killing our dogs and cats, and that God personally chose her to become both an IRS attorney who would spend years hounding taxpayers and a raging anti-tax Tea Party crusader against big government. She kicked off her unofficial presidential campaign in New Hampshire, by mistakenly declaring it the birthplace of the American Revolution. 'It's your state that fired the shot that was heard around the world!' she gushed. 'You are the state of Lexington and Concord, you started the battle for liberty right here in your backyard.'"
A subscription to Rolling Stone is worth it just for Taibbi's articles.
Wisconsin takes its politics seriously:
"Liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley has accused conservative Justice David Prosser of trying to choke her during an argument in her state Capitol office on June 13, the day before the court handed down a decision upholding a new law that eliminates most public employees' collective bargaining rights. Prosser has denied the allegations."
Wow. What a bunch of asshattery! Either a Supreme Court Judge is trying to kill a colleague or someone is lying about it. I'm siding with Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, you know, because conservatives are kooky!
Coinciding with many Gay Pride events around the country, the New York State Legislature passed a same-sex marriage measure, becoming the sixth and largest state to do so. What makes this amazing, to me, is that the passage of the bill was a bipartisan effort in the Senate where Republican votes were needed to get the bill to Governor Cuomo. I'm sure Oklahoma will follow the Empire State's lead... in about 20 years.
Asteroid 2011 MD came within 7500 miles of impact with the Earth before being hurled out the planet's way. Holy shit! Though the asteroid was only the size of a bus, what I find disturbing is that it wasn't detected until last week. It really goes to show how fragile our little blue rock in space may be.
A friend of mine posted on Facespace that Democrats make the best lovers. Who ever heard of a good piece of elephant?
Finally, in an extremely rare event, water fell from the heavens this morning coating the mangled yards of many Oklahoma City residents. Scientists are calling this unusual phenomenon "rain," but are assuring a panic stricken public that all should be back to normal the rest of the week with clear skies and temperatures ranging between 101 and 105 degrees!
So what's everyone else reading about this morning?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Not Asking
I guess everyone's seen the news that the military bill, including the DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell) repeal, has once again failed in the U.S. Senate. Once again I'm extremely disappointed but not surprised.
Where do proponents of the repeal go from here? There may still be some light at the end of the legislative tunnel this lame duck session of Congress. The repeal of DADT could be brought back up as a stand along bill or if that fails the President, as Commander in Chief, could issue a stop loss order so that no service members could be discharged under the policy. I have more faith in Congress than the President, how sad is that statement? Maybe the President's balls will drop sometime soon...
So, who's to blame for this latest failure in the Senate? Everyone. The President is to blame for showing zero leadership on this issue. The "just say no" Republicans in the Senate for wanting more debate on an issue we've been talking about for years. Finally, Senator Reid for bringing up a vote when he had to obviously know that it wouldn't bring cloture. From what I understand Senator Lincoln was at the dentists during the vote for Christ's sake!
Here's hoping that our gay and lesbian service members, some who I know, will be free from discrimination by the end of the 111th Congress. I'm not holding my breath.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Fuck Your Feelings
I saw this exchange between someone writing in to Savage Love and Dan Savage on Facespace. Most awesome, I had to share here:
I heard an interview with you about your It Gets Better campaign. I was saddened and frustrated with your comments regarding people of faith and their perpetuation of bullying. As someone who loves the Lord and does not support gay marriage, I can honestly say I was heartbroken to hear about the young man who took his own life.
If your message is that we should not judge people based on their sexual preference, how do you justify judging entire groups of people for any other reason (including their faith)? There is no part of me that took any pleasure in what happened to that young man.
To that end, to imply that I would somehow encourage my children to mock, hurt, or intimidate another person for any reason is completely unfounded and offensive. Being a follower of Christ is, above all things, a recognition that we are all imperfect, fallible, and in desperate need of a savior. We cannot believe that we are better or more worthy than other people.
Please consider your viewpoint, and please be more careful with your words in the future.
L.R.
I'm sorry your feelings were hurt by my comments.
No, wait. I'm not. Gay kids are dying. So let's try to keep things in perspective: Fuck your feelings.
A question: Do you "support" atheist marriage? Interfaith marriage? Divorce and remarriage? All are legal, all go against Christian and/or traditional ideas about marriage, and yet there's no "Christian" movement to deny marriage rights to atheists or people marrying outside their respective faiths or people divorcing and remarrying. Why the hell not?
Sorry, L.R., but so long as you support the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples, it's clear that you do believe that some people—straight people—are "better or more worthy" than others.
And—sorry—but you are partly responsible for the bullying and physical violence being visited on vulnerable LGBT children. The kids of people who see gay people as sinful or damaged or disordered and unworthy of full civil equality—even if those people strive to express their bigotry in the politest possible way (at least when they happen to be addressing a gay person)—learn to see gay people as sinful, damaged, disordered, and unworthy. And while there may not be any gay adults or couples where you live, or at your church, or in your workplace, I promise you that there are gay and lesbian children in your schools. And while you can only attack gays and lesbians at the ballot box, nice and impersonally, your children have the option of attacking actual gays and lesbians, in person, in real time.
Real gay and lesbian children. Not political abstractions, not "sinners." Gay and lesbian children.
Try to keep up: The dehumanizing bigotries that fall from the lips of "faithful Christians," and the lies about us that vomit out from the pulpits of churches that "faithful Christians" drag their kids to on Sundays, give your children license to verbally abuse, humiliate, and condemn the gay children they encounter at school. And many of your children—having listened to Mom and Dad talk about how gay marriage is a threat to family and how gay sex makes their magic sky friend Jesus cry—feel justified in physically abusing the LGBT children they encounter in their schools. You don't have to explicitly "encourage [your] children to mock, hurt, or intimidate" queer kids. Your encouragement—along with your hatred and fear—is implicit. It's here, it's clear, and we're seeing the fruits of it: dead children.
Oh, and those same dehumanizing bigotries that fill your straight children with hate? They fill your gay children with suicidal despair. And you have the nerve to ask me to be more careful with my words?
Did that hurt to hear? Good. But it couldn't have hurt nearly as much as what was said and done to Asher Brown and Justin Aaberg and Billy Lucas and Cody Barker and Seth Walsh—day in, day out for years—at schools filled with bigoted little monsters created not in the image of a loving God, but in the image of the hateful and false "followers of Christ" they call Mom and Dad.
I heard an interview with you about your It Gets Better campaign. I was saddened and frustrated with your comments regarding people of faith and their perpetuation of bullying. As someone who loves the Lord and does not support gay marriage, I can honestly say I was heartbroken to hear about the young man who took his own life.
If your message is that we should not judge people based on their sexual preference, how do you justify judging entire groups of people for any other reason (including their faith)? There is no part of me that took any pleasure in what happened to that young man.
To that end, to imply that I would somehow encourage my children to mock, hurt, or intimidate another person for any reason is completely unfounded and offensive. Being a follower of Christ is, above all things, a recognition that we are all imperfect, fallible, and in desperate need of a savior. We cannot believe that we are better or more worthy than other people.
Please consider your viewpoint, and please be more careful with your words in the future.
L.R.
I'm sorry your feelings were hurt by my comments.
No, wait. I'm not. Gay kids are dying. So let's try to keep things in perspective: Fuck your feelings.
A question: Do you "support" atheist marriage? Interfaith marriage? Divorce and remarriage? All are legal, all go against Christian and/or traditional ideas about marriage, and yet there's no "Christian" movement to deny marriage rights to atheists or people marrying outside their respective faiths or people divorcing and remarrying. Why the hell not?
Sorry, L.R., but so long as you support the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples, it's clear that you do believe that some people—straight people—are "better or more worthy" than others.
And—sorry—but you are partly responsible for the bullying and physical violence being visited on vulnerable LGBT children. The kids of people who see gay people as sinful or damaged or disordered and unworthy of full civil equality—even if those people strive to express their bigotry in the politest possible way (at least when they happen to be addressing a gay person)—learn to see gay people as sinful, damaged, disordered, and unworthy. And while there may not be any gay adults or couples where you live, or at your church, or in your workplace, I promise you that there are gay and lesbian children in your schools. And while you can only attack gays and lesbians at the ballot box, nice and impersonally, your children have the option of attacking actual gays and lesbians, in person, in real time.
Real gay and lesbian children. Not political abstractions, not "sinners." Gay and lesbian children.
Try to keep up: The dehumanizing bigotries that fall from the lips of "faithful Christians," and the lies about us that vomit out from the pulpits of churches that "faithful Christians" drag their kids to on Sundays, give your children license to verbally abuse, humiliate, and condemn the gay children they encounter at school. And many of your children—having listened to Mom and Dad talk about how gay marriage is a threat to family and how gay sex makes their magic sky friend Jesus cry—feel justified in physically abusing the LGBT children they encounter in their schools. You don't have to explicitly "encourage [your] children to mock, hurt, or intimidate" queer kids. Your encouragement—along with your hatred and fear—is implicit. It's here, it's clear, and we're seeing the fruits of it: dead children.
Oh, and those same dehumanizing bigotries that fill your straight children with hate? They fill your gay children with suicidal despair. And you have the nerve to ask me to be more careful with my words?
Did that hurt to hear? Good. But it couldn't have hurt nearly as much as what was said and done to Asher Brown and Justin Aaberg and Billy Lucas and Cody Barker and Seth Walsh—day in, day out for years—at schools filled with bigoted little monsters created not in the image of a loving God, but in the image of the hateful and false "followers of Christ" they call Mom and Dad.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Meh
I guess I've had a case of bloggers block lately. There really isn't anything that I care to comment on even though the news has been ripe with all kinds of crazy stories lately:
The on again off again "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy in the military is becoming ridiculous. I mean really, one day through a court order the military is accepting gay applicants and the next day, through another court injunction, the military isn't accepting gay volunteers. A truly bizarre joke.
Christine O'Donnell, a self described Constitutional scholar, doesn't know what's said in the First Amendment! "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Watching portions of her debate the other night was extremely cringe inducing and I actually kind of felt sorry for the ridicule she took during and after the debate. To paraphrase Bill Maher, "she is one of us, we shouldn't be Senators."
Hillary Clinton makes an "It Gets Better" speech on behalf of the gay youth in this country! Unthinkable that someone fourth in line to be President would make such a speech. I'm proud that I voted for her in the Democratic primary; however, I'm not so sure that I'm proud of who I voted for in the general election.
Did everyone wear purple yesterday? I did not since the only thing I have purple is a silk sweater. I'm not opposed to the sweater I'm just opposed to wearing it to work while our air conditioning is out (again). Apparently we're going to try to hold on until fall weather arrives. When I left work yesterday it was nearly 90 degrees in the office and I had a massive amount of crack sweat going. It's sad when you feel the need to wear a "wife beater" and a thong to work to feel comfortable...
I guess there were a few things for me to comment on after all. It's been a very shitty week, most likely due to my arrival back in Goober County and heading back to work in the Chinese sweat shop. Well at least it's almost Friday! How is everyone else doing?
The on again off again "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy in the military is becoming ridiculous. I mean really, one day through a court order the military is accepting gay applicants and the next day, through another court injunction, the military isn't accepting gay volunteers. A truly bizarre joke.
Christine O'Donnell, a self described Constitutional scholar, doesn't know what's said in the First Amendment! "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Watching portions of her debate the other night was extremely cringe inducing and I actually kind of felt sorry for the ridicule she took during and after the debate. To paraphrase Bill Maher, "she is one of us, we shouldn't be Senators."
Hillary Clinton makes an "It Gets Better" speech on behalf of the gay youth in this country! Unthinkable that someone fourth in line to be President would make such a speech. I'm proud that I voted for her in the Democratic primary; however, I'm not so sure that I'm proud of who I voted for in the general election.
Did everyone wear purple yesterday? I did not since the only thing I have purple is a silk sweater. I'm not opposed to the sweater I'm just opposed to wearing it to work while our air conditioning is out (again). Apparently we're going to try to hold on until fall weather arrives. When I left work yesterday it was nearly 90 degrees in the office and I had a massive amount of crack sweat going. It's sad when you feel the need to wear a "wife beater" and a thong to work to feel comfortable...
I guess there were a few things for me to comment on after all. It's been a very shitty week, most likely due to my arrival back in Goober County and heading back to work in the Chinese sweat shop. Well at least it's almost Friday! How is everyone else doing?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
DADT Repeal Fails in the Senate
"Senate Republicans, led by John McCain (R-Ariz.), have blocked the Senate from considering the defense authorization bill Tuesday afternoon. By blocking the bill from moving to the Senate floor, Republicans accomplish the objective of stalling the repeal of the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy and blocking the Senate from considering the DREAM Act, which would give young, undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship if they enlist in the military or enroll in college."
Link.
Thank you President Obama for dragging your ass on this issue for the last two years and wasting the super majority the Senate enjoyed for a time after the 2008 elections. Your "fierce advocacy" of LGBT issues is a joke.
Thank you Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) for helping to filibuster this bill. I hope you lose your seat in November.
Thank you Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) for siding with a procedural maneuver over principal, you believe the policy to be wrong.
Thank you Harry Reid (D-Nevada) for not bringing up a vote to repeal on it's own, earlier.
Thank you Department of Defense for believing more study is needed in a 17 year old policy that has seen 13,000 service members discharged in that period of time.
I'm so over Republicans and Democrats. It's pretty sad when they fail to act when 80% of the American public are for repeal! We join the ranks of Cuba, China, Egypt, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Syria, and Yemen, to name a few, in not allowing service members to serve openly. What a great list to be a part of!
It makes me physically sick...
Link.
Thank you President Obama for dragging your ass on this issue for the last two years and wasting the super majority the Senate enjoyed for a time after the 2008 elections. Your "fierce advocacy" of LGBT issues is a joke.
Thank you Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) for helping to filibuster this bill. I hope you lose your seat in November.
Thank you Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) for siding with a procedural maneuver over principal, you believe the policy to be wrong.
Thank you Harry Reid (D-Nevada) for not bringing up a vote to repeal on it's own, earlier.
Thank you Department of Defense for believing more study is needed in a 17 year old policy that has seen 13,000 service members discharged in that period of time.
I'm so over Republicans and Democrats. It's pretty sad when they fail to act when 80% of the American public are for repeal! We join the ranks of Cuba, China, Egypt, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Syria, and Yemen, to name a few, in not allowing service members to serve openly. What a great list to be a part of!
It makes me physically sick...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Response from Congresswoman Fallin
Last month I emailed Congresswoman Fallin about her vote on House Resolution 5136, The National Defense Authorization Act. Basically I wanted to know why she voted against the bill because of the provisions to eliminate the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law concerning the military. Click here to read my email to the Congresswoman. Here is the response I received:
"Dear Mr. (Omitted):
Thank you for contacting me about H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma.
H.R.5136 authorizes approximately $567 billion for the Department of Defense in Fiscal Year 2011 and provides $159 billion in funding for current overseas operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, this bill provides essential combat protections to fully support the additional 30,000 troops scheduled to arrive in Afghanistan this summer, protects TRICARE from premium increases and from being affected by the health care takeover bill recently signed into law. It also provides critical benefits for our service members and their families, including a pay raise for our military personnel, whose salaries have consistently lagged behind the private sector.
We know the demand for quality mental health services for our uniformed men and women and their families is on the rise, which is why I offered several amendments to the FY11 National Defense Authorization Act. These amendments, which will improve testing methods for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus (ringing of the ears), will provide soldiers with faster treatment and relief from combat-related injuries, as well as improve the lives of those who have served our nation and minimize long-term health care costs for those veterans and our VA healthcare system.
While I am a strong supporter of our military and providing them with the resources they need, I had reservations concerning a provision which would overturn the military's longstanding 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy without first assessing its effects on military readiness. Therefore, I voted against final passage of H.R. 5136 since overturning this policy could ultimately jeopardize the well-being of America's armed forces.
This is an extremely controversial issue that deserves and requires careful attention and consideration. That's why an exhaustive study is currently underway to find out how any change in policy would impact unit cohesion, morale and readiness. I share the sentiment of many top military officials that we should wait until this study, which includes a survey of nearly 400,000 service members and their families, is completed until we consider any changes to the current policy.
While this bill contained important elements that are critical for the defense of our nation, as well as the care of our troops and their families, I believe our men and women in uniform and their families should have the opportunity to express their opinions on an issue that directly affects their lives.
To defend and protect America, we need the best-trained, best-equipped military in the world. For the brave men and women who have served our nation, this bill also enhances the benefits and services available to them and their families. I am forever grateful to those who have dedicated their lives to keeping us safe. As recent failed attacks on our homeland remind us, we must remain vigilant, proactive and forward thinking when it comes to defending our freedom.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As the 111th Congress addresses the many challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at www.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email as well as find useful information about Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District."
My goodness! I'm not sure I needed all that information to know why she opposes the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." I must disagree with the Congresswoman when she says we need an "exhaustive study" of the repeal. Haven't we already had Congressional hearings on the matter? Haven't we lived with this terrible policy for 18 years? That should be plenty of time for the military to determine it's got to go.
So I really didn't have much more to add to this story, I just wanted to post the Congresswoman's reply for those who were curious. I do appreciate her response. I've emailed a few politicians recently and she's the only one to reply.
"Dear Mr. (Omitted):
Thank you for contacting me about H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma.
H.R.5136 authorizes approximately $567 billion for the Department of Defense in Fiscal Year 2011 and provides $159 billion in funding for current overseas operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, this bill provides essential combat protections to fully support the additional 30,000 troops scheduled to arrive in Afghanistan this summer, protects TRICARE from premium increases and from being affected by the health care takeover bill recently signed into law. It also provides critical benefits for our service members and their families, including a pay raise for our military personnel, whose salaries have consistently lagged behind the private sector.
We know the demand for quality mental health services for our uniformed men and women and their families is on the rise, which is why I offered several amendments to the FY11 National Defense Authorization Act. These amendments, which will improve testing methods for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus (ringing of the ears), will provide soldiers with faster treatment and relief from combat-related injuries, as well as improve the lives of those who have served our nation and minimize long-term health care costs for those veterans and our VA healthcare system.
While I am a strong supporter of our military and providing them with the resources they need, I had reservations concerning a provision which would overturn the military's longstanding 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy without first assessing its effects on military readiness. Therefore, I voted against final passage of H.R. 5136 since overturning this policy could ultimately jeopardize the well-being of America's armed forces.
This is an extremely controversial issue that deserves and requires careful attention and consideration. That's why an exhaustive study is currently underway to find out how any change in policy would impact unit cohesion, morale and readiness. I share the sentiment of many top military officials that we should wait until this study, which includes a survey of nearly 400,000 service members and their families, is completed until we consider any changes to the current policy.
While this bill contained important elements that are critical for the defense of our nation, as well as the care of our troops and their families, I believe our men and women in uniform and their families should have the opportunity to express their opinions on an issue that directly affects their lives.
To defend and protect America, we need the best-trained, best-equipped military in the world. For the brave men and women who have served our nation, this bill also enhances the benefits and services available to them and their families. I am forever grateful to those who have dedicated their lives to keeping us safe. As recent failed attacks on our homeland remind us, we must remain vigilant, proactive and forward thinking when it comes to defending our freedom.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As the 111th Congress addresses the many challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at www.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email as well as find useful information about Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District."
My goodness! I'm not sure I needed all that information to know why she opposes the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." I must disagree with the Congresswoman when she says we need an "exhaustive study" of the repeal. Haven't we already had Congressional hearings on the matter? Haven't we lived with this terrible policy for 18 years? That should be plenty of time for the military to determine it's got to go.
So I really didn't have much more to add to this story, I just wanted to post the Congresswoman's reply for those who were curious. I do appreciate her response. I've emailed a few politicians recently and she's the only one to reply.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Odds and Ends
I saw this video at Godless Liberal Homo. I thought for sure it was a Corn for Lt. Governor campaign ad until I saw the ending...
I also found some funny videos that link to Make Homosexuals Marry at The Gaytheist Agenda.
"To the 44% of Californians who think homosexuals should not be allowed to marry. Why would you support prop8 and spare them from a long, unforgiving, lifetime of wedded torment?"
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
8: The Mormon Proposition
Good luck finding it in Oklahoma City after June 18th.
The documentary seems to tell us what we already know, the Mormon Church spent a shit ton of money to help assure the passage of California's Proposition 8. I ask you dear reader, what is more disturbing:
Gay Marriage:
- Believing two consenting adults should be able to enter into a union that most other Americans enjoy even though they are the same sex.
Or
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
- Believe in mandatory tithing to the church.
- Believe that Jesus Christ, after his resurrection (I know also crazy), visited the Americas.
- Believe that God created multiple worlds and each world has people living on it.
- Believe in magic underwear. Need I say more?
These are just a few examples of the nutty views Mormons believe. Perhaps our country or states should adopt a law to keep churches and their views separate from government. Oh wait...
Friday, May 28, 2010
My Letter to Congresswoman Fallin
"Congresswoman Fallin,
I am deeply disappointed but not surprised that you cast a no vote to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. I can only hope that one day in the future when we have completely removed all forms of discrimination from our culture that you'll come to regret your decision and see how wrong it was! A majority of our military leaders believe that the time has come for this dreadful policy to be removed, but I guess you know better them.
Respectfully,"
(Name withheld)
Like I said, no surprise. I was scratching my head wondering why Dan Boren, our lone Democrat in the Oklahoma delegation, didn't vote at all on the matter. Maybe this was his only way to do the right thing without upsetting the conservative voters of his district. If so he's a coward.
What do you think? Will these conservatives regret their bigoted votes in later years as we slowly erase discrimination from American culture? Also, do emails to our elected leaders make a difference?
To contact Congresswoman Fallen click here.
Link to story on the House vote.
I am deeply disappointed but not surprised that you cast a no vote to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. I can only hope that one day in the future when we have completely removed all forms of discrimination from our culture that you'll come to regret your decision and see how wrong it was! A majority of our military leaders believe that the time has come for this dreadful policy to be removed, but I guess you know better them.
Respectfully,"
(Name withheld)
Like I said, no surprise. I was scratching my head wondering why Dan Boren, our lone Democrat in the Oklahoma delegation, didn't vote at all on the matter. Maybe this was his only way to do the right thing without upsetting the conservative voters of his district. If so he's a coward.
What do you think? Will these conservatives regret their bigoted votes in later years as we slowly erase discrimination from American culture? Also, do emails to our elected leaders make a difference?
To contact Congresswoman Fallen click here.
Link to story on the House vote.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Obama Heckled by the Left
Link
"And yes, the hecklers were attacking the president from the left. 'Repeal "don't ask, don't tell"!' the protesters yelled, referring to the 1993 military policy that bans gays and lesbians from openly serving. Obama responded, 'We are going to do that; hey, hold on a second, hold on a second.'"
I like President Obama, though my enthusiasm for his administration has waned with each passing month. I think it's time that he holds on a second! He's had plenty of time to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" either through an executive order or by pressing Congress to work on legislation. How long are we holding on? Until the Democrats have less seats in Congress after the fall elections? I've said it before several times on this blog: GLBT Americans shouldn't have to wait any longer for equal rights in this country.
I guess part of the problem is the gay community as well. We align ourselves with organizations like The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) which seems to be more concerned with cocktail party fundraisers than actually getting people organized and to the streets or to the ballot box. Dan Choi chaining himself to the White House fence has done more to whip up my enthusiasm for the cause than any fundraising email I've received from the HRC.
That's just my opinions, what's yours?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Don't Ask Don't Tell
I'm really tired of reading liberal bloggers moan about the policy review of Don't Ask Don't Tell. It seems to some of them that our country has a myriad of other issues to deal with at the moment and playing around with military social policy is an unwise way to spend time. I couldn't agree more. There's no reason this debate should have been raging for 17 years! President Bill Clinton should have just signed an executive order in early 1993 to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. I doubt Congress would have circumvented that policy at the time. If they did, we'd be no worse off than we are now.
It's time to end this ridiculous policy. Affording American citizens equal rights shouldn't take a back burner to any issue!
Check out one well thought out argument to keep the ban in affect:
At the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) expressed his concern that repealing the rule would pave the way for allowing "alcohol use, adultery, fraternization, and body art" in the military -- and that the army must "exclude persons whose presence in the armed forces would create unacceptable risk to the armed forces' high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion."
So let me get this straight (no pun intended), we wouldn't want military personnel (1) drinking, (2) screwing around, and (3) getting tattoos? Only gay military personnel would do this or influence this? Is Senator Chambliss for real? He really sounds like he should be representing the great state of Oklahoma along with Senator Inhofe and Coburn. So I guess the expression about a drunken sailor on shore leave getting a tattoo was really in reference to a fag whenever it was coined? Whatever.
You know what? There will always be groups of people in the country who don't like other groups of people for a multitude of reasons. Are we to deny African-Americans, people of Jewish or Muslim faith, or women from serving in the military because it might make Bubba from Georgia uncomfortable? People with a homosexual orientation deserve the same right and responsibility to serve their country with the same rules applied to it as their heterosexual counterparts. Any other thinking is un-American!
It's time to end this ridiculous policy. Affording American citizens equal rights shouldn't take a back burner to any issue!
Check out one well thought out argument to keep the ban in affect:
At the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) expressed his concern that repealing the rule would pave the way for allowing "alcohol use, adultery, fraternization, and body art" in the military -- and that the army must "exclude persons whose presence in the armed forces would create unacceptable risk to the armed forces' high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion."
So let me get this straight (no pun intended), we wouldn't want military personnel (1) drinking, (2) screwing around, and (3) getting tattoos? Only gay military personnel would do this or influence this? Is Senator Chambliss for real? He really sounds like he should be representing the great state of Oklahoma along with Senator Inhofe and Coburn. So I guess the expression about a drunken sailor on shore leave getting a tattoo was really in reference to a fag whenever it was coined? Whatever.
You know what? There will always be groups of people in the country who don't like other groups of people for a multitude of reasons. Are we to deny African-Americans, people of Jewish or Muslim faith, or women from serving in the military because it might make Bubba from Georgia uncomfortable? People with a homosexual orientation deserve the same right and responsibility to serve their country with the same rules applied to it as their heterosexual counterparts. Any other thinking is un-American!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
National Coming Out Day
Today is a busy day for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) community. The National Equality March is taking place in Washington D.C., Oklahoma City is holding their annual AIDS Walk and finally today is also National Coming Out Day.
"Whether you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or not, be proud of who you are and your support for LGBT equality this National Coming Out Day."
I can't help but think of my coming out years ago. The first people I told in my family was my mom and dad. Their reaction was pretty much, "oh okay". Everyone in my family knows my sexual orientation and it has never been a problem. If anyone does have a problem with me being gay they have wisely kept their opinions to themselves. It would be their problem, not mine. I have been incredibly lucky, I know people who are adults who don't feel they can be themselves with their family, friends or co-workers.
Last night President Obama addressed the Human Right Campaign. It was a great speech directed to the LGBT community. He acknowledged that work has been slow on our issues. He did pledged to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and "The Defense of Marriage Act" in the coming months. He also said he would support legislation that supports LGBT people from discrimination in the workplace. Essentially he's still saying all the right things. We'll see if he and Congress delivers. To see a replay of his speech and events going on in Washington today, visit C-SPAN online.
"Whether you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or not, be proud of who you are and your support for LGBT equality this National Coming Out Day."
I can't help but think of my coming out years ago. The first people I told in my family was my mom and dad. Their reaction was pretty much, "oh okay". Everyone in my family knows my sexual orientation and it has never been a problem. If anyone does have a problem with me being gay they have wisely kept their opinions to themselves. It would be their problem, not mine. I have been incredibly lucky, I know people who are adults who don't feel they can be themselves with their family, friends or co-workers.
Last night President Obama addressed the Human Right Campaign. It was a great speech directed to the LGBT community. He acknowledged that work has been slow on our issues. He did pledged to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and "The Defense of Marriage Act" in the coming months. He also said he would support legislation that supports LGBT people from discrimination in the workplace. Essentially he's still saying all the right things. We'll see if he and Congress delivers. To see a replay of his speech and events going on in Washington today, visit C-SPAN online.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Hate Crime Legislation Passed in the House
After nearly 10 years of trying, the House passed the "Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act" today.
"The act allows for added charges and harsher jail sentences for those convicted of what is deemed to be a hate crime, a crime against somebody's race, religion, sexual orientation, etc."
Finally a branch of the government I can be proud of, specifically the House of Representatives. As a gay man I am so proud of our "liberal" Congress, especially to Speaker Pelosi who has been working on this cause for many years even before the Matthew Shepard incident in Laramie, WY. Basically what it means is that the federal government can assist in the prosecution of expanded hate crimes where local authorities are unwilling or unable.
The measure was attached to a must-pass $680 billion defense policy bill. Conservatives are whining about its inclusion to the defense bill. I have no sympathy! It's not like they never did the same thing to try to push through their own agendas during the Bush years.
Next up: The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT).
Link
Link
"The act allows for added charges and harsher jail sentences for those convicted of what is deemed to be a hate crime, a crime against somebody's race, religion, sexual orientation, etc."
Finally a branch of the government I can be proud of, specifically the House of Representatives. As a gay man I am so proud of our "liberal" Congress, especially to Speaker Pelosi who has been working on this cause for many years even before the Matthew Shepard incident in Laramie, WY. Basically what it means is that the federal government can assist in the prosecution of expanded hate crimes where local authorities are unwilling or unable.
The measure was attached to a must-pass $680 billion defense policy bill. Conservatives are whining about its inclusion to the defense bill. I have no sympathy! It's not like they never did the same thing to try to push through their own agendas during the Bush years.
Next up: The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT).
Link
Link
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
We Are Family (is that clichéd?)
PRIDE!
Saturday and Sunday I celebrated Gay Pride weekend with some friends. After the fall of civilization that was gay marriage (or lack thereof) in Massachusetts I was glad to see a good turn out in OKC. We started the morning off with Dim Sum brunch at Grand House followed by a stroll through Memorial Park. Missing this year at the park was the three-story blow up bottle of lube; we figured it wasn’t present this year since everything is about family and the children these days. The booths were interesting and there were a lot of diverse people in the crowd. We signed a lot of petitions, took lots of free crap, and entered every drawing we could find. I still don’t know what I’m going to do if I win that Grill Master 3000. Other than the sweltering heat and Miles singing and dancing we had a good time.
Sunday I went down to the strip and hung out with Miles again at the Park until the parade started. Once again the turn out was good but the heat was overbearing. I didn’t stay out too long after the parade; trying to pack into Angles with 25,0000 sweaty people for free draw beer isn’t very appealing. It was good to run into a lot of people that I haven’t seen in a while, and I had a blast with all the festivities as I do every year. I’ll post some pictures of the parade a little later today or tomorrow.
Saturday and Sunday I celebrated Gay Pride weekend with some friends. After the fall of civilization that was gay marriage (or lack thereof) in Massachusetts I was glad to see a good turn out in OKC. We started the morning off with Dim Sum brunch at Grand House followed by a stroll through Memorial Park. Missing this year at the park was the three-story blow up bottle of lube; we figured it wasn’t present this year since everything is about family and the children these days. The booths were interesting and there were a lot of diverse people in the crowd. We signed a lot of petitions, took lots of free crap, and entered every drawing we could find. I still don’t know what I’m going to do if I win that Grill Master 3000. Other than the sweltering heat and Miles singing and dancing we had a good time.
Sunday I went down to the strip and hung out with Miles again at the Park until the parade started. Once again the turn out was good but the heat was overbearing. I didn’t stay out too long after the parade; trying to pack into Angles with 25,0000 sweaty people for free draw beer isn’t very appealing. It was good to run into a lot of people that I haven’t seen in a while, and I had a blast with all the festivities as I do every year. I’ll post some pictures of the parade a little later today or tomorrow.
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