Saturday, December 27, 2008

WHICH IS WORSE: USING THE WORD, "CRAP" OR THE WORD, "NEGRO" ...

WASHINGTON - The chairman of the Republican National Committee on Saturday admonished one of his potential successors for giving his fellow Republicans a CD featuring a song called "Barack the Magic Negro."

Apparently someone named Chip Saltsman, who is seeking the Republican National Committee(RNC) chairmanship, sent potential committee members a 41-track CD by conservative comedian Paul Shanklin a Christmas message that included a song to the tune of "Puff the Magic Dragon." It is about President-elect Barack Obama and was entitled "Obama the 'Magic Negro'".

I can not be the only person who thinks this kind of rhetoric is beyond the pale. And I can only hope that more eloquent "word smiths" than I will condemn Misters Saltsman, Shanklin and others who claim such disgusting, trash talk is simply a "sense of humor."

The question I have is why does this type of thing come from fundamentalist Christians, conservative Republicans, and/or folks who claim to "love America"? I just don't get it. I just don't get it!

HOLIDAY PROTEST ...


This picture was taken at another holiday protest against the passage of Prop 8. It was supposed to be a quiet, no signs event. We had enough people to cover the four corners of two historic main streets in town. What is surprising me are the number of str8 people who show up at these events ... And young people too; perhaps that is the best part ...

NOTE: tiny little battery candle in my hand ... no more wax on the hands! the times are changing.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

FREE AT LAST ... ALMOST

Few things have shaped my political life like Los Angeles Times political cartoonist, Paul Conrad. For thirty years he shaped the Op/Ed page of the Times thanks in large part to the last and only progressive member of the Chandler family of editors.

Conrad's time at the Times spanned several in a line of the greatest evils in American politics. Until now the worst was a man named Nixon.

Trying to use words to explain his art is never easy but because one of his drawing has always been so important to me, I will try.

On the very last day that former President Richard M. Nixon left office, Conrad drew a picture of two black hands, from the wrist up, hands reaching upward. Around each wrist was a hand cuff. But as those heaven sent hands reach upward, they broke the links of those cuffs between them.

Under that drawing was printed the words, "Free at last, thank God Almighty, free at last!"

When even an even greater "evil" leaves office this January 20th 2009, I will once again remember Conrad's art and pray those words, as I did then: "Free at last, thank God Almighty, free at last!"

Free at last! Thank God almighty!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

PASADENA PROP 8 DEMONSTRATIION

"If Prop 8 is allowed to stand, it goes much beyond the issue of marriage equality and puts all of our rights at risk," said San Francisco city attorney Dennis Herrera, who is leading the legal fight.




Friday, November 14, 2008

Ashton Kutcher on Prop 8

Ashton Kutcher appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher last night. They discussed Prop 8.

SAD DAY ...




(Episcopal News, Los Angeles) -- The raging Montecito wildfire has destroyed historic Mount Calvary Retreat House, staff and Santa Barbara County officials have confirmed.

This is a place where I found great peace ... I am so sad that it is gone ... more later ...

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

SOME GOOD PROP 8 INFO ...

From the opening argument by SF City Attorney Dennis Herrera:

"No matter what your view of same-sex marriage, the passage of Proposition 8 has pushed California to the brink of a constitutional crisis, and it's important to understand why. This measure sought to do something that no constitutional amendment has ever done in our history: to strip a fundamental right from a protected class of citizens. In doing so, it did not merely undo a narrowly disfavored Supreme Court decision. Its effect is nowhere near so simple or elegant.

"Rather, it upended a doctrine of separation of powers deeply rooted in our system of governance; it trounced upon the independence of our state's judiciary; and it eviscerated the most foundational principle of our state's constitution.

"If allowed to stand, Prop 8 would so devastate the principle of equal protection that it could endanger the fundamental rights of any potential electoral minority — even for protected classes based on race, religion, national origin and gender.

"It would mean that a bare majority of voters could enshrine any manner of discrimination against any unpopular group — and our state constitution would be powerless to disallow it.

"Let us be clear: equal protection of the laws is what separates constitutional democracy from mob rule tyranny. It is a principle reaching back eight centuries to the Magna Carta. And it is what guided the founding of our state and our nation."

Sunday, November 9, 2008

PROTEST THE MORMANS AND OTHERS WHO TAKE AWAY CIVIL RIGHTS



There is something amazing about being with 15,000 other people to protest ... protest that the voters in California have taken away my right to marry the person of my choice. What the hell is that anyway?

Friday, November 7, 2008

MORMANS, TAKE AWAY RIGHTS


The election is past, the votes are counted and hate and fear have won out over reason and justice.

I am stuck with the folks who say that "they should get over it ...marriage is defined, the people have spoken. Yes but "they" won with down right lies, distortions and their own hatred of the unknown.

They took away my right and the rights of millions of others ... are they happy now? Well, hopefully this time the community will not let this die down and will never forget who did this. And keep on fighting.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

WRONG WRONG WORNG


Never before in California's history has a group, who currently enjoys a basic right, been singled out and then had those rights ripped from them by a vote of their fellow citizens. This decision is so radical and so egregious that every voice must first be heard, no matter how unlikely a changed outcome might be.

There must be a way to right this wrong ... there must be things people of good will can do ... We must do everything we can to correct this injustice ...

Thank God ...


Thank God, thank God, almight ... thank God.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

A FRIEND OF MINE ...


When I add an image like this I often wish that thousands of web wanders would see it this ask "why" ... I am grateful for the 40 or so folks who stop by here and see what Yarddog's "Simple Truth's" are ... If you live in California please vote NO on Prop 8.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...

OBAMAM, HOPE AND THIS ONE VOTER ...

I have gone back and read about this man ... and heard what ever I could about him ... This is the real thing ... as far as this one man, this one American, this one voter can know ... and in some strange way, that I have only caught bit of in the past he brings some hope ...

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan


It is odd how the political times have brought together two entirely different people, a "Joe the Plumber" and Specialist Kareem R. Khan, of Manahawkin, New Jersey. Each of them has a life story that is now being retold in highly symbolic ways this political season. If you live in a political vacuum here the story.

“Joe the Plumber" is a man who John McCain brought up during the last Presidential debate. McCain apparently vetted "Joe" as much as he did Sarah Palin because his "everyman," it turns out, is not a licensed plumber, does make over a quarter million dollars or have the money to buy a business and would indeed save money under the Obama tax plan as apposed to the McCain plan.

Despite the inconsistencies the two Republican candidates drawn applause from their faithful at the mention of his name while back home Joe complains about the "work" his agent has him doing and how tiring life is now.

Now today we are introduced to Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, 20, a high school graduate who, after the 9/11 attachs enlisted in the army because he wanted to show that not all Muslims were fanatics and that many, like him, were willing to lay their lives down for their country. He enlisted immediately after graduation and was sent to Iraq in July 2006. Specialist Khan was killed a year later when a blast destroyed a house he and members of his division were clearing in Baqouba, Iraq. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Spf. Khan became front page news today when General Colin Powell remembered his sense of duty and sacrifice when Powell endorsed Senator Obama for President. In repudiating his own party he said, "I have heard senior members of my own (Republican) party drop the suggestion, "He (Obama) is a Muslim and he might be associated terrorists ... we have got to stop polarizing ourselves in this way ... I'm troubled about the fact that, within the party, we have these kinds of expressions."

It can not be denied that both “Joe,” whose real name is Sam, and Kareem are Americans Why do some celebrate Joe, while others see great goodness in Kareem; I know that I am drawn to Sfc Khan’s story … in so many ways his life represents the best of our country . We would do well to remember he lived up to the meaning of his name, "Most excellent!."

ENDORSEMENT, GENERAL POWELL

The rumors that General Colin Powell was going to endorse Mr. Obama have been around for some time. This morning I turned on the TV to hear it but, half asleep, I missed "it" ... until now ... the endorsement is so well reasoned and thoughtful ... and it represents a standpoint and a way of looking at this American way of life that demands to be heard.

A PICTURE TELLS A THOUSAND ... OR 100,000 IN THIS CASE



ST. LOUIS - Standing under the Gateway Arch, Sen. Barack Obama spoke this afternoon before a crowd his campaign said totaled 100,000, a new U.S. record for his presidential bid. "All I can say is wow," Obama said as he took the stage.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

ENDORCEMENTS, WHEELING W. VIRGINA AND PALIN

As I noted below Editor and Publisher is tracking national newspaper endorsements for President; out of curiosity I decided to read some of the Editorial supporting Senator John McCain. With one exception two words were left out of those endorsements: Sarah Palin.

The other interesting tidbit was there blindness to the McCain of today and the McCain of yesteryear. Almost to a paper they point to the very qualities he has given up in order to gain his parties nomination such as his past stands on immigration and torture.

And while they comment on the need for a steady, experienced hand, they fail to mention his almost erratic campaign behavior.

The one editorial who actually used Palin as a reason for voting for McCain was the Wheeling News-Register whose one and only concern was the use of coal. Never once however did they question her ability to BE the Vice President let alone President.

Friday, October 17, 2008

ENDORSEMENTS, LA TIMES, OBAMA

I know I can write; I know how to give a speech but do I ever wish I could have written this. So take a few minutes and read the Los Angeles Times' endorsement for Senator Obama ... it matches Mr. Obama in elegance while not avoiding the "Palin choice" or the challenges that a "President" Obama must face.

It is just a wonderful thing to read, in and of itself ... it ends by saying: We may one day look back on this presidential campaign in wonder. We may marvel that Obama's critics called him an elitist, as if an Ivy League education were a source of embarrassment, and belittled his eloquence, as if a gift with words were suddenly a defect. In fact, Obama is educated and eloquent, sober and exciting, steady and mature. He represents the nation as it is, and as it aspires to be.

Or you can follow the endorsements here on Editor and Publisher which reported today: BARACK OBAMA,
64 newspapers total, well over 8 million circulation (we are still counting); JOHN McCAIN, 18 newspapers total, about 1.7 million daily circulation.

ENDORCEMENTS, PALIN AND yarddog...

"The Washington Post, in its endorsement of Senator Obama this morning, cited Sarah Palin presence on the Republican ticket as one of its reasons."

I can't imagine that this will not be the only endorsement that will raise the Palin question. Now, I assume that Ms. Palin is a good person, but she is not Vice Presidential material. McCain in making that decision; pandering to the radical right wing of his party and his erratic behavior since his campaign begun makes this one voter question the kind of decisions that McCain will make as president.

I know it does not come as any surprise that I have already voted, by mail, for Mr. Obama.


More of these fun things can be found here.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Final Presidential Debate, Joe the Plumber and Yarddog

Who the hell is Joe the Plumber and who cares ... and then there is this .. check it out!

Obama kept his cool even when attacked about that ridiculous William Ayres and the Acorn business ... It simply didn't take ... McCain made the extreme right wing happy by bring up ancient history; Obama keep to the future and caring about how he can fix things ..

Best moment? When Obama listed the people who were advising him.

Worst moment? When McCain tried to explain why Palin was qualified ...

Obama won on points; McCain won on the negativity.CBS says it was a sweep. "The truth is that his (McCain) choices say more about his campaign than they do about me." Obama

EXGAY SUES DC

A support group for so-called "ex-gays," PFOX (Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays), has brought suit against Washington, D.C.’s Office of Human Rights for not including "ex-gays" as a protected group under laws that bar discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The executive director of PFOX, Regina Griggs, is quoted in a story as claiming, "The ex-gay community is the most bullied and maligned group in America, yet they are not protected by sexual orientation non-discrimination laws."

In Washington, D.C., discrimination based on several categories is banned, including "sexual preference," "sexual orientation," "gender identity," and "gender expression," the article noted.

Now, I just don't get this ... aren't "ex-gays" heterosexuals now? Geessssssss.

PALIN, HATRED, FEAR

I wonder if Ms. Palin is happy with this?

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

GOLDBERG, REPUBLICAN BASE AND AMERICA?

Jonah Goldberg wrote a column for the LA Times; this was my response to him.

Yes, go ahead and "hit" Mr. Goldberg; you are a perfect creation of our times! History however captures how Rockefeller was treated at the '64 Rep convention -- how he was ridiculed; how Nixon used out right lies in his first race for congress against Douglas and breed generations of political operatives who scream "win at any cost" ... right on down to "Swift Boats" and Ayres. Republican don't win on ideas; they win by fabricating "character defaults."

Take a look at the Republican base. Who are they ... homophobic, xenophobic, racists and religious zealots ... people whose political lives are based on their own "rightness" and a fear of anyone different from them. They have scraped together the rank parts of our nature around a political party ... three generations of Republican leaders have preached, "at any cost" to the point that the prospect of a Democrat winning causes the reactions we see at Republican rallies -- "hang him" they shout, in reference to Mr. Obama.

The ultimate example is Karl Rove, who developed and implemented a successful political strategy based on inflaming the political base through wedge issues like gay marriage while his gay father lay dying in Palm Springs ... yes, win at any cost! You, and they, have sown these awful seeds; now all of us must live with the whirlwind.

Monday, October 13, 2008

EQUALITY RIDERS - 2008

Under everyone's radar screen is Soul Forces' Annual 2008 Equality Ride. Each year students between the 18-28 get in a huge bus and travel around the country to mostly conservative religious college campuses in order to advocate for the LGBT community and for religious tolerance.

Six young adults (above) were arrested when they attempted to walk into the DeSantis Family Chapel at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday.

"You are an unwanted guest," campus security director Terry Wheeler said to riders, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "We have asked the police department to enforce the trespassing law,"

The arrests took place after the Equality Ride bus was damaged Sunday night. The windows were smashed in, shattering two panes of glass, and small portions of the vinyl wrap were also scratched off.

A list of their stops this year is here as is other information. It's director Mel White is a friend from a long time ago. There is a part of me that wishes I was there, too.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Saturday, October 11, 2008

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY



National Coming Out Day is held on October 11th every year to commemorate the first March on Washington by LBGT people. The March took place in October of 1987 and highlighted the lesbigay struggle for acceptance. The first National Coming Out Day was held on October 11, 1988.

The purpose of National Coming Out Day is to promote honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay or bisexual. LAMBDA celebrates this day with activities and resources designed to support coming out. LAMBDA also conducts ongoing projects to help enable our queer brothers and sisters to take their next steps out of the closet.

Or read about celebrating National Coming Out Day here.

MCCAIN, PALIN AND POLITICAL INTOLERANCE ..

Years and years of political character assassinations, lies and distortions has breed a huge segment of the American public that is now reacting in ignorance and fear to an Obama Presidency. Witness the ugly public behavior at the forefront of McCain/Palin campaign rallies.

People are shouting the most horrific things, “Hang him.” “Shoot him.” “Treason!" "Terrorist!" "Kill him!" in reference to Senator Obama. Even when McCain tries to bring reason to chaos, he is taunted with boos! There is no common sense or decency.

Four generations of Republican Party leaders have made rank appeals to our worst natures and preached intolerance, bigotry and hatred ... anything to win. They have sowed those seeds and now America will suffer the whirlwind.

Friday, October 10, 2008

CONNECTICUT, CALIFORNIA & PROP 8...

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled Friday that same-sex couples have the right to marry, making that state the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalize such unions.

Enjoy it while you can Connecticut ... I remember not too long ago how joyful that news was here in California. But now once again Californians are fighting the forces of intolerance and religious bigotry. There is now a California voter initiative on the November ballot that would change the state constitution to prevent same sex marriages.

The world is faced with so many difficult issues and loving someone is an issue!?! So if you live in California, visit the no on 8 site or or here for a number of concrete actions you can take to defeat Proposition 8. Wherever you live, you can help pay the costs of getting our message out. Donate to the campaign at here.

There is also a DisHonor Roll here that Californian Against Hate have published of the people and organizations that have funded Prop 8.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

"SO INSULTED." BY SARAH PALIN

Insulted by Palin ... published here

My friend Cathie called me from San Marino; she was not calm: "Why aren't they sending (Pasadena mayor) Bill Bogaard to the United Nations! I am so insulted! What does it say about this country! She (Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska) thinks looking across the Gulf of Alaska is foreign policy. I am so insulted. She thinks God wants us in Iraq! I am so insulted."

After about 10 "I am so insulteds," I stopped counting.

MCCAIN DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE PRESIDENT ...

New services reported today that crowds at, "Palin and McCain Rallies Call Obama 'Terrorist;' Shout 'Kill Him'." Read it here.

Palin and McCain allow hate speech to happen by utilizing language that gives people a "freedom" to say hateful things. This isn't the first time that Senator McCain's has created an atmosphere of hate. During an early campaign stop he was confronted with the question, "How do we beat the B****?" referring to Hilary Clinton. I wrote here at the time that McCain’s non-response to that ugly comment did not bode well for the up-coming general election ... I never realized how low they and the Republican party would go to be elected.

Mr. McCain does not deserve to be president; no one deserves to be president that would even indirectly condone that kind of behavior.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

A REMINDER - Dust Bin of History Award

Occasionally "The Editors" like to remind our readers of our now famous INTO THE DUST BIN OF HISTORY AWARD.

Given to those person(s) and/or event(s) that in "The Editors" collective minds are "beyond the pale," this exclusive group is made up of the famous, the little known, the ones that don't wanna-be-known and the just plain stupid.

Readers wishing to nominate person(s) and/or event(s) for the INTO THE DUST BIN OF HISTORY AWARD are encouraged to contact "The Editors" HERE.

The only criteria is that the person(s) and/or event(s) be, as "The Editors" have said, "beyond the pale." Former recipients are listed to your right.

Thank you for your participation and your readership.


THE FACTS ON CALIFORNIA PROP 8



I think this has been posted every where ... but it doesn't hurt to say it again ... Fiction vs. the Facts

Fiction: People can be sued over personal beliefs.

Fact: California’s laws already prohibit discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This has nothing to do with marriage.

Fiction
: Churches could lose their tax-exemption status.

Fact: Nothing in Prop 8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”

Fiction: Same-sex marriage would be taught in public schools.

Fact: Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it. A Sacramento Superior Court judge has already ruled that this claim by the proponents of Prop 8 is “false and misleading.” In fact, the “case” that is cited in the ad is from Massachusetts…the proponents knew what California law said, so they used another state, again to mislead voters.

Fiction: Four Activist Judges in San Francisco…

Fact: Prop 8 is not about courts and judges, it's about eliminating a fundamental right. Judges didn't grant the right, the constitution guarantees the right. Proponents of Prop 8 use an outdated and stale argument that judges aren't supposed to protect rights and freedoms. This campaign is about whether Californians, right now, in 2008 are willing to amend the constitution for the sole purpose of eliminating a fundamental right for one group of citizens.

Regardless of how you feel about the issue, we should not eliminate fundamental rights for ANY Californians. Please vote NO on Prop 8.

PALIN AND The Most Challenged Books of 21st Century (2000-2005)

"And Tango Makes Three," by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell is the most challenged book in 2008. Reasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint


Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin investigated banning books in her home town when she was mayor. Because of that and because of the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week (September 23-30, 2006), the American Library Association (ALA) compiled the top 10 most challenged books from 2000-2005, with the Harry Potter series of books leading the pack. The 10 most challenged books of the 21st Century (2000-2005) are:

1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
2. "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier
3. Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
4. "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck
5. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
6. "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers
7. "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris
8. Scary Stories series by Alvin Schwartz
9. Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey
10. "Forever" by Judy Blume

All but three of these books were also in the top 10 of the most challenged books of the 1990s. The ALA reports there were more than 3,000 attempts to remove books from schools and public libraries between 2000 and 2005. Harry Potter tops list of most challenged books of 21st Century.

I am proud to say that I have three of those books in my library along with these that have also been challenged:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

TWO THINGS IN A BUSY TIME...




There were two pictures on the web this morning ... the one is very evident; the other is a memorial for a man named Mathew Shepard ...

Saturday, September 27, 2008

John McCain’s policy positions

John McCain’s policy positions and voting records have been dismally homophobic. He has opposed every single gay rights measure of recent years. He opposes same-sex marriage, supports the Defense of Marriage Act, and — contrary to the “let the states decide” mantra of more moderate Republicans — has endorsed the California ballot initiative that would overturn the existing right for same-sex couples to marry. In fact, he’s even more extreme than that — he opposes any sort of recognition for same-sex partnerships, actively campaigning for a ban on them in his home state of Arizona. He is opposed to gays serving in the military — even in wartime, when recruiting is down and the military is desperately understaffed — and supports the discriminatory “don’t ask/ don’t tell” policy. He fought and voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would have protected gays and lesbians from being fired for their sexual orientation.

And then add Sarah Palin to the mix and things only get worse ... how could anyone pick her to hold one of the second highest office in the land? And talk about homophobic ... her record in it's own way is equally dismal and she does it because "the Bible tells her so" What in the world has happened in the life of American Politics?

Friday, September 26, 2008

OKAY, MR. OBAMA BE SPECIFIC...


Listening to tonight's Presidential Debates reinforces one thing: I would never vote for Senator John McCain. He brings with him an old fashion view of life that is deeply rooted in the past. While that past maybe enormously important to my own personal history, it has little to do with confronting the times in which we live. I can not vote for a person who so clearly defines him by it nor, more importantly, could I support a Republican Party what so discredits the poor, the outcast and those left behind is "there" version of America.

The challenge for Mr. Obama then is: can you do "something" concrete for individuals and the day-to-day issues we deal with. No where in tonight's debate did I sense an understanding of our daily worries - ones centered about a lack of health care, investments that are now totally worthless and a retirement package that is long gone to Wall Street greed. Tell me, how will you specifically help us with each of those three things? That will make my day a better one?

YARDDOG AND THE WALL STREET BAIL OUT


So tell me how I am suppose to trust an administration that took us into a needless war and a place we should not be and now support a Wall Street bail out ???

YARDDOG LISTENS TO THE DEBATES

Listening to tonight's presidential debates reinforced one thing: I would never vote for Senator John McCain. He brings with him a bankrupt view of life that is deeply rooted in a past that while it may be enormously important to my personal history, has little or not value to confront the times in which we live. So I can not vote for a person who so clearly defines him by it nor could I support a Republican party what so discredits the poor, the outcast and those left behind is "there" version of America.

The challenge for Mr. Obama is: is there anything you do for individuals and the day-to-day issues we deal with. No where in tonight's debate did I sense an understanding of our daily worries - ones about lack of health care, investments that are now totally worthless and retirement package that is long gone to Wall Street greed. Tell me, how will you do to help me, not with platitudes of the past but our lives in the next four years?

DAVID LETTERMEN AND MCCAIN ...

And then there is this from the late talk show host, David Letterman:



The question I have is what in the world is going on? How could anyone look closely at Gov. Palin and honestly think that she could be the Vice President of this county? No one running for President should ...

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

VIETNAM, A FRIEND AND LIFE..





"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"
Wm. Shakespeare

Just once in a while it happens like this, not all the time; thank God.

Like others of my generation I continue to be deeply effected by the Vietnam War; from the bloody, riot streets of Berkeley, to friends who hid in my home from the FBI, to counseling conscientious objectors and others who were mostly just afraid.

The seed of all of my actions then, and the way my life has turn to a large extent was born in the death PFC Richard R. Irwin Jr., “who died in the service of his country on October 9th, 1967 in Quang Tin Province. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Richard was 20 years of age. He was from Arcadia, California. Richard is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 80.”

It happened near a mountain called Nui Vu; Rick, the platoon's radio man, followed his lieutenant into the dense, wet jungle and fell into an enemy position. Rick carried the radio on his back that all Platoon Leaders depended upon. But that radio had a three foot antenna and was a beacon for the bad guys who knew immediately that an officer was nearby.

Never forgetting that, one Sunday in May of 2000 I left the following message on the Vietnam Memorial Virtual Wall website: "Sunglasses, roses and long life to a Hero: I knew Rick when I was in High School. He went off to Vietnam like others in our class did. We had no idea what it was all about. You were serving your country like our dad did. I have gone to his grave site (Rose Hills, Whittier California) for years to remember him and to remember other friends who died in the war.”

Now forty years from that day in a Vietnamese jungle I received this email:

Hi Frank,
I am Dick Arnold of the 35th Regiment Association. I served with Rick and knew him well; we came in-country about the same time. Very friendly and a bit of a character---really liked his beer as I recall. At the time of his death he was the radio man for our Platoon Leader, Lt Wm Bray, who died with Rick. It was a very big fight by Vietnam standards; we lost 11 men with several wounded including myself.

Just wanted to make you aware of all this and say thanks for remembering one of our guys. You for sure got it right in your post when you said none of us knew much about Vietnam--we were just doing our duty like our fathers before. Right you are Frank; but in my maturity I think maybe that was not all bad...
Kindest Regards,
Dick


Some time ago when I finally ran my fingers tips across Panel 27E, Line 80, I just started to cry. I figure I always will when I am there, or at Rose Hills with my sunglasses on or when I think about war. There just is no reason on earth why a 20 something surfer friend from high school had to die in a far away place. For any war; not any time. Never.


"He really liked his beer." Yeah, we both did...

Monday, August 25, 2008

GAY, SPORTS, MITCHAM AND NBC


The answer to the question about why the Australian gold metal winner was not a "story" on NBC's and other newspaper coverage of the platform diving event is because sports in general is very homophobic as are the directors, writers, producers, cameramen and commentators.

If a news agency does not cover gay stories with the same integrity as they do “straight” ones or they cover one without the other, than something else is at point then just “not being able to cover every story,” as the NBC spokesperson has said.

News services around the world knew that gold medalist Mathew Mitcham was gay; he has been on the front page of every gay publication worldwide; and it is reported that Mr. Mitcham would tell "anyone that would listen" in Beijing that he is gay. Now he is the first openly gay man to win such a prize.

That leaves NBC's reason for not covering his heartfelt story to either sloppy journalism or homophobia. The 20 year old Mitcham’s victories in life and in sport are in every way news of the first degree -- the best kind. So I defer to homophobia being the reason and suggest that a general boycott of NBC by its gay friendly sponsors should be the response.

If you are interested in telling NBC your thoughts email them at nbcsports@nbcuni.com .

Saturday, July 26, 2008

REALLY SWEET ...

I have a friend who is always talking about not having an "affinity group". Ever one has one but white guys here ... in the US of A, especially when your family has lived here for hundreds of years, there isn't much you can tie your traditions down to. In fact even saying, "I'm a white guy." can get you into trouble.

Lately there has been a resurgence in Celtic things - prayers, dancing, music ... in those moments - the saying of words, the beat of the music, I have begun to feel as if those sound and movements speak to my soul on a deeply personal level ... one that some how speaks to my genes.

There is something very sweet about this song, its words and meaning, and the folks that sing them. Hear the words, understand the concept of Caledonia and then remember how nice it is for this one "white guy" to have discovered bit of his home.


There is another song by a member of the group called "Come by the Hills" ... it is so sweet, too ... check out DanceTM's page ... music speaks to each of us in so many different ways.



"Oh, but let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia you're calling me
And now I'm going home
If I should become a stranger
You know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything
I've ever had."

Monday, July 21, 2008

WELL SERVED BY ...


I suppose many "practicing Christians" might be put off by Profession Christine Hayes who is the Robert F. and Patricia Ross Weis Professor of Religious Studies in Classical Judaica at Yale.

A wonderful series of Yale on-line lectures including
a 24 part class by Ms. Hayes who I find is an incredible "light" to my Christian faith
may be found here

Follow that link for other Yale Online Classes.

MAYBE NOT SO WELL ...


Read along with Bishop in his blog at: Canterbury Tales from the Fringe Sunday seemed like a sad day ...

Thursday, July 17, 2008

GENE ROBINSON ... ALIVE AND WELL ...


This is a really good thing; listen to Bishop Gene Robinson ... Someone who has known him for a long time says that he has never changed, that he has always preached the same clear message ... I met him once here and he preached the same thing then, too. This particular sermon was interrupted by a heckler ... This is the work of God in our time.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

South Carolina principal Eddie Walkers AND PRINCILES



At first we thought when South Carolina principal Eddie Walkers(pictured) resigned his Columbia his high school principals post he was doing it as a matter of princple. As you many know that he resigned because of a conflict involving his professional and religious beliefs. He is against the formation of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club (GSA).

And so the formation of the high school club was a reaction to violence. And Princple Walker resigned because of THAT? He is saying that sexual orientation is worse that murder?

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

GREATER ASPIRATIONS ...


"Issues" with Senator Obama's race, religion and marriage will be hammered into us by the political right now. It is to be expected; they are running scared for the first time in 30+ years. Undoubtedly Republican conservatives along with their religious bigots, war hawks, racists and corporate "lap dogs" will try to do their "work" this election cycle.

Just watch as “gay marriage” finds its way on to ballots (as it has in California) or as fear of terrorism is excelled (as it has when the Supreme Count restored the fundamental right of Habeas Corpus to our judicial system). To keep from losing they will try to divide us, make some of “less” because of our faith, or wealth or lack of it, or color or nationality or sexual orientation. That group will eat its own (as it did in 1964 when moderate Vice President Nelson Rockefeller was laughed off the Republican Convention stage). Read Carl Rove’s play book!

But just hopefully an America that cares, that represents its best values, that seeks to bring people together, that seeks peace instead of war, that cares for the world, that welcomes the foreigner, that values the environment and all the people who live in it, will come to dominate our political reality on January of 2009.

If the motivation for being involved in this political season is represented by the politics of the past 30+ years ... it is a point of view unworthy of our founders, our liberties or our countries greatest aspirations.

YARDDOG ON GAY MARRAIGE


San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom officiates the wedding of Del Martin, 87, center left, and Phyllis Lyon, 84, Monday. Martin and Lyon were the first officially married same-sex couple in the state.

I think I must be dreaming ... having this option available in my own life would have changed it beyond belief. I miss you, Jimmy.

Here is a copy of the actual form ...

Monday, June 16, 2008

THEATRE NOT THEATER ... AND YARDDOG


I love live theatre and every time the Tony Awards are on television I realize how much I do ... and remember the people in my life who introduced me to it. Good people all; Jerry, the best for allowing me to spend so many wonder years in it.

The picture above is a PR pic of a scene from a performance of "In the Heights" that Sara, a friend of mine, took ... it's a salsa-flavored musical written by a theater novice ... when I watch any theatre it makes me "come alive" ...

Sunday, June 1, 2008

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?


I can not put myself on some "supper level" when it comes to understanding what the last seven years in our political history have been about. Many others are beginning to reveal the inter-workings of the Bush White House. The latest is the book by Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan called, "What Happened".

I read about the book and twice listened to Mr. McClellan's interview this morning on the Tim Russet show. Mr. McClellan says he didn't speak up against the overselling of war in Iraq at the time because he, like other Americans, gave the president the benefit of the doubt.

What the hell is that all about? Are we at war because people were afraid to speak up? Listen to McClellan! Everything he says maybe true but what kind of a person would put this country and it's people at such a risk?

Are they stupid? Who in the world have we let be in charge? What the hell is going on?

I have no respect for Mr. McClellan; not because he ratted on the idiots who seem to be running things but because he did not have the guts to confront what was happening around him ... and instead contributed to the very thing he now exposes.

FAMILY DAY FOR ALL CONCERNED & Moscow, too...

Blogging for LGBT Families


This is about some less limited than simply Mother's or Father's day...


And if you want to get a glimpse of what events like this and Pride were like years ago read Nikolai Alexeyev's blog about Moscow's Gay Pride: "On the Eve of Its Third Ban."

Saturday, May 24, 2008

NOEL, LOVE, LOST AND FOUND


I am graced with being able to say, "a long time ago."

A long time ago, a tiny, black and white spotted dog came up to me on a crowed street near my Silverlake home and adopted me on the spot. He was the kind of dog I could fall in love with.

"Well, hello there!” I said, “Where do you live?" As little dogs do he jumped up and down and then licked my hand. From that moment on that “happy” dog became part of my family. As hard as I tried that day, I could never find his owner.

But Happy loved to run and he knew that "out there," beyond my front door, he could run forever. So one morning when I went out to get the paper, Happy ran out past me into the street and was immediately hit by a truck that just kept on driving.

Horrified, I swore I would never "feel" for a pet again. Oh, they could live with me; call my place home but there would be no more "love business." So many lost animals found a home, lived contented lives, even guarded the house but not with my “Happy” feeling.

That was until Noel (or Church Cat as the pre-school kids called him) jumped into my opened car door, despite repeated questioning and traveled home with me like an old friend on the front seat. I fell in love again.

When I sat down he would jump on my lap; when I gardened he followed alongside of me; no matter what I did, he always purred. And if he went outdoors on his own he would come back in when I called -- until last night.

This morning when the front door bell rang, a neighbor brought him home in a basket with half his head missing; another motor vehicle victim. It was a little different this time ... several weeks ago as I typed and Noel purred, I remembered Happy and said "goodbye." I guess I’ve come to realize that life is fleeting. And Noel was a wanderer.

In his brief four months here, Noel caught 10 squirrels, 8 mice, 3 rats, 27 lizards, three pigeons and two house finches ... if there was a fly in the room he would chase after it.

And so I dug a hole ... a really, really deep hole ... and put a pure white, ironed, linen handkerchief and a sterling silver St. Christopher medal over him to comfort him on his way, and said the ancient words, "Dust to dust, ashes to ashes" ...

Damn it; damn it; damn it...

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

FREE AT LAST, GOD ALMIGHTY, FREE AT LAST!


"In contrast to earlier times, our state now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation, and, more generally, that an individual's sexual orientation -- like a person's race or gender -- does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights," said the California Supreme Count last week.

What makes this ruling so important is that for the first time in American history, the ruling applies the strictest test, one of "suspect classification," on questions regarding any state law or policy that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation. This meant that the 4-3 decision by the court, not only legalized our right to marriage, but also extended to sexual orientation the same broad protections against bias previously saved for race, gender, the disabled, and religion.

You just can't say to much else beside that, can you?

GOING HOME AGAIN ...


York Native Wants To Go Home Again.
Published in the York Dispatch when I was there

“Where are you from?” is a question every Californian learns to answer early on, and for good reason. Most of us are from "someplace else.” For 40 years I have said, “Oh, I am from York, a small town in Southeastern Pennsylvania, about 90 miles from Philadelphia.”

Three possible replies to my saying, "Where I am from have been." They are:
• “Oh?” That indicates a willingness to move onto the next subject.
• “Oh I know York.” That’s what I call a “nodding acquaintance” or "salesman’s” relay that translates to: “I traveled Through York one day in my life and I 'know' it well!”
• But the response I love is, “Oh, really. I come from a small town, too.” That response has led to conversations that have formed lifelong relationships.

York! The stories of my youth; the mythologies of my life are wrapped in a little town in Pennsylvania. As I sit here in my home in the Los Angeles area those years, those experiences there seem so rich and they have are the reason I have plan a trip back for the first since York Corp. moved us there when I was 1 ½ years old.

My first memory in life is of the Yorktowne Hotel. We lived there for three months before we moved into a house on Pinehurst Road and later into another on Eastern Boulevard in Yorkshire.

And in third grade I met Lewin Richmond Lutz, III of whom I say, “I still know a friend I met in third grade.”

To be able to say that is, for me, at the heart of what community is about. I remember an old Pennsylvania Dutch saying, true or not, “it takes seven generation to know a Dutchman but once you know him, you know him for life.”

As my trip gets closer, I am reminiscing. I remember my first date at the Strand with a girl whose name is now lost. I still have the newspaper as from the movie. In my mind’s eye, I see Yorkshire Elementary School, a two room schoolhouse.

I want to walk over the hills around Yorkshire. I want to eat at the Yorktowne and remember the many times my family did. I want to worship in the churches I grew up in. I want to...

I am, am however, not naive. The world around me in my new home here in Los Angeles has changed. It changes each day. And in my research on “going home again," I thought I saw an Army tank on the streets of York!

Could that have actually been the city of my memory? Are “big city” issues like race, homelessness and segregation that we struggle with here reflected in the town of my youth?

Did urban sprawl steal the farmlands and cornfields I wandered through? Is it still safe to walk around downtown York at night? Does the Cordorus Creek still look polluted and smell 40 years later? Does my best friend from third grade really have grandkids?

I do not know what it will be like when I am actually there. I do not know if you can “go home again.” All I know is that I want it a town called York of which David Rush writes, this place “can offer the very best of what American can offer." That is the place I remember.

Monday, May 5, 2008

YARDDOG AND RANDY

"Hey, Preacher Man ... that is how one of my best friends addressed his email to me this morning ... Want to have coffee at the "Christian place"?

There is a lot behind this email; I'll just unpack a bit of it.

The sender; he is a former Christian pastor who has more or less given up organized Christian Churches. Both of us are fond of saying we "have church" every Saturday morning. AS we have sat in some outdoor chairs that face the Sierra Madre Mountains, we have seen the seasons.

Funny part about it is that the coffee shop owned by the church down the street. But more importantly I suppose if I had such a thing as a "spiritual councilor" it would be him. Our lives change as we shared the deep parts of our then lives.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

"The Wife" and "HRC"


While the two of us are not as famous as the "talking-head" couples on national television, the picture above makes it clear who a certain woman in my life, who most often refers to me as "The Husband", is supporting for President.

Several of our local political wags have suggested that I have my picture taken with Mr. Obama. Then we could litter our fireplaces with pictures of the person who is obviously going to win and the person who is obviously going to loose.

To suggest which one is which, would put an unbelievable amount of stress on a relationship, that is in reality, the best of both worlds for each of us. And besides, I have a famed personal letter from a former President in my library from, let's see ... his name was ... hummmmm, oh yes, Clinton.

Friday, April 11, 2008

PRESIDENT BUSH AND TERROR


ABC NEWS
April 11, 2008
By JAN CRAWFORD GREENBURG, HOWARD L. ROSENBERG and ARIANE de VOGUE

President Bush says he knew his top national security advisers discussed and approved specific details about how high-value al Qaeda suspects would be interrogated by the Central Intelligence Agency, according to an exclusive interview with ABC News Friday.

Nothing I could say here will change this reality. I just don't know how this one man can lay havoc to the American way of life; destroy the legal systems and put himself above the law and get away with it.

The ABC News Photo Illustration above says it all ... except perhaps if Mr. Bush were in that chair, under that light bulb and being asked, "Why?"

Thursday, April 10, 2008

YARDDOG AND NOT BUYING FROM EXXON and MOBIL


With the price of gasoline going up each day – JUST THINK ABOUT THIS SUMMER, consumers need to take action. The simple approach outlined below will show you how to get the price of gas down to $1.50 a gallon. .Don’t believe it, read on!

Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


This NEW concept makes more sense than last spring’s idea of 'don't buy gas on a certain day'. In fact the oil companies laughed back then because they knew we wouldn't 'hurt' ourselves by refusing to buy gas. It was more of an inconvenience to us, than it was a problem for them. BUT, THIS PLAN WILL REALLY WORK!

Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


OKAY, SO WHAT IS HAPPENING? By now you're probably thinking that $1.50 gasoline is super cheap. The oil companies and OPEC want you to think that because then you will be willing to spend $3.75 for regular unleaded and probably $4 this summer! THEY have conditioned us to think that the cost of a gallon of gas is CHEAP at $1.50 - $1.75! Wrong! It is NOT!


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


Consumers need to take aggressive action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace; not sellers. Consumers can do that by hitting the oil companies and OPEC in their pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that WITHOUT hurting ourselves.


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


How? Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying gas. But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act together to force a price war.


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


SO WHAT DO YOU DO? For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY gasoline from the two biggest companies (which now are one), EXXON and MOBIL.


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


If companies are not selling gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, other companies will have to follow suit. (But, when they lower prices, DO NOT rush to their pumps. You have to avoid buying their gas completely, knowing that other service stations will follow suit in a matter of days. So hang on! Eventually prices WILL fall.)


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


For OUR PLAN to work and have an impact, we need to reach millions of Exxon and Mobil gas buyers. It's really simple to do; you already know how!


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


I HAVE SENT this to 30 people. If each of YOU did that 10 x 10 times, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers. If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends, then 30 million people will have been contacted! That's more than every gas buyer in the USA.


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


HOW LONG WOULD all this take? If each of us sends this e-mail out to ten more people within one day all 300 MILLION people could conceivably be contacted within 8 days!


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


There is nothing wrong with corporations making a reasonable profit. But $40.6 billion in just 13 weeks is a little over the top! COMSUMERS NEED RELEIF! There is no sign that any politician will help. So we must hang in there together.


Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!


I'll bet you didn't think you and I had that much potential; that acting together we can make a difference? If our plan makes sense please pass this message on. And don’t buy from EXXON / MOBIL UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE $2 RANGE AND KEEP THEM DOWN.
And remember: Join the resistance! Consumers take united action!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

AND SO I RECIEVED THIS TONIGHT ...


BREAKING NEWS: U.S. death toll in Iraq reaches 4,000 after four soldiers killed in Baghdad...

There is so great a sadness in this ... and yet this simple one sentence "news alert" does not begin to tell the story of the hundred of thousands of Iraqi citizens that are dead or to recount the lives of American soldiers (or their families) who are physically and mentally wounded.

Why? Would someone please tell me why? Just one damn person tell me why?

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER ANTHONY PORTANTINO?

There is an old truism that says in effect: "Don't mess with the people I love." "Mess" with me but not with my kids, my parents, my friends...

So I will disclose that while he may be as obscure as Sally Kerns, one reasons California State Assembly Member Anthony Portantino
is this month's recipient of the "Into the Dust Bin of History" award is because he messed with "one of mine."

Winning an election in the Democratic primary in my district means you will win the general election. And Mr. Portantino did just that by employing what some have described as a "scorched earth" policy and utilizing among other things malicious "Push Polling" techniques. His victory gave me real meaning to the concept of "political fratricide."

Instead of running on a record, highlighting his work experience or demonstrating his knowledge of the communities he was to represent, Mr. Portantino ran on twenty years of being an effective house husband, a successful glad-hander and a meeting attender. To top it off he was then ordained by a small, local political clique that believes in the "right of secession."

This week, however, news sources throughout the entire state have reported that he had been demoted; relieved of his committee chairmanships and "punish" for his "impudence" by the current Speaker of the Assembly, Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles). Apparently Mr. Portintino forgot that the leader of the lower house can boost or bust careers.

But why would a first-term assembly member challenged Speaker Núñez's decision regarding his successor and insult his opinions? And do that despite that fact that the Speaker supported him in the primary? The capital buzz is that he has money but despite his apparent fund raising abilities Mr. Portantino was notified of his demotions in the lest noble of ways by FAX!

Politics is not a game, nor is it for the faint of heart, but it should be a place of honor especially among friends. Where there is no honor, there is not integrity.

California State Assembly Member, Anthony Portantino: recipient of this month's "Into the Dust Bin of History" award for lack of integrity.

IN ORDER TO FORM A PERFECT UNION



The full written context of the speech can be found here.

Monday, March 17, 2008

"HOUSELESS" IN 2008

This town of mine has always cared about the homeless. I feel I can say that with confidence after 35 years of working with volunteers, donors, and our faith communities who help the homeless daily.

I’ve talked about the city’s homeless with congressmen, City managers, police chiefs, mayors and at rotary, Church groups, at the country Club, the Town and Country. I’ve gone anywhere people would listen. And my listeners all care a lot about a problem that is now more than 40 years old and not much has changed.

Despite all of our conversations, one remark by one resident John Rasmussen sticks in my mind. Short, red-headed and always carrying a walking stick, John, who slept next to the heating vents at the main library in the winter said to me, “Frank, I’m not homeless, I’m houseless.” Continued here.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

JUST THE MUSIC #2

Green Waves, music from Secret Garden.
Vocal: Karen Matheson


DEMOCRATIC SUPER DELEGATES

"Mr. Obama has won more states, a greater share of the popular vote and more pledged delegates than Mrs. Clinton." Sunday 16 March 2008, The New York Times.

If that is the case, and if continues to be the case, than the Democratic nominee should be Mr. Obama

Or the entire convention should default to Mr. Gore ... and let the two of them sit back and "get over. " I would not withdraw my endorsement of Mr. Obama at this point but, dammit you two, get over it .

Monday, March 10, 2008

Sally Kerns "INTO THE DUST BIN OF HISTORY AWARD" - goes to Sally Kerns

So... what does Oklahoma House Representative, Sally Kern (right) have to say about the world around us? "The homosexual agenda is destroying this nation," she says. Gays are "the death knell of this country ." They are as "bad" as Islam and worse than international terrorism!

What asked about her comments, Ms. Kern is reported to have stated,
"I said nothing that was not true."

You know, the one good thing about the "Kerns" of the world? Nothing quite helps the cause of justice than a "nice" bigot with irrationally based fears.

District 84 of the Oklahoma House Representative
s, Sally Kerns: winner of this week's INTO THE DUST BIN OF HISTORY AWARD ...