Gulf Oil Tracker
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Racist Rush
What does it take to convince a racist he's a racist? I don't know. When someone is this blind, is there any hope? Listen to his defense and see what you think. He really thinks this parody is cute and funny and is offensive to no one. Perhaps more people need to look at his website like he says in the interview and let him know...IT IS OFFENSIVE!!!!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Rick Warren - the hypocrite
I have been trying to figure out why Obama has chosen someone like Rick Warren to give his inaugural invocation. I saw Harry Knox from the HRC give his view on the subject on Sunday's meet the press, just read an article from the Boston Globe that has a quote from Melissa Etherage saying to give him a chance...and then Steve told me to go to Pams House Blend and read what she had to say and to read the following reprint from Jeff Lutes, director of Soulforce. I have copied Jeff's article below. My plan was to just avoid and ignore the inaugural altogether in protest, but I still feel the need to support Obama...but will be protesting the Warren pick silently in my heart.
That Weird Hug from Rick Warren
by Jeff Lutes
According to the first three books of the New Testament, Judas identified Jesus to the soldiers by means of a kiss. An act of ultimate betrayal, that peck on the cheek led to the arrest of Jesus.
I know how Jesus felt. Well, sort of.
On June 15, 2008, mega-church pastor Rick Warren embraced me and my husband, and each of our three young children. Then, he apportioned his considerable power and influence to eliminate our California marriage. But the story really begins six months before that hug of pretense.
In December of the previous year, I wrote a letter to Warren outlining my plan to bring a group of gay and lesbian couples, and their children, to visit his Saddleback Church over Father's Day weekend. I expressed our intent to attend worship on Sunday, and my hope that he and some families in his congregation would share a meal with us in an effort to reach beyond our differences and focus instead on the commonalities we share as parents and people of faith. In due course, I began a series of phone conversations with Warren's chief of staff. Over the next several weeks, we agreed that eight of our families would eat lunch on June 16 with Warren, his wife Kay, and six of their staff members. After the family meal, eight people from our group would then convene for a 90 minute conversation with Warren, his wife, and the six other church leaders. Here's where it gets interesting.
The week before our visit, Newsweek senior editor Lisa Miller published an article that contained a single sentence about Warren's upcoming get-together with a bunch of gay dads. Suddenly, the tone and demeanor from those paid to protect Warren's public image began to deteriorate.
First, we were told that things had changed and Warren and his wife "might" attend the meal and forum. A few days later, Warren posted a message on a religious blog saying that he never intended to meet with our families. Once we arrived in California, I called his chief of staff to discuss final details. Implausibly, I was told that Saddleback had now decided to only feed the eight people from our group who were going to be in the meeting, but not our children or spouses.
I pushed back by expressing my opinion that it was not very Christ-like to renege on our covenant after we had already traveled thousands of miles from Texas. "We'll discuss your visit again and call you back," they said. An hour later they telephoned - this time with a much more serious tone. I felt like I was negotiating a nuclear arms deal rather than the breaking of bread and some fellowship among families. With seeming reluctance, they finally settled on feeding everyone but announced that now only four Saddleback staff members would attend and that Warren and his wife would not be among them.
They made a new offer. Warren had decided to preach from one of Saddleback's satellite facilities, 45 minutes away from the main campus. He would sit down with my family for ten to fifteen minutes after the early service, if we agreed to attend. I accepted that offer and on Sunday morning we waited near our seats at the conclusion of church.
Eventually, I heard Warren call out my name. As I turned to greet him, he hugged me, my partner, and our three children . . . and then walked away. No conversation. Minimal eye contact. Just an awkward hug and he was gone.
The following day we tried to initiate heartfelt conversation with the four Saddleback staff members who managed to show up. From the opening moments it was clear that this was a meeting to save face without any real interest in hearing our stories or getting to know us.
That frustrating experience behind us, my husband and I were married in Malibu the next day as our kids and friends stood watch on the beach. Thanks to Warren and others who worked diligently to eliminate equality with the passage of Proposition 8, our marriage now hangs in limbo.
On January 20, Warren will lead the invocation at Obama's inauguration. I'll pray with him because our country and our new Commander in Chief need all the prayers we can muster. Afterwards, I'll say another prayer - this one for Rick Warren. When I'm done, I'll get up off my knees and keep marching until all people, all couples, and all families have the same civil rights. I won't quit until the church and its leaders cease spreading fear and misunderstanding about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
That's my purpose driven life.
That Weird Hug from Rick Warren
by Jeff Lutes
According to the first three books of the New Testament, Judas identified Jesus to the soldiers by means of a kiss. An act of ultimate betrayal, that peck on the cheek led to the arrest of Jesus.
I know how Jesus felt. Well, sort of.
On June 15, 2008, mega-church pastor Rick Warren embraced me and my husband, and each of our three young children. Then, he apportioned his considerable power and influence to eliminate our California marriage. But the story really begins six months before that hug of pretense.
In December of the previous year, I wrote a letter to Warren outlining my plan to bring a group of gay and lesbian couples, and their children, to visit his Saddleback Church over Father's Day weekend. I expressed our intent to attend worship on Sunday, and my hope that he and some families in his congregation would share a meal with us in an effort to reach beyond our differences and focus instead on the commonalities we share as parents and people of faith. In due course, I began a series of phone conversations with Warren's chief of staff. Over the next several weeks, we agreed that eight of our families would eat lunch on June 16 with Warren, his wife Kay, and six of their staff members. After the family meal, eight people from our group would then convene for a 90 minute conversation with Warren, his wife, and the six other church leaders. Here's where it gets interesting.
The week before our visit, Newsweek senior editor Lisa Miller published an article that contained a single sentence about Warren's upcoming get-together with a bunch of gay dads. Suddenly, the tone and demeanor from those paid to protect Warren's public image began to deteriorate.
First, we were told that things had changed and Warren and his wife "might" attend the meal and forum. A few days later, Warren posted a message on a religious blog saying that he never intended to meet with our families. Once we arrived in California, I called his chief of staff to discuss final details. Implausibly, I was told that Saddleback had now decided to only feed the eight people from our group who were going to be in the meeting, but not our children or spouses.
I pushed back by expressing my opinion that it was not very Christ-like to renege on our covenant after we had already traveled thousands of miles from Texas. "We'll discuss your visit again and call you back," they said. An hour later they telephoned - this time with a much more serious tone. I felt like I was negotiating a nuclear arms deal rather than the breaking of bread and some fellowship among families. With seeming reluctance, they finally settled on feeding everyone but announced that now only four Saddleback staff members would attend and that Warren and his wife would not be among them.
They made a new offer. Warren had decided to preach from one of Saddleback's satellite facilities, 45 minutes away from the main campus. He would sit down with my family for ten to fifteen minutes after the early service, if we agreed to attend. I accepted that offer and on Sunday morning we waited near our seats at the conclusion of church.
Eventually, I heard Warren call out my name. As I turned to greet him, he hugged me, my partner, and our three children . . . and then walked away. No conversation. Minimal eye contact. Just an awkward hug and he was gone.
The following day we tried to initiate heartfelt conversation with the four Saddleback staff members who managed to show up. From the opening moments it was clear that this was a meeting to save face without any real interest in hearing our stories or getting to know us.
That frustrating experience behind us, my husband and I were married in Malibu the next day as our kids and friends stood watch on the beach. Thanks to Warren and others who worked diligently to eliminate equality with the passage of Proposition 8, our marriage now hangs in limbo.
On January 20, Warren will lead the invocation at Obama's inauguration. I'll pray with him because our country and our new Commander in Chief need all the prayers we can muster. Afterwards, I'll say another prayer - this one for Rick Warren. When I'm done, I'll get up off my knees and keep marching until all people, all couples, and all families have the same civil rights. I won't quit until the church and its leaders cease spreading fear and misunderstanding about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
That's my purpose driven life.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas countdown
OK folks,
it's approaching fast. Aren't you glad this isn't your neighbor? (Or is it?) How can anyone sleep with all that going on? This was actually from 2007, so maybe they have moved on to another neighborhood now.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wasn't gone...just busy
Sorry for non-posting for awhile but I have been busy the past few weeks preparing for a sales event in a new venue for me. I have never been to a Renaissance Faire in my life, but have seen pictures of them and love the elaborate costumes. A friend we made about a year ago who owns a costume/gift shop talked me into vending at a Faire she was hosting this last weekend. It was a Faire with vendors, entertainers and actors, many from the Bristol Renaisance Faire in Racine, WI. I decided to give it a go, and was not only a vendor, but the art director in charge of producing a 40' mural - winter in Sherwood Forest plus 3 tapestry paintings for the wall of the Queens dining hall for the High Court 4-course dinner with the Queen on Saturday evening. I also had to try to come up with new products to sell in my booth for an event quite different from the winterguard and band shows I usually vend at. We decided to have a photography booth where the patrons and actors in costume could have their photos taken against a blue screen backdrop and be transported magically via my i-mac to a setting in front of a castle or arched walls or a peasant cottage or the snowy Sherwood Forest. With Nancy's able assistance , we both worked hard to overcome our shy, retiring nature to lure patrons in and take their pictures for our sample wall so patrons could see what we were actually doing there. One of the actors who kept us in stitches and brought in business was Jane the Phoole (the Queens Jestor) from Bristol. She told hillarious stories, was a fantastic model and was jolly good fun.
We met so many wonderful folks, and even though we didn't make a huge amount of money, I hope to give it a go again this summer at some more Faires if I can. We also had to dress up...which I have to admit, once I got used to it...was kinda fun. Hope you enjoy some of the pictures we took while we were there.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Prop 8-The Musical
See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die
The hilarious people at "Funny of Die" have put out a new video, "Prop 8 - The Musical." The star-studded participants include Jack Black, Neil Patrick Harris, Margaret Cho, John C. Reilly, Maya Rudolph and many more familiar faces.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Obama's Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy
Andy Borowitz, a comedian and writer whose work appears in The New Yorker and The New York Times, and at his award-winning humor site, BorowitzReport.com.writes...
In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say.
Millions of Americans who watched Mr. Obama's appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes on Sunday witnessed the president-elect's unorthodox verbal tick, which had Mr. Obama employing grammatically correct sentences virtually every time he opened his mouth.
But Mr. Obama's decision to use complete sentences in his public pronouncements carries with it certain risks, since after the last eight years many Americans may find his odd speaking style jarring.
According to presidential historian Davis Logsdon of the University of Minnesota, some Americans might find it "alienating" to have a president who speaks English as if it were his first language.
"Every time Obama opens his mouth, his subjects and verbs are in agreement," says Mr. Logsdon. "If he keeps it up, he is running the risk of sounding like an elitist."
The historian said that if Mr. Obama insists on using complete sentences in his speeches, the public may find itself saying, "Okay, subject, predicate, subject predicate -- we get it, stop showing off."
The president-elect's stubborn insistence on using complete sentences has already attracted a rebuke from one of his harshest critics, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.
"Talking with complete sentences there and also too talking in a way that ordinary Americans like Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder can't really do there, I think needing to do that isn't tapping into what Americans are needing also," she said.
In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say.
Millions of Americans who watched Mr. Obama's appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes on Sunday witnessed the president-elect's unorthodox verbal tick, which had Mr. Obama employing grammatically correct sentences virtually every time he opened his mouth.
But Mr. Obama's decision to use complete sentences in his public pronouncements carries with it certain risks, since after the last eight years many Americans may find his odd speaking style jarring.
According to presidential historian Davis Logsdon of the University of Minnesota, some Americans might find it "alienating" to have a president who speaks English as if it were his first language.
"Every time Obama opens his mouth, his subjects and verbs are in agreement," says Mr. Logsdon. "If he keeps it up, he is running the risk of sounding like an elitist."
The historian said that if Mr. Obama insists on using complete sentences in his speeches, the public may find itself saying, "Okay, subject, predicate, subject predicate -- we get it, stop showing off."
The president-elect's stubborn insistence on using complete sentences has already attracted a rebuke from one of his harshest critics, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.
"Talking with complete sentences there and also too talking in a way that ordinary Americans like Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder can't really do there, I think needing to do that isn't tapping into what Americans are needing also," she said.
Just get me outta here!!!
Hell, i'm not shakin' no hands...never know where they've been. Bush slips down the popularity pole faster and faster and should bit rock bottom by the time of Obama's inaugauration.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wanda Sykes on Gay Marriage
Wanda just came out nationally in Las Vegas today during the Prop 8 protests. You go girl!!!!! Gotta love her. Warning, this video is adult rated.
Madison, WI Stop the H8 Rally
In Madison, as in many other cities, the weather was chilly and brisk but it didn't dampen anyones spirits. Smiles filled the streets, songs and chants filled the air as we marched from the Memorial Union Library up State Street to the Capitol. People watching on the sidewalks cheered and when we crossed intersections where cars had to wait for us to pass, they honked in support. Many members of our Madison PFLAG chapter were there as well as representatives from various faith communities.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Connecticut gives Green Light to Gay Marriage
The pendulum swings to the East Coast again...good news from Connecticut!
Fight H8 Rally in Madison
Lets help support California in protesting the prop 8 decision by attending the Fight the H8 rally in madison Saturday, November 15, 2008, at 12:30. It will be held at the Capitol square, State Street corner. I saw on the events posting it will start with a rally at the library mall and march to the square. We are planning on warming up first with eggs benedict at Friedas Mexican restaurant close to the square on State Street...join us if you can.
Here's a little more background information:
Over the last several days, tens of thousands of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and their Supporters have taken to the streets of California to show their outrage with the passage of CA Proposition 8. Prop 8 provides for a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage
rights. Similar amendments and propositions have been passed in AZ and FL.
The passage of these propositions has angered the gay community and their supporters. Many feel as if they are now second-class citizens in a country that has seen that change can happen with this historical election. They do not feel that a majority should be able to vote on minorities’ rights or vote to take anyone’s rights away.
On Saturday, November 15, 2008 this community will again take to the streets in what could be the largest organized Protest / Movement since the Civil Rights Movement. To date, more than 250,000 individuals have pledged to take part in the nationwide event, in which they will descend upon the City Halls, State Capitols and the Nation’s Capitol to make their voice heard. Signs,
posters and numerous websites have already been created and the word is spreading quickly throughout the nation. Jointheimpact.com lists protest locations in all 50 States and the District of Columbia.
The message is simple, yet loud; Equal Rights for All. Signs seen at the many protests that have already taken place in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago and Salt Lake City read:
“No More Mr. Nice Gay – Equal rights for all people”, “Fight the H8”, “Teach Acceptance – Not Hate”, “I am now a 2nd class citizen”, “I am a victim of H8” to name a few. The organizers of this nationwide event have stressed that it, like the protests that have taken place over the last week;
will also be peaceful demonstrations.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
California hypocricy
As I watched the elections last night I knew that the West coast would go blue once again and Obama would be a clear winner. I also knew that prop 8 would be close, but I am saddened to see this morning that it is looking more likely that yes on prop 8 may be the winner and gays and Lesbians have to ride in the back of the bus once again. I think it was expressed best by Autumn Sandeen from California on Pams Houseblend blog: "So in my mind, perhaps the saddest commentary on "liberal" Californians sense of equality and fairness is to say that in my home state where, to this point, 63.3% of its voters found the mistreatment of farm animals something worthy of being legislated against, and 52.8% of voters believed eliminating the fundamental right of gays and lesbians to marry worthy of a state constitutional amendment."
We are fighters, will continue to fight and know disappointment. We just have to all remember there is hope out there and it is just a matter of time before we see equality for EVERYONE including...gay, bi, and transgender.
We are fighters, will continue to fight and know disappointment. We just have to all remember there is hope out there and it is just a matter of time before we see equality for EVERYONE including...gay, bi, and transgender.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
What an incredible evening!!!
Jessie Jacksons photo says it all. I am on the road heading home from a sales event and job in Atlanta and only made it as far as Paduca, KY. I wish I were home to celebrate this fantastic historic evening with my family and friends. I am watching Baracks acceptance speech as I type and am inspired by his words and the huge gathering there. Now the real work begins!!!!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Dobsons prediction
Well, if you thought things couldn't get any stranger from up on Gods mountain in Colorado, our pal James Dobson from Focus on the Family has put out a new 16 page "fictional" guide of what will happen to America by 2012 if Obama is elected president. Grab a drink and hold onto your hats folks.
Here is an exerpt:
The Boy Scouts no longer exist as an organization. They chose to disband rather than be forced to obey the Supreme Court decision that they would have to hire homosexual scoutmasters and allow them to sleep in tents with young boys.
Tens of thousands of Christian teachers either quit or were fired, and there are hardly any evangelical teachers in public schools any more.
The Bible can no longer be freely preached over radio or television stations when the subject matter includes such “offensive” doctrines as homosexual conduct or the claim that people will go to hell if they do not believe in Jesus Christ.
[T]elevision programs at all hours of the day now contain explicit portrayals of sexual acts.
Since 2009 terrorist bombs have exploded in two large and two small U.S. cities, killing hundreds, and the entire country is now fearful, for no place seems safe. President Obama in each case has vowed “to pursue and arrest and prosecute those responsible,” but no arrests have yet been made.
When did this all start? Christians share a lot of the blame. In 2008 many evangelicals thought that Senator Obama was an opportunity for a “change,” and they voted for him. They simply did not realize Obama’s far-left agenda would take away many of our freedoms as a nation, perhaps permanently. Christians did not realize that by electing Barack Obama, the most liberal member ever to serve in the U.S. Senate, they would allow the law, in the hands of a liberal Congress and Supreme Court, to become a great instrument of oppression.
Here is an exerpt:
The Boy Scouts no longer exist as an organization. They chose to disband rather than be forced to obey the Supreme Court decision that they would have to hire homosexual scoutmasters and allow them to sleep in tents with young boys.
Tens of thousands of Christian teachers either quit or were fired, and there are hardly any evangelical teachers in public schools any more.
The Bible can no longer be freely preached over radio or television stations when the subject matter includes such “offensive” doctrines as homosexual conduct or the claim that people will go to hell if they do not believe in Jesus Christ.
[T]elevision programs at all hours of the day now contain explicit portrayals of sexual acts.
Since 2009 terrorist bombs have exploded in two large and two small U.S. cities, killing hundreds, and the entire country is now fearful, for no place seems safe. President Obama in each case has vowed “to pursue and arrest and prosecute those responsible,” but no arrests have yet been made.
When did this all start? Christians share a lot of the blame. In 2008 many evangelicals thought that Senator Obama was an opportunity for a “change,” and they voted for him. They simply did not realize Obama’s far-left agenda would take away many of our freedoms as a nation, perhaps permanently. Christians did not realize that by electing Barack Obama, the most liberal member ever to serve in the U.S. Senate, they would allow the law, in the hands of a liberal Congress and Supreme Court, to become a great instrument of oppression.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Buy Emilies cookies
Precocious Youngster Sells Cookies To Buy Attack Ad
Keep in mind folks that this story comes from the Onion...so, we may not actually be able to buy her cookies, but it was a great idea anyway.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Boy Band for Obama
Here's the way to win over those undecided hockey moms (or to take back the already decided ones). Sometimes in this crazy campaign we just need some plain old fashioned fun.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
This mentality scares me
I am more scared of these folks today than terrorists. They are out there, in your face and you are dammed if you don't believe as they do. Truely scarey
Tonights triple dog dare
Obama has triple dog dared McCain to bring up William Ayers at tonight debate...which McCain has promised he WILL do. Of course, it will be bad for McCain if he does, but...well, remember what happened in the Christmas Story?
You can read more on this story by Christopher Orr.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Madison votes early!
Nearly four years after John Kerry's record-breaking, 80,000-strong rally on West Washington Avenue with Bruce Springsteen and the Foo Fighters, the former Democratic candidate for president is hosting four “Vote Early for Change” rallies for Obama around Wisconsin on Tuesday. Following stops in Milwaukee and Oshkosh, and preceding another in Mineral Point, Kerry will make his return to downtown Madison.
Obama supporters are encouraged to gather at 3:30 p.m. for the rally at the State Street entrance to the Capitol. There Kerry will be joined by Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, and Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. Following the obligatory remarks and acclamations, Kerry will lead a march around the Square to the City-County Building for a round of early voting at the Madison Clerk’s office.
Though it looks to be the biggest political rally so far of the campaign season, this is hardly the only early voting event in Madison on Tuesday, though. UW-Madison student backers of Obama are holding a rally at 2:30 p.m. by the fountain on Library Mall, from which they will subsequently march up State Street to join the main event at the Capitol.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Midnight Train to Georgia
I initially started my blog so my family and friends would be able to keep up with my whereabouts when I went on the road (in case I turned up missing or forgot to come home) and then went off to Newnan, GA for a week long job. I was painting props for the Newnan band and barely finished up in the 8 days I was away. I wasn't able to take my computer along this time, and I forgot to let everyone know I was going to be gone for awhile, so...I posted the above photo just so ya'll know I really was away on business. I'll try to remember to let you know BEFORE I go next time so you'll know where to find me.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Gay Alaskans Against Palin
Although Palin says she has many gay friends...and it isn't a lifestyle SHE would choose, here is what some of the Gay Alaskins in Wasilla have to say about her.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Gays get blamed again!
Pam Spaulding on her blog Pams House Blend, found this article which shifts the blame back to Gays and gay marriage for everything that goes wrong in the world...including the current financial crises. Corporate greed has nothing to do with it I'm sure. Might be something Sarah Palin should jump on right away once they let her loose to the press.
Christian fundamentalists are suggesting gays and lesbians are to blame for Wall Street's woes, a frequently made charge in the wake of national calamities.
In a September 25th blog post titled 'The Nation Will Right Itself If It Fixes Sex', Christian Civil League of Maine Executive Director Michael Heath writes that the financial crisis facing Wall Street is a symptom of America's sinful sexual culture, including the acceptance of gay unions.
"Our crisis is a symptom, not the cause," writes Michael Heath. "I am not saying I know whether this financial crisis is God's judgment or not. It is not for me to know that definitively."
Heath has a list of issues that he wants Maine's politicians to address to get right with God and, ostensibly, financially strengthen the state in some manner.
1. Put Maine on record as being against abortion the nanosecond the Supreme Court releases the Roe shackle.
2. Defund the Family Planning Association of Maine.
3. Amend Maine's Constitution to define Marriage.
4. Eliminate domestic partnerships and ignore pleas to create civil unions.
5. Unleash Maine's private sector to make Maine energy independent.
6. End discrimination against private religious schools and homeschools.
If we did that in 2009 I think God would crack a smile.
Christian fundamentalists are suggesting gays and lesbians are to blame for Wall Street's woes, a frequently made charge in the wake of national calamities.
In a September 25th blog post titled 'The Nation Will Right Itself If It Fixes Sex', Christian Civil League of Maine Executive Director Michael Heath writes that the financial crisis facing Wall Street is a symptom of America's sinful sexual culture, including the acceptance of gay unions.
"Our crisis is a symptom, not the cause," writes Michael Heath. "I am not saying I know whether this financial crisis is God's judgment or not. It is not for me to know that definitively."
Heath has a list of issues that he wants Maine's politicians to address to get right with God and, ostensibly, financially strengthen the state in some manner.
1. Put Maine on record as being against abortion the nanosecond the Supreme Court releases the Roe shackle.
2. Defund the Family Planning Association of Maine.
3. Amend Maine's Constitution to define Marriage.
4. Eliminate domestic partnerships and ignore pleas to create civil unions.
5. Unleash Maine's private sector to make Maine energy independent.
6. End discrimination against private religious schools and homeschools.
If we did that in 2009 I think God would crack a smile.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Remembering Matthew Shepard
Hundreds of people marched in Chicago to remember the 10th anniversary of when Matthew Shepard was beaten and left to die on October 12, 1998. Judy Shepard was in Laramie, Wyo at the dedication of a memorial bench for Matthew.
California Candidate quits Republican Party
Republican congressional candidate Jeff Taylor said Thursday he is quitting the Republican Party because it has turned away from the family and small-government values he admires. He decided he needs to focus his attention on prop 8 right now ...his main core issue.
Palin on SNL once again
I got to thinking after watching Tina Fey in the role of Gov. Sarah Palin last night on Saturday Night Live that maybe she could stand in for Mrs. Palin for the debate with Joe Biden on Thursday evening. I have a feeling the REAL Mrs. Palin might feel alot more comfortable not being there and having to answer tough questions that might remind her too much of the hard questions they ask contestants at a beauty pageant. Tina Fey does say that after Nov. 5th, according to this article in eFluxMedia, she won't have to play the roll of Sarah Palin again after Nov. 5th.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
McCains Meltdown
My friends, my friends, oh...look at that shiny object over there. Does McCain think that we can't see thru the smoke and mirrors as to what all his antics are about? He may not be savy enough to use the computer to keep up with whats going on, but anyone who is seriously interested in the truth knows how to find it. Poor John is desperate and doing all he can to try to save his sagging poll numbers with his "country first" ploy. I found this article McCain's Suspension Bridge to Nowhere by Frank Rich at the New York Times to be most illuminating. The plot thickens and gets even dirtier as we are told in the Washington Posts article How McCain Stirred a Simmering Pot. Now we know why McCain couldn't look Obama in the eye at the debate and seemed to be seething the whole evening.
Who won tonights debate?
I have been reading some of the McCain backers claiming victory in tonights debate. Were they watching the same debate that we were? McCain looked nervous, irritated, agitated, uneasy and it looked like he was wishing he had stayed in Washington for the photo ops while he got in the way of progress for solving the financial progress. I think he was planning on coming to the debate telling a story of the stunning victory about how he solved the crises and averted the country from going bankrupt. I am reading how the big concern for his party is the VP debate next week. I may be out of town and might possibly miss it, but I'm sure it will be on u-tube for years to come. If Palin has a problem with an interview with Katie Couric...well, it should be fun to watch.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Missing in action
He may or may not be found in Mississippi at the presidential debate this evening.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Huh?
Watch CBS Videos Online
I guess this is supposed to make us feel alot better. I guess we can see why she has been kept locked up away from the press. Can't wait to see her in a debate.
Is the wrong person in Washington?
When Sarah Palins' paster Muthee anointed her in Wasilla, he said
"The second area whereby God wants us, wants to penetrate in our society is in the economic area. The Bible says that the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous. It's high time that we have top Christian businessmen, businesswomen, bankers, you know, who are men and women of integrity running the economics of our nations. That's what we are waiting for. That's part and parcel of transformation. If you look at the -- you know -- if you look at the Israelites, that's how they work. And that's how they are, even today."
John McCain felt he had to rush to Washington to save America from its economic crises. There is a crises, no doubt, but is his presence there really going to solve the situation? It feels more like an opportunity for him to avoid his personal crises of debating Obama in Mississippi on Friday. He pissed off Letterman last night by calling an hour before he was to appear on his show to supposedly run back to Washington but had time to pop into CBS for an interview with Katie Curic. He is also pissing off people in Mississippi who have been looking forward to this debate and have invested 5 million bucks into security and a staging area...but hey, he can just sell one of his homes and pay them back, right? Good thing Letterman could count on Keith Olberman to step in and take McCains place on short notice. He would have called on Sarah Palin, but as everyone knows ... even though she's ready to step in and take over as president, she's not able to handle an interview yet...although, in the above video it appears as if she has been annointed by her old church in Wassilla to save the world. Is McCain starting to remind us of a few characters we read about as children? The boy who cried wolf or Chicken Little who proclaimed the sky is falling? Anyone remember the emperors new clothes? He had to cancel out on the start of the Republican convention because he had to be in the South to stop hurrican Gustov, although hurrican Ike didn't seem to stop him from campaigning and it caused much more damage. He cancelled Letterman only to show up on Curics show. He wants to cancel his first debate to sit for a photo op in Washington, as if they can't handle the situation without his presence. I say, let the debate go on without him (which they said it would do anyway) and give the full time for Obama to tell how he is going to run the country when he is elected president in Nov. as maverick McCain gets on his high horse to ride off into the sunset smoking a Cuban cigar.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
McCain postpones Friday Debate
We all need to multi-task almost daily. How can he run a country if he can't even run a campaign? Damn, I have a headache and need a nap.
SLACKER UPRISING
Michael Moore is letting you download the full version of his new film SLACKER UPRISING FREE online right now. Unfortunately because I have a mac I haven't been able to play it yet, but I will keep working on it until I figure it out. For everyone else who has a pc, let me know what you think if you watch it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
New News? Old news!
Sounds like old news to me...I mean, really? Didn't everyone already know Clay was gay ...or suspect it anyway way back when he was on Idol. Well, I guess if you're going to formally come out, you may as well do it in People magazine magazine. Steve and I came out in People magazine back in 1996. We didn't get our picture on the cover, we just had a small one column pic and short article in a sidebar...a small part of a feature article titled HAPPY FAMILIES ARE NOT ALL ALIKE (p.50). If you happen to save old issues, it was the one with Tom Cruise on the cover. Our article was on pg.56 and titled TWO GAY FATHERS AND TWO STRAIGHT DAUGHTERS.
Everything old is new again
If one looks back at some of the old political campaign ads, one might think things havent really changed all that much over the years. Just new names and faces. it might be fun viewing just to compare. I must admit, they were a lot tamer back then, even though the message was the same.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
GOT MILK?
For those of you who weren't around in 1978 as I was and didn't live thru the incredible time of Harvy Milk, you must see this movie when it comes out on November 26th. it was an amazing story. I'm not sure if this film covers the riots which took place in San Fransico later, so I would recommend you also see The Times of Harvey Milk after seeing the new film. LGBTQ folk today often aren't familiar with the struggles we went thru not so very long ago and need to be informed about gay history.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Domestic partner registry in Dane County
Fair Wisconsin just announced that early this morning, the Dane County Board of Supervisors in Madison, WI voted 25-9 to create a countywide domestic partner registry and to require that county contractors offer the same health and other benefits to domestic partners of their employees, as they offer to spouses.
Ordinance Amendment 13, introduced by Supervisors Chuck Erickson and Kyle Richmond and Board Chair Scott McDonell, makes Dane County the first county in Wisconsin to enact such an ordinance. This ordinance covers all qualified domestic partners, but is particularly important to many lesbian and gay couples who could not otherwise obtain health coverage for their loved one.
This ordinance sends a strong signal because it moves our state in the right direction in recognizing the need for legal protections of all families.
Fair Wisconsin strongly supported the passage of this fair-minded legislation. In addition to covering the domestic partner of employees of county contractors, it also provides the governmental registration required by many other employers who already offer domestic partner coverage (Madison's registry applies to Madison residents only).
In addition to health benefits, the ordinance also covers any other plan, program or policy offered as part of the employer's total compensation package, including bereavement leave, family medical leave, sick leave, disability insurance, life insurance, membership discounts, moving expenses, pension and retirement benefits and travel benefits. An employer also has the option to provide a "cash equivalent" if it is practically unable to provide the actual benefit.
Ordinance Amendment 13, introduced by Supervisors Chuck Erickson and Kyle Richmond and Board Chair Scott McDonell, makes Dane County the first county in Wisconsin to enact such an ordinance. This ordinance covers all qualified domestic partners, but is particularly important to many lesbian and gay couples who could not otherwise obtain health coverage for their loved one.
This ordinance sends a strong signal because it moves our state in the right direction in recognizing the need for legal protections of all families.
Fair Wisconsin strongly supported the passage of this fair-minded legislation. In addition to covering the domestic partner of employees of county contractors, it also provides the governmental registration required by many other employers who already offer domestic partner coverage (Madison's registry applies to Madison residents only).
In addition to health benefits, the ordinance also covers any other plan, program or policy offered as part of the employer's total compensation package, including bereavement leave, family medical leave, sick leave, disability insurance, life insurance, membership discounts, moving expenses, pension and retirement benefits and travel benefits. An employer also has the option to provide a "cash equivalent" if it is practically unable to provide the actual benefit.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Is Palin worthy of the womans vote?
If I were a woman and I was voting for Sarah Palin for vice president I would think twice before I cast my vote after reading this one. If being anti-choice didn't do it for me, this would. I can only imagine the trauma a woman goes thru after being raped, but while she was mayor of Wasilla, she decided the police needed to eliminate purchasing forensic rape kits to save the Wasilla taxpayers $5,000 to $14,000 a year. Can you imagine being a rape victim and after being raped once, being raped again by the city to pay for the test to prove it.
The Rain in Spain confuses McCain
Sen. John McCain answers a question during a Town Hall meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., Wednesday.
Where is Spain, John McCain?
Republican Presidential John McCain showed some confusion Wednesday night about the identity of the Prime Minister of Spain and exactly where that country of 40 million people is located.
In an interview with a Florida affiliate of Spain's Union Radio, McCain was asked, if elected president, would he invite Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to the White House.
"I would be willing to meet with those leaders who are friends and want to work with us in a cooperative fashion," McCain said. He then mentioned Mexican President Calderon, who he said "is fighting a very tough fight against the drug cartels."
When the reporter repeated that he was talking about Spain, McCain responded: "I know the issues, I know the leaders."
Asked again if he would invite Zapatero, McCain shot back:
"All I can tell you is that I have a clear record of working with leaders in the Hemisphere that are friends with us and standing up to those who are not and that's judged on the basis of the importance of our relationship with Latin America and the entire region."
It's ok John, I'm older and sometimes forget things too...but oh, yah, I'm not running for president.
Where is Spain, John McCain?
Republican Presidential John McCain showed some confusion Wednesday night about the identity of the Prime Minister of Spain and exactly where that country of 40 million people is located.
In an interview with a Florida affiliate of Spain's Union Radio, McCain was asked, if elected president, would he invite Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to the White House.
"I would be willing to meet with those leaders who are friends and want to work with us in a cooperative fashion," McCain said. He then mentioned Mexican President Calderon, who he said "is fighting a very tough fight against the drug cartels."
When the reporter repeated that he was talking about Spain, McCain responded: "I know the issues, I know the leaders."
Asked again if he would invite Zapatero, McCain shot back:
"All I can tell you is that I have a clear record of working with leaders in the Hemisphere that are friends with us and standing up to those who are not and that's judged on the basis of the importance of our relationship with Latin America and the entire region."
It's ok John, I'm older and sometimes forget things too...but oh, yah, I'm not running for president.
No Communion for you!!!
From the Religious News Blog.
News of a Catholic priest denying Communion to a prominent legal scholar because he endorsed Sen. Barack Obama has radiated through the media this week. NPR did a piece, Catholic News Service covered it , and the Washington Post's E.J. Dionne put his two cents in.
Douglas Kmiec, a fervent opponent of abortion who worked in Pres. Reagan's justice department and served as dean of Catholic University's law school, came out for Obama despite the senator's support for abortion rights.
News of Catholic bishops threatening to deny the sacrament of Communion to Catholic politicians who support legalized abortion is almost old hat by now. Just last month, Kansas City, Kansas Archbishop Joseph Naumann told Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius not to take Communion until she repented of her pro-choice ways.
But it's unusual -- if not unprecedented -- for a priest to deny the Eucharist to a private citizen because of his political leanings.
At an April Mass for Catholic businessmen in California Kmiec was confronted by a priest and denied Communion. (Kmiec has not named the priest; a spokesman for Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony says the priest was "wrong" to deny Kmiec Communion, according to NPR.)
Kmiec told NPR that his wife fled in tears; he decried the use "of faith as a weapon." The point of Communion is community, he said, and the denial was hostile to that idea.
Canon 915 of church law states that Catholics "who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to Communion."
I guess the question is: When is supporting pro-choice pols obstinately persisting in that category of sin?
More on this story can be found in this article by Steve Waldman on beliefnet.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
They DO have a strategy!
I thought that the Republicans didn't have a plan on what to do to solve the world situation and then I found this...way to go!!!
Gotta run and make another contribution to Obama...oh yeah, got to remember to get my passport renewed also, just in case.
Sorry, I was in a hurry when I posted this and actually missed the REST of the story about this guy. It gets even better.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press can't help but chortle about the young outspoken GOP lawyer who thought he was gettin' lucky at the GOP convention but ended up gettin' robbed.
Another choice
Just remember there are other choices on the ballot...just when you thought the ad campaigns couldn't get any stranger...
Hockey Moms for Truth
A little satire to start your day. Here's one smart hockey player's response to the video on u-tube: "you guys suck my mom dose not know the difrenc and i play hockey (in KANSAS!!!) GO PAYLIN!!!!!".
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Music director fired for openly gay life
CRAIG SCHREINER - State Journal
Charles Philyaw, left, and his partner, James Mulder-Philyaw, relax on the front porch of their Madison home near a statue of the Virgin Mary. Philyaw says he was fired as director of music liturgy at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Verona after five parishioners raised concerns about his openly gay life.
This article was in this mornings Wisconsin State Journal newspaper about a couple of our friends who joined us with Soulforce a few years ago in Colorado Springs to confront James Dobson and Focus on the Family on his anti-gay teachings. Our prayers are with them.
Verona church music director fired for openly gay life
DOUG ERICKSON
derickson@madison.com
After decades of honing his musical skills, Charles Philyaw landed his dream job in 2004 as the full-time director of music liturgy at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Verona.
The church, with 1,643 adult members, was more than just a place to work for Philyaw. He and his partner, James Mulder-Philyaw, joined the parish and participated fully in the religious community.
‘A liar lies to the people….’
By Jay Bookman | Sunday, September 14, 2008, 01:41 PM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A liar looks ’em in the eye
And lies to a woman,
Lies to a man, a pal, a child, a fool.
And he is an old liar; we know him many years back.
A liar lies to nations.
A liar lies to the people.
A liar takes the blood of the people
And drinks this blood with a laugh and a lie,
A laugh in his neck,
A lie in his mouth.
And this liar is an old one; we know him many years….
— Carl Sandburg
Mavericks
According to Wikipedia, A maverick is a person who shows independence of thought or action; a non-conformist or rebel.
I feel sorry and pray for all the folks effected by the devastation and destruction caused by Ike in Galvaston, Houston, southern Texas and Louisiana. I understand why some people take a stand and defy authorities when told they are under a mandetory evacuation. They have ridden out hurricanes before. They don't want to leave their possessions behind for looters to grab up. They want to be a part of history. However...weren't they all following the satelite and storm track data on the weather channel as I was? I was scared way up here in Wisconsin and it wasn't even heading for us. I also understand that it may be hard for everyone to just drop everything and leave town...not knowing if Ike would really hit them directly or if it would turn in another direction and miss them. But, given the warnings of possibly facing certain death if it hit them... I would rather get the hell out of town and return saying "well...that wasn't as bad as they said it might be" than to stay and see firsthand what did happen. People were warned that they might not be able to get help if they were stranded, yet 911 calls were coming in for help after Ike hit anyway. Nobody knows just how many people are still stranded in the rubble yet, but my guess is that when the next hurricain is heading their way, maybe a few more will heed the warnings when given and get out of town.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Ike. What will we find the morning after?
Ike hasn't even hit full force yet, but around 8:25 ET at least two beach houses have collapsed in Quintana, in Brazoria County. Homes all along the coast have been inundated, and at least one flooded home caught fire.
What can be done when people refuse to leave when a mandetory evacuation is ordered? Of course it seems like it may be exciting to have stories to tell once it is over, if one survives. Residents had been warned that staying should write their social security numbers on their arms because they will most certainly be dead once Ike finally hits.
Pets left behind to fend for themselves long before Ike actually arrives.
Scholars & Rogues is using twitter for current updates of what is happening from people using the web, phones or IM's.
What happenened to all the lessons we said we learned from Katrina? I am afraid what we are going to find in the morning when Ike hits full force. Let us all remember to say our prayers tonight to whomever we pray to.
Last night at Obama headquarters....
After all the lies, smears and lipstick this last week, I really needed this.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Soulforce 2008 Equality Ride Route
Soulforce has announced its Equality Ride Route for this fall of 2008. 17 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight young adults will bring a message of inclusion to 15 schools which discriminate because of sexual orientation throughout the South.
LGBT for OBAMA
I just read on InterstateQ website that activists Terry Bean and our friend Jake Reitan from Soulforce Q and the Soulforce Equality Ride started a LGBT Blog for Obama. Other contributors include Pam Spaulding from Pams House Blend and Andrew Sullivan.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
I can't make you love me
I needed a little break from politickin' (although this song might still be fitting right now). I have always loved Sam Harris, but I've never seen him so emotional while recording before. I have been a fan since he sang "Over the Rainbow" on Starsearch back in 1985).
Sarah Palin shows compassion
And, not to be disrespectful, but Rush calls her "Alaska's Babe Governor. So whats not to like about her. Oh yeah, maybe we need to start taking a closer look at her actual political record now. You might want to check out what former classmate and homemaker, Anne Kilkenny, had to say about Governor Palins political history.
Was Sarah sent from God to save us?
Jim Wilson/The New York Times
WASILLA, Alaska — Shortly after taking office as governor in 2006, Sarah Palin sent an e-mail message to Paul E. Riley, her former pastor in the Assembly of God Church, which her family began attending when she was a youth. She needed spiritual advice in how to do her new job, said Mr. Riley, who is 78 and retired from the church.
Larry Kroon, pastor of Wasilla Bible Church, said most members were socially conservative because of their analysis of the Bible.
“She asked for a biblical example of people who were great leaders and what was the secret of their leadership,” Mr. Riley said.
He wrote back that she should read again from the Old Testament the story of Esther, a beauty queen who became a real one, gaining the king’s ear to avert the slaughter of the Jews and vanquish their enemies. When Esther is called to serve, God grants her a strength she never knew she had.
Mr. Riley said he thought Ms. Palin had lived out the advice as governor, and would now do so again as the Republican Party’s vice-presidential nominee.
Friday, September 5, 2008
I'm not good at speech's!
BBC news views US media on McCains acceptance speech last evening.
Several commentators note that the speech was somewhat flat, especially compared to rival Barack Obama's Democratic convention finale last week and to his own running-mate Sarah Palin's speech on Wednesday night.
"If you didn't know that John McCain was a Republican, you might think he was running against the Republicans… John McCain is a maverick who has now done what mavericks almost never do: Win. And now he must lead a party while maintaining his independence from it."
"In the end, tonight's speech merely confirmed what many of us knew [all] along: McCain just doesn't have good answers to our troubled economy," says Jonathan Cohn in the New Republic's Plank blog.
"I don't know whether the voters will care about this, but I do know they should."
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Sarah's on a mission
Sarah has the right to worship where she pleases, but when She and John McCain's campaign is plans to head first to Colorado Springs to meet with James Dobson after the convention, I think we can see where the Republican party is going here.
This is totally different from the hockey mom speech last night.
What about Hannah, Ike and Josephine?
The Republican convention was put on hold the first day because Senator McCain and his VP pick felt the need to go to Jackson, MS to keep watch as Gustav approched New Orleans. Maybe this is what helped to steer Gustav a little further West when it hit landfall and saved the city from further devastation. I'm really glad it did, as we all held our breath and prayed for the families in that area. Although NO didn't get the direct hit, there were many others who did have signifcant damage and we hope this time, they will all be helped quickly. It did make me wonder however, if this was all a political stunt on McCains part as the medias focus was going to be to be on the hurricane, and not on the convention. Do you think as Hannah heads towards the East coast followed by Ike, now a category 4 and Josephine close behind, McCain will feel the need to put his campaigning on hold as he sits in the command center to keep watch on what happens in the East also? We all know that what happened following Katrina is what helped to sink Bush's ratings along with 80% of New Orleans.
Palin's speech - fact check
Its good to see someones keeping score here. Although Sarah Palin seemingly hit a home run with her speech last night in St Paul...and showed America she is a Great hockey mom and signed up for the PTA, a mother of a special needs baby (which was passed around like a sack of potatoes during her speech), and told us how she ready to take on big government...she's not beholdin to anyone, she seemed to have a few problems keeping some of her facts straight. Then again, on her behalf, she did have a republican speechwriter helping her and we all know how distortion of the facts plays well in their book. Below are some of the facts made in her speech.
I (Political Animal) Factchecking Palin
I thought Palin's speech was quite good: well-written, well delivered. And, as I said earlier, I think she's a genuinely engaging person, and comes across very well. There were just a couple of problems. One, which I have seen people notice, but which I suspect won't be a big deal for a lot of voters, is that it had very little substance. The other, which the commenters I saw on TV for some reason neglected to mention, was that she told a lot of lies. A few that stood out for me, or that I spotted in my quick run-through of some blogs:
Palin: "To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House."
Sarah Palin might have changed her mind on this one recently. However, a comment here notes that Palin actually slashed funding for schools for special needs kids by 62%. Budgets: FY 2007 (pre-Palin), 2008, 2009 (all pdfs).
Palin: "As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man."
Steve's list of McCain flip-flops is here. See for yourself whether constancy is, in fact, John McCain's middle name.
Palin: "I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves."
Just to reiterate what others have said: Congress' requirement that funds be spent on that bridge (aka the 'earmark') were removed before Sarah Palin became governor. She was therefore in no position to tell Congress anything about the bridge, one way or the other. During her campaign, she said she supported funding for the bridge. Brad Plumer, citing the Anchorage Dialy News via Nexis:
"5. Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?
Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."
Later, she accepted the money -- now not restricted by an earmark -- and used it for other infrastructure projects. Here's her statement about why she wasn't building the bridge (also via Plumer.) Decide for yourselves what role a principled opposition to earmark funding plays in it. Hint: here's what residents of Ketchikan AK said when they heard her recent remarks:
"In the city Ketchikan, the planned site of the so-called "Bridge to Nowhere," political leaders of both parties said the claim was false and a betrayal of their community, because she had supported the bridge and the earmark for it secured by Alaska's Congressional delegation during her run for governor. (..)
"People are learning that she pandered to us by saying, I'm for this' ... and then when she found it was politically advantageous for her nationally, abruptly she starts using the very term that she said was insulting," Weinstein said."
Palin: "But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate."
Ha, ha, ha. I gave a rundown of Obama's accomplishments in the Senate here. They include the Lugar-Obama bill on nonproliferation, and an ethics reform package that the Washington Post called "the strongest ethics legislation to emerge from Congress yet." Ruth Marcus summarizes his record on reform:
"He helped pass a far-reaching ethics and campaign finance bill in the Illinois state Senate and made the issue a priority on arriving in Washington. Much to the displeasure of his colleagues, Obama promoted an outside commission to handle Senate ethics complaints. He co-authored the lobbying reform bill awaiting President Bush's signature and pushed -- again to the dismay of some colleagues -- to include a provision requiring lawmakers to report the names of their lobbyist-bundlers. He has co-sponsored bills to overhaul the presidential public financing system and public financing of Senate campaigns."
Not a single major law or reform, indeed.
And I wasn't aware that writing memoirs was something to be ashamed of. Obama has, in fact, written only one. McCain (with Mark Salter) has written at least two.
Palin: "America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it."
No -- he plans to develop a lot more energy than John McCain does. It's just that a lot of it is renewable, not carbon-based. Moreover, Obama hasn't skipped the last eight votes on renewable energy.
Palin: "The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes ... raise payroll taxes ... raise investment income taxes ... raise the death tax ... raise business taxes ... and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars. My sister Heather and her husband have just built a service station that's now opened for business - like millions of others who run small businesses. How are they going to be any better off if taxes go up?"
Well, it all depends whose taxes go up, doesn't it? If Heather and her husband make less than $250,000, their taxes will not go up. Most Americans will pay less in taxes under Obama's plan than under McCain's. So they might well be better off.
Those are just the falsehoods that leapt to mind. I'm sure there are others.
Whether or not Sarah Palin's engaging personality matters more than the fact that she tells lies depends a lot on the media, and whether they allow her to say that she opposed the Bridge to Nowhere, or that Obama has neer authored a major law or reform, without calling her on it. I hope they do. But I'm not holding my breath.
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