Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sophie B Hawkins, Ellen Greene & Chelsea Clinton in Charlotte this Week!
This is a link to Sophie B Hawkins' tribute "Damn! We wish you were President".
Internationally known musical artist Sophie B Hawkins and Ellen Greene, the original Audrey in Broadway's "Little Shop of Horrors" who currently appears in ABC's hit comedy "Pushing Daisies" will both be in Charlotte this week to Get Out The Vote. Both women support Hillary Clinton for President. The two will appear at The Forum, Sixth and College, on Thursday, May 1, 6:30pm at a free benefit rally hosted by LGBT Americans for Hillary. LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.
ALSO, Sophie B Hawkins and Chelsea Clinton have both been confirmed appearances at the AIDS Walk Charlotte, Saturday, May 3, 8:00 am. Both women will greet participants and deliver comments.
For more information about Hillary Clinton's support of LGBT Issues or HIV/AIDS Initiatives, please visit: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/lgbt
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Hillary Clinton Reacts to False Attacks from Sen. Obama About the Oil Industry
4/25/2008
Hillary Clinton made the following statement today at a "Solutions for America" town hall in Bloomington, IN in response to false attacks from Sen. Obama about the oil industry.
"Earlier today my opponent attacked me on energy issues. He claimed he would take on the special interests. But we've heard him say that before, but he voted, which I think is always the way to figure out where somebody truly stands. My late father used to say 'watch what they do, not what they say’ and that ‘actions speak louder than words.'"
"When it came time to stand up against the oil companies and stand against Dick Cheney's energy bill, my opponent voted for it and I voted against it. And that bill had billions of dollars in giveaways to the oil companies. It was the best bill that the energy companies could buy.
"I know that my opponent has run ads claiming that he does not take money from oil companies. Well no one does. It's illegal. It’s been illegal for 100 years to take money from oil companies."
"Then my opponent puts up an ad saying he doesn’t take money from oil company PACs. In March, he took more money from oil company executives than any candidate, Republican or Democrat. So I think it’s important for you to know the facts."
Friday, April 25, 2008
Obama's LGBT Chief Commends Clinton's "Enormous Step"
"The Clinton presidency was the first occasion gay people were invited to participate in national politics and were formally recognized as part of the American community, that the White House would be speaking to and the White House would take pictures with and invite to parties. That was largely symbolic, but just as important. That was an enormous step forward and the Clintons are to be commended for that."
-- Tobias Wolff, Chair of Obama’s National LGBT Policy Committee
-- Tobias Wolff, Chair of Obama’s National LGBT Policy Committee
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Proven Leadership for true LGBT Equality: Hillary Clinton.
As First Lady and U.S. Senator, Hillary Clinton has championed efforts to improve the lives of LGBT Americans. Hillary's accomplishments on behalf of the LGBT community include:
Hillary fights against Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA)
In 2004 and in 2006, Hillary worked to defeat the FMA. As Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, she met with leaders of the LGBT community to create a smart strategy to stop FMA. Hillary won't stand for anyone trying to write discrimination into the Constitution.
Hillary supports Employment Non-Discrimination Amendment (ENDA)
Throughout her Senate career, Hillary has been an original cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would finally end employment discrimination against against gays, lesbians, transgendered individuals.
Hillary supports Anti-Hate Crimes Legislation
Hillary is an original cosponsor of the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would provide additional resources to fight hate crimes.
Hillary fights for AIDS funding and access to services
Hillary wrote the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, thus ensuring access to needed treatments before the disease progresses. She also fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act to improve access to treatment and support for those living with this tragic disease.
Hillary supports equal benefits for federal employees
Hillary is an original cosponsor of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act, which would grant the same benefits, including health insurance, to domestic partners of federal employees as those offered to employees' legal spouses.
Hillary secured support for the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center
Hillary secured $500,000 for the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center in New York to support expansion and outreach efforts. This center provides HIV/AIDS and methamphetamine education and prevention to at risk individuals.
Hillary participated in numerous LGBT events
Hillary was the only First Lady to march in a Gay Pride Parade and has marched multiple times as Senator. She has spoken to LGBT audiences on numerous occasions, including delivering keynote addresses at events hosted by the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) , GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Of all the presidential candidates invited to address the Human Rights Campaign's Board Meeting and Equality Convention in March 2007, only Hillary accepted the invitation and addressed the HRC.
From Mr. Obama I hear visions of hope, allusions of inclusion, and claims to change. But I have not seen the history of any of these empty promises in looking at his record on LGBT issues. What I have seen is his promoting an ex-gay minister in South Carolina to incite hatred against gays and lesbians. Continually I have seen our issues relegated by Mr. Obama to marginal status instead of inclusion as a matter of basic Civil Rights. What has he done for his LGBT Constituents in his home state or in the Senate? There is no record of any support for our community. It's tempting to look for change in a shiny new penny, but in the end it doesn't get you very far.
We need a President who sees LGBT issues as basic Civil Rights. We need a President who sees LGBT Americans as worthy to be included in the American Dream. We need a President who has proven her support for LGBT issues. We need a President who will support Civil Unions, giving our families the same respect under the law as every other American family. We need a President who will pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We need a President who will pass Federal Hate Crimes Legislation. We need a President who will end the discrimination of the military Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. We need a President who will deliver Universal Health Care for All Americans. This President is Hillary Clinton.
We are tired of hoping and waiting for equality. Hillary Clinton is more than hope. She is committed to work with our LGBT community and her allies in Congress to change laws. She's proven she can get laws passed. She's proven she supports our issues. She knows that by working together, we can stand united for equality.
As a gay North Carolinian, I have fully experienced the hatred of Jesse Helms, Ronald Reagan and the Bush Dynasty. Unlike any time in our history as LGBT North Carolinians, this Tuesday we have the opportunity to actually make our votes count.
In the race for the Democratic Nomination, the popular vote is important. Your vote will make an impact on your rights. Your vote is a WIN for our community. With nearly 900,000 LGBT Voters in North Carolina, it's time to make our voice heard. It's time to elect our friend Hillary Clinton for President.
The preceding is an Op-Ed article submitted to Q-Notes, the Carolinas' gay and lesbian news source.
Hillary fights against Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA)
In 2004 and in 2006, Hillary worked to defeat the FMA. As Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, she met with leaders of the LGBT community to create a smart strategy to stop FMA. Hillary won't stand for anyone trying to write discrimination into the Constitution.
Hillary supports Employment Non-Discrimination Amendment (ENDA)
Throughout her Senate career, Hillary has been an original cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would finally end employment discrimination against against gays, lesbians, transgendered individuals.
Hillary supports Anti-Hate Crimes Legislation
Hillary is an original cosponsor of the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would provide additional resources to fight hate crimes.
Hillary fights for AIDS funding and access to services
Hillary wrote the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, thus ensuring access to needed treatments before the disease progresses. She also fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act to improve access to treatment and support for those living with this tragic disease.
Hillary supports equal benefits for federal employees
Hillary is an original cosponsor of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act, which would grant the same benefits, including health insurance, to domestic partners of federal employees as those offered to employees' legal spouses.
Hillary secured support for the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center
Hillary secured $500,000 for the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center in New York to support expansion and outreach efforts. This center provides HIV/AIDS and methamphetamine education and prevention to at risk individuals.
Hillary participated in numerous LGBT events
Hillary was the only First Lady to march in a Gay Pride Parade and has marched multiple times as Senator. She has spoken to LGBT audiences on numerous occasions, including delivering keynote addresses at events hosted by the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) , GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Of all the presidential candidates invited to address the Human Rights Campaign's Board Meeting and Equality Convention in March 2007, only Hillary accepted the invitation and addressed the HRC.
From Mr. Obama I hear visions of hope, allusions of inclusion, and claims to change. But I have not seen the history of any of these empty promises in looking at his record on LGBT issues. What I have seen is his promoting an ex-gay minister in South Carolina to incite hatred against gays and lesbians. Continually I have seen our issues relegated by Mr. Obama to marginal status instead of inclusion as a matter of basic Civil Rights. What has he done for his LGBT Constituents in his home state or in the Senate? There is no record of any support for our community. It's tempting to look for change in a shiny new penny, but in the end it doesn't get you very far.
We need a President who sees LGBT issues as basic Civil Rights. We need a President who sees LGBT Americans as worthy to be included in the American Dream. We need a President who has proven her support for LGBT issues. We need a President who will support Civil Unions, giving our families the same respect under the law as every other American family. We need a President who will pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We need a President who will pass Federal Hate Crimes Legislation. We need a President who will end the discrimination of the military Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. We need a President who will deliver Universal Health Care for All Americans. This President is Hillary Clinton.
We are tired of hoping and waiting for equality. Hillary Clinton is more than hope. She is committed to work with our LGBT community and her allies in Congress to change laws. She's proven she can get laws passed. She's proven she supports our issues. She knows that by working together, we can stand united for equality.
As a gay North Carolinian, I have fully experienced the hatred of Jesse Helms, Ronald Reagan and the Bush Dynasty. Unlike any time in our history as LGBT North Carolinians, this Tuesday we have the opportunity to actually make our votes count.
In the race for the Democratic Nomination, the popular vote is important. Your vote will make an impact on your rights. Your vote is a WIN for our community. With nearly 900,000 LGBT Voters in North Carolina, it's time to make our voice heard. It's time to elect our friend Hillary Clinton for President.
The preceding is an Op-Ed article submitted to Q-Notes, the Carolinas' gay and lesbian news source.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Obama Planning Another Vacation?
They canceled the NC Debate? Since when does reaching 11-million voters with FREE Television time during prime time a week before a major election in a major state "not fit into his schedule"?
The AUDACITY is right!
Maybe he was planning another vacation to Puerto Rico.
The AUDACITY is right!
Maybe he was planning another vacation to Puerto Rico.
Obama Does Poorly, NCDP Cancels Debate. SHAME!
As a resident of North Carolina it comes as no surprise to me that the Raleigh-based North Carolina Democratic Party, which has largely leaned toward Obama, initially planned the debate in Raleigh. While Charlotte, the largest metropolitan area and largest media market in NC, sought to have the debate there instead, but was shut out of the discussions.
And now, the NCDP has cancelled the debate after a week of Obama's complaints about not wanting any more debates. They are catering to the candidate, rather than serving their constituents. Shame on the NCDP.
It's no wonder that Obama wants to cancel the debate: He does so poorly in them. They show that Clinton is the better candidate. They show that her claims that Obama is not ready are true.
The NCDP claim of "...growing concerns about what another debate would do to party unity," is ridiculous. Political debates and public discourse are the ways to inform our NC Democratic Electorate. The NCDP should be ashamed of giving in to the
Obama Campaign wishes by cancelling this debate. The party will not be united until one of the candidates has enough votes for the nomination. And neither cadidate has enough votes, contrary to the opinion of Mr. Obama.
Apparently Mr. Obama does not consider our North Carolina Democratic constituency important enough to debate the issues here. Senator Clinton has not offered any so-called "time constraints and logistical issues."
Senator Obama is more concerned with gaining Independent and Republican voters, and this is not the purpose of our DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY. Our Democratic Primary is for the will of the Democratic electorate to voice its vote for its choice for the nominee.
Shame on the NCDP for allowing our North Carolina Primary to be relegated to second-class status at the behest of Senator Obama.
And now, the NCDP has cancelled the debate after a week of Obama's complaints about not wanting any more debates. They are catering to the candidate, rather than serving their constituents. Shame on the NCDP.
It's no wonder that Obama wants to cancel the debate: He does so poorly in them. They show that Clinton is the better candidate. They show that her claims that Obama is not ready are true.
The NCDP claim of "...growing concerns about what another debate would do to party unity," is ridiculous. Political debates and public discourse are the ways to inform our NC Democratic Electorate. The NCDP should be ashamed of giving in to the
Obama Campaign wishes by cancelling this debate. The party will not be united until one of the candidates has enough votes for the nomination. And neither cadidate has enough votes, contrary to the opinion of Mr. Obama.
Apparently Mr. Obama does not consider our North Carolina Democratic constituency important enough to debate the issues here. Senator Clinton has not offered any so-called "time constraints and logistical issues."
Senator Obama is more concerned with gaining Independent and Republican voters, and this is not the purpose of our DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY. Our Democratic Primary is for the will of the Democratic electorate to voice its vote for its choice for the nominee.
Shame on the NCDP for allowing our North Carolina Primary to be relegated to second-class status at the behest of Senator Obama.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
StPete Times: Hillary's History for Black Voters
My Take: Because race is such a hot topic, dividing the Democratic Party of late, and the pink elephant in the room, I post the following with the preface that I am proud of the many African-American Democrats who I have seen constant in their support of Hillary Clinton. In discussions with these voters it is apparent that they have researched the history, and know their candidate-- something I find is a shortcoming among the blinded support for other candidates. With that said, here is an editorial which is a bit harsh, but does point out a viewpoint among many voters, and one which I have discussed with many of my black friends (and they are many) who agree with the assessment of the writer.
Phony black friends ditch Sen. Clinton
By BILL MAXWELL, columnist and editorial writer for the St. Petersburg Times. maxwell@sptimes.com
Presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton should be leery of ever trusting the word of another black person, especially the word of elected officials, celebrities and other elites. She most certainly should never again trust the word of black preachers.
Too many blacks have betrayed Clinton. They have been disloyal. They have lied to her, many to her face.
From the moment she entered public life after graduating from law school and before her opponent, Barack Obama, started to move up in the polls and won some major caucuses and primaries, Clinton worked with blacks and supported their causes. She was mostly popular among blacks nationwide and was treated as a trusted friend because she was a trusted friend.
To wit: While Obama was still wet behind the ears, Clinton was advocating for the Children's Defense Fund, an organization that improved the lives of countless black children in urban and rural America.
When the U.S. Supreme Court of John Roberts last year rejected integration plans in two major public-school districts in Louisville, Ky., and Seattle, Clinton showed her disappointment in a speech shortly after the decision.
In part, the New York senator said: "Today, the court turned its back on the promise of Brown vs. Board of Education that students of different racial backgrounds deserve an opportunity to attend school together. At a time when our nation's schools are increasingly segregating, we should be championing local efforts to pursue integration and reduce racial inequalities in schools."
Whenever members of the Congressional Black Caucus needed extra clout to help them with black-related legislation, they turned to Clinton. When black leaders needed a powerful voice to add weight to a symbolic gesture, such as the commemoration of a civil-rights cause or an event, they called Clinton. When they needed a keynote speaker for this or that gala, they called Clinton.
She had no way of knowing that reality would be turned on its head and that all of her good deeds and generosity would be forgotten and that many blacks would one day paint her as their enemy. She misjudged her supporters as did the character in Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI," who said: "In thy face I see the map of honor, truth and loyalty."
What Clinton saw was the face of Judas and a map of dishonor, duplicity and betrayal. The ugly irony of the betrayal is that Clinton is the same as she always was. She has not changed. All of the votes she cast for urban policies that aided blacks remain in the Congressional Record. That has not changed.
Blacks, worshipful of Obama, have changed.
Elected officials, including a growing number of superdelegates, who were committed to Clinton and had told her so, now support the Illinois senator. Blacks who once eagerly took Clinton's telephone calls are now magically unavailable. For most, incumbency trumps loyalty. To get re-elected, they will throw away a decades-long friendship.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., epitomizes this group. Referring to black Clinton supporters, he said: "Many of these guys have offered their support to Mrs. Clinton, but Obama has won their districts. So you wake up without the carpet under your feet. You might find some young primary challenger placing you in a difficult position."
Not all blacks have betrayed Clinton. Some have honorably, and courageously, stayed with her. New York Rep. Charles Rangel is one. Ohio state legislator Eugene Miller is another, telling The New York Times: "I believe in sticking to my word. ... Some people call me an Uncle Tom. There's a lot of pressure to switch sides. There's a lot of emotion. All I can say is thank God it's winter and no one is outside, because there would be more than angry words on the street."
New York political consultant Basil Smikle told Politico.com: "This is all about loyalty and the strength of relationships that the Clintons have engendered over the years. It's going to be hard to look them in the face and say, 'I can't support you.' "
Win or lose, Hillary Clinton has earned the right to never trust the word of another black person. Somewhere between the Bible and the pseudo-wisdom of the barbershop, many blacks abandoned any sense of loyalty and betrayed a woman who has been a friend.
Phony black friends ditch Sen. Clinton
By BILL MAXWELL, columnist and editorial writer for the St. Petersburg Times. maxwell@sptimes.com
Presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton should be leery of ever trusting the word of another black person, especially the word of elected officials, celebrities and other elites. She most certainly should never again trust the word of black preachers.
Too many blacks have betrayed Clinton. They have been disloyal. They have lied to her, many to her face.
From the moment she entered public life after graduating from law school and before her opponent, Barack Obama, started to move up in the polls and won some major caucuses and primaries, Clinton worked with blacks and supported their causes. She was mostly popular among blacks nationwide and was treated as a trusted friend because she was a trusted friend.
To wit: While Obama was still wet behind the ears, Clinton was advocating for the Children's Defense Fund, an organization that improved the lives of countless black children in urban and rural America.
When the U.S. Supreme Court of John Roberts last year rejected integration plans in two major public-school districts in Louisville, Ky., and Seattle, Clinton showed her disappointment in a speech shortly after the decision.
In part, the New York senator said: "Today, the court turned its back on the promise of Brown vs. Board of Education that students of different racial backgrounds deserve an opportunity to attend school together. At a time when our nation's schools are increasingly segregating, we should be championing local efforts to pursue integration and reduce racial inequalities in schools."
Whenever members of the Congressional Black Caucus needed extra clout to help them with black-related legislation, they turned to Clinton. When black leaders needed a powerful voice to add weight to a symbolic gesture, such as the commemoration of a civil-rights cause or an event, they called Clinton. When they needed a keynote speaker for this or that gala, they called Clinton.
She had no way of knowing that reality would be turned on its head and that all of her good deeds and generosity would be forgotten and that many blacks would one day paint her as their enemy. She misjudged her supporters as did the character in Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI," who said: "In thy face I see the map of honor, truth and loyalty."
What Clinton saw was the face of Judas and a map of dishonor, duplicity and betrayal. The ugly irony of the betrayal is that Clinton is the same as she always was. She has not changed. All of the votes she cast for urban policies that aided blacks remain in the Congressional Record. That has not changed.
Blacks, worshipful of Obama, have changed.
Elected officials, including a growing number of superdelegates, who were committed to Clinton and had told her so, now support the Illinois senator. Blacks who once eagerly took Clinton's telephone calls are now magically unavailable. For most, incumbency trumps loyalty. To get re-elected, they will throw away a decades-long friendship.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., epitomizes this group. Referring to black Clinton supporters, he said: "Many of these guys have offered their support to Mrs. Clinton, but Obama has won their districts. So you wake up without the carpet under your feet. You might find some young primary challenger placing you in a difficult position."
Not all blacks have betrayed Clinton. Some have honorably, and courageously, stayed with her. New York Rep. Charles Rangel is one. Ohio state legislator Eugene Miller is another, telling The New York Times: "I believe in sticking to my word. ... Some people call me an Uncle Tom. There's a lot of pressure to switch sides. There's a lot of emotion. All I can say is thank God it's winter and no one is outside, because there would be more than angry words on the street."
New York political consultant Basil Smikle told Politico.com: "This is all about loyalty and the strength of relationships that the Clintons have engendered over the years. It's going to be hard to look them in the face and say, 'I can't support you.' "
Win or lose, Hillary Clinton has earned the right to never trust the word of another black person. Somewhere between the Bible and the pseudo-wisdom of the barbershop, many blacks abandoned any sense of loyalty and betrayed a woman who has been a friend.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee in Charlotte: Endorses Clinton
I got another highlight of my life today: Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) was awesome as she addressed the delegates to the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party's County Convention on Saturday, April 19. Acknowledging an overwhelming support among African-American voters, she called on those in attendance to remember the support that the Clintons have long given to the Black Community, a point which brought many cheers from the audience.
Her endorsement of Hillary Clinton continued as she inserted biblical references in calling the audience of Democrats to a commitment of unity to the Party. Her inspirational call to action brought the audience to their feet in applause, regardless of affection for either presidential candidate.
I will have some video uploaded soon for those who missed the speech.
Friday, April 11, 2008
The ADVOCATE: Obama and the LGBT Community
In a lengthy interview with the gay magazine The ADVOCATE, Barack Obama gave little excuse for ignoring the gay media. He offered the fact that he's ignored other constituency groups as a reason for ignoring gay media as well. With that, the discussion went on to a basic Democratic Party platform of inclusiveness. Sounding much like Hillary Clinton in his views, while never once mentioning anything he has done for his Illinois LGBT Constituents or for any other Gay or Lesbian group or organization.
HOWEVER, the end of the article he finds time to clarify and say that part of why his personal campaign and platform is offensive at times is due to his "reaching out beyond the traditional Democratic base." Well maybe I missed something here, but isn't he trying to become the Democratic Nominee? Not the Independent nominee? Sounds like another Lieberman to me. Here's the end of the article:
"...our campaign is built around the idea that we should all be talking. And that creates some discomfort because people discover, gosh, within the Democratic Party or within Barack Obama’s campaign or within whatever sets of constituencies there are going to be some different points of view that might even be offensive to some folks. That’s not unique to this issue. I mean, ironically, my biggest … the biggest political news surrounding me over the last three weeks has been Reverend Wright, who offended a whole huge constituency with some of his statements but has been very good on gay and lesbian issues. I mean he’s one of the leaders in the African-American community of embracing, speaking out against homophobia, and talking about the importance of AIDS."
I'm sorry. I'm not drinking the Koolaid. I commend Rev. Wright for his work against homophobia in the African-American community. But Obama seems to want to pick and choose which parts of this man's character he will agree with.
Obama clearly hasn't taken our LGBT issues into his own sphere of consciousness. He wants to say, "Well the people of my campaign say this or that...." Yet, I recall that recently he made the comment that "gay people" should keep working on our issues. Did you catch that? Not, WE (meaning us and him) should keep working on LGBT issues, RATHER, "WE" (gay people, not Obama) should keep working on our issues.
We have a strong advocate and ally in Hillary Clinton. Her proven history and track record of support, inclusion and over abounding willingness to be a visible presence on behalf of our community speaks to her commitment to her pledge to "defend gay rights and eliminate inequalties for same sex couples" (Ellen DeGeneres speaking in an interview with Hillary).
Watch it here: http://ellen.warnerbros.com/EllenMediaPlayer/ You will need to select CELEBRITIES on the right side of the screen, then scroll down to "Hillary Makes and Important Statement on Gay Rights."
HOWEVER, the end of the article he finds time to clarify and say that part of why his personal campaign and platform is offensive at times is due to his "reaching out beyond the traditional Democratic base." Well maybe I missed something here, but isn't he trying to become the Democratic Nominee? Not the Independent nominee? Sounds like another Lieberman to me. Here's the end of the article:
"...our campaign is built around the idea that we should all be talking. And that creates some discomfort because people discover, gosh, within the Democratic Party or within Barack Obama’s campaign or within whatever sets of constituencies there are going to be some different points of view that might even be offensive to some folks. That’s not unique to this issue. I mean, ironically, my biggest … the biggest political news surrounding me over the last three weeks has been Reverend Wright, who offended a whole huge constituency with some of his statements but has been very good on gay and lesbian issues. I mean he’s one of the leaders in the African-American community of embracing, speaking out against homophobia, and talking about the importance of AIDS."
I'm sorry. I'm not drinking the Koolaid. I commend Rev. Wright for his work against homophobia in the African-American community. But Obama seems to want to pick and choose which parts of this man's character he will agree with.
Obama clearly hasn't taken our LGBT issues into his own sphere of consciousness. He wants to say, "Well the people of my campaign say this or that...." Yet, I recall that recently he made the comment that "gay people" should keep working on our issues. Did you catch that? Not, WE (meaning us and him) should keep working on LGBT issues, RATHER, "WE" (gay people, not Obama) should keep working on our issues.
We have a strong advocate and ally in Hillary Clinton. Her proven history and track record of support, inclusion and over abounding willingness to be a visible presence on behalf of our community speaks to her commitment to her pledge to "defend gay rights and eliminate inequalties for same sex couples" (Ellen DeGeneres speaking in an interview with Hillary).
Watch it here: http://ellen.warnerbros.com/EllenMediaPlayer/ You will need to select CELEBRITIES on the right side of the screen, then scroll down to "Hillary Makes and Important Statement on Gay Rights."
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
CNN: Dems meeting again with Dean
Read the article.
My take:
Howard Dean needs to show some leadership. These voter situations, and the way he has handled them make me so glad that he was not our nominee for President. His obvious bias toward Obama is beginning to show, and that's reason enough for me not to vote for the guy.
It's plain and simple. If the tables were reversed I would give Hillary as much grief if she were to take the position that Florida votes should not count– be we know from her record that she supports voter participation. So it is no surprise to me that she and her supporters are in favor of counting the votes.
Supposedly Sen. Obama is a strong advocate for voter participation, from his days as a "community organizer" and as an attorney with expertise on "Constitutional Law." So, where is his leadership on this issue. If he's so confident that the will of the people is for him to be named the Democratic Nominee, then why is he not pushing for all votes to be counted?
Sen. Obama knows that he is being ushered into the Democratic Nomination by supressing the votes of Democrats, by encouraging participation of Independents, and by illegally registering Republicans to vote as "Democrats-for-a-Day". This is NOT the Democratic Party's glory day. This is shameful. Shame on Howard Dean.
And shame on Al Gore and John Kerry and John Edwards for not coming out in support of Florida Voters. They should have fought for them before, and they are not fighting for them now.
Be careful of electing a man such as Sen. Obama who will say anything and do anything to get elected, but when it comes time to actually fulfill his campaign promises, will flip-flop on issues "so dear to his heart."
My take:
Howard Dean needs to show some leadership. These voter situations, and the way he has handled them make me so glad that he was not our nominee for President. His obvious bias toward Obama is beginning to show, and that's reason enough for me not to vote for the guy.
It's plain and simple. If the tables were reversed I would give Hillary as much grief if she were to take the position that Florida votes should not count– be we know from her record that she supports voter participation. So it is no surprise to me that she and her supporters are in favor of counting the votes.
Supposedly Sen. Obama is a strong advocate for voter participation, from his days as a "community organizer" and as an attorney with expertise on "Constitutional Law." So, where is his leadership on this issue. If he's so confident that the will of the people is for him to be named the Democratic Nominee, then why is he not pushing for all votes to be counted?
Sen. Obama knows that he is being ushered into the Democratic Nomination by supressing the votes of Democrats, by encouraging participation of Independents, and by illegally registering Republicans to vote as "Democrats-for-a-Day". This is NOT the Democratic Party's glory day. This is shameful. Shame on Howard Dean.
And shame on Al Gore and John Kerry and John Edwards for not coming out in support of Florida Voters. They should have fought for them before, and they are not fighting for them now.
Be careful of electing a man such as Sen. Obama who will say anything and do anything to get elected, but when it comes time to actually fulfill his campaign promises, will flip-flop on issues "so dear to his heart."
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
New York Times: Flack Jackets / Snipers were real.
Read the article.
Straight Shooting From Tuzla
By LISSA MUSCATINE and MELANNE VERVEER
Op-Ed Contributors to NYT, staff members who traveled with the first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, to Bosnia in March 1996
Excerpt:
We flew in a C-17 cargo plane from Germany to Bosnia precisely because it was capable of steep descents and ascents into and out of areas of conflict. We were issued flak jackets on the plane before landing in Tuzla and were told the tarmac ceremony might be canceled or curtailed due to sniper fire from the surrounding hillsides. The first lady and Chelsea Clinton were moved to the armored cockpit for the landing. Armored vehicles were placed around the tarmac, and Apache helicopters hovered overhead.
In a recent e-mail message to a British blogger, Ejup Ganic, who was the acting president of Bosnia during Mrs. Clinton’s visit, wrote: “I remember that visit quite well. Although the NATO troops were in Tuzla, we still believed that some positions on the hills were occupied by radical Serbs, so I was worried about the overall safety.” The planned welcoming ceremony was shortened, he said, but it still lasted a bit longer than expected because a nongovernment group brought along a little girl to sing to the first lady.
Later, Mrs. Clinton flew from Tuzla to two military outposts by helicopter, escorted by Apache gunships.
As has been reported, Mrs. Clinton’s trip to Bosnia included a U.S.O. component with the comedian Sinbad and the singer Sheryl Crow. The helicopters that carried them to performances at American base camps zigzagged just above the trees to avoid potential ground fire, according to Carey Cavanaugh, who was then a State Department official traveling with Sinbad, and helicopters flew alongside to deal with the threat of anti-aircraft fire or snipers. These facts explain why many of us, including the first lady, believed that the conditions on the ground were precarious. We were worried about sniper fire and were prepared to rush off the tarmac when we landed.
Straight Shooting From Tuzla
By LISSA MUSCATINE and MELANNE VERVEER
Op-Ed Contributors to NYT, staff members who traveled with the first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, to Bosnia in March 1996
Excerpt:
We flew in a C-17 cargo plane from Germany to Bosnia precisely because it was capable of steep descents and ascents into and out of areas of conflict. We were issued flak jackets on the plane before landing in Tuzla and were told the tarmac ceremony might be canceled or curtailed due to sniper fire from the surrounding hillsides. The first lady and Chelsea Clinton were moved to the armored cockpit for the landing. Armored vehicles were placed around the tarmac, and Apache helicopters hovered overhead.
In a recent e-mail message to a British blogger, Ejup Ganic, who was the acting president of Bosnia during Mrs. Clinton’s visit, wrote: “I remember that visit quite well. Although the NATO troops were in Tuzla, we still believed that some positions on the hills were occupied by radical Serbs, so I was worried about the overall safety.” The planned welcoming ceremony was shortened, he said, but it still lasted a bit longer than expected because a nongovernment group brought along a little girl to sing to the first lady.
Later, Mrs. Clinton flew from Tuzla to two military outposts by helicopter, escorted by Apache gunships.
As has been reported, Mrs. Clinton’s trip to Bosnia included a U.S.O. component with the comedian Sinbad and the singer Sheryl Crow. The helicopters that carried them to performances at American base camps zigzagged just above the trees to avoid potential ground fire, according to Carey Cavanaugh, who was then a State Department official traveling with Sinbad, and helicopters flew alongside to deal with the threat of anti-aircraft fire or snipers. These facts explain why many of us, including the first lady, believed that the conditions on the ground were precarious. We were worried about sniper fire and were prepared to rush off the tarmac when we landed.
Newsweek: Obama's Oil Spill: "A Little Too Slick"
Obama's Oil Spill
Obama says he doesn't take money from oil companies. Factcheck.org says that's a little too slick.
Read the 4/1/2008 Newsweek Article.
Excerpt:
Our problem comes with this statement:
Obama: I don't take money from oil companies or Washington lobbyists, and I won't let them block change anymore.
It's true that Obama doesn't take money directly from oil companies, but then, no presidential, House or Senate candidate does. They can't: Corporations have been prohibited from contributing directly to federal candidates since the Tillman Act became law in 1907.
Obama has, however, accepted more than $213,000 in contributions from individuals who work for, or whose spouses work for, companies in the oil and gas industry, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. That's not as much as Sen. Hillary Clinton, who has received more than $306,000 in donations from people tied to the industry, but it's still a substantial amount. [But at issue is Obama's LIES that somehow he's better than Hillary or McCain. If he takes money, he takes money. Why LIE about it?]
Here's a chart we made, using the OpenSecrets.org database, of contributions to Obama from individuals employed by some of the largest oil companies in the U.S. Our numbers are conservative because the database doesn't include donations of less than $200 (federal law doesn't require the reporting of donations below that amount), and we haven't included sums donated by the spouses or other immediate family members of the employees. Additionally, we haven't included donations from people who work at smaller firms in the industry.
Oil Company Total Individual Contributions
ExxonMobil $30,850
Hess $5,200
Shell $9,900
Conoco Philips $4,300
Chevron $9,500
BP $6396
Total $66,146
When the Clinton campaign criticized Obama's ad, calling it "false advertising," Obama's campaign quickly noted that he didn't take money from political action committees or lobbyists.
SOUNDS LIKE A FLIP-FLOP TO ME!
Obama says he doesn't take money from oil companies. Factcheck.org says that's a little too slick.
Read the 4/1/2008 Newsweek Article.
Excerpt:
Our problem comes with this statement:
Obama: I don't take money from oil companies or Washington lobbyists, and I won't let them block change anymore.
It's true that Obama doesn't take money directly from oil companies, but then, no presidential, House or Senate candidate does. They can't: Corporations have been prohibited from contributing directly to federal candidates since the Tillman Act became law in 1907.
Obama has, however, accepted more than $213,000 in contributions from individuals who work for, or whose spouses work for, companies in the oil and gas industry, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. That's not as much as Sen. Hillary Clinton, who has received more than $306,000 in donations from people tied to the industry, but it's still a substantial amount. [But at issue is Obama's LIES that somehow he's better than Hillary or McCain. If he takes money, he takes money. Why LIE about it?]
Here's a chart we made, using the OpenSecrets.org database, of contributions to Obama from individuals employed by some of the largest oil companies in the U.S. Our numbers are conservative because the database doesn't include donations of less than $200 (federal law doesn't require the reporting of donations below that amount), and we haven't included sums donated by the spouses or other immediate family members of the employees. Additionally, we haven't included donations from people who work at smaller firms in the industry.
Oil Company Total Individual Contributions
ExxonMobil $30,850
Hess $5,200
Shell $9,900
Conoco Philips $4,300
Chevron $9,500
BP $6396
Total $66,146
When the Clinton campaign criticized Obama's ad, calling it "false advertising," Obama's campaign quickly noted that he didn't take money from political action committees or lobbyists.
SOUNDS LIKE A FLIP-FLOP TO ME!
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