Pledged Delegate for Hillary Clinton

It's official. Thanks to everyone who voted today at the 9th District Convention in Marvin, NC, for my being named a Hillary Clinton Pledged Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. There's only 100 days until the Convention.

Like I said to many of you: "The only candidate my hand knows how to spell is HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON." I look forward to representing you in August at the national convention and casting each and every vote for Sen. Clinton.

Did you know you can volunteer at the convention? While hotel rooms are getting scarce, they likely have some available if you still want to attend and help at the convention. For more information, visit www.demconvention.com

Big Oil, We're Coming For You: Excess Profits Tax, Price Fixing Investigation, Temporary Federal Tax Relief

So, I did the right thing. I bought a diesel and get GREAT gas mileage. But times are definitely tough. It costs $80 to fill up on Diesel at $4.50 a gallon. And while all of you gas guzzlers out there are paying about 25-cent tax on every gallon, I'm paying nearly 50-cents per gallon. And all those trucks on the road are paying it too! No wonder our grocery bills are going up.

Hillary is right to give some relief-- WHILE SHE ALSO CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO PRICE FIXING! And that the monies that should be paid by US, are going to be paid BY THE OIL COMPANY. There's no loss of revenue for our roads!

It's not the only plan. It's PART of the Plan. We're not stupid. She even said IT'S TEMPORARY! But we need her full plan to be put into action. She also called for a "Excess Profits Tax Against Big Oil"... What does Obama say to that?

I say, put a cap on the profits. Oil companies should make a profit, but at what cost? This is also a national emergency at this point. People can't afford to get to work.

NC Governor Easley for Hillary

Showing the backbone and levelheadedness we love here in NC, the Democratic Governor Mike Easley has thrown his full support behind Hillary. He's been stumping for her across this great state, and he's outspoken about her leadership and ability to lead our country.

Noteables Support Hillary: Quincy Jones, Bob Johnson, Magic Johnson & Maya Angelou

It's not surprising that some of the biggest names in the African-American community have come to the support of Hillary Clinton for President. Here's Maya:

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

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."

Hillary on Gay and Lesbian Rights

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

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.

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.