The Circle of Life

This weekend was an intersting lesson in the "Circle of Life" for me. On Friday evening, I went to a retirement dinner for a former co-worker of mine. The lady is certainly not ancient by any stretch of the imagination, but nonetheless, is retiring after 30+ years of work. (Congratulations, Judy)! Then on Saturday morning, I went to the funeral of my 80 year old grandmother. Although Grandma Ethel and I were not that close in the past several years, I do remember some of the times I spent with her in my earlier years, and how much she amazed me at the wonderful arts and crafts type stuff she could do. Then finally on Saturday afternoon, I attended a birthday party for a 1 year old girl! The full gamut of life: a child, someone retiring from work to enjoy those "golden" years, and death!

And so goes the "Circle of Life"! Each and everyday someone is born, someone goes to work, someone retires, and someone dies! Every now and again, stuff happens in between, like the situation at Virginia Tech. Although we all hope to enjoy the "Circle" in the order in which it is supposed to happen, birth, life, work, death, it does not alway follow that path. We try to explain stuff when it happens in all kinds of ways, but as the saying says, "Stuff (just) happens!" No matter what the reason, it just does! There's not a damn thing anyone of us can do about it or prevent it from happening. All we can do is pick up the pieces the best we can after the stuff of life occurs.

So what do I learn from this? Don't spend my time worrying about the stuff that can happen. Keep living, and enjoy doing it! And when the time comes for stuff to come into my life, which it surely will, move on and don't let it stop life's enjoyments!

"If I Only Had A Heart!"

Comedian Jim David wrote a small article in the latest addition of The Advocate magazine (April 24, 2007) which I thought was quite hilarious. In the article, David states that since the Reverend Ted Haggard has declared that after 3 weeks in rehab he is "completely heterosexual," other celebs have now come forth with "makeovers" of their own:

"After a week on a gay cruise and two hits of ecstasy, former NBA star Tim Hardaway says he is now a 'complete pig bottom.'"

"After a weeklong visit with the Reverend Haggard in rehab, Jerry Fallwell said he is 'completely bi.'"

"After two weeks in rehab and four singing lessons, Britney Spears claims to be 'completely talented.'"

"After four weeks with a psychotherapist in an undisclosed location, Dick Cheney announced that he is 'completely human.'"

Oh the lives of celebs!

Another Day In AC....Not A Penny Spent On Slots

Had another great day in Atlantic City and never spent one penny on slots or tables. Did some shopping at THE WALK, THE AC OUTLETS. Got several good buys on some new digs and some new running shoes. Then went to THE PIER AT CAESARS and did some looking, but no shopping. However, I tried Souzai Sushi and Sake. That's me above lounging with an ice tea while eating sushi. This is a nice place to just sit and eat a small meal. The menu includes Sushi and Sashimi, cool dishes and hot dishes, and tempura, all reasonably priced. Of course, Souzai has many unique drinks which I passed on since it was afternoon and I had to drive back home. I would highly recommend Souzai and all the other eateries at THE PIER AT CAESARS. From where I was sitting, I could see the spot where Trump Plaza places its Beach Bar. I can hardly wait for summer to sip a few drinks under the stars while listening to some good music and maybe even dancing!

There is so much more to AC than gambling and sitting in the smoke filled casinos, which by the way go 75% smoke free as of April 15th.

Disney + Gays = Committment

The Walt Disney Company is now allowing gay couples to have committment ceremonies performed in the parks and on its cruiselines. Couples at Walt Disney World can exchange vows in front of the park's iconic attractions, including Cinderella's castle. I applaud the Disney Company for its committment to gay individuals. I am sure there will be a backlash by conservative Christian groups that will threaten boycotts and the like.

But to me this is another small but significance of gay rights. Disney, by allowing such an events to occur, has acknowledged that gays have the same rights as their hetero counterparts. Another victory for gay rights!

Murderous Doctor?

I have never weighed in on the Anna Nicole Smith story, quite honestly because, I JUST DON'T CARE!! However, today when I read that according to documents released by the Broward County, Florida, medical examiner's office Wednesday, Smith had 11 prescription medications in her system, causing an accidental death, that were prescribed by friend and psychiatrist, Dr. Khristine Eroshevich, I just had to add my opinion. My opinion is that Dr. Eroshevich should be charged with murder!

Too many physicians simply prescribe whatever medication a patient wants. I have read case after case of medication complications due to inappropriateness of doctors! Adults are effected; kids are effected. Why is it that a physician can become a legal drug dealer and get away with it? Dealers on the streets are arrested, but when someone with a M.D. after their name can deal any drug or combination of drugs they so desire. It is time doctors are held accountable for their actions as well.

Positive Progress

THE PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY today reported that a Ku Klux Klan rally scheduled to be held in Hammonton, NJ has been cancelled. The reason: self-proclaimed Imperial Wizard of the local KKK, Joseph Bednarsky (left-looks scary, doesn't he?), Millville, has resigned. "It's going nowhere," Bednarsky said of the movement. Thank God this moron has finally realized this!

I would guess Bednarsky is about 45 years old. He joined the Klan when he was 18, so he's been a KKK member for almost 30 years. When I lived in Cumberland County years ago, Bednarsky would every now and then raise his ugly head. When I was a kid it was a guy named Ed Reynolds. I remember an incident at a Millville bar once when I was still in school in which Reynolds and a few of his assholes came in. I was with a group of friend consisting of whites and minorities. While the band played, rumors started that there would be trouble. (I remember grabbing a beer bottle to keep just in case! What the hell I was going to do with it, I had no idea). The band then began, "Black Magic Woman" and Reynolds and his gang got up and left. That is about how much trouble the KKK has given for many, many years in south Jersey.

Finally, Bednarsky and hopefully other so-called KKK members, have realized that their message falls mostly on deaf ears. I know most south Jersey towns, such as Millville and Vineland, are now made up of a good number of minorities, mixing with the majority. And this is a good thing! So Bednarsky, Reynolds, and the likes of you: It's time to give it up! If you don't like a certain group of people, just stay away!

Never Mind, Dr. Mohler

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary started a tempest the other day when he said that, “The general trend of the research points to at least some biological factors behind sexual attraction, gender identity, and sexual orientation....We would support its use as we should unapologetically support the use of any appropriate means to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin.” In other words, if it is known that a fetus will be gay, everything possible should be done to change this. Isn't that like playing God? The Equity Forum response was, “Fetal invasion to alter sexual orientation is reminiscent of the Nazis. It reflects a theocratic and Taliban-like plan that should frighten all Americans,"said Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. I cannot agree more with Lazin and other gay humans around the world.

I am PROUD to be gay! I am HAPPY to be gay! I have never been happier in my life than when I finally reconciled with myself and everyone else that I am indeed GAY! If I had only known the freedom and release that came with coming to grips with my sexuality, I would have done it much sooner. (For my gay brothers and sisters who did accept who they were at an early age in life, I say I'm proud of you). I would not want anything to change who I am!

If we could just let people be who they are instead of trying to make them what they're not, what a great place the world would be! I had a coworker a few months ago tell me she would like me to speak to her kids about gays because, "You don't act gay." My response, "I am who I am. I may not be effeminate, but if I was, so what?" I know what my coworker meant, but why can't kids just grow up allowing other kids to be who they are; masculine, effeminate, whatever?

Get a life, Dr. Mohler! Leave me and the rest of my gay brothers and sisters alone. If you don't like what and who we are, oh well! That's what life's all about!

What It Sometimes Takes To Get Your Bananas

Chiquita Brands International, the company that brings us bananas, has admitted to paying off terrorists to protect its workers in Colombia. Chiquita agreed to pay about $1.7 million between 1997 and 2004 to the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, known as AUC, for its protection of Chiquita workers. Chiquita also made payments to the National Liberation Army, or ELN, and the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, as control of the company's banana-growing area shifted. Chiquita, in its guilty plea will pay a $25 million fine.

Did you ever think that it took so much protection to bring us bananas? I wonder if Juan Valdez also pays for protection of coffee from Colombia?

Only One Way You Can Go

There's one thing, among many, I always say: "You can't go back, once you've gone....... (Stop! I know what you're all thinking)....forward!" You can never go back! You can only go one way: Forward! On the heels of my "Changes" post, I go forward with another of my other philisophical disertations. No matter how hard you try, if you attempt to go back, it's never the same. You can never be in the same "water" twice.

This is true of almost anything in life. Ever been in a relationship, called it quits, I mean really called it quits, then tried months or years later to start the relationship again? It doesn't work! It's never the same. Ever worked somewhere, left, then gone back? It too is never the same! Life is only made up of the present and the future; the past is done, gone, kaput!

Spring will be here this week. The winter is gone, as is the past autumn and summer. Who knows what the Spring will bring? Who knows where Autumn 2007 will find us? Life moves one way, forward. We can move forward with it or we can be unhappy and miserable trying to live in the past. And no matter how hard you try, it can't be!

Good luck in your present and future!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

"...(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes...
Just gonna be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time..."
(Changes, David Bowie)

Tomorrow marks an end of an era in the office in which I work. The group that I have been part of, give or take a few, for over 10 years, is leaving and going to another office. The remainder of the people in that office will be leaving in another 2-3 weeks to locate elsewhere and the current office will be no longer. For the most part, the staff in that current building have been there for 25 years or more, me for the past 20 years. Although it is going to happen, it still seems surreal to me, and only recently did it hit me that a good number of those men and women I see everyday and work closest with, I will only see on occasion. Come Monday morning, things at my office will never, ever be the same.

I heard it said once that the only constant in life is change, and that if you stood in a brook of running water, you'd never be standing in the same water twice. Change is inevitable; it is the only thing we can count on in life. For some changes come and they move on with little or no problem. For others, change can create great difficulty. For the most part I fall into the former group, but I still become a bit anxious when I really think about change. And maybe that's why I don't dwell on it too much. It is what it is. Can't fight change. It's going to happen, like it or not. We can only adjust to it and move with it as it occurs. "Go with the flow." Such a simple little statement, but so true.

I wish all my colleagues the best of luck in their new lives. And as I told one of them recently: when we do get together on occasion, it will be that much more special. You don't know what you have until it's gone!

Not A Good Answer, Hillary

When asked if she thought homosexuality was immoral, Hillary Clinton today sidestepped the question and answered, "Well, I'm going to leave that to others to conclude." The question came as a result of the recent comment by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Peter Pace who stated that "I believe that homosexual acts between individuals are immoral, and that we should not condone immoral acts." Other public figures have been more forceful in taking issue with Pace's comments, making Clinton's non-answer even more problematic. John Edwards, one of Clinton's rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, said, "I don't share that view," when asked about Pace's comments.

It is assumed that Clinton supports gay rights. She recently spoke at a Human Rights Campaign dinner, lending her support to the LGBT community. "I assume that Senator Clinton -- who has spoken out strongly against military discrimination, who stands for civil unions and respect for same-sex couples -- understands that gay Americans are not immoral, and she ought to say so clearly," said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a group that advocates same-sex marriage.

It is this kind of stuff that causes me concern when it comes to Hillary Clinton. She loves to play politics! She voted for the war in Iraq and has never said she was wrong, only that if she knew now what she did not know then, she would not have supported the war. Come on Hillary! You cannot please everbody.....no matter how hard you try!

The HRC and Cyndi Lauper...Tell It Like It Is

The Human Rights Campaign has announced it has joined forces with Cyndi Lauper for her 15 city "True Colors" tours beginning in June. Cyndi has long been a supporter of the gay community and her tour is designed to give back to those who gave to her.

A local radio station in the Atlantic City area, WFPG, 96.9 (Lite Rock), has begun advertising for Cyndi's show at the Borgata Hotel and Casino. However, I found it interesting that not one word about HRC and Cyndi's motivation for her tour is mentioned in the advertisement for her tour. I am sure it is not just this radio station, but others like it as well as print media, that will run ads for Cyndi's tour, but not mention the reason behind her tour.

This is a shame! The public needs to know that Cyndi Lauper supports gay rights, including equal marriage rights for gay couples. The word needs to get out that Cyndi Lauper, and others like her, are fighting for our rights! Please pass the word around if you speak to anyone who asks about the Cyndi Lauper "True Colors" tour. And make it a point to support Cyndi.

Human Rights Campaign Update

This week's HRC update:

On Friday, Senator Hillary Clinton met with the HRC's spring board meeting. Clinton was well received, and the Senator in her speech promised to continue to have an open door policy to our community if elected President.

There was a scandal brewing in Washington, D.C. at the American Conservative Union conference. This is where bitch, asshole (my opinion and critique) Ann Coulter called Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards, a "faggot." John Amaechi, out former NBA player, called Coulter out in a recorded video. Amaechi called Coulter's remarks callous and childish.

The HRC continues to fight outrageous displays of bigotry. Also, HRC is joining forces with legendary performer Cyndi Lauper to launch a "True Colors Music Tour" in support of GLBT equality. Stay tuned for more on this.

Time For Her To Resign?

I am a State of NJ employee and a member of the CWA Union, Local 1034. I am not a "super" union member, but I believe the union is necessary to prevent mistreatment by the State and in these days, the public. However, with the controversies surrounding Local 1035 President Carla Katz and the gifts given to her by Governor Corzine (pictured), I now believe it might be a good time for Ms. Katz to resign. Not only is Jon Corzine's reputation in question, Katz is making it look bad for herself and the Union. When someone in Katz's position can pay $1 million in CASH for a condo, there's a problem!

No Support For Giuliani

Looks like former NYC Mayor and Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani will have a hard time getting the support of evangelical Christians. Calling the messy breakup of Rudy Giuliani's second marriage "divorce on steroids," a Southern Baptist leader said the Republican presidential hopeful's personal life may be too tempestuous for evangelical voters to tolerate.

It's hard to believe evangelical Christians will support former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney as well. Romney is a Mormon, and evangelical Christians consider Mormonism to be a cult that is contrary to Christian beliefs.

So I'm not sure who evangelical Christians will support in the 2008 presidential election. The democrats are all sinners going to hell, so it'll be interesting to see.

Pan's Labyrinth Review

I finally got to see Pan's Labyrinth last night. I have been meaning to see it since saw the review in NYC when the movie first came out Christmas week. As described, it is an adult farie tale. (Not "adult" as in the word, "pornographic" but "adult" as in it's definitely not for children). It is a film by Mexican director, Guillermo del Torro (spanish with english subtitles), that takes place in the mid to late 1930's during the Spanish Civil War. Young Ofelia lives out the conflict in her own little fantasy world as she tries to cope with the violence all around her.


The movie is very sensory stimulating and keeps you engrossed the entire time. There is the fairy that guides Ofelia, of course Pan, the creature that leads Ofelia on her conquest to live forever as Princess Moranna, a giant, quite disgusting, rather large toad, and the Pale Man (pictured to the left), who is awakened when Ofelia eats of the food at his feast, and takes his eyes from a plate and puts them into his hands to see. The special effects brings all these creatures to life. I could feel my heart go from happy to extremely intense in just a matter of seconds. The brutality of the time, and any war/conflict is a definite part of the movie. It is not a movie that has a "and they lived happily ever after" ending, but it leaves one thinking!

Go see Pan's Labyrinth for yourself.

Ann Coulter Strikes Again!

Yesterday, at the Conservative Political Action Conference sponsored by the American Conservative Union, right-wing pundit Ann Coulter spoke saying, “I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word ‘faggot,’ so I — so kind of an impasse, can’t really talk about Edwards.” The Human Rights Campaign, as should every presidential candidate and concerned American citizen, strongly condemned Coulter’s remarks.

If you look up the word BITCH in the dictionary, you should find the above picture.

HRC Weekly Update

Weekly update from the Human Rights Campaign:

Some sad news to begin: the death of 72 year old Andrew Anthos in Detroit, Michigan. Two weeks ago, Anthos was helping a wheelchair-bound friend home when he was assaulted. The assailant was annoyed by Anthos's singing, then asked him if he was gay. The attacker then beat Anthos with a metal pipe, spewing anti-gay epithets all the while. Anthos survived the attack, but was paralyzed, then later slipped into a coma and eventually died. Sad to think in 2007 this crap still happens, isn't it?

Also this week, wounded Iraq war veteren, Eric Alva arrived in Washington, D.C. Alva has agreed to be HRC's new spokesperson in efforts to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. A man who served his country with no question and was wounded, but could never be who he really is because of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Another shame for a country that's so interested in the civil rights of other countries while the civil rights of its own citizens suffer!

John Amaechi, the former NBA player that recently came out, continues his tour around the country. This, while the Tim Hardaway's homophobic tirade seems to have fallen off the media radar screen, is a positive thing for the LGBT community.

What's your opinion of gay individual's you work with or live near? Is it one of acceptance or hatred? Do you "live and let live" or say, "Kill 'em all!"

"And the Next Academy Award Goes To.....

....THE BEST LIGHT BULB CHANGER ON A SET OF A DRAMA, INCLUDING NO COMEDY...." PLEASE!!!! What a friggin' bore the 79th Academy Awards was as far as I was concerned! Who cares about half the awards given? I had to give it up at 11:30PM, and I understand the Academy Awards went on much longer than that. Guess I'll read the news to find out who won Best Picture!

Chimps Now Hunting?

For the first time ever, scientists have observed chimpanzees making and using weapons to hunt. The chimps fashioned branches into spears, using their teeth to sharpen the instruments, then the chimps used the weapons to stab smaller primates hiding inside trees to kill and then devour the smaller creatures. The female chimps were involved in this process which is also unusual. Although this behavior has never been observed, "There were hints that this behaviour might occur, but it was one time at a different site," said Jill Pruetz, assistant professor of anthropology at Iowa State University. The prey in this case was a smaller primate known as the Bushbaby.

I have to thoughts on this. One, are the chimps planning on using these weapons on humans. Maybe The Planet of the Apes will come true indeed as was predicted in the movie. And who do we have to blame for this? American Idol's Simon Cowell of course! He was the one afterall that started the dislike of Bushbabys when he called one of the contestants a Bushbaby. Way to go, Simon. Now, not only do we have to worry about Al-Qeida, but spearing carrying chimps!

My Seat in Mexico?

Non-Gay, Kenny Chesney, (he had to call a news conference just to admit he's straight-how's that for secure?), has a new song out, BEER IN MEXICO, which I love, love, love. Gay or staight, gay I hope, the song really speaks to a cold day like today: "So I just ...Sit right here and have another beer in Mexico....Do my best to waste another day. Sit right here and have another beer in Mexico. Let the warm air melt these blues away." (Listen here). Maybe one of those chairs in the picture is mine waiting for me??

Weekly Update From Human Rights Campaign

For those of you that are not familiar with the Human Rights Campaign and do not receive the weekly update from Joe Solomnese, President, I thought it would be a good idea to post the information here for you to browse and hopefully keep up to date with important issues facing the gay world.

As most of you know, on Monday, New Jersey's civil union law went into effect. Gay and Lesbian couples around the state began registering Monday, February 19, 2007 to be civil unioned. There was a 72 hour waiting period after applying for the license so the civil union ceromonies did not actually start occurring until Thursday. "New Jersey is really just the start. Barely six weeks into the new year, legal recognition of our relationships is getting unprecedented positive attention in state capitals all over the country. Partnership recognition bills are up for consideration in Oregon, Washington, Hawai'i, New Mexico and New Hampshire, and marriage bills will be getting attention in Vermont, Connecticut, California, Illinois, and Rhode Island," according to Solomnese. Unfortunately in other states, Indiana in particular, there are efforts underway to stop gay marriage and unions.

There has been alot of publicity about John Amaechi, former NBA player, coming out. At the same time, the fallout continues for former Miami Heat player, Tim Hardaway, because of his nasty and homophobic reaction to John's coming out. I encourage you to watch the CNN interview with Sir Charles Barkley, also a former NBA player, and hear what he has to say about the Hardaway comments. Quite a difference of opinions on the gay subject.

The HRC continues to do a fabulous job on promoting and maintaining rights for all LGBT citizens of the US and around the world.

Early Time Change

In case you haven't heard, Daylight Savings Time starts 2 weeks earlier beginning this year. DST begins on March 11, 2007, and ends the first weekend in November rather than the last weekend in October. And already the problems this change will cause are being anticipated. Now the problems are not expected to be anywhere near the magnitude of the problems predicted in Y2K, but if people do not change computer that do not change themselves there could be some problems: airlines could be off schedule, people may miss meetings, cell phones could mistakenly be billed for peak hours, etc., etc., etc. Microsoft Corp. has sought to minimize any time-change difficulties by issuing updates to the most current version of its Windows XP operating system, and the change in time has already been inputted in the new Microsoft Vista, but for computer systems such as Windows 2000, individuals need to be aware that the system will not automatically change the time. So make sure you know what system you have and make the necessary changes!

AT THE MOVIES

Just bought Dave Koz AT THE MOVIES CD. For those who don't know Koz, he's a fantastic saxophonist that is my favorite. The CD is a great collection of movie themes, such as "Over the Rainbow," "The Pink Panther," "The Way We Were," and "The Shadow of Your Smile" just to name a few (14 all total). David Koz is joined vocally by such greats as Judy Garland, Barry Manilow, India Arie, Donna Summer, Anita Baker, and on and on in Koz's renditions of these classic movie songs.

I know....you're thinking "how corny?" But for those that love movies, and just need some time to relax, this is the CD to buy. Get a glass of wine, cozy up to the fire, and enjoy! It will also bring back many memories for many of you I'm sure. I highly recommend Dave Koz AT THE MOVIES.

Could it be because of lice? That would be my suspicion. Maybe she got bugs! Maybe she's shaved down below too?

Isn't There More Important Things To Worry About?

With all the problems that NJ supposedly has such as the highest property tax in the nation and one of the highest insurance rates in the country, one would think that the least problem facing NJ is gay marriage. But the New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage has begun a petition drive to try to get at least 20,000 signatures, hoping to persuade legislative leaders to allow a vote defining marriage as a union between one woman and one man.

I am still so confused about what the big deal with gay marriage is really all about. I will never understand what two men or two women do, and whether or not they join in a marriage union, effects any heterosexual marriage whatsoever. Everyone has the right to believe gay marriage is right or wrong, everyone has the right to his or her opinion about gay rights, but gay individuals are productive members of society and they should have every right available to them that any other citizen has, including the right to marry if they so desire.

I have been proud of NJ and the proactive measures it has taken to protect the civil rights of its citizens, particularly in respect to gay rights! I hope NJ will reject attempts to set back those rights and further discrimination. I hope groups such as the New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage will leave us the hell alone and go somewehre else!

Where Were They 4 Years Ago?

Where oh where were you Congress 4 years ago when Bush & Company were selling us a load of BS to justify a war with Iraq? Today Hillary Clinton and other Congressmen warned Bush that he better not be preparing for war with Iran without the approval of Congress. And I applaud the stern warning to Mr. Bush. But why wasn't Hillary and her gang demanding such approval before the US invaded Iraq? Why wasn't the intelligence that led to war with Iraq as much in question as the intelligence that links Iran to the death of American US military in Iraq? If Congress had been as inquisitive 4 years ago as they are today, maybe thousands of lives could have been saved.

I know that 4 years ago 9-11 was only 2 years old, and any questioning of Bush & Company and the fight on terrorism that the US was taking to them rather than letting them bring it to us, was unpatriotic. But Congressmen and women should have had the balls (or whatever women have) to question Bush then! But politics is a funny thing. Rather than risk a future in office, politicians tell people, or neglect to inform people, what they want to hear, not the truth! Our politicians are so worried about continuing in politics, a "career" for them, that they refuse to stand up for what they believe, or what they feel is best for the country. (Rick Santorum, despite his arrogance, and in my opinion incorrect thinking, stood up for what he believed to be right, and look where he is now. But at least he took a stand)!

When are the American people going to look beyond the lip service and put those in office that fight for them? When are Americans going to elect people who want what's best for the US? I can only hope that day comes soon.

If you see one of these, don't touch it!!! (It's a Bushmonkey and it may bite)!

Yes, America Has Gotten What It Deserved

I attended a family birthday party yesterday, and while there the topic of President's Day (next Monday, 2/19/07) came up. Along with the mention of President's Day, someone said, "Yes. It's President Bush day!" That was followed by many unflattering comments about George W. I could not resist. For I know that a few of the people in the room, the same ones making some of the negative comments, voted for George W., not only in 2000, but also in 2004. (These are family members and I will forgive them, but I will never forget). I then started with my "told you so" attitude. I reiterated what I said after the 2004 election: Americans deserve exactly what they get for the next 4 years.

And I still hold to that exultation! If Americans are so unhappy with George W. & Company, if Bush's ratings are so low, many Americans only need look in the mirror to find the answer to the puzzling question: how did such a moron become President of the U.S.? Bush, a man who while suffering from Delusions of Grandeur, feels he was placed in U.S. history at this time because God wanted him there! I hope he still feels God has his back because many of Bush's supporters have deserted him. His own party has disowned him for fear of future political devastation.

So to all those who voted for George W. in 2000 and 2004, "I TOLD YOU SO!" Once an asshole, always an asshole, and I hope everyone is finding that out now about George W. He has destroyed this country's reputation throughout the world! One can only hope the next president can restore the world's confidence in the greatest country on the face of the earth!

Haggard's Healed! It's A Miracle!

Praise the Lord and pass the potato chips! The (dis)honorable Ted Haggard is now healed and he is completely HETEROSEXUAL! Remember Ted? He's the minister that was having the affair with the male prostitute that outted him just before the November election. "He (Haggard) is completely heterosexual," the Rev. Tim Ralph of Lakespur told the Denver Post. "That is something he discovered. It was the acting-out situations where things took place. It wasn't a constant thing." Well thank God for that! It was only the "acting-out situations where things took place." Whatever the hell that means! Oh! He was only "acting-out" his homosexuality! I think I get it. And besides, Haggard only "acted-out" with the male prostitute and no other men! BIG B.S.!!! I don't believe any of it, but one thing I can say: I am glad he plays for the "other" team now because the other team can have him!

A Day at the Beach?

Not really a day at the beach, but a day at The Pier at Caesars in Atlantic City. Sit around the windows sipping a cup of coffee, or visit one of the restaurants at The Pier for a relaxing time after shopping 'til you drop. Or enjoy the dancing water show. Whatever, it's a great way to spend a cold wintry day...until you can get out on the beach for real when the weather warms up a bit.

Mr.Bush's Psyche

A very interesting article in New York (February 5, 2007), in which John Heilemann takes a look at George W.'s brain. It's titled, "What's going on in George Bush's mind? A political survey." Mr. Heilemann calls George W. " The lonliest president," and quotes many individuals on the status of Mr. Bush's mental status and psyche. The following are excerpts from some of the quotes since I could never say it better myself:

"One of the most unnerving things about George Bush is his smile. As the situation
in Iraq has grown more calamitous, the smile hasn't disappeared. It's become
markedly patronizing, saying, "I'm right on this. The rest of you just dont' understand."
A pitying smile."
(Deepak Chopra, president, Alliance for a New Humanity)

"I have enough sympathy for anybody in that position that I wouldn't say he's mentally
deranged: I feel sorry for him. I think he must know that he's going to go down in
history as the most incompetent president since Buchanan."
(Ted Sorensen, speechwriter for President Kennedy)

"I think Bush didn't have a view of America's role in the world until after 9/11, and
then it was provided to him by those around him in power. They had two big ideas:
One was to depose Saddam and use Iraq as a base to pacify, in an imperial way, the
Middle East, and to control its oil. The second big idea, carried over by vice-president
and secretary of Defense, was that of the unitary presidency."
(Gary Hart, Wither Chair Professor at the University of Colorado at Denver)

"He (Bush) shows signs of an "authoritarian personality" as well, which involves a special
vulnerability to stature and power, to demonstrations of force, and also profound personal
need for power, order, and control."
(Susan Andersen, professor of psychology, NYU)

All I know is the man is nuts!

And We're Surprised (Things Are So Messed Up)!?

Almost not a day or week has gone by since the beginning of the war in Iraq that we have not seen on the news how things have been royally screwed up! We are constantly reminded how incompetent those in charge have been. We have also seen how things were handled in domestic situations such as Hurricane Katrina. And we wonder why?

George W. is one of the biggest baffoons ever to lead this country. I previously said after the 2004 elections that Americans deserved what they get in the coming years. Unlike my friend Pax Romano, I am not resolved to "stop saying to people who voted for Bush, "Told Ya' So!!!". I will never stop saying to those who put Bush into office for a second term, "I Told YOU so!" Morons and assholes! They elected this idiot and they deserve exactly what they have gotten!

Here's a man who said "mistakes were made", but "Mybad..........OH well!" Bush has been responsible for the death of thousands and he can simply say, "MyBad....OH well!" If he were a man, he'd take responsibility for his mistakes and resign. If Bush was a Samuri warrior responsible for the unnecessary death of thousands, he commit harikari. If you or I mistakenly killed one individual, we'd be charged with manslaughter at least.

So why do we sit in amazement when we hear how incompetent George W. is. A moron will always be found out eventually!

It's About Time Congress Steps Up To Bat!

"The Constitution makes Congress a coequal branch of government. It's time we start acting like it." This is what Senator Russell Feingold (D-Wis.) said at a hearing today on Congress' war powers. Senator Arlen Spector (R-Pa) stated that, " I would suggest respectfully to the president that he is not the sole decider (about what happens in the Iraq War)," and that "The decider is a shared and joint responsibility."

For too long, with the Republican controlled House and Senate, whatever George W. has decided has occurred with little or no debate, and certainly no contradiction. But that time is now over! Mr. Bush is going to have to realize that he is president, not dictator of the US. George W. is not going to have things done just because he wants them done so. George W. is going to have to have the approval of Congress on this issue and many others. The US was thrust into this ungodly war because of the failure of Congress to debate and disagree, and it's about time Congress takes up its appropriate role and share some of the responsibility in the decisions made about US involvement in the world.

Congress could actually halt the war by stopping funding of the war. But this would be a political gamble that not too many in Congress seem willing to take. Vice President Dick Cheney challenged Congress to back up its objections to Bush's plan to put 21,500 more troops in Iraq by zeroing out the war budget, understanding that such a drastic move is doubtful because it would be fraught with political peril. But I believe the Congress has the backing of the Americam people who spoke in the November 2006 election, showing their disdain for the war. George W. & Company have chosen to use the election results as a means to say Americans wanted a change in direction, not an exit from Iraq. But I believe the American people are ready to see the US involvement in Iraq STOP! And I hope Congress takes the gamble and does what the president will not: get our troops out of Iraq NOW!

Gay Marriage Coming To Connecticut?

In the state that gave the US the first non-court odered civil unions, Connecticut may soon become the first state to allow gay couples full marriage rights. Connecticut legislators are expected in the next few months to take up a bill that if passed would allow same-sex couples to marry. This comes about two years after civil unions became law in Connecticut. It's hard to say whether or not a bill that will soon be filed will become law, but Senator Andrew McDonald (D-Stamford), one of the bill's co-sponsors said, "I think there's a very real possibility that we will be able to pass it in the Legislature." Here's to Connecticut today, perhaps New Jersey in a few years?

Anybody Miss Me?

Ok. Be honest? Did you miss me? And don't say so just to make me feel good! I haven't blogged since New Year's Day, 28 days ago! I know Mommanator missed me because she told me she so; she said she missed reading what I had to say. So here's to you, Mommanator! You're looking better than ever, and I wish you would get back soon and keep your boys in line!

Oh yeah. I turned another year older in December. That's my birthday cake that my special someone bought for me. A strawberry shortcake birthday cake! YUMMY! Another year older, and another year wiser! As the old saying goes, "if I only knew then what I know now!" How true that is.

So again I will blog my heart out even though blogs are supposed to be a thing of the past. It gives me a place to make my thoughts known and vent some of my frustrations and bang my pulpit for change in our world. It gives me a place to say what's wrong with our world as well as look at the positive things that are going on. So I will be blogging on!

NYC Christmas 2006

Took my annual Christmas pilgrimage to NYC this past week. What a fabulous place NYC is anytime, but especially at Christmas. As is customary, I get out of the city before the big New Year's Eve Bash, making only a stop in Times Square to see the NYE preparations. That way I can sit in front of my television watching the party on NYE and say, "I walked there....and there....and there."

Ate at two great restaurants, Geisha, and Tao. Geisha is an satisfies the Japanese desire and Tao the Pan-Asian cuisine. Both were exceptional. Went to two shows, Martin Short, Fame Becomes Me, and The Little Dog Laughed. Totally different, one a musical and the other a play, both were very entertaining.

I LOVE NY!!

SCUM

I don't often condone the death penalty, but these 2 should be taken out and shot!

What Planet Is Bush On?

I have always believed George W to be a complete idiot, but his speeches today have totally confirmed that. While Bush was stating that, "...One result that Iraq would like to see is for the Iranians to leave them alone," Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was in Tehran meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadnejad. I don't know about you, but to me that does not sound like the Iraqi people, at least not all of them, want the Iranians to leave them alone!

What planet does George W live on? What news does George W watch? Hello, George! Reality check, George! The Iranians and Syrians are going to just step into Iraq and solve the problems that the US has been unable to do the past several years. And the Iraqis are going to greet the Iranians and Syrians with open arms. So which is it, George? Do the Iraqis, or do the Iraqis not want, Iran's and Syria's assistance?

But then George gave the explanation of the real problem in Iraq. It is Al Qaeda! Al Qaeda is responsible for the latest wave of sectarian violence and Bush vowed not to withdraw troops “until the mission is complete.” (Whatever the fuck the "mission" is)! There is no civil war in Iraq! All the violence is the work of Al Qaeda! Now when the Sunnis retaliate when the Shiites kill someone, that does not sound like Al Qaeda to me. THE REAL WORLD, GEORGE! There is no election to be won here now, so you can stop trying to frighten Americans with Al Qaeda!

Someone who really cares about George, maybe his mother, father, Dick Cheney, or whomever, needs to bring George back into the real world!

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

Did You All Get Out On Black Friday?

Thank God I didn't do any shopping today, Black Friday 2006. I did have to make a trip past the Hamilton Mall on my way to the gym, and boy was it crazy. The parking lot was packed and the traffic around the mall was outrageous! Why do people think they have to do all their Christmas shopping in one day? Sure there are great sales, but guess what? There will be sales everyday until Christmas. People are crazy! My sanity kept me away from the stores today. But starting tomorrow, look out world; Karl's on the prowl for those hot gifts!

Oh What A Mess We've Made (Or Should I Say Bush Has Made)

I turned on CNN this morning to catch up on the world's events and CNN introed the Iraq update with the title, Iraq In Crisis. Damn! What a mess the US has made in Iraq, not to mention the entire Middle East. What a big screwup for George W.! The US went into Iraq first and foremost because of the threat Iraq posed to the US. Secondly, George W. wanted to bring, catch this, STABILITY, to the Middle East! Look at the stability! Hundreds killed yesterday and many killed everyday. Sectarian violence soon to end up in an out and out civil war. US soldiers killed almost everyday in Iraq! Sounds like stability to me. I hate to admit it, but Saddam Hussein had control of Iraq.

It's actually pretty scary when you look at what's happening in Iraq. Syria and Iran are joining together to assist in the stabilization of Iraq. You can't really blame them; Iraq is their neighbor, and since the US has only screwed things up there, why shouldn't Syria and Iran move in? God only knows what will happen to the US, not to mention Israel, when that entire region becomes ultra-Islamic and goes after the US and Israel. The Apocalypse?

How does the US "fix" Iraq? I haven't got the faintest idea. George W. has really messed things up, and as UN General Secretary Kofi Annan said the other day, the US is trapped in Iraq. We cannot just leave, and if we stay only more and more turmoil will take place.

Hurry Up, Verizon

With the news that Comcast will raise its cable tv cost by 3.2% by January 1st, all I can say is, "Hurry up, Verizon!" Verizon has begun its cable tv wiring and sales in NJ. My good friend Pax Romano has had his domain wired for Verizon, but I believe Comcast made him a pretty good deal to keep him as one of theirs. And that's what I'm talking about; the competition will be good for the consumer. If Comcast thinks raising its rates is going to keep customers, they are dead wrong! So I hope Verizon moves faster in getting the rest of South Jersey cable ready.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Those Damned Activist Judges!

Well, those damned activist judges are at it again, making law and procedure. However this time it's in Israel. The Israeli Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the government Tuesday to recognize same-sex marriages performed abroad. Although efforts by Israel's gay community to win approval for same-sex marriage face a major obstacle because Israel's religious authorities have a monopoly over marriage and divorce, this ruling does make it possible for same-sex couples to marry outside Israel and that marriage be legally recognized in Israel. Israeli law stipulates a couple must be married to adopt a child, and with this ruling, same-sex couples can now adopt if married elsewhere. Prior to this ruling, gay couples in Israel already had many of the rights of heterosexual partnerships. Now married gay couples will get the same tax breaks as a married couple.

It amazes me that the U.S. thinks it is so progressive, but other countries seem to be surpassing it's recognition of gay rights. On November 14th, the South African parliament voted 230-41 to legalize same-sex marriages. South Africa of all places! Wow! Maybe someday soon the U.S. will realize that gay individuals deserve the same rights and recognition as hetero couples. You don't have to like it or be happy with it, but gays in the U.S. pay the same taxes and are as productive to society as anyone else. They deserve the same rights!

Where To Buy; What To Buy

The Human Rights Campaign has again published it's Buying for Equity 2007 Guide. This guide makes it easier to buy from those companies/businesses that support equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. Before making any purchases this year please check out the guide. (The guide can also be ordered through the mail from the HRC site).

Is A "Disaster" The Same As A Mistake?

Looks like British Prime Minister Tony Blair has admitted that the invasion of Iraq by the United States and Britain was "a disaster." Blair made this assessment of the situation in Iraq in an interview with David Frost. "Iraq invasion a disaster, Blair admits on Arab TV," was the headline in the Daily Telegraph. Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell said the Prime Minister should now apologize for his actions.

My assumption is that Blair still does not feel that the invasion of Iraq was a mistake, given what intelligence, although flawed, showed. But at least Blair has admitted the situation in Iraq is a disaster! Bush won't even do that. He and only a handful in the US, Cheney and Rumsfeld among that group, still think things are going well in Iraq! With the help of the midterm elections Bush at least is not on his "stay the course" strategy, but he still believes all is well in the Land of Iraq. As I have said before, admit the mistake, and get out ASAP!

The Role Gays Played In The Election

The Advocate.com contains a story asking whether gays should be thanked for the Democratic victory in the recent mid-term elections. According to The Advocate.com, in Virginia, the effort to defeat an anti-gay marriage amendement brought thousands of "progressive voters" out, and most of them also voted for Democrat James Webb.

I would also suggest that in at least one other race, Pennsylvania, Democrat Bob Casey, Jr. should be thanking the gay community a whole bunch for his victory over Republican Rick Santorum. I personally saw gay groups passing out ant-Santorum literature and supporting Casey. "Gay rights supporters nationwide savored the defeat of several high-profile anti-gay incumbents, and no prize was larger than Republican Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who lost by double digits to moderate Democrat Bob Casey", according to Bay Windows, New England's Largest LGBT Newspaper. This paper also reports that Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, openly gay, will become one of the most influential men in America when he assumes the chairmanship of the powerful House Financial Services Committee.

I am going to wait to see what actually happens when the new Congress takes over. Many of the Dems that won the election are moderates, many not favoring gay marriage. Will their personal beliefs and feelings prevail, or will these men and women push for equal rights for all Americans? Only time will tell.

How 'Bout A Roadtrip?

I LOVE NEW YORK!!!!

Coming Soon To A City Near You

Rain, or this? MMMMM!!! Which do I like best? I am looking forward to a little of the white stuff. I am getting tired of being in my apartment, too hot because it's warmer than it should be and I cannot open the windows because of the rain. Yes, I've even had the AC on for a bit. Crazy to have the AC on in November!

Get Real, Assemblyman Richard Merkt

The NJ State Legislators pumped up their positions on gay marriage vs. civil unions yesterday. While Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, D-Mercer, presented a bill that would open up marriage to "any two consenting adults committed to a permanent relationship" and would protect religious institutions from having to perform or recognize such unions, Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Morris, proposed impeaching the state Supreme Court justices who last month extend the rights of same-sex couples beyond the domestic partner benefits they now have. GET REAL, MERKT!

I understand some people being upset by the NJ Supreme Courts' ruling that committed same-sex couples have the same rights as their straight counterparts, but like it or not, that was the ruling! So stop belly-aching and reacting in such a manner as Merkt and get busy completing the task set forth by the NJ Supreme Court.

Throughout history, it has been the "activist courts" that have set in motion legislation that has improved the civil rights of US citizens. If not for "activist courts" my guess is there would still be slavery in southern states and women wouldn't be voting. Yes, it was constitutional amendments that gave these rights, but the "activist courts" prompted it with various rulings. (Do a Google search for specifics). In NJ, like Massachusetts, the Supreme Courts have also set in motion rights that are deserved by citizens.

Let Assemblyman Richard Merkt know what you think!

The Iraq War Was A Mistake

I have always been told that everyone makes mistakes, and that "to err is human." I rarely make them, mistakes that is, but I must admit I do. I do not know any person who does not make a mistake or two, or three or four or a thousand, in his lifetime. If such a person existed he wouldn't be called a "person", he'd be called GOD!

When is someone going to admit that the war in Iraq was a mistake? Who is going to admit that the war in Iraq was a mistake? It was a mistake from the very beginning. I'll even give the Bush Administration the benefit of the doubt and say the intelligence was incorrect, not that Bush & Company twisted the intelligence for their own purpose. And if the intelligence was wrong, then it was a mistake! The way the war has been handled is a mistake! So when is someone going to admit this and correct the mistake?

I know that alot has been lost in the war. Some 2,800+ American lives have been lost, and today Iraq claimed 150,000 civilians, not counting soldiers, have lost their lives in Iraq since the US invasion. It is said the US must win so the lives of our soldiers lost will not be in vain. But I ask how many more lives must be lost before someone finally gets it? THE WAR IN IRAQ WAS A MISTAKE! Plain and simple! We are in a quagmire! We leave now and who knows what will happen? We stay another 2, 3, 4, 10 years and how many more lives will be lost unnecessarily?

Everyone is all excited about the Dems taking over control of the House and Senate. It is time for a change in direction all proclaim. But what kind of change? Maybe the Iraq war should be recognized for what it is, one huge mistake! The event in US history will go down as one of the biggest blunders ever made! George W. will go down in history as one of the biggest buffoons in history! So why not just stop beating around the bush? Why not stop sugar-coating the mistake? Admit the mistake and move on.

Rummy! Not A Fighting Chance In Hell!

Poor Donald Rumsfeld! He's been fired by the American people. Well, not exactly, but close enough! A television commercial in NJ supporting Tom Kean, Jr. used the slogan that Bob Menendez refused to resign so NJ voters would have to do it for him, reminds me of the Rumsfeld ouster. Adios, Rummy! Glad to see you go!

I also had the displeasure of watching Bush in a news conference this afternoon. What an arrogant SOB! He had the nerve to say that he really believed the Democrats do care about the safety of the US, but disagreed with their methods. So what made Bush change his mind in 2 days because just the day before yesterday Bush basically said a vote for the Dems was a vote against America's safety? Oh yeah!! A romp! A good old fashion "whuppin'". Or was Bush just lying like he has his entire presidency? Thank God a reporter with a British accent called Bush on this. And Bush again said he did believe the Dems do care about the US and its safety. More Bush bullshit! Soon, Bush will be gone too!

Interesting election! I'm pleased except for the defeat of gay marriage in several states. Most were southern states in which the vote was clearly the majority against gay marriage. Out west, the votes were closer. So I say all gays should just leave the states that don't want them and join us in gay-friendly states. What a shock it would be for those gay-hating states to lose all that disposable income. (If I were President, I would outlaw any federal funding to states that continue to discriminate)!

But the Dems have control of the House, and at this time, only Virginia seems to be in the way of Democratic control of the Senate. Webb, the Dem candidate is slightly ahead and calling it a victory. I hope he's right. (I am a bit worried that many of the winning Dems are moderate to conservative individuals). So all in all, a good election. Let's just see what happens now. And I'm sure the tv ads will soon begin for 2008!

Suggestion To Reverend Ted Haggard

If I could offer a suggestion to the Rev. Ted Haggard? Shut up and stop digging your hole even deeper. You know the saying that one lie leads to another and another and another? Well, by trying to explain what actually happened, Haggard is doing just that. If anybody believes for a moment that Haggard would go to a male prostitute for a massage and to purchase drugs, but not for sexual purposes, then that believer should get what he/she deserves, a big letdown! Maybe instead of trying to explain what happened, Haggard should just keep quiet and fade off into the sunset!

Another One On Our Side

Actor Neil Patrick Harris has confirmed that he is "a very content gay man living my life to the fullest." The 33-year-old actor said he was motivated to disclose his sexuality because of recent "speculation and interest in my private life and relationships." Another one on our side.

It is great to see more and more men and women proclaiming the "true" them. I know it's not easy and I applaud these people. A much better way of coming out wouldn't you say than the scandals involving politicians and ministers?

Another Goody-Goody Gets Fu**ed!

The Rev. Ted Haggard (pictured to left), the leader of the 30 million member National Association of Evangelicals in the US, has resigned over allegations that he paid for sex with another man. Haggard is the pastor of his 14,000 member New Life Church. The honorable Rev. Haggard (HaHaHa) is also known as a strong opponent of same-sex marriages. Why should gay sex be permitted in a monogamous relationship when one can pay for such an experienc!

Rev. Haggard and all the hypocritical opponents of same-sex rights should be exposed for who they really are. It is quite often said that those who oppose gays so vehemently more than likely have something to hide themselves. Just another prime example of this in Haggard!

Enough Already! I'm Gonna Puke!

Anyone else sick and tired of all the political bullshit? I am so tired of the political commercials on tv; one comes on for a particular candidate claiming something, then the opponent's commercial comes on with the exact opposite message. Who's the worse of the two is what elections come down to anymore. Thank God it will be over in a little more than one week....well until next year at this time. Then, wait for 2008. That will probably be so much worse with the political ads starting in the summer of 2008 if not sooner.

My Brief History Search of Marriage

With the recent ruling by the NJ Supreme Court and the battle in NJ between gay marriage/civil union or whatever it's going to be called, I decided to do a little research on the history of marriage. Was "marriage" really ordained by God and directed in the Bible? When did the word, "marriage" actually begin to be used? Have there been gay "marriages" or unions before in history. What I found left me even more confused. For you see, "marriage" as we know it today in the US has been an ever changing ritual.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God orders a man and a woman to marry. There are certainly references to a woman and a man joining together, but it is nontheless very confusing as to what the Bible actually states about marriage. And the union between a man and a woman was not even called "marriage" way back then.

I did come across one piece of information that seemed to sum up all of the other research I did. It is The History of Marriage as an Institution, by Larry R. Peterson, PhD. Several interesting facts, at least I think they're facts, are brought up in Dr. Peterson's writing:

1. From the 5th to the 14th centuries, the Roman Catholic Church conducted special ceremonies to bless same-sex unions which were almost identical for those to bless heterosexual unions. At the very least, these were spiritual, if not sexual, unions;
2 From the 1690s to the 1870s, “wife sale” was common in rural and small-town England. To divorce his wife, a husband could present her with a rope around her neck in a public sale to another man;
3. Marriage was strictly a civil and not an ecclesiastical ceremony for the Puritans in Massachusetts Bay until 1686;
4. Until 1662, there was no penalty for interracial marriages in any of the British colonies in North America. In 1662, Virginia doubled the fine for fornication between interracial couples. In 1664, Maryland became the first colony to ban interracial marriages. By 1750, all southern colonies, plus Massachusetts and Pennsylvania outlawed interracial marriages;
5. In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state anti-miscegenation laws in Loving v. Virginia.
As a result of the decision, Virginia and fifteen other states had their anti-miscegenation laws declared unconstitutional. Those states were: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
In the fifteen years prior to the decision, fourteen states had repealed their anti-miscegenation laws. Those fourteen states were: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

What conclusions do I draw from this? That marriage has had many different connotations througout history. And most importantly: If it was not for a US Supreme Court ruling in 1967, there would still be states to this day that prohibit interracial marriages! Those State legislatures would never, never have changed the law except for the US Supreme Court ruling! Those goddamn activist judges!

Decision Expected Tomorrow On Gay Marriage In NJ

Expect a decision tomorrow in the battle for gay marriage in NJ. Winnie Comfort, a spokeswoman for the state judiciary, said the New Jersey Supreme Court will release its highly anticipated decision in a case brought by seven gay couples who claim the state constitution entitles them to marry. If the court rules that NJ's Constitution does not prohibit gays from marrying, NJ will become only the second state in the country, beside Massachusett's, in which gay marriage will be legal. Although conservative groups will try to amend NJ's Constitution to define marriage between a man and a woman, Governor Jon Corzine has already said he will support no legislation opposing the court's decision. NJ is known to be a progressive State when it comes to civil rights, so tomorrow we will know. Keep your fingers crossed!

Thank God For The Non-Traditionalist

In his piece of shit book, Cultural Warrior, Bill O'Reilly touts himself a "traditionalist" fighting against the "secular-progressive movement." The battle in America is not between conservatives and liberals but those that want to keep things the way they are versus those progressives that want to change the way things are. O'Reilly "condemns the "erosion of societal discipline" flowing from an alleged "S-P [secular-progressive]" agenda of drug legalization, teenagers' rights, moral relativism, church-state separation, therapy instead of punishment for criminals and, above all, the "communist" freeloader's doctrine that the government should tax the rich to fund housing, health care and early-childhood education for the poor."

I say thanks be to God for those non-traditionalists in our history. And every minority group, including women, should also agree with me. If it wasn't for the "secular-progressives" in our history, where would they be today? The Ann Coulters of the US would be in the kitchen, cooking for their man, instead of in the media blowing their horns. If it wasn't for the "secular-progressives" in our history, a good number of us would not have the freedoms we do today. If it wasn't for the "progressives in US history, slavery would still be the norm of the day. These are just a couple things that were only changed by those "secular-progressives." I must say that I, as a white male, would be enjoying life, while those not meeting my makeup, would still be oppressed today.

So I say to Bill O'Reilly, "STUFF IT, BILL!" If moving forward with equal rights for all, and if creating change so all Americans so they can enjoy life to it's fullest, makes me a "secular-progressive," I'll gladly wear that title and do everything in my power to fight the "taditionalists."

Hillary/Condaleeza Showdown

A friend sent me this...........You gotta see it!