Another Gay Celeb....But Little Hoopla!

I hear people say, "Why is that gay celebs or politicians only get outed when they're involved in a scandal of some kind? Wouldn't it be nice if a "big star" would just come out on his own." Well, they do!

This week T.R. Knight, who plays Dr. George O'Malley on the ABC hit series, Grey's Anatomy came out telling the world that he's gay in PEOPLE. But guess what, there was little fanfare made about this, and that's probably how Knight preferred it. I know T.R. Knight is not a "superstar" actor or politician or sports figure, but he is a fairly well-known guy. I commend Knight for his honesty and courage, and I agree that more celebs need to be honest with themselves and everyone else.

But T.R. Knight is not the only celeb on the out list. Lance Bass, from the former boy band 'N Sync came out about a month ago. And there are many more "famous" gay men and women: take a look at this short list. Last night on Real Time with Bill Maher one of Maher's panel guests was Barney Frank, Rep. from Massachusetts, OUT, LOUD, AND PROUD!

My point here is that celebs come out on their own quite often. Not everyone is outed in the McGreevey or Foley manner. But the McGreevey's and Foley's of the world make for more interesting news. The Knights of the world do not entertain as much as the celebs caught in a scandal. And just like everyone of us that is a "non-celeb", celebrities weigh the consequences of coming out. And just like many of us, celebs may not even realize, or wish to admit to themselves or anyone else, that they are gay.

I also wish more big name celebs, politicians, and sports figures would come out. (You cannot for a moment tell me that if statistically approximately 1 in 10 males are gay, that a professional football team does not have any gay players). But they are out there, and I believe they will slowly acknowledge who they are as society becomes more accepting. And from personal experience, these men and women will enjoy a much fuller, happier life when they do come out.

The Dems Strategy

The Democratic candidates are really pounding the failed Bush Administration policies! The Dems are especially attacking the Republican candidates that supported Bush and the Iraq war. And this pisses me off a bit!

Where were these same Democrats 3+ years ago? Where have these Democrats been since? They seem to have vanished except for the past 2 months or so during the campaign. Why did they not stand up to Bush and the Republicans that supported him earlier?

Sure, I'm going to vote for those Democrats, but part of me would like to see "them all" out! I just wish men and women with true convictions to serve could be elected. I just wish men and women who stood for what they truly believed, not what they think will get them elected, would serve this great nation.

It's about time the Dems started to stand against the Bush agenda! I only hope it's not too late!

Please Do Us All A Favor: VOTE!

Every man and woman, and especially gay men and women, should do all they can to get out and vote this November. There is so much riding on the results of this election: whether or not US troops stay in Iraq to be slaughtered; whether or not Bush gets pummelled with inquiries into his illegal behavior; and whether or not gay rights move forward or backwards. For more information on the gay rights issue, the Human Rights Campaign gives some good advice and suggestions on how you can help. It's Menedez for NJ and Casey for PA.

Give Me A Break!

Conservative religious and political leaders in Boston claim their religious rights are being violated by Massachusett's allowing of gay marriage. ''Here in Massachusetts, activist judges struck a blow to the foundation of civilization: the family,'' Republican governor Mitt Romney, a likely presidential candidate, told an applauding crowd of about 1,000 people, some of whom responded with ''Amen.'' GIVE ME A BREAK!!

I don't know of any gay man or woman that believes someone cannot worship the way they want! Legalization of gay marriage does not stop anyone from practicing his/her beliefs the way he/she wants. And what's even sadder is eight states will vote in November on constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage, following 20 states that have already approved bans. Prompted by a ruling from its highest court, Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004. Massachusetts lawmakers are expected to consider a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on November 9.

You don't have to like gay marriage. You don't even have to like gay people! However, they pay the same taxes and provide to this society just like anyone else. And gays should be entitled to the same rights as any other citizen.

Another Good Reason

A story out of Philadelphia gives yet another good reason why every home should have a gun: A 3 year old boy was killed when he found a gun in the home and accidentally shot himself in the face, killing himself. I hope all the gun advocates put this incident on the list of why guns are necessary!

Has The US Helped?

If you think the US has helped the Iraqi people, think again. According to a UN chief anti-torture expert, tortue in today's Iraq may be worse than it was when Hussein was in control. Manfred Nowak said the situation in Iraq was "out of control", with abuses being committed by security forces, militia groups and anti-US insurgents.

One of the most used techniques includes the use of power drills. "They torture them, breaking hands and legs. They use electric drills to pierce their bodies and then the killing is carried out at close range," said Salman al-Faraji, a human rights activist and lawyer. And the "they" in this case: the Iraqi police force.

How much more help can the Iraqi people take?

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are!

Come Out! Accept diversity! Love! Watch and learn.

The Problem With the Mark Foley's of the World

The problem with ultra-conservatives, who I will call the Mark Foley's of the world, is that they set a standard for themselves so high that no human could live by. Then, when they fall, they fall hard! The Mark Foley's of the world hide behind causes (or the flag) to cover up their humaness, and when they themselves cannot live up to the standards they have set, they tumble with full velocity to the ground. If you're going to set those kind of standards, you better make sure you can really live by them!

My Life....My Goal

I have never intended for these trivial thoughts of mine to be a pulpit for any cause, but the longer I live, and the more I experience, I feel I have a goal to achieve in this short time I am here. I also never intended for this to be a place that would single out one issue, but more and more, it appears that is what is on my mind, and that is what my goal is. The more I read in the media and hear from people, I feel compelled to make sure that gay individuals learn to live as who they are, and that society realize that gays are not some two-headed freaks, but people with dreams like anyone else. I want gay individuals to be proud of who they are, and society to allow gay individuals to live as who they were created. For I strongly believe it is our society that makes the Jim McGreevey's and Mark Foley's of the world. It is society that makes men and women do things to "hide" their gayness and push to be someone they are not. And in portraying an image of what they are not, instead of embracing who they are, men and women are driven to create an image that covers up the real person, rather than live freely as who they honestly are.

I am a gay man that took many, many years to come to grips with who I really am. I did everything I could to not be gay: play sports; be Mr. Macho; marry and raise a family; get deeper into religion and prepare for the ministry; and pretending to be as straight as they come. This was not a conscious decision on my part, but all the proceeding behaviors would certainly make me straight, and push my gayness out of me. It wasn't until I divorced, being gay not the reason for this, that I finally, after years of hiding from myself, discovered who I really was! It was only then that I came out of the closet; to myself and to everyone around me! And I will never, never, never, go back into that closet no matter what it costs me!

My goal is that every gay person come to grips with who he/she is sooner than I did. Nobody can come out until he/she is ready. And it is nobody else's job to out anyone. But if I can help one person find themselves, I have accomplished my goal. I applaud those gay men and women who, at an early age, realized who they are, but many, like me, continue to try find ways to make themselves straight. And guess what? You're gay because that's how God made you! There is absolutely nothing you can do to make yourself straight! You can try all you want, but fact is, if you're gay, you're gay! Not a damn thing you can do to change that! So, embrace your gayness and be proud of who you are. And society, instead of trying to squish the individual, should begin encouraging kids and adults to be who they were created to be!

EHHHHHHHH!!!!

What's happening to this world?

A Gay Old Time In Provincetown

Spent 5 nights in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the gay mecca of the east coast. And like the Pilgrims that landed in Provincetown (Yes, the Pilgrims landed in Provincetown before heading off to Plymouth. It was in the Provincetown Harbor that the Mayflower Compact was signed, establishing the first written laws of the New World), there is a freedom that still exists to this day in PTown, as it is lovingly known. It is not necessarily the freedom the Pilgrims envisioned, but PTown is a very gay friendly town. I would estimate 80-90% of the inhabitants and visitors are gay. But it is NO big deal! Nobody is judged there for who they are! And what a freedom that is! Gay, straight, or whatever, people just are! While there, PTown celebrated Carnival, sort of a gay Mardi Gras. And what a blast it was!

THE PILGRIM MONUMENT

THE STREET IS FILLED

GIRL'S JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

Bush + Diplomacy = ZERO!

The following is a Letter to the Editor that appeared in The Press of Atlantic City on Wednesday:

Dear Editor,

From the beginning of this recent Middle East crisis between Israel and Hezbollah, President Bush said very little, except to say Israel had a right to defend itself against terrorism and that Israel should proceed cautiously so as not to harm the government of Lebanon. Bush pretty much stayed quiet during the whole event. Then, on the day the cease fire took effect, Bush had to announce that Hezbollah was the definite loser in this conflict, despite Hezbollah's proclamation that they defeated Israel.
From what I saw, neither side won a victory. Both Israel and Hezbollah suffered death and destruction. I cannot for the life of me figure out why our president had to taunt either side. President Bush should have kept his mouth shut! Instead of trying to further peace, Bush only seemed to incite more hatred. Bush had to speak his "bring it on" talk once again. (The last time he did that was on a battle ship in the Gulf proclaiming the US victory in Iraq, and look what that brought us).
There really is no diplomacy in the Bush Administration. President Bush is too busy telling other nations what they will and will not do, and what consequences they will face if they do not obey the US. And we wonder why other people hate us?

Sincerely,
Karl

The Bush Administration's lack of diplomacy is mindblowing! Bush's approach to diplomacy is "do what we say or else." He constantly tells us "they" hate our freedom and democratic way of life and that's why "they" hate us, but I contend there is much more to the hatred than just that.
Bush does not even try to understand what it is about them that makes them tick. The Bush Administration needs a good lesson in diplomatic tactics!

Please Keep Quiet, Mr. President!

Why doesn't George W. just keep his mouth shut? Today he couldn't help but claim that "Hezbollah suffered a defeat in this crisis." Bush further declared of Hezbollah, "How can you claim victory when you were a state within a state in southern Lebanon, and now you're going to be replaced by an international force?"

Why is it necessary for the US to side with either Israel of Hezbollah in this crisis? Bush seemed to be quite quiet while the "crisis" was going on. So much for his diplomacy! I don't know about you, but it looks to me like both sides lost! I really don't believe either side won. Both lost life unnecessarily. Both accomplished nothing but destruction! Innocent people were devastated! And George W. has to make a political statement out of the entire mess!

If I am correct, the Bible says, "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword." George W. seems to love to live by the sword. Why not just tell Hezbollah and the terrorists in the world to "bring it on!" Oh yeah...he did! And look what that's brought us. And we wonder why "they" hate us!

Help LoBiondo Keep His Pledge-Vote Him Out!

In 1994, when Congressman Frank LoBiondo won his first seat in US Congress, he pledged to limit his stay in Congress to six terms. He has broken his own pledge by seeking a 7th term. Seems LoBiondo has learned that membership has its privleges. Like most Republicans seeking office in 2007, I hope LoBiondo pays for being a pawn of George W. We all need to help him keep his pledge...we need to vote him out! I wonder what other promises LoBiondo has broken on in the past 12 years?

Phone Call From Congressman LoBiondo's Office

My phone rang this afternoon and I noticed immediately a "202" area code. When I answered, the caller told me he was calling from Congressman Frank LoBiondo's office. The member of LoBiondo's staff was responding to my letter that I recently sent to LoBiondo asking him why he supported discrimination by voting in favor of H.J. Res. 88, the Marriage Protection Amendment, the House of Representatives' version of the Senate's Federal Marriage Amendment, permitting marriage only between a man and a woman. (See my earlier post for the specifics). LoBiondo's staff person stated that the Congressman voted his conscience and believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman. The staffer said that the amendment would have allowed "civil unions" to be decided on a state by state basis, and that NJ has "civil unions." I informed the staffer that NJ does not have civil unions but some benefits for gay couples living together. I further explained to the LoBiondo staffer that my position is that "civil unions" are less than equal to "marriage" and that any two people should be able to "marry" and enjoy those benefits if he/she so desires. The staffer explained that Congressman LoBiondo does not agree with that position, and I again stated my position. I did thank the staffer for contacting me.

I am appriciative of the call. I have never received a phone call from any legislator despite many letters I have written. (I have received letters in response to my concerns/questions). Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, and Congressman LoBiondo is no different. But I too, and those like me, are entitled to our opinion as well. It is time we stand and defeat such hatred, bigotry, and discrimination!

LOBIONDO MUST GO IN 2006!

Come On Boys! Get Your Weapons Ready!

As NJ awaits a State Supreme Court decision as to whether or not gay marraige will be allowed in NJ, social conservatives say they are prepared to take the fight to the ballot box if they lose in the legal arena. "If we get to an imminent threat, if we get to the point where marriage is going to be decided by the court, shouldn't we get to weigh in an issue of such magnitude?" said Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council.

Gotta love that phrase, "imminent threat"! Damn! What a threat we are! We'll all take up our guns and prance wildly in the streets shooting all those married heteros. Or perhanps if gay marriage is allowed in NJ, all the hetero marriages will certainly crumble as all the closeted gay men (know any?) will decide now is the time to split from their wives and come out and get married to their boyfriend! Or maybe each time a gay marriage occurs, a hetero marriage will mysteriously disintegrate with our fabulous gay guns!

I will never for the life of me understand the "imminent threat" gay marriage poses on society. A gay couples' marriage is no more a threat to any hetero marriage than inter-racial marriage. Absolutely NONE!!! You would think all people would be glad that two loving people are willing to commit to each other, to devote their lives to each other and their family. What is the big fear anyway?

Lieberman A Victim Of War

Well, Joe Lieberman lost his primary election to anti-way candidate, Ned Lamont. Hopefully this will just be the beginning for those who continue to stand in support of the Iraq war. Lieberman has supported, and continues to support, the debacles of George W. in Iraq. And Lieberman is now paying the price. But according to some, this is not the only thing that defeated Lieberman. Some hold that Lieberman lost touch with his voters by staying in the DC bubble and not listening to his constituents.

The next two elections at least, the 2006 mid-term elections and the 2008 presidential election, will be a referendum on the Iraq War. This may be the only hope for those men and women dying in Iraq. Politicians will see that if they want to win an election, they must support getting our troops out of Iraq. And the next President I believe, will be an anti-Iraq War president intent on stopping it, if it's still going on by then.

George W. is intent on "staying the course" and he will do nothing to stop the killing in Iraq. It will only be when the people of this country get sick and tired of seeing our military men and women die in vain for nothing in Iraq! Already polls show 60% of Americans do not support the war in Iraq. Who knows what that figure will be by the 2008 election?

No Wonder They Still Support George W.

A new poll shows that half of Americans believe Iraq had WMD's in 2003. I was just discussing with a coworker the other day how any American can support George W. He has lied (or distorted the truth) several times, has misused his powers, and is just down right stupid, but still he has his following. As a matter of fact, there are still Americans who think George W. is one of the wisest men around. And I wonder why? With this new poll, despite a 16-month, $900-million-plus investigation, the U.S. weapons hunters known as the Iraq Survey Group declared that Iraq had dismantled its chemical, biological and nuclear arms programs in 1991 under U.N. oversight, some Americans still chose to believe George W. was right in regards to WMD's. But then again, there are still some Americans who believe a man never walked on the moon!

Vote...........Our Future Depends On It!

I know it's a bit early to be thinking about the 2006 election, but I want to encourage every Pennsylvania resident to vote Rick Santorum out of office! Santorum does nothing but pander to the right-winged religious crazies and the ultra-conservative Republicans. He has really damaged gay rights, not only for PA, but for every US citizen. And it's time that he is stopped!

I have considered moving to PA just to be eligible to vote against Santorum, but I am sure NJ will have its battles to fight in the future. To my knowledge, there are no big decisions to be made in NJ, but in 2008 I am pretty sure Frank LoBiondo is up for re-election, and he too must be defeated.

Philadelphia is a very gay-friendly city. Philly should be proud of its cultural diversity. Afterall, it is where freedom began. It is the City of Brotherly Love, and one which allows true freedom for those who love a bit differently than the "norm." Be proud Philly! Stand up and lead the rest of PA in defeating Rick Santorum!

Come On, Congressman LoBiondo!

I recently wrote an e-mail to Congressman Frank LoBiondo urging him to not support the Marriage Protection Amendment that thankfully was defeated in Congress a few weeks ago. The amendment was the House of Representative's version of the Senate's Federal Marriage Amendment, which was also defeated. LoBiondo supported this amendment by voting in favor of such an amendment to the Constitution. I received a response from Congressman LoBiondo thanking me for my concern and explaining to me what the Marriage Protection Amendment was, and that it was defeated. I already was aware of both these points. So, I wrote back to Congressman LoBiondo, and below is my letter to the Congressman:

Dear Congressman LoBiondo,

Thank you for your response to my e-mail regarding H.J. Res. 88, the Marriage Protection Amendment.

As I am very much aware, H.J. Res. 88 was an amendment to the Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. I also know that the resolution did not garner the required two-thirds majority of the House. These two points I completely understand.

My question to you was why did you support such a resolution? Do you honestly believe that discrimination should be a part of the Constitution, or are you too playing Republican politics by being used as a pawn of the extremely right-winged majority and the President of the U.S.?

Gay individuals in this country are not second class citizens and should have the same rights as any other citizen in the U.S. Marriage should be included as one of these rights.

I certainly hope in the future you will vote keeping the wishes of your constituents in mind, not just the outdated desires of the current Republican Party.


Frank LoBiondo, in my humble opinion, is another Republican that needs to go! He does nothing but vote whatever way the Republican Party says he should. His time has run out, and I will do my best to see to it that he is defeated when his term ends (in 2008 I believe).