Clipmarks | zasel's clips

Anchorage gay rights measure's changes criticized by both sides

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:18:36 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: After reading this article, I have little doubt why Sarah Palin became the governor of Alaska. She seems to fit very well into the mindset of many people in the state.

Clip Source: www.adn.com

Hundreds of people gathered outside Loussac Library for a second night of demonstration Wednesday, and scores lined up to testify at a special session of the Anchorage Assembly considering an amendment to the city's anti-discrimination law that would extend the law's protections to gays and lesbians.

Meanwhile off camera, efforts to redraft the proposed law to appease opponents had some original supporters backing away. Successive drafts not only water down the law but set into stone the discrimination it is meant to fight, they say.

Those who oppose any extension of the city's existing anti-discrimination law do not seem appeased by the re-drafts.

The original proposed ordinance, designated No. 64, simply added the words "sexual orientation" and "veteran's status" to the list of protected classes that is already city law -- race, color, sex, religion, national original, marital status.

we are taking a step forward, but we are also taking a giant leap backward," he said at the time.

Sacha Baron Cohen holds 'royal' premiere for Bruno in London

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:24:24 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: I love this guy's sense of humour. Sure it can be offensive to some, but offensive in a really harmless and satirical manner.

Clip Source: www.haaretz.com

Sacha Baron Cohen made a grand entrance Wednesday for the British premiere of his new mock documentary "Bruno," turning up in a skimpy variation of the uniforms worn by Buckingham Palace guards.

The British comedian came in character as Bruno in a towering bearskin hat, a red military waistcoat and tight black shorts. He was accompanied by a group of similarly attired men whose waistcoats showed off their midriffs.

"I just wanted to do something that was flattering for the royal family. Something that the queen - I'm not talking about Elton John - would really appreciate," said Baron Cohen as Bruno, a gay Austrian fashionista. "You know the British royal family and the Austrians have got a lot in common.

"Bruno" begins hitting theaters worldwide early next month, including July 10 debuts in Britain and the United States.

Racist jokes may have lasting impact on S.C. GOP

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:33:46 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: When will the GOP, especially in the South, begin to realize that this kind of racist crap is losing them support across the country? Probably not in the foreseeable future, because this kind of racism seems to be in their DNA.

Clip Source: www.mcclatchydc.com

State Republican leaders said they do not think online racist jokes by party activists will have a long-term impact on the party's ability to attract black voters and candidates. But political experts and Democrats disagree.

Twice this week Republican activists have apologized for racist humor.

Wednesday, flanked by members of the NAACP, Columbia GOP activist Rusty DePass apologized for the Facebook remark that likened first lady Michelle Obama's ancestors to an escaped Riverbanks Zoo gorilla. On Tuesday, Mike Green, an employee with Lexington GOP consulting firm Starboard Communications apologized for an online joke about President Barack Obama taxing aspirin "because it's white and it works."

President Obama fails to quell gay uproar Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/2386

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:13:26 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: The president had better wake up. This is no longer the 90's when the LGBT community could be placated with words and promises. We learned from the Clinton betrayal what with DADT and DOMA. This is Obama's responsibility. He raised hopes to the sky and now is showing the glass ceiling.

Clip Source: www.politico.com

President Barack Obama’s announcement Wednesday offering limited benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees failed to quell growing anger in the gay community that gay rights issues were getting short shrift at the White House.

In fact, Obama’s promise to offer ancillary employee benefits — such as long-term-care insurance and the right to use sick leave to care for domestic partners — while still denying more valuable benefits, such as health insurance and retirement funds, may have further agitated gay and lesbian activists who were already fuming over other perceived snubs.

“Are they kidding us? Domestic partnership benefits WITHOUT health insurance because of DOMA?” gay fundraiser and activist David Mixner told POLITICO in an e-mail. “It is like rubbing salt in the wound.”

“A patchwork approach that doesn’t amount to a full array of benefits one would want or expect ... does not seem like a very good olive branch.”

Outcry on Federal Same-Sex Benefits

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:17:13 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: Mixed feelings on this one kids. Obama has been very reluctant to keep his promises to the LGBT community. He has kicked DADT to the back burner, and there is no indication of when he will begin the process of repealing DOMA. The natives are restless. I am still taking a wait and see attitude, and I do have fairly high hopes.......for now.

Clip Source: www.nytimes.com

The package of domestic partnership benefits that President Obama established for federal workers on Wednesday drew the loudest protests from some of those it was intended to help, gay men and lesbians who criticized the move as too timid.

But several of the nation’s most prominent gay and lesbian political leaders quickly attacked the president for failing to extend full health care benefits to the same-sex partners of federal workers, questioning the administration’s explanation that it is precluded from doing so by the Defense of Marriage Act, which Mr. Obama had vowed to repeal during his presidential campaign.

Their outcry put the administration on the defensive for an action it had hoped would help address increasing complaints from gay activists who supported Mr. Obama’s election but now say he is ignoring the issues he promised to address

“I think it’s insulting,” David Mixner, a prominent gay rights advocate, said of the new benefits plan.

An Inaugural Dream? ‘Pinch Me,’ She Says

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:22:04 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: What a wonderful treat for people who often feel so left-out of celebrations, festivities and being part of the general public. As a person who uses a wheelchair, and know how difficult it can be to participate in some of life's more enjoyable events. It makes me feel very good to know these women will have the opportunity of witnessing history in the making.

Clip Source: thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com

Like millions of Americans, Rochelle Wilks had simple plans for the inauguration.

She had expected to be home in Jackson, Miss., glued to her television as President-elect Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.

But on Saturday, after friends raised nearly $2,500 for Ms. Wilks and her friend, Rosemary Bolton, to fly to Washington, the two were checking into a suite at the J.W. Marriott Hotel at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, in the heart of Inauguration 2009.

“We can’t do nothing but look at the prices here,” Ms. Bolton said, with her eyes fixed on the $1,000 a night sign posted for her eighth-floor studio.

Already, Ms. Wilks has a dress picked out, and hair and nail appointments scheduled. And doesn’t have to pay a single penny for any of it.

Ms. Wilks, 46, who has cerebral palsy and has used a wheelchair for for 15 years, is one of nearly a thousand women and girls invited to witness the inauguration firsthand by the Stafford Foundation

Tags: inauguration, history, handicap, wheelchair

Marriage bill to be filed in Maine

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:45:18 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: Another Eastern state is trying to legalize same-sex marriage. Naturally the bigots in the area are threatening all kinds of legal action including a Constitutional amendment to enshrine discrimination as part of their state's bedrock.

Clip Source: www.365gay.com

(Augusta, Maine) A state senator flanked by LGBT rights leaders announced plans Tuesday to bring in legislation this session that would allow same-sex couples to marry.

Sen. Dennis S. Damon (D) said the legislation would amend existing laws defining partners of a marriage to be “the legally recognized union of two people.”

He said the bill would eliminate discrimination in marriage licenses and would affirm that no religion would be forced to conduct a same-sex marriage.

The legislation, he said, also would recognize same-sex marriages from other states where they are legal.

Same-sex marriage bills already have been announced in Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

The chances of success in Maine are unclear at this stage.

Following Damon’s announcement, the conservative Maine Marriage Alliance said it would press for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

Tags: gay, same-sex marriage

Gay bishop to kick off Inauguration events

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:54:21 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: It doesn't totally erase the fact that Rick Warren will be doing the invocation and the actual inauguration, but this is at least an important acknowledgment of the new president's support of the LGBT community.

Clip Source: www.365gay.com

Gene Robinson, the Episcopal church’s first gay bishop, will deliver the invocation at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18 - the formal kickoff leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Obama.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the service, including the President-elect.

“It will be an enormous honor to offer prayers for the country and the new president, standing on the holy ground where the ‘I have a dream speech’ was delivered by Dr. King, surrounded by the inspiring and reconciling words of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address,” Robinson wrote in a weekend e-mail to supporters.

The announcement by the inaugural committee was one of two involving liberal religious leaders tapped by the committee. The Rev. Sharon Watkins, leader of the small Protestant denomination The Disciples of Christ, has been chosen to deliver the sermon at the National Prayer Service.

Watkins is the first woman leader of The Disciples of Christ

Tags: gay, politics, inauguration

Vermont marriage bill introduced

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 07:59:30 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: Vermont was first with Civil Unions, and now they are upping the ante and going for the full enchilada. Go Vermont!

Clip Source: www.smartbrief.com

A marriage bill has been introduced in Vermont, which has had a civil-union system in place since 2000, that would allow same-sex couples to wed, and also give religious institutions the power to refuse to conduct such ceremonies. "This is the year we've been planning for quite some time. In 2000 when the civil-union law passed it was a step forward but it was also a compromise," said Beth Robinson, director of Vermont Freedom to Marry. WCAX-TV (Burlington, Vt.) (01/07)

Tags: gay, marriage

Out former DNC official said to get White House job

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 07:57:06 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: Some signs in the right direction. I am still giving President-elect Obama the benefit of the doubt. There certainly have been a lot of mixed signals these days.

Clip Source: www.smartbrief.com

Brian Bond, who has held several positions with the Democratic National Committee and led the Victory Fund for six years, reportedly has been tapped to become deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. The openly gay Bond will advocate presidential policies to various constituency groups, with a special emphasis on LGBT concerns, according to this article. Advocate.com (01/08)

Tags: obama, gay, presidency, inauguration

9 in Senegal to Be Jailed for 8 Years

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:04:56 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: We send so much money to Africa for humanitarian purposes, but one has to wonder what their concept of humanitarianism is.

Clip Source: www.nytimes.com

Nine men were handed harsh sentences of eight years in prison after being tried on charges of conspiracy and “unnatural acts,” a term used to criminalize homosexuality, according to their lawyers and gay rights groups here on Thursday.

The men were arrested on Dec. 19 at the home of Diadji Diouf, a prominent gay activist who works with AIDS organizations to prevent the spread of the disease in the largely clandestine gay community in Senegal, according to Jöel Nana, a program associate for the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.

Antigay sentiment has been on the rise across Africa in recent years. Nigeria’s Parliament tried to pass a law last year that would restrict the rights of homosexuals to even meet to discuss their rights. Gambia’s president threatened to behead any homosexuals found in his country.

Last year, a group of men were arrested after a magazine printed photographs of what purported to be a gay wedding.

Tags: gay, africa, aids, homophobia, muslim, islam

Welcome to the World, Baby Palin (Oops, I Mean Johnston)

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:16:12 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: I don't generally take any pleasure in the misfortune of others, but these people seem to revel in their trashiness. Somehow, Sarah wants to convince America that her family is the quintessential American family, and everyone else is just plain un-American.

Thank you John McCain for putting "Country First" and losing this last presidential election and sparing the country such illustrious role models of how not to live our lives.

Clip Source: www.jewcy.com

18-year-old Bristol Palin, daughter of also-ran Vice Presidential candidate and current Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, gave birth to a son on Saturday. She and fiance Levi Johnston named the new addition Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston. Depending who you ask, this is either Bristol's first child or her second.

Bristol did not finish high school (neither did her brother Track, who is in the army, which brings Sarah Palin's total of high school graduate offspring to 0/5)

Levi, who is also a high school dropout, is training to work as an electrician.

If People is willing to drop a lot of coin for pictures of your infant, I guess that makes you by their logic a celebrity. What does this mean? It means that, for now, we're stuck with Bristol, Levi, Tripp, and the rest of the gang. That doesn't just include Sarah Palin, it includes Tripp's other grandma, Sherry Johnston, who got busted last week for selling OxyContin to an undercover police informant.

Tags: palin, election, trailer trash

Add Up the Damage

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:03:20 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: Bob Herbert, in this most excellent OP-ED summarizes why we must not permit George W. Bush to silently slip out of town. Read his entire commentary and see if you do not agree.

Clip Source: www.nytimes.com

Does anyone know where George W. Bush is?

You don’t hear much from him anymore. The last image most of us remember is of the president ducking a pair of size 10s that were hurled at him in Baghdad.

We’re still at war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Israel is thrashing the Palestinians in Gaza. And the U.S. economy is about as vibrant as the 0-16 Detroit Lions.

But hardly a peep have we heard from George, the 43rd.

When Mr. Bush officially takes his leave in three weeks (in reality, he checked out long ago), most Americans will be content to sigh good riddance. I disagree. I don’t think he should be allowed to slip quietly out of town. There should be a great hue and cry — a loud, collective angry howl, demonstrations with signs and bullhorns and fiery speeches — over the damage he’s done to this country.

This is the man who gave us the war in Iraq and Guantánamo and torture and rendition; who turned the Clinton economy and the budget surplus into fool’s gold; who dithered while New Orleans drowned

Tags: bush, damage, politics, president, lying

Judge Removes Child From Lesbian Parents

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:13:47 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: This is disgusting, through and through. These women were good enough to be the adopted parents of a 12-year-old child, and good enough to be responsible for this drug addicted infant when relatives could not be found, but now, for purely discriminatory and prejudiced reasons, this judge wants to take this child out of a loving home. Shame!

Clip Source: www.365gay.com

The West Virginia Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving a lesbian couple’s appeal of a lower court ruling that removed a child they had reared from birth because the judge wanted the child placed with a married opposite-sex couple.

Fayette Circuit Judge Paul Blake originally agreed to allow Kathyrn Kutil and Cheryl Hess to be foster parents for the infant girl, following a positive assessment by the Department of Health and Human Resources.

Court records show that the little girl was born to a drug addicted mother and the baby had had cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines in her system. Shortly after birth the baby went through drug withdrawal. The father was unknown.

The Department placed the child with Kutil and Hess, who had been approved as foster parents, when it could not find any blood relatives of the mother.

But nearly a year later when the couple applied to adopt the little girl both the Department and Judge Blake balked.

Tags: adoption, gay, lesbian

Calling In 'Gay' to Work Is Latest Form of Protest

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:06:42 GMT

clipped by: zasel
clipper's remarks: There seems to be no end to the imaginations of people, both straight and gay, who are angered by the narrow passage of Prop 8 in California. From what I gather, Wednesday was a big success.

Clip Source: www.foxnews.com

Some same-sex marriage supporters are urging people to "call in gay" Wednesday to show how much the country relies on gays and lesbians, but others question whether it's wise to encourage skipping work given the nation's economic distress.

Organizers of "Day Without a Gay" — scheduled to coincide with International Human Rights Day and modeled after similar work stoppages by Latino immigrants — also are encouraging people to perform volunteer work and refrain from spending money.

Sean Hetherington, a West Hollywood comedian and personal trainer, dreamed up the idea with his boyfriend, Aaron Hartzler, after reading online that a few angry gay-rights activists were calling for a daylong strike to protest California voters' passage last month of Proposition 8, which reversed this year's state Supreme Court decision allowing gay marriage.

The couple thought it would be more effective and less divisive if people were asked to perform community service instead of staying home

Tags: gay, prop 8, protests, homosexual, politics