Final Saturday Male Beauty

Log Cabin Hissy Fits

I guess the strain of trying to delude themselves into believing that by supporting the McCain/Palin ticket they are not acting like Jews for Hitler is getting to the Log Cabin Republicans (click the photo for a larger copy). Hence the rantings against those who rightly point out the idiocy of the LCR's endorsement of John McCain.

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Personally, I am a bit dumb founded as to how the LCR can define McCain as "the most pro-gay GOP presidential nominee in American history." The facts are that McCain has opposed EVERY piece of pro-gay legislation in Congress. True, he doesn't support - or so he says - the Federal Marriage Amendment but on the issue of gay marriage he supports state constitutional bans. Hello!!! About the only other thing McCain has done is not publicly advocate for the re-enactment of the sodomy laws. But then he doesn't need to - he'll simply appoint justices to the Supreme Court who would join Scalia, et al, and reverse Lawrence v. Texas. I think it's about time the LCR admit their self-loathing and go enroll in Daddy Dobson's "Love Won Out" ex-gay program. At least then they'd be honest with themselves and the rest of the LGBT community.

More Saturday Male Beauty

Gay Marriage Does NOT Squash Religious Freedom

The Baptist Press is disseminating more disingenuous untruths about the interplay between same-sex marriage and religious freedom. Not surprisingly, the ultra-homophobic Baptist Press claims that gay marriage would limit religious freedom. In point of fact, that is the exact opposite of the truth, but since the "conservative" takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention, the truth has seldom mattered to the SBC or its mouthpiece the Baptist Press. Also, as is all too typical, the Baptist Press claims to cite "legal experts" who in fact are generally anything but and in frequently went to whacked out, non-ABA accredited religious affiliated law schools (which means they cannot even sit for the bar exam in most states), work for Christianist groups where ideology trumps legal scholarship, and make their livelihood working to further an anti-gay jihad. The Baptist Press apparently believes that its readers are such ignorant morons that they will swallow the bogus preaching hook line and sinker.

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The truth of the matter is that it is restrictions and prohibitions against gay marriage that subvert religious freedom since such laws and constitutional provisions are based on one particular intolerant religious belief. The First Amendment provides in part:

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Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, . . .

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I and many others, including some religious denominations such as the Unitarians believe that freedom of religion includes the right to marry the person of one's choice regardless of that person's gender. Under the First Amendment, my right includes not being bound by the religious views of others or some denomination to which I do not belong. None of the laws and Court rulings that have granted gay marriage or same sex civil unions require anyone to get married or enter a union not of their choice. On the other hand anti-gay marriage laws - including Virginia's "Marriage Amendment" enacted in 2006 - deprive me of my free exercise of my religious beliefs on marriage and bar me from having a CIVIL law marriage. The real agenda of the Baptist Press and other Christianist organizations and publications is to inflict THEIR intolerant religious views on all. In short, their propaganda is a lie. Here's a sample of the deliberately untrue bullshit the Baptist Press is circulating (NOTE: Matt Staver - the dean of the late Jerry Falwell's Liberty University Law School - is an extreme homophobe and has made a career for nearly two decades out of attacking gays and seeking to limit our legal civil rights):

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The goal of homosexual activists, Staver said, is to transform society so much that it views opponents of "gay marriage" in the same light it views racists."That's the agenda. It's always been the agenda," Staver said. "There is no question that if same-sex marriage becomes legal, that churches eventually will have their tax-exempt status threatened -- no question whatsoever. If churches today discriminate against race, they would not be able to have tax-exempt status today. If churches discriminate on the basis of same-sex marriage -- if it became legal -- then same-sex marriage becomes the equivalent of race, and churches would not be able to have tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage."

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Remember, we are talking about CIVIL marriage rights for gays. Thus, none of what Staver says is true. Unfortunately, neither he nor the Baptist Press care that it's untrue. It is after all , all about their rights trumping everyone else's rights. It always has been.

More Catholic Church Insults to Sex Abuse Victims

I bookmarked this story a day or so ago and have been thinking about how to comment. I guess where I come down is that a garden that honors victims of clergy sexual abuse doesn't measure up to a hill of beans when the Popes - yes I mean the less than saintly John Paul II and Nazi Pope Benedict XVI - bishops and cardinals that allowed the sex abuse scandal to fester for decades and/or tried to cover it up remain in office and/or are treated as figures to be pampered and respected. If I were an abuse victim, I suspect that I'd tell the Oakland, California diocese to go do something rude and crude to itself.

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If the Roman Catholic Church were truly sorry and contrite (which it is NOT) for the world wide sexual abuse scandal, dozens and dozens of bishops and cardinals would have been removed from office. Likewise, instead of litigating tooth and claw against abuse victims, the Church would have voluntarily made settlements with those who had the lives ruined or severely damaged by predator priests. If Bishop Vigneron were truly sincere in his words, he would be publicly demanding that Rome act to remove bishops from office and publicly condemn former bishops and cardinals involved in the cover up. sadly, no one in the Church hierarchy has the guts or integrity to make such a public demand. Dedicating a garden is disingenuous at best in my view. Here are some highlights from CNN:

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Terrie Light stands outside Oakland's stunning new modern cathedral in a first-of-its-kind garden that honors victims of clergy sexual abuse. She was abused by a priest at age 7. "It's a really small, important physical representation of a horrific thing that happened in many places," she told CNN.

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At the garden's dedication on October 11, Allen Vigneron, bishop of Oakland, once again offered the church's apology. "To the hurts of so many innocents, we preferred the darkness to the light. And for that, I again make heartfelt apologies to all victim survivors. As it says on the plaques at the entries, 'We remember and we affirm: never again.'" Terrie Light, who has been a vocal advocate for abuse victims for many years, says getting the garden built was not an easy process. "We got silence, then we got passed around," she says.

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The garden is not what survivors had originally envisioned -- a lush, English garden with flowers and trees. But they are pleased with the outcome. "It's a very simple space," Light says. Most victims of abuse in the Oakland area favored the garden; a few opposed it, feeling that it implied closure to a problem that still exists.

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The problem very much still exists and I doubt that we will ever see anyone in positions of authority punished. Just look at Cardinal Law formerly of the Boston Archdiocese. He resigned that office but now has a major position and lives in lavish luxury at the Vatican. The moral bankruptcy of the Church continues undiminished.

Saturday Male Beauty

Apple Comes Out Against Proposition 8 and Donates $100,000 to No on 8

I can just imagine the spittle that must be flying over at the American Family Association. Once Don Wildmon cleans up after wetting himself upon hearing the news of Apple, Inc.'s public pronouncement and $100,000 donation, I'm sure he'll be announcing another one of his ineffective, all for show, boycotts. Not only has Apple taken the correct stand, but I also suspect it realizes gays and intelligent moderates and liberals represent a far greater market share for its products than the anti-knowledge Neanderthals that belong to the AFA. Note this statement from Apple's website:

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Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

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Apple correctly understands that the forces now opposing gay marriage are the same folks and their descendants who used religion and the Bible to justify slavery, bans on interracial marriage and segregation. Apple is on the right side of the issue and the right side on history. I suspect history will not judge the Christianists very favorably. The website also states:

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Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation.

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More coverage from the Los Angeles Times can be found here.

Savvy Navigator LLC

My friend, Jeffrey Ward (who calls Norfolk his home town), a 20-year travel industry veteran and executive coach, has launched a specialized gay tour company catering to sophisticated male travelers. With three departures planned in 2009, Savvy Navigator offers 12-day experiential, life-changing journeys for small groups to sample some of South Africa’s lesser-known attractions and meet with leading artists, naturalists and intellectuals.

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Jeff has traveled extensively both during his career with American Airlines and with his partner, Michael, who is a television producer. He's both knowledgeable and a great guy, so I can't think of anything more enjoyable than going on a personally guided trip with Jeff as my guide. Here is how Jeff describes the intent of his travel adventures:

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My concept for Savvy Navigator is the best dinner party imaginable extended over 12 days in settings of startling beauty.”. . . “Sophisticated travelers are craving something different and want the opportunity to have a transformative adventure that includes getting to know interesting locals, and not just have a traditional tourist experience.”

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Check out his web page and imagine the wonders you might experience.

Virginia Is Turning Blue

Andrew Sullivan has a post I found interesting and encouraging about an e-mail he received from a resident of Richmond, Virginia - capital of the Confederacy and often a bastion of conservatism- in reaction to the rally for Barack Obama at the Richmond Coliseum. I am convinced that Virginia is transforming from a backward thinking "red state" and hopefully in next year's state elections the Neanderthal Republican party of Virginia will see sweeping defeats. It is far past time for the state to fully move into the 21st Century. Here are some highlights from Andrew's post:

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I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and went to a private school there. My family has lived in the area for hundreds of years, dating back to the Revolutionary War. I'm white, and the only black people I saw growing up were maids, and the cafeteria workers at school, and a handful of black girls on scholarship from Harlem. My mother had a black male friend, and it seemed like a family scandal. . . . White people simply did not go to black neighborhoods - ever.

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I'm 37. I can't tell you how it makes me feel to see that rally with the Richmond Coliseum in the background. It isn't just happy, or relieved, or excited, it's overwhelmed. It makes me feel faint with joy. I thought the day would never come.

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Having attended one of Obama's rallies in Virginia Beach, I can understand the writer's feelings. As for the magnitude of the rally, here are some details from the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

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Someday, perhaps Richmond will build an arena big enough to fit all the people who want to see Barack Obama. Yesterday, though, with the Richmond Coliseum packed to the rafters with 12,900 people, about 7,000 supporters were left outside on a crisp autumn day to listen over loudspeakers as the Democratic candidate made his case for change.

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Obama tried to please many who braved bumper-to-bumper traffic and lines stretching for blocks. Delaying his scheduled speech, he worked the crowd before entering the Coliseum and striding onstage to ear-splitting applause. "I had to be here -- I had to come," said VCU student Cristen Palmour, 24, one of thousands who blew off work, skipped class, packed up the kids or skipped the morning at the senior center to see Obama.

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The event even drew people from England -- specifically, seven London women who planned a week long vacation to Richmond to help Obama get out the vote. "It's a moment -- it's history," said one, who had tears in her eyes as Obama spoke. "We're all global citizens."

More Friday Male Beauty

Glenn Nye for Congress

While I no longer live in the 2nd Virginia Congressional District, I have actively promoted Glenn Nye several times on this blog and attended fund raising events for him. Somewhat surprisingly, the Virginian Pilot has endorsed Glenn rather than incumbent Congresswoman, Thelma Drake who received the Pilot's endorsement two years ago. Not only is Glenn right on the issues that impact gay rights, he will also be a breath of fresh air compared to Thelma Drake who has typically voted in lock step with the Chimperator's policies. I know Thelma personally, but sadly I agree that both Congress and the 2nd District need Glenn to help clean up the mess from 8 years of Republican misrule - misrule which Thelma assisted. Here are highlights from the Pilot endorsement editorial:

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Two years ago, this page endorsed U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake's re-election, citing her "superior command on all the issues and her advocacy for her constituents, especially the military and veterans." Things have changed.

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Her opponent in 2008 is Glenn Nye, a Norfolk native of considerable promise, with a deep understanding of foreign policy, clear differences with his opponent and the poise to express them. Since 2006's Democratic takeover on Capitol Hill, Drake has been a member of a dwindling and increasingly rigid minority in Congress, and not a particularly effective one at that. It has led her into some curious decisions, including on the most important vote on veterans benefits in a generation.

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[A]ny hopes that the congresswoman might shift toward the moderate middle have been dashed by a continued adherence to the notion that party loyalty is more important than solving problems. Now she is arguing on the stump that she is a bipartisan legislator, even putting together a list of votes where she and Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama have aligned. But Drake's conversion, if that's what it is, runs counter to both her career and history. Instead, she has her feet firmly in the furthest reaches of the Republican Party's right wing.

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On many issues, Drake is among the most doctrinaire conservatives in Congress, according to multiple measures from multiple sources. She is also among the least powerful, according to congress.org and Roll Call, Capitol Hill's newspaper. . . . Back at home, Drake has run an especially distasteful campaign, based almost entirely on throwing spurious personal attacks at her opponent.

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In the campaign, Drake has been scrambling back to the middle where the electorate lives. Hers has been an unconvincing journey, particularly when so many of her political moves have been measured and dictated by the White House, even as it rode the nation into a ditch. For four years now, the congresswoman's hand was on the wheel, as surely as the president's, and she must be held accountable. After so many consistently wrong turns over so many years, it's unrealistic to expect Drake will help steer us out. In this election, quite simply, Nye's potential is a better bet than Drake's performance.

Mormons Bankroll Anti–Gay Marriage Amendments in California, Arizona

While it is within the legal rights to do so, it is nonetheless disturbing that the Mormons, a/k/a The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, are basically bankrolling the anti-gay constitutional amendments in both California and Arizona. By some reports, 77% of all funds have come from Mormons who are (i) seeking to impose their religious view of marriage on all citizens of those states and (ii) apparently trying to endear themselves to the Christianists who tend to view the Mormons as something other than fully Christian. I guess the theory is that if the sufficiently bash and disparage gays, then the Christianists will allow them to be full members of the Christian Taliban and increasingly deranged GOP base. Here are some highlights from The Advocate's coverage of the Mormon efforts to deprive gays of the right to marry in California:

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has mobilized followers to give an estimated 77% of donations to support California's proposed marriage ban. Californians Against Hate released figures Tuesday showing that $17.67 million was contributed by 59,000 Mormon families since August to groups like Yes on 8. Contributions in support of Prop. 8 total $22.88 million. Additionally, the group reports that Mormons have contributed $6.9 million to pass a a similar law, Proposition 102, in Arizona.

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"It is a staggering amount of money and an even more staggering percentage of the overall campaign receipts," Fred Karger of Californians Against Hate said in a press release. "The Mormon Church, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has hijacked the campaigns in both California and Arizona, where voters face constitutional amendments to end same-sex marriage."

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"For whatever reason, they're trying to get some respect from other religions," he told The Advocate Tuesday. "They've always been looked down upon by the Christians, the Catholics, and evangelicals." Success with the marriage amendment would give the church credibility, Karger said.

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The Latter-day Saints Church says it has approximately 770,000 members in California, accounting for about 2% of the state's population. Senior church elders broadcast a call to Mormons October 8 for increased volunteer efforts and donations for the marriage fight. The hour-long message went out to churches in Utah, Hawaii, and Idaho as well as California. Members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, the second-highest church governing body, explained their plan to pass the ballot initiative.

Friday Male Beauty

Dedicated to James Dobson

Another Face of Hate and Evil

I have long known that James Dobson - who pretends to be some harmless grandfather figure on his broadcasts - is a leading homophobe and hate merchant. Moreover, the man has no regard for the truthful and has turned the Gospel message into a vile message of hate and division. However, now, even this disingenuous, power mad, money hungry and evil fraud has out done himself in terms of trying to ratchet up hatred against LGBT citizens. Dobson has issued a an anti-Obama letter - I want to know if it is via Focus on the Family proper or not because if it is, perhaps the IRS needs to revisit its tax exempt status - which depicts gay Americans and our equality under the law as some pestilence from the Old Testament. Much of what is set out in Dobson's "Letter from 2012 in Obama’s America" is utterly untrue and - excuse my "French" - bullshit. But then, lies and bullshit aimed at harming the LGBT community are Dobson's stock in trade. The sad thing is that far too many Kool-Aid drinkers of the far right will read this crap and believe it true. The man is truly a menace to civil society and needs to be exposed for the lying fraud that he has long been. Here are a few high lights from Dobson's hate based screed:

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Finally the far-Left had the highest prize: complete control of the Supreme Court. And they set about quickly to expedite cases by which they would enact the entire agenda of the far Left in American politics – everything they had hoped for and more took just a few key decisions.

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Same-sex “marriage” The most far-reaching transformation of American society came from the Supreme Court’s stunning affirmation, in early 2010, that homosexual “marriage” was a “constitutional” right that had to be respected by all 50 states because laws barring same-sex “marriage” violated the Equal Protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. Suddenly, homosexual “marriage” was the law of the land in all 50 states. . .

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Boy Scouts: “The land of the free”? The Boy Scouts no longer exist as an organization. They chose to disband rather than be forced to obey the Supreme Court decision that they would have to hire homosexual scoutmasters and allow them to sleep in tents with young boys.

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Elementary schools: “The land of the free”? Elementary schools now include compulsory training in varieties of gender identity in Grade 1, including the goodness of homosexuality as one possible personal choice. Many parents tried to “opt out” their children from such sessions, but the courts have ruled they cannot do this. . .

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Adoption agencies: “The land of the free”? There are no more Roman Catholic or evangelical Protestant adoption agencies in the United States. Following earlier rulings in New York 7and Massachusetts,8 the U.S. Supreme Court in 2011 ruled that these agencies had to agree to place children with homosexual couples or lose their licenses.

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Public broadcasting: “The land of the free”? The Bible can no longer be freely preached over radio or television stations when the subject matter includes such “offensive” doctrines as criticizing homosexual behavior.

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Homosexual weddings: “The land of the free”? Church buildings are now considered a “public accommodation” by the Supreme Court, and churches have no freedom to refuse to allow their buildings to be used for wedding ceremonies for homosexual couples.

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Homosexuals in the military: One change regarding the status of homosexuals did not wait for any Supreme Court decision. In the first week after his inauguration, President Obama invited homosexual rights leaders from around the United States to join him at the White House as he signed an executive order directing all branches of the military to abandon their “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and to start actively recruiting homosexuals.

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Christian books: After the Supreme Court legalized same “sex marriage,” homosexual-activist groups targeted three large Christian book publishers that had publications arguing that homosexual conduct was wrong based on the teachings of the Bible. . . . As a result, those evangelical publishers could no longer distribute any of their books through any of these bookstore chains. Any Christian publisher that dares to print works critical of homosexual behavior faces the same fate. As a result, several Christian publishers have gone out of business.
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Obviously, Dobson has been re-reading his Joseph Goebbels handbook on propaganda tactics used against Jews in Nazi Germany to craft his very similar attack method on gays. One can only wonder how many LGBT citizens will be subjected to hate, violence and/or death at the hands of those listening to Dobson's hate speech. Dobson is many things, but being a true Christian is not one of them.

Threatening Letters Spark New Prop 8 Controversy

I have maintained for a long time that the anti-gay Christianists will resort to every imaginable lie and dirty tactic in their effort to force compliance with their hate-based religious views on all citizens. Now, based on reports coming out of San Diego, blackmail can apparently be added to the list of "Christian values" utilized by these horrid people who want to amend the California to strip same sex couples of civil marriage rights. The anti-gay Christianists and Mormons increasingly are showing themselves to be nothing more than thugs and fascists. At this point I would put nothing past them in terms of underhandedness and deceit. Hopefully, proper law enforcement officials will be called in and someone will be arrested for this possibly illegal tactic. Here are some highlights from KFMB-TV 8:

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A threatening letter has sparked a new controversy here in San Diego surrounding the gay marriage debate. Donors who gave money to the No on Prop 8 campaign say they received blackmail letters demanding money, and the Yes on 8 campaign now says the letters were sent by their employees.

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The letter from Yes on 8 came by certified mail, demanding at least $10,000. Jim Abbot knows exactly why he's being targeted - his business gave $10,000 to a group called Equality California, which supports No on Prop 9. Jim says nearly 25 percent of his staff is gay."We wanted to support their freedom to marry," he said.

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Yes on 8 confirms they sent around 30 companies the letter. A spokeswoman told News 8 they are just trying to hold their ground in a passionate race. She added that No on 8 supporters picketed the Manchester Grand Hyatt after Doug Manchester donated $125,000 thousand. The publicity caused at least one very large group to cancel its event at the hotel.

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News 8 couldn't find anything from No on 8 supporters demanding money from Yes on 8 supporters.As for Jim, he stands behind his donation, and will not be making a similar one to Yes on 8."We're not caving... we'll support our employees. We're going to support the freedom to marry, a fundamental right to do what we can to make sure it's not taken away," he said.

More Thursday Male Beauty

Former Bush Aide and Goldwater Granddaughter Voting for Obama

As I have said several times, each new day seems to bring the surprise of more Republicans jumping from the sinking McCain/Palin garbage barge to climb onto the Obama campaign. Today CNN is reporting that Scott McClellan, the former White House press secretary to the Chimperator, announced that he is voting for Barack Obama. Meanwhile the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Barry Goldwater’s granddaughter voted early in Fulton County on Tuesday — for Barack Obama. First highlights from CNN:

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Scott McClellan, the former White House press secretary who sharply criticized President Bush in his memoir last spring, told CNN Thursday he's voting for Barack Obama. "From the very beginning I have said I am going to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done and I will be voting for Barack Obama and clapping," McClellan told new CNN Host D.L. Hughley.

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McClellan isn't the first member of Bush's inner circle to express support for Obama. In 2007, former Bush strategist Matt Dowd also said he had become disillusioned with the president and said Obama was the only candidate that appealed to him.

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As for Barry Goldwater's granddaughter, here are highlights from the Atlanta Constitution:

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Barry Goldwater’s granddaughter voted early in Fulton County on Tuesday — for Barack Obama. . . . Alison Goldwater Ross, 45, waited about an hour and a half to cast her vote at the Fulton County government center in Atlanta, for the Democratic presidential candidate. “I’m avoiding the crowds on Election Day,” Goldwater Ross told my AJC colleague, Mary Lou Pickel.

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The Goldwaters and the McCains have a history of antagonism. “Coming from a political family, I had insight into a lot of things,” Goldwater Ross said. Of McCain, she said, “I don’t have respect for him.”

Sarah "Soccer Mom" Palin's $150,000 Wardrobe

While Sarah Palin claims to be an average Jane who relates to everyday Americans and is being marketed as such to the Kool-Aid drinking GOP base, the RNC's decision to spend $150,000 for a new wardrobe certain belies the claim. In today's bleak economy, spending the equivalent to 2 or 3 times the annual income of many struggling families is somewhat obscene, not to mention stupid. It has riled up many GOP contributors while also handing a bat to Palin's detractors to beat her down further. I like many other also wonder if Palin will treat this $150,000 windfall as taxable income as some tax experts say will be necessary. As I posted some time back, there are already some question as to whether or not Palin and the "First Dude" cheated on their past tax returns. Here are some highlights from the New York Time's tax on Sarah Palin's "wardrobe malfunction.":

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Sarah Palin’s wardrobe joined the ranks of symbolic political excess on Wednesday, alongside John McCain’s multiple houses and John Edwards’s $400 haircut, as Republicans expressed fear that weeks of tailoring Ms. Palin as an average “hockey mom” would fray amid revelations that the Republican Party outfitted her with expensive clothing from high-end stores.

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[C]ampaign finance reports confirmed that the Republican National Committee spent $75,062 at Neiman Marcus and $49,425 at Saks Fifth Avenue in September for Ms. Palin and her family. Advisers to Ms. Palin said on Wednesday that the purchases — which totaled about $150,000 and were classified as “campaign accessories” — were made on the fly after Ms. Palin, the governor of Alaska, was chosen as the Republican vice-presidential candidate. . .

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Yet Republicans expressed consternation publicly and privately that the shopping sprees on her behalf, which were first reported by Politico, would compromise Ms. Palin’s standing as Senator McCain’s chief emissary to working-class voters whose salvos at the so-called cultural elite often delight audiences at Republican rallies.

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“It looks like nobody with a political antenna was working on this,” said Ed Rollins, a Republican political consultant who ran President Ronald Reagan’s re-election campaign in 1984. “It just undercuts Palin’s whole image as a hockey mom, a ‘one-of-us’ kind of candidate.” Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, have been described as elitist by both Republicans and Democrats at times, and so much was made when she appeared on “The View” in June in a black-and-white patterned dress. Turns out it sold for $148 at an off-the-rack store.

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More than $130,000 of the charges used to outfit Ms. Palin and her family were initially footed by Jeff Larson, a prominent Republican consultant in St. Paul whose firm has been tied to the onslaught of negative robocalls about Mr. Obama from Mr. McCain’s campaign. . . . Federal Election Commission records showed Mr. Larson was reimbursed by the Republican National Committee for charges at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Barneys New York and Atelier New York, a men’s clothing store.Sarah Palin, N

Coming Out - Leting Go Of Old Hurts

I have had diverse reactions to my post this morning concerning the Christian allies of the cause of LGBT rights and in particular, Marriage in California. Some e-mailers have related their own positive experiences with gay accepting churches while others have questioned why I continue to have any involvement with organized Christianity other than working to show that it is, in their opinion, a big fraud. In answer to the latter question, I think there are at least two reasons for my continued adherence to Christianity and the ELCA in particular.

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First, I do believe that there is some higher being regardless of whether the name applied to such being is God, Allah, Jesus, or whatever. Personally, I believe in the New Testament Christian message even if I strenuously disagree with those who have turned that message into something hateful - e.g, James Dobson, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, et al. I have read enough biblical scholarship articles and books to at this point believe that we will NEVER know the real, 100% truth about Christ and his message. The Bible cannot be taken literally. It has simply been subject to far too much political pressures, personal agendas of the Gospel writers and different church leaders, and restricted by the limited knowledge and world view of writers of the Bible's books. Anyone who claims otherwise is either a liar or a fool or both. Because of my personal beliefs, I have no intention of allowing others to drive me away from the Christian faith tradition that I hold.

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The second reason/process - which also extends beyond religion to other issues overcome if they are to successfully "come out" and achieve self-acceptance as a LGBT person -is the need to let go of past hurts and abuses. If you continue to grasp past hurts and continue to look backwards, these elements from the past will continue to define and destroy your life. It took me quite some time to figure this out notwithstanding my therapist's constant lectures that I needed to do so. All of us suffer hurt and abuse from many directions growing up and not just from the religious denomination within which one was raised. These hurts also come from family members or society as a whole. One must let go of the past hurts in order to move on and also be able to enjoy the present moment.

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In terms of religion, I have endeavored to put past hurts behind me even though I am vigilant in trying to do my part to expose hypocrisy and stop future generations of LGBT individuals from suffering similar hurts. Part of this process involved severing my ties with the Roman Catholic Church which was responsible for so much of the psychological/emotional harm I suffered as a closeted gay boy, youth and man. I am much happier in the ELCA which honors a tradition similar to what I held onto, but with far, far less hypocrisy, meanness, and the downright evil now present in the Catholic Church hierarchy. From a wider view, I have tried to put many other past hurts behind me including but not limited to my difficult relationship with my dad growing up, feelings of guilt from my marriage and divorce, and "friends" who rejected me when I came out. I will be the first to admit that letting go of such hurts from the past is hard. But unless you do so, I believe that it will be difficult (if not impossible) to find self-acceptance and a peace with yourself as a gay man or woman.

Thursday Male Beauty

Our Christian Allies in the Battle for Gay Marriage

Often it is difficult for me and I suspect many LGBT individuals to remember that not all Christians are our enemies. We have suffered so much harm and what I call "spiritual murder" at the hands of those who purport to be Christians. With the battles over Proposition 8 in California and similar measures in Arizona and Florida, one hears a constant stream of anti-gay lies and rants from Christianists - who in my view are NOT true Christians - and in the process the efforts of true gay affirming Christians is lost in the noise. In fact, I have a number of clergy who read this blog on a regular basis. One e-mailed me last night as asked "Is there any way you can lift up the good work that's being done in the faith communities you see?"

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While as best I can determine, my own ELCA at the national level has not taken a formal position on Proposition 8, the ELCA and a number of other denominations went formally on record as opposing the Federal Marriage Amendment and any changes to the U. S. Constitution. Other religious groups that also signed the statement with the ELCA include the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee (Quaker), American Jewish Committee, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Episcopal Church, Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (Sikh), National Conference of Community and Justice, Metropolitan Community Churches, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington office, The Interfaith Alliance, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries.

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As Equality for Marriage points out, in the California battle before the California Supreme Court, a brief was submitted to the California State Supreme Court, this time bearing the signatures of more than 400 religious leaders and organizations. Among the list of signatories are; The California Council of Churches, California Faith for Equality, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ, the Union for Reform Judaism, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, Soka Gakki International – USA (Buddhism), Al Fatiha (Islam), Dignity USA (Catholicism) and Affirmation (Mormonism). As I have previously mentioned in a prior post the leading Episcopal bishops in California have also public urged their church members to vote no on Proposition 8. The views of gay affirming Christian organizations can be found in this open letter.

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On a more localized scale, here are some examples of what one reader who is rostered clergy said that they and their allies are doing in California:

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Many of us here in CA are trying to inject some sanity into the Prop. 8 debate. Last week I participated w/ 25 clergy from several different denominations in a clergy press conference and phone bank in sponsored by the local Council of Churches.

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Our Church joined other churches and the Council of Churches for 1/2 page ads in the local news papaer urging a NO vote. One of my pastor's columns was about marriage equality for all. Moreover, the majority of our clergy in our Church Conference (and some others) are working for full inclusion in the church for all.

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My concern: Some of our church members and those in other churches that I know of are freaking out. They find difficulty in finding hope in the work we're trying to do. . . . Michael, is there any way you can lift up the good work that's being done in the faith communities you see? I hope so. I don't blame you one minute for speaking of Christianists and wingnuts, but can you find a story of hope, and encouragement to hang on?

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I thank this reader and all true committed Christians who support equality for LGBT citizens for their efforts and will try to highlight their work more in the future.

Lunatic Wingnut Update

I did a post earlier today on an article posted on the blog of one Raani Starnes (pictured at left), in my view a Christianist fanatic, who condoned the bombing of a proposed gay friendly high school in Chicago to house 600 students. Although she (i) deleted that offensive post - a saved copy can be accessed via my earlier post - (ii) changed her screen name and (iii) deleted the option to leave comments on her blog, Ms. Starnes has continued her assault on gays. She has now posted a hateful letter from "Pastor" Steven L. Anderson, the pastor of Faithful Word Baptist Church in the phoenix area. To give you an idea of the expert opinion upon which Ms. Starnes bases her views, here are highlights of "Pastor" Anderson's credentials from the "church" website:

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Pastor Steven Anderson started Faithful Word Baptist Church on December 25, 2005. Pastor Anderson holds no college degree but has well over 100 chapters of the Bible committed to memory, including almost half of the New Testament.

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And what are "Pastor" Anderson's expert views on gays and homosexuality? The following are highlights from "Pastor" Anderson's article "The Truth about Homosexuals" posted on Ms. Starnes' blog. In my opinion, his article can fairly easily be categorized as hate speech since anyone reading it and believing it would likely feel no remorse about going out and murdering gays:

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1. Can Sodomites Be Saved? . . . Next God gives us a roll call of the attributes of the Sodomite (homosexual): “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, . . God has already rejected the sodomites. He gave them over to become the filthy animals they are.

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2. How Do the Sodomites Recruit Others to their Lifestyle? Every Sodomite in the Bible is a rapist or molester.

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3. Do Sodomites Only Prey on Males? A common misconception is that homosexuals are only attracted to and only prey on men. It is clearly seen in the Bible that homosexuals are perverted in other ways and are always bisexual. . . . Just because a man is married and has children does not rule out the fact that he is a sodomite pervert. . . . We need a revival of old-fashioned righteous indignation and hatred for sin and perverts.

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My opinion on "Pastor" Anderson? He acts like a self-loathing closet case to me. In my opinion, no one without SERIOUS issues about their own sexuality is THAT crazy and over the top obsessed about the sexual orientation of others. Based on Anderson's statements and his apparent sexual obsession, I hope no one leaves him alone with children. As he rightly notes, the fact that he's married with children doesn't mean that in his heart he isn't a sodomite himself. Anyone who wants to give comments to "Pastor" Anderson can do so here: Phone: (480) 248-4082; E-mail: Info@faithfulwordbaptist.org

Final Wednesday Male Beauty

Christian "Ministries" Leader Allegedly Had 9 Year Old Wife

A while back I did a post or two about the FBI and police raid on the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries compound in southwest Arkansas fueled by concerns that Alamo took a minor across state lines for sex. Now, new reports are that Alamo (pictured at left) will not be released on bond and that he may have had a 9 year old girl among his alleged multiple wives. I find the situation ironic in that Alamo and his "ministries" are precisely the types of "Christians" rallying to the standard of Sarah Palin. Gay marriage bad, religious lunacy and fanaticism good. Here are some highlights from CNN.com:

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A federal magistrate called Tony Alamo a flight risk Wednesday as he ordered the evangelist held without bail until his trial on charges that he took a minor across state lines for sex. The ruling came after Alamo's former followers testified at a hearing that they were often beaten at his instructions and one said Alamo practiced polygamy with several females, including a 9-year-old girl.

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Alamo, 74, said nothing after the ruling. His trial is scheduled for November 19. He was arrested in Flagstaff, Arizona, five days after a September 20 police raid on the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries compound in the southwest Arkansas town of Fouke. Six girls were taken into state custody for their protection.

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One witness called to the stand by prosecutors Wednesday, Jael Sprinkle, 32, testified that she was taken as Alamo's wife at age 17 and was considered his wife for two years. She said that Alamo had five other wives at the time and that she knew of him taking a 9-year-old girl as one.
Alamo is an advocate of allowing girls to marry when they reach puberty but has denied such unions took place within his organization.

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The federal charging document accuses Alamo of taking a 13-year-old girl across state lines for sex in 2004 and of aiding and abetting her transport across state lines for sex in 2005. Alamo, who is listed in court documents by his real name of Bernie Lazar Hoffman, has pleaded not guilty to the two charges, each of which carries a sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Palin's Lovefest with James Dobson

Sarah "Bible Spice" Palin was interviewed today by James Dobson (one of the most homophobic bigots around) on his radio show listened to by millions of far right Christianists. In it, she (1) maintained that John McCain supports 100% of the GOP Platform which panders completely to the Kool-Aid drinker faction in the party base, and (2) makes it clear that she is one of the Kool-Aid drinkers herself. While others are being pointed to as the ones responsible for Palin's selection for the VP slot on the GOP ticket, I would not be the least bit surprised to find out at some point in the future that Dobson and/or a few of the other prominent Christianist demagogues were actual behind Palin's selection. She is definitely a religious extremist just like Dobson, et al. Likewise, I would not be at all surprised to find out that it is Dobson's hope that McCain will get elected, die in office, and leave the country with Palin as president. Should that happen, W. might actually end up looking half way mediocre as a president. Here are some highlights from the Associated Press:

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Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin describes herself as a "hard-core pro-lifer" and expresses confidence that in spite of disheartening polls, "putting this in God's hands, that the right thing for America will be done at the end of the day on Nov. 4."

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In an interview with evangelical leader James Dobson that aired Wednesday, Palin said she thought Republican presidential candidate John McCain would implement the GOP platform if elected — "I do, from the bottom of my heart" — but McCain doesn't support the platform on three issues important to evangelicals: abortion, gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research. Palin called it a "strong platform" and told Dobson, "They are there, they are solid, we stand on them and, again, I believe that it is the right agenda for the country at this time."

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Palin thanked Dobson and supporters for their prayers and — when Dobson inquired about the importance of faith in her life — said: "It is my foundation, yes, my Christian faith is." She also used terms like "prayer warrior" and "intercession" — words that might be unknown to the average listener but are common vocabulary in Pentecostal Christianity.

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She continued: "When we hear along the rope lines that people are interceding for us and praying for us, it's our reminder to do the same, to put this all in God's hands, to seek his perfect will for this nation, and to of course seek his wisdom and guidance in putting this nation back on the right track."

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It will surely be fun watching Palin explain why He allowed Obama to win instead of McCain/Palin if an Obama victory should come to pass. If not, ALL of will be needing to pray for deliverance from the insanity of a McCain/Palin regime.

More Wednesday Male Beauty

Dedicated to gay hater Christianist, Raani Starnes

A Face of Hate and Evil

UPDATED: Apparently Raani Starnes was getting some unwanted attention - she has deleted the post I just quoted. Fortunately, her words are captured here on this blog and in the image that can be found here:

http://www.zshare.net/image/50185674e05412dc/

Hopefully other blogs have captured it as well. If you'd like to share your thoughts with Ms. Starnes, her contact information is as follows:

Raani Starnes: RAANISTARNES@YAHOO.COM 1904 Camino Rio Farmington, NM 87401

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I never cease to be amazed at the level of hate and advocacy of vitrol put out by self-styled, self-righteous, self-satisfied "Christians." A case in point is a blog that I came across via Bob Felton's blog, Civil Commotion, the author of which is apparently a Christian Reconstructionist. To this woman, gays are obviously not even human and the fact that we are the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and parents of people who love us not to mention responsible citizens. It means absolutely nothing to her. It apparently is all about her selfish need to feel superior and desire to force her unwanted religious beliefs on others. She states that she has four children - I surely hope one or more of them turn out to be gay, although I hate to think about what they might go through with such a mother. To me, she represents the smiling face of evil. Here are some statements from her blog:

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When I was in the process of moving and did not have internet access, I often visited a local library to check my e-mail and look at real estate listings. . . . One day as I was surfing the net, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation that was going on across the table from me. An openly gay teenage boy who was surrounded by female "friends" was talking about how he had recently had a relationship with a girl. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl's parents. Not only was their daughter sexually active, but she had engaged in some very high risk behavior by sleeping with a gay male.

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The homosexual agenda wants people to think that homosexual men are safe for women to hang around and even be alone with. Nothing could be further from the truth. The stories about Sodomites in the Bible teach us that they do violate women as well as men. . . . The term bisexual is an unnecessary distinction, because a faggot wants to defile anyone or anything he can get his hands on.

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A friend recently sent me this article about a "gay-friendly" high school. If we were living in a biblical society, homosexuality would be punishable by death so such a school would be unnecessary. Although I'm against the special accommodations, perhaps this new trend of segregation will protect straight kids from these predators. With any luck, some radical will blow up the gay school. No, I'm not condoning vigilantism--I'm merely saying that it would be poetic justice.

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The school she mentions is the proposed Pride Campus in Chicago which is expected to serve 600 students. This woman would welcome a bombing that could kill up to 600 students. It's beyond sick. Welcome to the face of Sarah Palin's Republican Party base. Oh, I forgot. She says her favorite book is the Bible. Sick. Very, very sick.

Message to Palin

A client who lives in central Florida sent me this photo of bumper sticker messages on a car at a Obama rally he attended. The bottom sticker definitely sums up my thoughts on Bible Spice Palin.

McCain's Health IS A Legitimate Issue

In what can only be described as a bizarre press release, T. L. Kittle, CEO and founder of the Blue Diamond Foundation, which allegedly has as its mission assisting people access health care services, has stated that John McCain's health should not be should be left out of public debate. Here are highlights of Ms. Kittle's statement:

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While Senator McCain should be questioned regarding decisions he has made as a Senator and choices he would make if he is elected President of the United States, any comments or criticism about the Senator regarding his health status should be left out of public debate. Unless he has a disease attacking his cognitive abilities, all criticisms and concerns regarding his current health status are none of the public's business.

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Excuse me, but yesterday's NBC poll revealed that 55% of the respondents believed that Sarah "Bible Spice" Palin is NOT ready to take over as president if John McCain should become incapacitated. John McCain is the one who selected (or knuckled under to the selection by others) of the totally not ready for prime time Ms. Palin. HE made the state of his health a HUGE issue. Thus, one can only wonder what drugs Ms. Kittle is taking if she cannot figure this out. Or does she have some other agenda? Maybe the need for her foundation goes away if Barack Obama's health care plan is successfully put into place. I do not propose to know, but her statement seems to me to be the height of idiocy, especially since if elected, McCain would be the oldest individual EVER to take office as president (not to mention his four bouts with melanoma). I would suggest further that McCain's selection of Palin DOES raise questions as to his cognitive abilities.

Only the Robots Remain

From the Washington Post - I agree. Only robots and nutcases remain loyal to today's GOP.

Wednesday Male Beauty

From Corpus Christi

Gay Jesus Christ Superstar

“Corpus Christi,” which depicts a gay Christ-like figure and 12 gay apostles has returned the stage in New York City and this time without protests and bomb threats as occurred in 1998 when the play first premiered. The plays producers at the time described the play as recounting the tale of a young gay man named Joshua on his spiritual journey,'' in which the audience becomes acquainted with ''the twelve disciples who choose to follow him. Not surprisingly, professional Catholic victim, William A. Donohue, president of the perpetually whiny Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, called the play an act of bigotry. I guess no one knows more about being a bigot than Donohue who routinely seeks to trample on the civil rights of others, particularly gays. Here are some story highlights from the New York Times:

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Not one angry protester showed up at the first performance of the New York revival of Terrence McNally’s notorious “Corpus Christi.” There was no talk in the aisles of free speech or the First Amendment. I didn’t even walk through a metal detector. Times have certainly changed.

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Only a decade ago this fragile, heartfelt play, which portrays Jesus as a young gay man, sparked hysterical protests from religious groups, leading to bomb threats at the Manhattan Theater Club, which canceled the show. Outrage ensued, and before you knew it, a culture war had erupted, before anyone had seen one scene. When the production finally opened, it turned out that it was an earnest and reverent spin on the Jesus story, with some soft-spoken, gay-friendly politics thrown in.

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One wishes the playwright had delved deeper into the love story between Joshua and Judas (Steve Callahan), who is the most interesting of the apostles here. A soulless yuppie, he’s starved for Joshua’s attention and love, and bitter when unable to get them.

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At one point, two men ask Joshua to marry them. When he agrees, they want him to be sure, bringing up the scriptural passage that says man shouldn’t lie with man. Joshua responds, “Why would you memorize such a terrible passage?” Later he strikes a priest for denouncing him, and a follower asks about turning the other cheek. “Do not take everything I say so seriously,” Joshua replies, revealing a wit rarely seen in the Bible.
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The play clearly does not appear overly threatening, but then again, it takes very little to rattle the fragile, artificial, form over substance faith of most Bible beaters.