Tuesday, June 01, 2010
More Florida Travels
This morning we are headed down to Key West by car and will cross the oversea highway which is a ribbon of islands and bridges that runs all the way out to Key West which is the southern terminus of US Route 1. Yesterday we had a great day out in M and D's boat - pictured above - and did a tour of the Inter-coastal Waterway and then a cruise up the coastline from the port of Ft. Lauderdale to Hillsborough and then back down the Inter coastal. The weather was perfect and we got plenty of sunshine. If the weather continues to be good, I will look like a Indian (I tan very easily) by the time we get back to Hampton Roads. On the way down to Key West we are stopping for lunch with another of the boyfriend's clients and her husband. Once we get to Key West I will have access again via my own computer (I've been using D's to post). I hope readers everywhere had a great weekend.
More Insubordination by Military
As Bil Browning at The Bilerico Project has noted, the insubordination among the military brass and Obama appointees who want to torpedo the repeal of DADT continues and once again I can;t help but ask why Obama doesn't fire some people? If such deliberate undermining is allowed it underscores that our faux "fierce advocate is talking out of both sides of his mouth. In the instant case, those deserving pink slips are Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen George W. Casey who sent an e-mail to troops questioning Congresses action to date on the repeal "compromise" which I continue to view as an abortion and a breach of Obama's campaign promises to LGBT Americans. What also enrages me is that these as*holes are so solicitous of heterosexual troops' views and feelings, yet gays in the military merit ZERO consideration. Here are some highlights from Bil's piece:*
Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen George W. Casey sent an e-mail to troops over the weekend about Congress' "Don't Ask Don't Tell" repeal compromise. The legislation, which has been passed by the House and a Senate subcommittee, would give authority to repeal DADT to the President, the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, and the Secretary of Defense after the military issues a formal report in December.
*
In the e-mail, McHugh and Casey complain about Congress's efforts to repeal DADT, saying, "such an action taken before the men and women of the Armed Forces were consulted could be seen as a reversal of our commitment to hear the views of our Soldiers and Families before the law was repealed."
In the e-mail, McHugh and Casey complain about Congress's efforts to repeal DADT, saying, "such an action taken before the men and women of the Armed Forces were consulted could be seen as a reversal of our commitment to hear the views of our Soldiers and Families before the law was repealed."
*
They go on to implore soldiers to tell others to "resist that urge to think that this is a 'done deal'." They hint strongly that Congress' actions aren't important since the military has to sign off on the repeal as well. The two also ask officers to tell "your soldiers and your Families [sic]" that "the current law remains in effect."
They go on to implore soldiers to tell others to "resist that urge to think that this is a 'done deal'." They hint strongly that Congress' actions aren't important since the military has to sign off on the repeal as well. The two also ask officers to tell "your soldiers and your Families [sic]" that "the current law remains in effect."
*
The full e-mail can be found at Bilerico, but here are some highlights from it. Again, why is Barack Obama allowing this to go on and why doesn't he ask for some resignations NOW??
*
Please get this information to your soldiers and Families and ask them to resist that urge to think that this is a "done deal" and that their input is unimportant. It is imperative that they continue to provide their candid responses to the review team. We remain committed to hearing your views and concerns conveying them to our leadership before going forward on such an important issue in a time of war. Also remind them that the current law remains in effect.
Monday, May 31, 2010
New Catholic Church Hypocrisy Alert
There are times that I doubt people could make up stuff that would be a bigger case of outrageous hypocrisy than the members of the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy trying to depict media coverage of the literally world wide sexual abuse scandal as nothing more than anti-Catholic bigotry. What flipping planet do these folks come from? Tens of thousands of victims of sexual abuse, billions of dollars of settlements paid out to victims and there families and it's all just because of anti-Catholicism. These bastards truly need to be put in prison. One such disingenuous nutcase is Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine (pictured above left), one of Scotland’s most senior Catholic clerics. Here are some highlights from the Scotland Herald on Devine's blather: *
The Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine, said in an article in The Herald’s sister paper, the Sunday Herald, that the impact of sectarianism was constant for most Catholics, and added: “The proper name for it is anti-Catholicism”. He described elements in the media as “hell-bent on depicting the Catholic Church as the paedophile empire of sexual abuse against children,” and he attacked as “scurrilous” attempts to smear the Pope in relation to abuse scandals.
*
But he said some parts of the media had attempted to depict “the Catholic Church as the paedophile empire of sexual abuse against children”. He said: “Some of their more fallacious allegations betray something insidious about their agenda.”
*
He also said families were the source of the majority of abuse, and claimed that fewer than half of one per cent of the clergy had any sexual allegations made against them. “Official statistics reveal that more than 75% of all sexual abuse of minors happens in the family, perpetrated by family members, mostly those who are married, and by others known to the victims,” he said. Abuse also takes place inside other institutions and professions, he pointed out. “Sexual abuse of minors is not a ‘Catholic Church’ problem.
He also said families were the source of the majority of abuse, and claimed that fewer than half of one per cent of the clergy had any sexual allegations made against them. “Official statistics reveal that more than 75% of all sexual abuse of minors happens in the family, perpetrated by family members, mostly those who are married, and by others known to the victims,” he said. Abuse also takes place inside other institutions and professions, he pointed out. “Sexual abuse of minors is not a ‘Catholic Church’ problem.
*
Meanwhile Pope Benedict XVI is appointing inspectors in Irish Catholic Church abuse probe -even though Benedict is ignoring his own culpability and failure to protect children and youth from known sexual predators such as I commented about yesterday and in other prior posts. Reuters has highlights on Benedict's efforts to appear to be cleaning house despite the fact that he himself and others need to be removed from office:
*
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – The Vatican on Monday named prominent Churchmen to lead its official inquiry into sexual abuse of children by clergy in predominantly Roman Catholic Ireland. The wide-ranging inquiry, which will begin in the autumn, will be headed by two cardinals and three archbishops from England, the United States and Canada.
*
Pope Benedict announced the inquiry, formally known as an “apostolic visitation,” last March in a letter to the Irish people about the sexual abuse scandal in their country, which has led to the resignation of three Irish bishops. A Vatican statement said the investigation will begin in four dioceses — Armagh, Dublin, Cashel-Emly, and Tuam — and then be extended to other dioceses.
*
Pope Benedict announced the inquiry, formally known as an “apostolic visitation,” last March in a letter to the Irish people about the sexual abuse scandal in their country, which has led to the resignation of three Irish bishops. A Vatican statement said the investigation will begin in four dioceses — Armagh, Dublin, Cashel-Emly, and Tuam — and then be extended to other dioceses.
*
It said the Vatican wanted “to respond adequately to the situation caused by the tragic cases of abuse perpetrated by priests” and help lead to “spiritual and moral renewal” in the Irish Church.
*
PLEASE get me a barf bag now!!
India Begins to Chase the "Pink Dollar"
It's a lesson that Virginia should learn from - entrepreneurs in India are learning to chase the gay tourism dollar and working to set up gay friendly tours and resources to help attract free spending gay travelers. Being here in Ft. Lauderdale and then heading to Key West tomorrow, the evidence of the good business sense this approach entails is everywhere. Acceptance and tolerance clearly equates to increased business revenue - a concept lost on Gov. Bob "Taliban Bob" McDonnell and Ken Kookinelli. As we have noted previously, the ONLY segment of the tourism market that grew during the worst of the recession was the gay travel segment. Despite this, too many areas like Virginia basically put up a "gays not welcome" sign and screw over their own tourism industry. Here are some highlights from Lanka Business Online that looks at the smart business sense starting to take off in India:NEW DELHI, May 30, 2010 (AFP) - Sanjay Malhotra, the owner of an Indian travel company, knows his target market -- so he seeks out and recruits gay-friendly guides, taxi drivers and hotel managers. "Nobody who works for me laughs or passes a silly remark if two men are obviously partners. They treat gays as anyone else because I have hand-picked these people," he said.
*
Malhotra's company, Indjapink, is a bold venture offering custom-designed travel packages for gay men who are keen to explore India but who are often victims of what he calls "cheap abuse and insults." "We identify the needs of gay travellers," he said. "People who look after our clients are all aware of and respect their sexual preference, ensuring they can travel without fear of discrimination."
*Malhotra's company, Indjapink, is a bold venture offering custom-designed travel packages for gay men who are keen to explore India but who are often victims of what he calls "cheap abuse and insults." "We identify the needs of gay travellers," he said. "People who look after our clients are all aware of and respect their sexual preference, ensuring they can travel without fear of discrimination."
Malhotra, who is also a professional fashion designer, said that while the fight to gain acceptance continues, savvy marketers and entrepreneurs are now chasing the "pink money". In many parts of the West, the purchasing power of the gay community has long been acknowledged in areas of retail from clothes and travel to bars and nightclubs.
*
"Gay men are the biggest spenders on lifestyle products. They have maximum disposable incomes and do not hesitate to pay a bit extra if their needs are addressed," he said. Lucknow-based historian Saleem Kidwai, co-author of a 2001 book called "Same-Sex Love in India", said he was flooded with offers from Indian publishers to write books about -- and for -- gays and lesbians.
*
"Until recently, publishers would outright refuse to print such books, fearing controversy and attacks by hardline groups," said Kidwai, who is researching Sufi saints who have penned verses in support of gay lifestyles. "But now they demand it, and are commissioning writers to focus on these sorts of subjects," he said.
*"Until recently, publishers would outright refuse to print such books, fearing controversy and attacks by hardline groups," said Kidwai, who is researching Sufi saints who have penned verses in support of gay lifestyles. "But now they demand it, and are commissioning writers to focus on these sorts of subjects," he said.
"Worldwide, pink money is valued in billions of dollars across a variety of sectors. It is high-time India cashed in," said Ravi Dhaliwal, manager of a swish nightclub in the eastern city of Kolkata. Dhaliwal has been organising private parties for the gay community since 2009 and said business was growing every month. "We are now planning to start queer-friendly brunches, fashion shows, painting and photo exhibitions. There is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow," he said.
*In a potentially positive note, on June 9th the City of Hampton department of economic development is holding a meeting with gay business owners as part of its revitalization of the Phoebus area of the city which Hampton would like to see develop like Ghent did in Norfolk. As is often the case, Ghent's revival was pioneered by LGBT residents and the arts community. Would that Virginia as a whole would wake up to economic reality.
Where the Boys Are
This weekend in Ft. Lauderdale - actually on this past Friday - the City celebrated the 50th anniversary of the song and movie "Where the Boys Are" which I remember well from when I was a kid. In retrospect, I guess I should have known what was up with myself even then since I focused more on the boys in the film than the girls. In any event, walking along the beach - particularly along Sebastian Beach - there were loads of posters like the one set out above. Saturday Connie Francis also performed her famous song. While we missed the event, it certainly brought back memories seeing all of the posters and event details. Here are highlights from a release issued by the City of Ft. Lauderdale that also has a link to a video clip of Francis' arrive in the city:*
Connie Francis still knows how to make an entrance! Riding in a vintage red Cadillac convertible, the star of the 1960 classic movie "Where The Boys Are" recently returned to Fort Lauderdale Beach to announce plans for the “Great American Beach Party,” a major special event scheduled for May 29, 2010 that will celebrate the film’s 50th Anniversary.
*
We’re honored to welcome Connie Francis back to Fort Lauderdale Beach to mark this historic occasion,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler at the kick-off gathering. “It’s a unique way to unveil our plans for a one-of-a-kind event that pays tribute to this film and captures the spirit and nostalgia of the 1960s.”
*
The Great American Beach Party with Connie Francis will take place on Saturday, May 29, 2010, and will feature a day and evening full of exciting activities on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Read the "Where The Boys Are" event flyer
The Great American Beach Party with Connie Francis will take place on Saturday, May 29, 2010, and will feature a day and evening full of exciting activities on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Read the "Where The Boys Are" event flyer
*
The free event will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. when a portion of Fort Lauderdale’s world famous A1A will be transformed into an entertainment mecca, featuring music, live performances, and activities for the entire family.
The free event will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. when a portion of Fort Lauderdale’s world famous A1A will be transformed into an entertainment mecca, featuring music, live performances, and activities for the entire family.
*
Live bands will perform classic hits from the 1950s and ‘60s throughout the day in the vicinity of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. Children and adults will enjoy an array of activities including hula hoop, limbo and Twister contests, a water balloon toss and a sand castle building competition.
Live bands will perform classic hits from the 1950s and ‘60s throughout the day in the vicinity of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. Children and adults will enjoy an array of activities including hula hoop, limbo and Twister contests, a water balloon toss and a sand castle building competition.
President of Malawi Frees and Pardons Gay Couple
In an apparent display that international pressure and condemnation can make a difference with anti-gay regimes and countries, the President of Malawi has pardoned and freed Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were sentenced to 14 years hard labour earlier this month. Unfortunately, the couple still faces danger from a homophobic population and would appear best served if they can find a way to leave Malawi. Sadly, their own families will not welcome them -something which as a parent I believe speaks volumes about their families and parents - none of it good. To reject one's child this way indeed demonstrates to me that the ones who are f*cked up are the parents. I wish Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza the best of luck and hope they find a way out of Malawi quickly. Here are some story highlights:BLANTYRE, Malawi — A gay couple from Malawi have kept out of the public eye after being pardoned and freed from prison, in what a relative said Sunday was a deliberate decision prompted by the conservative view of homosexuality in the southern African country.
*
Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza were released late Saturday, hours after President Bingu wa Mutharika pardoned them without condition. But in giving his pardon, which he said was on "humanitarian grounds only," Mutharika warned that homosexuality remains illegal in the conservative southern African country. Activists said late Saturday that they were searching for a safe house for the couple, fearing they could be attacked upon release.
*Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza were released late Saturday, hours after President Bingu wa Mutharika pardoned them without condition. But in giving his pardon, which he said was on "humanitarian grounds only," Mutharika warned that homosexuality remains illegal in the conservative southern African country. Activists said late Saturday that they were searching for a safe house for the couple, fearing they could be attacked upon release.
Malawi had faced international condemnation for the conviction and harsh sentence given to the two men, who were arrested in December, a day after celebrating their engagement. Malawi is among 37 African countries with anti-gay laws, and strong attitudes against homosexuality.
*
Their release was welcomed by the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, international rights groups and the White House. In Washington, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs praised the move, urging an end to "the persecution and criminalization" of sexual orientation and gender identity.
*
Would that Barack Obama would follow Gibbs' statement and order an immediate end to discharges under DADT.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Future Pope Benedict XVI Refused Defrocking of Convicted Priest
The bad news for Papa Ratzi continues to unfold as more coverage of priests shielded from defrocking by now ope Benedict XVI hits the news media. As I and others previously commented, Benedict XVI was previously directly linked to protecting a priest who abused over 200 deaf boys. Now yet another case has come to light. While Benedict has feigned sorrow over the sexual abuse scandal, he has yet to confess any personal guilt for his transgressions and actions that allowed sexual predators to ruin the lives of children and youths. *
The Associated Press has accessed more documents that confirm that Benedict covered up for yet another sexual abuser before he became Pope. While there are some that have alleged that I am anti-Catholic. This charge is not true. What I am against is lies and hypocrisy. Something that Benedict XVI and most of the Church hierarchy is guilty of in spades. While continuing to denigrate LGBT individuals and involving itself in political efforts to deny gays equality under the civil laws, the Church leadership continues to brazenly act holier than thou even with all the evidence on the table as to the criminal conspiracy to cover up the sexual abuse of children and youth. Adding to this utter hypocrisy is the Vaticans claims that it does not exercise control over diocese and ultimately ever parish around the world. The Virginian Pilot has a story today that shows just how untrue such claims are and that they trace all the way to Benedict himself. It is a disgusting state of affairs and the lies and hypocrisy need to be exposed over and over again until the laity demands a full house cleaning of the Church. Here are some highlights:
*
The future Pope Benedict XVI refused to defrock an American priest who confessed to molesting numerous children and even served prison time for it, simply because the cleric wouldn't agree to the discipline. The case provides the latest evidence of how changes in church law under Pope John Paul II frustrated and hamstrung U.S. bishops struggling with an abuse crisis that would eventually explode.
*
Documents obtained by The Associated Press from court filings in the case of the late Rev. Alvin Campbell of Illinois show Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, following church law at the time, turned down a bishop's plea to remove the priest for no other reason than the abuser's refusal to go along with it.
*
Campbell's is one of several decades-old cases to emerge in recent months raising questions about Ratzinger's decisions and the church law he was following involving abusive priests as head of the Catholic Church's doctrinal watchdog office, a position he took in 1981. The round of scandals worldwide left the Vatican initially blaming the media and groups supporting abortion rights and gay marriage, but recently Benedict has denounced the "sin" that has infected the church.
*
Campbell's misdeeds date back at least 15 years before his defrocking.As an Army chaplain, he was reprimanded and ultimately left the service after abusing at least one boy, according to military and church correspondence. An Army letter in his file said he had exploited his rank and position as a chaplain "by engaging in indecent homosexual acts" with a child under 16 who had been under his supervision.
*
Even so, Bishop Joseph McNicholas, then at the helm of the Springfield diocese, wrote to him, "Be assured that we will welcome you with open arms here at home." While church officials overseeing clergy in the military were alerted of Campbell's actions, and reference is made to the molestations in Ryan's letter to Ratzinger, it's not clear whether McNicholas knew.
*
Campbell became a pastor upon his return to the diocese. In at least three instances after returning to diocesan work, he was forced to depart jobs as parish pastor or administrator "for reasons of health," a euphemism for sexual abuse used within the church that Ryan himself put in quotes.
*
After workers at a rape crisis center alerted authorities that they were treating one of Campbell's victims, police found he had been plying boys with video games, bicycles, watches and other gifts to get them to the waterbed in his second-floor rectory bedroom. Ryan sent Campbell to a New Mexico treatment facility after the arrest.
*
Campbell was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 1985, after admitting to molesting seven boys during his time as pastor of St. Maurice Parish in Morrisonville, Ill. He was released in 1992 after serving about seven years for sexual assault and sexual abuse.
*
Ryan apparently waited four years after Campbell went to prison, according to church files, before asking for the priest's defrocking. . . . In his 1989 letter to Ratzinger, Ryan outlined Campbell's many offenses against children and asked for his laicization. He pointed out the local notoriety of the priest's case and said his crimes and those of another abusive priest had already cost the diocese $1.5 million in damages and legal fees.
*
Ratzinger refused, citing Vatican policy, and told the bishop to proceed with a church tribunal.
*
Hmm . . .Ratzinger/Benedict XVI condemns gays in committed relationships and describes same sex marriage as an abomintation. Indeed, he calls gays "inherently disordered." I'm sorry, but in my humble opinion, it's Benedict XVI who is disordered and - if he had any integrity - would resign from office.
*
The future Pope Benedict XVI refused to defrock an American priest who confessed to molesting numerous children and even served prison time for it, simply because the cleric wouldn't agree to the discipline. The case provides the latest evidence of how changes in church law under Pope John Paul II frustrated and hamstrung U.S. bishops struggling with an abuse crisis that would eventually explode.
*
Documents obtained by The Associated Press from court filings in the case of the late Rev. Alvin Campbell of Illinois show Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, following church law at the time, turned down a bishop's plea to remove the priest for no other reason than the abuser's refusal to go along with it.
*
Campbell's is one of several decades-old cases to emerge in recent months raising questions about Ratzinger's decisions and the church law he was following involving abusive priests as head of the Catholic Church's doctrinal watchdog office, a position he took in 1981. The round of scandals worldwide left the Vatican initially blaming the media and groups supporting abortion rights and gay marriage, but recently Benedict has denounced the "sin" that has infected the church.
*
Campbell's misdeeds date back at least 15 years before his defrocking.As an Army chaplain, he was reprimanded and ultimately left the service after abusing at least one boy, according to military and church correspondence. An Army letter in his file said he had exploited his rank and position as a chaplain "by engaging in indecent homosexual acts" with a child under 16 who had been under his supervision.
*
Even so, Bishop Joseph McNicholas, then at the helm of the Springfield diocese, wrote to him, "Be assured that we will welcome you with open arms here at home." While church officials overseeing clergy in the military were alerted of Campbell's actions, and reference is made to the molestations in Ryan's letter to Ratzinger, it's not clear whether McNicholas knew.
*
Campbell became a pastor upon his return to the diocese. In at least three instances after returning to diocesan work, he was forced to depart jobs as parish pastor or administrator "for reasons of health," a euphemism for sexual abuse used within the church that Ryan himself put in quotes.
*
After workers at a rape crisis center alerted authorities that they were treating one of Campbell's victims, police found he had been plying boys with video games, bicycles, watches and other gifts to get them to the waterbed in his second-floor rectory bedroom. Ryan sent Campbell to a New Mexico treatment facility after the arrest.
*
Campbell was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 1985, after admitting to molesting seven boys during his time as pastor of St. Maurice Parish in Morrisonville, Ill. He was released in 1992 after serving about seven years for sexual assault and sexual abuse.
*
Ryan apparently waited four years after Campbell went to prison, according to church files, before asking for the priest's defrocking. . . . In his 1989 letter to Ratzinger, Ryan outlined Campbell's many offenses against children and asked for his laicization. He pointed out the local notoriety of the priest's case and said his crimes and those of another abusive priest had already cost the diocese $1.5 million in damages and legal fees.
*
Ratzinger refused, citing Vatican policy, and told the bishop to proceed with a church tribunal.
*
Hmm . . .Ratzinger/Benedict XVI condemns gays in committed relationships and describes same sex marriage as an abomintation. Indeed, he calls gays "inherently disordered." I'm sorry, but in my humble opinion, it's Benedict XVI who is disordered and - if he had any integrity - would resign from office.
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