Alabama GOP Gubernatorial Candidates

If you don't follow Alabama politics, you probably have never heard of Judge Roy Moore.  He was kicked off of the Alabama Supreme Court and out of his seat as Chief Justice for refusing to follow a federal court order to remove a Christian religious monument from the court house.  He's considered fairly right wing.  However, it seems that most of the Republican candidates for Governor in Alabama are even further to the right than Judge Moore.  According to an article in the Mobile Press Register, even Judge Moore thinks so.

This is really to be expected in a Bible belt state like Alabama.  But there is one candidate who seems to be taking things a little further.  James Potts, from Bibb county, thinks that it's ok to display monuments from other religions on government property, unless it's a monument to the Muslim faith.  In fact, Mr. Potts stated, "Either you accept our way of life or you go back to another country that is Muslim".  How can someone running for public office take a position that is so contrary to one of the basic principles of our nation?  When we deny one group the freedom to practice their religion, another chink is etched into the freedoms we all enjoy.

Rather than having knee jerk reactions to things that are different from our own way of thinking, perhaps we should try instead to understand our fellow man.  Maybe in that understanding, we would see that the violent elements found in Islam are actually the fringe and that the people who practice the religion are not that much different than we are.

Why Go to Mars?

I've heard this question many times lately.  Why should we go to Mars?  There are so many other things that our nations money should be spent on.  We should be creating jobs, feeding the hungry, funding health care, and any number of other good causes that the money could be spent on.  I agree, there will always be other, more worthwhile causes for our spending.

But I say, despite all the things we could be spending our money on, there is nothing better than funding a manned mission to Mars.  As a people, we have adventure in our blood.  The first inhabitants of North America walked across the Bering Strait.  Granted, they were probably just looking for a better place to live.  But whatever their motivation, they were explorers.

The Europeans who sailed thousands of miles across open ocean in tiny ships were driven by the hearts of explorers.  The need to see what was out there.  If they happened to find a way to profit from their adventure, that would be icing on the cake.

Then there were the explorers who were willing to take their chances to settle the most western regions of our nation.  It didn't matter that there were savages to battle or strange weather patterns to endure or hard land to tame and farm.  The promise of adventure and a better life for their families pushed them forward.

Now, what is left for the adventurers soul that lives in all of us?  The spirit passed down from generation to generation longs for the thrill of the unknown.  The nation was enthralled as the astronauts walked on the moon forty years ago.  For all these years, we've waited for the next great exploration, a manned mission to Mars.  Cost isn't an issue.  In fact, this exploration would create jobs, probably contribute new technologies, and would most assuredly stir a pride that has become dormant in the people of our nation.  As a side benefit, perhaps we could start a journey that will lead us to another inhabitable planet.  A planet that we could migrate to if ours ever becomes imperiled.   So, again I ask, why go to Mars?

Because We Can!

He's my Brother

Each of us has different roles in the lives we lead.  We're spouses, partners, children, parents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, friends, co-workers, and any of an innumerable list of roles.  He's a father, a son, an uncle, a friend, but for me, he's Brother.

I don't remember many times I've called him by name to his face.  I use his given name in conversation when talking about him with others.  But when he answers the phone, he says Hello, and I answer back, Hey Brother.  And I end the conversation with I Love You, Brother.  I guess the name everyone else uses just isn't personal enough for me.  After all, I'm the only one who will ever call him Brother.  That makes it kind of special.

He's grown from my scrawny little brother to a man I respect.  He loves his two boys.  His face softens when he's talking about them.  Even when they make him angry, you know how much he cares.  He wants to see them become the strong men that they are capable of becoming.

Don't get me wrong, he has his faults.  He's got that family temper that we all have.  But once it boils over, he goes back to being a gentle bear.  He's obstinate and strong-willed, but then I guess those are family traits as well.

Today, he's facing a demon that I never thought my Brother would face.  He has seminoma.  Not being in the medical field, I'm not exactly sure what it means, but it makes me worry.  I know he's strong and the story of Lance Armstrong makes me know that he can beat this.  I just wish I could be there for him.  It's hard being so far away from my strong little Brother at a time like this.

So, good night Brother.  I love you.

Alabama Politics

Alabama has long been known for its interesting politics. The most recent chapter in its rich history has to do with beer.

It seems that Senate has been trying to pass a bill to raise the alcohol cap on beer from 6% to 13.9% but have been faced with a filibuster. Senator Hank Erwin, a devout Baptist who had been working to block the bill, stepped out for a bathroom break. While he was out, the Senate rushed passage of the bill.

Just another day in Alabama politics.

We Are Not Guantanamo

"They laughed. 'We are not Guantanamo.' That's what they said," Park said.

Two young women reporters for the news channel Current have disappeared while working on stories in North Korea.  Both women, Laura Ling and Euna Lee are American citizens.  However, there have been no statement forthcoming from our government asking for their release or demanding to know what charges they are being held on.  And when asked by Han S. Park, a University of Georgia professor and member of  a private delegation traveling in Korea, if the the Americans were receiving harsh treatment, the Koreans responded by laughing and saying, "We are not Guantanamo."

During the years of the Bush presidency when the prison at Guantanamo was founded and populated by suspected foreign terrorists, many Americans couldn't understand why some of us would think this was not a good thing.  Now they have their answer.  If the U.S. doesn't hold itself to a higher standard than the rest of the world, then they will hold us to their standards.  We can no longer take the high road and demand that our citizens be treated as human beings, that if they are held they must be charged with a crime, or that if they are held and charged, then they cannot be tortured.  See, the U.S. has spent the last seven years holding prisoners with charging them.  We have tortured them with things such as waterboarding.  We have suspended treating prisoners as humans by withholding holy books from them and by subjecting them to humiliation.

The image of the U.S. has been tarnished in the rest of the world.  As a result, the available options for obtaining freedom for these two young ladies who are American citizens have been severely reduced.  It will take years to repair the damage done by the establishment of Guantanamo.  In the future, America has an obligation to its own citizens to treat all citizens of the world with the same respect that we treat our own.

Vermont Governor will Veto Marriage Bill

To update my post earlier this week, Vermont Governor James Douglas, a Republican, has announced that if the marriage bill passes and makes it to his desk, he will veto the same-sex marriage bill now before the Vermont House.  Although the Vermont Senate passed the bill with a 26-4 majority, at this point, it is not clear whether there is enough support in the Vermont House to over ride the veto.

Big Day for Marriage

Lot's of people think that just because Prop 8 passes in California that nothing new is happening on the marriage front.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  Small steps are being taken every day in the quest for equality.

Today, Senator Schumer of New York came out in favor of same-sex marriage and for the repeal of DOMA.    Senator Schumer is the last state-wide elected official of that state to take a stand for equality.  This is a big step for the senator, who was one of those voting for DOMA years ago when it became law.  In it's statement to the NY Daily News, Senator Schumer's office said,

"It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue."

Also in the news today, the Vermont senate voted 26-4 in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage for the state.  The issue will now move to committee in the house before being presented for a full vote.  With a majority of Democrats in the House, the measure is expected to pass.  However, there is still uncertainty around whether or not the Republican Governor Jim Douglas will sign the bill if it is passed.  Vermont was the first state to legalize civil-unions back in 2000.

City of Characters

New York City is home to a diverse and rich population.  Each person has his own story.  The New York Times is chronicling some of these stories through a series of narrated slide shows.  It's worth the few minutes a week to learn a little about a person you'll never meet and maybe understand where someone else is coming from.  Take a look at One in 8 Million.  You may come away with a new perspective on things.

Breaking News - AIG Employees the Best and Brightest

I love irony.  Currently, AIG is brimming over with irony.  Did you know they employ the best and brightest?  These best and brightest were able to engineer the largest quarterly loss in American corporate history.  And they are being rewarded for this unmatched feat.  Collectively, the best and the brightest are going to receive $165 million in bonuses.  Don't know about you, but normally bonuses are given for positive performance.  But then, maybe they are being rewarded for their ability to screw up so royally.  After all, only the best and brightest could have possibly lost as much money as the employees of AIG have.

Adam Lambert and Equality

If you don't watch American Idol, you've missed the unfolding story of Adam Lambert.  Adam Lambert is an experienced musical theatre performer who has landed a spot in this years American Idol top 12.  There has been no mention of whether he is gay or straight on the show.  In fact, unlike the other contestants who talk about their wives, husbands, and kids, there is a glaring absence of any mention of his personal life during the short vignettes of the performers.  However, it only takes a short trip on YouTube to discover his caberet performances as well as performances for gay charities.

This week on Idol, Adam performed Michael Jackson's "Black and White".    Adam emphasized the word Equality early in the performance.  Then, toward the end, the words "don't tell me you agree with me when I saw you kicking dirt in my eye"  came through loud and clear.  Whether he meant to or not, Adam sent a message to many of his followers.

Thank you Adam.  Middle America may not realize the statement you're making in your performances on Idol, but some of us totally get you.  Keep it up.

Good Day, Mr. Harvey

Yesterday our small piece of this universe became a little less inspiring.  Paul Harvey, long time commentator of radio, passed away.  I will miss forever his wit and wisdom.  I learned a lot from The Rest of the Story he so eloquently broadcast.  I think his So God Made a Farmer may be one of his best pieces.  If you have about 10 minutes, take a listen.

We Really Need Omega-3

MSNBC has a really good article on a supplement we all need but don't get enough of.  It seems that before we started factory raising our beef and poultry, omega-3's were abundant in more of our food supply.  The grass consumed by beef and free range chickens causes their proteins to be rich in omega-3.  And the salmon we all eat to get that wonderful oil?  Seems the farm raised variety is being fed grain rather than some form of their natural food sources, causing them to be less rich in omega-3.  The really interesting part is that omega-3 is good not only for the heart and cardiovascular system, but for the brain as well.  And they seem to be pointing to the omega-3 oil as a way to stave off depression, fatigue, and whole range of illnesses.  Read the article for yourself.  But I think I'm about to start looking for grain fed beef, free range poultry, and more fish. The article is titled, Want to live longer?

for my wife . . .

Friends and family often ask why it matters whether we can marry. In their eyes, todays' gays and lesbians lead fairly normal lives with little interference. Why can't we just leave things alone and be happy with what we've achieved. I don't know if my feeble attempts to explain to them the importance of that piece of paper ever really gets through, although I do try.

For them, this is why we want to marry. This is what it's all about. Although all the rights and privileges afforded married couples would be great, at the heart of the matter is our dignity. When the person we have shared years of our lives with lays dying in a hospital bed, we want to be able to hold their hands and be with them. When decisions need to be made concerning medical care, we want the person closest to us to be consulted rather than someone we may see only once or twice a year. We need to have our relationships acknowledged at the most critical times in our lives.

The trailer below is for the documentary, for my wife. It is Charlene Strong's tribute to her partner of nine years, Kate Fleming. Kate drowned after a torrential rainstorm flooded the couple's basement. Charlene was only allowed into the hospital room where Kate lay dying after Kate's sister called the hospital. After Kate died, the funeral director would not recognize Charlene in making the funeral arrangements, instead directing all questions to Kate's mother. Watch the trailer, read the story in the Advocate, and see the film. Then, hopefully, you can stand with us in seeking to gain the rights and dignity all people deserve.

Silencing the Christians

The American Family Association is at it again.  They have produced an hour long info-mercial.  An NBC affiliate in Michigan was to have aired the production prior to Obama's press conference.  However, after being approached by the HRC and receiving numerous letters revealing the controversy surrounding this fim, the station decided not to air it.

It's hard to watch, but I did.  I felt that I need to know what those with an opposing view are saying.  While I respect the rights of people to believe that homosexuality is wrong, I don't respect their attempts to force those beliefs on all of society.  But more importantly, it is necessary to make sure that any untruths and/or distortions be met head on and corrected.  The only way we can do that is to know what is being said.  The video can be seen at the Silencing Christians website.

This Bill Isn't Perfect . . .

Our new President has a sense of humor.  Even the people of Elkhart Indiana appreciated his comments, and they didn't vote for him.  What did he say today?  President Obama said, "This bill isn't perfect. It's coming out of Washington; it's going through Congress."

Train Whistle

As a kid, I remember hearing the sound of the train in the distance.  The train would blow it's horn and I could hear the clickity clack of the wheels as they ran over the tracks.  I wanted to know who was riding in the passenger cars and where were they going.  Sometimes, if we were close to the tracks when a train would come by, the engineer would wave as they passed us.  Back then, there were conductors on the trains as well, so I'd get a second wave as the caboose passed as well.

I heard the trains in the distance tonight and for some reason, those old memories came back.  I know that almost all of the trains these days are carrying goods for delivery in some distant place.  But every now and then I know one of the trains is a passenger train.  I still wonder where the people are going and who they are.  And it makes me almost wish the slower days of the past could come back.  I think we all could learn from sitting on a passenger train for a few hours, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, to contemplate the scenery and to just be.

Republican National Party Seeks to Overturn McCain-Feingold

The McCain-Feingold Act, enacted in 2002, limits soft money donations by restricting individuals donations to the parties to $28,500 per year and prohibits the parties from accepting donations from corporations and labor unions.  When it was first passed, it was believed that the Democrats had the most to lose.  However, it seems that the RNC is having a hard time keeping up with the Democrats these days and is sueing to have the legislation overturned.

President Obama and the Democrats have found a way to raise substantial sums of money through numerous donations made by average everyday people across the nation.  With their efforts, there is a perception that the Democratic party is once again the party of the people.  If the Republicans win this lawsuit, they could very well become the party of the wealthy and of corporations that they are often perceived to be.  Ironic how the tables have turned in such a short time.

With Focus on California, Northeast States May Pass Marriage Laws

Over the past few months, while the nation has focused on Prop 8 in California, three states have inched forward in a move toward equality.  Both Vermont and Maine have introduced legislation to legalize gay marriage and New Hampshire is holding public hearings on the possibility.  Each of these small steps forward will eventually lead to our equality throughout the entire nation.  Progress takes time.  But we are getting there.

Presidential Hypocrisy

I'm a fan of Obama.  I remember the speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.  I listened in awe, knowing that I was listening to the man who would be our nation's first black president.  I never dreamed it would happen so soon, but I knew it would  He's intelligent, well read, and a quick learner.  But I think he missed one of the lessons some corporate executive learned over the last few months.  You see, the impression you leave is everything.  If you come to Washington asking for money, don't waste your travel money on a private corporate jet.  Yet it seems our President has just done what some auto executives did before him.  He fueled up Air Force One and took a long, 37 minute flight, from DC to Williamsburg, Virginia to ask some of the House Democrats to come through for him on the stimulus bill.  Not very different from what those auto execs did.

I realize our president doesn't have the luxury of choosing between his private jet and flying coach on US Airways.  But I think a little more discretion could have been used in making the decision to go on this flight.  Couldn't he have made the same appeal from Washington?  Was it really necessary to travel for this?  After all, it isn't inexpensive to fuel up one of those big jets, even for a short trip.  I believe President Obama is going to live up to expectations.  But in this case, he could have thought ahead just a little bit.

Please Don't Divorce Us

Ken Starr, who led the campaign to impeach President Bill Clinton, filed a legal brief last month -- on behalf of the "Yes on 8" campaign -- that would forcibly divorce 18,000 same-sex couples that were married in California last year before the passage of Prop 8.

Watch "Fidelity" and sign the letter to the state Supreme Court. Tell the Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case, and let loving, committed couples marry. DEADLINE: Valentine's Day.

Courage Campaign

Missouri Rep Snubbed from Families and Children Committee

When committee assignments came out in the 2009 session of the Missouri House, one name was missing from the assigments for the committee on Children and Families.  Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford - a Democrat from St. Louis and a life long advocate for the poor, for children, for workers, rights - was no longer a member of the committee after having served on it for the last four years.  According to House Speaker Ron Richard, he gave the seat to a Democrat from St. Louis county because "he asked for it."  However, there seems to be some question as to the real reason.  According to Democrat staffers present for the announcement, Chief of Staff Jeff Brooks said Oxford was removed because members of the Republican caucus found her “highly offensive.” Brooks reportedly did not elaborate on what that meant.  For more on the story:

Advocate.com

GayPolitics.com

Kansas City Star

More Than We Need

Today I had an "aha" moment.  I needed a dime.  That's all, just a a dime.  But I had a ten dollar bill.  What I had was so much more than I needed.  But that didn't help me.  It hit me that we all face this every day.  We have so much more than we need.  But is what we have actually what we need?  Most of us could be happy with so much less, if we just took the time to look at what we actually need.

Civil Rights Commentary

Not wanting to post my own commentary today.  Just wanted to point you to another blogger with a very "to the point" post today.

It Doesn't Make Sense

And even though it is from a different perspective, another blogger I follow also addressed teaching her children about civil rights today.

How Do We Explain To Our Children?

Quiet after the Chaos

For more than a week our home echoed with the sounds of children.  The television tuned to Nickelodeon or the Cartoon Network.  Brothers helping each other build a Lego project.  The strum of guitar strings singing their newest melody.  Hugs given without apology.  Ben (the four legged son) finally having a playmate who wouldn't stop playing to soon.  The wonder of Christmas morning.  A quiet request for a pop-tart, toasted please, or for an egg with a bubble (sunny side up).  All of us playing the Friends trivia video game.  And then it was over.  They had to go home, return to school and their friends.  And the echo became the sound of silence.  The silence was overwhelmingly loud.  I miss them.

Unrealized Touch

It happens with the ones your closest to.  They may never even realize it.  The brush of fingers on your back as they walk by.  A glance that catches your eye.  The touch of hands that reach for the popcorn at the same time.  Shifted body weight that makes a foot touch yours while watching a movie.  All movements that bring us closer together.  That say you are mine.  That begin in the subconscious and make it out to be realized, without even realizing it.