Gay Cousin Teddy

I had to post this. This is vintage Bill O’Reilly while on Inside Edition. Watch the whole video.  I guess Fox News doesn’t make people assholes, they come that way. 

With the democratic primary season coming to an end, I’ve noticed a lot of hurt feelings on both sides of the contest. For weeks leading up to these final contests, both sides have uttered the words, “If my candidate doesn’t win, I’m voting for McCain.” I would be lying if I said i never had a moment in which I considered my ability to vote for Hillary Clinton, should she win the nomination. But those moments were usually in direct response to some infuriating thing she pulled during the campaign. While I have lost a large amount of respect for Bill and Hillary Clinton, this year is far too important to vote out of spite.

This conversation reminds me a little bit of the emergence of Ralph Nader in the year 2000. We had two candidates, one perceived as being too boring to be president, and the other too dumb. Out of that conundrum came the case for Nader. The possibility of a viable third party candidate was exciting, as he added a different spin to the race. I toyed with the idea of voting for him, but ultimately decided that any vote against Gore, was a vote for Bush. That proved to be very true, and ultimately very destructive. There are still Naderites out there who will argue that point with me. And while I understand their point entirely, i stand by my opinion.

I understand Hillary Clinton’s tenacity to fight this out, but it isn’t going to happen. Her only chance is to walk into Denver this summer, broker the convention, and win the nomination in a manner that will make your skin crawl. Deep down, I think even she understands how damaging that would be. After 8 years of George W. Bush, I think it’s essential to question what kind of administration you want to lead this country next January. Voting for John McCain, because you’re mad that your candidate didn’t win, is dangerous and reckless. However, if you’re still set on voting for him, you are most likely in favor of the following:

• The continual discrimination of the GLBT community including unequal treatment under the law with respect to marriage, housing, employment, military service, etc. He has stated that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is working and should not be abolished. He is not in support of the protection of gay and lesbian families. And he is opposed to adding protections for GLBT individuals when it comes to work place discrimination and hate crimes legislation.
• The restriction of a women’s right to choose. John McCain has a very pro life voting record and is also in favor of abstinence only education. He has voted against federal funding that create teen pregnancy prevention programs and the use of a balanced sexual education curriculum.
• Staying indefinitely in Iraq: John McCain has proven that he would continue the current campaign in Iraq and would not support troop withdrawal. He aligns himself with Bush’s fascination with Iraq while ignoring the numerous threats to world peace and human dignity that currently exist.
• Privatizing Social Security, the continuance of the Patriot Act, leaving the Health Care system relatively untouched, and looser gun laws.

I could go on for days. If you are remembering the McCain of 2000, he is not the same person. He is not the “moderate” that he once was. He is inconsistent in his positions and offers nothing more than a watered down Bush Administration. If you are supporting Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, then odds are you aren’t in allignment with most of his positions. Both Democratic candidates are extremely close on most issues. Their policy differences are pretty minor, with the exception fo a few. Further, McCain has positioned himself on the other side of most of those issues. Doesn’t it seem a bit absurd to even contemplate a vote for McCain?

As it’s mother’s day I had to find a song about mamas. While i toyed with posting LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out, I really didn’t think it was an appropriate celebration of mother’s day. So i decided on the 2pac’s Dear Mama. Happy Mother’s Day homies!

I just found this new video of Chris Garneau singing In the Afternoon. This song is not a track on his album Music For Tourists and also not included in his C Sides. So I really have no idea where it’s from, but I always love sharing new Chris with my peeps. Enjoy.

Today I celebrate my one year anniversary of non-smoking.  For the past year it feels like I’ve been on a roller coaster of emotions as i continue to break the habit. I’ve had moments of near mental breakdown (you remember when i shaved my head) to moments of pure bliss. It’s come full circle, many times actually, and I couldn’t be happier today. The quitting process has been an amazing experience for me, as the last year has allowed me to focus on other aspects of my health.  And while i attempt to lose the near 20 pounds I gained in the process, I continue to find out a lot more about myself. 

Thank you to everyone who’s supported me during this process. I know I talk about it all the time, but if I stop talking about it, I’m afraid I’ll fail. So thanks for putting up with my craziness this past year…or increased hysteria at least. 

Quitting smoking has been something that i’ve become pretty passionate about. I truly think if you equip yourselves with the right amount of tools, it’s completely possible to throw away that butt for good. I’m going to spare you the soapbox as most of you hear it daily. But if you are a smoker who currently wants to quit, there is only one thing I can offer: You have to put it out, to put it away. 

Here’s to year two! 

How good was SWV? Can’t you see my 12 year old ass dancing to this song in his room?  I secretely think Destiny’s Child stole their act from groups like SWV and En Vogue. Of course, now i’ll have to post one of Lisa’s favorites by En Vogue, which is often a karaoke request of hers for me. Lisa, you’re giving me something I can feel. 

And people say the 90s produced the worst music ever? 

It’s been one of those weeks in which I haven’t had much time to dedicate to writing. But i’ll share with you a video that has helped me quite a bit this week. You all know I love Patti Labelle, and love finding new videos of her on youtube.  I found this one from 1962 when she sang with the Bluebelles.  This is a song called you’ll never walk alone, and has been covered by many artists. It happens to be one of my favorites. Just wanted to post something, and thought someone might appreciate the message!

Here’s the first installment in Sunday Throwback. Weekly I’ll post a video moment from my youth, something I think we can all appreciate. Hopefully it proves to be something new and fun to break up my occasional long winded (and intelligent) political rants.

The above video is Positive K’s I Got A Man. It’s really quite self explanatory. I had no idea at age 13 when this video came out that I’d feel so much like the girl in the video later in my life. I literally have to beat guys off with a stick. Enjoy.

I know a lot of people think video’s like this are cheesy or meaningless, but i find it quite inspiring.  I’m also a big fan of Levi Kreis, which makes this song even better. Though I have stated I intend on supporting a Democrat in November, I’m really hoping for an Obama nomination.  He has inspired a new group of voters, young and old, and while some might not think that speaks any political volume, I feel it holds considerable weight.

What I like about this song is the line “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” Whatever happens, please remember that becoming complacent does not evoke change. If you want an agent of change, it has to be you. I wonder if John McCain has a song like this…

Today marks the 12th annual Day of Silence. Today, across the nation, students will remain silent in support of the thousands of GLBT students who are silenced on a daily basis in the form of homophobia. This year’s Day of Silence is dedicated to the memory of 15 year old Larry King, who was shot in the head by a classmate while in school. Because of the life I lead, it is impossible for me to stay “silent” today.  So in Larry’s memory, and in support of the brave students and allies across the nation who are participating today, I’m offering this commentary. 

As we near the 10th anniversary of Matthew Shepherd’s tragic murder, it becomes strikingly obvious how much more there is to accomplish.  The murder of Larry King is evidence that our teachers, parents, media, politicians and activists are not doing enough to combat homophobia in our school system and in our daily lives. While gay/straight alliances are ever growing across the country and legislation continues to push forward, it’s important to remember that the homophobia that caused Matthew Shepherd’s death still exists. 

I’m not so sure that raising awareness to all of this while also in an election year is a coincidence.  Those even thinking about voting for John McCain, for whatever reason, should pay attention to his record and his supporters before making that decision.  He is not supportive of hate crimes legislation, same sex marriage, openly gay members of the military, or inclusion of transgender people in anti-discrimination laws.  He seeks out donors such as John Hagee who blame Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans’ gay pride festival. Remember this in November, even if you’re still bitter over the current democratic primary. 

Words like John Hagee’s have a lasting effect. If public figures continue to spew hatred and go unchecked, then what message does that send to our children.  If people like Sally Kern are allowed to spread bigotry within local governments and no one protests, what message do we send to Larry?  If you support the GLBT community and recognize that no person deserves to live in fear, then today is a day to remember your role as a member of the human race. 

It does start with words. I understand that faggot is just a word, but when directed at a 15 year old boy who is trying to get through his day without being harassed, it’s a whole lot more than a word. If we can always remember that, and stand up for those who are always put down, then we can make more impressive strides in this fight.  I know the what those words meant to me when i was a struggling teenager trying to find himself. Maybe we can all make it easier for kids today.  

Kids like Larry.