While I am not a big fan of the Human Rights Campaign, I am a big fan of transparency in regards to non-profit organizations. I agree with Andrew Sullivan who says:
“Until they start answering questions posed by the media, stop giving them your money.”
These are simple questions being asked of you from the people who give you money. No Answers = No Money.
Can we now quit pretending that Saudi Arabia is our friend?
Is Republican Senator James Inhofe saying that concern for the environmental impact of carbon emmissions is a purely Democratic concern? That the Republican Party has no interest at all in raising awareness to this issue? It certainly seems to be what he is suggesting when he claims Al Gore’s Live Earth concert is a completely partisan political event.
I guess he missed Republican John McCain joining Independent Joe Lieberman in writing:
“There is now a broad consensus in this country, and indeed in the world, that global warming is happening, that it is a serious problem, and that humans are causing it.”
Or President Bush saying:
“This is an issue that I know is very important to the nations of Europe, which I will be visiting for the first time as President. The earth’s well-being is also an issue important to America. And it’s an issue that should be important to every nation in every part of our world.
The issue of climate change respects no border. Its effects cannot be reined in by an army nor advanced by any ideology. Climate change, with its potential to impact every corner of the world, is an issue that must be addressed by the world. “
Let the concert go on.
This interesting little aside from National Review Online:
“…a Rudy Giuliani ad from his 1993 mayoral campaign that depicted him, in sickeningly gauzy terms, as an utterly devoted family man. How’s that for dishonest advertising?”
Does anyone else find it funny that the party of family values’ leading presidential candidates are twice and thrice divorced? (and some ugly divorces at that) Talk about protecting marriage.
It is no wonder leading Republicans now believe private lives are off limits.
OK… Who said this:
“Freedom is about authority. Freedom is about the willingness of every single human being to cede to lawful authority a great deal of discretion about what you do…”
Take a guess and see if you were as shocked as I was. The answer is… as they say… below the fold.
Michelle Malkin takes a Virginia newspaper to task for utilizing tactics that she has put to good use in the past. Seems it is only an invasion of privacy to publish the publicly available information of people she agrees with.
Even the Conservatives are over Bush. Jim Geraghty writes on NRO:
“Even if you like this president, even if you’re pulling for him, even if you think his heart is in the right place… is there any way this presidency doesn’t look pretty disastrous at this moment?”
Hopefully our nation has learned that just because you would feel comfortable having a beer with someone doesn’t qualify him to lead the free world. We now have serious problems and we need serious, intelligent, experienced people to solve them, not a President that makes us feel warm and fuzzy.
Hillary gives “great face” as they say. I am glad a leading Presidential candidate is at least saying these words (UPDATE: even if somewhat in secret):
“We’re going to reach out and work with our allies in Congress both to change laws and change hearts. We want to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits from health insurance and life insurance and Social Security and property rights and more. These are fundamental rights,” she said.
In the same speech she also said that as President she would end the military’s policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. If she is sincere, why wait until then? She should expend some of her immense political capital and help Congressman Meehan pass his bill and send it on to President Bush now. Until then… color me skeptical. Just the same ‘ole, same ‘ole.
And they eat their own…
Say what you will about Ann Coulter, and I certainly have, but she says what some others only think. That has always been her appeal and she will continue to have an audience. She has certainly said much worse and that didn’t seem to effect her popularity.
I tend to agree with one commenter on another Ann Coulter thread on the GayPatriot site who said:
“The real scandal is not Ann Coulter – it is the fact that she is LOVED by the conservative base. Hell, she was even introduced by a leading presidential candidate last night. And after her talk there was a line a mile long to get her to sign books.”
The big story is not what Ann Coulter said, because let’s face it this wasn’t particularly shocking in the Ann Coulter sphere of things, but the Conservative reaction. I am glad to see the leading GOP Presidential hopefuls taking the high road.
For better or worse, and there certainly is an arguement to be made on both sides, the internet will have a tremendous impact on the 2008 Elections. Anyone with a cell phone camera or a small video camera can capture the candidates in candid moments. Traditionally candidate’s handlers have been able to carefully craft a candidate’s public image. With advent of YouTube, cell phone cameras and other technological advances, this image shaping will not be as easy to pull off.
Now is the time for the Democratic Party to step up or forever loose their ability to call on GLBT support. There is a Democratic majority in both houses and they should immediately address and pass the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
The Human Rights Campaign has used millions of GLBT dollars to bet on just this moment… that a Democratic majority would be the champions of GLBT rights. If this congress does not pass the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Democrats should not receive another GLBT dime and neither should the Human Rights Campaign. In fact, they owe a lot of people apologies.
UPDATE: Chris Crain reports that the Bay Area Reporter is also calling the Human Rights Campaign to task for their non-focus on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
UP-UPDATE: GayPatriot welcomes others to the party.
Wanna be a radio star? National Public Radio is beginning a search for the next great voice of America. Public Radio Exchange is heading one of the search teams and auditions are open. So grab a mic, lay down some sound and you might just turn out to be the next Terry Gross.
OK… I just have to say it… “HOOK ‘EM!”
Here we go with another edition of New Music Thursday and this week we have an album that is sure to make you want to wear cheap polyester and walk around uttering phrases like “groovy dude.” The Small Stars describe their sound as “it’s as if Frank Sinatra met Mott the Hoople in the Women’s room at Denny’s.” Now how can you not love a band that sounds like that?
Actually, they are a groovin’, rockin’ version of a satirical punk band that pairs intelligent lyrics with a driving beat that dares you to keep your toes from tapping. Though I do admit their new CD Tijuana Dreams doesn’t do them justice, to truly be converted to a Small Stars evangelist one has to experience them live, it is still a romp in sonic sunshine and worth a listen.
