Ignorant Americans

My coworkers and I  have touched upon the subject of education of late. We are pretty much in agreement that the American education system is now a joke, and mostly to blame is the failed policy of "No Child Left Behind." Of course, the dumbing down of America is a benefit to a certain political party. The ignorant and uniformed are easier to manipulate and control, easier to stir into a frenzy on emotional issues than the better informed, educated critical thinkers among us. Whomever thought that holding entire classrooms of students back at the lowest performers level was a great idea should first apologize to America and all those students, then be flogged and locked away in prison for at least 10 years. Thanks to this one policy in particular, the last generation can barely form complete sentences, have no clue about history of this country or any other, nor reach well thought out, researched conclusions on their own. It is a sad, sad day for America that this was allowed to happen. Sure everyone that graduates now can take test and perform at a minimum 9th grade level, but isn't graduating high school about performing at a 12th grade level or higher? This nation no longer keeps pace with the rest of the world. We no longer dominate in anything other than military spending. The ignorance is rampant and that is the way certain politicians want it. If their ideas, policies, results, etc. are never challenged then they retain the power and control. So when it comes time to vote this November, among all the other issues that carry weight on your decision, please take a moment and consider which candidate wants to improve education opportunity for everyone and wants  to improve the collective IQ of America.

New York Did It!!

Governor Cuomo signed into law the bill legalizing same sex marriage in the state of New York. It goes into effect in 30 days.

WAY TO GO!

My Christmas List

This year's list is rather a bit odd. There isn't much I need, (though lots of things I want).

• 
  
  
  Healthy parents.



• 
  
  
  For my dog to be healthyand happy.



• 
  
  
  Higher pay and better hours.



• 
  
  
  Passage of marriage equality.



• 
  
  
  Lose another 15 pounds and tighten everything back up.



• 
  
  
  More parties, events, etc. to attend.



• 
  
  
  An end to the war.



• 
  
  
  Not to be involved in another war.



• 
  
  
  The economy to return to previous levels without the frivolity.



• 
  
  
  An end to hunger, proverty and homelessness in this country.



• 
  
  
  The Christian Right to realize they aren't.

And the biggest wish of all:

• 
  
  
  I find a man of my very own before my parents are gone,so they will know I'm loved and cared for.

My View

I've been half heartily following the Prop 8 trial, but by all accounts, I can see no other outcome but to over turn it. Maybe I'm biased or just over optimistic, or even have too much faith that the judges will do the right thing. I'm hoping for the best and planning for the worst. Anyone who believes in separation of church and state, that is sworn to uphold the law whether it contradicts their personal beliefs or not, can plainly see by this trial, that there is no real choice but to overturn Prop 8. Not to do so, would undermine everything this country is suppose to stand for and go against the Constitution itself. I can only hope, pray, wish, dream that court will do the right thing for my people.

We The People

I was thinking this afternoon of all the strife in the world. It disturbs me greatly at the state of this country in particular. A nation with such promise has failed miserably. It has let fall by the wayside it's greatness. Tarnished it's halo. And for what? Profit it seems. Money has corrupted this country. Greed has become it's master. Money was once an instrument, a tool, used to do great and wondrous things. Now it is a noose around the neck, slowly strangling the good from the country. Corporations now rule the land. It only matters that their coffers are full. Instead of a social responsibility once shown by the former titans of industries of long ago, the CEO and Board of Directors of these companies see dollar signs. There is no great philanthropy left. No goodwill to spread. They earn bonuses for crippling the economy, keeping wages stagnate, and making sure that those who do have, keep it. And those that don't, never get it. We the people, let them and smiled and asked for more. Boost our stock portfolios, mail us our dividend was our mantra. We never questioned. We never demanded. We accepted. We let them lobby our government instead of telling them hands off. We let them by never saying loudly, or often enough, that the people of this country come first. That the citizens come before profit. We let them and now they are in control. Are we gonna retake control of our government for the people, not the corporations? Are we gonna give up our environment, our health care, our educations, our futures for their bottom line?

The Ugly Truth

Creating ugly isn't easy. Ugliness takes planning and a great deal of effort. One must put aside for a moment the natural tendency to make better any wrong. To side step truth and create a different narrative with circular logic to achieve the heinous effect desired. One must also develop a clever skill of concealment. It would appear that anyone can do this, if they have a vested interest in the outcome. Governments, religions, institutions, politicians, leaders of every stripe have under taken this mission. Somehow, they reasoned it was worth the effort to lie, distort, misinform, malign, or circumvent what was truthful, what was beautiful. History is full of these deeds and their perpetrators duly noted. Tales of how it went down, who didn't speak up, those who turned a blind eye to the ugly truth of what was happening are there in the margins. Recent events, here in this country and abroad clearly shows that those evil ways are still being propagated, without much pressure to cease. A strongly worded press release or embargo will only do so much. For those who do resist the evil tide, the weary fight is usually alone, or they are ill equipped to handle it. The beauty of mankind's humanity has a stain. It has soaked to the very fibers of a country's being. While time will expose all ugly deeds to the intense scrutiny of daylight, and will gradually fade, it will still be visible upon close inspection. Are the ones responsible for creating and maintaining beauty in this world, creative enough, strong enough, to cover over the stain with a new pattern to blend it away? Or will it become a scar for humanity to stare at over time while trying to recall how it happened? Those uglies have persisted throughout history around the world. Once, this nation was seen as great. We had moved beyond the ugly portions of our collective past. We considered ourselves enlightened, smarter, diligent, industrious, a world leader. We followed no one, they followed us. Now we are backsliding. The world community looks at us and wonders why we don't see what is plainly happening in front of our faces. They pity us. They mock us. They are waiting, like vultures to pounce at our demise. The ugly truth is we allowed all this to happen. We stayed silent and passive. We let incompetence rule the land and ignorance become vogue. The greatest question now is, will we allow it to continue?

Front and Center America

I never have completely understood the mindset of those who believe in voting for one political party over another based solely on one issue or ideology. The world we live in is complicated, so is it problems. One single anything, isn't the answer. Left, Right, Center, Independent, whatever, all have valid points. It seems to me the best approach would be to combine the best from each to do what is right for improving everyone. The country should offer the same opportunities to all it's citizens, leveling the playing field were needed. Bringing everyone up to the same level, not pulling any down in the process. While profit is nice, money should never be a bottom line for human dignity. Governments should stick to their budgets,but there are exceptions. All citizens should have education, health care, equal rights, food, clothing, shelter, basic services and infrastructure available to them. If a political party or affiliation can't or won't provide these,then it isn't good for the country, or it's people.Choices are always good. Lack of choices never lead anywhere good. And bad choices, well, we know how that turns out. Supporting what you believe in is noble, but if what you believe in isn't what improves the lives of those at the bottom, maybe you should reconsider. Patriotism is more than loving your country. It is loving the people, the principles, the ideals that make up that country. Goals that don't include that for everyone should be abandoned, along with those parties or figures that aren't as inclusive or diverse as the country itself.

Knowledge IS Power

Interesting stuff these days. It is almost overload on the economy and healthcare, the right wingers and their scandals. Just too much to asssilimate in one sitting. The hate crimes are becoming scarier by the day. I always thought that at this stage of the game, that people would realize that whether you agreed with someone or disapproved of their choices they were still human beings and should be treated as such. Apparently some did not get the memo. Violence has always been a part of man's makeup, since the whole Cain and Able thing. It would appear we haven't progressed much since. Yes, we talk pretty now, but our actions and attitudes sure haven't changed much as a species. It seems the worse is from those that place ideology above reason and common sense. That is sad. Something that was suppose to make the human race strive to be better, has returned some to Neanderthals. Murder, beatings, decapitation, and on and on, spring forth from some seriously twisted minds. Where does this twist come come, you may ask? It is born out of a feeling of righteousness. The thought that nothing except your personal beliefs are important and anyone who appears, believes, acts differently than you is less than you. Granted, they are always exceptions, not everyone of faith or ideological backgrounds will fall lockstep. There is a special mental and emotional makeup to those that do. In my experience, it comes from religious repression of basic human needs or urges, low self esteem, and sadly a certain degree of ignorance, whether organic in nature or willful. These people have serious issues of their own that need to be addressed and church or political affiliation will not resolve them. Sure, you get the warm fuzzies from belonging, but that isn't an answer to their problems. It only serves to intensify the feelings they already have. It allows the issues to remain hidden behind good deeds and plastic smiles, where it festers and slowly over time it will surface. There is help for these people. All is not lost. People can and do change, but rarely on their own. It usually requires some outside event to challenge them to a new way of thinking, to expose their beliefs to be shallow and unworthy. Those held in it's deepest sway will never acknowledge truth regardless of it's source. For others, time and knowledge are keys to their awakening.

Notice to Anti Gay Groups

Rally Cry

Now we need to take the gloves off people. Let's expose the liars and haters for what they truly are. Let's get measures on ballots to strip away tax exempt status for all churches.

Healthcare Reform

If you can't speak the truth.....

YeeHaw!! Another One!!!

Thank you New Hampshire!

Marriage Rant

What is this traditional marriage the haters keep harping about? They keep referring to the bible for their argument. One man, one woman to raise children till death do you part. That is a crock of shit. First off, the bible isn't every one's moral compass, and those not of that faith should not be bound by another's belief. The whole separation of church and state reason this country was founded argument ring any bells? Second, if you want to follow the bible because you are a believer then by all means do so, but don't pick and chose which parts apply to who and what to ignore. Marriage in the bible was for money, not love. It was also between a man and as many wives as he could afford. Also women were property, they had no say in the matter. Try that crap now and see where it gets you. They could be stoned or sold, discarded if you will, when the man no longer wanted them. So where is this traditional marriage now? The Mormons wanted to keep it that way, but no, they can't. Their religious concept of marriage was redefined for them through laws. Seems Christians can't keep their noses out of others bedrooms. Wasn't that long ago, that black and white couldn't marry either. Once again marriage was redefined. Oh and let's not forget the whole baby making angle. What about couples who don't want children or can't have them? Should they be divorced? Maybe a fertility test should be required before marriage just to make sure. What about the appalling divorce rate in general, hovering around 50% now for decades. Wouldn't it be better to protect marriages in existence than prevent new ones? Not surprising the divorce rates are the highest among those who claim to hold it in such high regard, the christian faiths. Go figure. They can't keep their own together, and they want to protect the holiness of marriage? Then they scream what about the children? What about them? Should unwed mothers be stoned and the child put to death? Isn't that traditional? Or has that been redefined to suit the times as well? There are a lot of single parent families these days. Thanks to divorce, which isn't traditional. Many men and women have done a great job on their own raising their offspring. It would be easier with two, you say? Correct! Another reason to allow same sex marriages. Two parents to help raise a child. It has been proven that with the proper love and support any child will grow to be a productive adult regardless of the type of household they were raised in. Now, on to the religious crap. There are two parts to a marriage, the civil and the religious. You can jump brooms, smash glassware, or take vows according to your religious beliefs. Unless you obtain a license, and get some signatures, you're shit of of luck. The government doesn't recognize it. Yep, that's right. Marriage as far as the government is concern is a binding contract between two consenting adults that have chosen to share not only their life together but the assets, debts and household chores. Without the paper, you aren't married in the eyes of the government, no matter how much you spent on the ceremony or where you held it. When, not if, divorce happens, given the straights abysmal record on it, you go to a lawyer not the preacher, minister, rabbi or any clergy. It has to be done through the court period. Once more, marriage is not sole property nor a right of any religion. Now is that clear?

Just My POV

Yesterday's post generated some response. At least, someone is reading this blog. While I agree with wanting this administration to say something, I also feel that at this particular juncture, saying nothing is a smart move. It doesn't make us happy, but at least it does not give ammo to the other side nor does it give them time to implement a plan of resistance against what is coming down the pike. I see the silence as more of a strategic move more so than an abandonment. Like I said yesterday, there is a lot on his plate at the moment. I honestly don't recall a time line being mentioned while Obama was campaigning as to when equality would be addressed. Even if he had even one, the ideal and implementation are two entirely different things. As a gay American, I wish it was already a done deal. But I am an American first and gay is much further down the list. I want a strong country and economy. I want the wars to end. I want to see the Bushies held accountable for their crimes. Maybe because I'm not in a relationship, marriage isn't the foremost issue on my mind. Even if I were, there are states where it can happen. Change takes time, not only for those against it to come around, but for those who support it to lay the groundwork to make it happen. Silence can sometimes be golden, even if it isn't what you want to hear.

Just My POV

I'll be the first to admit that I had wanted/expected more from Obama on the gay rights front. I'll be the first to say "Thank you" to the states that have made great strides toward equality on their own. I'll also realize that the war, economy and health care are just as important to everyone whether they are gay or not. Undoing the damage of the Bush regime is a monumental task for anyone. Even with so many on our side now thanks to the Prop 8 fiasco, it will still take time to achieve the repeal of DADT and to recognize gay marriages on a federal level. I still believe all of these things will happen in time. I also know Obama is barely out of his first hundred days in office. Could things move along faster? Certainly. Do I wish it would? Hell yes! But despite whatever shortcoming real or perceived in our President, I would rather have him in office than Caribou Barbie/ McFlip. Everything has a season. Too much change too fast could cause more damage to our causes than this slower approach. Americans still need to process these changes that are coming. The religious right and the republican party needs to finish their implosions for all to see. When that time comes, when some of the dust has settled from the financial markets tanking, when the the economy has continued upward for a while and unemployment stops raising, when the new plan for ending the wars are finally implemented, the time will be right. While all of this is occurring isn't the best time to throw fuel on the fire with religious views clouding gay marriage and so many aspects of other things hanging over America at this time. The plate is full. Let's digest a little before hitting the buffet again. There is much to catch up on and make right and undo from the Bush years. I understand that. I don't expect miracles from anyone these days. I do expect an honest effort at the appropriate time. We elect our presidents to four year terms. Let's try to remember that. It isn't for only a few months. Things take time and timing is just as important.

Silver Linings

I'm sure the wingnuts are quaking in their boots over the events of the last few days. They finally must realize that what they have been saying has been discovered to be lies and misinformation by the more rational folk in this country. The ads have already started airing in some areas. I think this is a great opportunity for the LGBT community and it's allies to counteract this propaganda. We need to put the truth out there as only we can do, with parody and tongue - in - cheek humor. The educated and reasonable people see their ads and know it is false and intentional misleading, it is the others we need to reach with our message. Equality means equality for all, not select groups of ideologies. Counter misinformation with truth, and hate with love. After all, it's that what marriage is about?

A Great Day to Celebrate!

Vermont overturned the veto.

Supreme court ruled in favor of same sex marriage.

D.C. will honor same sex marriages performed elsewhere.

Our nation just become greater!

Reflections

I have read on some blogs, that there are people that want to blame the passing of Prop 8 ON the African American voters. That they feel betrayed. That we fought hard for their rights and were then stabbed in the back. I honestly don't feel that way. I can understand the parallels that have been drawn on the fight for civil rights. I understand the similarities. But let's take an honest look.

While we do not have equal protection under the law in every state mandated by the federal government, there are pockets across the country that do exist. None did for African American at all before the civil rights movement. There are no signs posted on water fountains saying drink only from this one if you are gay. We do not have to sit at the back of a bus. There are not separate entrances for gays and straights. We are not hosed down when we gather to protest. We haven't heard that only certain jobs are for straights only. Those instances that do so say, we manage to sneak in under the radar. We are free to go to any educational institution we chose and can afford for higher learning. We are not forced to attend gay only high schools. And while we have been singled out for violence, it is not anywhere close to what African Americans have experienced with lynching mobs. We have found recourse through the courts when we were done wrong in our employment. We have been able to own property and never have been considered someones property in the eyes of this country. We can roam freely in this country where ever we chose.

Yes, we have been denied federal protection in all states from discrimination in housing, employment, violence and marriage. Yes, some have been murdered for their difference either real or perceived. Yes, we have been hounded by law enforcement because of our proclivity for sex in less than ideal circumstances. Yes, we have far to go for true equality.

However, we do hold positions in corporate America of power, prestige and financial reward. We do hold government positions openly at all levels of state and federal government. We do have civil unions, though not perfect are a step in the right direction, in some areas of the country. We are able to walk through public in most instances without incident any where in America. We have learned to use the system that repress us to express us. We have very wealthy members of our community that African Americans never had during their struggle to support our causes. We are more organized and openly active than our counterparts ever could have been during their initial struggles.

Don't blame them for the failure to pass Prop 8. African Americans are for the most part very traditional family oriented as well as religious. Those two things alone are diametrically opposed to our cause. While some are sympathetic to the cause, most cannot fully embrace it. I respect that. It is not their battle to fight. It is ours. We will always have the opposition but we will also have our enlightened allies. The war is not over. We regroup, redefine our positions and forge ahead once again. We learned our lesson this go round. We know now what we must do. We must alter the battle plan. Stop such propositions from ever reaching the ballots. We must change the laws that govern such from the inside. We must rewrite the laws regarding out of state and religious contributions. We must continually be educating and campaigning for our rights everywhere. We cannot give up. And we cannot blame other minorities for understanding our inequalities. To them there are none.

Crash Test Dummy

It would appear that one of the presidential candidates has a problem. A problem with crashing. Not the kind after a sugary high, but more of the crunching metal variety. The Navy seems to be covering up or blocking information about a car crash in 1964 by McCain. A news organization is suing for the release of information. Until then we can just go on what is available. Let me list the items of interest.

• While in the Navy, McCain crashed 4 jets, one resulting in his capture and being held for 5 years as a POW.
• McCain crashed a vehicle at the front gates of a Navy base that is being stifled by the Navy as to the exact details.
• McCain was involved in the crash of an S&L, resulting in the Keating 5 investigation by Congress, in which he was reprimanded as having "bad judgement".
• McCain has crashed the GOP with the selection of unvetted Sarah Palin for a running mate, that even some GOP supporters have said was "poor judgement".
• McCain crashed the bailout hearings in Washington, though he contributed nothing by "suspending his campaign".

It would certainly appear that John McCain crashes alot because of bad judgement. Is this someone that really needs to be in charge of this country while it is already under duress? I'm not sure if we can afford more of John McCain's bad judgement or crash and burn mentality.