Oh the things, I haven't forgotten at all...

For starters, I do remember the days when I was younger and saw acceptance from others due to my earlier struggles with my weight.  However, when one comes to terms to understand yourself from your race (and for some their ethnicity), it gets even more complicated when you add sexuality to the mix.  My sexuality has been more of non-factor for me because I have never really allowed it to be placed at the forefront of my personal identity.  On the other hand, when one does began to interact with their peers and form relationships, it does become a kind come into play along with the other aforementioned characteristics such as race, ethnicity, height, and body type (weight).

Anyways, to get to the point.  I came across this article from GMFA, a UK-based organization that promotes positive and good health practices for gay, bisexual, and queer males.  The article is very true and quite on point of some of the things many non-white but particularly black gay and bisexual males have to deal with when they are on their journal of self acceptance and confidence.  This interesting segment of the article stuck out to me:

As a 17-year-old, seeing the “no Blacks, no Asians” statement displayed on a profile would sadden me, but that was nothing compared with getting those remarks back as a response after I had broken the ice in a direct message. Rejection is always worse when you are not expecting it, and people can react to sexual racism in various different ways. Ten years ago it would have made me angry and I would have instantly questioned how the rest of the world was viewing me, but these days, I really don’t give a damn about the thoughts of people who are clearly incapable of at displaying common decency. My school days, when I would attempt to ‘fit in’ with the majority, are long gone, and I am not going to spend my time worrying about the sexual preferences of a bunch of morons! 

Honestly, that is my journey to now went except I was 19 versus 17.  At the point and time now, I am confident in myself and don't care for anyone regardless of race if they aren't attracted to me.   However, I do still sigh for many SGL of color that seek companionship with those that maybe white face rejection for their race.  I have said time and time again, that exclusively seeking any group is going to be recipe for constant rejection, but with time I have found myself desiring a long term relationship and companionship with another black male.  It's not to say I cannot be with somebody that isn't a non-black male, but the truth is the likelihood is very high considering how so often sexual racism and fetishization plays a heavy role in interracial interactions still on a same-gender loving (SGL) relationships.

At the moment, I have been happily dating someone new for 6+ months and yeah it is a black guy, but I still to remember those days of the past when this was one of my challenges of personal growth.

Chick-fil-WHO?

That's my response to the above caption of Atlanta-based, Chick-fil-A president, Dan Cathy's comments on marriage equality in the US.  He wants to say "NO" then I have to say "uh yeah, I haven't ate at your restaurants in years...".   The Monotheistic God/Allah/The Creator/Holy One would be cosigning on your ignorance because it doesn't affect you personally, so why would you are so bothered by marriage equality coming to the forefront?

Also know that the "friends" will be out in full force to shut down your 11 "Dwarf House" locations in Metro Atlanta. ;)

THE END AND THAT IS ALL HE WROTE ABOUT THAT NON-MUTHAFUCKIN' FACTOR!

2 fails and a success (sort of...)

OK, North Carolina and its ability to negate the fact that it is a Southern state with fools at the wheel leading it future, FAIL!  FYI, same-sex unionships were already banned at a state-level in North Carolina prior to this referendum.  It is interesting that the majority of people would be willing to vote for an amendment that would essentially strip even common law heterosexual couples of recognition, domestic partnership benefits, and domestic violence protections.  North Carolina is a state of dichotomy with very socially progressive urban areas, but staunch socially conservative (and very regressive) rural areas.  It is very dubious mentality for a place that wants to the most competitive state of the New South (against Georgia, Virginia, Florida, and Maryland).  It seems at the moment, Maryland has the last laugh on this front, but theirs is up for the ballot as well.

Oh yeah, let me not forget President Obama affirming support for "marriage equality" for all including same-sex couples, which is a win, sort of...  The catch is he still believes it should be up to the individual states to decide for themselves whether or not they will be marriage equality for both heterosexual and homosexual relationships.  Interestingly, the perspective of likely the most prudent compromise of supporting same-sex unionships, i.e., "same-sex marriages", but remaining pragmatic which allows those whom use the guise of states' rights as a reason to non the measures.

To be more interesting, former Congressman, Artur Davis decided to blog about the President's announcement.  He attempted legitimized the opposition that exists amongst so many black Americans.  He has the tried and true argument that has been used by so many older black Americans about the disarray of stable coupling of younger generations of adults.  Yeah, I would agree that there needs to be more stability of relationships of black adults in general, but the scapegoating of same-sex couples as an additional threat is ludicrous.  This all goes back to the notion there aren't good male role models for black male youths to display to these impressible minds that responsibility of be a good father (and stop fucking every thing that walks without a condom).  It is quite faulty for Davis to use this as a justification of banning the extension of basic rights afforded to most in other Westernized nations to all their monogamous and committed couples of all combinations (male-female, male-male, female-female).  This is one situation where I don't agree with Davis attempt to be pragmatic when you are simply giving validity to myopia, FAIL!

The dilemma for Black LGBTs

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Kudos to Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry on her MSNBC show airing this interesting topic that I have talked about in different aspects over the last few years.  The problems that seem to exist between LGBTs and blacks.  Now I'm not one to jump to a conclusion, but it was very potent for one of the commentators to point out how if the two groups are to coalesce then both needs active support on both sides.  The commentator spoke about the taciturnity of many LGBT interest groups on the Trayvon Martin case, yet almost always expects support from black interest groups on their issues.  Human rights are human rights regardless of whom or what is the focus of discussion is about.

The one pause of thought lays with the notion that the Reverend Barber's lack of concern for same-sex unionship equity.  At the end of the day, it seems this as close to true coalescent opposition is going to get in this Southern state because there will still be those against same-sex unionship on a legalized basis.

Oh while I was away taking care of business...

I was taking care of some graduate school business, but did have my ear to the blogosphere and the news...

Kudos to Charles Barkley for speaking his mind about Bernice...Bernice King, whom is the current sitting president of the SCLC, for her lack of regard for LGBTs of color yet want to take claim to "carrying the torch" of her father.  Speak the truth and shame the demons amongst us...

Auburn University QB soon to be NFL draftee, Cam Newton giving away his education for something as unstable and unpredictable as a career in professional football.  Now very wise at all if you ask me, and Dr. Boyce Watkins agrees with me on that.  As a matter of fact, Watkins went even further and said that his giving away a paid for education is just further the "plantation mentality" for black Americans.  WOW, WOW, WOW!  I don't wholeheartedly agree, but he has a some strong points about them taking advantage of these talented individuals.

Then there was the Over-the-Mountain Democrats forum of last Tuesday (January 18th) about "How Will the Democrats Rise Again?" at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  My buddy, Mooncat at Left in Alabama, covered it quite well links here, here, and here.  The truth is the Alabama Democratic Party is screwed because white Democrats are too busy trying to "chase after rainbows", i.e. "the elusive rural white vote" while running away from being associated with President Obama (whom isn't popular with a faction of white Alabamians) then the "Joe Reed Problem".  The man that is the human equivalent to "a runaway train from hell" while playing up the Bojangles angle.  I've covered that thing for awhile now and have nothing else to say about it...

Finally, the incident in Carroll County, Georgia of the Metro Atlanta area.  According to the Times-Georgian of Carroll County, 43-year-old Chris Staples was residing at his mother's residence on disability since he had injured himself on the job many years ago, and has been openly homosexual for nearly 20 years.  WSB-TV reports that on Sunday, there were two incidents that occurred at the residence, first a rock thrown through a bedroom window with a message from the assailant conveying their knowledge of Staples' sexuality and he was going to hell then a fire set to the residence.  One has to wonder who in the hell in 2011 still spins their time worrying about what some low-key individual especially a homosexual does with their life?  Nuttiness

I should be back to somewhat regular posting later on this week after getting caught up with other things I'm handling involving my Masters' program...

CORRECTION: According to last Friday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bernice King turned down the role of president of the SCLC, but that doesn't excuse her track record on LGBT rights...

Uh-oh, Chick-fil-A! The gay bloggers are about come after you!!!!!

Well, it didn't take long for me to hear about this, and the gay blogs to follow up with a pressure-cooker campaign to get them to drop their co-sponsorship with Pennsylvania Family Institute of "The Art of Marriage" on February 11th & 12th in the Harrisburg area and Reading in Pennsylvania.  Although the event isn't about being "anti-same-sex marriage", it speaks on biblical marriage and the support for it.  However, the Pennsylvania Family Institute, is the largest organization against LGBT rights in Pennsylvania.  So it's guilty by association because Chick-fil-A hasn't made it known they are overtly anti-LGBT rights.  Interestingly, they did sponsor Colorado-based Focus on Family and some golf tourney in Ohio led by Ohioan based group, which supports the usage of reparative therapy to change sexuality, which many experts equates to mental torture.  Official at Atlanta area-based Chick-fil-A hasn't made any official comments or stances on anything public involving LGBT rights.  (Maybe it has to do with them being based in the metropolitan area of one of the largest LGBT cities in the nation, so it could be chalked up to guilty by association.  On the other hand, they do close on Sundays for their employees can be with their families...  ***KANYE SHRUG***)

Well, like the Target fiasco, I'm going to remain ambivalent because I shop and eat at places that are cheap and offers quality products and services.  I'm on a fixed income while working on my Masters' degree, and don't eat out often anyways so this fiasco doesn't affect me.  However, it is interesting what's going to go down in the next few days.

UPDATE: Advocate, Towerload, Queerty, Change.org have swooped down on it.

Things about the black religious fold to think about...

Earlier this week, Gallup released a poll on the popularity of allowing openly homosexual or bisexual members of the armed forces to serve as well as the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and same-sex unions.  The poll compares from 2008-2009 to 2010.  Well, apparently "folk" ain't down with either when compared to other ethnic groups.  ***SIGH***

Sometimes I just don't know what to say about why folk are so sanctimonious about LGBT/SGLs when there are plenty of other fires that need to be extinguished.  One of the fires is the likelihood of contracting an STI, 1 in 22 black Americans are likely to contracted HIV.  There are so many things going on, but folk want to hate on the LGBT/SGLs and them living their lives.

Surprisingly, black LGBT blogger Son of Baldwin wrote a lively list of likely reasoning behind the hypocritical and sanctimonious nature of folk when it comes down to it:

1. Religion.  Black Americans (or maybe ALL Americans) are among the most superstitious people on the planet. They have taken what was once their slave masters' religion and used it to liberate themselves from the tyranny of antebellum slavery.  However, we've yet to be ingenious enough to remove what is perhaps the inherent flaw in any organized religion: the need for an enemy.  Religion simply cannot function without an Other to demonize.  Throughout history, women, Pagans, Native Americans and blacks have found themselves the targets of religious terrorism.  Gays are simply the latest in a long line of subjects who are held up as scapegoats onto whom all the sins and vices of the society can be poured.  What makes black homophobia super egregious, however, is that having been the sacrificial lambs themselves, one would think that blacks would be more sympathetic to gay rights.  Instead, like the whites before them who said, "I may be poor, but at least I'm not black," blacks find shelter and solace in "I may be black, but at least I'm not gay."

2. Envy, entitlement, indifference and practicality.  On completely self-serving and emotional levels, blacks feel, quite simply, that since we don't yet have all the rights and privileges entitled to us (perhaps on paper, but certainly not in practice), gays shouldn't have theirs yet, either. In other words: Wait your turn! Blacks also feel that the right for gays to marry isn't as important as, say, the right not to be murdered in cold blood by police officers or the right to be able to properly feed and educate one's children or other immediate, tangible concerns. Apparently, everything is mutually exclusive when it comes to civil rights.

3. Racism in the gay community.  To most black people, white gays are indistinguishable from the white, often affluent society that they perceive as oppressors.  Unfortunately, the gay community has given blacks ample justification for this position.  Thus, blacks are adamant about not supporting any cause that will give whites--gay or straight--greater license to oppress them.  And gayness, in the minds of ignorant blacks, is most certainly a white thing.

4. Closeted black homosexuals. Since a great many black homosexuals are afraid to come out of the closet because of the rampant homophobia in black society (especially the black church), there are relatively few voices from within the community to combat the rhetoric and relatively few individuals to put a face on the specter.  Therefore, the ignorance remains largely unassailable.

One year, and so...

Now back to regular posting.  Today on the other side of the Sunbelt, a federal judge repealed California's Proposition 8 that banned same-sex unions and such, so congrats to them (for now because you know THEY are going to repeal to the SCOTUS)...

It's another one of those cases where you have to give those in the Democratic establishment in Georgia the side-eye.  This time it's Roy Barnes, whom deliberately avoided being seen near President Obama in Atlanta on Monday when he was there for Disabled Veterans organization speech and Democratic National Convention fundraiser (all in the same hotel, Hyatt Regency Atlanta in downtown).  That's what I call a "nod and wink" stunt to the black Democrats, whom he went all out the way to court up until 3 weeks after he won the Democratic gubernatorial primary...

In the Greater Birmingham area, an young, black Democratic nominee for circuit judge position of Jefferson County, Kenya Lavender Marshall,  might be disbarred by the Alabama State Bar for using clients compensation for personal use.  UH OH, HOT DOG!  That's has to be one of the DUMBEST things I've seen person do when they are running for a judicial position when it requires prudence and discernment to do the job...

Oh yeah, black Democratic Congress members Charlie Rangel and Maxine Waters ought to be ashamed of themselves for being SO DAMN STUPID.  I mean allegations of taking money and using it for their own personal usage and now both face ethics violations when they know they are up for reelection in 3 months.   I don't care how progressive you too maybe on key social issues, you have to be DUMBEST DEMOCRATS in the current sitting Congress, plain and simple.  Once again you see another Southern (white) Democrat pretending to be too busy worried what some rural (white) people will think of them rather than just showing their face for a few minutes with the president...PATHETIC!

LESSON TO ALL BLACK DEMOCRATS: DON'T GIVE OTHERS A REASON TO GET YOU WHEN YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT THEY WILL THOSE OUT THEM WANTING TO GET YOU!  YOU WILL GET GOT!

Heretic of the year...Laura Bush

She supports same sex unions, but she said it in her book and in the recent interview with Larry King on CNN on Monday.  It's the oldest trick in the (socio-political) book: you don't say anything when you could have done something, so you say anything when you can nothing.  Hence, why I call Laura Bush the "Heretic of the year" for 2010 because she sat by and let her idiot for a husband push dogmatic and demagoguery from the legislative process to appease the ignorant and reactionary. 

***KANYE SHRUG***

It's official!

Washington, D.C. is now the first city in the South that allows full-fledged same-sex unionships within its jurisdiction. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case by Fauntroy and the other haters, so the case went back to the District Superior Court, where the justices there also refused.  It's a turning of a page for an area that has been plagued with so much controversy surrounding this one issue from the Archdioceses of Washington, D.C. removing its spousal benefits from all employees to the ending of foster care services within the District itself, but leaving it in suburban Montgomery County in Maryland.  The trifecta of fuckery with the Northrop Grumman involving Equality Virginia and Maryland officials badmouthing Virginia because of the acts of Governor McDonnell. 

Congrats, DC!

In additional DC news...

The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has made another major move to prove they are asses with agendas.  First in late February, the Archdiocese's Catholic Charities announced it would end its 80-year-old foster care program offered in the District in response to the passage of the same-sex union ordinance.  They did it basically to prevent recognizing LGBT employees who would want extended benefits for their partners.

Also now the Archdiocese of Washington is refusing to honor any spousal benefits whatsoever involving its employees.

Employees at Catholic Charities were told Monday that the social services organization is changing its health coverage to avoid offering benefits to same-sex partners of its workers -- the latest fallout from a bitter debate between District officials trying to legalize same-sex marriage and the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

Starting Tuesday, Catholic Charities will not offer benefits to spouses of new employees or to spouses of current employees who are not already enrolled in the plan. A letter describing the change in health benefits was e-mailed to employees Monday, two days before same-sex marriage will become legal in the District.

"We looked at all the options and implications," said the charity's president, Edward J. Orzechowski. "This allows us to continue providing services, comply with the city's new requirements and remain faithful to the church's teaching."

Catholic Charities, which receives $22 million from the city for social service programs, protested in the run-up to the council's December vote to allow same-sex marriage, saying that it might not be able to continue its contracts with the city, including operating homeless shelters and facilitating city-sponsored adoptions. Being forced to recognize same-sex marriage, church officials said, could make it impossible for the church to be a city contractor because Catholic teaching opposes such unions.

WOW, WOW, WOW!  The Archdiocese in DC is determine to make sure they don't have to recognize any form of same-sex unions.  It's a mess, but hey it's legal because all employees will lack spousal benefits including the heterosexual ones.

The opponents of the District's same-sex unionship ordinance makes a last-minute hail mary to the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and declare that the ordinance should be upon for a public vote via referendum.  Walter E. Fauntroy, a civil rights-era organization of the March on Washington and the District's then-non-voting delegate in Congress, was the one of those who filed papers to the Chief Justice John Roberts to place the ordinance on a ballot before its goes into affect on March 3rd. 

THAT'S CUTE, looks like those who are desperate to worry about other's lives are just so pressed and determined like the Archdiocese to make a scene.

Now what does this solve?

Once again, selfishness, idiocy, and stupidity strikes!  This time in the DC Metro aka "The DMV" over the relocation of the corporate headquarters of Northrop Grumman from Los Angeles to the region.  The recent inauguration of the socially-conservative Republican Virginia Governor Bob McConnell and his executive order that removed LGBT from the state's discrimination ordinance for employment.  He also blocked the passage of a legislation that would extend health benefits to the same sex partners of state employees.  This was at the recommendation of also recently elected Republican Virginia State Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli about LGBT issues.

The Sunday edition of the Washington Post covered the foolishness being perpetuated by openly gay Maryland State Senator Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery County) and Equality Virginia to discourage Northrop Grumman from relocating to the Northern Virginia side of the DMV because of the executive order. 

Here's an exert from the letter from the Washington Post:

"Here in Maryland, we value our gay and lesbian citizens as part of a diverse population that makes the state strong," Madaleno wrote. "Virginia is doing the opposite and letting its LGBT citizens -- and those considering whether to move and work there -- know that they and their families are unwelcome second-class citizens. And they are counting on corporations like yours not to care."

Also Madaleno said that "Virginia is turning back the clock" in the letter.  However, Equality Virginia takes the cake by penning a similar to the Northrop Grumman CEO Wesley Bush also discouraging the corporation from locating in Northern Virginia.  Northrop Grumman has received a perfect rating from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for its protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees.  Also known for its diversity and productivity involving its employee.

Now, my thing is last time I remember this is apart of the private sector and can make its own policies for its employees.  I would expect that Madaleno because he is vying for a new economic development opportunity for his state and district by playing up their more progressive issues and the recent decision by the Maryland Attorney General saying they would recognize same-sex unions from other jurisdictions.

The Commonwealth of Virginia isn't off the hook because like most former Jim Crow-law states, i.e., Southern states, they have right-to-work laws, which means you can be fired for anything.  Which is very detrimental to black, Latinos, LGBTs, etc. and working in states where employers can use this policy to terminate you.

However, the scorched earth ideology of Equality Virginia is dumb ass hell, and insures that they will likely not have any if not many working-class voters come next time a pivotal issue involving LGBTs.  Equality Virginia is saying to those who might want to get a decent job at the headquarters, screw you, because they didn't get their way.  Hell, as much I can't stand the current mayor of Birmingham, I'm not shitting on Birmingham even on this blog because of that.  My advice to Equality Virginia is with that type of strategy they are taking you are going to make more enemies than friends with that foolishness you are doing to your own state.  If you want enact change to the policy then push for the Virginia General Assembly to pass a legislative amendment that will change state employment laws permanently rather than burning crucial bridges with potential allies on progressive and working-class voter issue.  This stunt by Equality Virginia is exactly why there is such a disconnect between most progressive-leaning groups and LGBT-rights advocacy groups because a majority of time the latter will act extremely selfishly more than the former....

So what is really going on?

Although I don't do New York politics on this blog for a number of reasons, I found this comment on my fellow blogger, V, on his blog Maybe It's Just Me by well-known homophobic New York State Senator Ruben Diaz quite interesting:

“The Governor went out on a limb for the gay community in his efforts to
support marriage equality and to bring that bill to the Senate floor, even
though he knew it did not have sufficient votes to pass and that thousands
of people in New York State did not want it and will not support him for
election because of that issue,” remarked Senator Díaz. “Where is the gay
community now that the Governor needs them?” Senator Díaz wondered.
Likewise, Governor Paterson suffered one of his biggest setbacks and
received a ton of criticism when he bypassed Caroline Kennedy and chose
Kirsten Gillibrand instead for the United States Senate. “For that
Governor Paterson has paid dearly and gained a lot of negative ink.
Governor David Paterson must be wondering ‘I was there when they needed me,
where are my friends now that I need them? 

“I remember back on Sunday May 17, 2009, I organized a demonstration of
tens of thousands people in front of Governor David Paterson’s Manhattan
office to protest his staunch support for gay marriage and the Governor
stood by the gay community and didn’t waver.

“I am not endorsing Governor Paterson but I admire his commitment to those
whom he believes are his friends. My father used to say in Puerto Rico ‘My
friends are my friends with their virtues and flaws."

Well, Diaz isn't lying since NY Governor David Patterson is suffering some major blows to his popularity and political capital amongst a huge segment of constituency.  Patterson went out on a limb and put up Kirsten Gillibrand for U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Hilliary Clinton and the same-sex unionship bill before the State Assembly then it failed epically.  Diaz might be a homophobe out of this world, but he hit the nail on the head because the LGBTs in NYC have all but abandoned the man that put his ass out on the limb for them.  I say that is the reason why any black politico with any common sense doesn't bend over backwards for LGBT activists and bloggers because see that is exactly what happens.  If you are going to do something make sure it with a pluralistic support beyond them because most of them just like other identity voters, have the attention span of a gnat.  Yet some bloggers Rod McCullom, Pam Spaulding, etc. want to know why some black politicos are either hesitant or only pushes legislation when somebody else does it.  This is the textbook reason why...

A poll by the Washington Post says....

About half of the black residents within the District are for same-sex unions whereas the other half is against them.  Here is the excerpt from this past Sunday's edition of the Washington Post:

Although most District residents are in sync with the council in support of same-sex marriage, there is widespread public support for putting the question to a city-wide vote.

Nearly six in 10 residents say they would prefer to vote on the issue. City leaders have said a public vote would be discriminatory. "I don't think it should be a decree made by the government," said Pablo Barreyro, 72, of Chevy Chase. "I don't think it should be left to a small party of politicians. . . . I really wonder what the outcome would be if it becomes available for public input."

If it lands on the ballot, however, the District would be well positioned to become the first state-level jurisdiction in the country where voters embraced same-sex marriage, according to the poll.

Nearly six in 10 D.C. residents, including 83 percent of whites, favor making it legal for gay couples to marry.

The broad support for same-sex marriage in the District's white community cuts across cultural lines that divide opinions on the matter nationally. Regular white churchgoers nationwide generally oppose same-sex marriage, but two-thirds of whites in the District who attend services monthly or more often support same-sex marriage.

African Americans tilt against same-sex marriage. Thirty-seven percent of black residents back legal same-sex marriage. A slim majority opposes it, and the bulk of opponents say they feel that way strongly.

But some divisions are evident in the local black community on this issue, with sharp divides by church attendance and education.

One in five African Americans who attend church services weekly favor same-sex marriage, and support rises to 47 percent among those who attend less often. A narrow majority of black college graduates supports gay marriage, compared with about a third of African Americans with less formal education.

The poll indicates that council members Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) were representing their constituents' views when they became the only two members to vote against the same-sex marriage bill.

So according to the poll, the more educated and less religious an individual is then the more apt they are to be accepting of same-sex unions.  Whereas, the less educated and more religious an individual is then the more likely they are against same-sex unions.  Uh duh!  I've been seeing this correlation for awhile now, but people can't see that is the issue amongst black folks, too many don't think for themselves instead let the others think for them...like white people.  The irony is that the whites in DC are more apt to support same-sex unions. 

Now, one thing I won't agree with is if it put up for referendum because anybody with a brain knows that just because there is support doesn't automatic mean passage (see Maine and its same-sex union referendum).  The fact that progressive voters are more lazier than socially conservative voters happens even with black folks as well, hence why that jackal won the election in Birmingham in January. Some black folks are lot more complicit with foolishness than righteousness when it comes to things they don't realize affects them more than anything else.

I'm just saying...

Is the Good Bishop still up to no good in DC?

Well, the Good Bishop, Harry Jackson of Prince Georges County, Maryland is STILL trying to repeal the DC same-sex unionship ordinance and the recognition of same-sex unions, civil unions, and domestic partnerships from elsewhere.  He tried earlier this week to get the District Circuit Court to overturn the decision of the District Council and District Board of Election and Ethics decision to permit the recognition and ordinance for same-sex unions without a referendum, but got DENIED.  Geez Good Bishop, why don't you let it go?  You don't even live nor can vote within the District of Columbia, but you are so overly concerned about their affairs when it comes to such trivialized these such as this when PG County's crime rate and other urban issues there are more precedent and tangible to you.  Oh well, he has nothing to do but whine, bitch, and moan about the spiraling of DC.

So Harold Ford Jr. has been a proponent all along for something...

I don't see this as a "flip-flop" persay more than I see as just an adjustment of platform with the district he would represent in Congress.  Hey, I'm a lot more pragmatic and realistic when it comes to politics than most of my fellow black bloggers that cover LGBT/SGL issues like Rod 2.0, Pam Spaulding, etc.  He said that he has always supported civil unions, which means that he wasn't against LGBT/SGL rights rather the definition of calling it "marriage" (where I personally stand as well because "marriage" is a religious institution).  Instead Ford said that he was for civil unions, which can be called "same-sex unions" as well.  So in my book, he is just equipping himself for the Democratic primary against Kirsten Gillibrand, who wasn't as progressive as she is now when she was still a U.S. House Representative.  Somethings have to be taken with a grain of salt and that is talking points from politicos when it comes to issues because words aren't what counts rather actions.  If Ford said he has always supported civil unions then that is fine in my book when in reality it seems to some would give Gillibrand a pass just because she did the exact same thing, but in more subtle way.  When it comes down to that, that's when I call foul and bias because some in the blogosphere will give a white woman a pass but comes down hard on a black man because he is a black man.  If you are going to criticize then criticize them both, which I am doing, don't play favorites and then try to whine when in reality my stance sounded more rationale and realistic...

UPDATE: What is so interesting and prejudice is how Empire State Pride chairman Alan Van Capelle said to Ben Smith of Politico: 

I know Harold Ford Jr. just arrived to New York, but as a native and lifelong resident, I know what New York values are, and I know a snake oil salesman when I see one. You simply can’t claim to be pro-equality if you’ve twice voted to enshrine discrimination into the U.S. Constitution.

While it may be tempting for Mr. Ford to compare himself to people like Sen. Chuck Schumer, the fact remains that Sen. Schumer — who did evolve on his position on marriage equality — has been a longtime supporter of several pieces of legislation that are very important to LGBT people and never supported the awful Federal Marriage Amendment. Harold Ford Jr. is no Chuck Schumer, and he is no Kirsten Gillibrand.

WOW, WOW, WOW!  So Mr. Capelle, you just single out how Ford doesn't compare to Senator Schumer, but you conveniently ignored how former President Clinton was for the DOMA and signed it, but didn't repent and reform until recently.  Ford like other Southern black politicos may have ambiguous or flat out change stance on LGBT/SGL issues but if somebody like Schumer, Clinton are given a pass.  Interesting, indeed. 

I'm also shaking my head at how Pam Spaulding along with Rod McCullom are going into fall out assault mode on Ford, yet he said made his platform clear.  It's like I said some will give others a pass, but antagonize others that are usually black to the end of all time even if they change their stances.  Why can't you just take him for whom he is now because if Gillibrand might be just a "wolf in sheep's clothing" as anybody else.  SMDH

DC is now the first city in the South allowing same-sex unions and David Catania

The DC Council passed the ordinance into law allowing the legalization and recognition of same-sex unions within the District of Columbia. 

This ordinance was pushed by Council member at-large David Catania, a former Republican, now Independent on the District Council.  Catania is only 41 and outingly gay, and according to most who follows the District and its city level politics, says that he is an intelligent yet intimidating individual who pushes his way through the political fray.  Sounds like to me, he is going to be the next person that may be on his way of becoming DC's first gay and white mayor in a long time not before becoming the DC Council President after the next election cycle.  Well, I'm not surprised since I've noticed that all the "black mecca metropolises" are starting to turn very white and in some cases led by white LGBT politicos.  Hmmm, all I have to say is they better do right by everybody including those of color and LGBTs of color...

The political "what ifs" that wind up happening

The political and societal 'what ifs' are some of the most interesting things that occur in modern times.  What I'm talking about are the things in conventional wisdom or in scholarly thought are the things assumed not likely to occur.  However, some of these things have been defeated due to circumstance or sheer luck, but it happened.  Case and point, the Commonwealth of Virginia elected it first black governor with L. Douglas Wilder back in 1989 although just 7 years prior California failed doing the same with the candidacy of Tom Bradley thus we have the political theory known as the Bradley effect.  Nevertheless, a Southern state was the first to actually elect self-identified black governor to its office. 

Another case of this is with Houston just yesterday where the city elected its first openly gay mayor, yet it recently declined to pass a referendum to allow domestic partnership benefits including same-gender-loving (SGL) employees and their partners.  Other cases including the passage of Proposition 8 in a assumed politically and socially progressive state as California at the same time as more conservative yet urbane states like Florida with its Amendment 2 and Arizona with Proposition 102, all of which were banned the recognition or allowance of same-sex unions, domestic partnerships, or civil unions with their state boundaries.  Also the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger, famous action movie actor and a moderate Republican, to the helm of governor in California in 2003 after the electoral recall of Gray Davis, a Democrat.  Finally, the election of the first self-identified black president of the US with candidacy of Barack Obama.

It shows that anything is entirely possible in these day and age politically speaking in our society, so when I hear naysayers like Joe Reed, Jesse Jackson, and others say that it's not likely for Alabama to elect a black governor with the candidacy of Artur Davis or that Birmingham can't possibly make a turnout in the midst of huge recession then I say never say never.

Same-sex unions, Atlanta mayoral race, and HUH?

Over the long weekend Atlanta's mayoral race just got even pettier with the issue of same-sex unions.  OK, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the issue of same-sex unions as known as "gay/same-sex marriage" became an issue of the very contentious race between former Georgia state senator Kasim Reed and current Atlanta City Council member Mary Norwood. 

Apparently, Georgia Equality, the major LGBT organization in Atlanta, has chosen to stay neutral over the mayoral race (for obvious reasons not to burn bridges and because look at how racially contentious it is and we know how that goes for LGBTs and race).  However, the Georgia State Democratic Party has made it known that they think that Norwood is a Republican, and even claiming to outright and no-holds-bar stance.  Whereas, the Atlanta Stonewall Democrats have fully endorsed Kasim Reed over Mary Norwood in the mayoral race.  Interesting the Georgia Democratic Party has all but formally endorsed Reed and made it known that their state party is only for civil unions.  Well, I told the LGBT bloggers that this is how they see it in the majority of the South even in so-called progressive ol' Atlanta.

Now, Kasim Reed has went out and said he supports civil unions, but doesn't go for the full same-sex unionship stance.  However, Norwood has said she supports same-sex unions, but voted to abstain from a key vote on the issue for the Atlanta City Council in the past.  Leaving the hyperbole that who's more of a champion for this issue? 

Well, some of the LGBT/SGL citizens of Atlanta haven't stayed as quiet and neutral as Georgia Equality has on the issue like Douglas Brooks is an Atlanta attorney, parent of two, who is upset at the Georgia Democratic Party’s opposition to Mary Norwood, an advocate of same-sex marriage equality.  Brooks wrote a long diatribe:

Kasim Reed’s anti-marriage equality position is not only an insult to the thousands of tax-paying gay and lesbian Atlantans, his position represents a step backwards for a city which is currently led by Shirley Franklin, who favors marriage equality. Like many of you, we are disappointed in this year’s race, and not just for Senator Reed’s position, the party’s intervention, and the lock step support from party faithful.
The Democratic Party of Georgia asks gays and lesbians to compromise on marriage equality in voting for Reed this year, while doing nothing elsewhere to improve the discriminatory treatment we feel from state government. No member of the Democratic caucus has introduced legislation to repeal the 2004 anti-marriage equality amendment; nor to create a parallel structure of civil unions, nor domestic partnerships, nor any other advance.
Is it any wonder gays and lesbians are – for the first time in memory – ignoring the party’s candidate endorsement to support the pro marriage equality, Mary Norwood?

I kind of expected this type of outrage which has been so common nationwide from so many LGBT/SGLs over marriage equality and Democrats.  However, as I've said for a while that the Democrats are a big yet fragile "tent" where a number of members of that party is socially conservative when it comes to same-sex unions.  Most of those are considered moderates and conservatives and will bail on them if the issue is push any further, but the more liberal members and LGBT caucus are getting angry because of the lack of push from the leadership. ONCE AGAIN, THIS IS WHY I'M AN INDEPENDENT.  Pragmatism is the only way this issue will be resolved, but patience has to be prudent.  Did anyone forget about the economy and unemployment numbers????

Republican National Committee is requesting purity resolution on 3 issues...

According to the New York Times, the RNC issued a mandate stating the 'purity' on issues involving health care reform, same-sex unions, and the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  The resolution has been endorsed by 10 members of the committee and will be discussed in the winter conference...

Here's the list of mandates:

(1) We support smaller government, smaller national debt, lower deficits and lower taxes by opposing bills like Obama’s “stimulus” bill;


(2) We support market-based health care reform and oppose Obama-style government run health care;
(3) We support market-based energy reforms by opposing cap and trade legislation;
(4) We support workers’ right to secret ballot by opposing card check;

(5) We support legal immigration and assimilation into American society by opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants;

(6) We support victory in Iraq and Afghanistan by supporting military-recommended troop surges;
(7) We support containment of Iran and North Korea, particularly effective action to eliminate their nuclear weapons threat;
(8) We support retention of the Defense of Marriage Act;
(9) We support protecting the lives of vulnerable persons by opposing health care rationing and denial of health care and government funding of abortion; and
(10) We support the right to keep and bear arms by opposing government restrictions on gun ownership.

Now that is just precious how they want 'purity' on such contentious issues, but I hope they know us Independents are watching and saying OH HELL NO! 

They are burning their bridge on what would be their swing they need via moderate and progressive Republicans and destroying what is left of the end of the RNC.  I just love their illogical stances on health care reform with the wording "protecting the lives of vulnerable persons by opposing health care rationing and denial of health care and government funding abortion".  On the other hand, isn't that exact opposite of what they claim to be protecting when theyare denying any form of health care reform legislation from passing?  Hmmm... 

Then there is ol' Mikey Steele from Maryland that is now the "token negro-in-chief" of the RNC who admitted that some white Republicans are scared of him.  So many problems, but so few realistic solutions.  What is there for a socially progressive, fiscally conservative Independent to do? 

For starters, this doesn't mean I'm going to become a Democrat again, but my reservations for Republicans will likely become even more common when it comes to voting.  However, I digress...