Just Commenting

Wading into Dark Ages

Conservatives are wading into the past—when back alley abortions were all the rage. U.S. House of Representatives gave the Protect Life Act a green light Thursday. The act forbids women from buying health insurance, which cover abortion services, under the Affordable Care Act or "Obamacare." Thanks to the legislation, Catholic hospitals aren't the only facilities that can deny women abortions in any situation, according to Huffington Post.

 

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., sold the end-run around the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision as a way to make sure " no taxpayer dollars flow to health care plans that cover abortion and no health care worker has to participate in abortions against their will." Using a lies to its advantage inspired this grand gesture by Cantor and his conservative comrades. The Susan B. Anthony List was forced to stop falsely claiming "Obamacare" paid for abortions, after a federal court ruling in August.

 

"The express language of the [Affordable Care Act] does not provide for taxpayer-funded abortion," the judge's opinion said. "That is a fact, and it is clear on its face."

 

Even if a uterus isn't one of my accessories, I've still got an opinion. Abortion shouldn't be used as birth control. Self-control of BOTH consenting adults—or using condoms—is a better alternative. In the case of rape, incest or the mother's life hangs in the balance, I believe it's warranted. Opinions of this fairly liberal and really gay Democrat as well as GOP and Tea Party men really don't matter. After all, when have any of us carried a baby for 9 months?

 

Those opinions become important, however, when they shape flawed legislation based on an untruth and discrimination. That flawed legislation allows medical professionals to discriminate against women. Given the GOP and Tea Party's hysterical focus on denying the GLBT community rights, will new legislation insulate "religious" doctors and nurses from treating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender patients?

 

Republicans have hammered President Barack Obama and Democrats on job creation—while offering no solution themselves. They're too busy legislating GOP's brand of morality and discrimination.

DADT repeal liberates U.S. warriors

Service men and women have risked and sacrificed their lives to secure freedom—today and yesterday. They all willingly accepted death as a possible price.

Duty drove some military members to grudgingly accept silence and deception. Once staying in the camouflage closet was the only option. Now, silence is no longer necessary.

The 1993 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy replaced that reality—until midnight Tuesday. Now, all American warriors are free to be themselves, including Randy Phillips, 21, of Alabama.

On the eve of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”’s demise, Phillips finally came out to his father, phoning home from Germany. Like most recent history, personal or otherwise, the moment was captured and shared on YouTube.

It was one was among many moments, which Phillips—known only as AreYouSurprised—chronicled on the journey toward DADT repeal.

Seeing him fumble with the phone and look on his face reminded me of preparing to emerge from the closet. Lucille Harrington, the great-grandmother who raised me, was all I thought about. Would she still love me tomorrow?

Apparently, Phillips and I have two things in common. Being shunned by loved ones was a fate worse than death. Actually, all members of the GLBT community share that trait. Refusing to admit that doesn’t the reality.

“Hey, can I tell you something?” Phillips said. “Will you love me, period? You'll always love me?”

After assurances from his father, he charges forward: “Dad, I'm gay.”

“Like always have been. I've known since forever. And I haven't seen you in like a year and I don’t know when’s the next time I would be able to see you. I didn’t want to do it over the phone. I wanted to tell you in person, but uh... I didn't want you to find out in any other way,” he says.

“OK,” Dad responds. “I still love you son... It doesn't change our relationship, you hear me?”

“I am very proud of you,” Dad said.

However, he expresses one concern; given that Phillips’ is in Deutschland—home of Oktoberfest.

“Watch the drinkin’!” he said.

Witnessing the touching moment was powerful on more than one level.  Phillips got a happy ending. (Get your mind out of the gutter.) So, many gay people aren’t as lucky as he and I were.

I had to come out to my then 85-year-old great-grandma twice. She didn’t quite get the concept initially. That probably had something do with how I explained it. The second time, Grandma launched into a “Was it something I did?” speech.

But everything changed on Mother’s Day 2004. For whatever reason, her children (my grandfather and aunt) didn’t have time for her.

So, my partner and I invited Grandma to dinner. The ride from her apartment in my 1994 Ford Ranger pickup was quiet. She enjoyed the dinner and, particularly, watching my partner and me playfully do dishes. I caught her staring—with a smile.

Our relationship blossomed, in spite of her eventual Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis. We would always be her boys. I’m so thankful for that. I’m also thankful Randy Phillips will always be his Daddy’s boy.

Rubio: Newly-minted GOP ‘savior’

http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2011/august/299883/

Conservatives lament alleged politically-motivated NBC snub

By Jason Carson Wilson

Move over President Obama, a new messiah’s in town. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL, saved former First Lady Nancy Reagan from a fall during a Reagan Presidential Library event Tuesday.

Rubio was escorting the 90-year-old Reagan to her seat, when she tripped. Rubio held her arm firmly, preventing the mishap, according to MSNBC. But video of the incident actually shows several people coming to Reagan’s aid.

Instead of being thankful former President Ronald Reagan’s widow escaped injury, Fox News and its friends fueled a lame twitterversy about an alleged politically-motivated injustice—NBC News didn’t give Rubio enough credit.

After all, NBC is home to MSNBC or, as some conservatives call it, MSDNC. Well, isn’t that cute. But, I digress.

Black conservative commentator Larry Elder tweeted his outrage. Right-wing propagandist, Newsbusters, followed suit. Both claim ABC and CBS news noted Rubio “saved Reagan, while NBC failed (possibly on purpose) to mention it.

“While both ABC's Good Morning America and CBS's Early Show on Tuesday gave due credit to Senator Marco Rubio for catching former First Lady Nancy Reagan as she tripped at Reagan Library event, NBC's Today strangely avoided making any mention of the Florida Republican being present, even as video footage clearly showed him holding Reagan's arm,” Newsbusters’ Kyle Drennen reported (Newsbuster’s emphasis).

The conservative publication commended Today’s Natalie Morales for noting that falls send 500,000 older Americans to hospitals each year. Thankfully, Reagan avoided being one of them. For her sake, let’s hope Reagan continues avoiding that fate.

One wonders how many of the outraged have personally called to check on Reagan. Yes, she escaped injury. The answer would go a long way in determining whether she’s been transformed from a respected first lady—in some circles—to a political pawn.

Profiles in racism: Wis. kills profiling law

Continuing a well-planned trend, Wis. Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, puts civil liberties in peril in the name of fiscal restraint.

Walker signed a bill Wednesday,  ending a mandate to collect racial and types of information from traffic stops information, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

Supporters stressed the 5-month-old law—it went into effect in January—monitored potential racial profiling. Opponents championed the alleged savings and less paperwork for the state’s 600 law enforcement agencies.

"During tight budget times we need to set priorities in all areas of government, and this bill allows law enforcement agencies to focus on doing their job - protecting and serving the public," Walker said in a statement, quoted in Emma Roller’s story.

Apparently, in Wisconsin, people of color need not be served and protected. Walker is transforming the Dairyland in 2011 into Mississippi, circa 1955.

That doesn’t seem to bother some Wisconsin residents. Prolific commenters shared their views with relative anonymity on newspaper sites. Some of the insights weren’t so bright.

“Racial profiling is just like stereotypes, they are usually spawn (ed) from history and facts,” Burrito wrote. “If a certain race is occupying our prisons more than others, it's probably because they committed more crimes than others.”

So, history and facts support stereotypes about Black people? Really? Following that logic, that means the history and facts of slavery, segregation and discrimination perpetrated by some Whites sustain a stereotype many Blacks hold dear: All White people are racist.

Thankfully, that’s not the case. However, thanks to the new and improved White Citizens Council—oops, I meant Tea Party—that stereotype has been given new life. Burrito was joined by commenters echoing his sentiments, while a retired police officer pointed out problems with the law.

“As a retired cop...ALL of you "solve a crime in 60 minutes" listen up,” lizzdog said.
”The NON FUNDED State mandate went beyond the normal info collected by police (and) sheriff. There was NO supplied software, that might interface with a departments system, and I say might !”

Point taken. Legislators who passed the law should have provided money for software. Did law enforcement agencies trim their budgets to accommodate the added expense? Did they seek more money?

According to other published reports, the law, was slated to cost the state $1.2 million over the first two years. Lawmakers promised to help police department grants to cover software upgrades.

A Republican-controlled Wisconsin wasn’t going to try finding grant money to sustain the racial profiling law. So, the squawking about an unfunded mandate is B.S. It’s just a buzz phrase used to justify the racism and stupidity.

For more information about Wisconsin’s spiked racial profiling law.

http://oja.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=19318

Black, gay more than taboo

Being gay and Black is more than taboo. That was my biggest takeaway from CNN anchor Don Lemon’s interview with SIRIUS Radio host Michelangelo Signorile.

Lemon publicly came out in his new book, Transparent, and in various interviews with Signorile, HLN personality Joy Behar and The New York Times.

“It’s quite different for an African-American male,” Lemon said in May 15 story. “It’s about the worst thing you can be in black culture. You’re taught you have to be a man; you have to be masculine. In the black community they think you can pray the gay away.”

That quote highlights the hypocrisy of the African-American community. Just so we’re clear, like Lemon, this blogger is a Black gay journalist too.

The Black community labels gay men as less than, while turning a blind eye to many “real Black men” who abandon and neglect their children.

Father’s Day is just another day -- I don’t even know who my father is. According to a 2009 U.S. Centers of Disease Control report, 72 of every 1,000 children were born to unwed Black mothers. Real men help raise their children. But, I digress.

Yes, white men -- Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Edwards -- produce children out of wedlock too.

Gay Black men aren’t anymore inferior than those perpetuating stereotypes of irresponsibility. The Black community should examine is definition of masculinity.

For too long, masculinity has been synonymous with the ability to prolifically procreate. Look, where that’s gotten us.

Furthermore, masculinity has also been synonymous with being tough. Some less astute among us, have translated that to mean violent and helped add more Black men to prison populations.

So, as some Black men prove their masculinity, they’re reinforcing stereotypes as well -- that the rest of us must battle.

When the Black community gets its crib together, then I might listen to objections to gay people. (I said listen, not agree.) Until then, their comments will fall. on deaf ears.

Originally published May 20 at http://www.orble.com/just-commenting

Erecting DADT Road Blocks

Queer soldiers risking limb and life for our nation deserve freedom. The repeal of the ill-advised “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered now means women and men in the armed forces can serve openly.

However, House Republicans -- otherwise known as the new “moral majority” -- are trying to erect road blocks, according to Instinct Magazine. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-CA, is slated to introduce Defense Authorization Bill amendments that would require more certification requirements.

“The four military service chiefs are far more closely connected to the day-to-day realities facing
each respective service branch than those who are currently required to sign off on the
repeal—including the President,” Hunter said in a press release.

He’s a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Duncan wants service chiefs to certify that DADT won’t affect combat readiness and effectiveness. Let’s keep it real. Here’s the question Duncan’s really posing: Will straight soldiers be comfortable enough to follow orders?

Draft dodging and avoiding military service isn’t my style. A health condition got me turned away from a Marine recruitment center in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.

So, this observation doesn’t come from experience. Last time I checked, military service has never been synonymous with comfort.

Comparing challenges that the GLBTQ and African-Americans face is controversial, since African-Americans can’t hide their Black skin. Even so, there are similarities. Concerns about readiness and effectiveness were used to protect racist soldiers from their Black and Latino counterparts.

"'White soldiers will not shower or sleep in the same barracks as African-Americans. Mixing African-American troops with whites will weaken a unit's cohesion. ' These are arguments that opponents of integration were making 50 years ago," said David M. Smith, spokesman for the Campaign for Military Service, in a 1993 Los Angeles Times article.

"Substitute 'gay' and 'lesbian' and it's the same arguments being heard today,” Smith said. “The common denominator is prejudice."

If that’s not enough, another lawmaker, U.S. Rep. Steven PalazzoYour text goes here, R-MS, wants to codify coddling homophobes. Palazzo, a Persian Gulf War veteran, has also offered an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill.

“The Secretary of Defense shall issue regulations setting forth guidance to insure that the sincerely held religious or moral beliefs of members of the Armed Forces regarding homosexual or bisexual conduct are protected, accommodated…,” the amendment reads.

Here’s a reminder to the “constitutional experts” now in the U.S. House, the Constitution prohibits establishing a national religion. Thus, it follows that requiring behavior that supposedly conforms to a certain religion would be unconstitutional.

Post was first published May 13, 2011 at www.orble.com/just-commenting.

Beck's shameless blathering

Shameless.

That’s how former Fox News personality Glenn Beck described President Barack Obama’s trip to Ground Zero following Osama bin Laden’s more than justified assassination. In a bizarre twist, Beck and fellow Faux Newser Bill O’Reilly actually debated Obama’s visit during an appearance on the O’Reilly Factor, according to HuffPost.

Beck accused Obama of exploting “a political opportunity.” Excuse me? Since the Sept. 11, 2011 attacks on New York City, the Pentagon and finally Pennsylvania, the Bush administration used national security as the go-to reason for everything.

Beck reminds me of cookware calling a teapot black. In the aftermath of those tragic events, we needed to protect the nation. Stripping Americans of freedom and liberty with the Patriot Act wasn’t the way to do it. Eavesdropping on phone calls isn’t either.

Furthermore, if memory serves me correctly, former President George W. Bush stood in front of a banner blaring “Mission Accomplished” in 2003, while aboard the U.S.S. Lincoln.

Though Bush announced major combat missions were ending, that banner gave the impression the war was over. Families of thousands of fallen soldiers have since learned the war rages on.

Despite former Bush press secretary Scott McClellan’s denials during a Oct. 29, 2003 White House press briefing, W had to know how people would interpret the sign.

Paying tribute to those lost in a tragic event isn’t the same as offering a false impression of reality.

Post first published May 9, 2011 at www.orble.com/becks-shameless-blathering.

W feels slighted in bin Laden aftermath

Someone’s feeling ignored. Former U.S. President George W. Bush believes current U.S. President Barack Obama is patting himself on the back for the eradication of Osama bin Laden, an anonymous source claims in a New York Daily News story, featured on HuffPost.

"Obama gave no credit whatsoever to the intelligence infrastructure the Bush administration set up that is being hailed from the left and right as setting in motion the operation that got Bin Laden. It rubbed Bush the wrong way," the source said.

Whether the source uttered those words with a straight face is unknown. Bin Laden was holed up in the mansion where he died for 6 years.

Whatever “intelligence infrastructure” Bush set up had some major potholes. After all, that same infrastructure discovered too late that no weapons of mass destruction existed.

Bush’s concern with what he’s supposedly termed “Obama’s victory lap” is that he can’t have all the glory. Apparently, the only thing Bush believes Obama should receive is grief for the former commander-in-chief’s mistakes.

Anonymous sources usually aren’t my cup of tea. However, Bush protectors and supporters have been feverishly trying to create a pristine legacy -- steeped in delusion -- for the brush-picker-upper.

So, it’s more than plausible that the anonymous source was authorized to speak. His supporters are so keen on propping up Bush, they can’t give credit where is due.

Former Alaska governor and failed U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin can blame Obama for our nation’s problems under his watch -- and rightfully so. But Palin couldn’t bring herself to thank him by name for killing bin Laden.

"Yesterday was a testament to the military's dedication in relentlessly hunting down the enemy during many years of war," Palin said. "And we thank our president. We thank president Bush."

And, yes, let’s be clear, Obama didn’t kill bin Laden himself, anymore than Bush offed Saddam Hussein singlehandedly. However, it happened under his watch. So, the Obama administration deserved some credit.

Post first published May 7, 2011 at

www.orble.com/w-feels-slighted-in-bin-laden-aftermath.

Tragedy losing its meaning

Tragedy has lost its meaning. NBC Evening News anchor Brian Williams described former St. Louis Cardinal first baseman Mark McGwire's admission that he used steroids--even while beating Roger Maris' home run record--as a national tragedy. Really? It took weeks for the horrific images of 9/11 to stop running on an endless loop through my mind.

Admittedly, those who lost loved ones on that fateful day aren't so lucky. And Americans who saw their friends and relatives perish in the Oklahoma City bombing are probably still haunted by scenes of carnage on April 19, 1995. Parents, wives and children of fallen military men and women, who are giving their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, find their deaths more than tragic.

Williams understands the McGwire "tragedy" pales in comparison to 9/11, the decimation of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building or the results of two unnecessary wars. However, his observation highlights the media's evolution. Admitting steroid use and affairs revealed are given too much importance.

Infidelity is wrong on many levels. While it can earth-shattering to those directly involved, transforming into a worldwide event is beyond ridiculous. Tiger Woods' "indiscretions" has now associated him with man's best friend. Woods has earned the disdain and abandonment. However, should the affairs of celebrities really dominate our news coverage? My answer: No.

Of course, news managers of all stripes don't seek my sage advice. If they had pondered my self-proclaimed profound statements, viewers wouldn't have been subjected to skanks on parade. And Elin Nordegen Woods' might be suffering somewhat less humiliation. Alas, no one asked me.

Yes, it's unfortunate Woods and McGwire both made bad choices. With that said, neither of their decisions resulted in a national tragedy. What's tragic, in a sense, is our nation's obsession with transforming celebrities (be they athletes or not) into near-deities. Being a role model should be part of the job description. However, what "should be" and what "is" are two different concepts.

There was a reality Woods never acknowledged. His color dictated that he be "twice as good to be just as good." While Woods exceeded expectations in that department, he forgot to remain twice as pure. Interestingly, the amazing golfer's life--to an extent--proves Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's point.

Having lighter skin made Woods more welcome on a golf course. After all, the first African-American member of Augusta National wasn't admitted until 1991. And, frankly, his ability to generate ratings, lure younger players and make the sport money forced some people to accept Woods into the golfing establishment. But he's not light enough to escape Nancy Grace's skewed criticism.

This writer won't deny Woods is a cheating dog. However, commentators like Grace decided Woods' cheating is worse is because he's African-American. Honestly, his activities have helped further stereotypes about African-American men.

Even so, Grace has sullied that segment of the American population as well. The great legal eagle usually focuses her time on crimes with legal consequences. However, Woods only violation--warranting law enforcement intervention--was hitting a fire hydrant. His crimes of the heart yielded potential civil "violations." If Woods' wife weren't lily white, would Grace be that worked up? I think not.

Woods and McGwire have let down millions of people. Both their decisions and certain reactions to them are unfortunate, if not sad. However, they don't meet--and never will--meet my litmus test for a national moment of tragic proportions. It's time for we and the media to gain and maintain the proper perspective about celebrity.

Idaho lawmaker highlights GOP ignorance -- again

Rex Rammell, Idaho GOPer, Jokes About Hunting Obama

The Republican Party seems to be reeking of stupidity. Wait, why am I being polite? It's reeking of blatant racism. Idaho Rep. Rex Rammell proved that -- again. Rammell joked about hunting President Barack Obama.

Its most religious and reverent followers have forgotten one adage: Hate the policy, not the person. However, the GOP has feverishly and joyfully stoked hatred against the president, playing on fear of ignorant people scared of an African-American leader.
They can't just say we dislike this policy and offer an alternative. (Of course, they're against affirmative action.) So, the GOP has resorted to racially-charged rhetoric and enlisted paid mobs to disseminate the message. And, now, lawmakers aren't even bashful about making incendiary comments.

If accusing the president of killing isn't moronic enough, we've got a political hopeful joking about hunting Obama. There's a typical response from a Republican lawmaker. Defend stupidity spewing from his or her mouth by saying it was just a joke.