You really know we have turned the corner when politicians start campaigning on the promise of equality.
Up to now, almost every prominent politician who has taken a stand for equality had nothing to lose. Things are different now.
Gov. Corzine has made "marriage equality" for gays and lesbians a prominent piece of his reelection campaign, taking another step in his conversion on the issue and encouraging gay-rights advocates who hope to see same-sex marriage approved in New Jersey this year.In public speeches and private appearances, Corzine, who as recently as 2006 said he believed marriage should be between a man and a woman, has touted his support of same-sex marriage.In raising the issue, he has tried to draw a bright-line divide with his Republican opponent, Christopher J. Christie, who has said he would veto a bill allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed."We believe that government should allow people the freedom to marry whomever they love," Corzine said in his general-election kickoff speech June 2.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
A WHOPPING 15%
(WGN-AM)- U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk will call for legislation Monday that would toughen drug trafficking laws regarding a highly-potent form of marijuana, with penalties of up to 25 years in prison for a 1st-time offense.The law would target offenders who sell or distribute marijuana that has a THC content exceeding 15 percent, which is between 5 and 10 percent higher than average marijuana, according to Kirk's office. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main active ingredient in marijuana.Drug dealers are increasingly cross-breeding plants to produce high-potency variants of marijuana, which are called "kush" in street slang when they have 20 percent THC, according to Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran."When you amplify the strength of it, you are increasing the harm to the system," said Curran, who supports the legislation, which would amend a federal law. "They are more dangerous behind the wheel of a vehicle. It's not a good idea to have people that messed up."The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has reported that kush sells for as high as $600 per ounce--creating the same profit potential as crack cocaine, according to Kirk.He will release more information during a news conference in Chicago Monday, where he will be joined by representatives from the Lake County Sheriff's Department, the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and Waukegan Police Department.
I love this line:
"Drug dealers are increasingly cross-breeding plants to produce high-potency variants of marijuana."
Who says American Ingenuity (TM) is dead.
I love this line:
"Drug dealers are increasingly cross-breeding plants to produce high-potency variants of marijuana."
Who says American Ingenuity (TM) is dead.
Do Your Job, Mr. Roberts
And, Messrs. Thomas, Alito, Scalia, etc.
Yesterday the US Supreme Court ruled that one DOES NOT have a constitutional right to DNA evidence.
Said Mr. Roberts:
DNA testing has an unparalleled ability both to exonerate the wrongly convicted and to identify the guilty. The availability of new DNA testing technologies, however, cannot mean that every criminal conviction, or even every criminal conviction involving biological evidence, is suddenly in doubt. The task of establishing rules to harness DNA's power to prove innocence without unnecessarily overthrowing the established criminal justice system belongs primarily to the legislature.
And later he says THIS
There is no long history of a right of access to state evidence for DNA testing that might prove innocence. "The mere novelty of such a claim is reason enough to doubt that 'substantive due process' sustains it."
Check out Ed Brayton's anaylis and his thoughtful commenters here.
Yesterday the US Supreme Court ruled that one DOES NOT have a constitutional right to DNA evidence.
Said Mr. Roberts:
DNA testing has an unparalleled ability both to exonerate the wrongly convicted and to identify the guilty. The availability of new DNA testing technologies, however, cannot mean that every criminal conviction, or even every criminal conviction involving biological evidence, is suddenly in doubt. The task of establishing rules to harness DNA's power to prove innocence without unnecessarily overthrowing the established criminal justice system belongs primarily to the legislature.
And later he says THIS
There is no long history of a right of access to state evidence for DNA testing that might prove innocence. "The mere novelty of such a claim is reason enough to doubt that 'substantive due process' sustains it."
Check out Ed Brayton's anaylis and his thoughtful commenters here.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Quote For the Day
"The Obama Administration stumbled badly in defending the federal anti-marriage law, so-called "DOMA," despite his repeated campaign promises to end this federal discrimination against married gay couples and their loved ones. It is appalling to see the Obama Justice Department out-Bushing the Bush administration in its anti-gay arguments to shore up a massively unjust law that President Obama pledged to undo."
Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry
That is putting it mildly. By his actions, President Obama has shown himself to be a liar and a coward.
John Avavosis of AmericaBlog is covering this story in great detail. For those who believe that the Obama administartion has no choice but to defend the law, John introduces us to a man who knows the score.
NOTE FROM JOHN [Arovosis]: I'm happy to introduce Richard Socarides, a long time friend, former Hill staffer, and then former top aide to President Clinton, who will be writing for us from time to time on a variety of issues.
The Choice to Defend DOMA, and Its Consequencesby Richard Socarides.
Like many other gay people who support the president, and as someone who had hoped he would be a presidential-sized champion of gay civil rights from the start, I was disturbed by his administration’s brief defending the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), filed late last week, in opposition to our full equality. It had such a buckshot approach to it, a veritable kitchen sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed expressly designed to inflict maximal damage to our rights. Instead of making nuanced arguments which took into account the president’s oft-stated support for repealing DOMA – a law he has called “abhorrent” – the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all its horrific consequences.
Read the whole thing here. It is deeply disturbing.
Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry
That is putting it mildly. By his actions, President Obama has shown himself to be a liar and a coward.
John Avavosis of AmericaBlog is covering this story in great detail. For those who believe that the Obama administartion has no choice but to defend the law, John introduces us to a man who knows the score.
NOTE FROM JOHN [Arovosis]: I'm happy to introduce Richard Socarides, a long time friend, former Hill staffer, and then former top aide to President Clinton, who will be writing for us from time to time on a variety of issues.
The Choice to Defend DOMA, and Its Consequencesby Richard Socarides.
Like many other gay people who support the president, and as someone who had hoped he would be a presidential-sized champion of gay civil rights from the start, I was disturbed by his administration’s brief defending the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), filed late last week, in opposition to our full equality. It had such a buckshot approach to it, a veritable kitchen sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed expressly designed to inflict maximal damage to our rights. Instead of making nuanced arguments which took into account the president’s oft-stated support for repealing DOMA – a law he has called “abhorrent” – the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all its horrific consequences.
Read the whole thing here. It is deeply disturbing.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
North Korea Warns of Nuclear War Amid Rising Tensions
By VIJAY JOSHI, Associated Press Writer Vijay Joshi, Associated Press Writer – Sun Jun 14, 2:02 pm ET
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea's president ordered his top security officials Sunday to deal "resolutely and squarely" with new North Korean warnings of a nuclear war on the eve of his U.S. visit. In Washington, Vice President Joe Biden said "God only knows" what North Korea wants from the latest showdown.
President Lee Myung-bak travels to Washington on Monday for talks with President Barack Obama that are expected to focus on the North's rogue nuclear and missile programs.
The trip comes after North Korea's Foreign Ministry threatened war with any country that stops its ships on the high seas under new sanctions approved by the U.N. Security Council in response to its May 25 nuclear test.
It also vowed Saturday to "weaponize" all its plutonium and acknowledged a long-suspected uranium enrichment program for the first time. Both plutonium and uranium are key ingredients of atomic bombs.
A commentary published Saturday in the North's state-run Tongil Sinbo weekly claimed the U.S. was deploying a vast number of nuclear weapons in South Korea and Japan.
North Korea "is completely within the range of U.S. nuclear attack and the Korean peninsula is becoming an area where the chances of a nuclear war are the highest in the world," it said.
Kim Yong-kyu, a spokesman at the U.S. military command in Seoul, denied the allegation, saying the U.S. no longer has nuclear bombs in South Korea. U.S. tactical nuclear weapons were removed from South Korea in 1991 as part of arms reductions following the Cold War.
President Lee summoned his top security ministers Sunday and ordered them to "resolutely and squarely cope" with the North's threats, his office said. The Unification Ministry, responsible for ties with the North, issued a statement demanding that it stop inflaming tension and resume talks with the South.
"North Korea should give up its nuclear program ... and stop any kind of military threat," it said. "We urge North Korea to respond in a sincere dialogue to improve South-North Korean relations."
The new U.N. sanctions approved Friday are aimed at depriving the North of the financing used to build its nuclear program. They also authorize searches of North Korean ships suspected of transporting illicit ballistic missile and nuclear materials.
Biden told NBC's "Meet the Press" that it's crucial that the U.S. and other nations "make sure those sanctions stick."
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, reportedly had a stroke 10 months ago and analysts believe there may be a plan in place to name his inexperienced 26-year-old son, Kim Jong Un, as the future leader.
"God only knows what he wants," Biden said of Kim. "There's all kinds of discussions. Whether this is about succession, wanting his son to succeed him. Whether or not he's looking for respect. Whether or not he really wants a nuclear capability to threaten the region. ... We can't guess his motives.
"We just have to deal with the reality that a North Korea that is either proliferating weapons and or missiles, or a North Korea that is using those weapons ... is a serious danger and threat to the world, and particularly East Asia," the vice president said.
Lee Sang-hyun, an analyst at the Sejong Institute, a South Korean security think tank, said he believes the North will continue to conduct nuclear tests until it masters the technology to mount nuclear warheads on missiles and will give credit for it to Kim Jong Un.
"Kim Jong Un's status is still unstable. Kim Jong Il appears to be trying to give the son a powerful means to strengthen his succession," Lee said. "Kim Jong Un could also get the credit for nuclear weapons development."
North Korea is already believed to have enough plutonium for at least half a dozen atomic bombs.
North Korea says its nuclear program is a deterrent against the U.S., which it accuses of plotting to invade and topple its regime. Washington, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea, has repeatedly denied having any such plans.
___
Associated Press writers Jae-soon Chang and Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report.
To quote Harrison Ford as Han Solo, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
Kim Jong Il was a crazy little warmonger long before he had his stroke. I'm sure my mind isn't the only one now racing with fears that this nuclear armed terrorist wants to go out with a bang. I can imagine his twisted delusions of martyrdom for the sake of his heir by wiping out his longtime enemy, and I am very concerned. If there was anything that would make me put aside my agenda and work with my political rivals for a common good this would be it.
Folks we have to act fast on this. If we let boats in and out of this area unchecked they may supply all our enemies with weapons of mass destruction. If we act he is going to use this as an excuse to use his nuclear weapons. Kim Jong Il has set a no win situation for us where fighting is the only way out. I say we enforce the naval blockade and show that we are not afraid on him no matter what he promises to do. I say this with great trepidation because I think he intends to use nuclear weapons either way.
The way I see it, if we can stop him from delivering weapons to his allies it will be the equivalent to stopping someone from passing guns around to all their friends just after they've told you they were going to shoot you.
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea's president ordered his top security officials Sunday to deal "resolutely and squarely" with new North Korean warnings of a nuclear war on the eve of his U.S. visit. In Washington, Vice President Joe Biden said "God only knows" what North Korea wants from the latest showdown.
President Lee Myung-bak travels to Washington on Monday for talks with President Barack Obama that are expected to focus on the North's rogue nuclear and missile programs.
The trip comes after North Korea's Foreign Ministry threatened war with any country that stops its ships on the high seas under new sanctions approved by the U.N. Security Council in response to its May 25 nuclear test.
It also vowed Saturday to "weaponize" all its plutonium and acknowledged a long-suspected uranium enrichment program for the first time. Both plutonium and uranium are key ingredients of atomic bombs.
A commentary published Saturday in the North's state-run Tongil Sinbo weekly claimed the U.S. was deploying a vast number of nuclear weapons in South Korea and Japan.
North Korea "is completely within the range of U.S. nuclear attack and the Korean peninsula is becoming an area where the chances of a nuclear war are the highest in the world," it said.
Kim Yong-kyu, a spokesman at the U.S. military command in Seoul, denied the allegation, saying the U.S. no longer has nuclear bombs in South Korea. U.S. tactical nuclear weapons were removed from South Korea in 1991 as part of arms reductions following the Cold War.
President Lee summoned his top security ministers Sunday and ordered them to "resolutely and squarely cope" with the North's threats, his office said. The Unification Ministry, responsible for ties with the North, issued a statement demanding that it stop inflaming tension and resume talks with the South.
"North Korea should give up its nuclear program ... and stop any kind of military threat," it said. "We urge North Korea to respond in a sincere dialogue to improve South-North Korean relations."
The new U.N. sanctions approved Friday are aimed at depriving the North of the financing used to build its nuclear program. They also authorize searches of North Korean ships suspected of transporting illicit ballistic missile and nuclear materials.
Biden told NBC's "Meet the Press" that it's crucial that the U.S. and other nations "make sure those sanctions stick."
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, reportedly had a stroke 10 months ago and analysts believe there may be a plan in place to name his inexperienced 26-year-old son, Kim Jong Un, as the future leader.
"God only knows what he wants," Biden said of Kim. "There's all kinds of discussions. Whether this is about succession, wanting his son to succeed him. Whether or not he's looking for respect. Whether or not he really wants a nuclear capability to threaten the region. ... We can't guess his motives.
"We just have to deal with the reality that a North Korea that is either proliferating weapons and or missiles, or a North Korea that is using those weapons ... is a serious danger and threat to the world, and particularly East Asia," the vice president said.
Lee Sang-hyun, an analyst at the Sejong Institute, a South Korean security think tank, said he believes the North will continue to conduct nuclear tests until it masters the technology to mount nuclear warheads on missiles and will give credit for it to Kim Jong Un.
"Kim Jong Un's status is still unstable. Kim Jong Il appears to be trying to give the son a powerful means to strengthen his succession," Lee said. "Kim Jong Un could also get the credit for nuclear weapons development."
North Korea is already believed to have enough plutonium for at least half a dozen atomic bombs.
North Korea says its nuclear program is a deterrent against the U.S., which it accuses of plotting to invade and topple its regime. Washington, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea, has repeatedly denied having any such plans.
___
Associated Press writers Jae-soon Chang and Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report.
To quote Harrison Ford as Han Solo, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
Kim Jong Il was a crazy little warmonger long before he had his stroke. I'm sure my mind isn't the only one now racing with fears that this nuclear armed terrorist wants to go out with a bang. I can imagine his twisted delusions of martyrdom for the sake of his heir by wiping out his longtime enemy, and I am very concerned. If there was anything that would make me put aside my agenda and work with my political rivals for a common good this would be it.
Folks we have to act fast on this. If we let boats in and out of this area unchecked they may supply all our enemies with weapons of mass destruction. If we act he is going to use this as an excuse to use his nuclear weapons. Kim Jong Il has set a no win situation for us where fighting is the only way out. I say we enforce the naval blockade and show that we are not afraid on him no matter what he promises to do. I say this with great trepidation because I think he intends to use nuclear weapons either way.
The way I see it, if we can stop him from delivering weapons to his allies it will be the equivalent to stopping someone from passing guns around to all their friends just after they've told you they were going to shoot you.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The NYPD's Anti-gay Violence
Alana Smith reports on the struggle of two lesbians who are speaking out after they were beaten by New York City police.
June 9, 2009
June 9, 2009
FORTY YEARS after the Stonewall Inn uprising in New York City--where gays and lesbians fought back against police harassment and sparked a new social movement--it's still common for the NYPD to target lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, especially LGBT people of color.
Jeannette Grey and Tiffany Jimenez learned that fact firsthand on May 16. The two lesbians were at the IFE Lounge in Brooklyn when they heard shouting outside and ran to see if their friends were okay. Before they knew it, police were throwing them to the ground, beating them with nightsticks and hurling slurs at them.
This might have been just another all-too-frequent case of police brutality in the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, except these two courageous women decided to tell their story and fight back.
Jeannette, a 31-year-old African American lesbian, who goes by J.G., explained what happened:
Not only were we beaten, but the cops hurled anti-gay statements as they raised their nightsticks. Then, they had the audacity in front of their own sergeant and the rest of their brothers and sisters to say, "We are having some dyke pussy in here tonight."
I knew then that this crime wasn't just about me or about the other female involved. As I laid there, and I felt the nightsticks hit me, I thought of Martin Luther King, and what he had to endure just for us to have the freedoms we do today.
I immediately relaxed my body, put my arms up where they could see I wasn't resisting, and screamed at the top of my lungs for someone to hit record on their camera. As they pulled me into the car, I knew that they picked the wrong quote-unquote "dyke" to mess with.
The other woman attacked by the police was 19-year-old Tiffany. As she described, while fighting back tears:
I'm very small, and I had no shoes, and they threw me on my back. I was wearing a dress, and they flipped me over, exposing my butt. I was screaming and crying--I was so scared.
I don't feel safe from the NYPD. We're supposed to be able to call on them when hate crimes happen, but they're the ones who are committing hate crimes against us. I don't know who we're supposed to call for help any more. I don't want to call the cops.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ON JUNE 6, J.G. and Tiffany spoke out at a press conference outside the 77th Precinct in Crown Heights, with the support of the organizations Safe OUTside the System (SOS, a part of the Audre Lorde Project) and Gays and Lesbians of Bushwick Empowered (GLOBE, a program of Make the Road NY).
Community organizers also spoke and encouraged people to get involved in fighting police brutality. "We learn to avoid the cops because we are harassed just for being who we are: black, Latino, immigrant, LGBTQ teenagers or for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time," said one GLOBE member.
Andrea Ritchie, a civil rights attorney who was a research consultant and co-author for Amnesty International's 2005 report "Stonewalled: Police Abuse and Misconduct Against LGBT People in the U.S.," [2] stated: "As individuals, we can make civil complaints, but as a community, we need to demand real accountability."
Councilwoman Letitia James connected the brutality faced by J.G. And Tiffany with the recent murder of 25-year-old Omar Edwards, a Black off-duty police officer shot by a white cop who mistook him for a robber. James called on the King's County prosecutor to drop charges filed against Tiffany for disorderly conduct and obstructing government administration.
The press conference concluded with a representative of SOS presenting a list of demands that included: a public apology to J.G. and Tiffany, and to the LBGT community; the firing of the officers involved; dropping all charges against Tiffany; an investigation of the incident and assault charges against the officers who attacked the two women; an independent prosecutor appointed for cases of police brutality; giving real authority to the Civilian Complaint Review Board; and legislative efforts to reduce police brutality.
At the end of the press conference, several hundred people marched proudly through the streets of Crown Heights, expressing high spirits and confidence with their chants, and meeting virtually no hostility from passersby.
The march ended on a particularly energizing note, with the reading of a powerful poem, full of beauty and rage, written in dedication to the bruises of the women who were beaten. Many joined in chanting lines from the poem like: "I want to hold my woman's hand in the street at midnight!"
This event was an example of the strong message that can be sent when people have the confidence to fight and combine the struggles against homophobia, racism and police brutality.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Lies in the Name of God
I have yet again been accused of being hateful and deceitful on Jay Guillette's website dtf-jayg.blogspot.com. An orchestrated effort was made to try to trick me through numerous lies and deceptions that spanned several days through both blog posts and emails into saying something awful against Christians. Let me give readers the blow by blow of events in chronological order unedited so there is a record of the truth and people can see for themselves just how in need of help this individual is.
All italicised words are my commentary and not part of the interaction:
The first comment is on Jay's website posted after William and I have just had one of our usual exchanges.
Lillith said...
These people do need prayer JHG. They are parasites on our local communities as they reject love.
Then Lilith comes over to my website and posts:
Lillith said...
It's as if the energy from the opposition has been sucked dry. Soon, even the churches will embrace gay and lesbian marriage. Conquered by love. In another forum, I got "William," a Catholic blogger, to admit that he's thought about having oral sex with another man. LOL...soon it will all be over.
Here's my reply:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Jelly, it does seem like we are on quite a roll this year.
Lilith, I've seen you post a few times in the past, it's good to see you around again. I was hoping we could stay in better touch, would you mind clicking on the "follow" button on this blog so you can see what I'm up to? You seem like an Allie we could use.
I've got to know, where was this that you got William to admit that? You have to know that they can't keep the hate up when it is one sided for very long. I know love is going to conquer them just like you said.
I'm glad you came over and helped in that conversation, I hope you'll stay and help on that blog period.
Jellie, if you want a blast of "holier-than-thou" you could always follow Lilith and I over to:
dtf-jayg.blogspot.com
I'll warn you now, they can be quite rude to the GLBT. ;)
Here's Lilith's response:
Lillith said...
It was in a GLBT chat room over at Talk City. He indicated that he is the same William who posts at several Catholic blogs including DTF. I refuted his arguments and it wasn't long before he expressed his fears and frustration that the GLBT movement is defeating even the churches and is so-quickly winning the battles over gay marriage. At one point, after I refuted his objections, he admitted that his anger had been getting the best of him and that he had even thought about gay sex himself. It was one of those beautiful moments when an angry and deluded man admitted that his objections were rooted in prejudice and fear and admitted his own suppressed desires.
We are winning. We will conquer through love indeed. I have found that when intellectual arguments fail, we need to take a more powerful approach. What do I mean? I mean when challenged to try the lifestyle or asked in they have thought about it, often amazing things happen. A simple and direct approach which gets results.
We will triumph.
Now enter DawnOfAquarius, Lilith's alter ego:
DawnofAquarius said...
The New Order is upon us. New theologies are replacing the old. A new construct is inevitable. The queer gospel will dominate the old. A new and young generation is demanding new myths. The Age of Aquarius is here now. It will suck the Age of Pisces dry. It will conquer fear and hatred through the power of unrestricted love.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
DawnofAquarius, I think you might be right. I have believed for some time now that the Holy Spirit and the second coming of Christ were metaphors for the spirit of love that is inherent in all human beings. The 2012 doomsday for me is more looking like the radical realignment of religion to understand that goodness is it's own reward.
Lilith, it might be a pain in the ass but could you go back and find the quote you're talking about so I can cite it. I'm sure you can understand why I would want to have my facts in order, especially when I want to quote that on DTF! ;)
Lilith responds:
Lillith said...
William: "It's just that lately, I have the nagging feeling that we are losing the culture war against same-sex 'marriage.' This, to me, is frustrating as our arguments are not working and we are being steamrolled in the courts and in the court of popular opinion..I have thought about gay sex and it is gravely sinful. But a powerful force which I admit at times has enthralled me. I have thought about it..but have not acted on it. I just feel at times that if we can't beat them we should join them."
And now William has fallen silent at DTF. The brave Catholic warrior vanquished by a force which will eventually overtake him.
He has been defeated. We need to overcome the others. Seduce them with our arguments and our love. Conquer them by example.
Soon, the churches will just give in. And a new Age will have triumphed.
The opposition is in panic-mode. They cannot beat us and we won't go away. They are paralyzed like a deer in the headlights....lol....and we will conquer them while they are asleep.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Excellent Lilith, now just give me a link to where he said this so when people ask I can point to it.
You are right, it is by our example, our persistence, and our love that they will be forced to reconcile their own homophobia. Once they take a good look in the mirror at what they've allowed themselves to become the change will occur.
Lilith responds:
Lillith said...
http://forums.talkcity.com/tc-space/chat
William has been vanquished. Now it's time to expose the rest.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
I've been eating spoonfuls of Williams hate for years now, I doubt he is truly vanquished, but we shall see. I hope he has had a realization like you think.
As far as "the rest" I'm game, what were you thinking? Let's continue this conversation via email:
salemmaman@gmail.com
DawnofAquarius responds:
DawnofAquarius said...
And all the while he had a taste for cock himself. Bring them all down. When they have all been exposed as hypocrites, it's really over. Their credibility will be finished. Anyone who has info on the others, share it with John Grinnell.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Great call to action DawnofAquarius. Tom Lang and I make a point to try and know who is who out there and we do keep records, so if anyone has material to add please do.
It is most important in understanding what to do that we first KnowThyNeighbor. ;)
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Oh, and feel free to join us over at DTF while we talk directly to those who oppose us. We need to start making a stronger presence on these blogs in order to help them and their lurkers see the light.
Any and all help in the task is welcome, tell all your friends who would help.
So that's the end of the exchange on my blog, meanwhile a few more things are said over on Jay Guillette's blog:
Anonymous said...
Save them from their hate.
Lillith said...
A new kind of love is taking the world by storm. Its power is unstoppable. It cannot be resisted. It will conquer the world and its archaic fears. Its power is irrefutable and irresistible. The future is here.
Lillith said...
Funny how quiet William is now. Defeated, he must now face his self-loathing. Face your fears William and admit defeat for yourself and your movement.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
I have been posting on this website for years and been the target of much hatred. The exchanges here are indicative of the exchanges we have had throughout the entire time I've posted here.
I have to ask, when does one finally stop with the vitriol comments and attempt genuine constructive dialog?
My question all along this path we've taken together has been very basic; by what terms can we live in peace although we disagree?
So far that question has gone unanswered.
Pax Christi
So now William speaks up:
William said...
I see that Mr. Hosty is still up to his old tactics. Now he is allowing comments slandering me at his blog. And this without any facts to corroborate the ugly accusations. View the comments section of his post:
http://livelovelearn247.blogspot.
com/2009/06/rhode-island-feeling-
pressure-to.html
There "lillith" may be seen falsely accusing me of ugly things and Mr. Hosty not only allowing the comment without facts to ack them up but readily buying into the lies.
Further proof that the radical homosexual movement will do or say anything to achieve its goals.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
William, if it bothers you so much when people lie about you then why do you lie about others?
I allow free conversation on the blogs I support, everyone has a right to say what they want. You'll also see that I asked Lilith to furnish proof of what she said against you, why didn't you mention that? Are you trying to be dishonest by omission?
The next three posts were erased by the blog owner, Jay Guillette. However, all people who have clicked on the article's follow option receive these posts by email which Jay is not able to undo, so there is still a varifiable record of them:
Lillith has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
So what if I lied? All is fair in this war. You are a homophobe. If I want to tell the whole world you are a queer and John Grinnell decides to publish it, that's our right.
You started this war.
And now the antagonist tells me I've been had:
DawnofAquarius has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
The "proof" you asked for wasn't supplied John. Because there isn't any. William doesn't visit chat rooms so there is no "proof." But why worry about it? Lillith is right to say all is fair right? Didn't you communicate as much to me in an email? When we exchanged emails to develop strategy to bring Christians down, I wrote, "I think we need a new strategy. Everything should be done to bring these Christian hypocrites down. Do you have contacts who can try to seduce them? Get them involved in suggestive conversations, chats, emails etc. Document it all. Get them to admit they have the same sexual urges, the same desires to suck cock. Then when you have enough, bring them down."
And you responded, "We've actually done this before, but it doesn't get much bang for our buck. The best thing to do is to beat them at their own game, using the founding principles of Christianity as our guide...Of course I am more than happy to bring a spotlight onto anyone who is vocally against gays.."
So John Hosty, you consider your techniques (trying to seduce Christians with dirty tricks etc) as falling within the "founding principles of Christianity?"
In case you haven't realized it yet, you've been "Punk'd." Anyone who wants a copy of John Hosty's offensive email may contact me at: DawnofAquarius66@yahoo.com.
Now those who visit this Blog will know you for what you are. Charity? You don't know the meaning of the word.
Oh and by the way, "Lillith" is not just a friend. We share the same brain. Consider this an exercise in military reconnaisance.
Dawn of Aquarius
aka: Wife of William
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
I will post the entire exchange on my website so people can see from beginning to end what was said and not get the soundbites you are trying to supply.
Did you really think I didn't suspect something like this? Sorry to disappoint you but you are not the first to try this dishonest method.
What is up with all the dishonesty? Don't you know that lying is a sin?
Then the antagonist changes monikers again and posts a new message:
WifeofWilliam said...
Mr. Hosty, you are a predictable little weasel. You claim you knew what was going on writing, "Did you really think I didn't suspect something like this? Sorry to disappoint you but you are not the first to try this dishonest method...Don't you know that lying is a sin?"
Nice try genius. But in your email to me today (a copy of which I will gladly forward to anyone who asks), you wrote: "..Lilith went on DTF and basically said she was lying about what she said on my blog, which of course doesn't make me look good. I don't know what to think of all this.."
You're a terrible liar Mr. Hosty. Lying bothers you? Try again. In a previous comment in this thread addressed to my husband, you wrote, "I allow free conversation on the blogs I support, everyone has a right to say what they want. You'll also see that I asked Lilith to furnish proof of what she said against you, why didn't you mention that?"
Everyone has a right "to say what they want?" Even total lies aimed at destroying another's credibility? Where is this so-called "proof" Mr. Hosty you weasel? Supply it now. Where is the actual transcript where my husband may be seen to express a desire for homosexual sex? You cannot supply one because one does not exist.
But I CAN supply proof of what I am saying. And I will. To anyone who asks for it.
It is my profound hope that JayG will keep all these comments at this thread so that readers of this Blog will know definitively that you are a dishonest weasel who will lie, calumniate, and work various dirty tricks so as to harm other Christians.
You sir are no Christian. I pretended to be someone and something else to expose you and your hideous methods. Is this wrong? Tell it to undercover FBI agents and CIA types who do this everyday to expose evil in our midst.
But your lies are intended to harm. You sir are engaged in an evil work.
Wife of William
aka DawnofAquarius
Let's take a look at those emails in full and see just what they said in their entirety:
Dawn Williams to me
show details Jun 7 (1 day ago) Reply
I think we need a new strategy. Everything should be done to bring these Christian hypocrites down. Do you have contacts who can try to seduce them? Get them involved in suggestive conversations, chats, emails etc. Document it all. Get them to admit they have the same sexual urges, the same desires to suck cock. Then when you have enough, bring them down.
We must work to undermine these Christians and their groups. Infiltrate them and finish them off. Imagine getting photos of a Catholic activist sucking cock or getting sucked?
Bring them down.
John Hosty-Grinnell to Dawn
show details Jun 7 (1 day ago) Reply
We've actually done this before, but it doesn't get much bang for our buck. The best thing to do is to beat them at their own game, using the founding principles of Christianity as our guide. Whenever they act unChristian and we become the examples they should be it creates stress for them internally as well with others who stand up and cry foul.
Of course I am more than happy to bring a spotlight onto anyone who is vocally against gays while themselves a closet case. I don't mind
those who are in the closet, I just won't tolerate them to spread
their own self hatred directed at me or mine.
I like the fact that you are angry enough to be active, and I
certainly am not excluding what you have said here as an option. Did
you have anyone in particular you had in mind that might fit our needs as a viable person of interest?
John
Dawn Williams to me
show details 10:32 PM (23 hours ago) Reply
I think they all need to come down. Jerry Maneker wrote an awesome post on toxic christianity. You should post that using William as a prime example. William's homophobia is textbook self-loathing. I mean come on, he castigates you while secretly fantasizing about oral sex with men.
His credibility is finished.
John Hosty-Grinnell to Dawn
show details 6:55 PM (2 hours ago) Reply
Perhaps not. Lilith went on DTF and basically said she was lying about what she said on my blog, which of course doesn't make me look good. I don't know what to think of all this but Jerry always writes good articles. I'll check it out.
On an unrelated article titled: A Prayer for Peace on Earth this was left:
DawnofAquarius said...
I pray that William will honestly face up to his own homophobic sins and repent for them. I call upon William to admit that he wants cock.
So we have this whirlwind of lies aimed at trying to trip me up into saying something that would discredit me, but in the end only serve to show how far off the path of Christianity hate can bring some people.
One thing is for sure, there's a whole lot of dishonesty going on, and none of it is attributable to me; I've opened the entire affair to the public.
How would Lilith, aka dawnofaquarius, aka wifeofWilliam have the ability to selectively delete posts on Jay's blog? The answer is obvious, but I'll allow the readers to draw their own conclusions. ;)
Jay Guillette teaches Bible study on Fridays at the Cathedral of Saint Paul 38 High Street Worcester MA 01609 508-799-4193.
All italicised words are my commentary and not part of the interaction:
The first comment is on Jay's website posted after William and I have just had one of our usual exchanges.
Lillith said...
These people do need prayer JHG. They are parasites on our local communities as they reject love.
Then Lilith comes over to my website and posts:
Lillith said...
It's as if the energy from the opposition has been sucked dry. Soon, even the churches will embrace gay and lesbian marriage. Conquered by love. In another forum, I got "William," a Catholic blogger, to admit that he's thought about having oral sex with another man. LOL...soon it will all be over.
Here's my reply:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Jelly, it does seem like we are on quite a roll this year.
Lilith, I've seen you post a few times in the past, it's good to see you around again. I was hoping we could stay in better touch, would you mind clicking on the "follow" button on this blog so you can see what I'm up to? You seem like an Allie we could use.
I've got to know, where was this that you got William to admit that? You have to know that they can't keep the hate up when it is one sided for very long. I know love is going to conquer them just like you said.
I'm glad you came over and helped in that conversation, I hope you'll stay and help on that blog period.
Jellie, if you want a blast of "holier-than-thou" you could always follow Lilith and I over to:
dtf-jayg.blogspot.com
I'll warn you now, they can be quite rude to the GLBT. ;)
Here's Lilith's response:
Lillith said...
It was in a GLBT chat room over at Talk City. He indicated that he is the same William who posts at several Catholic blogs including DTF. I refuted his arguments and it wasn't long before he expressed his fears and frustration that the GLBT movement is defeating even the churches and is so-quickly winning the battles over gay marriage. At one point, after I refuted his objections, he admitted that his anger had been getting the best of him and that he had even thought about gay sex himself. It was one of those beautiful moments when an angry and deluded man admitted that his objections were rooted in prejudice and fear and admitted his own suppressed desires.
We are winning. We will conquer through love indeed. I have found that when intellectual arguments fail, we need to take a more powerful approach. What do I mean? I mean when challenged to try the lifestyle or asked in they have thought about it, often amazing things happen. A simple and direct approach which gets results.
We will triumph.
Now enter DawnOfAquarius, Lilith's alter ego:
DawnofAquarius said...
The New Order is upon us. New theologies are replacing the old. A new construct is inevitable. The queer gospel will dominate the old. A new and young generation is demanding new myths. The Age of Aquarius is here now. It will suck the Age of Pisces dry. It will conquer fear and hatred through the power of unrestricted love.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
DawnofAquarius, I think you might be right. I have believed for some time now that the Holy Spirit and the second coming of Christ were metaphors for the spirit of love that is inherent in all human beings. The 2012 doomsday for me is more looking like the radical realignment of religion to understand that goodness is it's own reward.
Lilith, it might be a pain in the ass but could you go back and find the quote you're talking about so I can cite it. I'm sure you can understand why I would want to have my facts in order, especially when I want to quote that on DTF! ;)
Lilith responds:
Lillith said...
William: "It's just that lately, I have the nagging feeling that we are losing the culture war against same-sex 'marriage.' This, to me, is frustrating as our arguments are not working and we are being steamrolled in the courts and in the court of popular opinion..I have thought about gay sex and it is gravely sinful. But a powerful force which I admit at times has enthralled me. I have thought about it..but have not acted on it. I just feel at times that if we can't beat them we should join them."
And now William has fallen silent at DTF. The brave Catholic warrior vanquished by a force which will eventually overtake him.
He has been defeated. We need to overcome the others. Seduce them with our arguments and our love. Conquer them by example.
Soon, the churches will just give in. And a new Age will have triumphed.
The opposition is in panic-mode. They cannot beat us and we won't go away. They are paralyzed like a deer in the headlights....lol....and we will conquer them while they are asleep.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Excellent Lilith, now just give me a link to where he said this so when people ask I can point to it.
You are right, it is by our example, our persistence, and our love that they will be forced to reconcile their own homophobia. Once they take a good look in the mirror at what they've allowed themselves to become the change will occur.
Lilith responds:
Lillith said...
http://forums.talkcity.com/tc-space/chat
William has been vanquished. Now it's time to expose the rest.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
I've been eating spoonfuls of Williams hate for years now, I doubt he is truly vanquished, but we shall see. I hope he has had a realization like you think.
As far as "the rest" I'm game, what were you thinking? Let's continue this conversation via email:
salemmaman@gmail.com
DawnofAquarius responds:
DawnofAquarius said...
And all the while he had a taste for cock himself. Bring them all down. When they have all been exposed as hypocrites, it's really over. Their credibility will be finished. Anyone who has info on the others, share it with John Grinnell.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Great call to action DawnofAquarius. Tom Lang and I make a point to try and know who is who out there and we do keep records, so if anyone has material to add please do.
It is most important in understanding what to do that we first KnowThyNeighbor. ;)
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Oh, and feel free to join us over at DTF while we talk directly to those who oppose us. We need to start making a stronger presence on these blogs in order to help them and their lurkers see the light.
Any and all help in the task is welcome, tell all your friends who would help.
So that's the end of the exchange on my blog, meanwhile a few more things are said over on Jay Guillette's blog:
Anonymous said...
Save them from their hate.
Lillith said...
A new kind of love is taking the world by storm. Its power is unstoppable. It cannot be resisted. It will conquer the world and its archaic fears. Its power is irrefutable and irresistible. The future is here.
Lillith said...
Funny how quiet William is now. Defeated, he must now face his self-loathing. Face your fears William and admit defeat for yourself and your movement.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
I have been posting on this website for years and been the target of much hatred. The exchanges here are indicative of the exchanges we have had throughout the entire time I've posted here.
I have to ask, when does one finally stop with the vitriol comments and attempt genuine constructive dialog?
My question all along this path we've taken together has been very basic; by what terms can we live in peace although we disagree?
So far that question has gone unanswered.
Pax Christi
So now William speaks up:
William said...
I see that Mr. Hosty is still up to his old tactics. Now he is allowing comments slandering me at his blog. And this without any facts to corroborate the ugly accusations. View the comments section of his post:
http://livelovelearn247.blogspot.
com/2009/06/rhode-island-feeling-
pressure-to.html
There "lillith" may be seen falsely accusing me of ugly things and Mr. Hosty not only allowing the comment without facts to ack them up but readily buying into the lies.
Further proof that the radical homosexual movement will do or say anything to achieve its goals.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
William, if it bothers you so much when people lie about you then why do you lie about others?
I allow free conversation on the blogs I support, everyone has a right to say what they want. You'll also see that I asked Lilith to furnish proof of what she said against you, why didn't you mention that? Are you trying to be dishonest by omission?
The next three posts were erased by the blog owner, Jay Guillette. However, all people who have clicked on the article's follow option receive these posts by email which Jay is not able to undo, so there is still a varifiable record of them:
Lillith has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
So what if I lied? All is fair in this war. You are a homophobe. If I want to tell the whole world you are a queer and John Grinnell decides to publish it, that's our right.
You started this war.
And now the antagonist tells me I've been had:
DawnofAquarius has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
The "proof" you asked for wasn't supplied John. Because there isn't any. William doesn't visit chat rooms so there is no "proof." But why worry about it? Lillith is right to say all is fair right? Didn't you communicate as much to me in an email? When we exchanged emails to develop strategy to bring Christians down, I wrote, "I think we need a new strategy. Everything should be done to bring these Christian hypocrites down. Do you have contacts who can try to seduce them? Get them involved in suggestive conversations, chats, emails etc. Document it all. Get them to admit they have the same sexual urges, the same desires to suck cock. Then when you have enough, bring them down."
And you responded, "We've actually done this before, but it doesn't get much bang for our buck. The best thing to do is to beat them at their own game, using the founding principles of Christianity as our guide...Of course I am more than happy to bring a spotlight onto anyone who is vocally against gays.."
So John Hosty, you consider your techniques (trying to seduce Christians with dirty tricks etc) as falling within the "founding principles of Christianity?"
In case you haven't realized it yet, you've been "Punk'd." Anyone who wants a copy of John Hosty's offensive email may contact me at: DawnofAquarius66@yahoo.com.
Now those who visit this Blog will know you for what you are. Charity? You don't know the meaning of the word.
Oh and by the way, "Lillith" is not just a friend. We share the same brain. Consider this an exercise in military reconnaisance.
Dawn of Aquarius
aka: Wife of William
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
I will post the entire exchange on my website so people can see from beginning to end what was said and not get the soundbites you are trying to supply.
Did you really think I didn't suspect something like this? Sorry to disappoint you but you are not the first to try this dishonest method.
What is up with all the dishonesty? Don't you know that lying is a sin?
Then the antagonist changes monikers again and posts a new message:
WifeofWilliam said...
Mr. Hosty, you are a predictable little weasel. You claim you knew what was going on writing, "Did you really think I didn't suspect something like this? Sorry to disappoint you but you are not the first to try this dishonest method...Don't you know that lying is a sin?"
Nice try genius. But in your email to me today (a copy of which I will gladly forward to anyone who asks), you wrote: "..Lilith went on DTF and basically said she was lying about what she said on my blog, which of course doesn't make me look good. I don't know what to think of all this.."
You're a terrible liar Mr. Hosty. Lying bothers you? Try again. In a previous comment in this thread addressed to my husband, you wrote, "I allow free conversation on the blogs I support, everyone has a right to say what they want. You'll also see that I asked Lilith to furnish proof of what she said against you, why didn't you mention that?"
Everyone has a right "to say what they want?" Even total lies aimed at destroying another's credibility? Where is this so-called "proof" Mr. Hosty you weasel? Supply it now. Where is the actual transcript where my husband may be seen to express a desire for homosexual sex? You cannot supply one because one does not exist.
But I CAN supply proof of what I am saying. And I will. To anyone who asks for it.
It is my profound hope that JayG will keep all these comments at this thread so that readers of this Blog will know definitively that you are a dishonest weasel who will lie, calumniate, and work various dirty tricks so as to harm other Christians.
You sir are no Christian. I pretended to be someone and something else to expose you and your hideous methods. Is this wrong? Tell it to undercover FBI agents and CIA types who do this everyday to expose evil in our midst.
But your lies are intended to harm. You sir are engaged in an evil work.
Wife of William
aka DawnofAquarius
Let's take a look at those emails in full and see just what they said in their entirety:
Dawn Williams to me
show details Jun 7 (1 day ago) Reply
I think we need a new strategy. Everything should be done to bring these Christian hypocrites down. Do you have contacts who can try to seduce them? Get them involved in suggestive conversations, chats, emails etc. Document it all. Get them to admit they have the same sexual urges, the same desires to suck cock. Then when you have enough, bring them down.
We must work to undermine these Christians and their groups. Infiltrate them and finish them off. Imagine getting photos of a Catholic activist sucking cock or getting sucked?
Bring them down.
John Hosty-Grinnell to Dawn
show details Jun 7 (1 day ago) Reply
We've actually done this before, but it doesn't get much bang for our buck. The best thing to do is to beat them at their own game, using the founding principles of Christianity as our guide. Whenever they act unChristian and we become the examples they should be it creates stress for them internally as well with others who stand up and cry foul.
Of course I am more than happy to bring a spotlight onto anyone who is vocally against gays while themselves a closet case. I don't mind
those who are in the closet, I just won't tolerate them to spread
their own self hatred directed at me or mine.
I like the fact that you are angry enough to be active, and I
certainly am not excluding what you have said here as an option. Did
you have anyone in particular you had in mind that might fit our needs as a viable person of interest?
John
Dawn Williams to me
show details 10:32 PM (23 hours ago) Reply
I think they all need to come down. Jerry Maneker wrote an awesome post on toxic christianity. You should post that using William as a prime example. William's homophobia is textbook self-loathing. I mean come on, he castigates you while secretly fantasizing about oral sex with men.
His credibility is finished.
John Hosty-Grinnell to Dawn
show details 6:55 PM (2 hours ago) Reply
Perhaps not. Lilith went on DTF and basically said she was lying about what she said on my blog, which of course doesn't make me look good. I don't know what to think of all this but Jerry always writes good articles. I'll check it out.
On an unrelated article titled: A Prayer for Peace on Earth this was left:
DawnofAquarius said...
I pray that William will honestly face up to his own homophobic sins and repent for them. I call upon William to admit that he wants cock.
So we have this whirlwind of lies aimed at trying to trip me up into saying something that would discredit me, but in the end only serve to show how far off the path of Christianity hate can bring some people.
One thing is for sure, there's a whole lot of dishonesty going on, and none of it is attributable to me; I've opened the entire affair to the public.
How would Lilith, aka dawnofaquarius, aka wifeofWilliam have the ability to selectively delete posts on Jay's blog? The answer is obvious, but I'll allow the readers to draw their own conclusions. ;)
Jay Guillette teaches Bible study on Fridays at the Cathedral of Saint Paul 38 High Street Worcester MA 01609 508-799-4193.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
A Prayer for Peace on Earth
By Paramahansa Yogananda
Heavenly Father, Mother, Friend, Beloved God! May Thy love shine forever on the sanctuary of my devotion, and may I be able to awaken Thy love in all hearts.”
Close your eyes and concentrate deeply at the center of divine consciousness between the eyebrows. Feel the infinite love of God within your heart. Let your heart emanate that love for all the world. Pray deeply that the clouds of war fade away. Let us with all our hearts pray to God that His heavenly forces of goodness and love, ever subtly vibrating in the ether, be not overpowered in the hearts and minds of men by Satan’s suggestions of discord and enmity. For the forces of evil are aggressive, while the forces of good are humble and unassuming.
“Heavenly Father, bless our brothers and sisters living under the dark clouds of war, that they may be relieved from the obsession of Satan’s ignorance and hatred; and may Thine unassuming power of unifying love and peace conquer the aggressive forces of evil. We send out our deepest love for all, that they may receive Thy light of brotherhood and understanding, and be thereby guided to stop destroying each other and creating vibrations of evil that bring the mass karma of depression, catastrophe, and destruction all over the world.”
Feel that your love is going forth like an invisible X-ray, coursing through space into the hearts of the dictators and prime ministers and heads of all nations, that they may bring peace and international prosperity on earth instead of destruction. Include in the powerful radiation of your love all peoples of the world. May our united healing rays of love be surcharged by the infinite love of our Father and bathe the entire earth, permeating the hearts of all leaders and citizens of the world, that they may be filled with the universal amity and harmony of Spirit—bringing peace on earth, goodwill toward all, under the Fatherhood of God.
“Heavenly Father, bless the nations of the earth, our own large family, that all may realize their eternal kinship as Thy children. Thou art our one spiritual Father, the Beloved of the Universe and the Beloved of our hearts. May the strong thoughts of love we broadcast today possess the brains of the dictators and generals, that they may be filled with Thy wisdom, and so desist from working toward the common ruin of humanity. Bless them all. Bless all citizens of the earth, that they may establish a cooperative unity among all souls, and live in a united world with Thy power and light of love guiding us to Thy kingdom.”
Aum. Peace. Amen.
This was written almost 100 years ago yet maintains its value today.
Heavenly Father, Mother, Friend, Beloved God! May Thy love shine forever on the sanctuary of my devotion, and may I be able to awaken Thy love in all hearts.”
Close your eyes and concentrate deeply at the center of divine consciousness between the eyebrows. Feel the infinite love of God within your heart. Let your heart emanate that love for all the world. Pray deeply that the clouds of war fade away. Let us with all our hearts pray to God that His heavenly forces of goodness and love, ever subtly vibrating in the ether, be not overpowered in the hearts and minds of men by Satan’s suggestions of discord and enmity. For the forces of evil are aggressive, while the forces of good are humble and unassuming.
“Heavenly Father, bless our brothers and sisters living under the dark clouds of war, that they may be relieved from the obsession of Satan’s ignorance and hatred; and may Thine unassuming power of unifying love and peace conquer the aggressive forces of evil. We send out our deepest love for all, that they may receive Thy light of brotherhood and understanding, and be thereby guided to stop destroying each other and creating vibrations of evil that bring the mass karma of depression, catastrophe, and destruction all over the world.”
Feel that your love is going forth like an invisible X-ray, coursing through space into the hearts of the dictators and prime ministers and heads of all nations, that they may bring peace and international prosperity on earth instead of destruction. Include in the powerful radiation of your love all peoples of the world. May our united healing rays of love be surcharged by the infinite love of our Father and bathe the entire earth, permeating the hearts of all leaders and citizens of the world, that they may be filled with the universal amity and harmony of Spirit—bringing peace on earth, goodwill toward all, under the Fatherhood of God.
“Heavenly Father, bless the nations of the earth, our own large family, that all may realize their eternal kinship as Thy children. Thou art our one spiritual Father, the Beloved of the Universe and the Beloved of our hearts. May the strong thoughts of love we broadcast today possess the brains of the dictators and generals, that they may be filled with Thy wisdom, and so desist from working toward the common ruin of humanity. Bless them all. Bless all citizens of the earth, that they may establish a cooperative unity among all souls, and live in a united world with Thy power and light of love guiding us to Thy kingdom.”
Aum. Peace. Amen.
This was written almost 100 years ago yet maintains its value today.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Rhode Island Feeling the Pressure to Legalize Same Sex Marriage
(NECN: John Moroney) - Following New Hampshire's decision to approve gay marriage, the debate now shifts to Rhode Island. it’s the only state in New England that has not yet signed off on same-sex unions. Tomorrow gay rights advocates will make their case at the Statehouse.
The debate over gay marriage is not new in Rhode Island, but it is definitely heating up. It could be a long time before Rhode Island approves it, if at all. Two of the big reasons, the leadership at Statehouse opposes it, as does Rhode Island's most influential religious institution, the Catholic Church.
For the last 12 years the legislature has killed attempts to allow same-sex marriage in the state. The pressure seems to be building on lawmakers to do something now. But Christopher Plante, executive director of the National Organization of Marriage's Rhode Island chapter says they need to hold their ground.
NECN.COM
The debate over gay marriage is not new in Rhode Island, but it is definitely heating up. It could be a long time before Rhode Island approves it, if at all. Two of the big reasons, the leadership at Statehouse opposes it, as does Rhode Island's most influential religious institution, the Catholic Church.
For the last 12 years the legislature has killed attempts to allow same-sex marriage in the state. The pressure seems to be building on lawmakers to do something now. But Christopher Plante, executive director of the National Organization of Marriage's Rhode Island chapter says they need to hold their ground.
NECN.COM
Is New York Next?
Vote on Gay Marriage
Editorial
Vote on Gay Marriage
Published: June 3, 2009
A version of this article appeared in print on June 4, 2009, on page A26 of the New York edition
Editorial
Vote on Gay Marriage
Published: June 3, 2009
A version of this article appeared in print on June 4, 2009, on page A26 of the New York edition
Six states have now made it legal for same-sex couples to marry. New York is not one of them. Gov. David Paterson wants the state to guarantee that right, and the protections that come with it, and the Assembly approved legislation legalizing same-sex marriage last month. Malcolm Smith, the leader of the State Senate, insists that he, too, favors marriage for gay couples, but he won’t let a bill go to the floor unless he’s privately lined up enough votes.
It is time for Mr. Smith and his fellow senators to decide this important matter in public.
There are few new arguments to be made behind closed doors. By now, the Senate’s 62 members have heard from every interest group. They know the polls and the politics. They know that New York is lagging behind others — including New Hampshire, where Gov. John Lynch, who had previously defined marriage as strictly between a man and a woman, signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage on Wednesday.
And if New York’s Assembly is any guide, once the matter comes to the floor, these senators will also recognize that same-sex marriage is a basic civil right that can no longer be denied to the citizens of this state.
Thomas Duane, the lead senator on this bill, argues that ultimately his colleagues will see the issue clearly, both in theory and in their personal experiences. He says that most lawmakers, like most Americans, either have a gay family member or know a gay couple down the street or a gay co-worker in their office or some of the many gay lawyers, doctors, politicians and journalists in their community.
“How can they look these people in the eye and not want to treat them equally?” Mr. Duane said. “How can they look me in the eye?”
Christine Quinn, the speaker of the New York City Council, who also has been in Albany working in favor of the same-sex marriage bill, offers another reason why a public vote is necessary. “History will record what all of us do on this issue,” she said. “This is one of those moments when you should want to be counted.”
New York’s Legislature has about two more weeks left in this year’s session. Its work will not be done until the Senate publicly debates and then votes to legalize same-sex marriage.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Statement by Governor John Lynch
CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch released the following statement today regarding same-sex legislation in New Hampshire that he signed into law today:
"New Hampshire's great tradition has always been to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections.
"That tradition continues today.
"Two years ago in this room, I signed civil unions into law. That law gave same-sex couples in New Hampshire the rights and protections of marriage. And while civil unions was recognized as a step forward, many same-sex couples made compelling arguments that a separate system is not an equal system.
"They argued that what might appear to be a minor difference in wording to some, lessened the dignity and legitimacy of their families.
"At the same time, the word "marriage" has significant and religious connotations to many of our citizens.
"They had concerns that this legislation would interfere with the ability of religious groups to freely practice their faiths.
"Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities - and respect - under New Hampshire law.
"Today, we are also standing up for religious liberties. This legislation makes clear that we understand that certain faiths do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it protects them from having to participate in marriage-related activities that violate their fundamental religious principles.
"With the signing of this legislation today, New Hampshire will have taken every action possible to ensure that all families have equal rights to the extent that is possible under state law.
"Unfortunately, the federal government does not extend the same rights and protections that New Hampshire provides same-sex families, and that should change.
"Here in New Hampshire, this debate has been filled with passion and emotion on both sides.
"Two years ago, after an equally passionate debate, the people of New Hampshire embraced civil unions as a natural part of New Hampshire's long tradition of opposing discrimination.
"It is my hope, and my belief, that New Hampshire will again come together to embrace tolerance and respect, and to stand against discrimination.
"That has how we in New Hampshire have always lived our lives and that is how we will continue as we move forward.
"Most families in New Hampshire will awaken tomorrow, go to work and to school, and feel no impact from what we have accomplished today.
"But for some, they will awaken tomorrow knowing we have said to them that they are equal, that they have the same rights to live and to love as everyone else.
"Today is a day to celebrate in New Hampshire. Today should not be considered a victory for some and a loss for others.
"Today is a victory for all the people of New Hampshire, who I believe, in our own independent way, want tolerance for all.
"That is truly the New Hampshire way."All Eyes on New Hamsphire !
"Today's the day. New Hampshire will write a chapter in the book of civil rights, or it won't. "
Blue Hamspshire is covering the story.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE:
Marriage equality moves one step closer as the Senate has passed the measure, it is now on the House.
Reminder: This is not the marriage equality bill per se, but rather the companion bill which exempts religious organizations. Governor Lynch has promised to sign the marriage equality bill IF he gets this companion bill simultaneously.
UPDATE 2 !!!!
It is done. VICTORY
All that is left is for Governor Lynch to sign.
Blue Hamspshire is covering the story.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE:
Marriage equality moves one step closer as the Senate has passed the measure, it is now on the House.
Reminder: This is not the marriage equality bill per se, but rather the companion bill which exempts religious organizations. Governor Lynch has promised to sign the marriage equality bill IF he gets this companion bill simultaneously.
UPDATE 2 !!!!
It is done. VICTORY
All that is left is for Governor Lynch to sign.
Deaf Bloggers Unite !
Jamie Burke of Deafness.about.com is asking for our help.
Blogger Matthew reports from the Netflix Annual Shareholder's Meeting:
"I then mentioned Netflix's failure to add captions/subtitles to its online streaming videos. Netflix's "instant play" option doesn't include captions, making its online video option unusable for many users. As a result of not offering captions, Netflix is alienating its hearing-impaired, deaf, and senior citizen customers. According to some estimates, there are 34 million hearing-impaired persons in the United States. One would think Netflix would think better than to alienate such a large customer base."
And Netflix CEO and Founder Reed Hastings, is apparently, very insensitve to our concerns.
As deaf blogger Jared writes:
"I’m sickened at Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings’ attitude towards subtitles and captioning for their portfolio of online movies that can be instantly watched. He claims that it’s too difficult and the technology isn’t here which is the furthest thing from the truth. I’ve been faithful Netflix customer for years and have submitted numerous requests to Netflix customer support pushing for subtitles and captions to be offered as an option. From the Netflix shareholders meeting, it’s apparent that Netflix has no plans to do this and doesn’t care much for the idea that there are many customers who would benefit from the subtitles or captions."
So, as Jamie Burke says, let's get this out through the blogosphere and see if we can get the attention of the mainstream media.
Blogger Matthew reports from the Netflix Annual Shareholder's Meeting:
"I then mentioned Netflix's failure to add captions/subtitles to its online streaming videos. Netflix's "instant play" option doesn't include captions, making its online video option unusable for many users. As a result of not offering captions, Netflix is alienating its hearing-impaired, deaf, and senior citizen customers. According to some estimates, there are 34 million hearing-impaired persons in the United States. One would think Netflix would think better than to alienate such a large customer base."
And Netflix CEO and Founder Reed Hastings, is apparently, very insensitve to our concerns.
As deaf blogger Jared writes:
"I’m sickened at Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings’ attitude towards subtitles and captioning for their portfolio of online movies that can be instantly watched. He claims that it’s too difficult and the technology isn’t here which is the furthest thing from the truth. I’ve been faithful Netflix customer for years and have submitted numerous requests to Netflix customer support pushing for subtitles and captions to be offered as an option. From the Netflix shareholders meeting, it’s apparent that Netflix has no plans to do this and doesn’t care much for the idea that there are many customers who would benefit from the subtitles or captions."
So, as Jamie Burke says, let's get this out through the blogosphere and see if we can get the attention of the mainstream media.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Dick Cheney Said What ?
"Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that he supports gays being able to marry but believes states, not the federal government, should make the decision."I think, you know, freedom means freedom for everyone," Cheney said in a speech at the National Press Club. "I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish, any kind of arrangement they wish."
This really is nothing new. Dick Cheney said pretty much the same thing way back in 2000 during the Vice-Presidential debates.
Dick Cheney probably has always believed this, but now that he doesn't have to pander to the ridiculous Religious Right he is free to say what he thinks. Every day now, it seems that that another social conservative is "moderating".
And with New Hampshire on the verge of becoming the sixth state to embace equality, the time is rapidly approaching for the federal governement to end its silence and address equality for all.
It is sad that Barack Obama, our "fierce advocate" can't find the intestinal fortitude to speak up.
But the government is running out of time. Bigotry is getting embarrassing.
This really is nothing new. Dick Cheney said pretty much the same thing way back in 2000 during the Vice-Presidential debates.
Dick Cheney probably has always believed this, but now that he doesn't have to pander to the ridiculous Religious Right he is free to say what he thinks. Every day now, it seems that that another social conservative is "moderating".
And with New Hampshire on the verge of becoming the sixth state to embace equality, the time is rapidly approaching for the federal governement to end its silence and address equality for all.
It is sad that Barack Obama, our "fierce advocate" can't find the intestinal fortitude to speak up.
But the government is running out of time. Bigotry is getting embarrassing.
Monday, June 01, 2009
KnowThyNeighbor.org Partners with WhoSinged.org in Washington State
Washington State’s Ref. 71 Petitioners to Have Names Posted Online
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Seattle, WA, June 1st, 2009 –
WhoSigned.org, a grassroots organization of Washington State residents, announced today that it would make the names of Referendum 71 petitioners looking to overturn the expanded domestic partnership law accessible online. The law would grant same-sex and senior couples (over 62 years of age) in state registered domestic partnerships the same rights as married couples.
The petitioners have until July 25th to collect the necessary 150,721 signatures, a minimum of 120,577 signatures plus a recommended buffer of 25%, to place Referendum 71 on the November 2009 ballot. If they are successful, the new law will not go into effect as expected on July 25th and could be overturned by voters on the November 2009 ballot.
WhoSigned.org will make the petitioners names accessible online once the petition has been verified by the Washington Secretary of State and has become part of the public record.
“This is about taking responsibility,” said WhoSigned.org director Brian Murphy. “Petition signers are choosing to prolong discrimination against fellow citizens who pay taxes, contribute to their community and care for their families. This can’t be allowed to happen in secret and without a frank public discussion. We hope that potential petition signers realize the serious consequences their actions will have on gay and straight couples and their families.”
WhoSigned.org expects Washington State’s pro-equality citizens to use its online tools to find the names of people they know, and talk with those people about the real world impact of their actions. “Conversations like these can be uncomfortable, but they are necessary for people to understand how vital these basic rights and protections are for gay and straight families alike.”
WhoSigned.org was originally formed in response to Referendum 65 which sought to overturn the bill establishing limited domestic partnership rights for same-sex and senior couples in Washington State. Referendum 65 failed to get the required signatures and no names were published online.
WhoSigned.org is partnering with KnowThyNeighbor.org, a national gay rights group that has worked with other grassroots organizations to publish petitioner information in several other states including Massachusetts, Florida, Arkansas, and Oregon.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Seattle, WA, June 1st, 2009 –
WhoSigned.org, a grassroots organization of Washington State residents, announced today that it would make the names of Referendum 71 petitioners looking to overturn the expanded domestic partnership law accessible online. The law would grant same-sex and senior couples (over 62 years of age) in state registered domestic partnerships the same rights as married couples.
The petitioners have until July 25th to collect the necessary 150,721 signatures, a minimum of 120,577 signatures plus a recommended buffer of 25%, to place Referendum 71 on the November 2009 ballot. If they are successful, the new law will not go into effect as expected on July 25th and could be overturned by voters on the November 2009 ballot.
WhoSigned.org will make the petitioners names accessible online once the petition has been verified by the Washington Secretary of State and has become part of the public record.
“This is about taking responsibility,” said WhoSigned.org director Brian Murphy. “Petition signers are choosing to prolong discrimination against fellow citizens who pay taxes, contribute to their community and care for their families. This can’t be allowed to happen in secret and without a frank public discussion. We hope that potential petition signers realize the serious consequences their actions will have on gay and straight couples and their families.”
WhoSigned.org expects Washington State’s pro-equality citizens to use its online tools to find the names of people they know, and talk with those people about the real world impact of their actions. “Conversations like these can be uncomfortable, but they are necessary for people to understand how vital these basic rights and protections are for gay and straight families alike.”
WhoSigned.org was originally formed in response to Referendum 65 which sought to overturn the bill establishing limited domestic partnership rights for same-sex and senior couples in Washington State. Referendum 65 failed to get the required signatures and no names were published online.
WhoSigned.org is partnering with KnowThyNeighbor.org, a national gay rights group that has worked with other grassroots organizations to publish petitioner information in several other states including Massachusetts, Florida, Arkansas, and Oregon.
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