Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ian Awesome On Hivster
For my play-by-play on the reactions from the left and right on New York Marriage equality, click on over to Hivster to read my latest.
[Hivster]
Bachmann Fans Follow Her Lead, Attempt To Rewrite History
In a bizarre interview on GMA in which she asserted that abolishing minimum wage requirements would benefit the economy, OAQ favorite Michele Bachmann tried to back up her statements that the Founding Fathers were tireless advocates against slavery.
"'Now with respect, Congresswoman, that’s just not true,' Stephanopoulos said. 'Many of them including Jefferson and Washington were actually slave holders and slavery didn’t end until the Civil War.'
"Bachmann dodged the question, answering, 'Well, you know what’s marvelous is that in this country and under our Constitution, we have the ability when we recognize that something is wrong to change it. And that’s what we did in our country. We changed it. We no longer have slavery. That’s a good thing. And what our Constitution has done for our nation, is to give us the basis of freedom unparalleled in the rest of the world.'"
"'Now with respect, Congresswoman, that’s just not true,' Stephanopoulos said. 'Many of them including Jefferson and Washington were actually slave holders and slavery didn’t end until the Civil War.'
"Bachmann dodged the question, answering, 'Well, you know what’s marvelous is that in this country and under our Constitution, we have the ability when we recognize that something is wrong to change it. And that’s what we did in our country. We changed it. We no longer have slavery. That’s a good thing. And what our Constitution has done for our nation, is to give us the basis of freedom unparalleled in the rest of the world.'"
Even more amusingly, she then painted John Quincy Adams, the sixth President, as one of the Founding Fathers. Never mind, of course, that he was a small child during the Revolutionary War. That didn't stop Bachmann supporters from going on Wikipedia and literally attempting to rewrite history on the open-source encyclopedia, adding "a founding father" to John Quincy Adams' page:
Luckily the wiki moderators caught the rewrite, and the page has been restored.
Portland Trailblazers, Will You Join The Crowd Of Non-Haterz?
A new petition is making its rounds on the Change.org website, asking the Portland Trailblazers to join other professional sports teams to join the ranks of athletes supporting gay youth by making an It Gets Better video.
"Within the last few months 5 MLB teams have made a video for the It Gets Better campaign to benefit the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. These 5 teams have spoken out against bullying and hatred in our society. The Giants became the first professional sports team to make a video for the campaign.
"The Blazers should set an example for the rest of the NBA by being the first team to make an 'It Gets Better' video. The It Gets Better campaign started last fall following the alarming number of gay teen suicides around the country. The 'It Gets Better Project' is a website and organization dedicated to helping 'young people who are lesbian, gay, bi or transexual see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future.'
The 'Blazers have historically been a stinker of a team, but their recent athletic successes have generated a renewed interest in Oregon's biggest professional sports team. What with the seeming rash of anti-gay ignorance and bias in Stumptown, now might be the perfect time for the 'Blazers to show their support for queer youth.
"Within the last few months 5 MLB teams have made a video for the It Gets Better campaign to benefit the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. These 5 teams have spoken out against bullying and hatred in our society. The Giants became the first professional sports team to make a video for the campaign.
"The Blazers should set an example for the rest of the NBA by being the first team to make an 'It Gets Better' video. The It Gets Better campaign started last fall following the alarming number of gay teen suicides around the country. The 'It Gets Better Project' is a website and organization dedicated to helping 'young people who are lesbian, gay, bi or transexual see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future.'
"Portland is a city that embraces its LGBT community with open arms. We also love our Blazers! It's this organizations' responsibility to its fans to continue fostering a record of community service by taking it to a new level in the NBA. Sign this petition to let the Blazers know that you're a fan and that you want to see them make an 'It Gets Better' video."
The 'Blazers have historically been a stinker of a team, but their recent athletic successes have generated a renewed interest in Oregon's biggest professional sports team. What with the seeming rash of anti-gay ignorance and bias in Stumptown, now might be the perfect time for the 'Blazers to show their support for queer youth.
Visit the link below to sign the petition.
David Frum Tells Us What We Already Knew
David Frum, a writer for CNN.com and former special assistant to President Bush, has now had a special coming out of his very own, stating "I was wrong about same-sex marriage."
He has been, in the past, a vociferous opponent of marriage equality, notably debating the issue at length with Andrew Sullivan fourteen years ago. Now, he joins the growing number of social conservatives throwing in the towel and saying, "what's the big deal?" The lie that marriage opponents have used to justify their war against gay Americans being given equal standing under the law-- the erosion of the family unit-- has clearly, to him, been proven wrong.
"By the numbers, in fact, the 2000s were the least bad decade for American family stability since the fabled 1950s. And when you take a closer look at the American family, the facts have become even tougher for the anti-gay marriage position.
"Middle-class families have become somewhat more stable than they used to be. For example: College-educated women who got married in the 1990s were much less likely to get divorced than equally educated women who got married in the 1970s."
He has been, in the past, a vociferous opponent of marriage equality, notably debating the issue at length with Andrew Sullivan fourteen years ago. Now, he joins the growing number of social conservatives throwing in the towel and saying, "what's the big deal?" The lie that marriage opponents have used to justify their war against gay Americans being given equal standing under the law-- the erosion of the family unit-- has clearly, to him, been proven wrong.
"By the numbers, in fact, the 2000s were the least bad decade for American family stability since the fabled 1950s. And when you take a closer look at the American family, the facts have become even tougher for the anti-gay marriage position.
"Middle-class families have become somewhat more stable than they used to be. For example: College-educated women who got married in the 1990s were much less likely to get divorced than equally educated women who got married in the 1970s."
Congrats, David Frum. Welcome to the 21st century!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Administration Eases Up On DREAM Eligible Students
The White House quietly issued a memo from Barack Obama's immigration chief instructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to prioritize deportations of undocumented immigrants to make it easier for students to stay in the country to complete their educations.
From Mother Jones:
"Has President Barack Obama found a way to enact the principles of the DREAM Act—the bill that would prevent the deportation of young undocumented immigrants who are students or military veterans—without passing the measure itself? Unable to move this legislation through the Republican-controlled Congress, the Obama administration has used its executive authority to shape immigration policy in line with the DREAM Act. This month, in a little-noticed move, Obama's immigration chief advised Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to use discretion when considering whether to deport certain undocumented immigrants who are particularly vulnerable or have strong community ties to the country. That is, go easy on the sort of undocumented immigrants that the DREAM Act could benefit, among others."
From Mother Jones:
"Has President Barack Obama found a way to enact the principles of the DREAM Act—the bill that would prevent the deportation of young undocumented immigrants who are students or military veterans—without passing the measure itself? Unable to move this legislation through the Republican-controlled Congress, the Obama administration has used its executive authority to shape immigration policy in line with the DREAM Act. This month, in a little-noticed move, Obama's immigration chief advised Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to use discretion when considering whether to deport certain undocumented immigrants who are particularly vulnerable or have strong community ties to the country. That is, go easy on the sort of undocumented immigrants that the DREAM Act could benefit, among others."
Hmmm. This reminds me, a bit, of his refusal to defend DOMA. Instead of making bold decisions, issuing executive orders, and actively pushing for legislation to right social wrongs in our country, he seems to be attempting to make things better for marginalized populations through quieter, hard-to-notice means. Is this going to benefit him in the long run?
There are some who are certainly not that happy about the memo, with some ICE officials calling it a "law enforcement nightmare" and the Daily Caller saying, "President Barack Obama’s administration is quietly offering a quasi-amnesty for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants."
Either way, I hope this does indeed make the struggle to stay in America easier for immigrant students.
Inmate Claims He Was Denied Access To HIV Care
This is beyond disturbing.
This South Shore resident claims that during his week-long stay in a county jail in Princeton he was denied his HIV medication on the basis that it was too expensive for the facility to obtain.
Arick Buckles is now the subject of a letter written from the ACLU to his jailers, alleging that the assertion that he couldn't receive his meds in jail are both "inappropriate and unconstitutional."
Buckles, who was jailed under an outstanding warrant for forgery, told every jailer he came into contact with that he needed his medication, but was rebuffed by each and every one of them. His stay in jail was marked with increasing anxiety, as he was uncertain what the effects of being without his medication would be.
And indeed, he should have been anxious. Any doctor of infectious medicine can tell you that the risks associated with interruption of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) are legion. He runs the risk of his virus developing a mutation resistant to his medicine, removing vital treatment options from his future medical profile. While studies tend to focus on long-term interruptions, one question in my mind stands out: how the hell is cost any kind of justification for denying someone the medication that prolongs their life?
"Buckles, who said he experienced severe diarrhea after his release, described his time behind bars as terrifying, because 'I didn’t know what the offset of my not having those medications would be.'
"'I often wonder, if I had been a diabetic, would I have been denied medication,' he said."
This South Shore resident claims that during his week-long stay in a county jail in Princeton he was denied his HIV medication on the basis that it was too expensive for the facility to obtain.
Arick Buckles is now the subject of a letter written from the ACLU to his jailers, alleging that the assertion that he couldn't receive his meds in jail are both "inappropriate and unconstitutional."
Buckles, who was jailed under an outstanding warrant for forgery, told every jailer he came into contact with that he needed his medication, but was rebuffed by each and every one of them. His stay in jail was marked with increasing anxiety, as he was uncertain what the effects of being without his medication would be.
And indeed, he should have been anxious. Any doctor of infectious medicine can tell you that the risks associated with interruption of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) are legion. He runs the risk of his virus developing a mutation resistant to his medicine, removing vital treatment options from his future medical profile. While studies tend to focus on long-term interruptions, one question in my mind stands out: how the hell is cost any kind of justification for denying someone the medication that prolongs their life?
"Buckles, who said he experienced severe diarrhea after his release, described his time behind bars as terrifying, because 'I didn’t know what the offset of my not having those medications would be.'
"'I often wonder, if I had been a diabetic, would I have been denied medication,' he said."
The corrections department has had a weak response, essentially saying "we're looking into it."
As well they should. The above linked article notes that both the ACLU of Illinois and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago have received complaints of HIV-positive inmates lacking access to medication for years, to include an inmate that says his CD4 (T-Cell) count worsened after his stay in jail.
There are so many things wrong with this incident:
1. First, why are HIV meds prices so stinkin' high? Big Pharm's interests are being protected to the point that government institutions are opting out of providing life-saving medications to their wards on the basis of cost, and that's gross.
2. It's the responsibility for corrections facilities to provide the care that each inmate needs. PERIOD.
3. Why is it acceptable to deny someone with HIV their meds? Would, indeed, someone who needed daily injections of insulin be denied their medication, and what's the difference between the two? NOTHING. My HIV meds keep me alive, and I hope I am never denied access to them.
Fast-Moving Bus-Sized Asteroid Buzzes Earth
A 10 meter-long asteroid whizzed by Earth today at a mere 12,000 km, giving the Faulkes Telescope Project the opportunity to grab some snazzy photos of the fast-moving object (click here to see).
There was no chance the rock was going to hit Earth, as Tweeted by Nasa:
However, there is a slight chance that it will impact Earth in 2022, as the asteroid has an Earth-like orbit and passed close enough to have that orbit affected by our gravity. Never fear, though. Objects under 25 meters are too small to escape breaking up in our atmosphere.
Events like these always remind me of the movie-within-a-movie, "Asteroid," from "Girls Will Be Girls." If you look closely at the poster tagline in the background, it is "EARTH MIGHT GET CRUSHED!" Watch it, it's a gross and hilarious movie.
There was no chance the rock was going to hit Earth, as Tweeted by Nasa:
Events like these always remind me of the movie-within-a-movie, "Asteroid," from "Girls Will Be Girls." If you look closely at the poster tagline in the background, it is "EARTH MIGHT GET CRUSHED!" Watch it, it's a gross and hilarious movie.
Newt Loves Marriage SOOOOO Much!
The advent of marriage equality has brought a round of doom-saying and condemnation from the usual crowd of jokers, but none tickles me so much as thrice-married serial adulterer Newt Gingrich rising up to protect traditional marriage from homosexual interlopers.
Gingrich seems to want clear divisions on marriage, stating that it rightfully belongs to "one man and one woman" and the rise of same-sex marriage in New York showed the nation "drifting toward a terrible muddle."
"He said he thinks the nation should be defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.
"In February, the Obama administration decided it would no longer defend the 15-year-old law.
"'I think the president should be, frankly, enforcing that act, and I think we are drifting toward a terrible muddle which I think is going to be very, very difficult and painful to work our way out of,' he said."
Gingrich seems to want clear divisions on marriage, stating that it rightfully belongs to "one man and one woman" and the rise of same-sex marriage in New York showed the nation "drifting toward a terrible muddle."
"He said he thinks the nation should be defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.
"In February, the Obama administration decided it would no longer defend the 15-year-old law.
"'I think the president should be, frankly, enforcing that act, and I think we are drifting toward a terrible muddle which I think is going to be very, very difficult and painful to work our way out of,' he said."
It almost seems like all the people who defend marriage from us turrible gayz are the ones who want to abuse marriage the most by trickin' it up and getting divorces. Hmmm. Would you say that conservatives hate fidelity?
Do Liberals Hate God? Rep. Tod Akin Thinks So.
Last Sunday, NBC aired a telecast of Rory McIlroy becoming the youngest US Open champion in history at the age of 24. The pre-taped introduction of the broadcast, however, included a version of the Pledge of Allegiance that omitted the phrase "under God," and that has some conservatives foaming at the mouth. NBC has, of course, since issued an apology, claiming that they didn't want to offend anyone. That's not enough for some.
"AKIN: This was something that was done systematically, it was done intentionally, and is tremendously corrosive in terms of all of the values and everything that’s made America unique and such a special nation.
"PERKINS: Why would NBC do this?
"AKIN: Well, I think NBC has a long record of being very liberal and at the heart of liberalism really is a hatred for God and a belief that government should replace God. And so they’ve had a long history of not being at all favorable toward many of things that have been such a blessing to our country…This is a systematic effort to try to separate our faith and God, which is a source in our belief in individual liberties, from our country. And when you do that you tear the heart out of our country."
"Faith Aloud, a counseling and advocacy group for reproductive health and rights, launched an online petition calling on Akin to apologize, and called the comment 'an outrageous insult to all who follow their faith toward policies of compassion and justice, and is not befitting a member of Congress.'
"Rev. Krista Taves of the Emerson Unitarian Universalist Chapel, said Akin must 'know very little about liberals,' and suggested conservative policies hurt vulnerable individuals.
"Vicky Trippe, a retired teacher and ProVote Activist from southwest Missouri, has heard this from political opponents before. In 2005, she launched a bumper and coined the phrase, 'Because of my faith, I vote for Democrats.'"
Meet Rep. Todd Akin, a Republican from Missouri. He thinks the omission is a symptom of something more sinister: nothing less than liberals' deep-seated hatred for God.
via ThinkProgress:
"PERKINS: Why would NBC do this?
"AKIN: Well, I think NBC has a long record of being very liberal and at the heart of liberalism really is a hatred for God and a belief that government should replace God. And so they’ve had a long history of not being at all favorable toward many of things that have been such a blessing to our country…This is a systematic effort to try to separate our faith and God, which is a source in our belief in individual liberties, from our country. And when you do that you tear the heart out of our country."
His spokesperson has since refused to apologize for the remarks, stating that while Akin wasn't attempting to editorialize on any individuals beliefs, he was demonstrating that conservatives believe that individual rights come from God, while liberals believe that rights come from the government.
And to that I say: BULLSHIT.
You don't use the phraseology "hatred of God" without meaning something very plain and specific. IE: that liberals hate God. You're not outlining a difference in the meaning of "human rights," you're quite simply accusing the progressive movement of having an intrinsic hatred of religious belief.
I consider myself a spiritual (if not religious) liberal, and there are many others that see through the bullshit of his non-apology and take umbrage with the idea themselves. Several liberal religious leaders issued statements to that effect:
"Faith Aloud, a counseling and advocacy group for reproductive health and rights, launched an online petition calling on Akin to apologize, and called the comment 'an outrageous insult to all who follow their faith toward policies of compassion and justice, and is not befitting a member of Congress.'
"Rev. Krista Taves of the Emerson Unitarian Universalist Chapel, said Akin must 'know very little about liberals,' and suggested conservative policies hurt vulnerable individuals.
"Vicky Trippe, a retired teacher and ProVote Activist from southwest Missouri, has heard this from political opponents before. In 2005, she launched a bumper and coined the phrase, 'Because of my faith, I vote for Democrats.'"
So I'd like to introduce you, Todd Akin, to the religious components of the liberal movement. We feel, just as you do, that our various and (ahem, more) diverse faiths lead us to vote and believe the way we do, to include the separation of church and state. So keep your platitudes about "rights from the government," blah blah blah bullshit.
Three More Servicemembers Discharged Under DADT
The Pentagon confirms that three more airmen have been discharged from the military under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.
"On April 29th, 2011, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the discharge of an Airman under the provisions of 10 USC 654. On May 31st, 2011, the Secretary of the Air Force approved discharges of two Airmen under the provisions of 10 USC 654. On June 23, 2011, the Secretary of the Air Force accepted the resignation of an Airman who asked to be separated under the provisions of 10 USC 654.
"Each case was approved after coordination with the DoD General Counsel and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. The officials evaluated these cases carefully and concluded that separation was appropriate.
"Each Airman made a statement identifying themselves as gay. Each Airman asked to be separated expeditiously after being informed of the current status of the repeal of 'Don't ask Don't Tell.' Until repeal occurs, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' remains the law."
So does this mean the only discharges that are taking place until certification of repeal are voluntary discharges? Hmmm.
"On April 29th, 2011, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the discharge of an Airman under the provisions of 10 USC 654. On May 31st, 2011, the Secretary of the Air Force approved discharges of two Airmen under the provisions of 10 USC 654. On June 23, 2011, the Secretary of the Air Force accepted the resignation of an Airman who asked to be separated under the provisions of 10 USC 654.
"Each case was approved after coordination with the DoD General Counsel and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. The officials evaluated these cases carefully and concluded that separation was appropriate.
"Each Airman made a statement identifying themselves as gay. Each Airman asked to be separated expeditiously after being informed of the current status of the repeal of 'Don't ask Don't Tell.' Until repeal occurs, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' remains the law."
So does this mean the only discharges that are taking place until certification of repeal are voluntary discharges? Hmmm.
Today Is National HIV Testing Day
Perhaps the best tool that we have in fighting the HIV epidemic is knowledge of one's status. So why not go get tested, on National HIV Testing Day? From the CDC:
"The majority of the estimated 56,000 new HIV infections that occur each year are transmitted by those who are unaware of their infection. Effective HIV treatments now allow people living with HIV to live long, productive lives, yet nearly 17,000 people with AIDS still die every year in the United States. Despite these troubling statistics, the majority of Americans have still never taken an HIV test. Many people don’t recognize that they’re at risk for HIV infection, even if they engage in behaviors that put them at risk. Others may fear what a positive diagnosis could mean for them, despite the effective treatments now available. And many people don’t yet realize that testing today is quick, easy and confidential. On this National HIV Testing Day, don’t let fear or misinformation stop you from getting tested. I strongly encourage all Americans to get tested for HIV, and to text and tweet hivtest.org to your friends and family to encourage them to do the same. HIV testing is the critical first step to protect yourself and your loved ones from HIV, and to help end the HIV epidemic in the United States."
Saturdays from 12:30pm – 5:00pm
Gay City Health Project
511 E. Pike
[between Belmont & Summit]
Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm
208 SW 5th Ave., 8th floor
Walk-in or appointment
Mondays:
At HIV Alliance, 1966 Garden Ave, Eugene, OR 97403: 5-7pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Tuesdays:
At HIV Alliance: 5-7 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Wednesdays:
At Needle Exchange, dead end of Blair St.: 6-7:30 pm (2-week testing only)
Thursdays:
At Needle Exchange, under the bridge across from Island Park in Glenwood: 6-7:30 pm (2-week testing only)
At HIV Alliance: 6-8 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
At New Roads (open to current New Roads clients only): 5:30-6:45 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Fridays:
At Needle Exchange, HIV Alliance: 3-5pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Monday, June 27, 2011 - National HIV Testing Day. Free, anonymous, oral or finger prick HIV testing at all centers. Results in 20 minutes. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED:
Mt. Vernon Center - 9 to 7
Randallstown Center - 9 to 4
Columbia Center - 9 to 4
Easton Center - 9 to 4
"The majority of the estimated 56,000 new HIV infections that occur each year are transmitted by those who are unaware of their infection. Effective HIV treatments now allow people living with HIV to live long, productive lives, yet nearly 17,000 people with AIDS still die every year in the United States. Despite these troubling statistics, the majority of Americans have still never taken an HIV test. Many people don’t recognize that they’re at risk for HIV infection, even if they engage in behaviors that put them at risk. Others may fear what a positive diagnosis could mean for them, despite the effective treatments now available. And many people don’t yet realize that testing today is quick, easy and confidential. On this National HIV Testing Day, don’t let fear or misinformation stop you from getting tested. I strongly encourage all Americans to get tested for HIV, and to text and tweet hivtest.org to your friends and family to encourage them to do the same. HIV testing is the critical first step to protect yourself and your loved ones from HIV, and to help end the HIV epidemic in the United States."
I took the liberty of compiling a list of testing centers in the American cities (sorry Warsaw, I don't read Polish) that read OAQ the most. Check them out and go get tested, because there's nothing more important than your health. I know my status. Do you?
Seattle: Gay City
Tuesday – Friday from 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday – Friday from 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturdays from 12:30pm – 5:00pm
Gay City Health Project
511 E. Pike
[between Belmont & Summit]
Portland: Cascade AIDS Project
Rapid HIV testing -- open to all
Suggested donation of $50 Rapid HIV testing -- open to all
Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm
208 SW 5th Ave., 8th floor
Walk-in or appointment
Mondays:
At HIV Alliance, 1966 Garden Ave, Eugene, OR 97403: 5-7pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Tuesdays:
At HIV Alliance: 5-7 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Wednesdays:
At Needle Exchange, dead end of Blair St.: 6-7:30 pm (2-week testing only)
Thursdays:
At Needle Exchange, under the bridge across from Island Park in Glenwood: 6-7:30 pm (2-week testing only)
At HIV Alliance: 6-8 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
At New Roads (open to current New Roads clients only): 5:30-6:45 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Fridays:
At Needle Exchange, HIV Alliance: 3-5pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Mt. Vernon Center - 9 to 7
Randallstown Center - 9 to 4
Columbia Center - 9 to 4
Easton Center - 9 to 4
Washington, DC: Whitman Walker
(check out their website, they have both their clinic offices and mobile testing sites)
New York City: HAF
(they have locations in everyfuckin' place, check out their website)
(they have locations in everyfuckin' place, check out their website)
There. I did half the work for you. Now you just need to click.
xoxo
Ian
Bachmann Flubs Fact-Checking Once Again, Compares Self To John Wayne Gacy
Her run for president is really really super official now, as Michele Bachmann kicked off her presidential campaign in Waterloo, Iowa with a comparison between herself and a famous Waterloo resident, John Wayne.
Er. Except John Wayne was from three hours away, in nearby Winterset, Iowa. The only John Wayne that lived in Waterloo was John Wayne Gacy, mass murderer and killer clown.
Her campaign has already released a statement clarifying Bachmann's remarks. Wayne's parents met in Waterloo. That doesn't really change much, since it's unknown if John Wayne himself ever set foot in the town.
Anyways, she announced her presidency today and is a big clown. That is all.
Er. Except John Wayne was from three hours away, in nearby Winterset, Iowa. The only John Wayne that lived in Waterloo was John Wayne Gacy, mass murderer and killer clown.
Her campaign has already released a statement clarifying Bachmann's remarks. Wayne's parents met in Waterloo. That doesn't really change much, since it's unknown if John Wayne himself ever set foot in the town.
Anyways, she announced her presidency today and is a big clown. That is all.
Because Stories Are Always Better When Told By The Taiwanese
I would say that yes, activists WILL breathe rainbow colored fire on Barack Obama if he doesn't evolve already. Plus! Where can I get these rainbow spewing Super Soakers?
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Dear Portland 'Phobes: Enough Already!
The City of Roses' reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking city was once again marred on Saturday as another anti-gay attack struck the downtown area, with two men beaten in Old Town and another two men in custody facing charges of assault and intimidation.
Shawn Siefke and Christian Sanchez-Villavencio were walking on NW Flanders when they stopped and asked a man for directions. Reports are unclear what his response was, but the incident somehow escalated into Siefke and Sanchez-Villavencio physically attacking the man (who is gay) and shouting ant-gay epithets.
Andrew Smith, a man visiting from Newport, happened by and decided to intervene. Smith, 24, reasoned "I stepped in to help the man because I thought to myself, what if that was my little brother?" He was repaid for his efforts with being thrown to the ground himself and being reportedly kicked in the head. The suspects then fled, with the first victim calling the police, who arrested the attackers when they returned to the scene of the crime (WTF, dudes!).
Neither victim was, happily, critically injured.
This attack comes just weeks after another anti-gay attack which resulted in a hand-holding rally across the Hawthorne Bridge and citizen patrols in order to maintain the safety of the waterfront. With city commissioners showing blatant ignorance of HIV-related issues and wasting taxpayer money in a fearful attempt to keep icky AIDSy urine out of the water, I have to ask: What the hell is going on in Portland?
Are these incidents isolated, or are they evidence of growing anti-gay (and related populations) sentiment in Stumptown? I hope not, and the hand-holding rally's attendance (in the many hundreds) tend to belie that notion. However, I now know that I'm a bit more fearful of Old Town after dark, and I don't like that. My home state of Oregon is supposed to be an example of liberal ideals, with MarioJohn of Hivster.com stating:
"Seattlites sometimes look South with envy. From Oregon’s free-speech protections that enable a thriving sex-positive industry to Portland’s public transportation system, Portland makes 'progressive' Seattle seem a bit milquetoast in comparison."
Shawn Siefke and Christian Sanchez-Villavencio were walking on NW Flanders when they stopped and asked a man for directions. Reports are unclear what his response was, but the incident somehow escalated into Siefke and Sanchez-Villavencio physically attacking the man (who is gay) and shouting ant-gay epithets.
Andrew Smith, a man visiting from Newport, happened by and decided to intervene. Smith, 24, reasoned "I stepped in to help the man because I thought to myself, what if that was my little brother?" He was repaid for his efforts with being thrown to the ground himself and being reportedly kicked in the head. The suspects then fled, with the first victim calling the police, who arrested the attackers when they returned to the scene of the crime (WTF, dudes!).
Neither victim was, happily, critically injured.
This attack comes just weeks after another anti-gay attack which resulted in a hand-holding rally across the Hawthorne Bridge and citizen patrols in order to maintain the safety of the waterfront. With city commissioners showing blatant ignorance of HIV-related issues and wasting taxpayer money in a fearful attempt to keep icky AIDSy urine out of the water, I have to ask: What the hell is going on in Portland?
Are these incidents isolated, or are they evidence of growing anti-gay (and related populations) sentiment in Stumptown? I hope not, and the hand-holding rally's attendance (in the many hundreds) tend to belie that notion. However, I now know that I'm a bit more fearful of Old Town after dark, and I don't like that. My home state of Oregon is supposed to be an example of liberal ideals, with MarioJohn of Hivster.com stating:
"Seattlites sometimes look South with envy. From Oregon’s free-speech protections that enable a thriving sex-positive industry to Portland’s public transportation system, Portland makes 'progressive' Seattle seem a bit milquetoast in comparison."
So why have these incidents taken place? Is it backlash from a blue-collar workforce that is just tired of teh gayz? Or are these truly random incidents?
Only time will tell, but I know this: these attacks and ignorant politicians have no place in my home state, and I hope that this are merely isolated instances of individual assholes doing shitty things.
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