11.30.2008

It's that time again

Hello faithful readers, it is time for our weekly Band Of The Week...that was redundant. This week I'm switching gears and bringing you a hardcore band out of Florida called Paddock Park. I stumbled upon these guys while cruising myspace and have been in love since.

Their sound is somewhat of a conundrum, initially coming off as hardcore but quickly pulling a 180 and showing their alt-pop backgrounds. If you had asked me about this prior to hearing them I would never have believed it could work. Check out Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, the second track on their newly released album titled "A Hiding Place for Fake Friends".

Now for the downside; being an incredibly young band, many of the lyrics are immature and lack the complexity that comes with age. The music highlights many problems that occur to a typical high schooler: fake friends, girl issues, etc. If you can look past this though they are a band that is definitely worth checking out.

Special K Rating- 7


Is that Logic in your pants, or are you just happy to read the bible?

Here are two very short, yet highly entertaining videos:






I think it is interesting to note the role that religion plays in these issues and, most certainly, the role that science and professional research plays in these issues.

It appears that regardless of scientific finding, many religious people would rather ignore that and rely on what their priest tells them on Sundays.

Why is it that we let empirical facts be overwhelmed by emotional and fact-devoid literature?

Discuss...

11.29.2008

Belief in "God" Dropping Over Time

In 2000, belief in a personal "God" was at 86% in the United States with belief in some sort of a "Universal Spirit" at 8% and belief in neither a "God," nor a spirit (a.k.a. atheism) being at 5%.

Today, in 2008, the numbers have changed a little bit with 78% believing in a personal "God" (an 8% decrease), 15% believing in some sort of spirit, but not a personal god, (a 7% increase), and 6% being atheist (1% increase).

Other trends regarding religious belief show that the more educated a person is, the less likely they are to believe in a personal "God."

9% of those with a post-graduate degree are atheist, with another 19% in this group not having a personal "God," but some sort of belief in the potential of a universal spirit. Leaving 71% with a belief in a personal "God."

88% of those with a high school degree or less believe in "God."

Keep in mind this is just for America, belief in a "God" is lower in most of Europe.

Interestingly, the vast majority of leading scientist are not religious.

Corey shared this website with me and I have been addicted ever since, here's a video worth watching from Ted.com:




Some arguments against religious belief (CLICK ME)

11.28.2008

Consumer Mania Kills...Literally

***Add on from yesterday: "Other workers were trampled as they tried to rescue the man, and customers stepped over him and became irate when officials said the store was closing because of the death, police and witnesses said." ~ The Associated Press

So, not only did these people kill the man, but they were then upset that the store had to be closed as a result... what's wrong with people?
---------------------------------
Black Friday claims a life.


Today in New York a Wal-Mart worker was trampled to his death by idiot consumers.

People literally just kept running over his body.

And why?

Because they wanted to get some items on sale. Items that probably were not even necessities.

What a sad and pointless way to die... working at Wal-mart being killed by your own customers who are, essentially, border-line insane.

I hope that the security tapes pick out as many of those who trampled him to death as possible and that they are prosecuted, at the very least, for involuntary manslaughter or negligent homicide.

Additionally, a woman who was 8-months pregnant was taken to the hospital as she was dumb enough to partake in the Black Friday rush and nearly miscarried.

11.26.2008

The Pope Plays Gay Football?


Well, not exactly...

The following is very interesting to read and full of stimulating information. I know that some people do not have the time or energy to read whole articles, so I highlighted key parts so you can skim and stop to read parts that strike your fancy... your welcome ;)

This Article Was Written By Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out

On Sunday, New York Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof discussed religious and cultural extremism in Pakistan, where a new cabinet member, Israr Ullah Zardari, defended the torture-murder of five women and girls who were buried alive (three girls wanted to choose their own husbands, and two women wanted to protect them.) The Times had another article on Monday about an all-girl rock band in Saudi Arabia that is forbidden from playing live concerts because of their gender.

At home, former Arkansas governor and pastor, Mike Huckabee, appeared on ABC’s “The View” and said that gay and lesbian equality was not the same as civil rights because homosexuals have not had their skulls cracked and were not hosed down by police. Apparently, he is unaware of the latest FBI hate crime statistics that show bias attacks based on sexual orientation making up 15.5 percent of all reported hate crimes.

In Rome, Pope Benedict XVI is being criticized this week for questioning the usefulness of Interfaith dialogue in a letter he wrote to Italian politician Marcello Pera. What the Pope fails to point out is that thanks to intransigent absolutists, like the pontiff, finding common ground is nearly impossible.

How can we expect interfaith dialogue when we can’t even have Interstate dialogue between two Mormon universities 45 miles apart because they have literally turned religion into a political football? When the secular University of Utah played its religious school rival, Brigham Young University (BYU), last weekend, the teams treated the End Zone as if it were the Promised Land.

“It’s like a lot of other rivalries, except for those at the extremes,” Michael Anastasi, managing editor of the Salt Lake Tribune told the New York Times. “For them, it’s not only that your school is weak, you’re going to Hell too.”

Two years ago, the rivalry was further soured after BYU quarterback John Beck threw a touchdown pass to receiver Jonny Harline, who sank to his knees – as if in prayer – to make the winning catch. Describing the “miraculous” play, another B.Y.U. receiver, Austin Collie, concluded it occurred because students at the religious school lived cleaner lives.

“Obviously, if you do what’s right on and off the field, I think the Lord steps in and plays a part in it,” said Collie. (For the record, the holier-than-thou BYU was crushed 48-24 in this weekend’s game. I’m guessing the Lord was upset at Mormon involvement in California’s Prop. 8 banning same-sex marriages)

If religious groups become fratricidal based on football allegiance, it seems there is little hope for genuine reconciliation with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We must still work to enlighten the flock where we can, but fundamentalist leaders will only transform their anti-gay views when popular opinion decidedly turns against them – as it did with race relations in the 1960s and 1970’s.

The strategy for the GLBT movement has been to circumvent the ideologues and create change within mainline denominations. I wholeheartedly support such efforts and have contributed to them. Unfortunately, there is scant evidence to suggest that these religious institutions will thrive and form a substantial bulwark against fundamentalism.

In “America Theocracy,” author Kevin Phillips documents the steep decline of reasonable religion in favor of the rabble-rousing variety.

“Between 1940 and 1985 mainline Protestantism’s share of all U.S. religious adherents was steadily plummeting…Between 1960 and 1997 – the Presbyterian Church, The Episcopal Church, The United Church of Christ and the Methodists lost between 500,000 and 2 million members each. In the meantime, the Southern Baptist Convention added 6 million, the Mormons 3.3 million, the Pentacostal Assemblies of God 2 million and the Church of God (Tennessee) some 600,000.”

The implications are that the GLBT movement may be placing its eggs in a basket that is rapidly fraying. It seems that people are either gravitating towards religious extremism or secular humanism, with little appetite for mainline faith. The Internet also offers easy access to eclectic spiritual beliefs that one can follow without organized religion. So, the hope that mainstream religion, as we know it, will supplant anti-gay denominations seems far-fetched.

The trends of urbanization and the discrediting of corporate Republican-style religion will lead, in my view, to more people losing their faith. However, fundamentalist sects will continue to consolidate market share for those who feel estranged or displaced by modernity. In other words, America will look much like Europe in the coming decades – with a secular majority and a small, but still vocal, fundamentalist minority. (Mostly Islamic in Europe)

I can hear objections from those who rightfully point out that America is more religious than Europe. But, Kevin Phillips reminds us that Europe was once was hyper-religious too – but circumstances change over time.

“As the 21st Century began,” writes Phillips. “None of the western countries in which Reformation Protestantism bred its radical or anarchic sects nearly five hundred years earlier – England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands — still had congregations of any great magnitude adhering to that theology.”

The Basis of Christianity

Here's a quick 30 second look at Christianity which is not meant to be an attack, just honest questioning:

Jesus Christ was God in human form.

(Some Christians also firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is part of a "trinity," all of which are God in three persons: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.)

The main point of Christianity is to believe that Jesus (who is God) came to earth to save us from sins that we committed against God.

Most logical and rational people should be able to look at this story and see a HUGE flaw.

Why would God send himself in human form as Jesus in order to "save us from our sins" which were against God (himself)?

How does this make any sense?

Why would God need to apologize to himself for our sins against him?

Any thoughts? Let's talk this one out!

Leave a comment.

11.24.2008

Jesus & Holiday Joy: Codependent?

It's getting confusing...

I have recently discussed with numerous individuals the connection between "The Holidays" and religion.

Some people have said that it is possible to just enjoy the holidays without even having to worry about religion.

As a person who is as close to atheist as you can get without declaring it outright, I have to kind of disagree, as some people wont let you avoid religion, and here is some proof:

In Patchogue, New York, the annual boat parade that takes place on the Long Island river recently changed it's name from "Patchogue Christmas Boat Parade" to "Patchogue Boat Parade of Lights."

The result was religious backlash.

Essentially, the attitude of many was "It's our religion or the highway."

Apparently a boat parade carries some sort of religious importance?

I'm confused.

The famous fireworks company Grucci, (not to be confused with Gucci) who used to donate fireworks to the event, completely dropped its engagement with the event and severed its ties with the boat parade.

No donations to bring holiday joy this year :(

Why?

Well, the Grucci Fireworks vice president Philip Butler vehemently opposed the re-naming of the boat parade.

Christian folks called the re-naming "the secularization of Christmas."


Someone please tell me what part of the bible describes the holy boat parade?

Supporters of Grucci's VP pushed for area residents to avoid attending the parade on the Patchogue River.

The result?

Rather than the expected 1,500 person turnout, attendance dropped to around 1,000.

The religious outrage resulted in a parade lacking in firework prowess.

Hold on...I thought parades had nothing to do with religion?

Oh well, organizers said that the parade was still a success. Looks like a lot of CHRISTIAN folks missed out on all the fun.

...And they missed out on it all because Christians think that they own the holiday season.

(Hint to those who do not understand: There are Muslim, Jewish, AND Christian Holidays at this time of the year... oh yah, and don't forget Kwanzaa)

11.23.2008

Where's the Outrage Now?!?!

A Bomb threat in Vermont and Revolt Threats in California

FOX news has made it a point to only give homosexuals negative coverage. They have an agenda on this issue. Plain and simple.

Seriously, check this out...

Just one day after Vermont State Senator John Campbell declared that he would present a pro-same-sex marriage bill in an attempt to grant equal rights to homosexuals, he has already received a very serious threat.

The Senator received a phone call at the state government building from a woman who ominously threatened to blow up his house.

Where is FOXnews on this one!?!

FOX's online headlines and television pundits did not hesitate to report the "violence" that took place during the incredibly peaceful same-sex civil rights rallies that took place across the entire nation.

This "violence" they reported on equated to one woman walking into the middle of a big, but peaceful, protest with a rather large styrofoam cross. She entered the crowd by herself and started preaching to them carrying her cross.

The violence?

Someone took her fake cross from her hands and stepped on it on the ground. They did not harm a hair on her body. And anyone who has ever been to a protest KNOWS that this was a tame response considering her actions and her decision to walk alone into the middle of the crowd.

The other story Fox covered: A radical group called "Bash Back," which has no connection to the mainstream equal rights movement's methods or mentality, entered a church during mass with banners and fliers. Some of them kissed right in front of the priest.

So apparently those things were newsworthy to FOX, but not a bomb threat against a Senator.

OH AND GUESS WHAT ELSE THEY AREN'T REPORTING?!?!

Randy Thomasson, who is president of the Campaign for Children and Families has essentially threatened the California Supreme court because it is hearing 3 cases in regard to Proposition 8 and will, most likely, declare same-sex marriage bans to be unconstitutional.

(As they already had because they understand constitutional law, unlike the vast majority of the general public)

Thomasson stated that the California Supreme Court is, “playing with fire by threatening to destroy the people’s vote on marriage.” And that “if the court disobeys the constitution by voiding Prop. 8, it will ignite a voter revolt.”

Incase anyone was wondering, here's what the court said when it legalized same-sex marriages in California:

The right to marry is among a set of basic human rights “so integral to an individual’s liberty and personal autonomy that they may not be eliminated or abrogated by the legislature or by the electorate through the statutory initiative process.”

So....

A) FOX decided to not have any coverage of the gay rights protests that took place from Anchorage, Alaska, to Boston, Massachusetts on the day they happened. Not a peep.

B) I predicted that they wouldn't cover the rallies unless they could portray homosexuals in a negative way

C) I was correct

D) They are not covering this much larger story of a BOMB THREAT AGAINST VERMONT SENATOR JOHN CAMPBELL.

Conclusion: FOX News has an anti-homosexual agenda.

Thanks Rupert Murdoch!

11.22.2008

Band of the Week

Hello faithful viewers....er readers, I'm gonna try something new here. Every week I'm going to pick a band and write a little review of their latest album. Good, Bad, Ugly, I'll review all of it. If you have any bands that you would like me to check out and write about I would love for you to send them my way.

Today's Band: Audrye Sessions.

I heard these guys for the first time at a showcase in New York. I had had a bit too much to drink and was more into the dancing than the music, but was fortunate enough to get another chance to see them play an acoustic set a few days later.

The voice on this guy is amazing and has definite remnants of Tom York mixed with Bob Dylan. In fact, that's almost how I would describe their music as a whole.

This band writes some amazing melodies with courageous vocals that aren't afraid to experiment in his range.

I recently picked up AS's E.P. and could not be happier with the production. The sound on the CD really captures the live feel of this band, truly portraying all of the energy they contain.

I would say that this is a must have for any music lover.

Songs to check out: Turn Me off
New Years Day

Special K's Rating out of 10: I give these guys an 8.5.

Surviving the "Holidays": An Atheist's Lament



I recently had a discussion with people about the so-called "Holiday Season" that we are already beginning to be inundated in.

As an atheist, I see Christmas as more evidence that many (NOTE: not all) religious people do not know what they truly believe, much less what they are doing, or how to THINK rationally about what they are saying and doing.

Christmas was supposed to be about the virgin birth of an alleged "Savior" who actually is "god," in human form coming to die for our sins, that we committed against him... so I guess he's apologizing to himself for our sins offending him (so it's already unbelievable).

Anyway.... we somehow get Santa, evergreen trees being cut down and pulled indoors, another plant hanging from the ceiling to prompt kissing, lights being put on the outside of houses, and ridiculous consumer overspending on items that usually aren't deemed to be "necessities."

The phrases like..."buy now and save" do not make any sense either. Think about it... "buy now and save"... or "don't buy it at all because you don't need it and save all of your money that you would have otherwise wasted."

Religious holidays do not make sense and neither do the commercials that accompany them... yet people gobble this crap up like its crack.

Christmas= Santa and overspending

Easter= candy, hiding eggs, and bunnies?

Semi-secular Thanksgiving (initially was thanking "God" for good harvests, even though the people had done all the work) = Parades, Football, Overeating, and of course, Black Friday (consumer mania, once again, usually for non-necessities).

So what's my point?

"WHY are YOU ATTACKING religion!?!?"

"Why can't you just let people be happy?"

"Why can't you just enjoy the holidays like everyone else?"

- Why? - Because its all made up, pointless, and frankly, it insults my intelligence.

I'm pointing out how none of this makes sense and how our country is filled with consumers rather than thinkers. Do people even know why they do what they do? Do people even have the capability to stop, think, and rationalize their holiday-related actions?

I wish they did.

Feel free to hate on me.

11.20.2008

Prop. 8 To Be Overturned

As I had HOPED, the California Supreme Court has agreed to hear 3 cases challenging the recent passage of Proposition 8; a vote that overturned same-sex couples' marriage equality rights.

For those of you who do not know, before Prop. 8 was narrowly passed, the California court had already held that same-sex marriages must me allowed for, and legally recognized.

The 3 cases that the court has agreed to hear rightfully claim that the ban, which passed on election day, took away constitutionally guaranteed civil rights of a minority group.

Essentially the logic here is that the slim victory for those wishing to ban equal marriage rights does not hold water because: Majority vote does not equate to Constitutionality.

All three cases claim the measure takes away the civil rights of a vulnerable minority group.

Essentially, those bringing suit are rightfully stating that voters alone cannot enact such a ban because it is facially unconstitutional.

For those of you who do not know:

- The Court did not have to hear any of these cases.

- The Court chooses to hear cases that they deem to be important.

- The Court had already previously declared same-sex marriage bans to be unconstitutional.

MY LOGIC-BASED PREDICTION: The California Supreme Court will overturn Proposition 8, thus re-granting equal rights to same-sex couple's wishing to receive the same 1,200 rights enjoyed by persons who are heterosexual. Rights that come with the contractually based agreement that is called marriage (figure represents state and federal rights combined, varies slightly by state).

Religious people claim that they MUST ban same-sex marriage, but they cannot give any valid reasons as to why this should be.

I will give a reader $100 if they can present to me a constitutionally sound, logic-based argument for banning same-sex marriage.

Hint: There isn't one.

CHECK OUT THESE SIGNS

Are you a Mainstream Media Whore?

Sad, but true, is this you?

11.18.2008

This Infuriates Me....

Sean Hannity is right when he says "Journalism is Dead" after this election...

FoxNews is considered the only "bias" news source to the general public...ha

Watch the entire video if you can before your blood boils.....I realize that they probably wouldn't have changed their votes if they knew the answers or that it was a "random" sampling of people. But the broad spectrum of questions makes you wonder why they know the answers to certain, relatively less important, petty questions versus the more important ones.

Reminds me of religion....blindly following a movement to feel better about themselves....the word is change instead of god....I honestly see no difference...



http://www.howobamagotelected.com

11.16.2008

OH Really O'Reilly?

THIS PROVES MY POINT THAT IF FOXNEWS DID EVER COVER THIS STORY, IT WOULD BE INCREDIBLY NEGATIVE TOWARDS HOMOSEXUALS.

I'M PISSED.

SO...Unfortunately Bill O'Reilly is another person who A) Doesn't know anything about the U.S. Constitution or Supreme Court precedent and B) Has never read the bible.

This was all made apparent in this video. Watch the video, then read Wayne Bessen's article which is directly below:


Response by Wayne Bessen of TruthWinsOut.org, since O'Reilly didn't let him talk:

Last night, I was on FOX’s O’Reilly Factor to discuss my column on race and Prop. 8. I was on with Jasmyne Cannick who wrote a shameful article in the LA Times.

I felt the lead into the show was unfair. It looked as if gay people were hooligans and troublemakers. In reality, the protests across the nation have been peaceful. The show also said there were only 1,000 protesters in New York. I was there and there were more then 10,000.

What people like O’Reilly and others don’t seem to understand is that we deserve to be angry. After all, a majority actually voted away our marriages - as if our nation’s laws are a product of mob rule, with no rights for minorities. Do they expect us to be all smiles? Do they understand the gravity and gall of what they have done? How would they react if their marriages had been endlessly debated, lied about and then voted away? There would likely be hell to pay and riots in the streets if straight people, or a particular faith, had their loving marriages destroyed by majority vote.

As far as Ms. Cannick? Her appearance speaks for itself, as do her radical ideas, such as white people should not eat soulfood or win awards at all black colleges. If you are for pitting people against each other and dividing people by race - then you probably love her. If you are a person who believes in equality for all and judging people by the content of their character, you probably were not a big fan of Ms. Cannick. Her main problem is that she offers copius criticism, but never offers real solutions.

There is a also a disturbing trend where the right wing groups and media distort what is going on at these protests. It is really vile how these professed Christians so easily lie in the name of the Lord. It’s as if they have no dignity, no shame, no scruples, no morals, and no decency - even as they prattle on about their superior values. They are dreadful “witnesses” for their religon. For every political battle they win, they turn off millions of people. In this sense, the Prop 8 battle was an enormous defeat for anti-gay religious groups.

This is a battle we are going to win if we harness the energy at these rallies into tangible action. I can assure you that truth will win out. I look forward to working with the people I have met across this nation to have an impact and make a difference. Hang in there. Victory is closer than many of us imagine.

Once again, that was an article by Wayne Bessen of TruthWinsOut.org

11.15.2008

FOX News: Not Covering Nation-wide Protests

Since I make it a point to get my news from several sources every day it became apparent that FOXnews.com has not written a single story about the nation-wide gay rights protests that have been taking place today.

Not one peep as of 4:39pm (CST).

Additionally, I decided to review the few articles they have chosen to write regarding the issue of same-sex marriage and the current civil rights movement in this country.

The majority of articles have been negative toward homosexuals. I would go so far as to say that some of their headings have been misleading and biased as well.

Anyone who knows anything about journalism KNOWS FOR A FACT that today's events meet all of the criteria for front page news, this issue and these events are HUGE...


and yet FOX news refuses to report on it.

If anything does pop up today on their website there's a good chance it will be negative in tone.

At least, that's the trend I am seeing.

So if anyone from FOXnews is reading this: Thank you for showing your ability to be a biased and crappy news source today.

11.14.2008

Healthy (Flavored) Cigarettes: Who'da Thunk it?

So nearly two years ago electronic cigarettes were introduced into Asian markets... they have finally made it to the U.S.

The concept is that if you like smoking but don't want the cancerous/bad health issues that come along with it... why not smoke something that can come in multiple flavors and is healthier?

You can choose your flavor from:
Apple
Cherry
Chocolate
Coffee
Menthol
Strawberry
Vanilla
Original Tobacco
Smooth Hickory
Chocolate Almond Decadence
Tennessee Cured
Vanilla Ice Cream
Arctic Mint
Wild Cherry
Peach Cobbler
Sweet Strawberry
Mint Chocolate Madness
or you can get an assorted pack for $20

You can choose the nicotine levels from:

High
Medium
Low
No Nicotine

***Hint this is a healthy way to quit smoking, if that is indeed your goal***

HOW DOES IT WORK?(Click)


The cost?

$50-$60 plus shipping.

I got mine 2 days ago. It's pretty awesome :)

They come in many styles. Here's a short video:

11.12.2008

Now that the election is over I'm back to my atheist elightenments....

I'm not sure if it's the way he words it, or if it's the accent.....but Christopher Hitchens is the man....



Clips from high points in a debate with Dines D'Souza

Roman Catholic bishop's vs. Obama & U.S. Constitution

As FOXnews.com has reported this morning, the nation's group of Roman Catholic bishops "vowed" yesterday to "forcefully confront the Obama administration over its support for abortion rights, saying the church and religious freedom could be under attack in the new presidential administration."

Once again, religious people, THIS TIME THE HIGHER-UPS, have clearly demonstrated that they do not understand the U.S. Constitution or how the U.S. government must function in relation to that constitution.

(Note: This is not to say that all religious people are ignorant of the law of our land)


Specifically, these bishops have displayed their misunderstanding, willful or otherwise, of the First Amendment's right to freedom of religion.

1 minute crash course:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" ...

...Means that the government cannot endorse one religion or make laws for religious reasons (as the Supreme Court has made abundantly clear with its "Lemon test" from Lemon v. Kurtzman and its "Endorsement test," from Sandra Day O'Connor in the majority opinion in Lynch v. Donnelly):


(Lemon Test)
  1. The government's action must have a secular legislative purpose;
  2. The government's action must not have the primary effect of either advancing or inhibiting religion;
  3. The government's action must not result in an "excessive government entanglement" with religion.
If any of these 3 prongs are violated, the government's action is deemed unconstitutional under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

So... can we really blame the bishops' followers if they are wrongly educated every Sunday on what our Constitution says and how it works in our system?

To a fairly large extent, yes. People need to start reading books and educating themselves so they can start questioning what they are told rather than regurgitating falsehoods.

The FOXnews article states that, "In an impassioned discussion on Catholics in public life, several bishops said they would accept no compromise on abortion policy" [emphasis added].

They're S.O.L. and they don't even know it.

WHAT CAN THE CHURCH DO?

The Church would need to start trying to use SCIENCE and valid secular arguments to even try to begin the long process of overturning Roe v. Wade.

We could also delve into Roe v. Wade and the establishment of the right to privacy, but there truly is no reason to. If you do not understand what I posted here, there isn't much hope for you.

;)

Olbermann: Nails It

Sometimes, when logic fails to sway and ignorance of the law stands in the way... emotional appeal is all that is left, and Keith Olbermann may have just done this the best...



He's a polarizing figure. He's MSNBC's O'Reilly or Hannity. You might not always agree with him, but this one was worth a listen ALL THE WAY THROUGH.

www.youreadygrandma.blogspot.com
DFA

11.10.2008

A Few Issues Today

Issue #1
FOX news somehow managed to get the first exclusive interview with Sarah Palin since the McCain-Palin ticket lost on November 4th.

Is this really a shock to anyone?

FOX is probably one of the few news organization on televisions willing to toss her softballs.

Why?

Because they are very much so right-leaning. This is not to say that many news organizations aren't left-leaning (MSNBC for one).

So, is she making the right call going on Fox for her first interview after the election?

Yes if she wants an easy interview.
No if she thinks she's going to change people's minds on her.

Issue #2
Barack Obama: Is he going to be radical with numerous sweeping changes, thus turning us into a socialist country as right-wing critics say???
OR

Is he not going to get much done and basically be full of empty promises...as right-wing critics are also saying.

Can't have it both ways people!

Issue # 3
Right now a poll on CNN.com:

Do you think that gay marriage is a civil rights issue?
Yes 49%
No 51%

I think that there needs to be a follow up question to this when people say "No":

WHY, do you think this is not a civil rights issue? I am curious what people think.

WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS? LEAVE A COMMENT ON HERE!!!

11.07.2008

Wayne Bessen on Prop. 8

The following is an email that I received from a gay rights activist named Wayne Bessen who is a figurehead of TruthWinsOut.org.

Nov 7, 2008 - I can understand why white gay people are angry. I certainly am. But, let's take a step back and look at this dispassionately.

I believe our failure with the African American vote (70% voted in favor of Prop. 8) has more to do with education levels than race.

In general, people with lower levels of education - of any race - do not vote for gay rights.

White people are twice as likely to graduate college as black people. This accounts for the difference by race on Prop. 8.

Think of it this way. 57 percent of white people with a college education voted No on Prop. 8. Yet, 58 percent of white people with no college voted yes on 8. In other words, uneducated urban black people vote very much like uneducated rural white people.

Uneducated people - black, white and Hispanic - often derive their power from physical strength. They perceive being gay as weak and antithetical to real manhood. By voicing support for gay rights, they lose status and often fear rivals may perceive them as gay.

The easiest way to gain status is dissing faggots. I see this attitude all the time in Brooklyn - in the gym and on the basketball court, where I often play. (Not the best sample, I realize this)

Meanwhile, educated people of all races gain power by outsmarting opponents - not beating them up. This creates a safe space to support gay rights and not lose social status. (Unfortunately, the fact that the conservative black church is a central organizing point for politics makes even educated blacks less likely to vote for gay rights. But, this is secondary to education levels.)

It is understandable that black support for anti-gay efforts drives white gay people nuts. It is difficult to understand how people affected by bigotry can promote bigotry - as if they are selfish people who learned all the wrong lessons from the civil rights movement.

But, remember, uneducated people - of all races - are not students of history. They react to the environment around them, which often rewards homophobia.

(Compounding this perception problem is that the vast majority of overt homophobia experienced by urban gays comes from black people. In places like New York City, you almost never hear a white person say "faggot". But, we hear this from uneducated blacks too often. This makes the problem seem worse than it is. We often forget that we moved to places like New York to escape uneducated whites in rural areas that were just as openly homophobic. In other words - it is about education - not race.)

A few of possible solutions to ponder:

1) We must air public service announcements with people like former basketball star Charles Barkley - who is a tough guy and supporter of same-sex marriage. We must show masculine African American figures who are supportive, every chance we get.

Obama is also a huge help, because he is inclusive and is the ultimate example of power though academic success. His leadership will improve our fate.

2) We must work to raise the education levels of all Americans - which will lead to less homophobia of all races.

The fact that we have so many African Americans in prison - and not graduating is a legacy of racism and a national disgrace. This must change.

3) We must also have substantive discussion with the African American community - as many GLBT leaders have suggested. But, until we raise education levels, there is only so much we can do to win support of urban blacks - or rural whites.

In other words, scholarships for urban blacks and rural whites are as effective as spending money on education specifically about gay rights. Keep this in mind.

4) While I recognize that there are many supportive pro-gay black churches, as long as this is the central organizing place for black politics, this is not helpful for gay rights. Alternative organizing places for aspiring black leaders must be strengthened.

11.05.2008

Religion & Ignorance Go Hand-in-Hand to Ban Same-sex Marriage

* I re-wrote this and added a video at the end, I was angry before, I think this better represents my feelings now*

California - The California Supreme Court's ruling in favor of Equality in Marriage is overturned by the religious, the less educated, and the right-wing.


As the exit polls are showing:

The Less educated-
People with only a high school, or some college education voted to ban same-sex marriage.

The More Educated-
Those with a college degree or postgraduate degree voted with the California State Supreme Court to keep same-sex marriage equality.

Religion-
Those who declared themselves to be followers of a religion voted overwhelmingly in favor of the ban.

Those who declared no religious affiliation voted 91% in favor of equality.

Those who attended church weekly voted 82% in favor of banning equal marriage rights.

Those who never attend church voted 85% in favor of equality.

White Evangelicals and "Born Again" voted 80% in favor of a ban.

Location-
People in Urban areas voted against the ban.
Those in Rural areas voted for the ban.

Presidential Supporters-
McCain supporters voted 82% in favor of the ban. John McCain favored state by state bans, as he even appeared in a state advertisement before.
Obama supporters voted 68% against the ban.
--------------------------------------

Arizona and Florida voted the same way with very similar exit poll results.

So if you haven't gathered it yet:
The less educated, the religious, and the right-wing have decided that I am not an equal person - deserving of equal rights (marriage comes with about 1,200 rights depending on the state you live in)- RIGHTS that are supposed to be guaranteed under the United States Constitution as confirmed by the California Supreme Court.

Did you know that you can get married by walking into City Hall and signing papers, nothing religious required? It's 100% true.

Did you know that the government cannot make a law based on a religous view unless it serves a substantial government interest? This is also 100% true!

Anyone who understands constitutional law... (like say... The CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT)... knows that this ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional.

I challenge anyone to provide a legitimate reason as to why the government would ban same-sex marriages. Legally speaking it cannot be based on a religious reason.

Hint: There isn't one!


If anyone ever wondered why I dislike religion and ignorance of the law THIS is just one of the many reasons.

In California the less educated, closed-minded religious people (note that I didn't say all religious people are closed-minded) who live sectioned off and away from the vast majority of (open) homosexuals and the diverse people in the cities... for some reason... think that they are allowed to judge, run, and ruin people's lives.

Thousands of same-sex couples are now suddenly no longer legally recognized as equals in California.

Those who voted for Proposition 8 were religious, less educated, and living in their made-up dream world where homosexuals aren't people, but sinners. They worship a god whose existence they cannot even prove.

If these people cannot even tolerate, much less accept me, why should I tolerate them? Why can't they just leave homosexuals alone?

At first I felt defeated today. I will admit that I even cried. But I'm not going to give up. And maybe because I refuse to give up, someday, I will be treated as an equal human being in the eyes of the law.

I do not need your acceptance, I just want the equality guaranteed to me under the United States Constitution.

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO (CLICK)

11.04.2008

Electoral College Votes: State by State Results

BARACK OBAMA IS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

States Going for Barack Obama (electoral points, 271 needed to win)

Maine: 4
Vermont: 3
Massachusettes: 12
Connecticut: 7
District of Columbia: 3
New Jersey: 15
Delaware: 3
Rhode Island: 4
Maryland: 10
Illinois: 21
New York: 31
New Hampshire: 4
Pennsylvania: 21
Michigan: 17
Wisconsin: 10
Minnesota: 10
Ohio: 20
New Mexico: 5
Iowa: 7
Virginia: 13
California: 55
Washington: 11
Oregon: 7
Colorado: 9
Florida: 27
Nevada: 5
North Carolina: 15
Indiana: 11
Hawaii: 4

Total: 364 (WINNER)

States Going For John McCain

South Carolina: 8
Kentucky: 8
Tenesee: 11
Oklahoma: 7
North Dakota: 3
Wyoming: 3
Alabama: 9
Georgia: 15
West Virginia: 5
Texas: 34
Louisiana: 9
Mississippi: 6
Kansas: 6
Arkansas: 6
Wyoming: 3
Utah: 5
Nebraska: 5
South Dakota: 3
Idaho: 4
Arizona: 10
Missouri: 11
Alaska: 3
Montana: 3

Total: 174

Propositions:

California will ban same-sex marriages

Florida will ban same-sex marriage

Arizona will ban same-sex marriage

Arkansas will ban same-sex adoption

Colorado will not be in favor of saying that life begins at conception

Arizona will not hire illegal immigrants

Michigan will allow medical marijuana (still illegal on Federal level)

Massachusetts decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana leaving those caught with less than an ounce being fined $100 and nothing being done to their record.

Michigan will allow for stem cell research

Nebraska will end Affirmative Action

Colorado is a toss-up still as to whether or not it will end Affirmative Action

Washington will allow for doctor assisted suicide



Congressional Elections:
- Democrats have 56 seats in the Senate to 40, which equates to a majority, but not a filibuster breaking majority (60 needed) with 4 more races still to be decided.


HOUSE
251 to 173 in favor of Democrats

EXIT POLLS:

So far African Americans vote 96% for Barack Obama
People making over $200,000 supported Barack Obama by over 51%

11.03.2008

Can McCain Even Win Now?

Looking at many many many different news source's electoral college maps, it appears that John McCain cannot win.

It looks as though John McCain would have to win every single swing state and Pennsylvania in order to be close to a tie or even a win.

There would have to be some sort of miracle for an Obama loss to take place.

So, sure I may be wrong... but I highly doubt it.

From partaking in several political debates I know for a fact that emotions can run very high at times like this. AS THEY SHOULD.

Almost everybody wants what they think is best for their country, community, or family.

We all should make sure that we choose our words and actions carefully when debating politics with family members and friends. All too often we can ruin friendships and relationships because of our words.

Some of the best friends that I have met in my life completely disagree with me on many political issues.

Politics are extremely important, but what's life without any friends?

Tomorrow should be exciting people!!! Win or lose, I'd rather be friends with who I've got in my life than lose them arguing over someone who I've never even met.

Don't Vote!?!?



I don't care who you are voting for, so long as you are well-informed.

11.02.2008

Racism & Ignorance: Oh Joy...

Postcards were mailed around the Milwaukee area this weekend that read:

"Only a Nigger lover would vote for Obama"

NEWS LINK
(CLICK)

11.01.2008

I Need this picture for proof of voting bonus points for one of my classes. Yes I'm working at this god-awful time in the morning on Saturday...

After a Halloween party that went until 4a.m.

- 3 live bands

- Free Newcastle beer and free mixers all night = I'm hungover.

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