-Cheers and bravo to the brave 26 protesters who got arrested in the United States Capitol Rotunda. They were making quite clear that without needle exchange people will die. The failure of this administration to include needle exchange in the budget was written about on this site on May 19. I have been to jail and these protesters deserve our respect and praise.

-Now this political charge really takes the cake: According to Political Wire, Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) who just switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party accused his primary opponent, Congressman Joe Sestak of not being a loyal party member? Excuse me?

-Also on Taegan Goddard was the poll from Minnesota that showed Obama running 11% ahead of Minnesota's Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty in his own home state! Pawlenty has been considering a run in 2012 and this should put a damper on it!

-Photographer extraordinaire Tom Bianchi has a runaway hit show in St. Louis. His "Memories of Fire Island" opened up at the PHD Gallery to rave reviews and huge crowds. Tom Bianchi has not only continued his artistic genius with his photography but is telling an important history of a time and place. The dunes, house and male form transport all back in time.

-The Rockstar boycott appears to be over with the company agreeing to give $100,000 over two years to organizations helping LGBT youth and start internal training programs.

-Have known Michael Keegan for over two decades and think he is one of the finest human beings around. People for the American Way just announced that Keegan will be their new leader in the fight to protect the civil rights and human rights of all Americans. Keegan, who is openly gay, has served on the PFAW Board of Directors for over 15 years. Television giant Norman Lear said of Keegan,

"I have known and worked with Michael for more than 20 years. I could not be happier that he is leading People For at this moment of great possibility. Our staff and membership have already been energized by his creativity, passion for progressive change, and thoughtful leadership.”

-Want to be brought to tears on the Internet? Take time to watch a half hour episode of "In their Boots" produced by the Brave New World Foundation about the spouses of military personnel that have to live under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". There won't be a dry eye in the house. Please don't let the 30 minute running time of this brilliantly done documentary deter you from watching this moving and impressionable piece of the price that everyone is paying for DADT.

-With hardly a peep, the nation of Namibia started on July 1st a wholesale slaughter of seals. Over 90,000 seals are expected to be clubbed to death before the season is over on November 15. The outcry over this horror is where?

-Boy, Texas seems to be having fun these days bashing gays. First there was the horrific bar raid in Fort Worth. Now the same Texas agents entered the Eagle in Dallas and closed it down for the night. Meanwhile, in El Paso, they arrested two guys for kissing in public.

-Not to be outdone by the Lone Star state, police in Salt Lake City arrested two gay men for kissing too near the Mormon Temple. Wonder if they thought the walls would come tumbling down if they kissed too close to the hollow ground of the Temple?

-Could Republican Congresswomen Mary Bono Mack be in trouble in Southern California? Openly gay mayor of Palm Spring Steve Pougnet is running for her seat. You can support him by clicking here.

-Not a good day for progressives in Germany. Agnus-Reid reports that the Conservative alliance would receive 49% of the vote in future elections. That is the highest level yet for the alliance.

-Say what? The Justice Department might actually hold people accountable for torturing people against the Geneva Accords? What a novel idea!

-Was only a matter of time I guess before this item appeared. LaToya Jackson is claiming her brother Michael was murdered. If I had to classify it, to me it would be more of a suicide.

-Would have felt better if while in Africa, President Obama would have dwelled more on ending the endless wars, flows of refugees and epidemic of rape from the numerous African wars instead of corruption.

-Really good news out of Illinois: Appointed US Senator Roland Burris (D-II) will not seek election for his U.S. Senate Seat. The whole world is relieved we won't have to watch that travesty.

-Why is everyone shocked that Vice President Dick Cheney kept information from Congress? Duh!!!

-Finally, speaking of "Cheney Talk", this wonderful youtube.com piece on "How to Talk Political" by the Full Ginsburg is just delightful. My favorite part is when they get to Rahm! Enjoy!