Obama's Silence Is Hurting Us Now

Isn't it about time that President Obama find a way to help us instead of sitting quietly while his words are used against us time and time again? Not being for marriage equality is hard enough for us to stomach but now to remain totally silent while is words "marriage is between a man and a woman" have been used against us everywhere. Is he really content to allow his words to be used against us in elected bodies, in the courtroom and on the ballot? Doesn't such systematic use of his quote demand that he stand up by our side?

His silence is killing us.

The latest to use in full force his words against marriage equality are the lawyers fighting the Olson/Bois case before the Federal Courts. Here is an excerpt from the SFGate.com:

"A witness at the trial of the California initiative banning same-sex marriage was testifying that such measures reflect moral disapproval of gays and lesbians when a lawyer for Proposition 8's sponsors confronted him with the words of Barack Obama.

Marriage, the future president declared in writings and campaign appearances, is for a man and a woman.

"Is it possible for someone to have the position that he advocates and not morally disapprove of gays and lesbians?" asked attorney David Thompson.

Yes, replied George Chauncey, a Yale University historian, although he maintained that Obama clearly believed same-sex relationships to be inferior to opposite-sex unions".

But this is not the first time Obama's words have been used against us. They were used by the evil forces pushing Proposition 8. They were used against us in Maine while the President remained totally silent doing the election. They were used against us in New York and New Jersey doing the debates on marriage equality. How much longer is Obama going to remain silent while the bigots use his own words against our struggle for freedom?

The President's silence is now hurting us and hurting us often. He can either chose to make clear that these advocates of oppression do not express his personal views or he can continue his silence which in essence at this stage endorsing the forces opposed to the struggle for LGBT freedom

Impressions ..........by David Mixner

-Hundreds of New Yorkers participated in the annual "No Pants" subway ride this past week. Now I think the men should protest discrimination given that it is being called in the cold of winter. Have you women heard of anything called 'shrinkage in the cold?' Lets move this event to summer!

-Eve Ensler of V-Day (photograph) is frantically seeking word of their 'safe home' for battered women in Haiti. They have not been able to reach the facility at all. Anyone that can help would be greatly appreciated.

This would be disastrous news for the progressive community politically. Right wing Republican Scott Brown has moved ahead of Massachusetts Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley by 4% according to the latest Suffolk University Pol.l. The thought of Scott Brown taking Senator Kennedy's seat is just to much for most of us. Get out and vote in Massachusetts.

-New York is a hotbed of politics. Sean Maloney, the openly gay candidate for Attorney General in 2006, has been making calls all over town testing the waters for another run for Attorney General.

-Of course, Harold Ford still dominates the politics of the Empire State. The state's largest and most powerful organization Empire State Pride Agenda issued a statement by its leader Alan Van Capelle that said in part:

I know Harold Ford Jr. just arrived to New York, but as a native and lifelong resident, I know what New York values are, and I know a snake oil salesman when I see one. You simply can't claim to be pro-equality if you've twice voted to enshrine discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. While it may be tempting for Mr. Ford to compare himself to people like Sen. Chuck Schumer, the fact remains that Sen. Schumer - who did evolve on his position on marriage equality - has been a longtime supporter of several pieces of legislation that are very important to LGBT people and never supported the awful Federal Marriage Amendment. Harold Ford Jr. is no Chuck Schumer, and he is no Kirsten Gillibrand.

Taegan Goddard's Political Wire reports this morning that former Senator Harold Ford might run as an independent in the New York City race. Move over Joe Lieberman, you might have another outsized ego join your amazing one.

-Alan Cumming (photograph) was feted by the British Counsel in New York City for receiving the Order of the British Empire (OBE). We don't quite yet get to call him "Sir Alan" but we all look forward to that day. Cumming is the toast of New York this week also performing his show at Joe's Pub.

-Congrats to our follow blogging site, Outsports.com, for being nominated for a GLAAD's Outstanding Digital Journalism Award. Their story on the coming out of Bloomburg University star football player Brian Sims certainly deserved the nomination. For those of us who know Sims, we know that he is a special and outstanding young man.

-The Advocate has a tough article on the relationship between the LGBT community and the National Democratic Party. Take a read!

The Los Angeles Times has yet one more great editorial on marriage equality. "The Marriage Test" disputes some of the arguments used by opponents:

"Some people wed for money or health benefits. In this town, some of them enter short-term marriages for the publicity. (You know who you are.) Teenagers barely old enough to vote marry despite the higher likelihood that they will divorce. Serial monogamists wed. There are couples who swap spouses, and those who live apart yet maintain their sense of affection and responsibility toward each other. Many a marriage, even those begun in love, ends up quirky at best and dysfunctional at worst.

The public as a whole might not look favorably on all of these marriages, but it does not try to deny others the right to form such unions. It's gay and lesbian couples who are singled out for this. Only in a hearing on same-sex marriage would we hear arguments judging whether a relationship between two adults is loving and committed enough to gain legal and social standing -- evidence on its own that homosexuals, who have long faced unreasoned hatred and abuse in many forms, are being singled out for the withholding of this basic societal right"

-Now I know why I love Leo Hindery, CEO of Intermedia Partners. In a letter to his step-daughter Adele he wrote to her:

"I believe passionately in gay marriage as a civil right, but my solution would be to require, through federal law, all unions to first have a civil ceremony, followed, but only if the couple wishes, by a religious marriage. But all of the couple’s civil rights would come from the civil union and not from the later marriage. This would mean that every couple has exactly that same “foundation” that I believe is the basis of all civil rights, and that each couple, at its option, could then bless that union, or not, with a subsequent religious marriage in the faith of their choice. But, importantly, the marriage rite would not itself grant the couple any civil, legal, property or inheritance rights."

-The Political Wire written by Taegan Goddard has a great "Friday Night Trivia" highlighting great political trivia. For example, "Abraham Lincoln, known for being a great lawyer, is the only president to have died without leaving a will."

Am I the only one who is sick of Jay Leno acting like a baby? He got his unprecedented 10PM show and he couldn't carry it. Don't blame everyone else and insist their hopes and dreams be disrupted because of your failure.

-There is a great candidate running for Insurance Commissioner in California named Dave Jones. He is spectacular on LGBT issues and can help us with our complicated insurance issues until full marriage equality. Take a look at this site.

-The Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS has taken a strong stand against he pending legislation in Uganda. The CEO of the Coalition, which has 200 major corporations as members, John Tedstrom wrote to the President Musevini warning him of the difficulty of GBC's member companies doing business in Uganda if such a law passed and was signed by the President.

-Steve Pougnet, the openly Gay Mayor of Palm Springs, is challenging incumbent Republican Congresswomen Mary Bono. In the last quarter Pougnet out-raised Bono which is a very good sign for the insurgent candidate.

-We all have to be concerned about the situation in Nigeria. With the nation being held together by a fragile thread, their president has not been in the country for two months while being treated for a critical illness in Saudi Arabia. This nation could be the big crisis in the next decade.

-Luxist.com has a really fun picture this past week. It is of Rita Hayworth's classic Cadillac Series 62 Coupe that was custom built by Carrozzeria Ghia. There are only two of them in the entire world! Here it is!

Impressions .........by David Mixner

-Where in the world was Rahm Emanuel? Seems as everyone crowded into Washington right up to Christmas Eve for the healthcare showdown, the White House Chief of Staff decided to take a long holiday vacation in the middle of the Senate debate. Last sighting had him in India. Wasn't his strength supposed to be overseeing just these types of Congressional battles?

-The New Year gets off to a good start with perhaps the most historic trial ever for the LGBT community. There is no question that the names David Boies and Ted Olson will become icons in our history. Who wouldn't want a front row seat at the opening day? Just to see this unlikely pair fight together for our freedom will be an unforgettable moment.

-Not very good form for our President to be playing golf in Hawaii with a nation full of holiday travelers riveted to the Northwest Airlines Terror flight. Mr. President, acting like you are in command is as important as being in command. It took Obama three days to publicly respond to the incident, and although that is measurably better than George W. Bush's six days to respond to shoe-bomber Richard Reed, who wants to be measured against arguably the worst President in United States history?

-Here is another blow for those who preach for the sanctity of marriage: Karl Rove just ended his second marriage. And these people can lecture to us about marriage?

-Eight more Americans died in Afghanistan this holiday season. There is no question in my mind that this is just a sample of what we are in for next year. Here is hoping that Governor Dean or someone becomes the voice of peace in this horrible situation.

-No more suspense on super delegates in the Democratic Party? Chris Cillizza in "The Fix" reports that the Democratic Change Commission is going to recommend that the delegates must vote according to the people's wishes. Now there is a novel idea!

-Here is a cheery thought: Rasmussen Reports says that 79% of Americans expect a terrorist attack within the next year.

-Speaking of polls, Quinnipiac found that only 47% of Americans approval of Obama's policy in Afghanistan.

-Luxist.com reports that you can buy your kid a milk glass for $1,500. Seems as if the tumbler has rubies and diamonds touched by gold. Anyone who has the money to spend in this unconscionable this way should be sentenced to work with the poor one week a year. This has to get the Marie Antoinette Award for this year. Teach your kids greed early!

-Want a really good read that takes place in San Francisco? Be sure to pick up R.J. Spjut's "Persephone's Agent". Amazon even has it on Kindle now.

-If you believe the film critics, the three top contenders for the "Best Picture" Academy Award this year are "Avatar", "Hurt Locker" and "Up in the Air". If you haven't seen "Hurt Locker" it is a must see before the Oscars voting begins.

-I owe deep thanks to my team here on davidmixner.com. This site simply would not exist without their efforts and support. Rhys Gerholdt, Dennis Bailey and Jim Baker are not only helpful, they are extraordinary human beings. I thank them all so much for their invaluable contributions.

My Picks: Top Ten LGBT News Stories Of 2009

1. Hate Crimes Passage/ HIV Ban Lifted: The historic passage of the first piece of pro-LGBT legislation to be passed by Congress and signed by the President is without a doubt one of the top stories of the year. It is a milestone. Add the President lifting the shameful HIV Travel ban and that makes this the top story of the year.

2. Marriage Equality Battles: Running an extremely close second is the continuing and epic struggle for freedom for the LGBT community. The battles in Maine, New York and New Jersey combined with the continuing struggle in California puts this story front and center. The Olsen/ Bois lawsuit on Proposition 8 adds to the importance of this story.

3. National Equality March: Anytime you get 200,000 young people to Washington, DC to march for full equality is a big deal. The fact that so many of the attendees were students marching side by side with their straight friends made the story even more powerful. In addition, the march was the first Internet organized March on Washington and came in under budget by over $80,000!

4. Proposition 8 Generation: The emergence of an entire new generation of activist and creative leadership after the defeat of Proposition 8 and the release of the film "Milk" continues to change the face of the LGBT freedom movement as we know it. Their 'calling card' was the National Equality March but that was just the opening number.

5. President Obama Speaks At HRC Dinner: When you have CNN covering live a speech by the President of the United States to the HRC dinner, then that is a big event. One can argue on substance but his speech stirred many in the country.

6. The Vanishing of the LGBT Print Media: All over the country LGBT newspapers, bookstores and magazines are vanishing. The Advocate is cutting back to once a month and others print outlets have just closed shop.

7. Emergence of LGBT Blogging Community: In good part the vanishing of the print media is due to the emergence of the LGBT blogging community and the Internet. Such bloggers sites as JoeMyGod, PamsHouseBlend and Towleroad became the source for news for the LGBT community.

8. Friction between Democrats and LGBT Community: For over two decades, the LGBT community has basically been an unquestioning key constituency for the Democratic Party providing huge margins and tons of cash from the LGBT community to the Democrats. This is the year that alliance has been seriously harmed if not changed forever.

9. International Oppression: Uganda, Iraq and Iran: More than any other year I can remember, this was the one where the American LGBT community really understood the persecution of our brothers and sisters in other countries. The hangings and beatings in Iraq and Iran were horrifying. However, the oppressive proposed legislation in Uganda not only rallied the world community but also showed us we might have successfully removed the worst parts of the proposed Bill Number 18.

10. Transgender Community/ Chaz Bono: This year the "T" in LGBT became even a more vital and important voice for our community. Not only have they borne the brunt of hate crimes but they have made their journeys even better known to the American people. Chaz Bono, in many ways, symbolized this courage. Chaz is doing his transition with dignity and courage.

Dennis Bailey: Disorganized Religion

Well, religion is in the news again. Theoretically this, of course, shouldn't be unprecedented nor unexpected; religion is meant to be a guiding force in the human journey - a regulatory road map for enlightened behavior. Myself, I was born and raised Catholic and received a parochial education from grade school through college. I have spent my adult life examining and testing other spiritualities as well – including Buddhism, Hinduism, and even a detour into The Course In Miracles. Traveling these different paths has afforded me to coalesce my original Catholicism with the rest to form a personal and, I think, accepting spirituality. I have no ideological beef, no bone to pick, no score to settle with religion. It's the folks in charge, it's the baffling buffoonery, it's the 'organized' part that I find so overwhelmingly offensive. And it's why religion is in the news again.

You have Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) waiting to hear the Catholic Bishops Council’s opinion on an already Constitutionally guaranteed right to an abortion before he considers legislation that will give Americans health care reform.

You have Providence, Rhode Island Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, forbidding Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)(ostensibly from one of the most pre-eminent Catholic families in America) from receiving communion because of his pro-choice abortion stance.

You have the horrific legislation pending in Uganda which designates that anyone convicted of having homosexual relations would be sentenced to life imprisonment – if the person is HIV positive, the law requires the death penalty. These anti gay Ugandan zealots, as constantly chronicled here by the wise Mr. Mixner, and on MSNBC-TV by the indefatigable Rachel Maddow, are supported by the dubious religious denizens of C Street in Washington D.C. – also known as “The Family." Yet, this controversial organization that hush-hushed Conservative sexual misdeeds by the likes of Senator John Ensign (R-NV), Governor Mark Sanford (R-SC) and Senator David Vitter (R-LA) has been collectively silent on Ugandan Bill #18. Even the skillfully self-promoting Rick Warren of the California Saddleback Church, who, although intricately involved in the evangelical religious push in Uganda, has lamely said that he wouldn't dream of commenting about another country’s pending legislation.

Then, just last week, you have Vatican Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan announcing that gays, lesbians and transgendered persons "will never enter the kingdom of heaven." The clearly dotty Barragan went on to say, "People are not born homosexual, they become homosexual, for different reasons: education issues or because they did not develop their own identity during adolescence." Hopefully, I am not the only one who is sick to death of straight people (well, supposedly straight – I mean, the Cardinal is in a red beaded dress and a hat that would give Auntie Mame pause) who have absolutely no scientific knowledge of genetic sexual behavior, mindlessly pontificating on what they ‘believe.’ Attempting to stave off immediate criticism, this coward of the cloth protested that it wasn't himself who was saying this, but “the apostle, St Paul.” Never mind that many historians and progressive theologians regard any anti-gay rhetoric from St. Paul worthy of suspicion, due to translation glitches, ambiguous references and the possibility that he might have been, in fact, a self-loathing homosexual himself.

I, for one, have grown tired of an ancient book written by men who thought the world was flat dictating what’s moral in my life today. I am tired of well-intentioned holy fairy tales being crassly interpreted so that they decide my Constitutional rights. I am tired of organized religion continuing to be responsible for more wars, more heartache, more intolerance and more hatred than any other force in the history of the world.

I am tired of religion being in the news instead of being the news.

Religion used to make me feel less alone in the world and a part of something bigger. Now, sadly, it makes me feel more alone and a part of something smaller. So, for a quasi-coalesced Catholic with a conscience, is there a solution to all this spiritual discomfort and discontent?

Probably not, but to my mind, comedian Sarah Silverman proposed an excellent start: Sell the Vatican, its holdings and its artwork and give the profits to the poor. If you read the New Testament, you can come to no other conclusion but that Christ would be appalled that his church had funds and lands and opulence that could totally alleviate world-wide hunger and poverty. And yet, His antecedents decided to build a monolith of bluster, intolerance and gilt (and guilt) instead.

I would compound that wish with my own proposal: I think it’s way past time for any organized religion that decides to poke its nose into politics to lose its tax-free status. If they wanna grandstand, fine. If they wanna promote a certain legislation, cool. But if they do, they’re gonna hear from the IRS. Which, as I understand it, is even scarier than hearing from the Devil.

Because if amends aren't made, if charitable conscience isn't employed, if tolerance isn't envisioned, I'm guessing that it won't be homosexuals who are denied heaven; it will be fatuous, judgmental so-called men of religion like the clueless Cardinal Barragan or the scolding Bishop Tobin or the patronizing Reverend Warren who will be left standing outside the Pearly Gates.

LGBT Community: Onward and Upward

With the defeats of Maine and New York, the LGBT community has had a difficult couple of months. In addition, our own government continues to remain silent in the face of Bill Number 18 in Uganda. The Democratic party invited people in Maine to call on behalf of Governor Corzine while we were fighting for our freedom in the very same state. Our Attorney General Eric Holder went to Maine the week before the election and stated clearly that the administration had no position.

It has been a rough time for a tough people.

However, observers and decision makers would be making a horrible mistake if they believe this in any way has weakened our resolve to be a free people. That somehow with the onslaught of oppression that has been thrown our way has made us less determined to win. In fact, just the opposite is happening in America. Wherever I go and to whomever I speak in the community, I am finding a new toughness, a revitalized and united community that won't be turned back by hate, indifference or the political cowardice of our allies.

In fact because of a tough and unrelenting community in New Jersey, we will have our vote this week in the New Jersey legislature. We have forced them to stop their retreat and bring it to a vote. Who knows what the result will be but the sheer determination of our leadership in New Jersey speaks volumes of our desire to be free. My hat is off to them!

In New York, anger more than defeatism reigns in the community. If any of those four state senators in the Queens section of New York City think they will not hear from us again they are in for a rude surprise. We must defeat some of them so people know there is a price to be paid for voting for injustice and inequality. The Democratic state senators of Queens will soon learn in a real way never to betray a queen! We will be back better organized, less trusting, tougher and with new power and we will have marriage equality in New York. You can mark my words on this.

As our political arm of the community toughens up around the country, a new emerging civil rights arm is preparing for battle. In New York, there is a meeting on December 20th at 6PM to be held at the LGBT Center to plan civil disobedience. Rumor has it that a new national group is emerging over the next couple of months to do the same thing nationally. Initial planning meetings are tentatively set for the end of January.

Even our national leaders are starting to publicly stir with a new energized campaign to pass ENDA which suddenly has disappeared from the agenda of the United States Congress. Tragically, they most likely have missed the historic opportunity that this Congress presented us this year to repeal DADT and DOMA. Leaders in California and Oregon are preparing to take the offensive in establishing marriage equality through the ballot box, most likely in 2012.

Lawsuits, including the historic Olsen/ Bois lawsuit, are winding their ways through the courts. The stardust has been removed from our eyes concerning President Obama and he has a new tough community to deal with that is not a sure ally. Our drive for freedom cannot be left to his whim nor his political timetable.

So for those patting themselves on the back for their victories in California, Maine and New York: Watch out, you haven't seen anything yet. You have seriously underestimated this amazing community. We won't accept separate but equal nor will we indulge you in your fantasies of theocracy around sexuality. We are in it to win full equality - nothing more and certainly nothing less

LGBT Community: Be Visible This Holiday Season.

The last couple of months have been difficult for the LGBT community. With the defeat in Maine and New York, the postponement of DADT hearings, ENDA tied up in committee, death sentences pending in Uganda and the Democrats breaking their word and lying in New Jersey. As we enter this holiday season, it is more important than ever to be visible and have a 'white ribbon' holiday.

Everyone should create 'white ribbons' for full equality and distribute and wear them at every possible moment. Please don't be afraid any longer. Wear these ribbons to the office party, wear them shopping, wear them home for the holiday, wear them at holiday gatherings. Carry extra ribbons and ask your friends and family to wear them. When people ask what they symbolize, let them know we are proud and are not budging one inch on our demand for full equality.

Hopefully, those who receive invitations to the White House Christmas Party will flood the room with white ribbons so the President can be reminded in this season of goodwill to all that we want full equality. In fact, what a great volunteer project for our brothers and sisters in DC. They can make them and stand as the lines form for the Christmas Party at the White House and ask the invitees to please wear the 'white ribbon' for full equality.

Don't forget to wear them to all religious services and that special neighborhood open house. Already many are pontificating that our desire for full equality is too 'ambitious'.

New York State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson: These Words Need To Be Heard

LGBT: Lessons Already Learned from New York and New Jersey

We still don't know the results of the amazing efforts from the LGBT community in our attempt to achieve marriage equality in New York and New Jersey through the legislative process. Unfortunately, as we wait the outcome, some of the lessons are beginning to hit home. Without question, the struggle for LGBT civil rights is a low priority on most legislative agendas. Once again, Democrats are questioning if this is the right time and arranging votes so they don't look like they are taking action on our rights before 'more important votes and issues.'

What can be more important than the civil rights of hundreds of thousands of New Jersey and New York citizens that have been denied equality for far too long?

In New York, we have seen votes on our civil rights delayed and delayed again. First we had to take a back seat to personal power struggles within the political parties over the summer months. Forget our freedom, who is going to be in charge and head what committee seemed tantamount. Recently we had to fight to even ensure a vote before the end of the year. Finally the leadership has given us its word that we will have a full, fair and honest vote on this issue. However, they don't want to make our civil rights seem more important than other issues so we have had to wait and wait while their sad political struggles continue. Can't even begin to imagine where we would be in New York if it wasn't for the consistently brave and strong leadership of embattled Governor David Paterson and the amazing work of ESPA and its allies.

In New Jersey, in-coming Republican Governor Christie has promised marriage equality will not happen on his watch. The cowardly governor-elect has even promised a 'constitutional amendment' to the State Constitution if necessary. Because the polls on marriage equality are close in New Jersey and because Democrats took a beating in the last election, they have suddenly indicated how it would send the wrong message to voters if they pushed marriage equality even though Governor Corzine says he will sign it. Wrong message? Freedom and equality is the wrong message? The Democrats didn't lose because of us, they lost because of their own behavior.

One thing for sure, if the powers in Albany fail to deliver on their promise it will be a major blow to LGBT citizens, another huge wedge between Democrats and the LGBT community and a push us further to traditional civil rights actions. The Democrats in New Jersey are already telling us that maybe our freedom might have to wait until after Christie.

These two states will be crucial tests for our community on how to proceed with future strategies. Will they confirm that all our political work has been for good or will they force us to chose a major traditional path where we will have to disrupt business as usual in order to get this nation's attention?

Time will tell.

Count Me In, The Time for Empty Promises Has Passed

Count Me In! I support the "Don't Ask, Don't Give Campaign."

For months, bloggers have been warning the President and the Democratic Party that they were missing a historic opportunity to greatly advance the rights of the LGBT community. Any sound political mind knows that as we enter 2010 we will be given the message that we have a tough fight to hold Congress and need to "wait until after the elections."

How many times has the LGBT civil rights movement been told over and over and over again to wait until after the next set of elections? Do they really believe we are that dumb? That we don't realize that politics and elections change can change the political complexion of a nation overnight? We know that in the near future we will not see a time again when we will have sixty Democratic senators and a comfortable margin in the House. What makes our Democratic leaders think it will be better in 2011? Won't we be told then to wait until after President Obama is re-elected?

This craziness has to stop and it has to stop now. This is not about politics, it is about freedom and justice.

John Aravosis and Joe Sudbay of AmericaBlog have launched a campaign called "Don't Ask, Don't Give" to stop contributions to the Democratic National Committee, the re-election of President Obama and Organizing for America until issues of LGBT freedom are addressed. That includes the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the repeal of DOMA and the passage of ENDA. They have quickly been joined in this temporary boycott by Daily Kos, Andy Towle, Michael Goff, Dan Savage, Pam Spaulding, Robin Tyler, Paul Sousa, Bil Browning, Jane Hamsher and Michaelangelo Signorile. Count me in, too!

Go immediately to the "Don't Ask, Don't Give" page on AmericaBlog, read it about the boycott and sign the petition. Send it to your friends. Lets act effectively and act now.

The time for empty promises is over. Let those in power know we are 'taking a break' until the passage of those three pieces of crucial legislation.

Can we count you in?