Politics -- meh!

"Clothes make the man.  Naked people have little or no influence on society." - Mark Twain

So, this might be a bit unexpected today -- a political rant.  I'm not overtly political -- I don't belong to a party.  I try to educate myself on the candidates that are running, and if I feel comfortable with what they stand for and how they communicate, I vote for them.  I DON'T vote a 'party ticket' -- I hate that.  Especially since the political parties are doing nothing but providing the same message in a different outfit.  Someone actually speaking the truth doesn't influence anything because they don't "look the part" -- so to speak.  (Hence the quote - which I LOVE)

So what has me up in arms -- a facebook ad.  I know, right??  I got a little facebook ad from the Democratic Party of Kansas with a little rainbow icon saying that the Democratic Party always has the interests of LGBT at heart.  Um -- really??  Always??  A wise professor once told me to investigate and never believe anything at face value, and she was right.  And you should never trust statements that contain "always" and "never."

So again -- why am I upset... Well - even though I'm gay (I know, shock!), my interests are with the rest of the country right now.  I'm sick and tired of what I jokingly call "The Politics of the Penis".  It started with the election of Mr. Hillary Clinton and has continued.  Everyone is worried about what everyone does with (or without) a penis.  Instead of telling us how they are going to get our AAA rating back as a nation, get our state out of debt, or fix the damn roads in the town I live in (they are doing that now, FINALLY, but all at once), I'm bombarded with sound bites about sex.

Don't believe me?  Watch this election cycle.  I want you to listen for the following three things:

• Abortion ~ seriously -- this is still a topic.  1975 called and wants it's controversy back!  Let's give it to 'em.  I'm not going to go into what I personally believe, b/c it's moot, and might surprise you where I stand.  Stop spending money we don't have dealing with an issue that should be laid to rest with the synthetic bell bottoms of that era.  It's legal -- move on!
• Gay Marriage ~ yeah, this makes me listen.  But honestly, I think we have more important things to worry about then whether or not I can change my last name at this time.  It's not that I don't think it's important (I am an HRC member), but I'm not voting based on this stand.  I'd vote for someone that doesn't want me to marry but can fix the tax code, close the loop holes, and fix our debt issues.  Why?  Simple, I can't "marry" anyway yet I know many people that do.  Marriage isn't a legal institution, it's a commitment between two people in front of God about loving each other forever and being faithful.  I don't need that legislated.  If it was 1991 and the economy was rocking along, I'd be all for this, but not right now.
• Sex Scandal ~ Tied to either Anthony Weiner (still makes me giggle) or a new one crops up.  Two words -- SO WHAT?  Every adult has a closet door that would have all kinds of skeletons and zombies come running out that we don't want the world to see.  I'm not making a decision based on whether or not someone is permiscuous. 

I probably over vented - but I just hate being labeled and being told that I should support something because I'm gay.  Or from Texas.  Or an Aggie.  Or a soon to be psychologist.  Or (insert reason here).  Let me think!  Let me make my own decision.  If you tell me what to do I'm liable to do the exact opposite to spite you....

Where's My America?

OH, it’s the call of the political machine . . . you can hear it from far away beating the drums like it does every 4 years – and for some reason quite loudly in this election cycle . . . or maybe because it’s that I’m paying more attention to it.

Anyway – have you heard the new phrases?? “Take America Back!” “Fight for our America!” “Change That Matters” “Country First” . . . Sound good don’t they?

Here’s one that I’d like to offer . . . “Where’s My America?” Not a lot of mumbo jumbo, but some questions that I’m still waiting for a politician to actually answer before I vote for him or her.

Where’s the America that is compassionate and loving? Yes, some tragic news about some gay teens that were bullied so much they chose suicide as an only route has finally brought this issue to light. But where are the solutions that are supposed to be offered from our leaders? There’s so much blame falling to the teachers – but that behavior wasn’t taught in the schools. It was taught at home. It was taught by people that believe others not like them are weak, inferior, and useless. It’s not taught directly, but indirectly. It’s a process called modeling. So where’s the responsibility for the parents and the bullies in all this? Yeah – I believe a lot of it lies there. My America would care about individuals, and would value the differences we all have. It wouldn’t care about color, faith, or sexual orientation.

Where’s the America that believes in freedom? I’m so tired of everyone trying to convince me of their personal point of view. Does anyone know that opinions can’t be right or wrong?? They are merely just what someone believes – or perceives – or thinks. I’m glad that you think it’s a travesty that an Islamic Center wants to build near WTC site – I don’t. If they have the money to buy the property then let them have at it. I’m ecstatic that you believe someone under 18 seeking an abortion should be allowed to do it without parental consent – I don’t. I think if someone is under 18, by law therefore a child, then that child does not have an expectation of privacy from their own parents – and the parents should be informed. Notice in my opinions I didn’t say I was right, or that someone was wrong. I just stated my opinion and moved on – that’s how it should be. My America would welcome diverse thought, a sharing of ideas, and a cordial (notice I didn’t say passionate debate was bad, just respectful) debate on topics effecting the nation. No demagogue-ing allowed . . .

Where’s the America that believes in equality? Remember Majority Rules, with Minority Rights?? It’s something that stuck with me from my political science lectures (well the ones I didn’t fall asleep in). It simply means that the majority will rule, but the minority’s rights are protected. You can’t just walk over those that don’t agree with you. (Hey Republicans and Democrats – did you see that???) They must have slept on that day instead. My America would be able to separate out a religious argument from an equality one. Instead of defining a religious definition into law (illegal btw), I’d step away from the argument on marriage. My America would make sure that all people, regardless on anything, were treated fairly by its government. If religious affiliations want to discriminate, that is their prerogative, but not the governments . . .

So I ask simply – not to take America back, or change it just because, but rather . . . simply . . . help her find her compassion and soul. That’s the America I want.

Think About It!

I don't want to sound preachy or better than -- but I'm a bit perturbed at what I refer to as "my people's" reaction to the Target donation.  And I mean to me personally.  Yes, I sit on two sides of this fence, being a gay man and working for Target for almost 12 years.  Here's the deal . . . (and to clarify, I'm speaking for ME not for the company I work for. . .)

Target gave a donation to a PAC called Minnesota Forward.  This particular PAC's (that's political action committee) main goal is to create economic growth and jobs in Minnesota.  However, after Target's (and Best Buy's donation too) - they purchased some ads for a very conservative gubenatorial candidate Tom Emmer who believes marriage should ONLY be between one man and one woman.  OOPS!

Basically, Target gave money based on economic policy, and didn't look into social policy.  So did Best Buy . . . Yeah - it was a HUGE oversight on their parts.  And I believe the HRC has done a great job at pointing this out to them and challenging them to right the situation.  What I'm frustrated with is how some people have sent ME messages and emails asking how I could work for such an anti-gay company . . . Are you fking kidding???  Target anti-gay?? 

Target offers same sex couple benefits -- even in states where marriages and civil unions are not allowed (yeah -- that's most of them).  They have a GLBT leadership group that helps GLBT team members connect professionally and help them succeed in their careers.  You can not, under any circumstances, discriminate based on all the usual stuff AND sexual orientation and gender orientation.  That's not a law that they have to add that -- it's just who Target is.  Every June (aka GLBT month) they send out corporate wide communication about the month and are a major sponsor of Minnapolis' Gay Pride.

The point is -- I DON'T WORK FOR AN ANTI-GAY COMPANY!  I WORK FOR ONE OF THE MOST PRO-GAY COMPANIES AROUND!!!  So stop with the messages and challenges.  Be a critical thinker -- and just chill.  Those of you that are hell bent on challenging me about working for Target, I've got one thing to say -- Get up out my face!

Don't Let a Cat Sneeze on Your Face

I thought my candidacy needed an animal to represent me, just like the big ol' GOP has a fat elephant and the democrats have an ass. My puppy does a remarkably good job, dontchu think?

Well, although the Democratic race has been nothing short of an absolute nightmare, and the Republican nominee is pandering to the crazy right -- there has been plenty of fodder for the more than ample coverage of the drama unfolding about whozits and saidzits. Now, not that the press hasn't hounded yours truly for input and digging thru my past for some dirt (I promised I'd let the news journalist out of my basement once the election is over and I win. Maybe . . . he looks an awful lot like Anderson Cooper . . .) but I've been able to stay above the fray. How is that you ask?? By following some very sound advice.

I'm a simple man, really. I believe that running for office is also simple -- as I've been able to do it with class and dignity. So, I'm going to offer my peers some really good advice to help clean up their acts.

First, to Miss Hillry I offer this bit of advice -- Get off the cross, it belongs to Jesus. See, Hil, hon . . . you have GOT to stop playing the victim. We get it . . . you're a woman (well, at least biologically). There is absolutely no reason for you to continue to remind us that you are when you speak. Yes, it's going to be historic whomever gets the nomination -- but stop with the "I'm a minority too" add on you keep throwing out there. We're looking for a commander in chief and leader of our nation, not a "Yeah, and what he said!" retorts. Martyrs are only worshipped because they're killed -- and last I checked there isn't a butt load of Jews and Romans wanting to nail you to a board . . . in fact I don't think there's a man alive that wants to nail you right now. That's okay though . . . you live in Washington so there's a ton of dildos there.

On to Johnny boy, I offer this pearl of wisdom -- Your karaoke, bad. Your chance of winning, worse. I'm not sure what was going thru your head when you decided to rwrite the lyrics to a classic Beach Boys song and serenade a room full of war mongerers on bombing Iran, but honey -- you were sooooo off key! If that performance would have been on Idol, Randy would have sucked air in thru his teeth and told you "Dawg, that didn't really do it for me. Paula would have commented on how cute you looked tonight (which we ALL know means it sucked - Paula just is trying to find something to say nice). Simon would have said it was "Dreadful." You didn't win the Republican nomination because you are the best - you won it because everyone knows that because of 8 years of "W" a money would beat a GOP candidate. So, you are your party's Sanjeya --- the clue should have been that your biggest challenge came from a Mormon. Like someone who believes that American Indians are really lost Jewish tribes from ancient Israel is a viable candidate in national politics. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight! Look at the bright side -- you can be the next Al Gore and wander around talking about how you know everything.

Finally, to Barack, who right now needs it the most, I offer this personal advice - Don't sneeze with a cat on your face. Really -- no lie -- this just happened to me. And it hurts like the dickens too! I have 4 scratches by my left eye and two on my chin. What's that?? You don't think you've done the same thing?? Reeeeeeeeally? Your squeaky clean image has been marred by the revelation (and luke warm defense of) the controversial Rev. Wright. Honey, please . . . don't feed into your competitions' hands by lying about it. That's like me saying the scratches on my face were from a bar fight (well not exactly - some queen has tried to scratch my eyes out before). The point is you can't have someone that close to you that is that inflammatory and then be all shocked when you get hurt by that contact. Kinda like I can't really be that pissed that I let my cat snuggle against my face and then when I sneezed, I got scratched. Don't worry hon, a little neosporin on those wounds of yours and it'll heal right up.

Well, now that I've done my good deed for the month . . . I need to go feed that journalist, I mean pet.

(This message has been approved by Joe Joe for the Joe Joe for President 2008, Treasurer needed)

Hey Dubya! I'm Talking to YOU!!

I turn on the news last night because I can’t sleep. I start to hear the psycho babble of “Christians” declaring how “secular” America is, and how we don’t want God in our lives and in or schools. The degradation of American society is by the “Liberal Secularists” who are forcing their beliefs down our throats. (Hmmmm . . . need to find the remote so I can change the channel.) And before I can hit the clicker, the old crusty Pee-Paw on CNN suddently blurts out “The decline in the belief in God and the breakdown of traditional American values is due in large part to prevalence of homosexuality in our culture.”

Are you for real with this shit?? REALLY?? The “prevalence” of homosexuality in our culture is the reason people don’t believe in God? What God are you referring to? Has the thought ever crossed their minds that America isn’t rejecting God at all, but rather THEIR INTERPRETATION of God?? Their version of God kinda overlooks the 10 commandments, of which the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths build their faiths around. Some examples . . . WELL . . .

How about #3, you know, the one where you’re not supposed to use the Lord’s name in vain?? How many conservatives exclaim “God Damnit!” for no reason??

And there’s #4 . . . keeping the Sabbath Holy. Know anyone that works on their faith’s Sabbath?? I do . . .

Then there’s #7 Adultery is bad, #8 Don’t Steal, #9 Don’t lie . . . hmmmmmmm . . . getting the picture here??

There are whole chapters about the 10 commandments. There’s tons and tons and tons of books about how these 10 commandments have shaped our moral structures, our belief systems, and our lives for that matter. These 10 commandments are the foundation of every major monotheistic religion in the world. Even though are entire belief system and structure is founded on these 10 laws, it’s okay to break them if you feel bad later.

But don’t be Gay. Because THAT would be the reason America is turning away from God. Not because those of us beating our bibles and screaming at the top of our lungs are breaking these basic laws that line the foundation of our faiths. It’s the Gay people . . .

HEY PEE-PAW – FUCK YOU!!!!!

Let me break this down for ya in two simple points . . . cause obviously rational thought might give him a heart attack . . . and the “Christian” Right for that matter . . .

Point #1 ~ All love flows from God. Therefore, all love is Divine. DEAL WITH IT!

Point #2 ~ Just because you don’t understand it does not mean it’s evil.

Damn that pissed me off . . .

Creation Museum: Field Trip Anyone?

So, I don't really get what all the hub-bub is about. The Creation Museum opened today in Kentucky. For those that don't know, it's a museum that has exhibits based on the theory of creation and contradicts what's been taught in many educational systems.

I read several articles today about it, and one thing that really disappointed me was how the "journalists" presented their arguments. Let me quickly dissect it for you. Believe it or not there are three sides to this:

1. You have the Creation side. This is commonly called the "religious" or "fanatic" side of the debate. The major point of creation is that God created all things, and the entire Universe is 6,000 yrs old. They believe that evolution doesn't exist and that man indeed could have co-existed with dinosaurs. In fact, the explanation given for the extinction of dinosaurs is that Noah didn't let them on the arc (I read that in an article).

2. You have the Evolution side. This is commonly called the "Darwinist" or "secularists" side of the debate. They believe in the theory of evolution and that all life started millions of years ago and slowly evolved to what it is now. It's the side of the argument usually taught in public schools.

3. You have the Intelligent Design side. This is the "moderate" or "pacifist" side of the debate. Basically, it's a blending of the two arguments. It's an acknowledgment by someone trying to make sense of the scientific side of the origins of life (evolution) while reconciling their religious beliefs (creation).

What's frustrating is that everything I read today wasn't so much as an argument for why what the particular "journalist" believed in as much as a ton of inflammatory and derogatory remarks about those that believe the other sides. Most of the "journalists" failed to even mention why the opening of the museum was such a hot button issue and instead used their allotted space to just degrade anyone that didn't believe their point of view.

A proper journalist (notice the lack of quotes) would have first discussed the opening of the museum and what issues it addressed or stirred up. Then, if this was an editorial or commentary piece, would have gone on to present how the facts in their argument hold up and why the opening of such a museum is wonderful/horrible. Key phrase is FACTS. They wouldn't have resorted to calling those that believe in creationism as "right wing dumb heads that believe any bible babble" or those that believe in evolution as "godless evil secularists that want to remove religion from all facets of society." They would have merely presented their arguments on merit and allowed the reader to make a decision.

Finally, I'll weigh in on the topic. What are the origins of life? Who knows . . . and more importantly who cares? The problem with all of the theories of life is that they are just that -- THEORIES. Theories are nothing more than using data, analyzing it, and creating an educated guess on how something moved from point A to point B. Then you test your theory. The problem with the theories surrounding the origins of life is that they can't be re-created. Life already happened however many years ago. You believe in what you believe based on a combination of observations and faith, and to that extent that's the best we can do.

You could "test" these theories but to no avail. We could take an empty container and ensure it is void of anything - light, oxygen, elements, you name it. Then just pray for God to create life in it. But, it's not going to happen. We could take the same container, and add oxygen, pure water, and light and watch it. But life will not spring forth from that either.

I say, instead of worrying about where we came from or how it happened, lets just look at where we're headed. All of the money and energy spent in proving how it all started isn't gonna mean a hill a beans if we don't head the right way now.