RE: Health Care Reform

Dear Friend, This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important. Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions. As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.” So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now. Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email. Thanks, David David Axelrod Senior Adviser to the President P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out: 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick. Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/ 8 common myths about health insurance reform Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies. We can’t afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors. You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make. Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq 8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf

Perry v. Schwarzenegger: The Federal Challenge to Prop 8

Perry v. Schwarzenegger: The Federal Challenge to Prop 8

California is one of the most diverse states in this country, and is home to more same-sex couples than any other in the nation. The freedom of those LGBT couples is at stake in Perry v. Schwarzenegger—the federal Prop 8 challenge.

It is vital that the LGBT community—especially families—be represented as the Court weighs the harms inflicted by Proposition 8. That is why NCLR, the ACLU, and Lambda Legal filed a motion to intervene in this historic case on behalf of Our Family Coalition, Lavender Seniors, and Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). We believe the involvement of the LGBT community will significantly help the Court decide the case. read more NCLR's full case docket

Yahoo!

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=15020370

CA's gay marriage ban could open the door to legal discrimination against unpopular groups

(Reuters) CA's gay marriage ban could open the door to legal discrimination against unpopular groups now that the state Supreme Court has allowed the measure to stand, blacks, Latinos, Asians & other minorities said. Legal scholars say the measure, which defines marriage as between a man & a woman, breaks new ground by limiting the courts' ability to protect minorities. "They could take away any right from any group," said USC Law Professor David Cruz. "The entire purpose behind the constitutional principle of equal protection would be subverted if the constitutional protection of unpopular minorities were subject to simple majority rule," read a brief by black, Asian & Hispanic groups challenging the ban. "This case is not simply about gay & lesbian equality", pointing to segregation laws & one excluding Asian-Americans from land ownership as examples.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081124/ts_nm/us_gaymarriage_minorities

The right thing to do... let things calm down for awhile, and build a better base...

Gay rights group will wait until 2012 to Challenge Prop. 8

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Buzz up!

By Jack Chang
jchang@sacbee.com

Published: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009 - 11:25 am
Last Modified: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009 - 2:45 pm

Bowing to the advice of political consultants and pollsters, officials from a major gay rights advocacy group announced Wednesday that they will wait until 2012 to return to California voters with an initiative legalizing gay marriage.

The leaders of Equality California, which calls itself the largest gay rights advocacy group in the state, said they won't try to qualify a measure on the subject for the 2010 ballot despite demands from many gay and lesbian activists seeking quicker movement on the issue.

That decision, however, hasn't stopped a liberal advocacy group, Courage Campaign, from collecting signatures for a 2010 ballot initiative on the subject. According to that group's Web site, it has already raised about $136,000 to "invest in research, polling and focus groups to repeal Proposition 8," the ballot initiative passed last year banning same-sex marriage.

Other gay rights groups are also working to put a same-sex marriage initiative on the 2010 ballot.

Geoff Kors, Equality California's executive director, said in a conference call Wednesday that his group has "knocked on 500,000 doors" to survey voters statewide about the issue and determined that such an initiative would stand a better chance with more time. The group plans to spend the next three years launching outreach and education campaigns about the issue to convince voters.

Additionally, running the initiative during a presidential election year would bring out more young voters, who polls show are more likely to vote for legalizing same-sex marriage, said Equality California Marriage Director Marc Solomon in the conference call.

"Waiting until we're confident we can win is understandable but not acceptable," Solomon said. "We need to start doing the work now until we win marriage back."

Solomon said his and other groups would need to raise tens of millions of dollars to push through such a ballot measure, and donors haven't so far shown much appetite for a 2010 campaign.

"Pretty monolithically, they're not supportive of a return to the ballot with a $40 million to $60 million campaign," Solomon said.

Pro-Proposition 8 advocacy group ProtectMarriage.com responded in a news release Wednesday that any measure legalizing same-sex marriage would fail regardless of which year it was put on the ballot:

"Whether in 2010, 2012, or beyond, ProtectMarriage.com will be ready to defend marriage and emerge victorious again."

Due process ignored as trial date is set for Iranian Baha'i prisoners

Due process ignored as trial date is set for Iranian Baha'i prisoners Baha'i World News Service [subscribe@bahai.org] Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 9:15 AM Attachments:

GENEVA, 12 August (BWNS) - In yet another example of the denial to Baha'is in Iran of their rights to justice, including due process, judicial officials have reportedly set next Tuesday as the trial date for seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders - despite the fact that the lead lawyers registered with the court to represent them are either in prison or outside the country. Further, efforts to have the accused released on bail have not succeeded. The investigation against them was concluded months ago but they remain incarcerated, without access to their legal counsel and with only the barest minimum contact with their families - contact that did not begin until some five months' after their arrest, when they were finally taken out of solitary confinement. Authorities recently sent to Abdolfattah Soltani, a key member of the legal team representing the seven Baha'is who is himself currently imprisoned in Evin prison, a notice saying that 18 August has been set as the trial date for the seven Baha'is. Dated 15 July, the writ of notification for the seven gives 9 a.m., 18 August, as the date for the trial, in Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. That is the same court that tried Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi. The writ of notification giving 18 August as the trial date was specifically addressed to Mr. Soltani, a well-known human rights lawyer and a principal of the Tehran-based Defenders of Human Rights Center, which was founded by Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi and has since last year undertaken to defend the seven Baha'is. Meanwhile, Mrs. Ebadi, the senior member of the legal team, remains outside the country. "The judiciary's decision to schedule the trial under these circumstances is an effrontery and yet another tactic aimed at depriving the seven Baha'i leaders of competent legal counsel," said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva. "The Iranian authorities know full well who is serving as legal counsel for the Baha'is. Indeed, authorities have several times tried to pressure the seven to change lawyers. "It is the height of absurdity to issue a trial notice to a lawyer who has himself been unjustly imprisoned," she said. "The willingness of Iran's judiciary to flout the most fundamental internationally accepted norms of jurisprudence were brought to light in the widespread publicity attending the trial of Roxana Saberi. "More recently, the attention of the world has been focused on the show trial of scores of individuals arrested in post-election turmoil in Iran, also without due process and which has included 'confessions' that were clearly coerced through torture," said Ms. Ala'i. The Baha'i International Community has called for the human rights of all the people of Iran to be respected and upheld. "Today, then, we raise the call on behalf of our innocent co-religionists, whose only 'crime' is their religious belief, and who face the most severe punishments if they are found guilty of the trumped-up charges against them. "Instead of going on trial, they should be immediately released on bail, and, at the very least, be given adequate time for their attorneys to prepare a defense," said Ms. Ala'i. Ms. Ala'i also said that the 18 August trial date could not be taken as firm, noting that the families of the seven had been told in June they were to be tried on 11 July, only to have that date come and go. "Given the past history of this case, the utter lack of concern for procedure on the part of authorities, and the current situation in Iran, it is simply not possible to know when the proceedings will actually begin," she said. The seven Baha'i prisoners are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm. All but one of the group were arrested on 14 May 2008 at their homes in Tehran. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 while in Mashhad. They have since been held without formal charges or access to their lawyers at Evin prison in Tehran. Official Iranian news accounts have said the seven are to be accused of "espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic republic," charges that are rejected completely and categorically. The ongoing imprisonment of the seven and pending trial is particularly alarming because of their leadership position as the former members of a national-level coordinating group known as the "Friends in Iran." Some 25 years ago, other Baha'i leaders were executed after being rounded up in a manner similar to the way in which these seven were arrested last year. To read the article online, with a photograph, go to: http://news.bahai.org/story/725 For the Baha'i World News Service home page, go to: http://news.bahai.org

Speak Up for the Baha'i Leaders in Iran

Todd Brogan sent a message to the members of Speak Up for the Baha'i Leaders in Iran.

--------------------
Subject: Trial Set Again for August 18th

Straight from the Baha'i World News Service - http://www.facebook.com/l/;BWNS.org -

GENEVA — In yet another example of the denial to Baha’is in Iran of their rights to justice, including due process, judicial officials have reportedly set next Tuesday as the trial date for seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders – despite the fact that the lead lawyers registered with the court to represent them are either in prison or outside the country.

Further, efforts to have the accused released on bail have not succeeded. The investigation against them was concluded months ago but they remain incarcerated, without access to their legal counsel and with only the barest minimum contact with their families – contact that did not begin until some five months’ after their arrest, when they were finally taken out of solitary confinement.

Authorities recently sent to Abdolfattah Soltani, a key member of the legal team representing the seven Baha’is who is himself currently imprisoned in Evin prison, a notice saying that 18 August has been set as the trial date for the seven Baha’is. Dated 15 July, the writ of notification for the seven gives 9 a.m., 18 August, as the date for the trial, in Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. That is the same court that tried Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi.

Read the whole story at: http://www.facebook.com/l/;news.bahai.org/story/725
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Moon Memories...

Virtually the entire political conflict in America today is over who will control our government: entrenched wealth and corporations or the people?

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"Corporate Dominance of Every Aspects of Our Lives Is Suffocating us." Rescue Our Society: "Life Inc.: How the World Became a Corporation and How to Take It Back" (Hardcover) By Douglas Rushkoff

BuzzFlash.com's Review (excerpt)
Remember, virtually the entire political conflict in America today is over who will control our government: entrenched wealth and corporations or the people.

The Dittoheads and Hannity Head Bangers are just tools used by corporate wealth to create a distraction and sense of victimhood that helps entrenched wealth achieve their legislative goals.

This is an important book to get your thinking to rise above the maelstrom of day-to-day politics and media.

Booklist:

Since the Renaissance, the corporation—the operating system of the market—has formed and controlled people, and Rushkoff describes how it has infiltrated all aspects of American life. In the twenty-first century, we continue to consider corporations as role models and saviors but engage other people as competitors to be beaten or resources to be exploited. The author bemoans extreme networking (called buzz marketing), which makes our personal, social interactions become promotional opportunities and the lines between fiction and reality and friends and market become blurred. Our lives are overextended, and there is no time, energy, or commitment to do anything but work and perhaps consider family. Rushkoff recommends that we fight back by “de-corporatizing” ourselves. His suggestions include thinking locally by participating directly with our neighbors in community activities and using various Internet sites that provide opportunities to contribute directly to a particular school or to extend a “micro loan” to a specific entrepreneur in the Third World. This is an excellent, thought-provoking book.

In an interview posted on Alternet, the author notes:

Doug Rushkoff: What happens is corporations like automobile industry have a need for roads or the energy industry has a need for regulation that doesn't let people use solar. So they go to government and get laws written that change -- they get laws written to get the things they want. So they basically steer the rail road through the real estate that they want to own or the automobile industry wants more people to use cars, so they get their guy in to be Secretary of Defense and he builds roads for cars and develop suburbs that require people to use cars to get to work. The next generation that grows up with things being that way, thinks that things just are that way. So the way we internalize corporate values is by assuming that the rules that are in place are pre-existing conditions of the universe rather than rules made by certain people at certain times....

Convincing people to stop outsourcing all of their economic activity, consumption and production to extremely inefficient long distance corporations that extract the human value without creating any values. You lose all your leverage. That's not to say that everyone has to do everything in some protest against every corporation out there but what if you reclaim the 90% of stuff that you can do locally or with friends and just give corporations 10% of what they need? It's the most activist thing you can do. Just the idea that people are now going to save maybe eight percent instead of three percent of their money has people shuddering in finance...

It persisted because kings rewrote laws to preserve corporations whenever I mean corporation. Corporations were invented by kings as a way they could make money by having money and creating no value themselves. So they granted monopoly charters to their friends in return for shares in those companies. And it persisted because the kings were able to write laws that gave corporations unfair advantage at every term. So whenever corporations have been threatened by some form of competition or another, the king or in our era government ends up rewriting the laws to favor corporate activity over competitive local, small business activity. It's just corruption.

Buy more progessive premiums to support BuzzFlash progressive news and commentary (we accept no advertising, corporate or otherwise to maintain our complete independence)by going to The BuzzFlash Progressive Marketplace.
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Tel Aviv stands proud with the gay community 8/8/09

heads up and images courtesy of JMG

To the members of The Bilerico Project

Bil Browning sent a message to the members of The Bilerico Project.

--------------------
Subject: Bilerico Weekly Reader 8/2-8/7

Without a doubt, Projectors - instead of contributors - gave us the best content of the week. If you haven't had a chance to read the moving and beautiful comment thread on my post, "Do you know someone who died of AIDS?", you're missing heartbreaking and yet uplifting threads in Bilerico history. (Link in the Bonus section.)

Bilerico Nation
If You Work for a Private Employer in DC, You Want to Know This
Filed by: Nancy Polikoff (Bilerico-DC)
http://www.facebook.com/l/;dc.bilerico.com/2009/08/if_you_work_for_a_private_employer_in_dc.php

Transgender Comics: Interview with Erin Lindsey
Filed by: Austen Crowder (Bilerico-Indiana)
http://www.facebook.com/l/;indiana.bilerico.com/2009/08/transgender_comics_interview_with_erin_l.php

Jesse's Journal: Do We Need "Role Models"?
Filed by: Jesse Monteagudo (Bilerico-Florida)
http://www.facebook.com/l/;florida.bilerico.com/2009/08/jesses_journal_do_we_need_role_models.php

Sunday
A Road Trip, Told as a Series of Pit Stops
Filed by: Paige Schilt
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/a_road_trip_told_as_a_series_of_pit_stops.php

Michelle's Garden: The Big Oops
Filed by: Patricia Nell Warren
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/michelles_garden_a_big_oops.php

Monday
What Were You Doing 25 Years Ago?
Filed by: Nadine Smith
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/what_were_you_doing_25_years_ago.php

Gay Self Hate
Filed by: Michael Buckley
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/gay_self_hate.php

Tuesday
LGBT Challenges: True Leadership
Filed by: Phil Reese
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/lgbt_challenges_true_leadership.php

A Supremely Ridiculous Argument
Filed by: Dana Rudolph
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/a_supremely_ridiculous_argument.php

Wednesday
Barbed Walls
Filed by: Sara Whitman
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/barbed_walls.php

Why "Sex Change" Surgery is Medically Necessary
Filed by: Mercedes Allen
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/why_sex_change_surgery_is_medically_necessary.php

Thursday
How A Feminist Found Her Sexism
Filed by: Guest Blogger Helen Boyd
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/how_a_feminist_found_her_sexism.php

He's in love with a GRAMP! (Gay, Rich, Alone, Middle-aged, Positive)
Filed by: Father Tony
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/hes_in_love_with_a_gramp_gay_rich_alone_middle-age.php

Friday
La orientación sexual no se puede cambiar
Filed by: Pedro Julio Serrano
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/la_orientacion_sexual_no_se_puede_cambiar.php

Queer music Friday - Matt Alber
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/queer_music_friday_-_matt_alber.php

BONUS!
Do you know someone who died of AIDS?
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/08/do_you_know_someone_who_died_of_aids.php

Don't forget:

Subscribe to the Bilerico Project Report to get all of the previous day's posts sent to you every night at midnight.
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Elizabeth Bishop - One Art

Elizabeth Bishop - One Art

The art of losing isn't hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster. Lose something every day. Accept the fluster of lost door keys, the hour badly spent. The art of losing isn't hard to master. Then practice losing farther, losing faster: places, and names, and where it was you meant to travel. None of these will bring disaster. I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or next-to-last, of three loved houses went. The art of losing isn't hard to master. I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster, some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent. I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster. --Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident the art of losing's not too hard to master though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.

Thanks folks!

Current Country Totals
From 1 Jun 2009 to 7 Aug 2009

United States (US)	555
Brazil (BR)	44
Canada (CA)	32
Australia (AU)	19
New Zealand (NZ)	18
United Kingdom (GB)	18
Netherlands (NL)	17
France (FR)	10
Germany (DE)	7
Israel (IL)	6
Belgium (BE)	3
Taiwan (TW)	3
Portugal (PT)	3
Austria (AT)	3
Morocco (MA)	3
Singapore (SG)	3
India (IN)	2
Indonesia (ID)	2
Russian Federation (RU)	2
Japan (JP)	2
Italy (IT)	2
Hong Kong (HK)	2
Afghanistan (AF)	2
Puerto Rico (PR)	1
Argentina (AR)	1
Denmark (DK)	1
Sweden (SE)	1
Ukraine (UA)	1
Malaysia (MY)	1
Spain (ES)	1
Jamaica (JM)	1
Barbados (BB)	1
Saudi Arabia (SA)	1
Venezuela (VE)	1
Cyprus (CY)	1
Korea, Republic of (KR)	1

New Bedfellows

Old Politics, New Bedfellows: The Olson/Boies Challenge to Prop 8 Jesse Lava When two attorneys from opposing sides of the political spectrum argue that some issues transcend the differences between liberals and conservatives we must remember that, as nice as it sounds, none of us can afford the luxury of imagining ourselves above the political fray. Full article

Marriage Equality USA Wants You to Weigh In Today...

David Janis-Kitzmiller sent a message to the members of Marriage Equality USA.

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Subject: Marriage Equality USA Wants You to Weigh In Today...

The Courage Campaign has issued a call for organizations to partner in an effort to finalize the wording for a 2010 ballot initiative to restore marriage equality using the most effective messaging for moving conflicted voters in support of marriage equality. Marriage Equality USA would like to be a part of any collaboration moving ahead and today, we want to see what our collective organizational interest is in participating in this venture.

In May, Marriage Equality USA polled our members and 64% expressed a desire to go back to the ballot box in 2010, 23% said 2012 and the remainder were undecided. Marriage Equality USA has also just finished organizing over 40 Get Engaged Tour events across California and feedback indicated passion on both sides of the timing debate, but no clear consensus on when to move ahead. What did come across loud and clear is that our community wants our movement to come together and collectively plan how we can WIN a marr! iage equality campaign in the future.

As demonstrated advocates for the grassroots community, Marriage Equality USA would like to ensure your voices are heard as we move ahead in the next campaign. Whatever you donate today through August 13th will be targeted and offered in support of this collaborative effort.

No matter when we collectively decide to go back to the ballot box, Marriage Equality USA is committed to empowering our local communities to be active partners in the next campaign. We invite you to continue to engage and reach out to fair-minded Californians by getting involved with your local chapter's ongoing efforts to change hearts and minds by organizing canvassing, tabling, public speaking, and other public education efforts. Together we CAN. Weigh in today in support of the 2010 effort by making a targeted donation today.

For more information, contact getengaged@marriageequality.org.

To make a donation http://www.facebook.com/l/;visithttps://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1001435&code=MEUSA%20Default
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I can tell when the summer break is about to end... these things seem more real to me...

another gem from JMG

Wise Latina Confirmed

Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed as the next Supreme Court Justice today in a partisan vote of 68-31. All Democrats approved, as well as nine Republicans. Sen. Ted Kennedy was too ill to be in the chamber. The GOP's ugly smear campaign against Sotomayor may have repercussions in the next election.

From the moment Mr. Obama chose her in May, many political strategists warned Republicans that opposing the first Latina nominated to the Supreme Court would jeopardize the party in future elections. In the waning days of the debate, some Democrats sought to portray Republican opposition as a grave insult to Latinos. “Republicans will pay a price for saying ‘no’ to this judge,” Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, said in Spanish at a news conference Wednesday.

Party in the Bronx tonight!

Lifted from JMG

Census plans to count same-sex marriages

August 3, 2009

Census plans to count same-sex marriages

The Washington Post is reporting that the U.S. Census Bureau plans to count same-sex marriages in the 2010 decennial census. Up to now a same-sex partner that identified him/herself as a husband/wife was counted as an "unmarried partner". The policy change follows a recent legal opinion by Commerce Department lawyers that the Defense of Marriage Act does not prohibit the Bureau from publicly releasing such data.

from the Sacramento Bee

DNC Calls Out GOP Wingnuts

thanks to JMG for the heads up

today's pretty good quote

"Suspect each moment, for it is a thief, tiptoeing away with more than it brings."
John Updike

thanks WollieBear

Friendly Voices - Brad Pitt

"I have love in my life, a soul mate--absolutely. When someone asked me why Angie and I don't get married, I replied, 'Maybe we'll get married when it's legal for everyone else.' I stand by that, although I took a lot of flak for saying it--hate mail from religious groups. I believe everyone should have the same rights. They say gay marriage ruins families and hurts kids. Well, I've had the privilege of seeing my gay friends being parents and watching their kids grow up in a loving environment." - Brad Pitt, speaking to Parade Magazine.

posted by Joe

Psychologists repudiate gay-to-straight therapy

NEW YORK – The American Psychological Association declared Wednesday
that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can
become straight through therapy or other treatments. Instead, the APA
urged therapists to consider multiple options — that could range from
celibacy to switching churches — for helping clients whose sexual
orientation and religious faith conflict.

In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing
council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research,
the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in
opposition of so-called "reparative therapy" which seeks to change
sexual orientation.

No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report,
and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be
harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies.

The APA had criticized reparative therapy in the past, but a six-member
task force added weight to this position by examining 83 studies on
sexual orientation change conducted since 1960. Its comprehensive
report was endorsed by the APA's governing council in Toronto, where
the association's annual meeting is being held this weekend.

The report breaks new ground in its detailed and nuanced assessment of
how therapists should deal with gay clients struggling to remain loyal
to a religious faith that disapproves of homosexuality.

Judith Glassgold, a Highland Park, N.J., psychologist who chaired the
task force, said she hoped the document could help calm the polarized
debate between religious conservatives who believe in the possibility
of changing sexual orientation and the many mental health professionals
who reject that option.

"Both sides have to educate themselves better," Glassgold said in an
interview. "The religious psychotherapists have to open up their eyes
to the potential positive aspects of being gay or lesbian. Secular
therapists have to recognize that some people will choose their faith
over their sexuality."

Jeff Campagna sent a message to the members of The Power.

Subject: Major Endorsements Announced

Greetings!

It's been a while since we last reported to you. In the meantime, so much has happened! On June 29th, the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, The Power was joined at the Stonewall Inn by prominent activists and elected officials for the the launch of our nationwide petition drive to expand the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include LGBT Americans.

Since then The Power petition has been endorsed by a growing list of activists, businesses, organizations, media, elected officials, and individuals.

To read more you can visit a web archive of our latest newsletter at http://www.facebook.com/l/;snurl.com/oob3s.

Headlines from our newsletter:

-- Chairman of House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties responds to Power Petition by announcing intention to draft legislation including LGBT people in all federal Civil Rights legislation

-- Action: Be a Power Tweeter

-- Action: Post A Power Banners On Your Site

-- SoulForce Founder's Endorsement

-- National Black Justice Coalition Endorses Power

-- Major Don't Ask Don't Tell Opponents Endorse Power

-- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Endorses Power

-- Abzug and Power Join Forces

-- Special Offer for Power Petition Supporters from Steele Luxury Travel

-- Transgender Leaders Voice Support

-- Mandy Carter Says Time is Right

-- Maloney: Equality Extends Beyond Workplace

-- The Power is Blade's Last Cover Story

Again, you can read details of all these stories at http://www.facebook.com/l/;snurl.com/oob3s.

We can make full LGBT equality a reality!

1. Sign the petition at http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.ThePowerOnline.org
2. Invite everyone you know to sign the petition
3. Invite your friends to join us on Facebook
4. Follow The Power on Twitter
5. Sign your business up to become a Power Affiliate. For more information see http://www.facebook.com/l/;thepoweronline.org/affiliates.

Our goal is in our grasp. If we all take some of these steps to involve our friends, family, and colleagues, we can change the world. Now is our time.

Best,
Jeff
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Soulforce Founder Rev. Dr. Mel White Endorses Petition to Include LGBT People in Civil Rights Act

Soulforce Founder Rev. Dr. Mel White Endorses Petition to Include LGBT People in Civil Rights Act

The Rev. Dr. Mel White, the best-selling author of Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America, and founder of Soulforce, joined The Power, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, and other activists at the Stonewall Inn on June 29th, the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, to launch the Power Petition. This is is statement.

Here at Stonewall, we stand in the shadow of giants who refused to accept their second class citizenship. They would be outcasts no more! Now with their voices echoing in our hearts, we have come to take our stand as well. In a 1965 interview, Dr. King made it clear that it is far past time to liberate African Americans from their second class citizenship. These are his words. I’ve edited them simply to call for the liberation of LGBT Americans as well.

“Why do straight people find it so difficult to understand that LGBT Americans are sick and tired of having reluctantly parceled out to them those rights and privileges which all others receive upon birth or entry in America? We never cease to wonder at the amazing presumption of much of straight society, assuming that they have the right to bargain with LGBT Americans for their freedom. This continued arrogant ladling out of pieces of the rights of citizenship has begun to generate a growing discontent in the LGBT community. What LGBT Americans want is absolute and unqualified freedom and equality here in this land of our birth. LGBT Americans no longer will be tolerant of anything less than our due right and heritage. We are pursuing only that which we know is honorably ours.

“Most straight Americans support the struggle to eradicate injustice; nevertheless they feel that LGBT Americans should be more patient, that only the passage of time – perhaps generations – will bring about the sweeping changes we demand…

“We say, with Dr. King, that the time is always right to do what is right…Increasingly we realize that time has been used destructively by people of ill will much more than it has been used constructively by those of good will…We wonder at straight Americans who dare to feel that they have some paternalistic right to set the timetable for the liberation of LGBT Americans. We are often inclined to think that our moderate “friends” are more of a stumbling block to the progress of LGBT Americans than Pat Robertson, James Dobson and other leaders of the Christian right.”

We have a growing concern that our new President is listening to those same “moderates” who counsel that it is too early to take on ENDA or DOMA or Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. These are difficult times, they whisper. LGBT Americans have waited this long. They are amazingly patient. They will understand if we ask them to wait a little longer.

We are here to say to our President and to members of the House and Senate that we do not understand. That we cannot “wait a little longer.” Our sisters and brothers have suffered injustice, intolerance and discrimination far too long: harassed, hunted down and hounded out of the military; denied employment and housing, refused the rights of marriage and ordination; left out of hate crime legislation all the while being primary victims of hate in all its vicious forms. We are second class citizens at best. Worse, we are outcasts in the nation we love and serve. (Page 353, Testament of Hope).

It is time to do what is right and including LGBT Americans in the Civil Rights Legislation of 1964 is right. We hope and pray that this time truth will prevail and justice will flow down like a mighty stream.

U.S. Vigils Planned For Tel Aviv Victims

U.S. Vigils Planned For Tel Aviv Victims

Memorial vigils for the victims of the shooting at an LGBT center in Tel Aviv will take place around the U.S. this week.

San Francisco: Tonight. Monday, from 530-6 @ Congregation Sha'ar Zahav (16th/Dolores -- the largely LGBT Synagogue) and marching to the LGBT Center by 6:30 p.m. for a vigil (Market/Octavia). (Via SF Supervisor Bevan Dufty)

Washington DC: Tonight. Dupont Circle, 8:15pm - 9:15pm. Facebook page.

Los Angeles: Thursday. Location TBD. 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Facebook page.

I'll update this post with more details and locations as they come in.

thanks to JMG

Want Marriage Equality? Follow the Money

Want Marriage Equality? Follow the Money Candace Chellew-Hodge No matter what Welton Gaddy might hope, anti-gay religious groups are not interested in finding common ground on marriage equality - they need the conflict to fill their coffers.

Support Iraqi LGBT

Ali Hili sent a message to the members of SOS: Support Iraqi LGBT.

--------------------
Subject: Iraqi officer 'behind bank heist'

http://www.facebook.com/l/;news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8180046.stm

An Iraqi army captain, possibly helped by presidential bodyguards, is believed to have been behind a major bank robbery in Baghdad, officials say.

Tuesday's robbery, in which eight people were killed and millions of dollars stolen, was among the biggest in Baghdad's history.

The money has since been recovered from inside a government compound in the city centre.

Two people have been arrested but another is still at large, police say.

A tip-off on Friday led police to the compound, close to the bank where the robbery took place in the district of Karrada.

Police believe that presidential bodyguards may have been involved in the robbery, which netted about $7m (£4m) worth of Iraqi dinars.

The BBC's Natalia Antelava in Baghdad says this theory matches a widespread suspicion that the robbers had some inside help.

The gunmen stormed the bank at dawn just after it had received a large transfer of cash.

They got through five heavily armed checkpoints and no doors or windows were broken.

They then fired at security guards before using dynamite to open the vault where the money was kept.

Security officials say there are links between the armed insurgency and organised crime in Iraq, but our correspondent says that the alleged involvement of the presidential bodyguards shows that law enforcement agencies could also be part of the problem.

A few months ago, Iraq's own anti-corruption agency said the police and army were among the country's most corrupt institutions.
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Amsterdam's Mayor Weds NY Couples To Send Message To U.S.

Yesterday the mayor of Amsterdam married five bi-national couples on a gay Pride party boat to send a message to the United States about marriage equality and immigration reform.

The mayor of Amsterdam married five American-Dutch gay couples on Saturday in an implicit criticism of the lack of same-sex marriage in many U.S. states. Tens of thousands of spectators cheered as Mayor Job Cohen performed the ceremony on a cruise around the city's canals to celebrate the high point of the city's gay pride festival. Eight years ago Cohen presided over the first legal Dutch gay marriage. All five couples had at least one partner from New York, where a battle over the legalization of gay marriage rages on.

"For me it's a message to New York, the most liberal state, the most hip state, to get with it," said Ira Siff, an opera professional from New York who was about to marry his partner, opera singer Hans Heijnis. The New York-Amsterdam connection is much in the news this year, with the cities celebrating a 400-year relationship in 2009. Cohen called the couples a "figurehead" for that bond. "Your transatlantic love is proof of the lasting connection between old and new Amsterdam," Cohen said in the service.

Very nice.

posted by JMG

Let Scientists Speak Out

Dear Friends,

I have just read and signed the petition: "Let Scientists Speak Out".

Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 15000 signatures - please sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/829157125

Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.

Thank you! Daniel

Bilerico Weekly Reader 7/26-7/31

Bil Browning sent a message to the members of The Bilerico Project.

--------------------
Subject: Bilerico Weekly Reader 7/26-7/31

You know, these Weekly Reader posts are one of my favorite posts to do each week; I get a chance to go back over the previous week's posts and see how the discussions continued once the post has fallen off the front page. This week we had three clear winners for the best posts of the week: Karen Ocamb's three part series on "What Really Happened at the Repeal Prop 8 Leadership Summit" (links in the Bonus section)

Bilerico Nation
What Does an Inclusive ENDA Really Mean?
Filed by: Keri Renault (Bilerico-DC)
http://www.facebook.com/l/;dc.bilerico.com/2009/07/what_does_an_inclusive_enda_really_mean.php

Under White House Pressure, Hastings Withdraws DADT Amendment
Filed by: Father Tony (Bilerico-Florida)
http://www.facebook.com/l/;florida.bilerico.com/2009/07/under_white_house_pressure_hastings_with.php

Out of the Minneapolis airport and into the Mainstream Media
Filed by: Don Sherfick (Bilerico-Indiana)
http://www.facebook.com/l/;indiana.bilerico.com/2009/07/out_of_the_minneapolis_airport_and_into.php

Sunday
Let's Call it a "Queer Quilt Across America"
Filed by: John Shields
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/queer_quilt_across_america.php

Nurse Jackie
Filed by: Dana Rudolph
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/nurse_jackie.php

Monday
Gay Generation Gap: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Filed by: Jason Tseng
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/gay_generation_gap_two_sides_of_the_same_coin.php

Mental: Prime time goes trans-friendly
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/prime_time_goes_trans-friendly.php

Tuesday
Federal civil unions?
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/federal_civil_unions_is_anyone_talking_about_that.php

Caption This: Gays Gone Wild
Filed by: Waymon Hudson
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/caption_this_gays_gone_wild.php

Wednesday
Anti-Gay Bombing at World Outgames
Filed by: Patricia Nell Warren
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/anti-gay_violence_at_world_outgames_in_copenhagen.php

Lifting the Veil off Mental Health: The Art of Negotiation
Filed by: David Castillo
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/lifting_the_veil_off_mental_health_the_art_of_nego.php

Thursday
David: A Story of Hope, Faith and Love
Filed by: Betty Greene Salwak
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/david_a_story_of_hope_faith_and_love.php

DADT and the Democratic finger trap
Filed by: Sean Bugg
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/dadt_and_the_democratic_finger_trap.php

Friday
Teach What You Learn: The Straight Guy's Primer on Gender Identity
Filed by: Don Davis
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/the_straight_guys_primer_on_gender_identity.php

Here Come the Eye-Rollers: Milk, King Honored by Obama
Filed by: Dustin Kight
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/here_come_the_eye-rollers_milk_king_honored_by_oba.php

BONUS!
What Really Happened at the Repeal Prop 8 Leadership Summit
Filed by: Karen Ocamb
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/what_really_happened_at_the_repeal_prop_8_leadersh.php

Repeal Prop 8 Leadership Summit: The Expert Point of View
Filed by: Karen Ocamb
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/repeal_prop_8_leadership_summit_the_expert_point_o.php

The Unnoticed Power Player at the Repeal Prop 8 Leadership Summit
Filed by: Karen Ocamb
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.bilerico.com/2009/07/the_unnoticed_power_player.php
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This from JMG!

The Victory Fund reports that Harvey Milk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal Of Freedom, the highest civilian honor of the United States. Stuart Milk, Harvey's nephew, will accept the award at a White House ceremony to take place on August 12th.

“We are thrilled President Obama is honoring Harvey Milk with the Medal of Freedom. He’s an American hero and trailblazer whose election more than 30 years ago triggered a political awakening that inspires us still today. This recognition sends an important message about how critical political leadership will be in making all Americans equal in the eyes of the law,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

Stuart Milk echoed Wolfe’s praise, saying, “The President’s action today touches the core of our very human hearts and my uncle would be so proud of this high honor. His election was, for him, a beginning–a chance to make real change. That change is happening, but we still have so far to go. I hope this recognition inspires LGBT Americans everywhere to heed Harvey’s call to run for office, to serve openly, to live proudly with authenticity and to demand the equality that we all deserve.”

Also receiving the Medal Of Freedom that day will be famed lesbian tennis player Billie Jean King and Sen. Ted Kennedy, both longtime advocates for LGBT rights.

UPDATE: The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force responds:

"Today's White House announcement of Medal of Freedom awards to the late Harvey Milk and to Billie Jean King honors two openly gay and lesbian people for their outstanding contributions to the nation. We applaud and cheer that Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King's dedication to freedom and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and for women and girls is at last being recognized with our country's highest civilian honor. Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King are trailblazers whose courage, commitment and perseverance have brought our country to a better place. How utterly appropriate that they will receive an award named the 'Medal of Freedom.'

"We also applaud the inclusion of Sen. Edward Kennedy, who has been a longtime advocate and leader in the U.S. Senate on a host of legislative initiatives pertaining to HIV/AIDS and LGBT equality; and of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Rev. Joseph Lowery, two faith leaders who have been outspoken on and supportive of LGBT issues. Each of these recipients has indeed made important contributions toward equality and justice."

Thanks JMG!

15 Billboards That Don’t Belong Next To Each Other

Thanks to JMG

Tres links, Duas no "World's Most Beautiful Language"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjlOeJa75S0&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5xXjlfFSFE

and of course:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcSO22THO70&NR=1

An vital news item from JMG

The Magic Of Blue

Urban legend says the green M&Ms make you horny, but there's something in the blue ones that really might prove useful.

The food dye that gives blue M&M's their colour can help mend spinal injuries, researchers say. The compound Brilliant Blue G blocks a chemical that kills healthy spinal cord cells around the damaged area - an event that often causes more irreversible damage than the original injury. BBG not only reduced the size of the lesion but also improved the recovery of motor skills, tests on rats showed. Those treated with BBG were later able to walk, although with a limp. Rats that did not receive the BBG solution never regained the ability to walk. On the downside, the treatment causes the skin to temporarily turn bright blue and BBG needs to be injected soon after the trauma. The test injections were given within 15 minutes.

Human trials will not begin until more animal testing has been done, but researchers say they are optimistic that acute spinal cord injuries could be treated with the compound within a few years.