Via Americans Against the Tea Party / FB:

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 12, 2013

Noticing What is There

It is inevitable that one will discern unwholesome qualities of mind when one looks openly on what is actually occurring in experience. As many people remark, meditation can be a most humbling experience. But there is never any blame for simply noticing what is there. When something unwholesome is seen in oneself, the determination to change it will arise in proportion to one's understanding.

- Andrew Olendzki, “Changing Your Mind”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 13th, 2013
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Vi JMG: OREGON: Same-Sex Marriage Activists Plan 2014 Ballot Measure

LGBT activists in Oregon say they will work to place same-sex marriage on the 2014 state ballot.

The state’s major gay-rights group, Basic Rights Oregon, made the decision over the weekend to launch a petition drive on Monday to put a measure on the ballot that would allow legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Given the group’s resources and the issue’s high visibility, there is little doubt the group can qualify the measure for the November general election. “I think people are really coming to understand that marriage is unique and special and you don’t want to deny that to anybody else,” said Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, after the group’s leaders and advisers met Sunday to finalize their decision to proceed.

Two months ago Public Policy Polling found that 54% of registered voters support same-sex marriage. That number will surely increase by November 2014.

Labels: activism, marriage equality, Oregon

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: The Pope's Resignation Letter

 

"In today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is." - Pope Benedict XVI, in his official resignation letter.

Labels: Benedict Palpatine, Catholic Church, Vatican

Reposted from Joe

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

	Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	Abandoning false speech, he abstains from false speech; he speaks truth, adheres to truth, is trustworthy and reliable, one who is no deceiver of the world. - Majjhima Nikaya More Buddhism Quotes >>

Via JMG: LGBT Catholic Groups React

Dignity

As members of the Church who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, as well as family members and allies, we call on the Cardinals and the new Pope to enter into a true dialogue with our community. We call for an end to statements that inflict harm on already marginalized people, depict us as less than fully human, and lend credence to those seeking to justify discrimination. We call on our Church not only to embrace but to champion the dignity and equality of all humans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Equally Blessed

With the pope’s impending resignation, the church has an opportunity to turn away from his oppressive policies toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics, and their families and friends, and develop a new understanding of the ways in which God is at work in the lives of faithful and loving people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We pray for a pope who is willing to listen to and learn from all of God’s people. We pray for a pope who will realize that in promoting discrimination against LGBT people, the church inflicts pain on marginalized people, alienates the faithful and lends moral credibility to reactionary political movements across the globe. 

New Ways Ministry

We are praying, too, for LGBT Catholics and their families and friends, whose lives were made more difficult living under Benedict’s reign both as pontiff and as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), where he served previously. For the last three decades, Benedict has been one of the main architects of the Vatican’s policies against LGBT people. New Ways Ministry directly experienced those harsh policies several times over the years…Fortunately, we have survived the many attempts by the Vatican to end our ministry, and, thanks to the support of so many Catholics, we have emerged stronger for it.

Source.

Labels: Benedict Palpatine, Catholic Church, Vatican

Reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 11, 2013

Spiraling Toward Freedom

Each time you meet an old emotional pattern with presence, your awakening to truth can deepen. There’s less identification with the self in the story and more ability to rest in the awareness that is witnessing what’s happening. You become more able to abide in compassion, to remember and trust your true home. Rather than cycling repetitively through old conditioning, you are actually spiraling toward freedom.

- Tara Brach, "Finding True Refuge"

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 12th, 2013
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Tricycle Daily Dharma February 10, 2013

Transforming the World

We must proceed with a clear-eyed awareness of the social, political, and economic context in which we live and practice. Once we awaken to where we are, we must take the responsibility to transform that world into a matrix of opportunity for wisdom and compassion, not just for ourselves but for all others.

- David Patt, “Who’s Zoomin’ Who? The Commodification of Buddhism in the American Marketplace”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 11th, 2013
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Tricycle Daily Dharma February 9, 2013

Staying in the Present

Don’t get caught up in hopes of what you’ll achieve and how good your situation will be some day in the future. What you do right now is what matters.

- Pema Chodron, “Bite-Sized Buddhism”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 10th, 2013
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Via Gay Politics Report:

• LGBT issues front and center as Obama's second term begins
   
• President Barack Obama has started his second term by pushing forward proposals on immigration and military benefits that recognize same-sex couples, and he's spoken out in favor of the Boy Scouts of America allowing openly gay members. These actions, along with the call for LGBT equality included in Obama's inaugural address, have left some advocates impressed with how the president has embraced much of their agenda. "There are some times when I have to pinch myself," said one gay rights activist and Obama donor. The Hill (2/7)     

Via JMG: Late PFLAG Founder Jeanne Manford To Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford, who died last month at the age of 92, will be posthumously honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest honor the government gives a civilian. Twelve others will receive the medal at an upcoming White House ceremony. Paul Schindler reports at Gay City News:

When Manford died last month at the age of 92, Jody Huckaby, PFLAG’s national executive director, said, “Jeanne Manford proved the power of a single person to transform the world. She paved the way for us to speak out for what is right, uniting the unique parent, family, and ally voice with the voice of LGBT people everywhere.” President Barack Obama will honor the Medal winners at a White House ceremony on February 15. The recipients were announced on February 8. Manford is only the second Citizens Medal recipient honored for her work on LGBT causes. A 2011 Medal went to Janice K. Langbehn, a lesbian who sued a Miami hospital after she and her three young children were denied the right to visit her partner of 18 years, Lisa Marie Pond, as she lay dying after suffering a brain aneurysm while on vacation there in 2007. Despite having been told that they were in “an anti-gay city and state” by a hospital official, Langbehn’s suit was dismissed.

Others to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal have included Elizabeth Taylor, Colin Powell, and AIDS researcher David Ho.
UPDATE: PFLAG has issued a statement.

“When Jeanne Manford publicly stood up for her gay son in 1972, she had no idea that her actions would spark a movement that would change the lives of so many individuals and families,” said PFLAG National Executive Director Jody M. Huckaby. “It started out as a simple act of love, but Jeanne’s legacy lives on, as straight allies continue to stand alongside their LGBT loved ones, united by their collective belief in a better—and more equal—tomorrow. Her voice has been joined by millions of others who have raised their voices and will continue to do so in support of acceptance, fairness, and equality.” “I was able to share the news of this honor with my mom before she left us and I only wish the President could have seen the amazing smile that spread across her face,” said Suzanne Manford Swan, daughter of the late Jeanne Manford. “My family is deeply touched by this honor and to represent the PFLAG family values of love and acceptance.”

Labels: heroes, LGBT History, PFLAG

Reposted from Joe

A Gay Dad's Invitation to a Supreme Court Justice: Come to Dinner With My Family

Some of us are afraid to exhale. Same-sex marriage is before the Supreme Court.

Just as the election had the "swing-state factor," these two cases have a swing vote: Justice Anthony Kennedy. Justice Kennedy was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan but has been on the progressive side of two key LGBTQ cases, Romer v. Evans and Lawrence v. Texas. Now, with the question of same-sex marriage before the Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy, with the right decision, could eclipse the likes of Barbra Streisand, Madonna and Lady Gaga as the greatest gilded eagle for gay equality ever known.

Propaganda-like amicus briefs from the anti-gay community seem to be papering the walls of the Supreme Court on a daily basis. The Westboro Baptist Church, the Republicans of the House of Representatives, the Catholic bishops... they all have one. Progressive briefs are due in March.
I am just a gay dad. We gay dads tend not to file amicus briefs. However, we do jot notes, make lists and write letters. Sometimes we invite people to dinner. I think that will tell him more than all the anti-gay briefs put together.

Make the jump here to read the letter by Rob Watson

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

	Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	The brief elation we experience appeasing sensual impulses is very close to what the drug addict feels when indulging his or her habit. Temporary relief is soon followed by a craving for more. And in just the same way that taking drugs in the end only causes trouble, so too does much of what we undertake to fulfill our immediate sensory desires. We must acknowledge that there can be no hope of gratifying the senses permanently. At best, the happiness we derive from eating a good meal can only last until the next time we are hungry. - His Holiness the Dalai Lama More Buddhism Quotes >>

The Stream : Accepting LGBTs in Asia

Via JMG: These Nine People

Details.

Labels: DOMA, Proposition 8, SCOTUS

Reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 8, 2013

Our Shared Awakening

Nothing is separate and alone. This is how things are. This is compassion, not merely an extra something one of us feels for another, but existence itself. Being is by its nature sharing and loving. And we realize this not as a concept or a method we can work at and finally grasp, but as a truth that we perceive through our mutual recognition, our mutual shared awakening.

- Norman Fischer, "Revealing a World of Bliss"

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 9th, 2013
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Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

	Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	If you are afraid of pain, if you don't like it, do nothing evil, either openly or in secret. For if you do, even if you get up and run away you won't escape its pain. If you are afraid of pain, if you don't like it, take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Train in the precepts. This is good. - Theri-Gatha, 246-249 More Buddhism Quotes >>

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 7, 2013

Outside the Story

Our lives are meaningless if we take meaning for a coherent narrative plot of some sort. When we strain to make our lives otherwise, we're merely telling ourselves a story. You and I don't manifest in the universe as meaning, we manifest as living human beings. We're not here to represent something else. We're here in our own right.

- Lin Jensen, “Wash Your Bowl”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 8th, 2013
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Via Nalanda LGBT Buddhist Cultural and Resource Center / FB:

‎"Attachment constrains our vision so that we are not able to see things from a wider perspective."- His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

JMG HomoQuotable - Evan Wolfson

"With France and Britain poised to become the next countries to embrace the freedom to marry, it's clear that the momentum we see here in the United States for ending marriage discrimination is, in fact, a global movement toward greater freedom and equality for all - and the U.S. should be leading, not lagging. America cannot afford to fall behind its closest allies and trade partners in this global economy, and needs to do right by its families, as a right-of-center British prime minister and left-of-center French president have called on their parliaments to do, with resounding success." - Freedom To Marry head Evan Wolfson, in a press release noting this week's victories in Britain and France.

Labels: Evan Wolfson, Freedom To Marry, HomoQuotable

Reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 6, 2013

No Time to Waste

This precious human body, supreme instrument though it is for the attainment of enlightenment, is itself a transient phenomenon. No one knows when, or how, death will come. Bubbles form on the surface of the water, but the next instant they are gone, they do not stay. It is just the same with this precious human body we have managed to find. We take all the time in the world before engaging in the practice, but who knows when this life of ours will simply cease to be?

- Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, “A City of Dreams”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 7th, 2013
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Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

	Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	As long as there is a lack of the inner discipline that brings calmness of mind, no matter what external facilities or conditions you have, they will never give you the feeling of joy and happiness that you are seeking. On the other hand, if you possess this inner quality of calmness of mind, a degree of stability within, then even if you lack various external facilities that you would normally consider necessary for happiness, it is still possible to live a happy and joyful life. - His Holiness the Dalai Lama More Buddhism Quotes >>

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS - SAME LOVE feat. MARY LAMBERT (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Via Gay Politics Report: Over a million petition-signers ask Boy Scouts to drop gay ban

Over a million petition-signers ask Boy Scouts to drop gay ban
  
 Gay scouts and their supporters delivered 1.4 million petition signatures to Boy Scouts of America headquarters this week in a bid to pressure the organization to allow local branches to admit openly gay scouts and leaders. The effort also got the backing of President Barack Obama, who in a pre-Super Bowl interview this weekend said the BSA should change its longstanding policy. Texas Gov. Rick Perry said the group should hold firm and keep the ban in place, and the anti-gay Family Research Council ran a full page-ad in USA Today urging the same. The Dallas Morning News (free content)/The Scoop blog (2/4), CBS News/Political Eye (2/3), Dallas Voice (2/4), Towleroad (2/4)     

Why Homophobia Is Not An Acceptable Life Choice

Macklemore, the first unsigned artist to make it to #1 in over a decade, perfectly frames the world homophobia creates. Give his hit track "Same Love" a listen and see if that doesn't melt your heart in a jiffy. 

 

 

Via Mothers for Sustainable Energy -TheMothersProject.org Colorado / FB:

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

	Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	When people speak badly of you, you should respond in this way: Keep a steady heart and don't reply with harsh words. Practice letting go of resentment and accepting that the other's hostility is the spur to your understanding. Be kind, adopt a generous standpoint, treat your enemy as a friend, and suffuse all your world with affectionate thoughts, far-reaching and widespread, limitless and free from hate. In this state you should try to remain. - Dhammapada More Buddhism Quotes >>

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 5, 2013

Investing in Practice

It is essential at the beginning of practice to acknowledge that the path is personal and intimate. It is no good to examine it from a distance as if it were someone else’s. You must walk it for yourself. In this spirit, you invest yourself in your practice, confident of your heritage, and train earnestly side by side with your sisters and brothers. It is this engagement that brings peace and realization.

- Robert Aitken Roshi, “The Teacher in Everything”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 6th, 2013
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JMG Tweet Of The Day - Herndon Graddick

Graddick is the the head of GLAAD.

Labels: football, GLAAD, Super Bowl

Reposted from Joe  

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	Cut down The forest of desire, Not the forest of trees. From the forest of desire Come danger & fear. Having cut down this forest & its underbrush, monks, be deforested. - Dhammapada, 20, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. More Buddhism Quotes >>

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 4, 2013

What Meditation Tells Us

Meditation practice helps us relinquish old, painful habits; it challenges our assumptions about whether or not we deserve happiness. (We do, it tells us emphatically.) It also ignites a very potent energy in us. With a strong foundation in how to practice meditation, we can begin to live in a way that enables us to respect ourselves, to be calm rather than anxious, and to offer caring attention to others instead of being held back by notions of separation.

- Sharon Salzberg, “Sticking with It”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 5th, 2013
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Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 3, 2013

Developing Determination

When you admit to yourself, 'I must make this change to be more happy'—not because the Buddha said so, but because your heart recognized a deep truth—you must devote all your energy to making the change. You need strong determination to overcome harmful habits. But the payoff is happiness—not just for today but for always.

- Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, “Getting Started”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 3rd, 2013
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Via JMG: Today In NOM Chutzpah

Jeremy Hooper writes: "Important reminder: March 26 is not only the first day of SCOTUS hearings and the day that NOM plans to march against us—it's also the one year anniversary of us all learning their stated intent to 'drive a wedge between gays and blacks' in order to 'provoke the gay base.' The coincidence sure makes those March on Washington parallels all the more ignoble, huh?"

RELATED: Join the Facebook March 4 Marriage page to keep up with all the developments coming next month.

Labels: Catholic Church, hate groups, LGBT rights, NOM, religion, SCOTUS, Vatican

Reposted from Joe
 

Via Progressive Centralists / FB:

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 2, 2013

Illuminating Your Path

For the dharma to become firsthand knowledge—to feel the ‘ouch’ of it—you have to live intimately with it, hold it up to scrutiny, and let it hold you up to scrutiny. In the end, the ball is always thrown back to you: ‘Be a lamp unto yourself,’ says the Buddha. In other words, you must ultimately find the way on your own, by putting your ideas of the truth to the test. Your questions light the way.

- Larry Rosenberg, “The Right to Ask Questions”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 3rd, 2013
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Via Gay Politics Report: Dream of a “Harvey Milk Airport” takes flight in S.F.

Via JMG: NEW MEXICO: Marriage Bill Advances

By a 5-4 vote, yesterday the New Mexico House Public Affairs Committee narrowly approved a bill to place marriage equality to a public vote.

The bill would let voters decide the issue of same-sex marriage, but it also states churches would not be required to recognize the same-sex marriage bill. After hearing very different opinions and personal experiences, lawmakers decided along party lines to pass the bill, which moves it to the next committee. "We should not discriminate. The state should be doing everything possible to encourage people to enter into committed, long-term relationships, especially when there's children involved," Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, said. "What happens to those kids? Those kids were not created in that relationship," same-sex marriage opponent Jose Vasquez said. Egolf said he's been contacted by hundreds of people who thanked him for sponsoring the bill.

The bill must pass out of another committee before moving to the full House.  If approved by both state chambers and signed by the governor, marriage equality would appear on the November 2014 ballot.  (Tipped by JMG reader Elise)

Labels: 2014 elections, marriage equality, New Mexico

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Quote Of The Day: MP Helen Grant

"I am a God-fearing woman. My faith is very fundamental to everything I do and think. I am a member of the Church of England, a Christian, and my faith is very, very important to me. I think [same-sex marriage] is absolutely consistent with my beliefs. For me, as a Christian, I see it as about justice, equality, fairness, ending discrimination and opening up marriage to more people on the basis that marriage is a very special institution." - Conservative MP Helen Grant, speaking in advance of Tuesday's second reading of Britain's marriage equality bill.

Labels: Britain, Conservative Party UK, marriage equality

Reposted from Joe

Via ॐ Blue Buddha Quote Collective / FB:

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

	Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	The Buddha said: "When a person has thoroughly understood the world, from top to bottom, when there is nothing in the world that agitates him anymore, then he has become somebody who is free from confusion and fears and tremblings and the longings of desire. He has gone beyond getting old and beyond birth and death." - Sutta Nipata More Buddhism Quotes >>

Via Being Liberal / FB:

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma February 1, 2013

The Simple Act of Attention

Empathy naturally leads to compassionate action. But simple inattention kills empathy, let alone compassion. So the first step in compassion is to notice the other's need. It all begins with the simple act of attention.

- Daniel Goleman, “I Feel Your Brain”

Read the entire article in the Wisdom Collection through February 2nd, 2013
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Via Give a Damn Campaign / FB: