Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Via JMG: Tony Perkins: Compulsive Liar
"A
gay-rights activist entered the building of our organization, Family
Research Council, where he told our operations manager that he objected
to our politics and opened fire with a handgun. Our political beliefs
reflect our Christian faith.This comes in the context of the Southern
Poverty Law Center designating FRC a 'certified hate group' because of
our biblically-based beliefs regarding marriage and human sexuality. We
encourage love and respect for all people including those seeking to
redefine marriage, and we have made clear we abhor and reject all
violence directed against anyone for their sexual behavior. This war of
words launched by the SPLC as cover for its allied organizations on the
left has led to an open assault upon those with whom they disagree. This
type of demonizing must stop." - Tony Perkins, writing for Fox News.NOTE: As the SPLC has pointed out countless times, "biblically-based beliefs" are NOT among the criteria for being named a hate group. If that were true, there would be thousands of so-named groups, not the mere three dozen that currently hold that distinct dishonor. But don't expect Fox News or the mainstream media to call Tony Perkins a liar to his face.
Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:
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Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 18, 2012
When Pain Happens to Us
We suffer because we marry our instinctive aversion to pain to the deep-seated belief that life should
be free from pain. In resisting our pain by holding this belief, we
strengthen just what we're trying to avoid. When we make pain the enemy,
we solidify it. This resistance is where our suffering begins.
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- Ezra Bayda, "When It Happens to Us"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 20th, 2012
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Monday, September 17, 2012
Via JMG: Toronto Blue Jay: Tu Ere Maricón
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar took the field on Saturday with "You are a faggot" written in Spanish in his eye black.Several messages seeking comment from Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos were not immediately returned. The Jays are expected to hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon in New York, before their game against the Yankees. Escobar, 29, was originally in Sunday’s starting lineup, but was scratched before game-time. A club spokesman said he had the flu. The photo generated a flurry of responses on Twitter, mostly critical of Escobar, some urging that he be suspended for the rest of the season, some urging fans to reserve judgment until “context” became available. Others speculated that he had been pulled from Sunday’s lineup as a disciplinary measure.Escobar was drafted into the Major League by Atlanta in 2005 and was traded to Toronto in 2010. Last year he signed a two-year contract extension worth $10M. Last year a Change.org petition was launched asking the Blue Jays to join the eight other MLB teams to make an It Gets Better video, but that has not yet happened.
Via JMG: Romney Campaign Turns Right
Romney campaign advisers are telling Buzzfeed that their new strategy is to focus less on the economy and more on social issues.
This shifting campaign calculus has produced a split in Romney's message. His talk show interviews and big ad buys continue to offer a straightforward economic focus aimed at traditional undecided voters. But out stumping day to day is a candidate who wants to talk about patriotism and God, and who is increasingly looking to connect with the right's intense, personal dislike for President Barack Obama. Three Romney advisers told BuzzFeed the campaign's top priority now is to rally conservative Republicans, in hopes that they'll show up on Election Day, and drag their less politically-engaged friends with them.
The earliest, ambiguous signal of this turn toward the party's right was the selection of Rep. Paul Ryan as Romney's running mate, a top Romney aide said. "This is going to be a base election, and we need them to come out to vote," the aide said, explaining the pick. Another adviser, who also discussed strategy on the condition of anonymity, described the campaign's key targets as Republican activists: "The people who are going to talk to their neighbors, drive them to the polls on Election Day, and hold their hands on the way in to vote."
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 17, 2012
Living Beyond Words
Zen
practice is always about returning to that place where there are no
words. Early on, I realized that to use words, you have to live life
beyond words, before words, without words. Only then do you have the
right to speak.
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- Seido Ray Ronci, "No Words"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 19th, 2012
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Sunday, September 16, 2012
Via Nalanda LGBT Buddhist Cultural and Resource Center / FB:
"Famine occurs as a result of greed, pestilence as a result of foolishness, and warfare as a result of anger." -The Buddha
Via JMG: FRC's Prayer Of The Day
As the FRC's hate fest continues in Washington DC, they've posted the below prayer request for God to stop LGBT rights in America.
The dedicated Christian staff at FRC does not hate homosexuals. Indeed, by publishing Biblical and scientific truth, our aim is redemptive. We pray for those caught in this destructive lifestyle for their liberty. We labor to advance public policy that strengthens faith, family and freedom, and physical, moral and spiritual safety for our children.(Via Good As You)
Please pray that God will give FRC and our friends courage ceaselessly to proclaim truth as it pertains to marriage and human sexuality. May God grant us favor in fashioning public policy that fosters marriage and human sexuality that reflects God's wisdom and righteousness! (Dt 17:18; Ps 5:11; Is 10:1; Mt 19:3 ff; Eph 5:22-33; Titus 1:8 ff; Heb 13:4; Jude 7)
JMG Photo Of The Day:
Matt Stopera has the caption:
"Ricky Watson of Littleton, Colorado wipes tears from his eyes after he
thanked U.S. President Barack Obama for repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't
Tell' at a campaign rally in Golden, Colorado. Watson was kicked out of
the Air Force 25 years ago for being gay."Via JMG: SF's Gold's Gyms Keep Their Word
From an October 2010 JMG post: San Francisco's four Gold's Gyms announced on Facebook today that they will be ending their franchise agreement with the company in response to the news that CEO Robert Rowling had donated millions to Karl Rove's anti-gay American Crossroads PAC. The locally-owned Gold's still have almost two years on their contract, but have vowed to "match every dollar" in their remaining franchise fees with "equal or greater" donations to LGBT causes.As you can see by the above photo, those four gyms have kept their word. As I wrote two years ago: "THAT, my buff kittens, is how you run a business." (Tipped by JMG reader Aaron)
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 16, 2012
Do Less, Accomplish More
We
are born with all the wisdom, playfulness, and imagination we need; we
just sometimes need a reminder to return to our senses and get out of
our own way. Let go of whatever fears, assumptions, distractions,
resistance, and busyness may be hampering you. Allow yourself to think
and feel and live that way.
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- Marc Lesser, "Do Less, Accomplish More"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 18th, 2012
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Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 16, 2012
Do Less, Accomplish More
We
are born with all the wisdom, playfulness, and imagination we need; we
just sometimes need a reminder to return to our senses and get out of
our own way. Let go of whatever fears, assumptions, distractions,
resistance, and busyness may be hampering you. Allow yourself to think
and feel and live that way.
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- Marc Lesser, "Do Less, Accomplish More"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 18th, 2012
For full access at any time, become a Tricycle Community Supporting or Sustaining Member
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Saturday, September 15, 2012
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 15, 2012
Letting Go of Getting
The first thing to let go of is trying to "get" love, and instead to give it. That's the secret of the spiritual path.
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- Ayya Khema, "What Love Is"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 17th, 2012
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Thursday, September 13, 2012
Dalai Lama tells his Facebook friends that religion “is no longer adequate”
George Dvorsky, io9: This past Monday, people who have the Dalai Lama as a Facebook friend found this little gem in their newsfeed.
All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness can and do promote inner values. But the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate. This is why I am increasingly convinced that the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether.The Dalai Lama’s advice sounds startling familiar — one that echos the sentiment put forth by outspoken…
Read the original article »
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 13, 2012
No Quick Answers
Religion
should not be giving you explanations or quick answers, which is what
we kind of expect—we type something into Google and up comes the answer.
Instead, religion should help you to live with questions for which
there are no answers, like cruelty and pain and suffering and death,
capitalism and injustice. It should teach us to live with these
questions so that whatever horror or sorrow or dukkha is going on out
there, you can live with it creatively, not turn your back to it.
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- Karen Armstrong, "Compassion Restored"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 15th, 2012
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Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Via JMG: Lambda Legal Recaps Prop 8
Lambda Legal president Jon Davidson has issued an explanation of what might happen when the Supreme Court decides whether or not to rule on Proposition 8.The Perry case is set for consideration at the justices’ conference on September 24, and the Court could announce as early as September 25 whether it is hearing the case. However, it is possible that the Court may wait to decide whether or not to hear Perry until it decides whether or not to hear any of the challenges to Section 3 of DOMA. So, we may not hear about Perry until October 9. It could even be later than that, if the Supreme Court decides it wants more time to decide what to do. If the Court announces that it will not hear the Perry case, it will be very exciting news for same-sex couples in California!Read Davidson's full analysis.
But the timing for what happens next is a little bit complicated: The Ninth Circuit's merits opinion in Perry of February 7, 2012, stated that "the stay pending appeal issued by this Court on August 16, 2010, remains in effect pending issuance of the mandate." (A "mandate" is the appellate court's order sending the case back to the District Court.) The Ninth Circuit's June 5, 2012, order denying rehearing en banc then said, that "the mandate is stayed for ninety days pending the filing of a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court. If such a petition is filed, the stay shall continue until final disposition by the Supreme Court." In other words, it is the mandate that is stayed until final disposition of the Supreme Court. Once the Supreme Court either denies certiorari (that is, declines to hear the case) or accepts the case and ultimately decides it, then the mandate can issue. It is once the mandate issues that the stay of the injunction is lifted.
Via JMG: Barney Frank Vs Homocons, Part 2
Metro Weekly's Justin Snow has the latest round of quotes.
Rep. Barney Frank:
"I am not surprised that members of the Log Cabin Republicans are offended by my comparing them to Uncle Tom. They are no more offended than I am by their campaigning in the name of LGBT rights to elect the candidate and party who diametrically oppose our rights against a President who has forcefully and effectively supported our rights. That is the first reason for my admittedly very harsh criticism. This election is clearly one in which there is an extremely stark contrast between the two parties on LGBT rights. The Democratic President and platform fully embrace all of the legal issues we are seeking to resolve in favor of equality. The Republican candidate for President and the platform on which he runs vehemently oppose us in all cases. On the face of this, for a group of largely LGBT people to work for our strong opponent against our greatest ally is a betrayal of any supposed commitment to our legal equality."Log Cabin head R. Clarke Cooper:
"Congressman Frank, of all people, should understand the importance of perseverance when working within a party to achieve change - after all, it was not so long ago his party was indifferent at best when it came to respecting gay families. Leaders committed to LGBT equality know that every victory our community has achieved has required bipartisan advocacy and bipartisan votes, and winning support from Republicans will only be more important in the days ahead. Come January, Republicans will maintain a majority in the House and likely secure a majority in the Senate. Without Log Cabin Republicans working with fellow conservatives, LGBT Americans would be left without a credible voice within the GOP. Barney Frank's denial of Log Cabin Republicans success, particularly on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal and the freedom to marry in New York, is sad but unsurprising. It is time for him to pass on the baton to leaders better suited to a world where equality is not a partisan issue."GOProud head Jimmy LaSalvia:
"I don't give two shits what that asshole thinks about GOProud. We don't represent him. We represent gay conservatives and our allies. I'll just be glad to see him out of office because his policies have hurt our country," LaSalvia told Metro Weekly, describing Frank as an "embarrassment to the gay community."Hit the Metro Weekly link for the much longer statement by Rep. Barney Frank.
Labels: Barney Frank, GOProud, homocons, Jimmy LaSalvia, Log Cabin Republicans, Quislings, R. Clark Cooper
Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:
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Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 12, 2012
Practicing With Loss
We
are all going to suffer our losses. How we deal with these losses is
what makes all the difference. For it is not what happens to us that
determines our character, our experience, our karma, and our destiny,
but how we relate to what happens.
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- Lama Surya Das, "Practicing With Loss"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 14th, 2012
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Via JMG: GLAAD Names Advertising Finalists
The now-familiar gay pride Oreo is one of the finalists in this year's GLAAD Amplifier Awards. Hit the link for the other nominees.JMG HomoQuotable - David Halperin
"What makes gay people different from others is not just that we are
discriminated against, mistreated, regarded as sick or perverted. That
alone is not what shapes gay culture. (That indeed could end.) It's that
we live in a world in which heterosexuality is the norm. Heterosexual
culture remains our first culture, and in order to survive and to
flourish in its midst, gay people must engage in an appropriation of it
that is also a resistance to it."So long as queer kids continue to be born into heterosexual families and into a society that is normatively, notionally heterosexual, they will have to devise their own nonstandard relation to heterosexual culture. Gay subjectivity will always be shaped by the primeval need on the part of gay subjects to queer heteronormative culture. That is not going to change. Not for a very long time. And we'd better hope it doesn't." - Queer theorist David Halperin, from an essay adapted from his new book, How To Be Gay.
Labels: heteronormativity, HomoQuotable, LGBT culture
Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:
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Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 11, 2012
Compassion, Not Coddling
We
should be compassionate to all. But compassion sometimes has to be
harsh. How else can we pinpoint where the problem really lies? Hatred’s
hold on us is so strong. Simple coddling will not do the job.
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- Nawang Gehlek Rimpoche, "The Real Enemy"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 13th, 2012
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Monday, September 10, 2012
Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:
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Via JMG: Houston's Mayor On Log Cabin
"I
do think it's important for GLBTs to stay engaged in both parties. But
not at that at the price of your self-respect and dignity. And it is
great to be a gay Republican and to say, 'My party has left me behind. I
can't support it this time until they get on the right track. I support
this, this and this issue as a Republican, but until they treat me
personally, and my relationships, fairly, I can't support them.'
Anything else is, frankly, self-hating." - Openly lesbian Houston Mayor Annise Parker, speaking to Michelangelo Signorile.Via JMG: New Edition Of Monopoly Honors Gay Computer Genius Alan Turing
Thanks in part to Google, Alan Turing, widely consider to be the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, has been honored
with a special version of Monopoly. Turing, who committed suicide in
1954 after being sentenced to chemical castration for being gay, would
have been 100 years this year.The board's London landmarks, and its Community and Chance cards, have been swapped for places and events important in Turing's life. Players can move their pieces from his birthplace in Maida Vale to Hut 8 at Bletchley Park. Search giant Google has bought 1,000 of the sets and donated them to Bletchley Park to help raise funds. The board of the special edition is based on a hand-drawn variant of Monopoly created by William Newman in 1950. William was the son of scientist Max Newman who was a key figure in Turing's life. The hand-drawn version was thought to have been lost but was rediscovered in 2011 and donated to the Bletchley Park museum soon after.Bletchley Park Museum writes in a press release:
“Bringing this board to life has been one of the most exciting and unique projects we’ve been involved with here, and we’re thrilled to see it finally available for others to enjoy,” said Iain Standen, CEO of the Bletchley Park Trust. “This edition really completes the fantastic story of the board, from it being played on by Turing (and his losing on it!), to it going missing and then being rediscovered and donated to the museum here. Of course, we’re also very proud that Bletchley Park adorns the ‘Mayfair’ square!” Peter Griffin, Development Director EMEA, Winning Moves, added, “We hope fans of Turing across the globe will enjoy playing on this very special edition of Monopoly. Through play, they will find out more about Turing’s remarkable life and his crucial role shaping the society we enjoy today. As an ex-student of Kings College, where Turing himself studied, this was an honour to help develop.”Pre-order Alan Turing Monopoly. (Tipped by JMG reader Alan.)
Via Tricylce: Tuesday: Remembering September 11
Eleven
years ago the United States was shook to its core by a terrorist attack
of unprecedented scale. At the time, in response to the tragic events,
Tricycle released in its next issue a special section—"September 11,
Practices and Perspectives"—that shared Buddhist teachings on how to
face the nation's acute suffering with patience and compassion. Join us
this Tuesday in revisiting the section in remembrance of a tragedy we
will never forget. Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 10, 2012
No Reason to be Unhappy
Whether
we are suffering at present or have suffered in the past, there is no
reason to be unhappy. If we can remedy it, then why be unhappy? And if
we cannot, there's no use in being unhappy about it—it's just one more
thing to be unhappy about, which serves no purpose at all.
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- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "Enduring the Fires"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 12th, 2012
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Sunday, September 9, 2012
Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 8, 2012
Enjoy Just Sitting
Whatever
technique one is using, remember that the spirit of practice is more
important than the technique. Finding a way to enjoy just sitting is
key. Sitting meditation is a refuge, not a test.
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- Narayan Liebenson Grady, "The Refuge of Sitting"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 10th, 2012
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Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 9, 2012
The Poignancy of this Fleeting Moment
Awareness
itself is the primary currency of the human condition, and as such it
deserves to be spent carefully. Sitting quietly in a serene environment,
letting go of the various petty disturbances that roil and diminish
consciousness, and experiencing as fully as possible the poignancy of
this fleeting moment—this is an enterprise of deep intrinsic value, an
aesthetic experience beyond words.
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Friday, September 7, 2012
2 From Gay Politics Report:
- LGBT participation soars at Democratic convention
The Democratic National Convention featured a record number of openly LGBT convention delegates, key speaking roles for out elected officials and the adoption of a party platform supporting marriage equality. "I have certainly never attended a convention where visibility is as significant as it has been at this convention. There is amazing progress to celebrate," said Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., a candidate for the U.S. Senate who was given a prime time speaking role Thursday night. Other out convention speakers included Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Andrew Tobias, treasurer of the Democratic National Committee. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (9/5), The Washington Post/The Associated Press (9/4), GayPolitics.com (9/6), Washington Blade (Washington, D.C.) (9/5), BuzzFeed (9/4)
- First lady fires up LGBT delegates
First lady Michelle Obama spoke at a luncheon honoring openly LGBT elected officials and Democratic National Convention delegates in Charlotte, N.C., this week, thanking attendees for their activism. “I want to thank you for doing everything that you do every single day to lift up our communities and move this country forward, and ensure that all Americans are treated fairly no matter who they are or who they love,” Obama said. The event was co-sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign. The Charlotte Observer (N.C.) (9/5), Advocate.com (9/5)
Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:
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Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:
Tricycle Daily Dharma September 7, 2012
Many Ways Up the Mountain
There
are many ways up the mountain, but each of us must choose a practice
that feels true to his own heart. It is not necessary for you to
evaluate the practices chosen by others.
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- Jack Kornfield, "Take the One Seat"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through September 9th, 2012
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Via The Pragmatic Progressive FB Page:
"If you reject the notion that this nation’s promise is reserved for the few, your voice must be heard in this election.
If you reject the notion that our government is forever beholden to the highest bidder, you need to stand up in this election.
If you believe that new plants and factories can dot our landscape; that new energy can power our future; that new schools can provide ladders of opportunity to this nation of dreamers; if you believe in a country where everyone gets a fair shot, and everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules, then I need you to vote this November." — Barack Obama
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