A world without real journalism

Would be a scary world indeed, but it seems we are headed in that direction. As newspapers all over the country die a slow, painful death, I worry about what will become of us and our society. Who will do the investigative work that needs to be done? Who will ask the questions that need to be asked? Who will keep the government honest, or at least more honest? Really, these are important questions and the current answers scare the crap out of me. Clearly it won't be TV journalists, as tv news is already just fluff, and I don't think bloggers can answer the call either. Our government is proposing massive new powers in the wake of the recession, and yet barely anyone is asking any questions...I'm decently liberal, but I don't think the government should take on such powers without any checks. Basically, we need real journalism to question power and to at least attempt to keep it in check.

The younger generation might laugh at me, thinking I'm old fashioned and outdated. They may say, the internet will provide our news, via blogs, twitter and facebook. I'm sorry Gen Y, but those things just don't cut it. Very few of them are properly researched or fact checked, and very few have the resources to actually follow and report stories. Though we might not know it yet, I fear that the death of newspapers will leave a gaping hole to fill, and our current sources just won't fill the void. I can't see bloggers out there interviewing President Obama or Governor Pawlenty...blogs get their news from the AP or other newspapers. Where will the news come from when those papers no longer exist? We will live in a world where we won't know what's rumor and what's truth, and that sounds like a scary world to me. A REALLY scary world.

Despite my fears, I'm not sure there is anything to be done. It seems that newspapers are destined to die, and nothing as legitimate exists right now. Don't get me wrong - I like to read blogs and Twitter, but I don't see how they can actually deliver real, researched news like the current newspaper industry does now. It just doesn't seem possible. I can only hope that newspapers will evolve into something different yet still as effective...an online version perhaps. If not, I fear what will become of us...a nation of uninformed souls, all relying on different sources of information, most spewing rumors, gossip, and plain old mistruths (think Michele Bachmann for instance). I don't know how democracy, what little we have left anyway, can survive such a development. Scary to think about...scary indeed.

Idiot of the Week (maybe even the year)

I was just reading a friend's blog and came across a mind boggling entry capturing her recent experience. To summarize, my friend wrote to state senator Paul Koering, the Republican who represents the Brainerd area. Despite his Republican status, Senator Koering is gay. However, he still plans to vote no on the recently introduced bill (S.F. 120) to legalize gay marriage in Minnesota. My friend wrote him a polite letter asking him to reconsider his position. In response, she received a poorly written, extremely rude letter from Senator Koering's legislative assistant, Ken Swecker. Seriously, read the letter. It's amazing that Mr. Swecker is still employed, and I say that as a former legislative assistant. My senator would have fired me on the spot if I had written and sent that letter out from his office (I think anyway - on the other hand, he used to tell the anti-gay folks where to go. It's different when he does it though). Not only is the letter incredibly rude, but it is also horribly written. Where did that guy go to school? Did he go to school? Yikes, Senator Koering - you have a stupid, uneducated loose cannon working for you. Beware.

I honestly think my jaw actually dropped while I read that letter. Who does Mr. Swecker think he is? He has no right to treat Minnesotans that way, even if they aren't Senator Koering's constituents. His job is to help Senator Koering represent his district, not to be a total asshole.

I do know what it's like to be bombarded with letters from non-constituents, and I understand how frustrating it can be. I worked for my senator for five sessions, and we received 100s if not 1,000s of such letters/calls each session. I also endured the anti-gay onslaught of 2004, when we received 1,000s of horrible, hateful letters and phone calls from people telling my senator to vote for the gay marriage ban (and saying many nasty things in the process). I literally received threats and was told I was going to hell on a regular basis (I actually saved copies of some of the letters if you don't believe me). I had to threaten to call security to protect my boss, and I fought tears on many days, as I read and listened to awful, ridiculous, hateful statements. Through all of that, I never once responded to those folks in a manner resembling Mr. Swecker's letter. Not even close. Did I want to? Absolutely. Was it the right thing to do? No. That wasn't my job. I represented my senator, and such a response would have embarrassed him. Also, while such a response might have felt terrific, it wouldn't have done any good, as arguing with folks filled with that much hatred rarely accomplishes anything; it's like arguing with rabid anti-choicers.

Mr. Swecker's response is even more ridiculous because I sincerely doubt that he is dealing with the level of hatred I endured. I cannot imagine that the pro-gay marriage crowd is telling Senator Koering that he is going to hell, and even if some of them are saying stupid things like that, I don't think most are (plus, I don't imagine that Senator Koering is receiving that many calls/letters, period). I'm sure most people are simply writing to ask him to reconsider his position, like my friend did. Regardless, no call or letter would justify Mr. Swecker's response. He has a right to hang up on rude callers, and he has a right to respond curtly to rude letters, but what he chose to do was absolutely ridiculous. Simply stated, there is no excuse for Mr. Swecker's behavior, and Senator Koering should be ashamed to employ him. Really, ashamed. I mean it. Mr. Swecker's letter is embarrassing, and it reflects poorly not only on him, but also on Senator Koering.

In good news, if Mr. Swecker ever wants to run for office, that letter will probably come back to haunt him. Perhaps not in that little Senate district, but it will elsewhere. Heck, in time, it might even hurt him up in Brainerd, as more and more people realize that bigotry is bigotry, regardless of who the victim is. I sure hope it bites him in the ass someday, sooner rather than later. For now, let's hope he is the laughing stock of all state senate employees - you can help with that. Spread the word - Ken Swecker is a bigoted idiot, and he wins Schmiddy's idiot of the week (if not the year) award. Also, feel free to call Senator Koering at his home to complain about Mr. Swecker's rude behavior - Senator Koering needs to know who works for him. Thanks.

A real life example of GLBT discrimination :(

As I've mentioned previously, B and I are buying a house this spring. Lately, people have been encouraging us to take advantage of the recently adopted tax credit for new home buyers. Unfortunately, the tax credits impose income limitations, and I earn too much to qualify for the credit. However, if B and I could get married, we could file our taxes jointly, and then we would qualify for the credit, as our income doesn't exceed the joint limit. When I discovered this, I felt truly sad and angry. The love B and I share is just as valid as the love shared between heterosexual couples...a lack of a penis doesn't diminish that. I can't understand why people think we deserve less. B and I will lose out on a lot of money simply because of who we love. I know life isn't fair, but this is something that can be changed; this discrimination doesn't need to exist.

This is just one of the many unfair situations that B and I will encounter in the future. We have to hire an attorney to draft a domestic partnership agreement, we have to hire an attorney to complete a second parent adoption, we have to draft wills and health care directives, etc. All because of who we love. We are no different than any other couple - we go to work, maintain a home, care for pets, love our friends and families, go shopping, travel, etc. Yet, we can't obtain the protection that heterosexuals get just by saying I do. Thousands of extra dollars lost because we have to hire an attorney to take care of everything, and even then, we aren't completely protected. It's just not right.

So, if you are on the fence even a tiny bit re: gay rights and gay marriage, think about me and B. Think about all the extra challenges we face on a daily basis because of who we love, and ask yourself if that's fair. I hope you will reach the same conclusion as me - there is no valid reason for treating people differently based on whom they love. Discrimination hurts, a lot. Think about it. Thanks.

My worst nightmare

As I've made clear on my blog in the past, I cannot stand Michele Bachmann. I think she is pure evil, filled with hatred and bigotry. I also think she is a complete moron but also a savvy politician who has managed to fool those around her into thinking she's legitimate (or the people of the 6th district really are just that scary - I don't know if I can't accept that).

Anyway, in a new development, she has now started a blog. I refuse to link to that blog here, as I don't want to increase her traffic even a tiny bit (my three readers might accidentally click it, and I cannot be responsible for that). I quickly glanced at it myself (oops), but I didn't see much. I can only imagine what kind of right wing, anti gay, bigotry she will be spewing in the future, but I certainly won't be checking it out. I really wish she would just go crawl under a rock somewhere, but I don't think that's going to happen any time soon. Sigh. At least you've now been warned - there is another scary blog lurking out there for you to avoid. Good luck!

Roe v. Wade Anniversary Shenanigans

Today is the anniversary of the United States Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. The anniversary usually brings out the typical right wing, anti choice nut jobs in big numbers, and today was no exception. Normally I would have thought about picking up an escort shift at Planned Parenthood on such a day (I've been derelict in my volunteer duties - working full time does that to a girl), as I sort of enjoy keeping the peace in all the chaos. However, it turns out it's a good thing I wasn't volunteering this morning, as something unusual happened at the clinic - a rabid anti-choicer decided to drive his SUV or truck up onto the sidewalk and into the front door of the clinic. I guess he then proceeded to ram the door several times, and when the police came to arrest him, he was mumbling on about closing down "Auschwitz" aka Planned Parenthood (I find the comparison to the Holocaust extremely offensive, but that's a post for another day). Wowzers! As I mentioned, I'm glad I wasn't volunteering as an escort today, as they don't really train you for THAT scenario. Bombs, guns, protesters, yes, but a protestor actually ramming the building with a car, not so much.

The most irritating thing about it? Abortions only constitute 5% of all services provided at that clinic. Most women are there for birth control, annual exams, etc. That doesn't stop the nuts though - they have to disrupt service for EVERYONE to prove their point. What I will never understand however is this: how can they claim to be so "pro-life" yet then oppose funding for programs that benefit single parents and their kids? Also, I think everyone can agree that no one WANTS abortions to occur. Unfortunately, the anti-choicers somehow seem to forget that the way to prevent pregnancy is via birth control - something they also vehemently oppose. I also hate the whole bury your head in the sand, abstinence only approach. I'm sorry, but people are going to continue to have sex - it's a human need and right. Isn't it better to PREVENT unwanted pregnancies than to terminate them later? Alas, you simply cannot reason with this group. Instead, it turns out you have to watch out for flying cars on the sidewalk (and other mayhem) while volunteering. Good times! Good Friday should be REALLY interesting this year. Stay tuned for that!

Keith Olbermann pretty much sums it up

I'm stealing this directly from Danette's blog. Thanks, D! Text is below if you don't want to watch the video.



SPECIAL COMMENT: THE PASSAGE OF PROP 8
Posted: Monday, November 10, 2008 9:01 PM by Countdown
Filed Under: Special Comment

Finally tonight as promised, a Special Comment on the passage, last week, of Proposition Eight in California, which rescinded the right of same-sex couples to marry, and tilted the balance on this issue, from coast to coast.

Some parameters, as preface. This isn't about yelling, and this isn't about politics, and this isn't really just about Prop-8. And I don't have a personal investment in this: I'm not gay, I had to strain to think of one member of even my very extended family who is, I have no personal stories of close friends or colleagues fighting the prejudice that still pervades their lives.

And yet to me this vote is horrible. Horrible. Because this isn't about yelling, and this isn't about politics.

This is about the... human heart, and if that sounds corny, so be it.

If you voted for this Proposition or support those who did or the sentiment they expressed, I have some questions, because, truly, I do not... understand. Why does this matter to you? What is it to you? In a time of impermanence and fly-by-night relationships, these people over here want the same chance at permanence and happiness that is your option. They don't want to deny you yours. They don't want to take anything away from you. They want what you want -- a chance to be a little less alone in the world.

Only now you are saying to them -- no. You can't have it on these terms. Maybe something similar. If they behave. If they don't cause too much trouble. You'll even give them all the same legal rights -- even as you're taking away the legal right, which they already had. A world around them, still anchored in love and marriage, and you are saying, no, you can't marry. What if somebody passed a law that said you couldn't marry?

I keep hearing this term "re-defining" marriage.

If this country hadn't re-defined marriage, black people still couldn't marry white people. Sixteen states had laws on the books which made that illegal... in 1967. 1967.

The parents of the President-Elect of the United States couldn't have married in nearly one third of the states of the country their son grew up to lead. But it's worse than that. If this country had not "re-defined" marriage, some black people still couldn't marry...black people. It is one of the most overlooked and cruelest parts of our sad story of slavery. Marriages were not legally recognized, if the people were slaves. Since slaves were property, they could not legally be husband and wife, or mother and child. Their marriage vows were different: not "Until Death, Do You Part," but "Until Death or Distance, Do You Part." Marriages among slaves were not legally recognized.

You know, just like marriages today in California are not legally recognized, if the people are... gay.

And uncountable in our history are the number of men and women, forced by society into marrying the opposite sex, in sham marriages, or marriages of convenience, or just marriages of not knowing -- centuries of men and women who have lived their lives in shame and unhappiness, and who have, through a lie to themselves or others, broken countless other lives, of spouses and children... All because we said a man couldn't marry another man, or a woman couldn't marry another woman. The sanctity of marriage. How many marriages like that have there been and how on earth do they increase the "sanctity" of marriage rather than render the term, meaningless?

What is this, to you? Nobody is asking you to embrace their expression of love. But don't you, as human beings, have to embrace... that love? The world is barren enough.

It is stacked against love, and against hope, and against those very few and precious emotions that enable us to go forward. Your marriage only stands a 50-50 chance of lasting, no matter how much you feel and how hard you work.

And here are people overjoyed at the prospect of just that chance, and that work, just for the hope of having that feeling. With so much hate in the world, with so much meaningless division, and people pitted against people for no good reason, this is what your religion tells you to do? With your experience of life and this world and all its sadnesses, this is what your conscience tells you to do?

With your knowledge that life, with endless vigor, seems to tilt the playing field on which we all live, in favor of unhappiness and hate... this is what your heart tells you to do? You want to sanctify marriage? You want to honor your God and the universal love you believe he represents? Then Spread happiness -- this tiny, symbolic, semantical grain of happiness -- share it with all those who seek it. Quote me anything from your religious leader or book of choice telling you to stand against this. And then tell me how you can believe both that statement and another statement, another one which reads only "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

---

You are asked now, by your country, and perhaps by your creator, to stand on one side or another. You are asked now to stand, not on a question of politics, not on a question of religion, not on a question of gay or straight. You are asked now to stand, on a question of...love. All you need do is stand, and let the tiny ember of love meet its own fate. You don't have to help it, you don't have it applaud it, you don't have to fight for it. Just don't put it out. Just don't extinguish it. Because while it may at first look like that love is between two people you don't know and you don't understand and maybe you don't even want to know...It is, in fact, the ember of your love, for your fellow **person...

Just because this is the only world we have. And the other guy counts, too.

This is the second time in ten days I find myself concluding by turning to, of all things, the closing plea for mercy by Clarence Darrow in a murder trial.

But what he said, fits what is really at the heart of this:

"I was reading last night of the aspiration of the old Persian poet, Omar-Khayyam," he told the judge.

"It appealed to me as the highest that I can vision. I wish it was in my heart, and I wish it was in the hearts of all:

"So I be written in the Book of Love;

"I do not care about that Book above.

"Erase my name, or write it as you will,

"So I be written in the Book of Love."

---

Good night, and good luck.

So much hatred...

Despite my elation over Obama's victory, there was a lot to be sad about on election night as well. First, voters in four states, Arizona, Arkansas, California, and Florida, all passed anti-gay constitutional amendments. Arizona, California, and Florida amended their constitutions to ban gay marriage, and Arkansas banned gay adoption. If I understand correctly, Florida's provision was especially onerous, as I think it banned domestic partnership agreements as well (don't quote me on that - I need to do the follow up research).

The loss in California was especially devastating because their Supreme Court had just recently held that the denial of marriage to gay couples violated the state constitution. I really hoped that California would lead the way on this issue, as it often leads the way on most social issues. This time, it failed miserably, and the loss really, really hurt. I believe CA also voted to protect animal rights while at the same time taking away basic civil rights from humans. Ouch. I'm all about animal rights, but come on.

I will never understand why people are so scared of me or other gay people or why they hate us so much that they feel it's okay to deny us basic civil rights. No matter what they try to say, it's simply no different than voting for Jim Crow laws or "separate but equal." Hell, it's not even an attempt at equal. I am a second class citizen in this nation because of who I love, which is something I cannot control, and it makes me angry and sad. Obama's election might show us how far we've come in some ways, but the results in those four states show us how far we still have to go.

To those who voted for such measures or who support them, I find you despicable and pathetic. I don't care who I anger by saying that - it's true. In 10, 20, 30, or maybe even 50 years, society will look back on you the way we look back on slaveholders or segregationists, and you or your relatives will be ashamed of your bigotry and hatred. Times are changing, and you are being left behind. History will not be kind to your bigoted asses. And while I'm not religious, no God I believe in will be kind to you either. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Grow up, and grow a heart.

I'm sure the response will be that it's about preserving the family, religion, or something besides hatred...but we can see right through that. It's a bullshit, cowardly response, and again, history will not be kind. Wake up now, or regret your choices later. One day you will see this, and you will regret the time you spent filled with hate and ignorance. I hope it's sooner rather than later, but I doubt it.

Clearly, I'm quite angry about the anti-gay results. However, that's not the only thing that bummed me out on election day. Minnesota's overall results weren't that great - Coleman is winning, even if barely, Paulsen beat Madia, and Michele "nut job" Bachmann was also reelected. How can Minnesota go for Obama in such huge numbers and then turn around and elect extreme conservatives in other places? Obviously, the burbs aren't the ones voting for Obama, but it's still quite stunning.

As for the Senate race, I do know that Al Franken wasn't a great choice, and I have friends who couldn't stomach voting for him. Plus, Coleman isn't a bible thumping, social conservative or anything totally crazy. I guess I'm not all that surprised at that race. The DFL often chooses the wrong candidate, and I think this was another example of that. Regardless of what went wrong in this race, it makes me sad that Norm still fills Wellstone's seat.

Bachmann's reelection was especially disturbing, as the woman is not only completely unqualified but she is also a total and complete bigot - and she's proud of it! She basically runs on an anti-gay, anti-choice, pro-fossil fuels consumption, pro-war, pro-ending church and state separation, anti-all tax platform and convinces the people of the 6th district to vote for her. WTF!?! This is a woman who actually hid behind bushes to watch the OutFront rally at the state capitol, and a woman who basically wants to bring back McCarthyism, and yet she is still in office. It actually takes work to be that anti-gay, and it usually comes from personal experience. Perhaps her husband bats for the other side...there have been rumors about that. Regardless of what made her crazy, I always knew I felt uncomfortable in the 6th District, and now I am convinced that my feelings were absolutely correct. Scary place for sure, especially for anyone who is different. Best part about Bachmann? She now thinks she's qualifed to sit on the House Ways and Means Committee! God help us all...I'm pretty sure her law degree (she claims her experience as a tax attorney qualifies her) is from some a bible college affiliated with the Oral Roberts University. Yeah, I'm sure she's qualified. Excellent.

So, while I felt happy about Obama's victory, election night 2008 left a lot to be desired, especially for all gay Americans. Obama might be our ally, but he's not going to lead the way for change for us. Few politicians have the courage to take a real stand, and I don't think he'll be different.

Overall, the outcomes left me feeling sad, but also angry. I'm hoping that others feel the same way too and that we can channel that anger into some constructive grass roots advocacy for change. Lord knows we have a long way to go before we reach equality. Let's start today. I still believe in America, and I still believe in Americans. Hatred and bigotry are not our destiny, and we can overcome them. Obama's election definitively proves that. To steal his line, "yes we can!" Together, we can fulfill America's promise, one day and one person at a time. It might take all of my life time and all of my children's life time, but we can do it. Say no to hatred, and say no to bigotry. Say yes to equal rights for all Americans, gay or straight, black or white, rich or poor, able or disabled! We can do this, we can make a difference. "Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!"

PS: It's posts like this that will prevent me from ever running from political office. I just can't reach out and tell anti-gay folks that I hear their voices and that I understand. I just don't have it in me. C'est la vie!

Congrats, President Obama!

I was thrilled with the presidential election on Tuesday night. I admit that I wasn't an Obama fan from day one, but once Hillary Clinton lost, I got on board rather quickly. I also admit that I don't hate John McCain like many people do. I actually think he wouldn't have been nearly as bad as Bush. However, it was time for a fresh start, and McCain wouldn't have brought that. He is too entrenched in the old ways of thinking, and he's also relatively socially conservative. Plus, Sarah Palin is a nut, almost along the lines of Michele Bachmann nuttiness. No good. Anyway, my point is that I was happy, relieved, and grateful that Obama won.

As I said earlier, the country needs a fresh start, and Obama can bring that. We face the gravest economic challenge since the Great Depression, we are in two wars abroad, and the health care system is in shambles (amongst other problems). It's time for new leadership, and it's time to make tough choices. Obama's greatest challenge might be to try to bring everyone together, which is what America needs right now. We are all going to have to work together, and everyone is going to have to sacrifice to get through this crisis. I don't envy his task, but I think he has a better chance of succeeding than John McCain would have. Only time will tell, but I feel more hopeful than I have for 8 long years. That says a lot.

I do hope the nation will come together behind Obama, but unfortunately I just don't see that happening. There is too much hate and too much anger (not to mention racism). In fact, I actually worry for Obama's safety because of those things...sad, but true. Regardless, we need to come together. It won't be easy, but I hope he succeeds. I also hope no one tries to harm him or his family in the next four (hopefully eight) years.

Really, I shouldn't harp on all the problems Obama will face, and I should take a moment to celebrate what he accomplished. It was absolutely an historic day, and I got to be a part of it. America has a long, long way to go to heal the wounds caused by racism (and worse), but Tuesday was a huge step forward. It was a momentous day, and I'm proud to say I was a part of it. So, no matter what happens next, I will always feel proud and happy about the presidential election of 2008.

Polling place problems

I went to vote rather early in the morning, hoping to beat the crowds. My strategy worked, and I was able to vote really quickly. However, I saw much that disturbed me at my polling place. First, one of the people checking us in was so old that I'm not sure he could even function much less read the small print on the voter rolls. Poor guy. They should have had him handing out stickers or something. Not good.

Second, and far more disturbing, was the attempt of some of the workers to turn an unregistered voter away because she did not have ID. This really, really pissed me off. You do not need ID to vote or register in Minnesota. You can show up on election day, register, and then vote. All you need is proof of residence (ID) OR a utility bill OR someone from the district who can vouch for you. This woman had a friend who was vouching for her, yet they tried to turn her away. I spoke up and said that was not the law, and the person in charge of the place came over and agreed with me. Thank goodness. I was very angry, as they almost sent someone away for no reason. I was even more angry when I learned this was happening in lots of places. The Strib was even reporting that poll stations were checking IDs. WTF???? That is not right.

To make good use of my anger, I decided to write to the Secretary of State's office. I wrote a relatively polite email and thought I would never hear from them again. However, within 20 minutes, I had a response back saying that I was correct and that they were going to call the precinct and remind them of the correct law. She even CCed the guy who was supposed to make the call. I guess it pays to be an attorney sometimes (I wrote the email from my work account). Pretty cool.

Despite the quick response from the Secretary of State, I still feel pretty worried about the state of our elections. My polling place was sort of a shit show, with people not knowing what they were doing, etc. I can only imagine what other places were like, and how many voters were turned away. So sad, and pathetic really. Democracy can't work like that - we need to do better! The whole thing made me angry enough that I am thinking about volunteering to be an election judge next time around. Only problem - I would want to root for my candidates and I couldn't do that if I was a judge. I guess I'll decide next go round.

What's nuts is that Minnesota actually is WAY better than many places. Think of how many people probably were improperly denied the right to vote all over the country. That makes me very sad. And angry. It's not right, period.

Message from all of this: know your rights as a voter, and speak up for yourself. The election judges don't always know what they are doing, and they are often wrong. Minnesota has liberal voting laws, and odds are good that you should be able to vote. Please, please, please stand up for your rights! It's your duty and right as an American. Don't let your voice be silenced!

GOTV

Tomorrow is the big day - get out and vote! You know who I'm supporting, but really, it's just important that you vote. It's a civic right but also a civic duty. Go do it!

More political pleas

It turns out that El Tinklenberg has a real chance at beating Michele Bachmann after she blurted out on Hardball with Chris Matthews that Obama is anti-American and that members of Congress should be screened to ensure they are pro-America. After her idiotic statement, Tinklenberg received more donations in three days than he had in the entire 3rd quarter, completly changing the race in the 6th Congressional District. The DNC is now going to pour at least $1 million into the campaign, and the prediction has changed from Republican leaning to toss up. With our help, Tinklenberg can and will defeat the idiotic Bachmann, and we can all be spared her gay hating, xenophobic, idiotic ways. I gave money to Tinklenberg today, and you should too. Click here to donate today! Honestly, even if you can only give him $5, it's worth it. Every little bit counts.

Another worthy candidate you might consider supporting (with your time or money) is Ashwin Madia. Madia is running for Jim Ramstad's seat in the 3rd District (western burbs). I don't know a ton about him, but I've heard from someone whom I trust that actually knows him and she assures me he's worthy of support. Plus he's running against Erik Paulsen, who served as the State House Majority Leader (and maybe minority leader later?) after Governor Pawlenty. It would be great to pick up the 3rd District, as the moderate Republican Ramstad (not a bad guy really) held that seat for what seems like an eternity. Paulsen is no Ramstad however, so let's help Madia too. He is a veteran and served in the Marines. Seems like a decent guy. Click here to support Madia. Again, even $5 is helpful at this stage in the game!

Go Dems! Let's return Minnesota to a bright, bright blue, the way it should be! As Coach Yoast tells Coach Herman Boone in Remember the Titans, "run it up, Herman - leave no doubt!" We have a chance to do that here, but it will take all of us. Together we can do it!

Seriously McCain?

The other night, the home phone rang and the caller ID said something like Victory for America. I figured it was Obama's campaign calling again and I didn't want to deal with being badgered for time or money, so I let it go to voice mail. I checked the message later, and it was John McCain's campaign calling! WTF?!? I'm a registered Democrat, I have volunteered for the Dems, I have given money to the Dems, etc. Why on earth was McCain calling here?? To make it more insane, it was actually a real person who left a ridiculous message attacking Obama and promoting McCain. Yuck.

The next day I saw an article in the Strib about how McCain has been "robo-calling" in MN and WI. MN law requires such calls be made by a human rather than via recorded message, which explains the real guy. I heard the calls in WI were just awful; hate filled lies about him being a Muslim terrorist, etc. These calls seem to indicate that McCain has reached a whole new level of desperation. I can't believe he continues to spread this hate, and I can't imagine what he thought the calls would accomplish. He didn't need to woo his supporters, he probably irritated the undecided, and he pissed off the Dems enough that I'm sure more of them went out to volunteer or donate money. Plus, I think tons of people actually lodged formal complaints against him. Way to go, John! That was money well spent!

In other campaign news, I sort of have a bad feeling about the presidential election. I know Obama is leading in most polls, but his lead has slipped some places, and I'm a big believer in the silent majority as well...racism is still a big concern, and Obama needs to do well in places where Clinton wiped the floor with him (places filled with working class white voters). Plus, McCain is so desperate it's hard to say what tactics he will embrace at this point. Thus, I implore you to keep working hard as election day nears, and most importantly, get out and vote! I think people might figure that Obama is so far ahead at this point that voting won't matter, but it will! He needs every vote he can get. As Nike says, Just Do It! :)

I stole this from Danette's tweets

Click here for an amusing, Sarah Palin bashing, retake of "Hey there Delilah." Sometimes, I feel badly that she is attacked personally so often, but then I remember she brings it on herself with her crazy right wing positions. I mean really, no abortion for rape victims or to save the life of the mother? Really? Nuts. Anyway, enjoy the video, and thanks Danette!

Just call me Snooker

Why Snooker you ask? Well, that would be my name if Sarah Palin was my mother. Actually, my full name would be Snooker Hinge Palin. If I just put in Lisa Marie and not Lisa Marie Schmid, my name becomes Pump Bust. Awesome. A tiny part of me feels bad for making fun of Palin personally, but then I remember that she constantly lies and attacks Obama non-stop, also with lies. Then I don't feel as bad, and I just giggle a bit. If you want to find out your Palin name, click here.

In other Sarah Palin related news, someone sent me an article that truly frightened me. I'm guessing that the author is extremely liberal, but if even half of the stuff in it is true, she is absolutely a horrifying choice to potentially lead our nation. Check out that article here.

One more silly thing re: Sarah Palin: I actually received a letter from the lovely Governor Palin. I guess we are BFFs now. In reality, the letter just urged me to visit Alaska if I hadn't already. Before my trip, I requested a visitor's guide from the state and I guess my name was added to some sort of database. Whatever the reason, I now have a letter from Sarah sitting on the ledge. Awesome!

Finally, and in all seriousness, McCain's selection of Sarah Palin changed the presidential election. She appeals to the voters Obama struggles to attract, and John McCain now has a decent chance of winning come November. Just as its true with GWB, most Americans don't seem to mind the lies, deceit, and lack of experience because Sarah presents as an "average joe." In reality, and also just like GWB, this couldn't be further from the truth. Regardless, it's clear that she has changed the race, and Obama needs help.

Most people know I strongly supported Hilary Clinton in the primary, but I'm now asking you to join me in supporting Obama with your time, your advocacy, or your money. As dramatic as this sounds, the future of our nation really is at stake. America cannot handle another 4 or 8 years of Bush/McCain policy. It's up to us to make a difference, and Obama needs all the help he can get. Click here to donate, find ways to volunteer, or to find information on voter registration. Speaking of voter registration, and it's quite possibly more important than time and money, the registration deadlines are rapidly approaching in many states (not Minnesota; we can register the same day). So, if you haven't already, get out and register ASAP. Obama needs you on election day! Together we can ensure that Sarah returns to Alaska, where she belongs.

Acme Comedy Club Adventures

Tonight, I went with B and some others to Acme Comedy Club to see a show. Overall, the evening was great, and I laughed quite a bit. However, I felt quite offended by all the anti-gay jokes (and some of the Jewish jokes approached the boundaries as well) The numerous references to something being "so gay" and things like "any fag" really, really bothered me. I don't understand why such remarks are necessary. Obviously, people can be funny without being derogatory...I guess many people just don't get that yet. The emcee, Brooks something was his name, was just a total douche bag - he was the worst with the anti gay jokes. Oddly though, he was almost eating the microphone. B commented that if he was anti gay, why was he practicing blow jobs with a mic? LOL. It was quite gross, and I can't imagine having to use the same mic right after him. YUCK! Also, I swear he was high on something...

After Brooks' performance (if you can call it that), some amateur comics performed as part of the contest for the funniest person in the Twin Cities. I loved the woman named Phoebe Bottoms (I think that's right). She was unbelievably irreverent, but fricking awesome. Unfortunately, she didn't win, but she had my vote.

The headliner for the night was a guy named Derek Hughes. He put on an excellent magic/comedy routine. He's there all week, so if you have some free time, I highly recommend checking him out! He didn't poke fun at different ethnic groups or anything like that, and he still had the audience laughing quite a bit. I also thought his magic tricks were quite impressive. Good stuff!

Speaking of comedy, obviously the RNC is in town - enough said there. :) There are police all over the place, even on Shepard Road far from downtown, and I ran into some sort of motorcade on my way home from the train station tonight. Tomorrow Governor Palin speaks, and I guess the delegates are all fired up for this...clearly they've never seen Wasilla, AK! ;) I'm really not sure having the convention here is a good thing...cops everywhere, tons of protests, some completely idiotic protests (I'm all about free speech, but don't be foolish or violent), and who knows what the economic impact will be when all is said and done. Oh well - nothing to do about that now, and thankfully it all ends on Thursday.

Time for bed. I am completely exhausted, as I haven't been sleeping well at all. I think the job makes me nervous, and it's sort of making me shut down a bit - yuck. Maybe as I get more comfortable, I'll calm down. I sure hope so!

Finally, an interesting class!

Law school is boring. If you know me, you know I think that. It's difficult for me to sit through each class, and I often daydream. However, tonight in my Sexual Orientation and the Law class, two women spoke about their experience of being lesbian in the military. It was completely fascinating and also truly troubling to hear what they had to go through. The woman who served before "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" described her experience as "being hunted like a dog." She was constantly harassed and badgered about being gay, and she constantly had to deny her identity just so she could continue serving. It seems "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has provided some relief to GLBers (no trans protection), but it still makes me sad that gay people who want to serve their country cannot be truly open about their lives. Clearly, the military needs talented people, especially during war time, but it can continue to reject people simply because they love someone of the same sex. Absolutely insane.

I have a great deal of respect and admiration for those who serve, and I seriously considered serving myself at one point. However, given the reception GLBTers receive, I think it probably worked out for the best that I remained a civilian. Regardless, I think serving our country is about one of the most honorable things one can do, and I would have been proud to do so. I just wish the military would change its ridiculous stance on homosexuality, but as one of the speakers said (shout out to Stacey), the military will not and cannot be the leader in the civil rights movement for us. We need to make changes in our civilian society first, and then the military will come around. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do! So, if you are up to it, get out there and make a difference! Outfront's Lobby Day is tomorrow - you could start there! ;)

To end this post, I will close with a great big thank you to all who serve or have served in our nation's military. You don't receive enough thanks, but please know that many people are proud of and grateful for your service! Thanks!

The Legislature is in session, and I am not!

Since I started law school in the fall of 2005, I always get slightly nostalgic during the early winter months. Why you ask? Well, the Minnesota legislative session begins at that time each year (January in odd years, typically February in even years), and while I think I made the right decision about school, I also miss the excitement that came along with each new session. The capitol would always be hopping, lobbyists would reappear, the phone would ring off the hook, the mail and email poured in, and everyone just seemed eager to start again. Basically, it was fun and exciting; I was a part of something big.

Anyway, yesterday was the first day of the 2008 Minnesota legislative session, and I'm feeling a bit nostalgic as usual. Several of my friends still work for the legislature, but I just don't have the same inside connection that I used to. I'm an outsider now, guessing about their strategy (or lack thereof), wondering what's going on, etc. I think miss the high; I suppose this makes me a real political junkie (some might say geek!). Perhaps my path will lead me to politics again one day...you just never know.

I know many people don't care about politics or government in general. I encourage everyone to rethink this choice for many reasons, with the obvious one being you should care about what your elected officials are doing to solve and prevent the problems facing our state: education, transportation, the economy, health care, etc. Most people seem to care more about what Congress and/or the President do, but in reality, the state legislature's decisions have a greater impact on our daily lives. Our education system doesn't teach us this, and my political science degree certainly didn't prepare me for state level work at all - when I showed up for my interview to be Senator Cohen's page, I had no idea who he was! Yet, the decisions these folks make impact just about everything in our daily lives: classroom sizes, road/transit quality, drivers' license fees, state park fees, access to health care, etc. Really, they make hugely important decisions, and often people don't have a clue what they are up to. So, as session begins, I urge everyone to pay attention and get involved if you feel the need/desire. Write a letter to your Rep or Senator, go to a lobby day, call, watch session and/or committee hearings, or just read the coverage in the local dailies. It might sound boring, but really, it's not, and you can make a difference!

A note to my legislative friends: I hope this session goes smoothly and that much work is accomplished with the minimum level of stress. Hang in there; it will be the interim before you know it!

Vote for Hillary Clinton!

Obviously, everyone has the right to vote for whomever they want, but I would like to make a pitch for Hillary Clinton. Actually, I will let Gloria Steinem do the work for me, as she wrote a nice Op-Ed piece for the NY Times that pretty much sums up what I think. The article is available here:

Gloria Steinem OpEd

I'm quite fired up about this, and I hope you will at least read the article and give it some serious thought. If Barack Obama wins the nomination, I will obviously support him, but for now, I'm strongly in the Hillary Clinton camp. Take this for what it's worth - it's just my opinion. :)

Peace out y'all!

Happy Coming Out Day - myspace blog post

To celebrate National Coming Out Day (which is today), I'm wearing a shirt that says: "Gay? Fine by me." Stonewall Alliance at HUSL gives away the shirts every year on this day, and I finally remembered to wear mine on the right day. However, I was the only person at school to remember. Oh well, hopefully when I return for my afternoon class everyone will have the new ones for this year. If not, I guess I can stick out a bit. It's been a long time since I've been an activist, so it won't kill me to wear the shirt and be maybe just a bit uncomfortable.

Speaking of activism, isn't it funny how things change? In college, when I got angry about the multiple injustices in the world, I typically acted on that anger, whether it be through joining a group, writing letters, volunteering, making calls, participating in rallies, or even marching (God, I hated marches-so not my thing. Wait, maybe that was because I was a lesbian marching through Saint Cloud...who wouldn't hate that?). I was changing the world and loving it!

Lately however, I'm not much of a joiner/activist. It's sort of sad, but I wonder if it's inevitable? Life has become much more busy, and I think we all spend each day thinking about the things we need to do just to make our own lives work. As a result, it becomes more difficult to think about the bigger picture and what needs to be done to make the world a better place. Sad, but true. I'm still aware, still involved, and I still care, but just not as much as I used to. I wonder if I should change that, or if I should just accept it as one of the inevitable changes life entails. Afterall, I am 31 now. Ha. Seriously though, this is definitely I need to ponder...