Monday, November 28, 2011

Harvey Milk Memorial 2011

Heritage Minute: Canada Gay Marriage

Via JMG: Mittens Brochure: I Hate Gay Marriage


A just-published brochure from the Romney campaign emphasizes his support for a federal ban on marriage equality. In late summer Romney signed NOM's hate pledge to campaign vigorously against the civil rights guaranteed to to all Americans by the Constitution which he and NOM want to destroy. Over at Think Progress, Igor Volsky details Romney's flip-flops on LGBT rights.
While running for Senate in 1994, Romney argued that same-sex marriage is “a state issue as you know – the authorization of marriage on a same-sex basis falls under state jurisdiction.” He told the Log Cabin Republicans, “We must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern” and promised to co-sponsor a federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). In fact, during an interview with the Nashua Telegraph just last week, Romney said “I favor gay rights,” adding, “I don’t believe in discriminating in employment or opportunity for gay individuals.”

reposted from Joe

JMG Urban Dictionary's Word Of The Day


Over at Urban Dictionary, today's word of the day is "Jeebus." According to some of the posts there, Jeebus predates its current Simpsons-inspired usage. Some say Frank Zappa used it on one of his records and Zappa fan Matt Groening got it there. Others say the term dates back centuries as just one of many words people used to avoid that whole "name in vain" extravaganza. Below is my favorite definition from the above-linked article.

(Tipped by JMG reader Lon)


reposted from Joe

Barney Frank Explains Retirement Decision

Via JMG: Barney Frank Retirement Reactions


President Barack Obama
"This country has never had a Congressman like Barney Frank, and the House of Representatives will not be the same without him. For over 30 years, Barney has been a fierce advocate for the people of Massachusetts and Americans everywhere who needed a voice. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of families and businesses and helped make housing more affordable. He has stood up for the rights of LGBT Americans and fought to end discrimination against them. And it is only thanks to his leadership that we were able to pass the most sweeping financial reform in history designed to protect consumers and prevent the kind of excessive risk-taking that led to the financial crisis from ever happening again. Barney's passion and his quick wit will be missed in the halls of Congress, and Michelle and I join the people of the Bay State in thanking him for his years of service."
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
“Barney Frank is one of kind. He has brought his own brand of brashness, boldness, unmatched wit, discipline and skill to Capitol Hill, at times ingratiating and infuriating friend and foe alike. We thank him for his years of service. As an openly gay member of Congress for nearly a quarter century, Barney Frank has made his mark on history. Yet his legacy is much more than that — for 30 years, he has dedicated himself to bettering the lives of the people he serves, and the country he serves. His voice — often loud and uncompromising — will be missed by many, including me.”
Human Rights Campaign
“Barney Frank has exemplified true leadership over his more than 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the first openly gay Member of Congress, Barney defied stereotypes and kicked doors open for LGBT Americans. Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act would never have happened without his leadership. But it goes beyond that. His service as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee during a time of great economic upheaval made a gay man one of the most powerful people in the country and he used that power for great good. America, Massachusetts and LGBT people are better off for Barney Frank’s service.”
Freedom To Marry
“As a public servant, Barney Frank has been an inspiration and a giant in an age where we've had few, and losing him as a leader in Congress and in public debate will be a painful blow for the country. Barney's excellence in shaping legislation and unparalleled voice in battling many of the wrong turns the country has taken have made extraordinary contributions to the history of our times. His singular and authentic personality has made politics look good at a time when so many events and electeds have made it look bad. I will miss his leadership, his brilliance, his liberal vision and values, and, of course, his corruscating wit. We need more Barney Franks in public life, not fewer, and fortunately we will always have his indelible example to work from."

reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

 November 28, 2011

Into the World

Meditation is not just a rest or retreat from the turmoil of the stream or the impurity of the world. It is a way of being the stream, so that one can be at home in both the white water and the eddies. Meditation may take one out of the world, but it also puts one totally into it.