Its time to drug test everyone at the FBI, and maybe a brain scan too, for good measure.
(Washington) The FBI said Wednesday that members of an anti-gay fundamentalist group participated in the bureau’s training of police officers and FBI agents – a move the bureau says it will take steps to remedy in the future.
The bureau extended the invitations to Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., for training this spring at two bureau facilities in Virginia: Quantico and Manassas.
via NewsObserver.com
U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat who forwarded Walker’s name to the White House for consideration, praised the confirmation.
“Mr. Walker is incredibly qualified to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District," Hagan said in a statement. "His extensive experience includes seven years in the U.S. Attorney’s office. I recommended Mr. Walker to the president because of his excellent credentials, and I am proud the Senate confirmed him unanimously.”
Walker also was supported by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Winston-Salem Republican.
As you know, tomorrow will be my last day with Equality NC, and I wanted to take a moment to say thanks. The investment you and supporters across this state and beyond have made has been a source of real inspiration for me. You've given your time, your ideas, your money, and your energy because you share a belief that we can build a state of equality right here in North Carolina.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
It's been an honor to lead this organization, but I'm cognizant that I'm only the most visible part of an amazing team. The remarkable successes we've had over the last few years belong to you: the dedicated staff, lobbyists, interns, volunteers, donors, and board members who have worked so hard to make them possible.
Although the time has come for me to move on to new challenges, as I pursue a mid-career masters of public administration at the Kennedy School, I will remain a loyal and passionate supporter of this organization.
I may be a poor grad student soon, but I'll continue to make a monthly contribution to Equality NC. For me, this investment in equal rights in my home state in non-negotiable, and it's never one I regret when the credit card bill arrives. (If you'd like to join me as a monthly donor or make a special gift now, click here.)
Our state and our community face tough, tough challenges in the months ahead. With the legislature expected to take up the anti-LGBT constitutional amendment this September, the summer is critical. The odds may be against us, but we can see a path to victory.
Happily, there is no one I'd rather have leading the fight right now than our incoming interim executive director, Alex Miller.
Alex and I worked side by side for three years to win passage of the School Violence Prevention Act. He became a dear friend, and someone I respect as a brilliant strategist. He worked tirelessly to protect all young people from bullying, and I know he'll work just as hard to keep discrimination out of our constitution this year. With Alex and our phenomenal staff leading this campaign, I know that everything possible will be done to hold back the amendment yet again, and Equality NC and our community will emerge stronger than ever.
Again, thank you. I'm so proud of everything we've achieved together and look forward to seeing everything we will achieve going forward.
For Equality,
Ian
Ian departure will leave a Void at Equality NC, I wish him the very best…
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner has told President Obama that he is considering leaving his post but would wait to make a final decision until the negotiations over the deficit reduction talks are completed, according to people familiar with the matter.
Geithner, who has wanted to leave the administration for some time, would only exit with the president's endorsement, the people said.
Office of the Press Secretary
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2011
White House to Host Twitter @TOWNHALL
Today, the White House announced through its official Twitter account, @whitehouse, that it will host its first ever Twitter town hall on Wednesday, July 6 at 2PM ET in the East Room of the White House. Twitter co-founder and Executive Chairman Jack Dorsey will moderate a conversation between President Obama and Americans across the country about the economy and jobs. Starting today, twitter users can submit questions using the hashtag #AskObama. More information from Twitter can be found at the event’s homepage: http://askobama.twitter.com.
Today, the White House also announced its first “Tweetup.” A portion of the Twitter town hall’s live audience will be drawn from people who follow @whitehouse and visit whitehouse.gov/tweetup to sign up. This “Tweetup” will be the first one the White House hosts; future Tweetups will provide @whitehouse followers with the opportunity to attend events, engage with Administration officials, and share their ideas with other @whitehouse followers.
The White House primarily uses its Twitter account, @whitehouse, to share breaking news and other updates with its 2.25 million followers. White House officials also use Twitter to engage with the American public and take questions directly from Twitter users on issues ranging from the economy and immigration to health care and the First Lady’s Let’s Move! @letsmove and Joining Forces @joiningforces initiatives. White House officials who use Twitter accounts include White House Communications Director, Dan Pfeiffer @pfeiffer44, White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney @PressSec, White House Director of Digital Strategy, Macon Phillips @macon44, Chief Official White House Photographer and Director of the White House Photography Office, Pete Souza @petesouza, and Director of Progressive Media & Online Response, Jesse Lee @jesseclee44.
Just when did Dan Savage become a part of GetEqual??
This is how I found out about this. (photo credit out.com) also link are not active.
Can someone tell me when this happen. I must have been asleep at the keyboard once again and miss this major event.. I love what GetEqual does and I’m trying to start a group here in Eastern NC..
I have my own personal feeling about Dan, which I won’t go into here. Also its bad enough that one board member has a very question past and current actions that should be address. However having Dan a spoke person for GetEqual
Gov. Perdue vetoes S532, the ESC/Jobs Reform bill. She says it will raise unemployment taxes on businesses across the state #NCGA #NCPOL
A BILL Senate Bill 532 (= H813) was veto by Governor Bev Perdue, I’m sure the GOP will try to override this veto too, Tillis and crew isn’t happy that Perdue is vetoing some of their dream bills.
TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO REFORM THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAWS OF NORTH CAROLINA BY CREATING THE DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, TRANSFERRING THE FUNCTIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION TO THAT DIVISION, MAKING THE DIVISION SUBJECT TO RULE MAKING UNDER ARTICLE 2 OF CHAPTER 150B OF THE GENERAL STATUTES, AND BY MAKING OTHER MODIFICATIONS AND CONFORMING CHANGES TO ALIGN THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY FUNCTIONS OF STATE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE DIRECT LEADERSHIP OF THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE.
Here's the veto message:
“This bill will raise unemployment taxes on various businesses of all shapes and sizes across the state. It will also greatly increase the amount of time a company has to respond to an unemployment claim, which violates federal policy and could delay benefits for people who are entitled to receive them,” Gov. Perdue said. “Finally, this bill will likely cost North Carolina millions of federal dollars that unemployed people and their families need so desperately.”
Gov. Perdue received information from the U.S. Department of Labor, which indicated passage of this bill would have significant consequences for workers and business owners. In communications with the N.C. Employment Security Commission, the department stated that if Senate Bill 532 were to become law, all employers in the state required to pay the Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) would see their FUTA tax rate rise from 0.8% to 6.2%.
Following the veto, Gov. Perdue issued Executive Order # 95 in order to correct many issues and to maintain the integrity of the Employment Security Commission’s process for administering unemployment benefits.
Via @NCCapitol, (updated typo’s fixed)
About four dozen protestors gathered in the late-afternoon heat today to protest the House Republican fundraiser at 18 Seaboard tonight.
Across the street, at the restaurant, a steady stream of cars pulled into the parking lot at about 5:45. Three Raleigh police officers stood watch, but the protest was peaceful – though loud.
(photo credit: Copyright 2011 Capitol Broadcasting Company)
I had plans to be there, but other items come up. After reading this,
Fundraisers like this are nothing new, though under state law, legislators usually have to hold them before or after session. But because of the way GOP leaders have set up special sessions, lawmakers this year have at least one (and probably two) opportunities to shake down special interest groups for money while votes that affect them are on the table.
I had to wonder when will they hold the next one, and will that fundraiser involve those whom wants House bill 777 and/or Senate Bill 106 to go to the voters. Will the GOP used those bills to line their Coffers with large amount of cash. I was informed once that several out of state groups had pledged over 5 million to make sure one of these two bills gets on the ballot in 2012.
For Immediate Release
The Rialto theater in Raleigh sneaks the movie Beginners.
As part of the Crape Myrtle Festival (CMF), The Rialto is pleased to sneak BEGINNERS on Thursday, June 30 at 9:00 pm. Tickets will sell for $10.00 with proceeds going to CMF.
Go to the Raleigh GLBT Report special attachment to see a movie trailer plus exciting special details for the movie Beginners.This is one of the must see movies for the GLBT Community for 2011. Plus you will be helping to support the programs of the Crape Myrtle Festival organization of Raleigh. The original information announcement and details about Beginners was within the June 24, 2011 Raleigh GLBT Report. Make sure you explore all the hyperlinks embedded within the movie information in the attachments … exciting special details provided by the movie production company and the movie director.
Please help to distribute this exciting information to everyone on your email list, plus encourage everyone you know to help spread the attached movie information throughout the community, so everyone will have a chance to see this incredible movie during the special sneak preview.
Via Broward-Palm Beach NewTimes
I couldn’t believe this till I read it. Arresting people for feeding the needy, poor, the homeless. What are we coming to?
Anonymous, an online community of anarchist hackers, is taking on its new hacktivist cause -- an apparent "war" on the City of Orlando for the recent arrests of "food terrorists."
The group Food Not Bombs -- which has recently been sharing food with people in parks across Florida -- says 21 people have been arrested thus far in Orlando's Lake Eola Park.
Click there to read more, I hope Anonymous does more in the future.
But House Speaker Thom Tillis called the veto a "disappointment:":
These two crack pots need to be voted out of office asap. Tillis, sorry to tell you that man should never be allow to tell a women what she can and can’t do about Her body and her rights.. Ruth you are out of touch period..
Women whom chose to have a abortion, doesn’t need the damn gov’t up in her business, these women are not stupid, for most part, this is a very hard choice, for many women to make. In most cases the choice is made after days of thinking about it.. So Tillis and Ruth get with the times and leave women’s rights to abortion the hell alone..
Michele love serial killer John Wayne Gacy…
Michele Bachmann: "Well, what I want them to know is just like, John Wayne was from Waterloo, Iowa. That's the kind of spirit that I have, too." Unfortunately for the perpetually fact-challenged Crazy Eyes, the John Wayne who lived in Waterloo, Iowa was infamous serial killer John Wayne GACY. The famed actor was born in Winterset, Iowa, a three-hour drive away from Waterloo.
Today, Governor Bev Perdue stood with the women of North Carolina by vetoing H.B.854, the “Women Know Nothing” bill!
Without her veto, this extremist legislation would have become law, drastically altering reproductive choice and freedom in our state. H.B.854 would have established extreme barriers to abortion care, including a 24-hour waiting period, a mandated ultrasound, and a requirement that physicians read women a script written by anti-choice politicians
In a statement, Perdue said the bill would interfere with doctor-patient relationships.
“This bill is a dangerous intrusion into the confidential relationship that exists between women and their doctors," she said. "The bill contains provisions that are the most extreme in the nation in terms of interfering with that relationship. Physicians must be free to advise and treat their patients based on their medical knowledge and expertise and not have their advice overridden by elected officials seeking to impose their own ideological agenda on others.”
This is Perdue's 10th veto of the year.
Yes, can you believe this, now you have to pay to see or meet your local Representative here in NC. I guess these Rep’s forgot who is paying there salaries, how they want you to pay to see them…
U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers will return to Rocky Mount this week to discuss her work on Capitol Hill regarding national health care reform.
“The hundreds of businesses and industries represented by The Chamber and our organization are on record stating that health care in the workplace is of the utmost interest to them,” Skojec said.
Tickets to the legislative forum are $20 per person, and tables for eight are $150.
Wow, this isn’t even a fund raiser unless it’s incognito. For what I can find it seem that money might be going to these two groups,, Golden East SHRM and The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce.
Via Wikipedia, “Renee Jacisin Ellmers (born February 9, 1964) is the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district. She is a member of the Republican Party. Ellmers defeated seven-term Democratic incumbent Bob Etheridge by 1,489 votes, confirmed after a recount.”
So the Republicans want you to pay them for the right to see them and to meet with them.I guess this their recession plan.
Office of the Speaker
Speaker of the House
June 24, 2011
Raleigh – House Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) announced today that the North Carolina House will attempt to override Gov. Bev Perdue’s veto of the voter ID bill when the body reconvenes in July.
“Governor Perdue has chosen to veto a bill that over 75% of North Carolinians support and more than a dozen other states utilize,” Tillis said. “Governor Perdue continues to play politics and she has once again turned her back on the voters of our state. Republicans in the state House will not let this stand. We will take the lead and we will work for an override vote on the voter ID bill when the House reconvenes in July.”
Tillis said the House will notice the veto override once the House reconvenes in July for a brief session on redistricting. The override vote will occur during the July session.
“This legislation is a no-brainer,” Tillis said. “Requiring a photo ID to vote is a measure that provides confidence in voting and protects the integrity of our electoral process. Why this bill was vetoed is beyond me, but we will not stand idly by while the Governor and her liberal allies put politics before principle. We simply want North Carolina to join the majority of states that have an ID requirement when someone shows up to vote.”
The voter ID bill, known as the “Restore Confidence in Government Act,” has consistently received substantial support of the voters across party lines. If citizens do not possess photo identification, the bill stipulates that free photo identification can be provided at DMV locations or local Boards of Elections.
“This is not a partisan issue, nor is it defined by political controversy in other states,” said Tillis. “The Governor is out of touch with the people in her state, and we intend to make that very clear to the citizens of North Carolina in the days and months ahead.”
###
from Wral,
An update from WRAL’s Laura Leslie: Voter ID,
Speaker Thom Tillis says the House will seek to override Gov. Perdue’s veto of H351, the Voter ID bill, during its July special session.
At first glance, an override seems unlikely. The House vote on H351 was strictly party-line, so the GOP would need to pick up four Dems to reach the override threshold of 72 votes.
Still, it has happened recently - and this override will be taking place against the backdrop of GOP redistricting.
With a majority in both chambers, Republicans will likely be able to pass their maps with no help from Dems at all. And redistricting bills are not subject to the governor’s veto, so vulnerable Democrats may be more inclined to negotiate with the folks across the aisle, especially when it comes to veto overrides. It’ll be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out.
I see that Tillis is hoping for a miracle, since he will need a few Dems, to override the veto.I wonder what he will promise them this time. Since Tillis has burned them once already…
Via Fayobserver.com
What was supposed to be jobs focused legislative session, turned into a social agenda items set by the right-wing, that legislative leaders approve.
Wake County has pink-slipped 200 school employees and more are waiting to hear if they will have jobs in the fall. Kannapolis City Schools have fired 114 educators; Harnett County, 88, most of them teacher assistants; Duplin County, 210; and Lee County, 50.
Our universities and community colleges also plan to lay off thousands. N.C. Central University just announced that 107 positions will be eliminated under this plan, and more educators will follow them to the unemployment line as the evidence mounts that this Republican legislature's budget fails to protect education.
And Republicans own it. Legislative Democrats fervently opposed this proposal and the governor issued a well-warranted veto. They failed to listen and fought hard to keep this job-destroying plan in place.
Joe Hackney,claims that right-wing agenda of the GOP will hurt NC, both in the budgeting and social issues, and mostly importantly through education as well. Some would be affected on the personal level too, like the attack on women reproductive rights, many students could be effect by the federal loans block for community colleges. They even trying to block access to voting by approving the Vote ID bill, which Perdue as already veto.
Via Winston-Salem Journal,
Kelly Fredgren, Annemarie Stott, Kylie Kavanagh, Valerie Palaninathan, Christine Toole and Alexis Siebert (from left) were among the women who marched in support of same-sex marriage on Friday. Afterward, they attended June Bride Bingo. (photo credit its owner via WSJ, Credit: BRUCE CHAPMAN/JOURNAL)
It seem that Marriage equality is coming up all over NC. Maybe what happen in New York this pass week will help us here in NC. After all it was Four Republicans that help to bring SSM to New York.Decked out in wedding dresses, a group of 10 straight women marched about a mile through downtown Winston-Salem on Friday in support of same-sex marriage, prompting cheers and jeers on an issue that has stirred debate in North Carolina.
"I want to make this city a welcoming place to all people," said Elisabeth Motsinger, a parade participant and a member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education.
New York after all was the birth place (in part) of gay rights.
If it wasn’t for same wacked out bigots in Florida, California, and a few other state, gays rights would have been over and done with in the late seventies and early eighties. Full Equality would have been done and life for many LGBT’s would have been much better today.
photo credit, @NCHometownGirl
Food Lion stores, born & bred in Salisbury,"Partner in Pride" sponsor,endorses public display of sex content.#tcot
Via NOMblog, (sorry no links will be provided)
Last night we were sold out by the Republican Party in New York. Shortly before 10:30 last night, the New York Senate voted 33 to 29 in favor of same-sex marriage. Four Republicans – Jim Alesi, Roy McDonald, Steve Saland, and Mark Grisanti provided the margin of passage.
But this fight is far from over. In response to last night's vote, I have doubled our pledge to New York, committing at least $2 million dollars to make sure that New York Republicans understand that voting for gay marriage has consequences.
However they need $$$$, Yes with the money from their bigots who think they are truly protecting marriage this group would not be around. If they want to protect marriage then why aren’t they helping keep couples together, banning no fault divorce???
Will you join us with a generous donation to NOM PAC New York? With your help, this battle has just begun. Your gift of $50, $100, or even $1000 or more will help get us off to a powerful start. In the next sixteen months we will change the faces of Albany. (sorry no link will be provided from this sick group)
I can only said that Brian and Maggie must be really getting mad over these Reps doing the right thing. Seeing that everyone deserves full equality under the law..
So with the special session of the NCGA coming up this September, where House bill 777 and Senate bill 106 will be coming to the floor for hearing and a vote, to which one will be place on the 2012 ballot,to see if the people of NC will place a Constitution Amendment on the NC Constitution to block, banned, or any other relationship for same-sex couples here in NC.
To read more about these bills click on HOUSE BILL 777, or SENATE BILL 106 from the Equality NC. or Click here for 777 or 106 from the NCGA site. both bill are call Defense of Marriage
Senate 106, Primary: James Forrester; Jerry W. Tillman; Dan Soucek; co-sponsors,
Tom Apodaca; Harris Blake; Andrew C. Brock; Harry Brown; Warren Daniel; Jim Davis; Don East; Thom Goolsby; Rick Gunn; Kathy Harrington; Ralph Hise; Neal Hunt; Brent Jackson; Wesley Meredith; E. S. (Buck) Newton; Louis Pate; Jean Preston; David Rouzer; Bob Rucho; Tommy Tucker;
House 777, Primary Lewis; R. Brown; Crawford; Hill; co-sponsors,
Avila; Barnhart; Blackwell; Blust; Boles; Brawley; Brisson; L. Brown; Brubaker; Burr; Cleveland; Collins; Cook; Current; Dixon; Dockham; Dollar; Faircloth; Folwell; Frye; Gillespie; Guice; Hager; Hastings; Hilton; Hollo; Holloway; Horn; Howard; Hurley; Iler; Ingle; Johnson; Jones; Jordan; Justice; Killian; Langdon; LaRoque; McCormick; McElraft; McGee; Mills; Mobley; T. Moore; Pridgen; Randleman; Sager; Samuelson; Sanderson; Setzer; Shepard; Spear; Stam; Starnes; Steen; Stevens; Stone; Torbett; H. Warren; West; Wray;
Via The Raw Story,
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser has issued a denial of witness reports that he grabbed fellow justice Ann Walsh Bradley by the throat on June 13.
and wait for it,
Justice Bradley has issued a statement to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel stating that "(t)he facts are that I was demanding that he get out of my office and he put his hands around my neck in anger in a chokehold".
and it just get better,
Anonymous sources have confirmed Bradley's account, but spoke on condition of anonymity based on the need to maintain professional relationships. Other sources loyal to Prosser say that Bradley charged him with her fists raised and he grabbed her by the throat in an effort to defend himself.
So, will Prosser be arrest for assault on a fellow female justice, or will de get off with a slap on the wrist. Better yet, will they allow him to retired silently with all benefits intact?? What do you think should happen in this case? After all it was a male and female attack..
Democrats in the N.C. General Assembly are experiencing the bitter taste of the same medicine they fed to Republicans all those years, when they used the redistricting process to their political advantage. Such gerrymandering prompted lawsuits, judge shopping and judicial redistricting. Now it's the other side's turn.
That is not license, however, for the GOP to create the same type of “inkblot districts” they accused their Democratic rivals of just a few years ago, however. And the first pass at several majority-minority legislative districts in the state House would make
Speaking to reporters near the end of a historic General Assembly session, N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis reached for a metaphor to describe how Republican legislators were transforming the state.
"We were changing the wheels on the car," he said, "at the same time we were driving down the racetrack."
I'm in danger of belaboring points here on a vetoed bill, but the hyperbolic rhetoric dial is still turned up on Senate Bill 33, the medical malpractice bill Gov. Bev Perdue vetoed Friday.
Take a look at Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger's statement on the veto, and particularly the first sentence:
"In countless frivolous lawsuits, trial lawyers win big and drive up health care costs for everyone ..."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins reacted to the vote by the New York State Senate, releasing the following statement:
“Enormous political coercion has resulted in a profound failure of moral courage in the New York Senate. A clear majority of the people of New York oppose counterfeit ‘marriage,’ but Gov. Cuomo and anti-family lawmakers have shown that their allegiance is to a small but vocal minority seeking to redefine marriage and family.
“The so-called religious protections that were tacked on to the bill will ultimately do nothing to protect the religious rights of New York citizens. As we go forward there is little doubt that the “incentives,” some taxpayer funded, used to sway votes, especially Republican ones, will be exposed.
Yes Tony truly believe that the Dems brought those few Reps that voted to legalize Same-Sex Marriages in New York.. I just love freaks like Tony, who claim they are protecting marriage, while they do nothing to stop divorce or marriage break downs. You know that fundies just love to claim that SSM will lead to human and animal marriages and human and machines marriages too. Please, I think Tony and other’s like him, who gets on their soap box and tell such lies, are drinking too much of the kool aid that they are bushing themselves, or they are off their meds, hell maybe both.
New York, NY, June 23, 2011 - The Board of Directors of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today announced their acceptance of President Jarrett Barrios' resignation. The Board of Directors will now begin to assemble an Executive Search Committee to identify a new President. GLAAD's Board of Directors confirmed a commitment to maintaining a strong focus on its mission-related activities during this transition and has appointed Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, as Acting President of the organization.
Barrios announced his resignation in an email to the Board of Directors on Saturday, June 18:
"None of you have asked me to resign, and I have appreciated such confidence in me.Board Co-Chairs Roxanne Jones and Scott E. Miller confirmed that the decision to resign was made on Barrios' personal accord and that he was not asked to resign by the Board.I have been pained by the difficulties that have beset GLAAD over the last three weeks. As you know, they concern GLAAD's endorsement of the AT&T / T-Mobile merger--and inaccurate but effective characterizations that suggest GLAAD has supported this merger because of our relationship with them as a corporate sponsor. As many of you have observed to me, this entire situation is wrought with miscommunication and assumptions. Be that as it may, I respect the function and responsibility of my position, and know this is the right course of action.
Of utmost concern and foremost in all of our minds must be the well-being of GLAAD. The staff continues to work hard and does not deserve to work under a cloud, nor do they merit the distraction that it has become from our organization's fine brand."
A Few week ago McCain claims that the AZ wildfires were started by illegal immigrants coming from Mexico, Now Sheriff Joe Arpaio is question all illegals if they are starting these fires.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the infamously tough "Sheriff Joe," released a statement about the arrests, which occurred near the border where the wildfires blazed.
“It’s a long shot I know,” Arpaio said. “But since we already gather information from them about their U.S. entry points and traveling routes and methods, this is simply one more area of intelligence to explore that may help us to determine the origins of these fires.“
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has been criticized for the last week because he blamed undocumented immigrants as the cause of the fires.
Sen. Jon Kyl is joining on this as well, by say McCain is correct.
However the Forest Services officials have directly discredit McCain and Kyl’ damn-ass claims.
I guess these three old men need so much attention that isn’t not funny, that they must seek it from the public instead of their wives…
(Image of Sheriff Joe via Wikimedia Commons)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins reacted to the vote by the New York State Senate, releasing the following statement:
“Enormous political coercion has resulted in a profound failure of moral courage in the New York Senate. A clear majority of the people of New York oppose counterfeit ‘marriage,’ but Gov. Cuomo and anti-family lawmakers have shown that their allegiance is to a small but vocal minority seeking to redefine marriage and family.
“The so-called religious protections that were tacked on to the bill will ultimately do nothing to protect the religious rights of New York citizens. As we go forward there is little doubt that the “incentives,” some taxpayer funded, used to sway votes, especially Republican ones, will be exposed.
“While it was the Democrats who were pushing this agenda, it is the Republicans in the NY Senate who ultimately allowed this to happen, especially Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Sadly, the families of New York are not represented well by either of the state’s major parties on this issue. This battle however, is not without its heroes. State Senator Ruben Diaz, Rev. Duane Motley, Jason McGuire and the National Organization for Marriage worked tirelessly for the families of New York in this battle, and they should be praised for their work – it is not all for naught.
“The New York state legislature’s denial of its citizens a chance to vote on the issue of marriage shows it is long overdue that the U.S. Congress begin taking these threats to marriage seriously. They should move to allow the people of the U.S. the right to vote on an issue they clearly understand, as evidenced each time the issue of marriage is put to a direct vote of the people,” concluded Perkins.
After days of waiting, which followed months of pressure and years of groundwork, New York State has embraced marriage equality -- just in time for NYC Pride this weekend. It'll be quite the celebration, I'm sure!
Congrats definitely go out to all the groups and individuals who have worked so hard to get this done, who are too numerous to name. With this vote, we have now doubled the number of LGBT Americans who can legally marry in this country.
And our friends at Queer Rising also deserve a huge congratulations -- over the past several months they've held Governor Cuomo to his promise to pass marriage equality in New York. Utilizing nonviolent civil disobedience, they organized street closures, banner drops, and public pressure through the press...and this week they've kept up the pressure in Albany to counter the lies of the opposition, speaking truth to power, and ensuring that the legislators there knew there would be consequences to not holding this vote.
Let us be clear, though -- marriage is not the "end all, be all" of the movement for LGBT civil rights. While we're thrilled that marriage is now on the books in New York, we're pained that the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) has been shoved to the side by the Republican state legislature despite broad public support.
And New York isn't the only place where important legislation is pending. Across the country, states are taking up legislation to both add more rights and protections for LGBT Americans and, unfortunately, to try and strip rights away.
We're doing everything we can to add outside pressure to those fights in strategic ways -- to bolster the power of those doing "inside" work by creating "outside" crisis points that force resolution. We're also continuing to challenge our elected leaders at all levels -- from school boards to the President -- to stand up for our collective equality so that those living in states intent to keep LGBT folks unequal will have no choice but to respond to federal leadership. And we won't stop until all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer folks in this country are fully equal.
Today, we're celebrating Pride with a bit more dignity and a bit more equality -- but tomorrow, we have more work to do. We hope you're up for it, because we definitely are!
Get Out! Get Active! GetEQUAL!
Robin McGehee, Director
Shortly before 10 pm on June 24, 2011, the New York State senate voted 36-26 to approve same-sex marriage.
The bill had already passed in the heavily Democratic state assembly by a lopsided vote of 82-47, and Governor Andrew Cuomo has promised to sign it.
They are not happy that Perdue Vetoed their little bill that would help them to keep thousands from the poll in November of 2012.
Support Voter ID
Governor Perdue Vetos Voter ID
“We must always be vigilant in protecting the integrity of our election, but requiring every voter to present a government-issued photo ID is not the way to do it,” said Governor Perdue as she vetoed our common-sense legislation to restore confidence in our elections and combat voter fraud.
75% of North Carolinians support our voter ID requirements, yet Governor Perdue again has decided to put politics over the will of North Carolinians. This veto goes to show that Governor Perdue is more focused on getting re-elected and energizing her liberal base.
North Carolinians must show an ID to cash a check, to see a doctor and to enter into certain government buildings, yet Governor Perdue and her liberal allies do not think it is important to show one to vote. Why is Governor Perdue scared of verifying someone’s identity before his or her vote?We need your help today to send a message to Governor Perdue. By contributing $250, $100, $50 or $25 today, we can prepare for 2012.
Your contribution will help us spread our common-sense message.
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the question is how many of these House Republicans will win reelection? Since they cause the mass firing of Teachers and Teacher’s Aids. Yes, the state might have protected their jobs on the state level,but not on the county’s level, These jerks place all the cuts and firing on the local counties of NC.
Perdue vetoes Voter ID bill via @lauraleslie at @nccapitol http://ow.ly/5p3bP #ncpol #ncgop #ncga #ncgov #cltcc #meckbocc #clt #ncdem
“The right to choose our leaders is among the most precious freedoms we have – both as Americans and North Carolinians. North Carolinians who are eligible to vote have a constitutionally guaranteed right to cast their ballots, and no one should put up obstacles to citizens exercising that right.
“We must always be vigilant in protecting the integrity of our elections. But requiring every voter to present a government-issued photo ID is not the way to do it. This bill, as written, will unnecessarily and unfairly disenfranchise many eligible and legitimate voters. The legislature should pass a less extreme bill that allows for other forms of identification, such as those permitted under federal law.
“There was a time in North Carolina history when the right to vote was enjoyed only by some citizens rather than by all. That time is past, and we should not revisit it.
“Therefore, I veto this bill.”
Via Rolling Stone.com,
Bachmann is a religious zealot whose brain is a raging electrical storm of divine visions and paranoid delusions. She believes that the Chinese are plotting to replace the dollar bill, that light bulbs are killing our dogs and cats, and that God personally chose her to become both an IRS attorney who would spend years hounding taxpayers and a raging anti-tax Tea Party crusader against big government. She kicked off her unofficial presidential campaign in New Hampshire, by mistakenly declaring it the birthplace of the American Revolution. "It's your state that fired the shot that was heard around the world!" she gushed. "You are the state of Lexington and Concord, you started the battle for liberty right here in your backyard."
Please surf on over to the rollingstone.com to read the rest of this great article, that is if you need to laugh today..
I'm not even a Ron Paul supporter and this touches my heart! Please keep up the good work guys, just as long as you keep it legal and nonviolent ;). This video was captured by youtube user donahue87.
Via the RawReplay,
Author Jonathan Dudley, who recently graduated from Yale Divinity School, said on CNN that the vast majority of Christians who oppose same sex marriage are hypocrites for following some Biblical principles but disregarding others.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, GetEQUAL -- a national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization -- and Queer Rising -- a New York based grassroots queer equality organization -- and Join the Impact -- a national LGBT civil rights organization -- announced plans to demonstrate for full LGBT equality, scheduled to take place at 5:30 pm (ET) tomorrow, Thursday, June 23rd, 2011. The event, “”, was called by the organizations in order to give the LGBT community and their allies an opportunity to gather together in unity as they raise the urgency for full LGBT equality now. As we've seen from one of the hardest fought legislative sessions for LGBT equality in New York history, freedom isn't free and the work for full LGBT equality will continue.
“A Demonstration for Full LGBT Equality” will take place just outside of the perimeter of the largest LGBT fundraising event this election season with proceeds going to assist the re-election campaign of the “still-evolving on marriage equality candidate,” President Barack Obama.
For more information on the demonstration, visit A Demonstration for Full LGBT Equality on Facebook.
WHAT: “A Demonstration for Full LGBT Equality”
WHO: GetEQUAL, Queer Rising, Join The Impact:
GetEQUAL, a national LGBT civil rights organization,
Queer Rising, a New York-based grassroots queer equality group
Join the Impact, a national LGBT civil rights organization
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2011
WHERE: Sheraton New York
811 7th Ave On 53rd Street
(New York City)
AT our very own NCGA building where many protest and rallies happen out side of the building, when those people go inside, they have to leave their signs and banners at the door. Well, actually they have them at the steps of the building..
Why don’t we do this in our NCGA???
(photo credit: Julie Bolcer at The Advocate.com)
Why can’t we line the halls while carrying our signs???
Via Back2Stonewall.com
Tomorrow night President Obama will be holding a $1,250 per
plate “Gala with the Gay Community,” hosted by Doogie Houser (NPH) at The Sheraton Hotel in New York City.
"The LGBT Leadership Gala" (some leadership) is the first fundraising event with the LGBT community held by a sitting president to ask the LGBT Community's help to get him elected in 2012. Also tomorrow night President Obama IS NOT expected to endorse same sex marriage.
The nerve, the gall, the utter balls this man has coming to us for support when he delivered a mere fraction of the promises he made while writing pretty proclamations and throwing LGBT cocktail parties and crumbs to FOUR YEARS without putting any REAL PRESSURE or taking any REAL ISSUES
Now nice, what about all those you can’t dish up the dough? These Gala only serve to keep those with less means out of the Political scene. It’s the same in every state, every elections, they only want the A-listers with money to attend and minge with them.
For one the LGBT Community hasn’t seem much change in our status since he got office, well, yes DADT, but it’s fully done yet is it.
You want the money? You want the LGBT Community's full support and backing. Then do your fucking job and keep your fucking promises and "evolve" already because we may not have much of a choice in voting for you. But we DON'T have to "support" you.
Republicans in the NC Legislature have proposed a new Voter ID law that will instantly disenfranchise nearly 1 million voters without current photo identification. Democratic Party Chairman David Parker and Civil Rights pioneer Dr. Virginia K Newell urge voters to join efforts to stop the Voter ID Bill.
just posted: Tillis says if Judge Manning wants a vote on the budget, he should run for the #ncga. http://bit.ly/j6KxPB #ncpol
Manning is trying to ascertain whether the budget cuts will violate Leandro, a state Supreme Court ruling that holds the state responsible for ensuring low-income students have the same access as wealthier students to a "sound, basic education" under the state constitution.
House Speaker Thom Tillis issued the following statement in response to today's proceedings:
“If Judge Manning wants to vote on the budget, he should run for office as a legislator. While I respect his opinion on judicial matters, it appears that this is an attempt to literally legislate from the bench. I respectfully disagree with his conclusions; our education budget is only 0.5% different from the Governor’s, and it protects classroom funding, including every teacher and teacher assistant position in the state.”
A campaign advertisement for a Republican congressional candidate from Nevada that depicts the Chinese army marching on the U.S. Capitol has upset an Asian-American group.
In the ad, a fake Chinese news anchor explains that the Chinese empire was able to rise again thanks to President Barack Obama raising the federal debt limit.
"When President Obama was sworn into office the debt was $10.6 Trillion. This month it's $14.3 Trillion. The American debt crisis threatens our future. Join with me in telling Washington that the madness ends now and the Obama debt limit must not be increased." - Mark Amodei
School cuts hurt young and at-risk kids, official tells judge http://sns.mx/Z4cMy9
The testimony came in Wake County Superior Court, where Judge Howard Manning Jr. is holding a hearing on whether state budget cuts endanger children's constitutional right to a sound basic education under the landmark Leandro school quality case.
The plaintiffs in the long-running case -- five poor school districts -- claim that the changes and cuts by the legislature will undo the educational progress made in the state since the initial Supreme Court ruling in Leandro in 1997. And, they argue, the budget violates children's right to a sound basic education as established by the Supreme Court.
I hope the judge find that budget cut violates the children’s constitutional rights to a full balance education.. and I hope he declares if full unconstitutional, forcing the NCGA get do a complete new budget..
We have money for war but no money for Education, Why?? better yet NC Rep Tillis has money for raises, yet NC schools don’t for books and school supplies, why??
