The Wrap-Up: April 12, 2012

Now despite Mitt Romney being the last (legitimate) Republican standing, he still faces the challenge of solidifying the Republican base.

In news that won't help Romney win independents, it seems that he is also against equal pay laws. Who says there is no war on women?

There are a lot of moving parts in the race to replace Rep. Ron Paul (who is not running for reelection for his House seat).

Dr. Robert Spitzer has retracted his claim (which had been cited by ex-gay supporters) that "reparative therapy" can work.

MSNBC's Chris Matthews may be changing his mind about allowing hate-group leader Tony Perkins on his show.

About that "sanctity of marriage" schtick social conservatives keep talking about...

Fox "News" has a mole.

A Texas high school took a very interesting route in dealing with a bullying problem.

And lastly, the X-Men will be having a gay wedding.

Band of Hypocrites

Hypocrisy is definitely nothing new to politics on either side of the aisle. Hell, it is pretty much a daily occurrence. I have to say though that during last night's GOP debate on CNN, I was particularly disgusted. Time and time again, the four remaining candidates talked ad nauseum about individual liberty, freedom, and so on and so forth. The problem is that each one of those men, to varying degrees, have talked about restricting the rights of LGBT Americans. 

Each one of these candidates has talked about being against marriage equality. Three of them (excluding Ron Paul) have signed a pledge that states, in part, that they will support and fight for a constitutional amendment banning marriage equality. What is even more hypocritical about this particular issue is how it goes categorically counter to their constant speech about states' rights. There are several states that have enacted marriage equality, as well as several others which are currently in the process of following suit. Such an amendment as these Republicans would support is a "screw you" to the rights of those states to expand the liberty of their citizens, as well as any who would in the future aim to enact marriage equality.

Then there is Don't Ask Don't Tell, which three of the four GOP candidates (Ron Paul again being the exception, he voted for DADT's repeal in 2010) have said they would try to reenact. DADT is a rule that flies in the face of equal rights as well because it forces gay, lesbian, and bisexual soldiers to at best hide who they are, at worst, outright lie. This is a problem not faced by their heterosexual counterparts.

There are several other issues where these Republican candidates abdicate the principles of individual liberty and equal rights such as (but not limited to) adoption, parenting, employment-discrimination, etc. They have made it clear that regardless of their repetitive rhetoric on individual liberty, freedom, and equal rights, that they are against those fundamentally American principles.

One more thing: If Newt Gingrich ever utters the words "sanctity of marriage," someone needs to cram those words down his throat until he cokes on them.

Republican Racial Comments

The Wrap-Up: December 30, 2011

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

Apparently, Rick Perry was too proud to ask for details of the court case he was asked about so that he could answer the person's question (instead of blathering on). By the way, the case in question was Lawrence v Texas...which took place during HIS administration (2003). Can he remember anything?

Michele Bachmann's former Iowa campaign chair is endorsing someone else. How the "mighty" have fallen.

Conversely, Rick Santorum may be seeing his time in the Sun.

This is unfortunate timing since Santorum is "peaking" as we approach the Iowa caucuses. This man wants to fundamentally change the United States Constitution.

Sir Ian McKellen (you be the judge)

Some people are so adamantly homophobic that they will even destroy church property as a result.

Former/current congressional Republicans are coming forward to say that Newt Gingrich supported a measure that many conservatives see as exploding the national debt. So much for being for smaller government. 

Also, in Gingrich flip-floppery, Cap-and-Trade!

Ron Paul has been touting an endorsement from a preacher that is so anti-gay that he supports the death penalty for gay people. Ironically, I always thought that Paul bore a striking resemblance to Sir Ian McKellen.

Whichever Republican winds up winning the GOP nomination, there is this significant problem they will face in their battle against President Obama. I would guess that the GOP debates had an affect.

Andy Towle

Cardinal Francis George, after editing previous statements, has reiterated his analogy between parades for Gay Pride and Ku KluxKlan marches. This man is a general failure and luckily, Illinois Catholics aren't buying his snake oil.

Truth Wins Out will be running this strongly worded full-page ad in the Chicago Tribune calling for George to resign.

And lastly, Towleroad takes a look at the past year in LGBT rights.

The Wrap-Up: December 28, 2011

Michelle Obama

Many of the world's worst people met their ends this year.

The assault on voting rights claims another victim.

It's incredibly ironic and hypocritical that the people claiming that Michelle Obama (known in part for her beauty and fitness) is fat are a bunch of overweight men who need to be banned from all fast food joints. What gentlemen they are...

A lot is being said about Ron Paul, these claims of racism/homophobia, and whether or not he wrote the articles in question. Here is an interesting take on all of this.

Lucille Ball

Signs may be showing up that Rick Santorum will drop out of the race after Iowa.

In case you aren't aware, there is a pretty substantial de facto "Gay Tax" on same-sex couples (which is even higher for those raising kids). Mysteriously, all of those tax-cutting Republicans are silent on this issue.

Mitt Romney came up with a far better (and more appropriate) metaphor for Newt Gingrich's Virginia failure than Newt's "Pearl Harbor" comment.

Governor Nikki Haley (R-SC)

The New Hampshire legislature is pushing back a possible vote on (among other things) repealing marriage equality in the state...but just barely.

In a hypothetical match-up against Barack Obama, Newt Gingrich's prospects are looking increasingly bleak.

There is yet even more bad news for Gingrich as he has been quoted as supporting Mitt Romney's health care plan (which many conservatives see as the foundation of Obama's health care plan).

With 2012 being a big election year, there are some people who will be looking to make their political mark.

And lastly, Ron Paul thinks everything is unconstitutional.

Ron Paul's Gay Bathroom Phobia

In case you didn't know, Ron Paul is a doctor...but maybe not a good one.

The Wrap-Up: December 27, 2011

Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI)

That endorsement that Rick Santorum got from an Iowa conservative leader may have been bought...because that is what God would do I suppose.

Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI) makes it clear that he does not care about the health of the LGBT community.

Across the border in Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton had something to say about the "sanctity of marriage" hypocrisy in that states' legislature (the state has a proposed constitutional marriage equality ban on the ballot next November).

If you're wondering what exactly they're talking about, this article gives you the low-down, as well as a reaction from Minnesota's LGBT community on the second page (which is pretty awesome).

Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA)

If marriage equality existed throughout this nation, heartless stories like this would not happen.

Though it may not pass (and even if it does, it's a half measure), a West Virginia delegate is taking a shot at passing a civil unions bill in the coming year.

There are some not-so-good polling numbers coming out of Virginia for Eric Cantor (a Virginia congressman and the House's #2 Republican).

The New York Republican Senators who voted in favor of marriage equality there have received mainly positive feedback.

John Lawrence, as in "Lawrence v. Texas" (which in 2003 ruled that anti-sodomy laws in the U.S are unconstitutional) passed away this past Friday.

Newt Gingrich

Mitt Romney falsely claims that the Obama administration has not created any jobs. Then again, he also falsely claimed that corporations are people, so his "facts" are less than stellar.

Australian psychologists, just like their American counterparts, agree that access to marriage equality leads to better mental health outcomes. 20,000 shrinks can't be wrong.

Newt Gingrich may have gotten caught in another lie. One would think he would get tired of this...

And lastly, here is a clip of Ron Paul discussing some of his fellow candidates on Jay Leno.

The Wrap-Up: December 23, 2011

This is Rick Santurom's version of surging according to his supporters.

North Carolina's House Speaker was challenged by a UNC-Chapel Hill student over the state's proposed constitutional marriage equality ban.

Most (about 70%) of Senator Jim DeMint's (R-SC) deficit reduction plan takes aim at the poor.

House Republicans are not playing nice with Senate Republicans in an effort to extend the payroll tax-cut.

The United States Department of Justice is finally entering the right side of the fight on the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.

Every time one of these GOP candidates rises to the top, a damning event from their past rears its ugly head. It's Ron Paul's turn.

Scott Arnold, the gay man that Newt Gingrich told he should vote for Obama, made an appearance on the Ed Show.

It has been a year since the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell was signed and, surprise surprise, none of the doomsday scenarios of yet materialized.

Speaking of DADT's repeal, NBC Nightly News talked to some soldiers in Afghanistan, gay and straight, about how life has been since the repeal has gone into effect.

A teaser has come out for the HBO film "Game Change" based on a book by the same title. It seriously seems like the trailer for a disaster film

And lastly, Zach Wahls, of YouTube fame for speaking in front of the Iowa legislature on marriage equality, brings us a video that would warm anyone's heart...except Rick Santorum's I'm sure.

I hope everyone out there has a happy holiday and, so I don't get accused of waging war, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Wrap-Up: December 22, 2011

Senator Scott Brown (R-MA)

In an effort to keep his Senate seat, Scott Brown (R-MA) appears to be backing away from his previous Tea Party positions.

Rick Santorum was asked (and no this is not a joke) how he could get the "gay vote."

Newt Gingrich, on the other hand, has a very different perspective on the "gay vote."

Speaking of Newt, some people REALLY don't like him...like the guy at the top of this video.

Stirring up the fight against Newt Gingrich, yet again, is Ron Paul with a full-court press (I don't actually watch basketball, so I hope that metaphor works).

Conservatives are none too happy with how Republicans (House Republicans in particular) are handling the payroll tax cut.

Matt Damon

Despite Obama's improved approval numbers, there is one of his early high-profile supporters that has some strong criticism of the President: Matt Damon.

Establishment Republicans are going to some extreme lengths to downplay the possibility/importance of a win by Ron Paul in the Iowa Caucuses.

Media Matters counts down the 10 stupidest "Fox & Friends" moments of 2011. I honestly have no idea how they narrowed it down to ten with all of the material they had.

Totally overrated Chuck Norris pinned an op-ed FOR the "American Family Association." I'll never understand why he was ever famous.

Today in awesome anti-Scott Walker signs...

Openly LGBT elected officials are in office in almost every state of the union.

And lastly, a bi-partisan group made this video to speak against the Republican-led move by the New Hampshire state legislature to repeal marriage equality:

The Wrap-Up: December 20, 2011

With just weeks until the Iowa Caucuses, things aren't looking that good for Newt Gingrich. Ron Paul on the other hand...

Speaking of the serial adulterer extraordinaire, many things about his past and his record he would rather people not know.

John McCain shared his thoughts on the death of Kim Jong Il. For once, I agree with the Arizona Senator.

There's this old saying, "It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." It seems like someone finally told this to Michele Bachmann who hasn't been answering many questions at her campaign stops. Too little, too late though.

Robert Reich

To those fighting against the anti-marriage equality amendment in Minnesota, these are the types of idiots you're fighting against. Seriously, best of luck.

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich has an offer for Barack Obama.

Brandon McInerney, the teenager who killed classmate Lawrence King for being gay, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. He better pray that Karma does not exist.

There are some grim predictions as to what will happen if the payroll tax-cut expires.

I'm not done with Newt yet, especially given that he racked up another endorsement...from a pro-adultery website.

Mark Cuban

The Florida Family Association, which apparently got Lowes to stop advertising on "All American Muslim" claimed some other advertising victories including getting Macy's to pull ads from "Degrassi" (a Canadian shows that has tackled LGBT issues). Macy's, however, is calling them on their BS. Another religious organization caught in a lie.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban talks about gays in the NBA (among other things).

And lastly, here is something to warm your heart as Winter approaches.

this is our year. from Joe M on Vimeo. (h/t Towleroad)

The Wrap-Up: December 1, 2011

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard

I'm seriously getting tired of stories involving pepper-spray. Come on people, get your own ideas.

Dear Tea Party, no one likes you anymore (at least most don't). Regards, America. 

Australia's Prime Minister is getting pressure from both sides on marriage equality in the run-up to her party's conference this coming weekend.

Despite conservatives saying President Obama has waged a war on energy, the U.S. is set to do something it hasn't done in over 6 decades. Go figure that, Republicans are wrong on the facts...again.

Will he stay or will he go? We may see the end of Herman Cain's hilarious attempt at the presidency in the next few days.

FRC President Tony Perkins

A Kentucky church is not a big fan of interracial couples, and supposedly in the name of greater unity. Can we say "irony?"

There is a petition floating around that aims at stopping various media outlets from calling/using Tony Perkins (president of the so-called Family Research Council) as an "expert" and I highly suggest anyone reading this sign it. The man is the leader of a very homophobic hate group.

Speaking of Perkins, here is some sound to show who this man is and what he stands for (and against).

Exodus International, an "ex-gay" organization, seems to be swimming in a financial sea of red. I guess people are catching wise to Exodus (and all ex-gay organizations) being scams.

Showing how much of a news organization they really are, some Fox personalities made some predictions as to what Barney Frank will do after retiring from Congress. How professional of them...

Ron Paul

Where regulatory agencies (in this case the S.E.C) are failing, the judicial system must pick up the slack. Luckily, this judge put the smack-down on the S.E.C. and Citigroup.

And lastly, this ad by Ron Paul shows that Mitt Romney is not the only major flip-flopper in this campaign season.

Election 2012: Last Night's Debate At A Glance

0:11 - It didn’t take Bachmann a long time to make me cringe (“what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” joke).
0:17 - Everyone is beating up on Cain’s 9-9-9 plan.
0:21 - I hope Bachmann was paying attention, Romney just correctly pronounced “Chutzpah.”
0:26 - Perry proposes fixing the economy by more oil/natural gas jobs.
0:30 - Romney and Santorum spare over “RomneyCare” and it looks like with Santorum trying interrupt Romney repeatedly is something that the audience apparently doesn’t like.
0:34 - Bachmann is calling for attention in a way that reminds me of a kid in a 3rd grade class.
0:42 - Perry accuses Romney of hiring illegals in his home. Shouting match ensues as Perry interrupts Romney’s time and for a second, it really looks like these two are about to break out boxing gloves.
0:45 - Romney calls Perry on interrupting him again and smacks him down (not literally).
0:48 - Bachmann mentions having signed a pledge to build a fence. So…how many pledges has she signed so far? Oh, and she (and the audience) will make English the national language.
0:50 - Perry is talking down to (about) Bachmann on immigration and it really seems like that exchange with Romney (and the audience’s reaction thereto) has him pissed.
0:55 - Paul mentions how we too many time parse people into groups where some win and some lose. Guess who loses with the GOP…
1:05 - This audience really doesn’t like Rick Santorum
1:10 - Cain defends Wall Street against Occupy Wall Street, says people should be protesting the White House. Paul blames the Fed for the bubble/bailout.
1:29 - Cooper mentions that Paul has advocated eliminating pretty much every governmental department…except defense. Paul talks about cutting the defense budget by getting out of various military conflicts.
1:36 - Paul is for cutting ALL foreign aid spending.
1:51 - Bachmann manages to work “one-term president” and Reagan into 1 sentence.

OVERVIEW

-Michele Bachmann: At this point, she is pretty much relegated to one-liners and even less substance than we are used to hearing from politicians in general (which is really saying something).
-Herman Cain: 9-9-9 was hammered into as this was the first debate where Cain was a front-runner. His main problem was about a hypothetical on negotiating with terrorists and prisoner exchanges.
-Newt Gingrich: He tried to deny that Romney’s idea for a mandate in the Massachusetts healthcare plan came from him…unsuccessfully. I guess he didn’t make much of an impression on me because I can’t really think of how to evaluate him. He only raised 800k$ Last quarter anyway, so I guess he isn’t making much of an impression on anyone.
-Jon Huntsman: He “boycotted” this debate (and I’m still not sure why) and opted to stay in New Hampshire instead. I’m not sure he was missed.
-Ron Paul: The audience loves this man. Pretty much every answer he gave was about liberty and getting government out of our lives even more so than the other candidates. He even talked about reducing the defense budget by getting us out of places where we have been for decades (Japan, Germany, etc.) versus some of his counterparts doing more sabre-rattling.
-Rick Perry: His attempt to knock Romney down by constantly interrupting him was met with boos from the audience repeatedly (which Romney pointed out). In some interviews after the debate, people were saying Perry turned them off. Not really surprising.
-Mitt Romney: He seemed to get a little rattled, but given how many hits he took from the others (especially Perry and Santorum), I would say that he still held firm and had the audience more-or-less on his side.
-Rick Santorum: This man never ceases to amaze me in how he manages to be tangentially homophobic. He was asked about getting the Latino vote and his answer centered around family (GOP code for anti-gay) and faith (GOP code for anti-gay). Some of his answers, and how he responded with regards to Mitt Romney, were met with boos.

This debate was a bitter battle far more than the others have been. Civility, if not dead, is at least on life-support. I would say that this time around, the audience liked Romney and Paul, and disliked Santorum and Perry. We apparently have a while until the next debate, so everyone is going back to their corners after this melee.

Election 2012: Playing Games

Tonight will feature another in a (seemingly) long line of GOP debates. In case some of you are getting tired or bored with these things, why not turn it into a drinking game? Here are the rules: drink every time

...Herman Cain (or anyone) says 9-9-9.

...Michelle Bachmann misquotes history that 4th graders are currently learning.

...Rick Santorum reminds you that gay people don't deserve anything.

...Ron Paul rails against the Fed.

...Rick Perry mispronounces simple 2-syllable words (what is it with Texas governors and doing that?).

...Mitt Romney changes his position (and no, not his standing position)

...Newt Gingrich pretends to be a Rhodes Scholar

...anyone says "Ronald Reagan."

WARNING: Playing this game WILL lead to alcohol poisoning and/or death if played for more than five minutes.

The debate will be on CNN at 8pm Eastern.