Bobservations

The kitchen remodel is coming along, though we’ve had a couple of glitches. Nothing serious, but things just slowed down progress. The countertops are in and I am in love with them … The light for above the sink is ordered, as is the hood for the stove, and the knobs and handles for drawers and door. I am now looking into tile because I have this idea … more on that later.

We have been using the laundry room as our makeshift kitchen, with an espresso machine, a coffee maker, microwave and crockpot moved into it. Carlos has dubbed it the “laundritchen” and the dining room is the “pantrining room.”

And Carlos is loving the chaos … I kid.

This Tuxedo Says is from June 2021:

I would never suggest Tuxedo buys into conspiracy theories but every so often he comes up with a thought that makes you wonder …

He just had questions, you know.

I have been looking for something to do when I retire and then I saw this and thought, Yeah, I could do that.

My wife and I went into town and visited a shop. When we came out, there was a police officer writing out a parking ticket. We went up to him and I said:

“Come on man, how about giving a couple of senior citizens a break?”

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket until I called him an “asshole.” He stared at me and then started writing a second ticket for having worn-out tires so my wife called him a “shithead.” He put that ticket on the windshield and then started writing more and more tickets; this went on for about twenty minutes. The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote. He finally finished, sneered at us, and walked away.

Lucky for us, because just then our bus arrived and we got on it and went home. We always look for cars with those red Make America Great Again bumper stickers on them because we like to have a little fun now that we’re retired.

I realized that, living in South Carolina, this could keep me busy all day long.

Out there in Utah, of all places, a judge just terminated the  Republicans’ gerrymandering attempt and ordered a new map that includes a new Blue seat.

In Utah, the Resistance is at work.

In good news, 93-year-old Ruth Gottesman donated $1 billion to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to make tuition free for all students permanently. The donation, which is the largest ever to a U.S. medical school, comes from the fortune left to her by her late husband, David “Sandy” Gottesman. 

Ruth Gottesman, a former professor and current board chair at the school, specified that her only requirement is that the institution not be renamed in her honor. 

Again, in a world of Bezos and Musk, be a Gottesman.

And also be a Barack Obama …

This week the former President recently surprised a plane of veterans arriving in Washington, D.C., ahead of Veterans Day; the vets were traveling with an Honor Flight from Madison, Wisconsin, when Obama boarded the plane to greet the veterans, many of whom were from the Korean and Vietnam wars.

After his brief remarks, Obama stood on the jetway and personally shook the hand of each veteran as they deplaned and presented each veteran with a Presidential Challenge Coin. 

That’s my President.

Last weekend, Cyndi Lauper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sang her song “True Colors.”  When she got to the line, “Don’t be afraid …” she stopped singing and raised her fist.

Don’t be afraid.

Two days later the Supreme Court ruled to maintain marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Don’t be afraid.

As with Cankles, I also try not to use her name, and simply call her That Woman.

She turned seventy this week and threw herself a birthday party/thirst trap and I saw one website that mentioned how great she looks and that she appears to be aging backwards. But, um, she has clearly invested thousands and thousands of dollars into plastic surgery and Botox and injections and peels and deals with the Devil. She is far from the natural beauty some seem to suggest.

PS One of the guests of honor at her party was … wait for it … her plastic surgeon. That's him down there with her newest face.

Go figure.

Kirill Kabachenko is a Ukraine-American real estate agent in New York City and a working model. I wonder is he shows houses dressed in just his briefs and I also wonder … Would You Hit It?

I Didn't Say It

Cyndi Lauper, singer, activist and LGBTQ+ ally, thanking President Biden for signing the Respect for Marriage Act:

“I came here because I wanted to say thank you to President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Vice President Harris and all the advocates and his team for all families—mine and a lot of my friends and people you know … we can rest easy tonight because our families are validated, and because now we’re allowed to love who we love.”

And right after saying this Lauper was attacked on social media for praising equality for same-sex couples and interracial couples.

And folks wonder why we fight.

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John Avlon, CNN, on Marjorie Taylor Greene saying if she had planned the insurrection “we would have won”:

“She was playing to the crowd. But what she is basically saying is what we’ve been pointing out: without accountability, failed insurrections are just practice. She’s saying they would have succeeded, and they would have come armed. And that’s a statement with real weight if you’re a member of Congress. That’s an endorsement of violent sedition. Make no mistake about it.”

Greene should have been run out of Congress for suggesting she’d be in favor of, and probably attend, an armed attack on our government.

Traitorous ignorant bitch.

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Andrew Hartzler, nephew of crying anti-marriage equality GOP lunatic Vicky Hartzler:

“Aunt Vicky, that’s just not right. Institutions of faith like religious universities are not being silenced. They’re being empowered by the U.S. government to discriminate against tens of thousands of LGBTQ students because of religious exemptions, but they still receive federal funding. It’s more like you want the power to force your religious beliefs onto everyone else and because you don’t have that power you feel like you’re being silenced, but you’re not.”

Sadly, Aunt Vicky is too blinded by her ignorance, masked as faith, to ever see the truth, but good on Andrew for taking her to task.

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Kirk Cameron, former childish actor and current butt-hurt religious wingnut, whining on Fox:

“One of the things I love about our country is its commitment to the sharing of knowledge and the free expression of ideas. That is why I’m excited to bring Brave Books Story Hour to public libraries across the country. Unfortunately, though many of these libraries gladly hosted the ‘Drag Queen Story Hour,’ several have refused to let me read about biblical wisdom from my new children’s book, ‘As You Grow.’ Today, I sent a letter to the directors of the Indianapolis Public Library and Scarsdale Public Library asking for the same opportunity the drag queens had this year to use a room in their libraries so I can read my new book and talk about love, joy and gentleness—character traits I think we all want to see in our children. I hope these libraries welcome me to Indiana and New York—but should they refuse to rent me a room, like those used by drag queens in June, I am prepared to assert my rights under the Constitution in court.”

Hey Kirk, you asshat, if the library doesn’t want you there, that’s their right. And please let us all know when you’ll stand up for Drag Queen Story Hours since you seem upset that they were allowed to read to the kids. And lastly, fix the pedophile situation in organized religion and protect children inside churches before you come for the libraries.

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Neal Bledsoe, actor, standing up for his beliefs and ending his affiliation with anti-same-sex marriage Great American Media and Kirk Cameron’s little bigoted sister, Candace Cameron Bure:

“My life wouldn’t be where it is today without the love, support, and guidance of the LGBTQIA+ community. From my mentors in college, to the myriad of agents and managers, writers and directors, teachers and colleagues, and, of course, my dear friends and family, who have all touched my life, I owe them a great debt. As someone who struggled as a young man with our society’s extremely narrow definition of masculinity, it was their community that provided me with refuge and a guiding light when my life felt lost. And now, if I cannot stand up for that community in their time of need, my debt to them means nothing. So, I want to be very clear: my support for the LGBTQIA+ community is unconditional—nothing is worth my silence or their ability to live and love freely in a world that we are lucky enough to share with them. I cannot continue with business as usual. I cannot take comfort from, nor will I give refuge to, those who excuse exclusion and promote division in any way, shape, or form. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and these are mine: the recent comments made by leadership at Great American Family are hurtful, wrong, and reflect an ideology that prioritizes judgment over love. I was raised as a Christian and believe in the essential message of love and forgiveness. That said, I could never forgive myself for continuing my relationship with a network that actively chooses to exclude the LGBTQIA+ community. It galls me to think that some among us are still finding ways to justify a crueler world under the cloak of faith, tradition, or, even worse, audience share.”

Bledsoe is one of many actors who seemingly left the Hallmark Channel for Great American Family. He made just two films for the network in 2022 before Candace Cameron Bure took over as creative director and said there would be no same-sex marriages, or relationships on the network, just ‘traditional’ ones.

Good on Bledsoe for standing up against hate masked as religious belief.

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Bobservations

Another not so happy week at Casa Bob y Carlos …

Yesterday we let Ozzo out for his business. About twenty minutes later our vet’s office called to say that one of our neighbors found Ozzo in their yard; they put us in contact with the neighbor and Ozzo was brought back home, but it started that conversation again. You see, Ozzo is also about 18 to 20 years old, and he doesn’t see well, he doesn’t hear well, and he doesn’t move well—though he moved well enough to work his way through the fence and go for a Blind Man Stroll.

I suggested we make an appointment with the vet to make sure he’s okay, other than his eyes and ears and back legs, and Carlos couldn’t handle it. As pets do when they come into your home, they bond with one of you; Ozzo bonded to Carlos, Tuxedo bonded with me, MaxGoldberg actually bonded with us both, though he was slightly more partial to me, and Consuelo bonded with her food dish.

So. We’re taking Ozzo to the vet next week, for a checkup only, and to see how his health is because I don’t want him hurt or in pain,  like Max. I’d like the old man to go in his sleep, peaceful and calm, and if he’s okay, other than the aging, then he will live out his days in peace and comfort.

It’s hard; there’s what’s best for the pet and what you want, and really what you want shouldn’t matter.

I, too, was stunned at so many members of the GOP thanking Columbus for discovering America and calling him a hero. No wonder they don’t want history taught in schools.

Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson told would-be GOP presidential candidates—even Thing 45—that she is not getting involved in the 2024 primary.

No money for you! No money for you!

Blake Masters, the GOP nominee for US Senate in Arizona has long denied the results of 2020 election … until this week. Though he ran in the Primary on the Big Lie now, trailing in the polls, Masters now says Biden is the “legitimate president” and that he’s seen no evidence the vote count was rigged.

Pandering, lying, white supremacist. I did ‘Nazi’ that … oops, maybe I spoke too soon. Yesterday Masters said he still believes the 2020 presidential election was neither free nor fair.

I guess he felt the wrath of MAGAts and Nazis and flip-flopped back.

For the first time ever five of Oklahoma’s largest Native American tribes have united to endorse a candidate for governor: Democrat Joy Hofmeister.

The GOP nominee, current governor Kevin Stitt, has had a frosty relationship with tribes after fighting to overturn the 2020 McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that weakened the state’s ability to prosecute some crimes on Native American land.

The tribes have spoken.

In Arkansas, the Conway School Board issued new regulations on bathroom use and overnight hotel stays, based on a student's sex assigned at birth. The board also agreed to ban books that discuss LGBTQ+ romances, deeming them "inappropriate."

Some members of the LGBTQ+ community spoke out against the new policy and one parent of a transgender child shared that after this vote, they plan to move out of state. But many of the people who showed up, and almost the entire school board, said that they're proud of the decision. In fact, applause and cheers erupted after one man suggested LGBTQ+ people should be put to death,

If you know anyone who is trans in this country and you still think you need to vote Republican, strike the word ‘ally’ from beside your name because you are no different than that man who suggested killing LGBTQ+ Americans.

Inspired by her late mother, Catrine, Cyndi Lauper created the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund to support organizations fighting for abortion and reproductive healthcare after SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade:

“If you don’t have control over your own body, how can you be anything but a second-class citizen? Now, the government has control over your body—not you. What should be a private medical decision between you and your doctor is now a government decision. So, this is a big issue for me.”

Good on Cyndi, and her  mother’s inspiration, for taking a stand.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson—or as I call him, Mr. Eraserhead—says he’s been “blown away” by calls for him to run for president, but says his focus is on his family.

For the love of the goddess, America? The Rock? Seriously?

In another story of a celebrity taking a stand, LeBron James will not air an episode of his HBO show The Shop that featured Kanye West. Maverick Carter, LeBron’s producing partner, said the decision was made after “talking to Kanye directly”:

“[After] talking to Kanye directly the day before we taped, I believed he was capable of a respectful discussion and he was ready to address all his recent comments. Unfortunately, he used The Shop to reiterate more hate speech and extremely dangerous stereotypes. We have made the decision not to air this episode or any of Kanye’s remarks … The Shop [has] … zero tolerance for hate speech of any kind and will never allow our channels to be used to promote hate … Hate speech should never have an audience.”

Good on James and Carter for standing up against Hate Speech; we need more of that in this country. We need everyone to call out Hate Speech, and refuse to vote for it, when they hear it.

Not so much a Would You Hit It, but another Which Chris Pine Would You Hit: formerly blond and shaggy Chris Pine from Don’t Worry Darling promotional tour, or the newly shorn silver fox Chris Pine?

Bobservations

There is some hopefulness on Consuelo.

I’ve seen her on the deck, twice, coming for food we’ve left out. But she’s scared and so she won’t come to me or come into the house. She looks a little ragged—it rained one night—but otherwise okay.

We’ve set out old clothes, her scratching post, a cat carrier with blankets, food, w treats, but still she won’t come out when we’re around. I think she’s just scared right now. Our next step, I think, is to get a feral cat trap, and see if we can trap her. That way we can get her back inside.

Fingers permanently crossed.

It’s been more than thirty years since the AIDS Memorial Quilt was created in San Francisco, and in those years,  it has traveled the world and touched millions of hearts. Now, the Quilt is going home for good.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt, spurred on by the NAMES Project Foundation, will be moved from Atlanta to the National AIDS Memorial in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park for long-term preservation and educational purposes; related archival collections will be under the care of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington.

If you’ve never seen it, all or part, it is an amazingly beautiful sad, heartbreaking memorial to those we’ve lost to AIDS. I’ve seen parts in San Francisco and Miami and saw it on the Mall in DC twice.

It breaks your heart, but gives you hope. It deserves a permanent home.

In other good LGBTQ+ news … Cyndi Lauper will receive the inaugural High Note Global Prize from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the High Note Global Initiative.

Lauper is being lauded for co-founding True Colors Unitedin 2008 after learning that while 10% of American youth identify as LGBTQ+, up to 40% of American homeless youth is LGBTQ+. True Colors United works to prevent and end youth homelessness, focusing on the unique experiences of LGBTQ youth.

True Colors United offers free training and resources on how to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. They advocate in government and media to help ensure critical funding and services for all youth and create opportunities for youth who have experienced homelessness to be key leaders in the effort to end the problem.

Congratulations Cyndi. Girls just wanna have fun, but they wanna help. too.

More LGBTQ+ good news … LGBTQ advocates and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have reached a deal to ban harmful gay conversion therapy for minors in the state of Utah. The deal was announced by Governor Gary Herbert on Twitter.

The proposed rule is expected to be published Dec. 15 and could go into effect as early as Jan. 22, according to a news release.”

But then … The Notre Dame Academy has come under fire after Carly McGoldrick, a parent who identifies as bisexual, reported that when the school took 8th graders on their annual trip to Chicago to see The Nutcracker, the chaperones made the kids leave the theater when it was revealed that Clara’s parents were played by two men:

“I’ve been in contact with an audience member … who said the walk-out was disruptive and confusing. It happened about 5 minutes before the performance actually began, and I can only imagine how humiliated the students were. Waiting for NDA to …  issue an apology for embarrassing [the students] in front of an entire auditorium.”

Kim Grilliot, NDA president, issued an apology, after McGoldrick’s tweet started a firestorm of anger:

“We apologize for our decision for 8th graders leave to a performance of The Nutcracker before it began due to casting choices. The mistake is contrary to our inclusive spirit and reminds us our actions should affirm that we are all God’s children.”

Well, isn’t that special, but … NDA also claims the school’s Spirit of Inclusion statement, adopted in 2014 ,affirms that NDA welcomes "all into our Gospel community including but not limited to people of all colors, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender expression, abilities, economic classes and nationalities.”

Except, I guess when it comes to Clara having two dads. For their part, the 8th graders painted a rock on the school’s campus in rainbow colors with the words “God Loves U” in response to the incident.

Listen to the children is the lesson here.

Ehsan Abdulaziz, a forty-six-year-old millionaire property developer, claims he never raped that 18-year-old girl; he simply tripped and fell on her while his penis was out of his pants.

Seriously.  Abdulaziz had already had sex with the teenager’s 24-year-old friend, whom he already knew, in the bedroom and said his penis might have been poking out of his underwear when he fell on the girl. He says he simply wanted to see if the young woman wanted a t-shirt to sleep in, or a taxi home, but claims she pulled him on top of her and placed his hand between her legs.

Now, his semen and DNA were found inside the girl, but Abdulaziz said it was possible he had semen on his hands from having sex with the 24-year-old earlier.

A jury acquitted him in just 30 minutes of deliberations. Seriously.

It appears he goes by the name Wake.

Hot. The long hair. The facial hair.  The body. The soulful eyes. The smile. The shower.

I’m fully woke. Just sayin’.

I Didn't Say It ... North Carolina Edition

Steve van Zandt, E Street Band guitarist, on Bruce Springsteen’s decision to cancel his show in Greensboro, North Carolina:

“We just felt the issue was just too important. This really vile and evil discrimination is starting to spread state to state and we thought we better take a stand right now and catch it early and maybe try and stop it. At least set some kind of example for others.”

It starts somewhere, and this was a good, loud place to begin.

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William Barber, NAACP president, on planning a sit-in at the North Carolina legislature until that Hate Bill is repealed:

“We cannot be silent in the face of this race-based, class-based, homophobic and transphobic attack on wage earners, civil rights, and the LGBTQ community. Together with our many allies, we will coordinate a campaign of nonviolent direct action along with other forms of nonviolent protest that will instruct our legislators with respect to the rights of all people.”

United We Stand.

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Charles Barkley, on moving the NBA All-Star game out of North Carolina in light of Hate: 

“I think the NBA should move the All-Star game from there next year. As a black person, I’m against any form of discrimination against whites, Hispanics, gays, lesbians, however you want to phrase it. It’s my job, with the position of power that I’m in and being able to be on television, I’m supposed to stand up for the people who can’t stand up for themselves. So, I think the NBA should move the All-Star game from Charlotte…I know Atlanta wants to host it, but they should move it out of Charlotte.”

Take the money and spend it in places where Hate isn’t legalized.

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Joel McHale, actor and comedian, taking on North Carolina legislators in a show in Durham, North Carolina:

“What the f*** you guys? … This is crazy. There was a moment where I wasn’t going to come tonight, but you know why. What the f*** is wrong with your government here, you guys? I know you guys are cool because your City Council passed a resolution opposing that stupid f***ing bill…It’s crazy. Why did they do it? Were they like, ‘Oh, I’ll feel safe with my dick in my f***ing hand.'"

McHale then donated his fee for the show to the Durham LGBTQ Center and also sported an LGBTQ ally shirt he made out of duct tape.

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Cyndi Lauper, on why she will perform in North Carolina in June:

“In the dark haze of such oppression, people and companies are stepping up to fight back against this unjust law and ensure that all North Carolinians are treated with dignity and respect, especially the transgender community. I have seen time and time again what can happen when people join together to do what is fair and the effort to repeal HB2 is the right and fair thing to do. I am hopeful that all of the current efforts to repeal HB2 will be successful and the True Colors Fund and I will continue to do all that we can to help. 

In that vein, the best way I know how to make a difference is what I have strived to do my whole life and that is show up for my family, friends, and fans in the LGBT community. So, for that reason I think the best way I can do my part is to turn my show in Raleigh on June 4th into an entire day to build public support to repeal HB2. 

I will be donating all of the profits from the show to Equality North Carolina’s efforts to repeal HB2 and I am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this effort by donating their commissions from the show to this vital effort. I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness. 

If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how.”

Another way to make your voice heard; not showing up is good, showing up and turning it into an event to fight hate is good, too.

I expect no less from LGBTQ ally and icon Cyndi Lauper.

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I Didn't Say It ....

Kristin Chenoweth, on people who use their religion as an anti-gay weapon:

"I think it is very anti-Christian [to hate gay people]. It is the antithesis of what I believe. It is the antithesis of what you should believe if you believe in Jesus. It’s not what he taught, it’s the opposite of what he taught. If Jesus was to walk the Earth today, or Buddha or anybody, they would be horrified. Those people saying they’re doing it in the name of God? No no no no no. I speak as a Christian person, and as a woman and as an artist. I would love nothing more for my friends who love each other to get married. I don’t think it’s a sin, I think we’re born how we’re born. Look at me, I’m 4’11’’, and so if it was a sin to be short, what would I do? Well I’d just be, you know, it’s how God made me."

I love KC. And so it’s nice to see her talk about how she can combine faith and acceptance and understanding that we are all—if you so choose to believe—God’s children.

We’re born how we’re born. Get used to it.

Chris Culliver, of the San Francisco 49ers, who made headlines when he said gays were not welcome in the locker room, on his meeting with The Trevor Project:

"As an African American male, I should know better. Hate and discrimination have a lasting effect, and words matter. I also have a responsibility to myself, and especially to my young fans to be a better role model. The kids who look up to me and other athletes are the future of our country, and our future deserves better than fear, hate and discrimination... I was wrong, and I want to learn how to make it right. That's why I reached out to an organization called The Trevor Project... No child should ever feel like they are less than anyone else, and God has put me through this storm so I can learn from my mistakes and help make sure no child has to feel that way, again."

I'd like to withhold praise, for now. The cynic in me sometimes wonders if, after some people get nailed for their homophobic rants or Tweets, and they suddenly become so, um, tolerant, if it isn’t just an act to repair their tarnished image.

I’m hoping Culliver means what he says today more than what he said a couple of months ago.

Mitt Romney, auditioning for a job at FauxNews, reminding us once again why he is unelectable:

"I believe that marriage is a relationship between a man and a women, and that's because I believe the ideal setting for raising a child is where there's a mother and a father in the home. Other people have differing views and I respect that, whether that's in my party or in the Democratic Party. But these are very personal matters. My hope is that when we discuss things of this nature, we show respect for people who have differing views."

Yes, he’ll be respectful of my view that marriage should be equal but he doesn’t share that view.

And, sorry Mittsy The Unelectable, but it’s not a personal issue, it’s a matter of equality, legality and discrimination.

Believe what you want, legislate equality.

Bill Clinton, on the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA]:

“As the president who signed the act into law, I have come to believe that DOMA is contrary to those principles and, in fact, incompatible with our Constitution. ... When I signed the bill, I included a statement with the admonition that 'enactment of this legislation should not, despite the fierce and at times divisive rhetoric surrounding it, be understood to provide an excuse for discrimination.' Reading those words today, I know now that, even worse than providing an excuse for discrimination, the law is itself discriminatory. It should be overturned."

Nicely said.

And while I was angry at the time of the signing of DOMA, I am pleased to see that Clinton has come around and realized that separate is never, has never been, and will never be, equal.

"Suga" Rashad Evans, UFC fighter, signing the amicus brief sent to SCOTUS by Brendon Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe:

“I've never been a homophobe, never understood what that is all about. I knew some people who were gay and never cared about their sexuality. But at the same time, I didn't fully understand the issues around gay people until my friend BA [Brendan Ayanbadejo] started telling me about his full public support for gay marriage. We talked about the issue and I decided it’s not enough to not be against a minority, if you want things to go better for them you have to speak up with them. ... I'm a UFC fighter, a macho-type sport. I am a heterosexual guy in a tough macho sport, which is exactly the reason I feel a duty to say I support gay marriage and gay rights. ... I have nothing to gain personally from supporting this issue, and that's the point. Society as a whole is better when there is equality, and I want to live in a country where everyone has the same rights because we all benefit from that. ... What people overlook is that it isn't a sex issue, it’s a love issue. There's no justifiable reason for trying to get in the way of two people who love each other. ... I have kids. I don't want them growing up in a society where they, or their friends, could be second class citizens based on which person they fall in love with or who they want to be happy with.”

Welcome to the club, “Suga,” and thanks for stating it all so beautifully.

Cyndi Lauper, on Donald Trump:

"I’m not going to kiss ass with somebody like that...I felt that what he said about the gay community was disappointing because a lot of gay people work for him. It’s just sad. I thought he could have done better for his country than just go to the lowest common denominator and stir up the crap. It’s our country, it’s not wrestling. If you try and make our president fail, it doesn’t matter who he is, you make our country fail. And if you really are a patriot, if you really give a sh*t about our country, you don’t do stuff like that. First of all, you’re an entertainer, and you make ugly buildings, and you’re famous for it. And you have a reality show with very high ratings. Don’t step into the forum like that. Become educated with facts. Don’t just be a sh*t-stirrer. Our country is in trouble and he keeps wanting to make [Obama] fail. Let’s call a spade a spade. The guy’s a black man and that’s your issue? What kind of idiot are you? Come on.”

Team Cyndi. All the way.

Peter Tatchell, British activist, on the Queen's signing of the new Commonwealth Charter--which some say is a sign of her support for LGBT right:

"Media reports are wrong. The Queen has NOT expressed support for LGBT equality. The Commonwealth Charter that she’s signing includes no pledge on LGBT rights. LGBT rights were deliberately excluded. In 61 years as Queen, she has never publicly uttered the words lesbian or gay. She is a patron of hundreds of charities but none of them are gay ones. Not once has she visited or supported a gay charity. For the last four years, I’ve been pressing Buckingham Palace over the Queen’s failure to acknowledge the existence of LGBT people - and got nowhere. ... The Commonwealth Charter does not include any specific rejection of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This was vetoed by the homophobic majority of member states. They blocked its inclusion in the charter. This makes the Queen’s signing of the charter even less of a big deal. It is certainly not the breakthrough for LGBT rights that some people are claiming." 

Let’s be clear, the Queen is not about the queens.

Jeanne Ives, Illinois Republican Representative, on voting against marriage equality:

"They're trying to redefine marriage. It's a completely disordered relationship and when you have a disordered relationship, you don’t ever get order out of that. So I’m more than happy to take a 'no' vote on the issue of homosexual marriage. … I'm more than happy to stand up and take a courageous vote here on this issue because it's the right thing to do. Essentially what they’re trying to do is not just redefine marriage, they’re trying to redefine society. They’re trying to weasel their way into acceptability so that they can then start to push their agenda down into the schools, because this gives them some sort of legitimacy. And we can’t allow that to happen. The rights to marriage, it's really a natural right.  It’s the natural right of the child to be with both parents, either in an adoptive nature or in a biological nature. To not have a mother and a father is really a disordered state for a child to grow up in and it really makes that child an object of desire rather than the result of a matrimony."

Where, oh where, to begin.

First off, Jeanne, you’re an idiot. Tell me how I am redefining marriage? Tell me how I am weaseling my way into being accepted, and then tell me why I need to be accepted by the likes of you. Tell me why you’ve just said children in single-parent homes are less well-off than children in two-parents, oops, mommy and daddy only, homes.

You can’t keep spouting the same nonsense and not be asked to explain why …. And just repeating it is not an explanation. So, maybe, Jeanne, once your brain clicks in, you’re realize you aren’t being courageous, you’re just goose-stepping along with the bigots and homophobes, and is that really where you want to go?