Another Hero

This is what a hero looks like:

Eric Alva was the first Marine to be seriously injured in the war in Iraq. Eric was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a guest on "Oprah".


Oh Yeah, he came out as gay last week in Washington D.C. and called for the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military to be abandoned.

Although I'm no longer wearing the uniform of the U.S. Marine Corps, my mission continues to be protecting the rights and freedoms of all Americans. I have realized that I have an obligation to myself, my partner Darrell and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans across the country to stand up and speak out for our deserved rights.

What Would Dick Say?

Is Jeff Jacoby is propping up Willard Romney's failling campaign for President by trying to resurrect the argument against equal marriage? For most of the article he writes about Washington State's clever group, Washington Defense of Marriage Alliance, who is advocating a law requiring marrying couples to have children within 3 years of marriage or risk having their marriage unrecognized. The backers believe it will drive social conservatives nuts and, well, Jacoby takes the bait.

But Gadow and his fellow activists are assaulting a straw man. No mainstream opponent of same-sex marriage claims that having children is the sole purpose of wedlock. Marriages can serve any number of purposes -- cementing the bond between partners, guaranteeing financial security, having a legitimate sexual outlet, ensuring companionship, and so on. People get married for various reasons; the desire to raise a family is only one of them.

Gee Jeff, that's not what Romney was just saying. That's not what the New York's Supreme Court thinks either. Go over to Mass Family Institute's Vote on Marriage FAQs and see how many of their links mainly talking about marriage because of the children.

Back to Jacoby, he brings up the tired argument:

Because sex between men and women can result in children, and because children tend to do best when raised by their mothers and fathers, society has a vested
interest in encouraging long-term, monogamous, heterosexual marriage. Not all
married couples reproduce. But every opposite-sex marriage has the ability to
give a father and a mother to any child the couple creates or adopts. That is
something no same-sex couple can provide, which is one reason homosexual
marriage has never been a social institution.

But he adds a new one: "society has a vested interest in encouraging long-term, monogamous, heterosexual marriage." Sounds like same sex marriage would solve one of the problems Brian and Amy have with the gay community since they claim that gay people aren't monogamous. Jeff, did you forget that gay people can adopt or create a child too?

The thing I find the most offensive thing about this article:

• a man (who has a mom and a dad) started a war where over 3000 American troops have died,
• the world is getting steadily warmer and the ice caps are melting
• people are killing each other with guns everyday
• hurricanes and natural disasters are displacing thousands of people all around the world

And yet Jacoby still writes about the reason to take away or prevent loving same sex couples from marrying.

Diversity is a hallmark of our nation

A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit that Mad Dad Parker filed against the practically everyone in the town of Lexington:

Chief Judge Mark L. Wolf of the US District Court said that under the Constitution, public schools are "entitled to teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens in our democracy. Diversity is a hallmark of our nation.''

My sympathies go out to the children who were caught up in all this mess and the Lexington same sex parents who had to witness this nasty and bigoted attack on their families in their own town.

Mass Marrier has done a wonderful analysis here.

Romney Recites Schoolyard Ditties

That's right, Mitt "Did you hear the one about Massachusetts" Romney was in South Carolina reciting ditties:

"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage," the presidential hopeful told a crowd of about 175 people gathered at a private club.

Then trying once again to link marriage (the only issue he thinks he leads on) to education he said that:

student success is closely tied to married couples getting involved in their children's education.

Finally, he got something right. Married couples getting involved in their children's education is a good thing, that's why Massachusetts is one of the states that leads in education, has low divorce rates AND has EQUAL MARRIAGE.

I have a friend who used to teach in Massachusetts and moved to North Carolina for the warmer weather. She was shocked by how few families were involved in their child's education. It was a sharp contrast to Massachusetts where the families, gay and straight, are heavily involved in their child's education.

Mitt, maybe you should bring same sex marriages to the south like you did in Massachusetts to improve it's educational system and lower its divorce rate.

Say Anything!

Ex-Massachusetts Governor Willard Romney was on ABC's This Week. From his appearance this morning we learn from him that same sex couples marrying is worse than abortion.

In another effort to pander to the religious right (although I can't see how these issues help him with the stance he has) he believes that the issue of abortion, (which he would not define as murder) which he says is the "taking of a life", should be left up to the states. He says he doesn't want to impose his beliefs on the country.

Then in the next breath he says he believes in a federal amendment to ban equal marriage, screw states rights on this issue.

So Mitt, why won't you come out and explain why same sex couples marrying is so important it requires a federal constitutional amendment yet something you believe is the "taking of a life" is OK if a state allows it?

Oh yeah, gotta love that he joins the NRA in August right before he decides to enter the race for the Presidency.

One's Out and Another's Down and Out

Tim Hardaway, an ex-NBA player, proclaimed this past week that he hates gay people and that he is a homophobic and the NBA acted quickly:

"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people," he said. "I'm homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."

This was in response to a question about another ex-NBA player, John Amaechi, who came out. Of course the anti-gay forces threw Hardaway to wolves:

"Hardaway's comments are both unfortunate and inappropriate," said Matt Barber, CWA's Policy Director for Cultural Issues (which concerned woman is he exactly?). "They provide political fodder for those who wish to paint all opposition to the homosexual lifestyle as being rooted in 'hate.' It's important to note that Hardaway's words represent the feelings of Hardaway. His words do not represent the feelings of the vast majority of people opposed to the homosexual agenda. (has he ever read the Massresistance postings?)

It's always unfortunate for them when the true feelings of the anti-gays come out in the main stream Media. It's unfortunately when the curtain is pulled down to reveal the ugly truth of their "ministries".

The good thing to come out of all of this is that everyday people, who have been fooled by those that claim to love the sinner hate the sin, are finally seeing the truth. And as the Bible says, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free." It will set us all free.

I'm an Informed Conservative

That is according to Massresistance/Article 8. Brian and Amy put up a little "quiz", a 20 question multiple choice exam on Mitt Romney. I must admit that while the content is good (it's nothing that hasn't already been published in the Massachusetts' newspapers or on Blue Mass Group) the execution is poor. Just look at their scoring system:

19-20 Informed Conservative
14-18 National Review Subscriber
8-13 RINO
0-7 Pro-Romney blogger

I guess they're trying to squeeze out a few more minutes of fame (and failing big time at satire). After all its been over two (or is it three) weeks since they were supposed to put out their 2nd "big" report on Romney. (What else can they say that hasn't already been reported?)

If you're eagerly awaiting their next "Romney scoop" you'll just have to wait since they are too busy snaping pictures of students.

Homosexual Activists Unite!

Hi all, I haven't posted in a bit but I didn't want to go longer than a week without putting anything up. I haven't been posting because quite frankly Massresistance/Article 8 are just getting more and more irrelevant. Her latest rant is about why she doesn't allow comments and then says we don't believe in free speech or in a polite exchange of ideas (I still question how you can be polite to people who want to take any your civil rights)

Be that as it may, I do allow comments on this blog and I do offer you a place to refute the lies and propaganda that the hate mongers post. We do believe in free speech.

Go at it!

Some People Refuse to Acknowledge the Obvious

Well, Ms. Massresistance is back at it again. She's complaining because the Boston Globe did an article on a peace vigil in New Bedford one year after a man, who walked in a bar, asked if it was a gay bar, started shooting at the patrons:

This is news, rating a huge color photo on page one of the Globe's second section: A candlelight vigil by a bunch of young people for the one-year anniversary of a crazy man's rampage in a New Bedford bar? All this hypercoverage just because it was a homosexual bar? What was the point of the vigil? Are we going to quell the incidence of insane outbursts by lighting candles?

As any normal person could tell, the vigil was held because of the violence inflicted on gay and lesbian people. Violence that is often incited by hate speech, but again, Massresistance/Article 8 believes that their hate speech wouldn't incite anyone so they're not to blame. How offensive!

Here is a reminder of what the head of the NGLTF said last year:

Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force"The hatred and loathing fueling this morning's vicious attack on gay men in New Bedford is not innate, it is learned. And who is teaching it? Leaders of the so-called Christian right, that's who. Individuals like James Dobson of Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council's Tony Perkins, the Rev. Pat Robertson and their ilk are obsessed with homosexuality. They use their vast resources, media networks and affiliated pulpits to blame lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people for all the ills of society. They disguise their hatred as 'deeply held religious beliefs.' We have witnessed seven years of vicious anti-LGBT organizing in Massachusetts — and endured the hate-filled rantings of Brian Camenker of the Article 8 Alliance and Parents Rights Coalition and Ed Pawlick of MassNews. The blood spilled this morning is on their hands."

I should note that MassNews is no longer even on the web. They were only posting every month or so and now the anti-gay website is just plain gone. One down, more to go.

Note to Ms. Massresistance, just so you know what a hate really is:

Hate crimes are the most extreme form of discrimination: a crime motivated, in whole or in part, by hatred, bias, or prejudice against an individual because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender. The victim’s individual identity - real or perceived - doesn’t matter to the offender; any person who appears to be a member of the group will serve his or her purpose. And that purpose is to send a very simple message: “You don’t belong. We will hurt those who are different.”

From the Mass Attorney General's document entitled "Hate Crimes in Massachusetts: A guide of victims and communities" June 2005.

Who's Trying to Buy Massachusetts?

In a Boston GLOBE article today, it is reported that Vote On Marriage, the anti-gay, anti-marriage group reported its contributions for 2006:

VoteOnMarriage.org more than doubled its contributions from the year before, with big-money donations coming from broader "family"-oriented organizations: Colorado-based Focus on the Family contributed $74,632; Citizens for Community Values in Ohio gave $50,000: and the Wakefield-based Coalition for Marriage and Family gave $40,500.

But individual donors also contributed:

John McNeice , a Canton retiree, gave $26,600; real estate executive John DeMatteo of Wellesley gave $10,000; and Winchester retiree Andrew Mills gave $30,000

AND, if this amendment goes to the ballot expect to see more homophobic dollars flow into the the Commonwealth. I'm sure the Legislators will love that, because after this amendment goes to the voters (if it makes it that far) and the Commonwealth votes discrimination into the Constitution, the outside money will dry up (Focus on the Family will start going after divorce next). BUT, we citizens of Massachusetts will still be here and we will still be giving money to Marriage Equality supporters AND we will be running candidates against those who voted to put discrimination into the Constitution. We are NOT going away and you can take THAT to the bank.

From Gay Sex to Romney

It must be a slow news day. Well, it's either that or the Boston Globe REALLY hates the absentee ex-Governor Willard Romney. If you didn't see the Globe's front page, it's precious! A story on Massachusetts' most infamous homophobe, Brian Camenker.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll get a big kick out of this quote by Camenker (talking about Romney):

"Oh, man, this is really a riot," Camenker said. "It's adolescent for him to react that way -- the guy is running for president of the United States."

To you new readers, the inside joke is that the only two words Brian Camenker says more than "homosexual activists" is "Oh, man". His sad, pathetic show on Saturday mornings is full of "Oh, Man's" and now he's even quoted in the paper as saying it. I made up a Massresistance Drinking Game because of it. (See the last bullet in my September 2, 2006 post.)

As for the rest of the article, there's really not that much new, except to learn that Brian was working on the "Romney files" in the wee hours of the morning. Oh, yeah, and that Brian is obsessed with gay sex, but again, if you're a regular reader you already know that (is Romney his new obsession? Say what you will about his politics but Romney is good looking)

Some conservatives say Camenker's report, spiked with references to gay sex, has seriously damaged Romney's effort to woo conservative voters. Others dismiss the report as a joke. But Romney is not laughing. Earlier this month, he fired back with a press release titled "Meet the Real Brian Camenker," which includes quotes from Camenker saying he was once a social liberal and a link to Camenker's appearance on "The Daily Show," where he was mocked by the comedian Ed Helms.

The Globe only makes it's articles available for a few days so be sure to read it before it will cost you. It's not worth paying to read when you can learn about his crazy antics on this blog for free.

Romney vs Camenker: TKO?

We've been enjoying the pissing match between Brian Camenker and Ex-Govenor Willard Romney. Watching both of them trying to show who is more anti-gay has even garnered some national attention (much to Romney's dismay and Camenker's delight) and has even increased the hits on this blog.

So World-O-Crap blog has entered the fray with a wonderful analysis of the whole Camenker versus Romney smackdown. She even included some details that I had forgotten about Camenker (like his fascination with Marxism and his jaunts to gay bars in Boston).

The post is so good that Romney's advisers should bone up on it.

Is Romney's Congressional Liaison Gay?

Hat tip to the Phoenix's Talking Politics blog for this gem:

The Romney "exploratory" campaign today announced that Louisiana Congressman Jim McCrery will be Romney's congressional liaison, i.e. the guy trying to get other GOP congressmen to endorse Romney.

Way way back in 1992, the Advocate reported that McCrery was a closet homosexual. McCrery, a staunch gay-rights opponent, has always denied it. As far as I know, there's never been anything new to the allegation, but his name periodically pops up in discussions about supposedly hypocritical gay Republicans (such as during the Mark Foley scandal).

So, it would be entirely inappropriate to suggest that Mitt Romney's congressional liaison is gay. That would be wrong. Tempting, but very, very wrong....

I'm guessing Massresistance/Brian Camenker isn't aware of this one yet because I'm sure it will make their website, I mean another hint that Romney is working with homosexuals!!!!

I did a google search of Rep. McCrery & the word "gay" and it gives over 18,000 hits (and they're not only talking about him voting for the anti-gay federal marriage amendment either!)

In full disclosure I should note that Rep. McCrery has a wife and two kids just like other confirmed heterosexual men, for example the Rev. Ted Haggard, so I'm sure the Advocate just got it wrong when they said he was gay in a 1992 article.

Come to think of it, that was about the same time Romney was courting the Log Cabin Republicans for his run for the Massachusetts Senate. Wow...what a coincidence!

It's the Reason I Started This Blog!

An alert reader posted a link to a TownHall.com article which is written by a man who used to be a friend of Brian Camenker, Dean Barnett. The article is called Me and Brian Camenker. It's noteworthy to point out that the TownHall.com's radio personalities are all on the radio station that Brian and Amy do their Saturday radio show. You can read the full article here, but here are a few snippets (emphasis mine):

For this news cycle anyway, Brian Camenker has emerged as a thorn in Mitt Romney’s side. A long time fixture on the fringe of Massachusetts politics, Camenker and his organization, MassResistance, have steadily expressed their disappointment with Mitt Romney as well as virtually every other Massachusetts Republican. One important note – Camenker’s MassResistance verges on being a hate group. Its disappointment with Romney and his Republican predecessors in the Massachusetts’ gubernatorial office is that they haven’t been sufficiently hostile to homosexuals.

and

There was also the issue of Brian’s feelings regarding homosexuality. Brian opposed anything that the schools might do that taught tolerance for homosexuals, not on the practical ground that scarce resources for education should be used solely for, you know, education, but rather on a "moral" ground that teaching tolerance for homosexuality was somehow immoral. I found this repugnant, and was not shy about saying so at Ward and City Committee Meetings. Additionally, it was bad politics. One other note - I also thought that Brian’s concerns regarding homosexuality were deepening into an obsession.

He even talks about the ridiculousness of Article 8/Massresistance's obsession last year with the Macy's mannequins. You really have to read it for yourself.

When the people who are supposed to be on your side are saying these things, I do believe it's time to pack it up.

Remember

Dr. Martin Luther King

January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.--

"Letter from Birmingham Jail," 16 April 1963

Toto, We're Not In Kansas Anymore!

I know I've talked about Massresistance: The Radio Show before and I have warned readers NOT to listen because of the sheer boredom factor but Saturday's show was different. I HIGHLY recommend that you listen to this show. Even though both voices on the show still come across with in the same dull monotone manner it is refreshing to hear the exasperation in their voice.

What a difference a week makes. Just a week ago they were laughing and back slapping with reported assaulter Larry Cirignano so I didn't know what to expect. But this week it's billed as the show about "bad news" with the bulk of the program based on this:

Jan 13/14 - How bad it's looking . . .

Listen to the full show here.

Download the podcast.
Featuring: We're not pulling any punches. The cowardly "pro-family" legislators on Beacon Hill. The sell-outs among "pro-family" activists.

It reminded me of how I felt on January 4th at Governor Deval Patrick's inauguration (after the initial defeat of the Con Con on the January 2nd). As I was standing there outside the statehouse listening to this wonderful man take the oath of office I started to get a good tingling, tomorrow was here and the sun DID come out. It was suddenly all different.

No longer would the Governor of Massachusetts be entertaining the thoughts of discrimination by anti-gay or anti-family groups. Kris Mineau and Brian Camenker no longer had anyone on Beacon Hill to talk to. Yeah, there still are those 62 anti-marriage equality legislators but there is no longer that loudly vocal and anti-gay Phil Travis nor the anti-gay Emile "I'm not a homophobe I just want to take away gay couples rights and while I'm at it fire most of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court" Goguen, ditto for Marie Parente.

This was all realized again on Saturday when Brian and Amy whinned for the good part of the hour about how none of the legislators wanted to take up their pet causes. Even some of the legislators who voted for the anti-marriage equality amendment refused to put their name on Article 8/Massresistance's stuff. One Republican lawmaker "told" Brian he couldn't be on their side to remove the MA SJC because he was a lawyer.

Of course, Brian refused to name any of the legislators on his "side" (for fear they would be targeted like the tactics that Article 8/Massresistance/Mass "Family" Institute has done in the past to the pro-marriage equality lawmakers?) If you do want to see who's been on their side go to Take Mass Action's Election Analysis here. I was going to provide a link on Article 8/Massresistance's website but for some strange reason their removed their analysis from their website (but I still have a copy of it so I will post it here in the future) we still need to keep watching them.

The Hatfields and the McCoys

Yikes, it's too early on a Saturday morning without coffee to be reading this stuff on the web:

Romney's record on gay rights, social issues in cross-hairs - Boston.com

Addresses False Accusations Against Romney.

Well it seems our little leader of Massresistance/Article 8/Parent's Rights Coalition..., Brian Camenker, has been attacking our Absentee Ex-Governor Willard Romney and now accusations are flowing in the opposite direction.



Camenker, who usually just goes on the attack after gay people and children's books set his sights on Romney when Ole Willard started to mention the "P" word (that's Presidency folks). He released some document of sorts that chronicled Romney "gay" activities from his failed run at the Senate to the present day. When they, Massresistance (and I use the term "they" loosely since there really is only about two of them) found they weren't getting the credit they thought they deserved for leaking all this information about Romney they tried to bring in the BIG Guns:

Activist Claims 'Deception' Behind Gov. Romney's 'Conversion' to Conservatism

Apparently these attacks on Romney are started to have some effect because now Romney is going on the defense (and after Camenker) Caution: the following link is to a flipflopping wannabee presidential candidate:

Research Briefing: Meet The Real Brian Camenker Caution: this link is to a flipflopping, Ken doll-like, say what you think the people want to hear, presidential candidate.

Which includes these gems:

Camenker Is Not A Credible Voice And Pushes An Extreme Ideology

Camenker Has A Record Of Attacking Prominent Republicans

Yes, those are on Willard Romney's official website.

Now, inquiring minds want to know...who's right, Brian Camenker or Mitt Romney?

Well, maybe they're BOTH right!

Can You Have a Civil Dialogue When They're Trying to Take Away Your Civil Rights?

I first heard about it over at the Blue Mass Group then I got my own email: the anti-gay, anti-family Mass "Family" Institute is calling for dialogue on Marriage Equality:

Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI) announced an initiative this week that seeks to build mutual respect and dialogue between those who support and those who oppose same sex marriage in Massachusetts.

Advocates for same sex marriage routinely have called supporters of the marriage amendment hateful and bigoted, while amendment supporters say they are simply following the constitutional process to have their voice heard on what they view as an important social issue.

MFI and VoteOnMarriage.org - the ballot question committee seeking to advance the Massachusetts marriage amendment - have endeavored to advance a campaign that refrains from name calling and does not denigrate individuals. However, as many political pundits predict, the same sex marriage debate, much like the abortion debate, will be with us for decades and MFI sees a need and an opportunity to work with leaders on all sides to promote justice in the way we discuss our differences.

"The tone and rhetoric around this public policy issue have escalated to a frenzied level, too often with shouting that does nothing to promote understanding. Denouncing individuals as bigots does not bring people with honest differences together. We would like to work with our opponents to raise the quality of the dialogue," said Kris Mineau, president, Massachusetts Family Institute and spokesman, VoteOnMarrige.org

In the coming months, MFI will convene forums and develop policy recommendations on ways to build bridges and promote positive dialogue on the very real and honest differences both sides espouse relative to same sex marriage and its implications on social policy in the Commonwealth.

Even as this initiative beings to take shape, MFI and VoteOnMarriage.org will continue to urge supporters of the marriage amendment to be respectful of human differences and always maintain a dialogue that affirms the dignity of every person.

"I have come to know my political opponent Marc Solomon, executive director of MassEquality as a gentleman who has strong personal convictions," Mineau added. "I believe that if asked he would come to the table in good faith to advance meaningful dialogue that his supporters also would embrace - today begins the process of asking."

What comes to mind first is how can we have mutal respect for these people who are trying to take away our civil rights? Secondly all I can think of are the times when MFI and its cohorts have "endeavored to advance a campaign that includes name calling and denigrates a whole group". It's obvious that they are now trying to appeal to the voters out there and tell them "We're nice people, we are being called bigots and hateful. We are victims, support us" Well, lest we forget the people who are involved with MFI":

Kris Mineau: "This is affecting me immediately because my children are in conflict. It's putting my children in turmoil," said Kris Mineau,"I've always argued that from May 17 onward, my heterosexual marriage was no longer unique, no longer a standard for the culture, and that's an affront to me and it grieves me."

Evelyn Reilly, MFI's public policy director, said on New England Cable News that she believes gay people are mentally ill.

Roberto Miranda, the leader of Vote on Marriage, likened marriage equality in Massachusetts to the terrorist attacks in New York on Sept. 11th. He also called homosexuality a virus.

Larry Cirignano, the leader of the Catholic Citizenship group and one of the people who headed up the Vote On Marriage signature drive physically attacked a woman who was carrying a sign for Marriage Equality.

Blue Mass Group is also taking the first shot at civil dialogue by asking Kris Mineau to renounce the statements made by Roberto Miranda, (who was standing in the aisle shouting and yelling at us on the Marriage Equality side of the Gardner Auditorium while everyone looked on). I can't wait to see their response.

The Real Romney?

Here's the video which didn't post the first time. (hat tip to Blue Mass Group)

A Love to Hide

My husband and I watched this moving drama this past weekend. I must admit I was hesitant since I'm not fond of foreign language films (reading the subtitles and trying to watch the film too) but this movie was worth it.

It's the story of two men in France, Jean and Philippe who take in Jean's childhood friend Sara, who's family was murdered by the Nazis. The male couple must keep their own relationship a secret while trying to help others.

This film is one of the few films which portray the persecution of the homosexuals by the Nazis which some people would like to pretend didn't exist.

I highly recommend this film.

Intellectually Dishonest, of course!

You probably wouldn't have caught it if you listened to their radio show yesterday but Brian Camenker and ilk don't support Mass "Family" Institute's marriage amendment (the casual listener wouldn't have gotten that from all the back slapping and congratulations that was going on.) If you're daring enough you can see on the Article 8/Massresistance website that there is a letter affirming their stance against the amendment (of course Brian Camenker is also one of the signers of the amendment so that really makes NO sense but then again, has he ever?). Here are a couple of snippets:

We, the undersigned, do hereby declare our opposition to the newly proposed marriage amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution, announced by the
VoteOnMarriage.org ballot-question committee on June 16, 2005.

snip

We are troubled that VoteOnMarriage claims that nullifying the same-sex "marriages" (performed prior to their amendment's enactment) would not be possible, because the U.S. Constitution prohibits ex post facto laws. This is misleading and untrue. An ex post facto law makes illegal an act that was legal when committed (or increases the penalties for an infraction after its commission, or changes the rules of evidence to make conviction easier).

I had thought that Brian and Amy were going to be intellectually honest and voice their opinion however that was not the case. Did you ever hear Amy ask what would happen if the people voted the amendment down like she asked a failed Massachusetts Rep. candidate a couple of weeks ago? No, they were both so happy that the gay community suffered any kind of a setback, no matter how small, that they were ready to smother their guest with kisses.

You see, it's really not about the process or the democracy or the "activist" judges for that matter (they were thrilled Vote on Marriage went to the courts). It's all about the hate.

Mitt Who?

Today's installment of Massresistance: The Radio Show had Larry Cirignano, the man who reportedly assaulted a woman at the Worcester Vote on Marriage Rally a couple of weeks ago. Both Brian and Amy neglected to ask the alleged assaulter about the incident. Could it be that he's given so many different versions of the incident that he didn't want to go on record again with a another different version? Anyway, Larry said he was at the Massachusetts Consitional Convention this past week until it ended at 8:30 and he was glad that they legislators fulfilled their constitutional duty. (Except they didn't since they didn't vote on the Health Care Amendment which is also the "people's amendment) Maybe Larry was outside looking for more women push down?

In another segment of the show they talked about how the climate around the State House has changed and they claim it was because of the Con-Con. I'd beg to differ. I think the climate around the State House has changed because a wonderful new Governor was inaugurated. I can't imagine Gov. Patrick seriously considering any new laws that Kris Mineau, Brian Camenker or any of the other anti-gay activists put forth. And who in the Legislature is going to be their mouthpiece? The two most vocal anti-gay legislators retired (because they surely would not have won another term a la Marie Parente.)

Note to Brian Camenker: We were singing Kumbaya not in victory but because we had all been just shouted at by the Rev. Roberto "gay marriage is like the 9-11 terrorist attacks" Miranda.

While the Con-Con was a let down and yes it was disappointing, it is far from over. They still need to prevail at another Con-Con and then they have to get the voters to ok the amendment. But even that's not the end since their amendment will create three different classes of people which even Ms. Massresistance says won't pass constitutional muster.

On a brighter note, Governor Deval Patrick's inaugural address was so incredibly uplifting. No longer will the groups that want to divide this Commonwealth have the Governor's ear and it feels great! The Inaugural ball was divine too, my husband and I had many people we didn't even know telling us how sorry they were about what happened. It really topped off our night.

Memoirs of a Gay-sir at the Con Con

It's been a couple of days since the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention and I've finally gotten time to jot down a few thoughts from that day:

• One can really feel the hatred from the Vote On Marriage people just by standing next to them.
• The Vote On Marriage people, in keeping with their fraudulent and dishonest signature drive took off their yellow stickers so that they could sit in the Marriage Equality section. When they were asked to move because of a joint arrangement by the Vote on Marriage & MassEquality.org people, they claimed they were neutral.
• I guess I could understand the Vote on Marriage people wanting to sit on our side since their side had Larry Cirignano, the leader of the Catholic Citizenship group who reportedly physically attacked a woman at a Worcester Rally.
• Kris Mineau of the Mass "Family" Institute congratulated the Legislature for voting to put discrimination into the Massachusetts Constitution yet stayed silent when the same Legislature doesn't vote on the citizen petition for the Health Care Amendment. Ditto for Absentee Gov. Romney and Senate President Travaglini.
• A lovely older woman was sitting next to my husband and I at the State House. She was sitting with her daughter who was a Minister (and wearing a rainbow clerical stole) from one of the many religious organizations supporting Marriage Equality. We were so thrilled she was there to support her daughter until we got to talking to them and found out that it was the other way around and that she had been with her partner for over 22 years!
• Most of the Vote on Marriage crowd were bussed in for the day and ended up leaving early because their buses were taking off.
• While the Vote on Marriage crowd was predominately senior citizens, the Mass Equality crowd continues to be more diverse in both age and race.
• The Vote on Marriage people who are united in their hate of gay people aren't even united in prayer. During one of the recesses they had two separate prayer groups. First all the Protestants prayed together, then when they sat down the Catholics got up and said the Rosary separately.
• Rev. Roberto Miranda, the leader of Vote on Marriage group and the guy who equated same sex marriage to the terrorist attack on Sept. 11th, came up to us on the Marriage Equality side, pointed and shook his finger at us yelling "You know you are wrong, you know you are wrong". Jesus would have been so proud.
• Some "Vote on Marriage" guy threw a "Jesus is the Savior and you need to obey him" paper at my husband. We corrected the grammar and it will be posted soon.
• Thank God that Massachusetts is now led by Governor Deval Patrick.

I'm sure I'll have more thoughts as time passes and I get to shake off all the hate that was bestowed upon us on Tuesday (and gear up for the future because of Tuesday).

Romney Wastes the Court's Time

By now everyone has heard the news about the Massachusetts SJC refusing to force the legislators to vote on the gay marriage issue. As usual, Governor Willard "Did you hear the one about Massachusetts" Romney is spinning this as a victory because the legislature got a scolding:

Eric Fehrnstrom, a spokesman for Governor Mitt Romney, hailed the ruling as vindication for the plaintiffs even though the court dismissed the suit.

"We are very pleased that the court has confirmed once and for all that the Legislature has a constitutional duty to vote on the marriage amendment and that any failure to do so would be a violation of their oaths of office," Fehrnstrom said.

The story that no one is talking about is how the Governor and his band of merry men filed a frivolous lawsuit knowing full well that the SJC couldn't do anything. I guess he just loves wasting the justices time:

Fehrnstrom said that Romney and the other plaintiffs knew the lawsuit would be difficult because there was no legal mechanism to force the legislators to vote despite the Constitution.

But they just figured they would waste the taxpayers money and the Court's time on this stupid lawsuit. (Some of them are doing it to the federal court too)

Gays Can't Shoot Straight?

Sometimes you think you've seen it all, but then you read today's top story in the Boston Globe:

Military considers recruiting foreigners

I guess this means that gays and lesbians have now moved below illegal immigrants on the political totem pole of life. To think that the Pentagon is more willing to put non-Americans in the military than it's own citizens is absurd.

The Pentagon should propose removal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy before it starts recruiting non-Americans. No discussion ever goes on about how our troops are serving (with the allies decreasing daily but that's another story) alongside other nation's troops who allow gay and lesbian service people, and it hasn't been a problem.

Recruiting Gay and Lesbians will not solve the armed services recruitment crisis but it is a step in the right direction. There are countless LGBT Americans who would like to serve openly and proudly but are not allowed.

A MassResistance Watch History Moment:

Alan Turing, the man who is believed to be the one who broke the Nazi Enigma Code and also the father of artificial intelligence. Oh, yeah, Alan Turing was gay. He ended up taking his own life after being persecuted as a security risk because he was gay.

Merry Christmas!

so you don't have to look at Marie Parente anymore! (The people have voted)

Anti-Gay Legislator Wants Extra Padding

Another story out yesterday was about some state employees who wanted more money for their pensions:

Outgoing Milford state Rep. Marie Parente is among a number of prominent retired state officials who have quietly requested boosts in their state pensions.

The officials are making the move after former University of Massachusetts President William Bulger won a legal battle to increase his pension, the Globe reports in a front-page story today.

"I feel I earned my retirement," said Parente, a 26-year member of the House who is seeking a pension boost of about $8,000 to about $60,000.

Yeah Ms. Parente, you earned it, like when you were sitting with your family in the gallery during the last Constitutional Convention? And what did you earn this additional $8,000 for?

Parente said money she received for travel, office expenses, and the value of a State House parking space should be included in her pension, which would boost it by about $8,000 to an expected $60,000.

Wow, I never thought traveling from Milford was that expensive nor did I think that paying someone to park AFTER they left their job was standard practice. Marie, maybe the people of Massachusetts should vote on YOUR pension?

The Other Idiot In Worcester

With all the talk about the President of the Massachusetts Catholic Citizenship assaulting a defenseless woman everyone is overlooking the other speakers at the anti-gay rally. Because in addition to the physical assault by Larry Cirignano, it appears that one of the other anti-gay speakers is losing his memory:

As the final speaker of the afternoon, Mr. Flynn said same-sex marriage opponents had not wanted to take the matter into court, but were left with no other options when the Legislature voted to recess its Constitutional Convention last month rather than vote on whether to put the proposed amendment on the November 2008 ballot.

“My heavens,” he said of the vote to recess. “Folks, I have never heard or seen anything like this in the history of Massachusetts.”

Uh, Mr. Flynn, have you forgotten about when the voters got enough signatures to put a woman's right to choose in the Constitution in 1990 and people like you got the legislature to adjourn before taking a vote? I didn't think so, you were only the mayor of Boston at the time. Maybe those years are a blur?

BTW, Mr. Mayor do you approve of Larry Cirignano's physical assault on a woman?

Anti-Gay Marriage Male Attacks Marriage Equality Female

You knew it would come to this. Larry Cirignano, the leader of the Catholic Citizenship group physically attacked a woman who was carrying a sign asking for no discrimination in the Constitution yesterday in Worcester. The Worcester Telegram reports:

Sarah Loy, 27, of Worcester was holding a sign in defense of same-sex marriage amid a sea of green “Let the People Vote” signs when Larry Cirignano of Canton, who heads the Catholic Citizenship group, ran into the crowd, grabbed her by both shoulders and told her, “You need to get out. You need to get out of here right now.” Mr. Cirignano then pushed her to the ground, her head slamming against the concrete sidewalk.

And then in true fashion, he continued acting like the true coward he is:

As Ms. Loy lay motionless on the ground, crying, Mr. Cirignano ran back behind the lectern, where moments before he had opened the afternoon rally by leading a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

These people hate gay people and their supporters so much that they resort to violence. If you want to see a picture of the guy that attacked a woman go here. I bet the Cardinal is so proud.

Update: Here is the information for the Catholic Citizenship. I think we need to ask them if this is how Larry treats all women.

Catholic Citizenship

198 Tremont Street Suite 450

Boston, MA 02116-4705

Tel. 617-755-7668 Fax 617-507-8263

Email:info@catholicvote.org

Tremont Temple Baptist Church Has Been a Place for Hate

I had read over at Queer Today about an event that Governor-elect Patrick is having for high school students on January 4th. Unbelievably, the event was being held at the Tremont Temple Baptist Church, the same Tremont Temple that held the homophobic Liberty Sunday and Love Won Out Events.

I was so astounded by this news that I called the Patrick/Murray campaign headquarters and YES, they were planning to hold it there. However, the person organizing the event called me back to say that they were not aware of the past issues at the Tremont Temple and had gotten another venue for the Youth event.

Thanks to Queer Today for alerting us (and them) of this action.

Our Northern Neighbors Are Moving On!

In Canada the House of Commons voted down the "traditional" meaning of marriage by a margin of 175 to 123.

The widely-anticipated result should be the final word on the issue, with both the Conservative and Liberal parties allowing a free vote. The Bloc Québécois and New Democratic Party voted against the motion.

So you would think that is the end of it, but no. There, just like here, the anti-gay activists will not let it die.

Memo to Massachusetts Legislators: while Kris Mineau and his ilk are now saying that it's about the "constitutional process" and not gay marriage, don't believe them. They won't stop trying even if it goes to the voters and they vote it down. These anti-gay activists will not be happy until they get their way.

So back to Canada:

But opponents of gay and lesbian marriage said on Wednesday that rejection of the motion would not end their bid to have the legislation overturned.

“Oh no, absolutely not,” Charles McVety, president of the Canada Family Action Coalition, told the Globe when asked whether his group will abandon the fight if the motion was defeated.

“We are going to continue to lobby members of Parliament, to raise up grassroots and to engage in the democratic process.”

I guess their oblivious to the fact that the majority of people in Canada are fine with same sex marriage and are ready to move on, just like Massachusetts.

Ooh, I can't wait for the next installment of Massresistance: The Radio Show! Maybe they'll have on Out of Touch ordained Presbyterian minister Tristian Emmanuel from Canada. He's always good for a hoot because Amy and Brian are always trying to equate what happens in Canada with what is going to happen here so I'm sure he'll have some good stories to tell. Now, I'm still waiting for universal Health care and a good economy.

The Lil' Bastard

Yep, Mary Cheney, daughter of the Vice President is pregnant and since she can't get married her child will be a bastard. The baby is expected in the spring and the Vice President and his wife are:

...looking forward with eager anticipation to the arrival of their sixth grandchild

While Mary considers herself married to Heather, she is sure to have numerous battles in her home state since Virgina just passed the worse anti-gay marriage amendment possible. The amendment bans recognition of any type of relationship and will most likely limit Heather from any kind of parental responsibility.
As AmericanBlog reports:

Virginia had already set up new Jim Crow laws targeting gays two years ago. Those laws may vitiate any legal agreement between the two, period, about anything. The law ensures that Mary's partner has no legal rights whatsoever in their child, or in what happens to Mary (or vice versa), such as if one partner has to go the hospital, the other can't visit. The law may even nullify any wills that Mary and Heather write regarding each other, and it may make it impossible for gay people to go to court to resolve any difference about anything - the courts can't recognize gay unions, so they can't make any decisions that would imply recognition (custody, hospital visitation, wills, etc.) It's beyond ironic that Virginia's new law, one of the most hateful, bigoted laws on the books, is now targeting the vice president's own daughter and soon-to-be new grandchild.

Mary, you and Heather can always move to Massachusetts where we treat all loving couples the same.

A Challenge Grant for Challenged People

If you happen to mosey over to Massresistance aka Article 8 aka Parent's Right Coalition aka etc... you'll see that they're in fundraising mode again:

=== 3. MassResistance offered $30,000 matching challenge grant - can we do it by Dec. 31? ===
One of the attendees of the MassResistance banquet has offered us a $30,000 matching grant! To get the money, we must match it with individual donations of $100 or more!The good news is that we're now over a third of the way there!! Yes, just by word of mouth we've raised $10,295 toward that goal! But we can't let up. (And we really should raise even more than that - a lot more!)

Please help us reach this goal!! It's people like you who keep this going.

www.parentsrightscoalition.org/massresistance_donations.htm

I happened to get deja vu when I was reading it and then I looked back into my posts and found this from last year:

I guess the "anonymous" donor couldn't ante up the $50,000 this year. They also seemed to have lowered the amount of the donations that will contribute to the "Challenge Grant" from $250 to $100. I guess their supporters are feeling the pinch.



Some people are also wondering if there even is an "anonymous" donor since Massresistance/Article 8 never names him or her. Don't you think they would want to be recognized for all the "good work" they're doing?


BTW, you don't hear much talk from them about "Removing the Judges" anymore. They only have less than one month left for their boy Emile Goguen to reprise his ridiculous claim.


Could that be the reason they changed their name from Article 8? I guess they were just losers from the beginning.

Willard Romney Sat On A Wall...

There is an excellent article in the Boston Globe today about our absentee governor and his use of illegal immigrants to do his lawn, the company also does his son Taggart's lawn about a mile away. When the absentee governor was asked in Florida about it, what do you think his response was? Was is:

• I have no dealings with companies that hire illegal immigrants?
• The people I hire are all documented.
• Which lawn?
• My wife takes care of that.
• Oh, the lawn company is good church abiding people, I know, because he goes to my church.

No, his response was:

Aw, geez

What? Governor, you're walking away, you didn't answer the question! (Must be getting coached on how to answer questions by Tom Delay's spokesman already) Well several hours later his spokesman, the guy who Romney was trying to give a state pension to did:

Several hours later, his spokesman, Eric Fehrnstrom, provided the Globe with a statement saying that the governor knows nothing about the immigration status of the landscaping workers, and that his dealings were with Saenz, who is a legal immigrant from Colombia.

Fehrnstrom said that Romney would look into the matter further.

Ah yes, Willard "Did you here the one about Massachusetts" Romney would look into the matter further. Do you think he will open up the State House gates to hold a press conference on the matter? Do you think he'll call his living props Kris Mineau and Ray Flynn to stand at his side?

The Absentee Governor of Massachusetts got caught and walked away. However, the article does say that he has nice lawn though.

Buenos Dias!

South Africa Has Same Sex Marriage

South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same sex marriages:

"(The) acting president ... has signed into law the Civil Union Act, 2006," the president's office said in a statement.

The legislation came into operation on Thursday, and allows for civil unions to be solemnized by way of either a marriage or a civil partnership.

Marriage Equality is on the march!

Citizen Romney's New Suit

Citizen Romney's suit is being heard today by a single justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. For all of you keeping score, yes, the absentee Governor of Massachusetts filed the suit in his capacity as a citizen of the Commonwealth and NOT the governor. Yet he held a rally for the suit as Governor, interesting.

The other co-signers of the suit are a who's who of anti-gay activists in the State and some of the 30 original signers of the petition*:

• C. Joseph Doyle,* the confirmed bachelor and regular "guest" on Massresistance: The Radio Show, signer
• Raymond "I'm not a bigot" Flynn*
• Richard F. Guerriero*
• Bronwyn E. Loring*, she signed the letter out of concern for her granddaughters (Is she afraid they won't be enough straight men left for them to get married?) and seems to be a bit obsessed with gay sex. She also founded the North Shore Christian Network.
• Robert S. Miranda*, also know as Roberto who links Sept 11th to Boston to Marriage Equality. Oh, and marriage equality is the work of the devil.
• Philip D. Moran*
• Joseph R. Nolan*, former Supreme Judicial Court Justice who Romney wanted to be special prosecutor in 2004 to stop the same sex marriages from happening.
• Jossie E. Owens*
• Richard W. Richardson*, who was/is with the spokesman for the Black Ministerial Alliance
• Mitt Romney (now why didn't he use his legal name and is he in the State today?)
• Philip Travis*, who is retiring from the legislature because he feels it has lost its moral courage. This from the man who was caught soliciting financial contributions for an Indian tribe in his district from several banks, at the same time controversial banking legislation was before the committee.

Catholic Church Tries to Extort Government

In the UK that is. The Archbishop of Birmingham, Rev Vincent Nichols, warns the government:

Archbishop Nichols said that the proposed regulations, designed to ensure equal treatment for gays, could mean the end of the Church's co-operation with the Government in providing a range of welfare services.

It amazes me that the Catholic Church would still try to flex is flabby arm of power to put down gay and lesbian people. God knows that helping the poor is less important than those terrible gays proclaiming love and loyalty for life.

Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister, said that the proposals spelled the "end of freedom of conscience in our country".

"They create a hierarchy of rights and whenever a homosexual right comes up against any other right the homosexual right prevails," she said, adding that the Government "seems to have no clue practising a religion means more than going to church".

That's right, it means standing up and proclaiming that certain people should be discriminated against and do not deserve that same rights as others!

What would Jesus do, help the poor and needy or stand up against gay people?

For Some It Will Never End...

All this week absentee Massachusetts Governor Willard Romney has been touting the "Let the People Vote" mantra whenever and where ever he can. He even staged a photo op last Sunday and used the Vote on Marriage people as a backdrop for his presidential ambitions. He and Kris Mineau (pronounced minnow like the little fish) are even trying to turn this into a constitutional vote thingy and not an actual vote on same sex marriage.

But lets step back a minute. The signature gathering for an amendment is only to get it to the legislature NOT actually to put it on the ballot and what if it actually went to the ballot and was voted down, what then? Well, the head of the Mass Family Institute, Kris Mineau says that he would abide by the whatever the voters agreed to, but would he....

Last week on Massresistance: The Radio Show, they had on failed State Senate candidate Sandi Martinez*. Brian asked her about a comment Kris Mineau made on TV when he said it would be over if the voters voted the amendment down, her response (you can listen to it on Massresistance's website here, it's about 13 minutes into the show):

Well, if the people vote on it, I think again it would depend on what the voter turnout was, it would depend on a lot of things. I mean some people are going to say, ok the voters have spoken and that's it, other people aren't going to be silenced until, ya know, they feel that everything possible that can be done has been done. And from I have been seeing in other states is that the majority of the people do not support homosexual marriage and I don't believe that we would lose.

She had been talking about a meeting she went to to prepare for the anti-gay rally that was held last week.

Essentially, they will never stop even if the people vote it down which is precisely the reason why the legislature should end this now. Is this really all the people in Massachusetts want to hear about for the next two years? It's pretty pathetic when the Governor of Massachusetts puts more energy into advocating for discrimination than he did to help the poor and needy in the State.

By the way Governor, aren't you doing the same thing you are accusing the legislature of, trying to subvert the constitution, by going to the SJC?

*In the general election Sandra Marinez lost to Susan Fargo by a margin of 64 to 36%.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have lots of things to be thankful (and hopeful) for:

• That no one was seriously hurt in that blast in Danvers
• That Deval Patrick will be the next Governor of Massachusetts
• That Governor Mitt Romney will only be governor for about 42 days (and probably only in the state for 5 of those days)
• For those 109 Legislators who voted to recess until January 2nd and raised the ire of the absentee governor.
• That our troops in Iraq will be coming home sooner rather than later
• Massresistance: The Radio Show because next to American Idol it's one of the finest forms of entertainment today.
• That we live in the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Feel free to add your own!

You've Got Pictures!

Chris over at Take Mass Action has some wonderful pictures and video from yesterday's rally. You shouldn't miss it!

BUH BYE Guv!

Well, Massachusetts' absentee governor held his presidential campaign rally, er, anti-gay marriage rally today in front of the State House. (From the looks of it, I wonder if tax payer money was used to put together this heinous show of discrimination?) All the news stories so far have said "hundreds" of people showed up on both sides. Me thinks they didn't get the turnout they were hoping for. Even Cardinal O'Malley and Ex-Boston Mayor Ray Flynn got about a thousand in 2004 for their hate fest.

I think it's funny that Romney, who has about a 30% approval rating in this state is trying to "lead the masses". He didn't do it four years ago and he can't do it today.

Yes, Governor, soon you will be history. I'm sure you won't be forgetting that two weeks ago Massachusetts voters overwhelming chose a Pro-Marriage equality candidate for the corner office. Your hand picked Lt. Governor floundered terribly. The Republican party you said you were going to built in the state has sunk to lows not seen since the Civil war. (Does anyone remember Ron Crews who ran the Mass Family Institute ran for state wide office, lost miserably and left the state?)

Yes, Governor, the people HAVE voted and you lost. BUH BYE!

Governor Romney's Photo Op.

Well, look who's in town on Sunday:

In a move to publicly pressure lawmakers who have so far ignored him, Gov. Mitt Romney plans to appear at a Statehouse rally on Sunday to demand the Legislature vote on a proposed ballot question that would end gay marriage in Massachusetts.

It appears that every time Governor Willard makes an appearance in Massachusetts it has something to do with same sex marriage. God know he's not appearing to announce that more jobs are coming into the Commonwealth or that violence in the State is dramatically down. Who are you kidding, everyone knows that this will be a photo opportunity for the absentee Governor. Brings to mind Governor George Wallace blocking the school doors from African American children.

Of course he's now repeating the new mantra of the anti-gay marriage supporters:

"No matter how you may feel about the marriage issue, people have a right to participate in their own government."

Uh, Governor, you might have been out of town, but an election was held last week and your Lt. Governor, Sherry Healey lost. Deval Patrick, the man who said during at least one televised debate that the Mass SJC "got it right" when they ruled for marriage equality, trounced her. Do you remember? Were you around that day? I know you were around in the evening because I saw the presidental campaign speech you gave that night, I mean the introduction you gave to the Lt. Governor when she conceded. Remember?

Anyhow, I can't wait for the photo op, oops, I mean rally. I'm sure you'll get a lot of people, especially if you bus them in right from the churches and nursing homes.

Inside the Statehouse

Here are some wonderful pictures of the victory celebration in Nurse's Hall. Just look at the joyful faces (click on a picture of get a larger view):

Pictures from the Con Con

Here are some pictures from the Constitutional Convention. (Hat tip to Iandb1 at the DemocraticUnderground.com) Click on a picture to get a closer look:

Here are a few pictures of Article 8/Massresistance head Brian Camenker "entering the Lion's Den" to take some photos for their website:

Here is one from the other side of the street where the anti-gay protestors stood. There were really quite a small group. There are more to come from inside the statehouse.

It was Unanimous!

What a glorious week this has been. Every day seems to get better and better. In the up coming days I will be posting some pictures of the past week, you may even see yourself in some of them.

My husband and I were lucky enough to be in the gallery yesterday during the Constitutional Convention when they were voting on same sex marriage. Most of the speakers literally brought tears to my eyes.

Then there were the speakers that were advocating for discrimination in the constitution (I was sorry for them). However this time they were trying a new tactic. Instead of saying how they didn't want same sex marriage, they couched it in a "well we should do the process thing and let the people vote." Amazing. These people didn't even have the nerve to stand up for their beliefs.
One of the anti-gay Reps, Rep. Phil Travers, must have forgotten that he and Emile Goguen submitted the anti-marriage bill (which Article 8/Massresistance take credit for) they were voting on because he called it unconstitutional and said that no one should vote for it. I wonder why he didn't think that when he first submitted it (which WAS after the Goodridge decision)? Needless to say the whole legislature defeated it unanimously. Here's Massresistance's take on it:

Shockingly, today we learned that there's not a single honorable, courageous legislator in Massachusetts. Item #19 on the calendar, the pure definition of marriage with a ban on civil unions (just before the weaker VoteOnMarriage amendment, #20) was voted down 196-0, just before the ConCon adjourned. Now what is wrong with #19? Our group filed it as a bill (H653), in an effort to strengthen the definition of marriage in our statutes. (Gov. Romney recommended this very course in his famous Wall Street Journal op-ed of February 2004!) The bill's co-sponsors were Rep. Goguen and Rep. Travis.

Granted, homosexual activist Sen. Barrios turned #19 from a bill into an amendment. (Though he never said a thing about that in his slimey speech.) But it could never have passed today anyhow (needing 50%+), so the pro-family legislators could safely have voted for it -- but still didn't. Unbelievable.

Reps. Goguen, Loscocco, Parente, DeMacedo, Sens. Brown, Hedlund: What happened to all of you? What twisted strategy were you following? The wording of #19 is exactly the same as the marriage amendment you supported in 2002! So why the change? Not a single legislator in Massachusetts is "brave" enough to confirm marriage is between a man and a woman, and civil unions should be banned! And that the Goodridge ruling is illegitimate; and that current same-sex "marriages" are illegal and should not be protected!

Of course, I don't understand why they call Sen. Barrios' speech"slimey" since he did exactly what they wanted, he just pushed their bill forward. They should be happy that the whole legislature finally got to vote on their bill. Did I say it was unanimously defeated?

I agree with Massresistance, I don't understand why the anti-gay reps (who were either voted out or are retiring) didn't vote for this amendment. It was exactly what they wanted. In the purest sense of the law, the whole legislature was given a choice, vote for marriage as the union of one man and one woman or not. They voted a resounding NO.

Oh How the Mighty Fall!

For the life of me I can't understand this whole Rev. Haggard problem. Here's the timeline:

• Wednesday of last week, a male escort, Mike Jones, announces that he had a three year sexual relationship with Rev. Haggard who called himself "Art".
• Rev. Haggard, head of the New Life Church and president of the National Association of Evangelicals denied even knowing Mike Jones.
• Haggard steps down from both posts pending an investigation.
• On Friday, Haggard denied having sex with Mike Jones but admits to buying "meth" and getting a massage from him in an interview in his car with his wife in the passenger seat and his kids in the back seat.
• On Sunday, a letter is read to the New Life Church's congregation's where Rev. Ted Haggard admits to "sexual immorality" He has resigned from the National Association of Evangelicals and was fired from the New Life Church.

Now here's the thing, if there was such a thing as an "ex-gay" don't you think that the leader of a megachurch, who supposedly has "God's ear" would have been able to break free of his gay tendencies? This man, Reverend Ted Arthur Haggard, was married with 5 kids yet he still snuck out to "hook up" with a male prostitute all the while preaching that being gay is bad.

This "Christian" thought that it was better to admit to buying drugs and lying to thousands of people than to admit to having a relationship with another man.

If God didn't want anyone to be gay, don't you think he would have at least made the leader of a megachurch and president of a National Evangelical organization straight? (My husband says God has a sense of humor)

The Ex-Gay Watch website has the letter that was read to the congregation. In it, Rev. Haggard says he tried to change but couldn't:

Through the years, I’ve sought assistance in a variety of ways, with none of them proving to be effective in me. Then, because of pride, I began deceiving those I love the most because I didn’t want to hurt or disappoint them.

The most telling thing about the whole letter is that Rev. Haggard cannot name what his "sexual problem" is. Additionally, Ex-Gay Watch notes:

Unfortunately, Haggard's failure to name the failed forms of assistance leaves other people vulnerable to the same ineffective and costly treatments.

Ex-gay therapies, PFOX, Exodus and so many others are just a sham and cannot change someone's sexual orientation, Rev. Haggard proved that! I mean come on folks, if he can't reverse his sexual orientation through prayer and accepting Jesus as his personal savior who can? I think God is having a good laugh.

Vote Your Conscience

I must admit that the Massresistance Radio show today was probably the most interesting out of all the shows so far. This only is because of the last guest they had on their show, Pastor Kevin Thompson. Pastor Thompson proudly posts of his appearance on the show:

I will be appearing on Mass Resistance radio this weekend. The program is hosted by Brian Camenker and Amy Contrada. They invited me to come on and talk about voting your conscience.

Pastor Thompson is one of the first people I've heard who is actually intellectually honest. I don't agree with his opinions but I respect the fact that he is not voting for someone because they are the "lesser of two evils" and instead is holding to his beliefs. I find Pastor Thompson more intellectually honest than the Cardinal O'Malley because of Cardinal O'Malley's stance on the Massachusetts anti-gay marriage amendment.

Haggard Resigns

All the media outlets are reporting that Haggard has resigned from his position as leader of the New Life Church:

“We, the Overseer Board of New Life Church, have concluded our deliberations concerning the moral failings of Pastor Ted Haggard,” a statement from the church said. “Our investigation and Pastor Haggard’s public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct.”

Let me repeat that again "SEXUALLY IMMORAL CONDUCT". Apparently, Rev. Haggard is FOR gay sex but against gay marriage since he was one of the most vocal proponents of Colorado's anti-gay marriage amendment.

Rev. Haggard should look at the bright side, next year he can be the keynote speaker at Massresistance's annual fundraising dinner ("Ex-gay" Stephen Bennett is already speaking this year).

Doogie's Gay (oops!)

Yep! I first read it on Take Mass Action and it's been all over the news sites on the internet. Neil Patrick is a happy gay man:

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Neil Patrick Harris is gay and wants to quell any rumors to the contrary.

He wants to make sure that no one assumes he's straight, I love it! I saw Neil in Assassins in New York a few years back. He's been doing more theatre these past few years (he also played the Emcee in Cabaret) and of course he played an "Ex-gay" on Will and Grace.

In case you missed it, one of the cast members, T. R. Knight, who plays Dr. George O'Malley on the hit show Grey's Anatomy also recently came out:

"I guess there have been a few questions about my sexuality, and I'd like to quiet any unnecessary rumors that may be out there," Knight tells PEOPLE in a statement. "While I prefer to keep my personal life private, I hope the fact that I'm gay isn't the most interesting part of me."

How many days/weeks/months do you think will pass until Rev. Haggard does an interview and says "yes, I am a Gay Evangelical?

Update on the Haggard Story

ABC news is reporting that Haggard has admitted to buying drugs from the male prostitute not having sex.

"I bought it for myself but never used it," the Rev. Ted Haggard said today to a reporter for KISS who interviewed him as he was sitting in his car with his wife outside his Colorado Springs, cola., home. "I was tempted, but I never used it."

Oh but it gets better...

Haggard said he got a massage from the man, 49-year-old Mike Jones, after receiving a recommendation from a Denver hotel, but said he never had sex with him.

RRRRight, you got a massage from a male prostitute and you never had sex. wink, wink...

I didn't know that Rev. Haggard had the ear of the President of the United States.

Ok, if you're keeping count (and I know I'm going to miss some here) the Republicans have:

• Gay Male Prostitute posing as "journalist" but with access to the President of the United States.
• The Republican Congressman Mark Foley gay page Scandal
• Senator Rick "man on dog" Santorum's Chief of Staff is gay
• The Republican Party accepting donations from the Gay Porn Industry.
• And now one of the Heads of a HUGE religious group in the US has stepped down over a drug and gay sex scandal.

I hope all the "value voters" are paying attention.

Another Hypocrite

Well, well, well, the leader of the National Association of Evangelicals, a vocal opponent of the drive for same-sex marriage, resigned Thursday after being accused of paying for sex with a man:

The Rev. Ted Haggard also stepped aside as head of his 14,000-member New Life Church while a church panel investigates, saying he could "not continue to minister under the cloud created by the accusations."

The investigation came after a 49-year-old man told a Denver radio station that Haggard paid him to have sex.

Ok, now how many people, who didn't have anything to hide, would have "stepped aside" because of "accusations"? Don't ya cha love these people who are living almost the same life they are condemning?

Mike Jones, 49, told The Associated Press that Haggard paid him to have sex nearly every month for three years. His allegations were first aired on KHOW-AM in Denver.

Jones said that he had advertised himself as an escort on the Internet and that a man who called himself Art contacted him. Jones said he later saw the man on television identified as Haggard.

He said that he last had sex with Haggard in August and that he did not warn him before making his allegations this week.

Jones said he has voice mail messages from Haggard, as well as an envelope he said Haggard used to mail him cash, though he declined to make any of it available to the AP.

"There's some stuff on there (the voice mails) that's pretty damning," he said.

So much for "leaving the lifestyle" behind, he he.