Pam Spaulding's Blog, page 125

God created marriage equality to signal Judgment Day on May 21, 2011

In 1992 televangelist & radio host Harold Camping suggested in his book 1994? that Judgment Day would happen somewhere between September 15 and 17, 1994. "He does not know the exact day because Scripture says 'no man knows the day nor the hour' (Matt. 24:36). But according to Camping we can certainly know the month and the year that Christ will return."

Botched that one.  But now the scamster is back with a New! Improved! endtimes date of May 21, 2011 that he's super sure of because God has provided an unmistakable sign: "Gay Pride: Planned by God as a Sign of the End".  Got that?  Gay pride is the work of God!  Camping's radical-right colleagues have got to be choking on that one.  Not to mention Camping says that true believers should abandon the churches.

GAY PRIDE & SAME SEX MARRIAGE SUCCESSES; A SIGN FROM GOD THAT JUDGMENT DAY IS VERY NEAR

The world-wide success of the Gay Pride/Same Sex Marriage movement is a dramatic sign provided by God to warn the world that the world is on the threshold of Judgment Day.

In the Bible God has given a number of signs to warn the world that Judgment Day and the end of the world are very close. ...But no sign is as dramatic and clear as the phenomenal world-wide success of the Gay Pride movement. In the Bible God describes His involvement with this dramatic movement. Remember, each and every word in the original languages of the Bible came from the lips of God. [snip]

Thus in Romans 1:24 and 1:26 God is declaring that God planned to deliver up the world to gross homosexual and lesbian activity.

How strange! Why would God do this?  ...[I]t is God's mercy that normally He restrains the natural tendencies of mankind to be extremely sinful. ...Because of what God teaches us in Romans 1:24-27 of the Bible, we can know that the present day phenomenon of the Gay Pride movement is a result of the fact that God has removed His restraints on sin. As a result an otherwise shameful and unique sin such as homosexuality has become widely practiced and accepted by mankind.

Thus we learn that God has planned today's situation of Gay Pride and same-sex marriages to show the world that it is on the threshold of Judgment Day. He has shown us that an obviously parallel situation exists between Sodom, when it was on the threshold of destruction, and the world of our day, which is on the threshold of destruction.

Both have the public unique sin of homosexuality (going after strange flesh) loudly and proudly displayed. ...

Therefore we can know that by means of the continuing worldwide successes of the Gay Pride, same-sex marriage movement, God has given convincing evidence that the world is on the

threshold of Judgment Day.

This conclusion is not offered because it is the opinion of some Bible scholar. It is said because this is what God teaches in the Bible. This dramatic sign which increasingly is in evidence all over the world fits perfectly with the solid Biblical teaching that May 21, 2011 will be the first day of the Day of Judgment.

[image error]But here's the real question: If Judgment Day is only 6 months away, why is Mr. Camping accepting recurring donations?  Does he think he can take it with him?  Or does it have more to do with his encouraging people to leave the churches to fulfill prophecy?  Because if they did there'd undoubtedly be more ka-ching! in the world for him.  One wonders whether Camping's method of calculating the date of rapture isn't the only creative number-crunching going on.  As we all know, vilifying gays is a reliable cash cow for the religious right.

DADT: Rhetoric Isn't Repeal By December 31st

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) put out an e-blast today, entitled Mr. President, now it's up to you:

The United States Senate has failed our military and failed the American people.

Despite hundreds of thousands of calls and emails demanding an end to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - and despite military leaders imploring the Senate to repeal the law this year instead of leaving it to the courts -- the Senate today voted to leave prejudice and bigotry on the books.

Since it appears Congress won't repeal the law this year, the fate of lesbian and gay service members now rests in President Obama's hands. To make good on his commitment to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 2010, President Obama needs to immediately issue a stop-loss order halting military discharges. At the same time, the Administration must immediately cease defending DADT in federal court.

Tell President Obama right now: End the discharges under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and stop defending this unconstitutional law in court.

In his State of the Union address last January, President Obama said he would work with Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year. But despite the House successfully voting to repeal the law, the Senate continued its filibuster.

Now it's up to President Obama to clean up Congress's mess. And the first step is for his administration to stop defending the law in court and embroiling "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in seemingly endless legal wrangling.

Also, as Commander in Chief, the President can issue an executive order to retain any soldier deemed necessary in a time of war - even though Congress has failed to remove the law from the books. President Obama must issue that order and end the discharges now.

Send your email to President Obama and remind him that millions of Americans will stand with him when he asserts his leadership on this issue. And taking action today will add crucial pressure for President Obama to act before 2010 ends in just a few weeks.

We need President Obama to take immediate action to end this law that has hurt our families, our soldiers, and our national security by costing us thousands of the best and brightest service members who should be defending our nation.

Urge President Obama to act immediately: Stop the military discharges, stop the legal defenses.

I'm not giving up,

Joe Solmonese

President

That's much improved rhetoric from the Joe Solmonese and the HRC over what it was earlier this year, but I, and I'm sure many others, are remembering the HRC's Joe Solmonese promise to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community members this past March:

"And finally, finally this year we are going to bring down the discriminatory policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ... Once and for all!"

As well as holding the White House to the promise of White House staff member, and future Campaign Chair for President Obama's reelection campaign, Jim Messina:

Political science major John Blake asked Messina about the failure to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell," the military policy that prevents gays from being open about their sexuality while serving in the military. The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday against repealing DADT "for largely partisan reasons," Messina said, but he's confident DADT will be struck down.

"We're going to get that done this year," he said.

I don't care if Joe Solmonese's and the HRC's rhetoric is now up to the point it should have been all along -- I'm still going to hold Joe Solmonese, Jim Messina, and President Obama's whole administration accountable for their promises on repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell. They all have until December 31st to deliver on their promises.

To not hold them accountable would be to give a pass to the HRC and to the White House when they can't -- or in the case of the Obama Administration's Department of Justice, won't -- deliver to their broad constituencies what the HRC and the Obama Administration promised to LGBT community members on repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

BREAKING: Sens Collins (R-ME) and Lieberman (I-CT) To Introduce Stand Alone DADT Repeal Bill

Below the fold, the newly issued statement from President Obama regarding today's Senate vote on the NDAA/ DADT repeal bill.

From this Tweet came the news:

RT @JoeLieberman: @SenatorCollins and I and others are introducing a free standing bill to repeal #DADT today.

And now this press release from HRC, confirming:

On the free-standing bill:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2010

Last Best Chance Option Surfaces for DADT Legislative Repeal This Year

Senators Lieberman & Collins Propose Stand-Alone Repeal Measure

WASHINGTON - Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, praised the bipartisan proposal under the leadership of Sens. Lieberman and Collins that emerged this evening to pass repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as a stand-alone piece of legislation.  The news comes from a bipartisan group of Senators after today's failed vote to proceed to debate on the National Defense Authorization Act.  Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement:

"There has always been strong support in the Senate for repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and in recent days it's become clear that support reaches far beyond 60 votes. The issue has been the procedure by which the defense bill would be considered and given that no agreement was in place before today's vote on the motion to proceed, that effort was doomed to failure.

"Thankfully a bipartisan group of Senators has committed to finding an alternative method of achieving repeal.  We encourage all Senators to expeditiously take up this bill and pass it quickly so that the military has the power to implement a repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

"The fight for open service has had many twists and turns but until 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is left in the dustbin of history we will never give up the fight."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

# # #

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as info, links and video becomes available.  ~Louise
From the White House:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 9, 2010

Statement by the President on the Senate Vote on the National Defense Authorization Act

I am extremely disappointed that yet another filibuster has prevented the Senate from moving forward with the National Defense Authorization Act.  Despite having the bipartisan support of a clear majority of Senators, a minority of Senators are standing in the way of the funding upon which our troops, veterans and military families depend. This annual bill has been enacted each of the past 48 years, and our armed forces deserve nothing less this year.

A minority of Senators were willing to block this important legislation largely because they oppose the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'  As Commander in Chief, I have pledged to repeal this discriminatory law, a step supported by the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and informed by a comprehensive study that shows overwhelming majorities of our armed forces are prepared to serve with Americans who are openly gay or lesbian.  A great majority of the American people agree.  This law weakens our national security, diminishes our military readiness, and violates fundamental American principles of fairness, integrity and equality.

I want to thank Majority Leader Reid, Armed Services Committee Chairman Levin, and Senators Lieberman and Collins for all the work they have done on this bill.  While today's vote was disappointing, it must not be the end of our efforts.  I urge the Senate to revisit these important issues during the lame duck session.

###

-----

Press Release Reactions to Senate Blocking Defense Programs Bill/ DADT Repeal, 57-40

Just posting them as they come in...

How they voted:YEAs ---57

Akaka (D-HI)

Baucus (D-MT)

Bayh (D-IN)

Begich (D-AK)

Bennet (D-CO)

Bingaman (D-NM)

Boxer (D-CA)

Brown (D-OH)

Cantwell (D-WA)

Cardin (D-MD)

Carper (D-DE)

Casey (D-PA)

Collins (R-ME)

Conrad (D-ND)

Coons (D-DE)

Dodd (D-CT)

Dorgan (D-ND)

Durbin (D-IL)

Feingold (D-WI)

Feinstein (D-CA)

Franken (D-MN)

Gillibrand (D-NY)

Hagan (D-NC)

Harkin (D-IA)

Inouye (D-HI)

Johnson (D-SD)

Kerry (D-MA)

Klobuchar (D-MN)

Kohl (D-WI)

Landrieu (D-LA)

Lautenberg (D-NJ)

Leahy (D-VT)

Levin (D-MI)

Lieberman (ID-CT)

McCaskill (D-MO)

Menendez (D-NJ)

Merkley (D-OR)

Mikulski (D-MD)

Murray (D-WA)

Nelson (D-FL)

Nelson (D-NE)

Pryor (D-AR)

Reed (D-RI)

Reid (D-NV)

Rockefeller (D-WV)

Sanders (I-VT)

Schumer (D-NY)

Shaheen (D-NH)

Specter (D-PA)

Stabenow (D-MI)

Tester (D-MT)

Udall (D-CO)

Udall (D-NM)

Warner (D-VA)

Webb (D-VA)

Whitehouse (D-RI)

Wyden (D-OR)



NAYs ---40

Alexander (R-TN)

Barrasso (R-WY)

Bennett (R-UT)

Bond (R-MO)

Brown (R-MA)

Bunning (R-KY)

Burr (R-NC)

Chambliss (R-GA)

Coburn (R-OK)

Cochran (R-MS)

Corker (R-TN)

Crapo (R-ID)

DeMint (R-SC)

Ensign (R-NV)

Enzi (R-WY)

Graham (R-SC)

Grassley (R-IA)

Gregg (R-NH)

Hatch (R-UT)

Hutchison (R-TX)

Inhofe (R-OK)

Isakson (R-GA)

Johanns (R-NE)

Kirk (R-IL)

Kyl (R-AZ)

LeMieux (R-FL)

Lugar (R-IN)

Manchin (D-WV)

McCain (R-AZ)

McConnell (R-KY)

Murkowski (R-AK)

Risch (R-ID)

Roberts (R-KS)

Sessions (R-AL)

Shelby (R-AL)

Snowe (R-ME)

Thune (R-SD)

Vitter (R-LA)

Voinovich (R-OH)

Wicker (R-MS)



Not Voting - 3

Brownback (R-KS)

Cornyn (R-TX)

Lincoln (D-AR)

Outserve:

STATEMENT FROM OUTSERVE:

Today's vote is heartbreaking and demoralizing to all members of OutServe - and the tens of thousands of gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members - who must continue to serve in silence and live a lie. No words can describe how it felt to watch our U.S. senators uphold discrimination and perpetuate the deceit and compromised integrity that consistently result under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." We had more faith in our elected officials to heed the advice of military leadership and vote against prejudice. Instead, a minority of senators have successfully blockaded the entire defense spending bill on the basis of prejudice and politics. This was nothing short of turning their backs on the people that defend this country.

The men and women of our military have been left out to dry. The troops, not these senators, will have to live with the consequences.   And the ongoing court cases will continue to sow confusion among the ranks.

The Senators that hid behind "procedure" chose to put politics over the lives of the troops. These senators should be ashamed.

###

Rest below fold.
Servicemembers United:

Senate Fails to Move Forward on Critical Defense Authorization Bill

Support Exists and Time Still Remains for Stand-Alone DADT Repeal Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12/09/2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Servicemembers United, the nation's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans, issued the following statement regarding today's failed Senate cloture vote on the motion to proceed to debate on the National Defense Authorization Act, which also contains a provision to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law:

"This was a major failure on the part of the Senate to simply do its job and pass an annual defense authorization bill. Politics prevailed over responsibility today, and now more than one million American servicemembers, including tens of thousands of gay and lesbian troops, are worse off as a result," said Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United and a former U.S. Army interrogator who was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." "Since the votes are there in isolation, the Senate should still consider a stand-alone bill to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law before adjourning for the winter holidays."

For more information about Servicemembers United and "Don't Ask, Dont' Tell," please visit www.ServicemembersUnited.org. For the most comprehensive collection of polling data, discharge statistics, academic works, legislative and congressional material, and more, visit www.DADTArchive.org.

###

SLDN:

TOMORROW @ NOON AT UPPER SENATE PARK

SLDN STATEMENT ON SENATE VOTE TO STOP REPEAL OF "DON'T ASK" / RALLY TOMORROW AT CAPITOL

"Today a band of Senators voted to continue the discrimination against gay and lesbian service members who are fighting and dying for our country.  This continued delay is an outrage against these service members and the more than 14,000 who have already lost their jobs under this discriminatory law.  History will hold these senators accountable and so will many of their constituents.  There will be no place for these Senators to hide.  The Senate and the President must remain in session and in Washington to find another path for repeal to get done in the lame-duck.  While difficult, realistic options still exist for advocates and Senators to move repeal this year.  We need to keep pushing as the Senate is scheduled to break for holiday vacation.  We implore all who support repeal to join us outside the Senate this Friday.  As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said, 'If not now, when?', said Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive director for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

"ABOUT SLDN: SLDN was established in 1993 when "Don't Ask" originally passed.  In addition to working on repeal, SLDN offers free, confidential legal services to those impacted by DADT; this year the organization received its 10,000th call for assistance to its legal hotline.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2010

TAKING NOTHING FOR GRANTED, THE RALLY FOR REPEAL STILL PLANNED FOR FRIDAY:

WHAT:  MISSION INCOMPLETE: NO SENATE VACATION UNTIL THE TASK IS FINISHED

WHERE:  Constitution Ave. and Delaware Ave., NE, Upper Senate Park, North of U.S. Capitol

WHEN:  Friday, December 10, 2010, 12:00 p.m. ET

SPREAD THE WORD:

--MISSION INCOMPLETE: NO SENATE VACATION UNTIL THE TASK IS FINISHED

--LINK TO AUTOMATICALLY UPLOAD ON FACEBOOK STATUS: http://on.fb.me/hFCbsP

--LINK TO AUTOMATICALLY UPLOAD ON TWITTER STATUS: http://bit.ly/fkfdX8

--TWITTER HASHTAG: #4REPEAL

--SHORT LINK FOR YOUR OWN ONLINE POST: http://bit.ly/ebbDoj

STILL AT RISK: "As the U.S. Senate votes on repeal legislation, service members still cannot come out.  A general recently approved the separation of an SLDN client serving overseas in the U.S. Air Force.  This service member now faces an administrative separation board.  If the discharge moves forward, the fate of the service member's career will ultimately fall to Secretary Michael B. Donley, Dept. of Defense General Counsel Jeh Johnson, and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel Dr. Clifford L. Stanley."  Warning to service members: www.SLDN.org/StillAtRisk

SLDN FREE HOTLINE: Gay and lesbian service members with questions on repeal are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: 202-328-3244 x100.

##

HRC:

Fate of Lesbian & Gay Service Members in President's Hands

President Must Stop Legal Defense of DADT and Issue Stop-Loss Order

WASHINGTON - Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, called on President Obama to end the legal defense of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and to halt discharges of lesbian, gay and bisexual service members in the wake of news that the Senate will not finish the job on legislative repeal.  As HRC President Joe Solmonese outlined in an October letter, the Administration should call "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" what it is - an unconstitutional and discriminatory law that hurts our national security - and cease its legal defense of the statute.  Separately, the President needs to immediately use his powers as Commander in Chief to issue a stop-loss order halting discharges.

"The Senate's apparent refusal to act on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal makes Presidential action imperative in order for him to fulfill his state of the union promise," said HRC President Joe Solmonese.  "The only measure of success is an end to the discharges and anything less is unacceptable."

Under his powers to ensure national security following the September 11 attacks, the President has the ability to issue stop-loss orders preventing certain service members from discharge. Pending an enduring solution to this unjust and discriminatory law, the President can and should suspend DADT-related discharges under the stop-loss provision.

"In this time of war, we cannot sustain a policy that has already deprived our military of thousands of service members, many with critical skills in fighting terrorism," said Solmonese.

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law has also been embroiled in seemingly endless legal wrangling with the administration defending the law's constitutionality in court.  HRC once again encourages the President to abandon that defense.  Should the administration decide to proceed, the President can at least instruct government lawyers to inform the appellate court that the Executive Branch believes "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to be unconstitutional.

"Every day that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is in force, Americans are losing out on the best and brightest service members defending our country," added Solmonese.  "If Congress won't act, it's up to the President to clean up the mess they made when they enacted this discriminatory and unconstitutional law nearly two decades ago."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

# # #

GetEqual:

I have to be honest -- I just vomited a little in my mouth.

The Senate just voted on whether to bring the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) up for conversation. Not for passage -- just for conversation. It failed.

We all laid everything we could on the line for this bill -- a piece of legislation that would have repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." We all know that gay and lesbian Americans are just as patriotic and capable as straight Americans -- but dysfunctional Senate processes, a homophobic Republican Party, and a spineless Democratic Party got in the way of equality once again.

Let us be clear -- this wasn't the bill we wanted. This compromised piece of legislation was far from the ideal -- it would have left our transgender sisters and brothers behind, it kicked actual repeal to some undefined date later down the road, and it said nothing about how to deal with lesbian or gay enlistees who have partners who must remain second-class citizens because their lives are still ruled by the Defense of Marriage Act.

And even this compromised piece of legislation didn't pass.

If we're ever going to fight back against these kinds of compromises, we've got to build a ground game that disallows anything less than full equality.

We're working on developing that ground game, and we'll have more to say about it in coming weeks.

For now, we mourn for the LGBT servicemembers serving each day in silence -- some of whom will lose their lives without ever tasting equality. We mourn for the lack of courage shown by our elected leaders to put an end to needless discrimination.

But we should remain inspired by the fight left in us. Go on Facebook. Go on Twitter. Get out into the streets. Call up your friends. Get angry, and then get organized.

We'll help -- and we promise that we're going to continue building a movement from the ground up that no longer settles for this kind of political homophobia and transphobia.

-Heather Cronk

Managing Director, GetEQUAL

Task Force:

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force denounces Senate vote blocking action on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal, calls it 'huge disgrace and disservice to our country'

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force strongly denounced the U.S. Senate's failure today to allow a vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, blocking action on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"The Senate's failure to allow a vote on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal is a huge disgrace and disservice to our country. Senators had an opportunity - and an obligation - to move toward ending an outdated, unnecessary and costly policy that discriminates against courageous and qualified people willing to risk their lives by serving in the military. How many more personal and painful stories of discrimination must these lawmakers hear before they act to end this harmful policy? How many more exhaustive Pentagon studies need to be done that affirm it's time to end the ban? Three-quarters of Americans say 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' should be repealed, as do top military leaders. People from every background, every faith, every community across the country know that qualified, patriotic Americans willing to risk their lives by serving in the military should be able to do so, free of discrimination.

"Despite today's obstructionism by a few politicians, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will end. We will continue to work to ensure all qualified Americans who wish to serve their country openly and freely are able to do so. We must, because the lives and livelihoods of thousands of dedicated service members hang in the balance."

To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, visit www.theTaskForce.org and follow us on Twitter: @TheTaskForce (http://www.twitter.com/theTaskForce).

MassEquality:

MassEquality Statement on Failure of U.S. Senator Scott Brown To Vote To Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

BOSTON, DECEMBER 9, 2010 - Statement by MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini, Esq. on failure of U.S. Senator Scott Brown to vote to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell":

"It is outrageous that Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown failed to vote in favor of ending debate so that the U.S. Senate could take up repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' There is nothing courageous about his saying he would vote to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' as he did last week, only to hide behind a procedural maneuver so that he would never have to take that vote. And although he likes to call himself an independent Republican, there is nothing independent about voting in lockstep with a political party intent on blocking LGBT equality at every turn. Today, Scott Brown thumbed his nose at the supermajority of Americans, Massachusetts citizens, and servicemembers who support the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and placed himself not only on the wrong side of the Massachusetts electorate, but on the wrong side of history.

"With today's vote, Brown has ensured that our national security will remain compromised as discharges of talented and critically trained servicemembers will continue. To date, more than 14,000 servicemembers have been discharged under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' including more than 60 Arabic linguists, and nearly 800 other service members in critical occupational fields."

30

MassEquality is the state's only grassroots LGBT advocacy organization. It works to ensure that every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person in Massachusetts is protected from cradle to grave-with equal rights and opportunities in school, in marriage and family life, at work and in retirement.

Damn them. Westboro bigot clan will picket the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards

I have no idea whether the Rotting Cryptkeeper of Westboro Baptist "Church" will show up to defile the celebration of the life of Elizabeth Edwards, but no doubt Shirley Phelps-Roper will bring her self-styled hate along with the spawn of Fred to Raleigh on Saturday. (News & Observer):

Westboro Baptist Church, a group with a history of staging protests at funerals and issuing anti-gay statements, is planning to picket the Saturday funeral of Elizabeth Edwards.

The group said it will picket outside Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh from 12:15 until 1 p.m. when the funeral is scheduled to begin.

The purported reason for the Westboro Klan's selection of the Edwards funeral, according to its web site (no, I'm not linking), which says "GOD HATES ELIZABETH EDWARDS!" claims she allegedly "spent her life in defiance and disobedience to God" and "Flee her example."

Instead of focusing on those haters, watch what local residents had to say about the passing of Elizabeth Edwards...

There is a Facebook page up, Protect Elizabeth Edwards funeral from Westboro Church. "Let's create a human buffer between Elizabeth Edwards and the Westboro church."

Thursday DADT Repeal Open Thread: Calls to Action and Press Release

Watch C-SPAN 2 livestream online.

According to the ever-wise, all-knowing and very dear friend of the Blend Joe Sudbay, Maine Senator Susan Collins and her office follow Twitter feeds VERY closely.

So we're embarking on an impromptu campaign to wake up the Maine media, who for the most part are NOT paying attention to either DADT repeal or the key role Collins now finds herself in the process, and to flood the senator's Twitterfeed. EqualityMaine has already started tweeting messages this morning as well, which I have shared.

@SenatorSnowe EQME tweeting- NOW to repeal DADT Sen Susan Collins (202) 224-2523 Sen Olympia Snowe (202) 224-5344 #dadt

@SenatorCollins EQME tweeting- NOW to repeal DADT Sen Susan Collins (202) 224-2523 Sen Olympia Snowe (202) 224-5344 #dadt #mepolitics

Who's with us? Here's what we need to do:

1. Message her @SenatorCollins or retweet.

2. Use hashtags #DADT and #mepolitics. The second not as necessary, but I know she and her staff follow both and it will then land in the feeds of mainy more Mainers, including media.

3. Follow her http://twitter.com/#!/SenatorC...

Here is a 'call to action' list of phone numbers:

This is a list of key Senators. Please call them if you are one of their constituents. Please feel free to share this event with others who are willing to step up and do their part. Call your senator and thank them if they support repeal.

--Harry Reid (D-NV); (202) 224-3542

--Carl Levin (D-MI); (202) 224-6221

--Susan Collins (R-ME); (202) 224-2523

--Olympia Snowe (R-ME); (202) 224-5344

--Mark Pryor (D-Ark.); (202) 224-2353

--Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark); (202) 224-4843

--Richard Lugar (R-IN); (202) 224-4814

--Judd Gregg (R-NH); (202) 224-3324

--Scott Brown (R-MA) (202) 224-4543

--George Voinovich (R-OH); (202) 224-3353

--Kit Bond (R-MO); (202) 224-5721

--Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); (202) 224-6665

--The Senate Switch Board (202) 224-3121

First Update (9:30am) Ex-Senator Sam Nunn now supports DADT repeal.

Seventeen years after leading the fight in Congress against gays in the military, former Democratic senator Sam Nunn says he thinks gays could serve openly without damaging the armed forces' ability to fight.

In an interview this week, Nunn told the Associated Press that the law known as "don't ask, don't tell" should be overturned as long as there is enough time to prepare the troops for the change. He said the Pentagon should be given at least a year before the repeal takes effect to ensure operations in Afghanistan aren't affected.

"Society has changed, and the military has changed," the former senator from Georgia said.

Press releases wilol be below the fold...
Press release from IAVA

Senate Must Pass Defense Bill Supporting Troops, Military Families This Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Critical Provisions to Address Invisible Wounds, Military Sexual Trauma Included

NEW YORK - Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, called on the Senate to swiftly pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  Although "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has dominated the national discussion, and it is undoubtedly important, it is only one part of the vital Defense Bill. This broad legislation also includes provisions to expand mental health care resources, address Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST), extend the stop loss deadline and improve the electronic sharing of health records between the DoD and the VA.

"Most of America thinks there is an up or down vote on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Missing from the national discussion is the fact that DADT is one of dozens of important provisions included in a Defense Bill that will have a historic impact on our troops and veterans. While the country is fighting two wars, passing funding for our troops  should be a no-brainer. We cannot allow personal politics to get in the way of supporting our service members. If Congress fails to pass the Defense Bill, it will be the first time in 48 years. That's not a precedent this Administration or Congress wants to set," said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.  

"Our troops can't afford to wait until next year for vital Pentagon funding. One in three troops are coming home today with invisible wounds like Traumatic Brain Injury, one in seven female veterans are screening positive for Military Sexual Trauma and thousands of service members are losing their medical records as they transition from the DoD to the VA health care systems. IAVA urges the Senate to pass this critical legislation this year and ensure our troops aren't left waiting for live saving resources."

In addition to a provision for the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy (see IAVA's full statement supporting repeal here ), key provisions contained in the NDAA address the following urgent issues:

?    Expanding the number of DoD mental health providers. There is a chronic shortage of mental health providers in the military. With rates of mental health injuries and suicide rising higher every month, the DoD is in desperate need of providers to help service members identify and combat invisible wounds. This bill provides education incentives to recruit both civilian and military mental health care providers. (Senate ?703)

?    Mandatory pre- and post-deployment TBI assessments. Although TBI is the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the DoD has never adequately developed a comprehensive screening program.  NDAA will require the DoD to do pre-deployment assessments to compare to post-deployment assessments after a potential injury. (House ?722)

?    Eradicating Military Sexual Trauma. NDAA contains 29 recommendations of the Joint Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military, including modernizing the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the creation of a sexual assault reporting hot line.  (House ?1601-1664)

?    DoD/VA record sharing.  In 2009, the DoD and VA began to work on a joint electronic lifetime record that follows a service member from enlistment to the grave.  There have been concerns that the record sharing between the DoD and VA could violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  NDAA would change HIPAA to allow records to migrate between the DoD and the VA. (Senate ?715, House ?532)

?    Military pay raise and bonuses. NDAA provides a 1.9% pay increase for all service members and the extension of a host of recruitment and retention bonuses set to expire. (House ?601)

Because of these provisions and a number of others, passage of the NDAA this year is broadly supported. IAVA is a member of The Military Coalition (TMC), a consortium of 32 nationally prominent military and veterans organizations representing more than 5.5 million current and former service members, their families and survivors. The TMC recently urged the passage of NDAA in a letter to Senator Reid and Senator McConnell here .

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America www.IAVA.org is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 200,000 Member Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.

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Paul Cameron wants gays to go through 'public shaming' . . . amongst other things

crossposted on Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters

Discredited anti-gay researcher and noted homophobe Paul Cameron has gone on record about the classification of his group, the Family Research Institute, as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

It was during a very poor interview with the Colorado Springs Gazette. I say the interview was poor because the writer didn't give any detail about Cameron's dubious history of censures and rebukes by folks from legitimate medical organizations to conservative talking heads.

Of course in the writer's defense, he or she really didn't need to. Cameron came across in the interview as batshit crazy in spite of the fact that, according to the writer, he "dressed smart and had impeccable manners" and also discussed his views in a "calm, professional manner."

But how Cameron looks or professes his views is irrelevant. You really have to read some of what Cameron said:

God’s 11th Commandment is “Thou shalt not corrupt boys,” Cameron told me. He celebrated the Ugandan anti-gay bill, in which the penalty for gay activity could be death. “Whatever they decide, I’m OK with,” he said.

Cameron believes homosexuality should be criminalized in America. He proposes heavily taxing single American adults and homosexuals because of their failure to procreate. He would also like to see gays undergo a “public shaming,” though he offered no specifics.

The article also revealed some very interesting things about Cameron's group. It's run out of his home (why am I not surprised), run by private donations, has only four staffers, and has a budget of $85,000.

Now that last one really threw me. Who in the hell would donate money to this loon?

It's gets better. Cameron said the classification of his organization as a hate group by SPLC was a "left-wing" deal.

I would have loved for the writer to have questioned him about the lie he told in 1982 about a child being castrated in a public restroom by a gay man. Or that comment he made to Rolling Stone magazine about homosexuality providing one with "most satisfying orgasm one could get."

Oh well. Where the writer failed to do his or her job, Cameron definitely took up the slack:

The gay lifestyle, which he says is chosen, will lead to the destruction of the West. “Liberal minds are attracted to societal destructive things like moth to a light,” he told me. “No society can long endure that does such a thing.”

“If God has changed his mind (about homosexuality being an abomination, as written in the Bible), he must want the West to die.”

It's almost hard to believe that Cameron used to be the go-to guy for all anti-gay material used by the religious right. And if it weren't for the attention he has been receiving of late, he probably would still be.

And that is probably the main reason why those named as anti-gay hate groups, and their defenders, want to deflect the controversy to one about same-sex marriage. They are afraid to be questioned about their past affiliation with Cameron.

To be honest, I really can't blame them. Cameron is just plain crazy.

Related posts:

Homophobic 'researcher' Paul Cameron in all of his repulsive glory

More homophobic lies from the Paul Cameron Poland tour

Illinois Family Institute uses Paul Cameron's work but claims its not a hate group

Conservapedia's unbelievable defense of the discredited Paul Cameron

Why we should care about Paul Cameron

Why does Miss California's church believe that homosexuality and pedophilia are linked
 

Senator Susan Collins' Releases Statement Regarding DADT Negotiations

We'll see what happens today! Will put up a new thread later on with link to C-SPAN, etc.

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SENATOR COLLINS' STATEMENT ON DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL NEGOTIATIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who supports repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," released this statement tonight.

"Senator Joe Lieberman and I continue to negotiate in good faith with the Majority Leader to try and come up with a fair process under which the important Defense Authorization bill could be considered in the limited time remaining in this session. Without a fair process, the motion to proceed to the bill would likely fail in the U.S. Senate.

"Senator Lieberman and I requested a meeting with Senator Harry Reid last week during which we outlined a specific plan for allowing debate and amendments similar to how the Senate has considered the authorization bill in the past.

"It wasn't until 1:35 pm today that I received a legitimate offer from Senator Reid, which I consider a good starting point.  We made a counter offer which would provide sufficient time for debate, and includes protections to help ensure that Republicans would be able to offer a limited but fair number of amendments that are relevant to this legislation.

"I am encouraged that the Majority Leader decided to postpone the vote he had scheduled for tonight.  I urged him to do this so that we could consider the tax legislation first, which I believe could be on the floor as early as tomorrow and completed quickly.  At that point, I believe we could move immediately to the Defense Authorization bill under a fair agreement, and I would vote to do so.  I would hope he carefully considers our proposal.  I believe we have outlined a very clear path forward for the Majority Leader to take that would allow this very important debate to occur."

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Statement of Senator Joe Lieberman:

Lieberman Statement on Defense Bill Negotiations

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued the following statement today in response to the baseless allegations that have been raised with respect to Senator Collins' negotiations on the National Defense Authorization Act:

"Senator Collins has been working in good faith to achieve an agreement on the process to move forward with the defense bill that contains the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' I categorically reject reports by uninformed staffers who have suggested otherwise. As she always does, Senator Collins is working diligently and across party lines to find solutions to the challenges that confront our country. I call on those responsible for such baseless allegations to stop immediately and instead work to get to an agreement to bring this critical bill to the floor for Senate action.

"We are making progress toward an agreement to move forward on the defense bill that includes the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and I remain confident that we can reach an agreement, which is necessary before any vote on the motion to reconsider is taken. I am working closely with Senator Reid and Senator Collins and other members who want to reach a fair and reasonable agreement to move the defense authorization bill that that is so essential to the needs of our troops, veterans, and their families.

"It is now more clear than ever that we have 60 or more votes in support of repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' so it is vitally important to reach agreement on the right process to move forward."

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Accuracy in Media calls for Congress to investigate Obama admin for 'un-American activities'

Gun up the DeLorean and let's take a ride in the time machine to the 1950s, courtesy of Accuracy in Media's Cliff Kincaid.

Kincaid suggests establishing in the new Congress a "House Internal Security Committee," which sounds curiously like the (House Un-American Activities Committee). Yes, the fringe right has officially called for the raising of Zombie Senator Joseph McCarthy to take care of Nazi Muslim Socialist Humanist Black Panther influences that have taken over our government. (via Right Wing Watch):

Some conservatives have belatedly discovered that Obama has socialist and anti-colonial views. But that is not even half the story. The most important part of the story remains to be investigated by the FBI and, hopefully, by a new House Internal Security Committee. Re-establishment of this committee will demonstrate that the new Congress means business and that it won't resort to politics as usual and compromise.

All of this requires that the new Congress takes its responsibilities seriously, not only on fiscal issues, but on matters involving the national security and moral integrity of the United States. The liberals will raise a hue and cry, and some conservatives may balk, but it is mandatory and necessary to begin addressing what an old congressional committee used to call "un-American activities" at the highest levels of the U.S. Government.

Perhaps while they are at it, they can call in McCarthy's gay self-loathing BFF Zombie Roy Cohn to complete the deal.

So who will take on the McCarthy and Cohn roles in the new Congress if Kincaid's idea takes flight?

The Queen of Soul has pancreatic cancer

Such awful news. The world of music has been enriched so much by Aretha Franklin.

Aretha Franklin, hospitalized twice in recent weeks, has cancer, a relative confirms to Detroit television station WJBK after the National Enquirer earlier reported that the Queen of Soul has incurable pancreatic cancer.

...Franklin is doing "okay," the Franklin relative tells the TV station, but her family is asking for continued prayers and support. Pancreatic cancer, which claimed the life of actor Patrick Swayze last year, is not typically detected early and spreads fast, so it has a low survival rate.

I tear up just watching this and thinking of the contributions of the Queen of Soul. May her remaining days be free of pain and that she knows how many feel for her. Her music in the 60s was an essential part of my childhood and always reminds me of my late aunt Judi (photo), who played Aretha's songs on 45s down in the basement of her home in Queens for us to listen to.

Related:

* Memorial: You are home with mom, Judi