Pam Spaulding's Blog, page 46
May 10, 2011
142 Gay & Lesbian Veterans Not Worth $2.1M To Obama Administration
At issue is a totally discretionary DOD policy that cuts the separation pay of soldier "found" to be gay, lesbian or bisexual in half. It is not part of DADT and would require no Congressional action to rectify. Still after nearly two years of the ACLU negotiating with the DOD to change the policy, the ACLU had to resort to filing a Federal lawsuit.?
Today the Department of Justice asked the court to dismiss the case. Apparently they feel discriminatory pay practices based on sexual orientation have no merit.?
ACLU press release after the fold.?
Justice Department Asks Court To Throw Out Case Challenging Discriminatory Separation Pay Policy For Gay And Lesbian Veterans?ACLU Seeks Justice For Honorably Discharged Service Members In Ongoing Class Action Lawsuit?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2011?WASHINGTON- The Department of Justice (DOJ) today filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of New Mexico which seeks full separation pay for service members who were honorably discharged but had their separation pay cut in half because of "homosexuality." In the past six years, 142 honorably discharged veterans had their separation pay cut in half because of the discriminatory policy. The total amount of separation pay withheld from those veterans is approximately $2.1 million.
The lawsuit was filed in November 2010, before Congress repealed the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that barred gay or lesbian service members from the military. The lead plaintiff in the case is Richard Collins, a former staff sergeant in the Air Force who served for nine years until he was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Collins was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. In its response, the DOJ states that the half-separation pay policy applies not only to those who engage in "Homosexual Conduct," but also those discharged from the military for drug and alcohol abuse or being deemed a national security risk.Joshua Block, staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project:
"The government's decision to contest these claims is baffling. These honorably discharged veterans were forced out of the military under the unconstitutional and discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, which is in the process of being repealed. All that these veterans are asking for is to receive the same separation pay that any other honorably discharged veteran would have received. It is outrageous to equate these service members with those who were discharged for threats to national security and drug abuse. The government's treatment of these veterans is shameful and adds insult to injury."Laura Ives, staff attorney with the ACLU of New Mexico:
"The Department of Justice's action today is profoundly disappointing. The government must treat our veterans with the fairness and dignity they deserve, especially if those veterans were discharged from the armed forces under a policy that is in the process of being dismantled for being unconstitutional."For more information on the ACLU's case please visit ACLU's site.
Really, DOJ? The Federal Government has spent trillions of dollars on Mideast misadventures and no-bid contracts to Blackwater and Halliburton and the Department of Defense can't just suck it up, give these LGB Veterans the $2.1 million, and a well-deserved apology??
I find it incomprehensible the DOJ and DOD could not have just quietly settled this out of court for a measly $2.1M. Also inexcusable.?
Thanks administration for mentioning gays in the Mother's Day proclamation. That was swell. Even if our service to the country is only worth half as much as straight people's. Or the same as drug addicts and criminals.
PHB exclusive: NC State basketball player doesn't want gays in the locker room
Take the ramblings of freshman N.C. State University basketball player CJ Leslie, who hails from Holly Springs and is a graduate of Word of God HS. (Hat tip NCSU student Evan Garris ):
"I'm not saying I hate gays, but that's sumthing that I would not wnt n my locker room."Sadly, his peeps were unready to accept the foul."I'm no anti gay But I would rather not have a gay n the locker room."
and, hilariously:
"John amaechi is to big to be gay. #imjussayin"
Click to enlarge.
Um. The context is clear. This young man probably represents the common views of masculinity and sexuality in HS basketball - and that means a lot to learn and fear to address.
Even though he may already be playing alongside, undressing, and showering around a gay man already, CJ wants an atmosphere of don't ask, don't tell to address his own discomfort. (CJ, if a gay teammate wanted to take a pass at you, it surely would have been done already. Chill out.) If you're pro-equality, it shouldn't matter what the sexual orientation of your teammate is -- in or outside of the locker room. It's anti-gay to want someone -- a potential teammate -- to hide something about themselves that you never have to.
Presumed heterosexuality -- and the privilege that comes with it, is worthy of open discussion so we all can move past statements like those "innocently" tweeted. CJ - racist or anti-Semitic comments are not considered in contemporary society to be acceptable; why should homophobic statements?
Ironically, John Amaechi wrote about the climate in pro basketball in "Man in the Middle;" and in fact the NBA and GLAAD recently addressed the issue of Kobe Bryant's gay slur during a game. John wrote a compelling op-ed in the NYT as well.
CJ doesn't have the role-model responsibilities upon his shoulders as an NBA player has, and this serves more as a cautionary tale rather than the need for a battering ram. While GLAAD can't address every issue like this, it shows that the real work related to tolerance and acceptance of gays in team sports really has to start earlier - when the slurs and fears start to appear.
NOTE: And in case any NC basketball fans think this is some kind of slam against NCSU -- I'm not even a basketball fan. Triangle rivalries don't mean anything to me. For all we know, players on other teams may have the very same locker room issues that need to be addressed through outreach.
OII Australia Making The Case For Why Intersex Is A Part Of LGBTIQ
...How did intersex come to be allied to others who are a part of LGBTQ activism and community? Homophobia is the simple answer. Although people with physical differences are often subjected to prejudice because of those differences, for intersex there is more to it. Intersex researchers have noted the most common concern for parents when told their child is intersex is that it means their child is gay. Intersex surgery on infants addresses those parental fears by modifying anatomies so children will become men or women in heterosexual relationships.Many intersex, on learning of their differences as adults, are rejected by their partners because of homophobic notions that their partner is not 'really a man/woman'. Others are pressured to undertake masculinising or feminising medical treatments and surgery so they are clearly seen to be the 'opposite' sex of their partner lest the relationship be thought of as somehow 'gay'.
Although generalised revulsion against physical differences may account for some of the prejudice, the driver is fears held by many that if the sex of a person is uncertain then the nature of that person's sexual relationships is uncertain.
Intersex people are not part of LGBTIQ because of sexual orientation or gender identity. All of us in that alliance are bound by the nature of our oppression - homophobia.
And, I would add to this the argument I've made in the past regarding homophobia: homophobia is in large part rooted in hate by some of any expression of gender that deviates from societal sex and gender norms.
And the news goes on and on and on...
I'm battling again (and working) today, so aside from Facebook and Twitter, I'm MIA. But here are some headlines you should click through.* MBTA to be more careful with religious ads after May 22, assuming any of us survive. (Universal Hub)
The MBTA, which originally said it was removing those end-of-world ads because of a complaint tweet from Greg Arney, now says it's removing the ads because they were only paid up through the end of the world May.* Santorum Says He Does 'Not Approve' Of Teaching History Of Gay Americans In California Schools (Think Progress)
FANG: I don't know if you've seen the news, but California is adopting in their state curriculum for public education a required teaching of the gay rights movement. Are you troubled by that at all? I know you've written and talked about this issue of education.SANTORUM: Well what I talked about is that there are consequences of the court's actions and I think the court, by ruling the way they did, has created a precedent that states now have to follow, and some states are going farther others. I certainly would not approve of that, but there's a logical consequence to the courts injecting themselves in creating rights and people attaching their legislative ideas to those rights that in some respects could logically flow from that. So I'm not surprised.
* NCLR Condemns Uganda's Shocking Persecution of the LGBT Community (LezGetReal)
A Statement by NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell:* Full Steam Ahead In NC: Fighting the Anti-LGBT Constitutional Amendment (HRC)
"This bill is a shocking abuse of government power to persecute innocent people. The government is scapegoating the LGBT community in a blatant attempt to distract attention from its repression of all Ugandans. We support the efforts of the LGBT community in Uganda to stand up to this horrific assault, and we call on governments, religious and political leaders around the world to condemn this repugnant bill."
House Bill 777, considered the lesser of two evils, limits marriage between one man, one woman at one time as opposed to Senate Bill 106 which will also ban domestic partnerships and civil unions.* South African lesbians targeted in rapes, slayings (AP)...ENC has sent out over 30,000 postcards throughout North Carolina. "We've got a difficult fight ahead of us, and it's going to take all the supporters of equal rights across our state to ensure that North Carolina remains the only state in the Southeast without an anti-LGBT marriage amendment written into our constitution," says Equality North Carolina's Director of Community Organizing and Outreach, Rebecca Mann.
South Africa's Ministry of Justice announced last week that it wants to open special shelters for people who fear for their lives because of their sexual orientation. But the governing party's women's league says the government must go further, and wants to lawmakers to classify these attacks as hate crimes.* Servicemembers United Statement on Rep. Duncan Hunter's Expanded DADT Repeal Certification Amendment: Hunter DADT Amendment "Not a Serious Threat"The assaults on lesbians have been called "corrective rapes," and are meant to humiliate and punish women who don't fit the norm. Some attackers have reportedly said they believed they could "cure" women of being lesbians by raping them, said Vasu Reddy, a researcher at the government's Human Science Research Council. Victims are even believed to include a 13-year-old girl who was assaulted in Pretoria last week.
"Despite having served honorably in Iraq, Congressman Hunter is clearly out of touch with the rank and file of the modern military on this issue, and he is even further out of touch with the American people," said Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United. "This issue is settled, and it would take concurrence by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a majority of the full Democratic-controlled Senate, and the President for Congressman Hunter's amendment to become law. That's just not going to happen. While it may pass the ever-hostile House Armed Services Committee and may even pass the full House of Representatives, Congressman Hunter's DADT amendment is not a serious threat given the remaining insurmountable obstacles in place for the remainder of 2011 and 2012."* National Organization for Marriage Launches $500,000 Ad Campaign in New York; Pledges $1 Million in 2012 Elections. Brian Brown:
"It's become quite clear in recent days in New York that Governor Cuomo and same-sex marriage advocates are targeting a select number of Democrat state Senators, as well as some Republicans in their desperate attempt to coerce legislators to support their agenda," said Brian Brown, President of NOM. "We want to be sure those courageous Democrats and Republicans who cast their vote of conscience in favor of traditional marriage will have a strong supporter if the radical gay activists come after them in their next election.""In Maryland and Rhode Island we just won great victories for marriage. Our opponents tried to claim that same-sex marriage was inevitable in both of those states. They were wrong," said Brian Brown, NOM's president. "Once our message got out and legislators heard from their constituents, same-sex marriage was stopped dead in its tracks. We expect the same to happen in New York."
"Tim Gill and other pro-gay marriage millionaires are funneling money into New York to sell a false bill of goods. They failed in the last election to flip the legislature, and now they're trying to convince legislators that they somehow have something to fear if they do the right thing and vote to protect marriage. NOM has defeated every pro-gay marriage Republican we've ever targeted, and we're quite confident we will do so in New York, should that become necessary."
Today (May 10, 2011) is Blog for Equality Day in Pittsburgh
Last week, State Representative Darryl Metcalfe (R- Cranberry) introduced a harsh version of the so-called "Marriage Protection" Amendment in the General Assembly. As chair of the powerful State Government Committee, he has the means to bring this to at least a committee vote and probably onto the floor.
This is the fourth attempt in five years to pass an amendment. In 2006, different versions passes and reconciliation was not possible. In 2008 and 2010, the legislation did not make it out of committee.
In 2008 and 2010, Pittsburgh bloggers united in opposition to this amendment by participating in "Blog for Equality Pittsburgh" events.
Today, we are at it again in hopes of drawing attention to the impact Pennsylvania could experience under a newly elected Republican and significant changes in the General Assembly. We invite bloggers around the nation, LGBTQ and allies alike, to join us.
More information is available here.
Facebook notes, tweets and so forth are welcome, too. Simply send your link to sue @ sitnscoop.com, post in the comments, via twitter @pghlesbian24 or whatever creative way you find to reach me.
Pennsylvania is one of the key states targeted by Focus on the Family's "Ignite" strategy. It is not unrealistic to expect the right to pour millions into this amendment while also beating back abortion rights and pushing for school vouchers. It is imperative we galvanize the Pittsburgh LGBTQ community, long accustomed to socially conservative Democrats, to take action.
May 9, 2011
House Defense Committee will vote on anti-gay amendments on Wed
For Immediate Release: May 9, 2011Now that I've gotten that off of my chest, the Washington Blade's Chris Johnson reports on the other craptastic measure that will come up:Hunter to Offer DADT Amendment to National Defense Authorization Act
Washington D.C. - During consideration of the national defense authorization act this week by the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) will offer an amendment to require that all four military service chiefs certify that implementation of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)" repeal won't impact combat readiness and effectiveness. The amendment mirrors legislation previously introduced by Hunter-H.R. 337, the Restore Military Readiness Act."The four military service chiefs are far more closely connected to the day-to-day realities facing each respective service branch than those who are currently required to sign off on the repeal-including the President," said Hunter, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "The President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs should all take part in the certification process, but excluding the service chiefs is a mistake. They may agree to move forward with the repeal or they may have other recommendations for implementation and timing. Either way, their unvarnished perspective is critical to this process-especially as it relates to preserving the military's high rate of effectiveness.
"I've said before that our priority should be winning in Afghanistan and focusing on the roadside bomb threat, the primary source of U.S. casualties. The repeal of DADT won't make our troops any safer or help achieve victory any faster. Even so, any movement toward implementation must be efficient and show respect for the culture and tradition unique to each service branch and the military as a whole."
The Hunter amendment could be one among several amendments that could be introduced by opponents of gays in the military to disrupt the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal process. Informed sources said other measures could be an outright abrogation of the repeal measure that Congress passed and Obama signed last year as opposed to merely implementing a certification expansion.I hope Hunter won't be disappointed, but I have to remind him that The Rapture is scheduled for May 21, so he might as well chill out....R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, said those who worked for legislative repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" plan to send a letter in opposition to the Hunter measure and similar amendments before the committee markup.
Despite efforts from advocates, if the Hunter amendment is supported in committee along party lines, the measure would likely pass because Republicans enjoy a majority on the panel by a margin of 35-27. After the defense authorization bill is reported to the House floor, a similar vote of approval could be expected on the House floor because Republican have control of the chamber. The bill could see a House floor vote as early as the week of May 23.
Tuesday This & That: Open Thread
It's an open thread! Pleeeeease feel free to chat, blogwhore, and link-share in the comment thread...
So, this is what my cartoon sockpuppet Bookworm Bob have been looking at since our last This & That post -- which was a heck of a long time ago! 
San Francisco Chronicle's UCSF's support group for parents of intersex kids:
[Jeanne Nollman, who has a rare condition called Swyer syndrome] hopes that's the message parents get out of the support group starting this week.While social acceptance and medical care have improved dramatically since she was a child, Nollman knows firsthand that there is still a long way to go. She was featured on a short television show last year, and the comments people made online after it aired were mostly cruel.
"People are going to say negative things, and how does a family cope with that and get past it?" Nollman said. "Because of the shame and secrecy that surrounds this, parents often don't get the support they need for themselves or their children. I hope we can provide them with a supportive atmosphere, so they can help their child be healthy and strong."
...Nollman hopes that's the message parents get out of the support group starting this week.
Information on the support group is included at the end of the article.
OneNewsNow's (the American Family Association's) President's pro-Islam course not altered:
...[M]any critics think Obama is trying to use bin Laden's demise as a way to prop up his credibility in the foreign policy arena."He's certainly going to try," notes Jihad Watch director Robert Spencer. "He's already taken credit for it, even though a series of revelations [has] come out now that indicates that he was quite reluctant to do it and that it was other people on his team, notably Leon Panetta, who were ultimately responsible for it. Nonetheless, he's been taking credit for it and [will] continue to do so."
And the critic of Islam says Obama's decision to take down bin Laden does not erase the perception that he favors Islam. "It doesn't change the fact that all his foreign policy has been oriented in the direction of Islamic supremacism, allowing for this kind of advance of Islamic law and Islamic prerogatives," Spencer contends.
However, he points out that though Obama may have Islamic leanings, that does not mean he favors terrorism, as he may oppose it as a matter of principle.
We can just about be assured that next week he'll be a secret Muslim again, and not just Pro-Islamic. 
Harvard Crimson's Due to Ban, Trans Man at Harvard Law School Cannot Serve in U.S. Military:
Jack K., a third year student at Harvard Law School, dreams of serving in the military again.One week each fall, members of the Judge Advocate General's Corps visit Harvard Law School to recruit its next crop of military lawyers. For Jack, it's one of the most difficult weeks of the year.
Despite his past military service, Jack is not eligible for JAG because he is a trans man. Since his honorable discharge in 2007, Jack, who insisted on his last name not being included in this story to prevent potential workplace discrimination, has undergone sex-change surgery, having had top surgery to remove his breasts.
...Despite this landmark advance in gay rights, transgender men and women like Jack are still ineligible for military service as their exclusion is based on the Department of Defense's medical policy. Meanwhile at Harvard, the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has brought about the return of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, but the University has been largely deaf to arguments that while the military continues to prevent trans-identified men and women, the program's presence on campus violates its non-discrimination policy.
U.S. Politics Today's Attack on a Transgender Woman at McDonald's Should be Investigated as a Hate Crime, Says New York Civil Rights Violation Lawyer:
NEW YORK, NY, May 08, 2011 24-7PressRelease -- Authorities have yet to determine if the brutal assault of a transgender woman at a McDonald's was a hate crime.After examining the initial evidence, New York civil rights violation lawyer David Perecman believes that the violent attack may be classified as a hate crime.
...It is essential to prevent hate crimes and other civil rights violations in New York. Civil rights violation lawyers at The Perecman Firm encourage victims of gender harassment and hate crimes to contact them.
"Hate crimes against all community members in New York, including LGBT members, will be investigated and prosecuted as hate crimes," said New York civil rights violation lawyer Perecman. "No person ever deserves to be a victim of gender harassment or violence regardless of their gender identity or personal presentation."
Our Wiener Story Of The Day: PR Newswire's Pat Boone All-American Meats Introduces New Gourmet Burgers and Hot Dogs, Sampler Packs; Premium Quality Mail-Order "Meats with a Mission" Expands Product Line Just in Time for Summer Barbeque Season:
As always, "The weenie tempts you!" -- well, except Pat Boone's hot dogs. Y'know, because Pat Boone has .
So anywho...It's an open thread! What are you thinking about today, or what books or articles have you been reading the past few days? Wanna share?
And again, please feel free to chat, blogwhore, and link-share in the comment thread because...it's an open thread! Woo-hoo! 
Politico: Gay donors fuel Obama's 2012 campaign
Pleased by an all-out White House push to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," gay donors have surprised campaign officials with the extent of their support. And the campaign's new fundraising apparatus appears designed to capitalize on their enthusiasm: Obama's finance committee included one gay man in 2008; there are 15 this year, a source said.My friend David Mixner may be right, but IMHO, any assumption of support based on a comparison to what Bush did for the community during his administration is way too a low bar. There is much more that this administration could have done -- without Congress -- to move equality forward....The spur for the gay community becoming an anchor for Obama's re-election fundraising is a series of policy shifts in 2010. After a year of rocky relations and suspicion from Obama's gay supporters that he wasn't really committed to their issues, the last year saw a surge in activity. Along with the high-profile repeal of the military ban, Obama's Justice Department recently refused to defend the Defense of Marriage Act. And the administration has taken smaller steps, like gay partner hospital visits and hate crimes legislation, concrete and important gestures that simply weren't made during the Bush administration.
"It's ironic - a year ago there was no constituency more unhappy. There was a sea change," said David Mixner, a veteran New York gay activist, who said that White House actions during the past year had swayed restive gay donors. "You not only will see a united community that will contribute to Obama, but they will work their asses off."
Take the list of items on The 'New Beginnings' initiative developed by a coalition of LGBT groups that was diluted (see Blend coverage here) to make the early achievements of the administration (er, one - hate crimes bill) look acceptable. The full list, as it originally appeared on the NGLTF web site, is at Act On Principles.
A snippet is below the fold.
The following policies are listed in order of federal agency, although the White House is listed first. The following list of policy changes are by no means exhaustive and, over time, additional policy changes will be added to this list as they are identified. Also, given that changes may occur in how the Obama Administration and federal agencies allocate oversight or implementation of specific policies, this webpage will be updated to reflect those changes. These policies will be tracked and "checked off" as we succeed in securing advances for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and our families.White HouseExecutive Order Prohibiting Discrimination in Federal Employment
Issue an executive order amending Executive Order 11478 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in the federal civilian workforce.Lead Organizations for Drafting Policy Change: National Center for Transgender Equality and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Federal Agency: White HouseJudicial Nominations
Nominate Judges who will rule fairly and impartially in cases involving LGBT and LGBT and HIV-positive litigants.Lead Organization for Drafting Policy Change: Lambda Legal
Federal Agency: White HouseExecutive Order and Regulations on Nondiscrimination in the Use of Faith-Based Initiative Federal Funds
Issue an executive order clearly stating that federal funds, including those issued to religiously operated social services, may not be used to discriminate against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.Lead Organization for Drafting Policy Change: Lambda Legal
Federal Agency: White HouseExecutive Order Prohibiting Discrimination for Federal Contractors
Issue an executive order amending Executive Order 11246 to require federal contractors to not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.Lead Organization for Drafting Policy Change: Williams Institute
Federal Agency: White HouseRecognizing LGBT Homeless Youth
Issue an Executive Order requiring the Department of Housing and Urban Development to recognize unaccompanied, homeless youth as a distinct, special needs population for data gathering, including LGBT homeless youth; and create a long-term youth housing strategy inclusive of LGBT homeless youthLead Organizations for Drafting Policy Change: National Youth Advocacy Coalition, Parent, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National, and the National Alliance to End Homelessness
Appointment of Fair-Minded Special Counsel
Appoint a Special Counsel who understands non-discrimination law thoroughly, who enforces non-discrimination protection for federal employees, and who is committed to correcting the interpretation of existing federal non-discrimination law to include LGBT people who experience illegal discrimination.Federal Agency: White House
Executive Order on Procurement from LGBT Owners of Small Businesses
Issue an Executive Order ordering the development of a plan to increase the amount of federal procurement contracts going to small businesses owned by LGBT people, which will require coordination of the Small Business Administration and the various federal agencies that procure goods and services for the federal government.Lead Organization for Drafting Policy Change: National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Federal Agency: White HouseAdopt All Recommendations for the First 100 Days Developed by the AIDS in America Coalition
Although the First 100 Days of the administration are over, the recommendations developed by the AIDS in America coalition are still much needed. They include, develop a National AIDS Strategy designed to lower HIV incidence and increase access to HIV care for all Americans, including immigrant detainees and individuals housed in federal prisons. Carry out this strategy through budgeting, policy and protocol changes, appropriate sex education, and improved and less restricted research.Lead Organization for Drafting Policy Change: AIDS in America (a coalition of multiple organizations)
Federal Agency: White House
Navy gives thumbs-up to same-sex couples to marry on base in states where its legal
Via LezGetReal, some big news on changes by the Navy -- allowing same-sex couple to marry on base --- that were pretty under-the-radar.The changes came in the form of an April 13 advisory memo issued to all chaplains which said the Chaplain Corps was revising its Tier I DADT Repeal training manuals, which had previously indicated that same-sex marriages are not authorized on federal property.Citing "additional legal review" by Navy attorneys, the Chief of Navy Chaplains, Admiral Michael Tidd said the Navy "has concluded that, generally speaking, base facility use is sexual orientation neutral."
"If the base is located in a state where same-sex marriage is legal, then the base facilities may be used to celebrate the marriage," added Tidd.
Update from Autumn: Added thumbnail link to the cited memo.
Guest column by Ron Hill: The History of Social Conservatism
The History of Social Conservatism
By Ron Hill
1860: Social Conservatives claim that slavery is supported by the Bible. Churches even split to create the Southern Baptist and the Methodist Church, South; completely separate denominations from Northern churches. Social Conservatives claim that tradition, history and religion are on their side.
Social conservatives lose. Society doesn't devolve into race wars as predicted by social conservatives.
1919: Social Conservatives use the Bible, morality, and family, to argue for prohibition. Social Conservatives win.Violence ensues in many large American cities as gangs fight to bring alcohol to people. Moonshining takes off, creating more crime and unsafe unregulated alcohol poisons many Americans.
1920: Social Conservatives use the Bible, history and tradition to justify why women should be denied the right to vote.
Social conservatives lose. Women get the right to vote. Society doesn't fall apart as predicted by social conservatives.
1933: After seeing the results of prohibition, the country votes to legalize alcohol. Social Conservatives lose. Violence and accidental poisoning drops off as America becomes a safer and freer country.
1955: Social Conservatives claim Elvis and Rock and Roll are evil and will lead to mayhem and a breakdown in the social order. Movies are evil, and playing cards are a sin. Social Conservatives lose; Rock and Roll is still around, Elvis Presley didn't lead young people into Satan Worship. Society continues to function.
1964: Social Conservatives argue that the Bible, tradition, and history justify Jim Crow in the South. They warn that society will fall apart if blacks are given equal rights with white Americans.
Social Conservatives lose, society doesn't fall apart but becomes stronger.
1980's - present: Social Conservatives take over school boards in the South, and insist that "abstinence only" sex education be taught, despite overwhelming research that "abstinence only" sex ed is a huge failure.
Society loses, especially Southern families, as Southerners lead the nation in the rate of sexually transmitted diseases, abortions, and unwed mothers. Nonetheless, social conservatives claim to be "pro-family".
2000- present: The Family "Research" Council, The American Family Association, and Americans For "Truth" About Homosexuality are used as "expert" witnesses by reputable media despite lacking any academic or scientific credentials that would qualify them as experts on gay issues. Like their predecessors, they use the Bible, history and tradition to defend their positions, along with a healthy dose of lies, distortions and fake research. Eventually, these groups are labeled as "hate groups" by the KKK and Aryan-Nation busting Southern Poverty Law Center because of their repeated lies and distortions of truth. Nonetheless, the media continue to use them as "expert" witnesses and many Republican presidential candidates continue to associate with, and defend them.
Society loses, as social conservatives twist facts to support their own private religious beliefs. American families are directly harmed by these "pro-family" groups who teach Americans lies about their own family members. Fortunately, the history of social conservatism is one of repeated losses - and each time social conservatives lose America became a stronger, more free society. Of course, as they claimed with ending slavery, allowing women to vote, and abolishing segregation, social conservatives now claim that allowing gay Americans to have equal rights will somehow lead to society falling apart. Their is no logical reason to believe this is true, but they like to claim it nonetheless. Fortunately, polls show that Americans - even Republicans, increasingly see through the lies. It's only a matter of time before gay equality is the law of the land and social conservatives are proven wrong once again.
For the rational wing of the Republican Party
Ron Hill
"And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of 'conservatism'."- U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, aka "Mr. Conservative"
Pam Spaulding's Blog
- Pam Spaulding's profile
- 1 follower
