Wednesday, August 27, 2008

GLBT DIGEST - August 27, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Arkansas: Vote on Gay Adoptions
A proposal intended to ban gay men and lesbians from becoming foster oradoptive parents was cleared for this fall's ballot. The measure wouldprohibit unmarried couples living together from fostering or adoptingchildren, and the state does not allow same-sex marriage or recognizesame-sex marriages conducted elsewhere. Secretary of State Charlie Danielscertified the proposal for the ballot after verifying that the ArkansasFamily Council Action Committee had submitted 85,389 valid signatures ofregistered voters. Jerry Cox, president of the committee, said: "Arkansasneeds to affirm the importance of married mothers and fathers. We need topublicly affirm the gold standard of rearing children whenever we can."Arkansas Families First is campaigning against the measure and has said itplans to sue to keep it off the ballot.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/26/us/26brfs-VOTEONGAYADO_BRF.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse&oref=slogin


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Given a greater voice at convention, people of faith challenge Democrats oncore issues
Religious leaders and people of faith who've been invited to the table atthis week's Democratic National Convention are not sitting quietly withtheir hands in their laps. The head of a large African-Americandenomination challenged the party on abortion. An Orthodox Jewish rabbiraised his voice about school choice. A thirty-something evangelicalChristian author warned against Democrats who mock believers.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-cvn-democrats-faith,0,2429858.story


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-GOP takes a hard line on abortion for its platform
Republicans went on record Tuesday with a reaffirmation of their hard lineon abortion and edged toward a more moderate stance toward climate change,reflecting the views of both John McCain and the conservative base. In itsplatform debate, the party stuck to its call for a constitutional amendmentbanning abortion despite McCain's opposition, and toughened alreadyuncompromising language on the issue.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/659611.html

-Let victims stay
Re the Aug. 15 letter Immigration debate, by Yeh Ling-Ling, about theJamaican lesbian spared deportation: As executive director of DiversityAlliance for Sustainable America, she should not talk dismissively aboutvictims and the abuse they suffer at the hands of their governments.Such problems are real in Jamaica. Amnesty International and a few otherorganizations are about the only ones addressing the problem of homophobiathere. Even when gay Jamaicans come to the United States to live free fromoppression, they still fear being ''outed'' when they return home to visit.Ling-Ling seems to believe that since she is in America she can now closethe door on others seeking freedom and democracy.
MARVA LIGHTBOURNE, Miami
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/letters/story/660135.html


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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-LaFontaine loses race to become Florida's first openly gay state legislatorDespite raising significantly less than her two opponents, former DeerfieldBeach Commissioner Gwyn Clarke-Reed won a seat in the state House ofRepresentatives. The men who were also vying for House District 92, WiltonManors Mayor Scott Newton and Oakland Park accountant and activist MarkLaFontaine (pictured), traded jabs as the campaign wrapped up.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/


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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Zimbabwe opposition: Mugabe will fail alone
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/27/AR2008082700862.html?hpid=sec-world

-Adoption, marriage amendments rile gay delegates
Anti-gay measure newly certified for Arkansas
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=20680

-Dem convention features 2 out gay speakers
Baldwin talks health care; Tobias attacks Bush over economy
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=20677

-Interview with Rick Stafford
DNC's LGBT caucus chair talks about gay clout within party
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=20676

-Interview with Barney Frank
He spoke with Mark Segal about the convention, how the Democratic Party haschanged and what the LGBT community should expect from a new president.
http://pgnblogs.wordpress.com/2008/08/25/interview-with-barney-frank/


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Queercents: Ten money questions for Andrew Tobias
Answers to money questions from Democratic National Committee TreasurerAndrew Tobias.
http://www.365gay.com/features/queercents-andrew-tobias/

-Religious conservatives want dem. concessions for their vote
http://www.365gay.com/news/082708-religious-conservatives/

-Gay Paris mayor to seek French presidency
http://www.365gay.com/news/082608-paris-mayor/

-Olympics: NBC on not mentioning Mitcham is gay: "We can't cover
everything"
http://www.365gay.com/features/nbc-on-not-mentioning-mitcham-is-gay/

-Coroner: Gay man shot by police at San Diego pride "a homicide"
The death of a 37-year old gay man who was shot last month by San DiegoHarbor Police during a gay pride-related cruise was been ruled a homicideaccording to the county coroner's final report.
http://www.365gay.com/news/082608-pride-homocide/


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Hillary Shines on Day Two
Hillary Clinton had two objectives with her address to the DemocraticNational Convention Tuesday night: prove she's committed to electing BarackObama president, and persuade her primary voters to embrace the Democraticnominee too. She certainly accomplished the former.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid60075.asp

-Mass. Voters May Decide Out-of-State Marriage Ban
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid60064.asp

-"Lesbian" Shirt Gets Woman Booted From Federal Building
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid60063.asp

-Study: Legal Status Helps Relationships Last Longer
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid60061.asp

-An Inclusive First Day at the Democratic Convention
From Sen. Ted Kennedy's reference to erasing barriers between gays andstraights to Michelle Obama's gripping primetime address to the largest-everLGBT caucus meeting, The Advocate brings you Day One at the DNC.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid60027.asp


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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Gay Beauty Contest Website Targeted by Vandals
Organisers of the Mr Gay Europe event have said they are the victims of ahomophobic online attack that has disabled their website. The hackers left"a message of hatred" and promised they would "never give up fightingagainst the site." "This is just horrible," Morten Ruda, President of theMr Gay Europe organisation, told PinkNews.co.uk. "At the moment we do ourvery best to recover all the articles and the photos on the site.

-Openly Gay DNC Treasurer Addresses Convention
Andy Tobias, the openly gay treasurer of the Democratic National Committeespoke to thousands assembled in Denver's Pepsi Center at the DemocraticNational Convention. Focusing his speech on the economy, Tobias explainedhow historically Democrats have brought a better economy than Republicans.The line that garnered the most cheers, however, had nothing to do withbudgets and deficits, but with Tobias's call for civil rights and equaltreatment for all. "As a gay man, I yearn for a president who believes inequal rights for all Americans," he said.

-New Lesbian Detective Show Being Considered By Networks
When the L-Word debuted in 2004, networks were astounded that the newtelevision series did so well at capturing a diverse television audience inaddition to its anticipated gay following. Since the L-Word's successtelevision networks have attempted to replicate the Lesbian story line intovarious television shows.

-Mass A.G. OKs Anti-Gay Ballot Measure
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley on Monday approved the wordingof a ballot measure that would reinstate a law used to bar out-of-statesame-sex couples from marrying in the Bay State. Coakley saidMassResistence had met the requirements to begin collecting the 33,000 validsignatures needed to put the issue to voters in 2010. Coakley went out ofher way to say she does not necessarily support the reinstatement measure.

-NBC Censors Sexual Orientation Of Openly Gay Gold Medalist Diver
According to OutSports.com, of the 10,708 athletes at the Olympics thisyear, just 10 have identified themselves publicly as being gay. Of the 10,Australian diver Matthew Mitcham is the only male gay athlete. Yesterday,Mitcham won the gold in the in the 10m platform diving event, scoring anupset over the Chinese team, which was heavily favored to win. But as MaggieHendricks at Yahoo's Olympics blog notes, NBC never mentioned Mitcham'sorientation:

-Remembering the Legacy of Matthew Shepard
Ten years ago this year, the nation was ravaged by a series of bias and hatecrimes, including the tragic murder of a University of Wyoming student namedMatthew Shepard. Today his legacy and story lives on. Stop The Hate(www.stophate.org), an educational initiative of Campus Pride, dedicates2008-09 to the memory of all victims of hate and has partnered with theMatthew Shepard Foundation to host two national trainings this Fall andSpring to prevent bias and hate crimes on college campuses. More informationonline at www.stophate.org under Events.

-So, Science Proves You CAN Tell A Gay Just By Looking!
A psychologist has spent ages doing a study that proves that you can tell agay from a non-gay, just by looking. Sort of. Well, some of the time. A bit.Nicholas Rule's study, published in last month's Journal of ExperimentalSocial Psychology, involved the researcher getting 15 undergrads, showingthem pictures of men, and asking them they thought said men were gays.

-Obama Loses Gay Media King
PAUL Colichman, the William Randolph Hearst of the gay media, is notsupporting Barack Obama for president. But that doesn't mean he's backingJohn McCain. "I'm a die-hard Democrat," he tells Page Six. But Colichmanwas also a die-hard Hillary Clinton supporter. He and Harry Thomasonproduced a documentary, "The Hunting of the President: The 10-Year Campaignto Destroy Bill and Hillary Clinton."


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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-MA: Anti-gay marriage group stays out of latest petition drive
The group that has led opposition to gay marriage says it will notparticipate in a petition drive to block out-of-state, same-sex couples frombeing married in assachusetts. The Massachusetts Family Institute said"there is no winning on this ssue" because thousands of marriages will havetaken place before the proposed allot question could go to voters inNovember 2010.

-AZ: Voters to be told gay vows already banned
Capitol Media Services via Arizona Daily Star
Arizona voters will be told when they go to the polls that it already isillegal for gays to marry in this state. Secretary of State Jan Breweragreed late Tuesday to dd that fact to the description of Proposition 102that will appear on the November allots. Approval would add a
same-sex-marriage ban to the state constitution.

-ID: "Hallmark stores refuse to sell company's own wedding cards"
A manager says seven Hallmark greeting card stores in the Treasure Valley[Idaho] will not carry the company's new same-sex marriage cards. CassiJacobsen, an assistant manager for the Jordan's Hallmark store in Nampa'sKarcher Mall, says the family that owns the seven area stores has decidedagainst carrying the new line of greeting cards. She said the owners wereout of town and not immediately available for comment.


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Gay online TV channel to launch in Romania
Romanian gays are to get their own online TV channel dedicated to the 'lifeand problems of the gay community' this autumn.

-The Gay Olympics: Matthew and the women
Matthew Mitcham has a somewhat dubious honour to accompany his richlydeserved gold medal in diving. He appears to be the only out gay man to havecompeted at the Beijing Olympics.

-"No credible threat" to Obama after assassination plot foiled
A possible assassination attempt on presumptive Democratic Presidentialnominee Barack Obama may have been foiled quite by accident.

-Ricky Martin "elated" after birth of twins via surrogate mother
Latin superstar Ricky Martin is the proud father of twin boys via asurrogate mother, his representatives have announced.

-Exhibition reveals official fears over gay characters in the theatre
A new exhibition will be pay tribute to the postwar period of transformationin theatre which saw writers 'coming to terms with life.'


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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article

-Republican U.S. Senator Busted Using Hookers. Wants To Pay Legal Bills With Campaign Money.
Republican U.S. Senator Busted Using Hookers. Wants To Pay Legal Bills WithCampaign Money. Three Republicans On Federal Election Commission Don't See AProblem With This. As you may know, Senator David Vitter of Louisiana wasimplicated in the D.C. Madam case and has admitted that he committed a "veryserious sin." Not only is he still serving as a United States Senator fromLouisiana, but now he wants to use his campaign money to pay legal billsrelated to his being subpoenaed in the case. This guy just can't leave wellenough alone.
http://www.myreferenceframe.com/politics/us-senator-busted-using-hookers-wan


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#####

NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - August 27, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Clinton Rallies Her Troops to Fight for an Obama Victory
With her husband looking on tenderly and her supporters watching with tearsin their eyes, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton deferred her own dreams onTuesday night and delivered an emphatic plea at the Democratic NationalConvention to unite behind her rival, Senator Barack Obama, no matter whatill will lingered.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/us/politics/27dems.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

-Editorial: Where's the Prosperity?
There is so little good economic news these days that we were cheered onTuesday after the Census Bureau reported that in 2007 the income of thetypical American household rose for the third year in a row. We weren'tcheered for long.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/opinion/27weds2.html?ref=opinion

-Editorial Notebook: On Politics, Women and Generational Anxiety
Eighty-eight years after American women fought their way into the votingbooth, some latter-day activists here are having trouble adjusting.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/opinion/27weds4.html?ref=opinion

-It's Their Party
Hillary Clinton rode into Denver on a high wire this week, balancing betweenthe loyalties of her supporters and the needs of her party. To a cynic, itappears that her 2012 candidacy rests on the need to do just enough forBarack Obama to avoid blame in case of his defeat but not enough to actuallyhelp him achieve victory. But Mrs. Clinton is smart enough to know thatDemocratic Party loyalists will hold her accountable if Mr. Obama is notelected, no matter how much effort she devotes on his behalf, so it's likelythat she'll go all out for him both tonight and for the next 10 weeks.
http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/26/its-their-party/index.html?ref=opinion

-Editorial Notebook: On Politics, Women and Generational Anxiety
Eighty-eight years after American women fought their way into the votingbooth, some latter-day activists here are having trouble adjusting. Theysaw Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as their reward, a final acknowledgementthat it was worth all the bras burned and lawsuits filed and marches on anall-male Washington. But Mrs. Clinton failed to win what may be her onlyshot at the Democratic nomination, and these women are trying to get used tothe fact that a new generation is taking center stage here: one representedby Michelle Obama.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/opinion/27weds4.html?ref=opinion

-No Expectations
On Hillary Clinton's big night, the story of the convention so far - whether
you believe it is valid or not - has been an attempt to measure thebitterness (or lack thereof) of Hillary Clinton's delegates. If Mrs.Clinton's supporters are more disappointed than the average supporters of a losingpresidential candidate, Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Atlantic's newest blogger,floats an interesting suggestion for why that might be the case. Afterseeing Spike Lee on MSNBC, Coates writes: Spike was asked if he everthought he'd see this day. He responded "Never." That is the differencebetween black men/women and white women. I think a large number of Hillarysupporters believe that a white woman could actually be nominated, andHillary seemed perfectly set up for it. She's also been known amongfeminists since her college days.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/26/no-expectations/index.html?ref=opinion

-Op-Ed Contributor: A Jihad Grows in Kashmir
New Delhi
FOR more than a week now, hundreds of thousands of Muslims have filled thestreets of Srinagar, the capital of Indian-ruled Kashmir, shouting "azadi"(freedom) and raising the green flag of Islam. These demonstrations, thelargest in nearly two decades, remind many of us why in 2000 President BillClinton described Kashmir, the Himalayan region claimed by both India andPakistan, as "the most dangerous place on earth."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/opinion/27mishra.html?ref=opinion


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Obama's Response Ad Reflects Lessons of 2004
Sen. Barack Obama's campaign and its allies, mindful of the lessons of theSwift boat attacks of 2004, have begun an aggressive, multi-pronged attackon an advertisement running in swing states that seeks to link theDemocratic presidential candidate to former domestic terrorist WilliamAyers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603920.html?hpid=topnews

-Don't Underestimate the Moment
Interviewed by the New York Times during the 1960 Democratic NationalConvention, an unnamed 10-year-old boy spoke for generations of conventionspectators: "You know, this is really very boring -- but somehow, you aren'tbored." The politics of any political convention is interesting for onlythe briefest of moments. Leading into the 1960 convention, Eleanor Rooseveltpublicly hoped that John Kennedy's "unselfishness and courage" would leadhim to accept the vice presidency, where he could "grow and learn." Thenovelist Gore Vidal contributed an unused draft of Kennedy's conventionspeech. Sammy Mysels -- the composer of "Mention My Name in Sheboygan" --co-wrote the Democratic campaign song.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603075.html

-A Syrian-Israeli Breakthrough?
DAMASCUS -- Of all the wild cards in the Middle East deck, this one may bethe most intriguing: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appears ready fordirect peace talks with Israel, if the United States will join France as aco-sponsor.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603077.html

-Target the Kremlin Pocketbooks
Further escalating the crisis in the Caucasus, Russian President DmitryMedvedev recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhaziayesterday; their annexation by Russia is likely to follow shortly. Russianpromises to withdraw troops to pre-conflict positions ring increasinglyhollow. Russian officials have threatened to use nuclear weapons againstPoland and Ukraine. All signs point to the Kremlin's decision to launch anew Cold War.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603074.html

-Mr. Obama and the Clintons
Beyond political differences, a legacy the Democratic nominee can build on
NO DOUBT, when Sen. Barack Obama pictured the ideal nominating convention,he did not cast his wife and himself as bookends for Hillary and BillClinton. But that, at least from a scheduling perspective, is how thingshave turned out. Despite Mrs. Clinton's stirring appeal for Democratic unitylast night, which the former president is likely to echo tonight, the focuson them and the persistent questions about party divisions are, if nothingelse, a distraction from the story Mr. Obama would like to be presenting.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603079.html

-Judge Allows No Delay of Miers's Testimony About Fired Prosecutors
A federal judge yesterday refused to delay his order requiring former WhiteHouse counsel Harriet E. Miers to testify in Congress, another legal setbackfor the Bush administration's attempts to limit cooperation with Democraticlawmakers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603331.html?hpid=sec-politics

-Stevens Wins Alaska Primary, Young in Dead Heat
UPDATE 8:30 AM EST: With 98 percent of precincts reporting, Young now leadsParnell by 145 votes.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2008/08/stevens_wins_alaska_primary_yo.html?hpid=moreheadlines

-Zimbabwe's Mugabe says he will form new government
HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe says he will form a newgovernment soon, with or without the opposition. State radio and thegovernment-controlled Herald newspaper quote Mugabe as saying he will soonannounce a new Cabinet that the opposition would be welcome to join.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/27/AR2008082700862.html?hpid=sec-world

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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

FLORIDA DIGEST - August 27, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

From Mark LaFontaine
Thank you, whether you're in Broward County , somewhere else in Florida , orspread out across the nation! Thanks to you, we made history in thiscampaign. More than 1,000 donors from around Florida - and around thecountry - stepped up to support my campaign. You sent a message - you saidyou want someone to fix our property tax and insurance mess. You wantsomeone to ensure health care for our children, our elderly, and ourveterans. You want someone to help get our economy moving. And you want avoice to ensure equality for ALL of Florida 's citizens. Thank you for yoursupport, words of encouragement, and inspiring stories. Thank you forputting your trust and your faith in me. We may not have been successfulin this campaign, but our fight continues. Please help other openly-gaycandidates have the same impact on the process, just as you helped me.Contribute to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Equality Florida andtogether we'll ensure we have a voice at all levels of government.
Mark LaFontaine


-From Adriane Reesey
To everyone: I want to say thank you so very much to everyone for thesupport that our campaign received over the past several months. It has beena tremendous experience, and one that I will not forget; it has been one ofhearing, seeing, and feeling. I have learned on the campaign trail to be"brief," as my long diatribes can even bore me. To all of those whobelieved in me and supported me financially, I say thank you, as I know howthought the economy has been. For all who worked tirelessly as unpaidvolunteers, you have my utmost thanks and respect. You hung there, gave ofyourselves and your time, and believed in me to the end, thank you! I cantruly be proud of a volunteer base that was as diverse as this melting potthat we call Broward County! Thank you all and we will continue to "fightthe good fight." I will leave you with two of my favorite quotes that sumup my feeling. "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect ofintelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbationof honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciatebeauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave theworld a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemedsocial condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung withexultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you havelived - this is to have succeeded." RALPH WALDO EMERSON - "Do not run acampaign that would embarrass your mother." ROBERT C. BYRD
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN,
Sincerely,
Adriane Reesey


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Poll shows Mccain has lead over Obama in Florida
Denver looks like it couldn't come fast enough for Florida Democrats.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-florida-democrats-082608,0,7174729.story


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Results From Tuesday's Florida Primary Elections

Supervisor of Elections - Broward County
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/FL/Broward/8043/8652/en/summary.html

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Supervisor of Elections - Palm Beach County
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/FL/Palm_Beach/8388/8666/en/summary.html

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Supervisor of Elections - Miami-Dade County
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/FL/Dade/7231/8657/en/summary.html


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Paper ballots make generally smooth debut in Broward County
Elections officials can exhale and uncross their fingers -- for now.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-0827flbvotingday0827,0,6176792.story

-Too close to call Broward sheriff contender
Scott Israel and Richard Lemack were in a neck-and-neck battle Tuesday nightto be the Democratic candidate for Broward sheriff, with Israel holding aslight lead with more than 85 percent of the votes tallied.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbsheriff0827sbaug27,0,6725282.story

-Eggelletion has overwhelming lead; Rodstrom narrowly ahead
One Broward County commissioner easily overcame his challengers in Tuesday's Democratic primary, while another led in his hotly contested race.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbcounty0827sbaug27,0,7854363.story

-Gallagher, Bartleman lead Broward County School Board races
Voters in southwest Broward County appeared to stick with a familiar face to
represent them on the School Board, with incumbent board member Beverly
Gallagher leading challenger Henry Rose in early results Tuesday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbskl0827sbaug27,0,1246668.story

-Three fight it out for Florida Senate District 31; Jenne, Clarke-Reed,
Rogers hold leads in bids for House seats. Former state House members KenGottlieb and Eleanor Sobel were locked in a dogfight for the Senate District31 seat late Tuesday, while a third contender, Tim Ryan, wasn't far behind.

-They're re-elected without having to face the voters
They're returning to office, but these elected officials whose districts areentirely or partially in Broward didn't have to face the voters on Tuesdayand won't be on the ballot in November.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbreelected0827sbaug27,0,3840548.story

-Candidate questions need for Snipes to have name all over polling sites, material
Voters who went to the polls Tuesday in Broward County saw Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes' name - everywhere.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbsnipes0827sbaug27,0,5171972.story

-Palm Beach County primary election results

-Not much fuss - or turnout - at Palm Beach County polls
Even amid tight countywide and legislative races, Palm Beach Countyresidents overwhelmingly skipped Tuesday's largely problem-free election.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpvotingday0827pnaug27,0,6206402.story

-Palm Beach County elections supervisor Arthur Anderson defeated
Four years after he narrowly won the supervisor of elections seat, Arthur
Anderson was defeated in Tuesday's election.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpsupervisor0827pnaug27,0,7019346.story

-Gary Nikolits holds lead in Palm Beach County property appraiser race
Overcoming public angst about property values and taxes, Palm Beach CountyProperty Appraiser Gary Nikolits appeared Tuesday night to hold off a stiffchallenge from state Rep. Richard Machek and return for a fifth term.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpappraiser0827pnaug27,0,1234854.story

-Two School Board seats decided; District 5 race heads to runoff
The race for Palm Beach County School Board District 5 appears headed for arunoff election on Nov. 4, while contests for two other board seats likelywere decided Tuesday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpskl0827pnaug27,0,6533875.story

-Kevin Rader leading House District 78 race in Palm Beach County
The race for House District 78 remained close late Tuesday evening.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpdist87pnaug27,0,4121732.story

-It's Wednesday morning, and final results from Broward elections are nowhere in sight
The political world is edgy this morning because it's theoretically possible, though unlikely, that some of the candidates with narrow leads from Tuesday's primaries and non-partisan elections could end up losing. The reason for the uncertainty: a lot of votes still aren't counted. The Broward Supervisor of Elections Office last updated its totals at 11:53 p.m. Tuesday night.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2008/08/its_wednesday_morning_and_fina.html


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-FLORIDA SENATE | SOUTHEAST BROWARD
Recount looms for Southeast Broward Senate race
In South Florida's most bare knuckle state primary, a razor-thin electoralmargin kept three former state representatives in suspense throughout thenight as they waited to see out who would claim the southeast Broward Senateseat.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/campaign-2008/story/660026.html

-Rooney will face Mahoney in former Foley seat
Former Army officer Tom Rooney edged out a victory in Tuesday's Republicanprimary and will face freshman Democratic U.S. Rep Tim Mahoney, who capturedhis seat after Rep. Mark Foley resigned amid an Internet teen sex scandal.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660190.html

-Upset: Incumbent Greer loses Miami-Dade School Board seat
In an election night shocker that could spell the end of embattledSuperintendent Rudy Crew's tenure in Miami, incumbent School Board memberEvelyn Greer lost her seat to a retired principal whose recent offer to stayon the job for a $1 salary was rebuffed by the district.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660002.html

-MIAMI-DADE COURTS
Challengers put pressure on courthouse incumbents
All nine of Miami-Dade's judicial races were too close to call from resultsavailable late Tuesday night. With 10 percent of the vote counted, threesitting judges had comfortable leads over their challengers and one judgewas behind. One race for an open seat was headed for a runoff. Threecandidates in races for open seats were clearly ahead. And the fifth racefor an open seat was neck-and-neck.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660096.html

-STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Steinberg comfortably takes District 106
In a race that pitted two political veterans with family ties to the state Legislature against each other, Miami Beach Commissioner Richard Steinbergdeclared victory in state House District 106.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660067.html

-MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL BOARD
Miami-Dade School Board shocker may spell end for Rudy Crew
In an election night shocker that could spell the end of embattledSuperintendent Rudy Crew's tenure in Miami, incumbent School Board memberEvelyn Greer lost her seat to a retired principal whose recent offer to stayon the job for a $1 salary was rebuffed by the district.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660088.html

-MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COURTS CLERK
Miami-Dade Courts Clerk Harvey Ruvin easily wins primary
Miami-Dade's longtime clerk of courts easily defeated his lone Democraticchallenger Tuesday night. The primary is the first time Harvey Ruvin, 71,has faced opposition since he was elected to the post in 1992.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660105.html


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Palm Beach Post
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Primary Elections Results - Updated every 4 minutes
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/news/politics/2008_election/interactives/aug26_fullresults.html


=
Broward County Commission Votes to Say No 2
Filed by: Anthony Niedwiecki
Broward County Commissioners unanimously voted to oppose Amendment 2,Florida's dangerous and deceptive "Marriage Protection" Amendment today. Theamendment is on the ballot in November and would not only define marriage as"between a man and woman" in the state constitution, but would also stripaway domestic partnership registries and benefits around the state.
http://florida.bilerico.com/2008/08/broward_county_commission_votes_to_say_n.php


=
Transgender Pool Party - Ft. Lauderdale
Saturday, September 6 - 4-8pm
Preregister - No tickets at the door
For details, contact TERI@glccsf.org


=
Ft. Lauderdale - Dolphin President Justin Flippen on CNN
Dolphin President Justin Flippen, a Florida Delegate to the DemocraticNational Convention, talks about the issues on CNN. Justin has once againdone an amazing job representing our club, our state, and our community!Check out the video and be sure to pass it along!
http://www.cnn.com/video/?JSONLINK=/video/politics/2008/08/25/dcl.long.flippen.delegates.cnn


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Congregation Etz Chaim, Wilton Manor's only Synagogue, will hold a Holiday
Open House for prospective members on Saturday, September 20. There will bea Wine and Cheese Reception from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a DairyPotluck Dinner and a Selichot Service conducted by Rabbi Harold F. Caminkerand Cantorial Soloist Michael Greenspan. The Holiday Open House will be agreat opportunity for prospective members to get acquainted withCongregation Etz Chaim and its many religious, social and educationalprograms. Congregation Etz Chaim is located at 1881 N.E. 26 Street inWilton Manors. For further information or an invitation to the Open House,phone (954) 288-8174 or e-mail Julesxxftl@bellsouth.net.


=
From Mark LaFontaine

Friends and Supporters,
Thank you, whether you're in Broward County , somewhere else in Florida , orspread out across the nation! Thanks to you, we made history in thiscampaign. More than 1,000 donors from around Florida - and around thecountry - stepped up to support my campaign. You sent a message - you saidyou want someone to fix our property tax and insurance mess. You wantsomeone to ensure health care for our children, our elderly, and ourveterans. You want someone to help get our economy moving. And you want avoice to ensure equality for ALL of Florida 's citizens. Thank you for yoursupport, words of encouragement, and inspiring stories. Thank you forputting your trust and your faith in me. We may not have been successfulin this campaign, but our fight continues. Please help other openly-gaycandidates have the same impact on the process, just as you helped me. Contribute to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Equality Florida andtogether we'll ensure we have a voice at all levels of government.
Mark LaFontaine


-From Adriane Reesey
To everyone: I want to say thank you so very much to everyone for thesupport that our campaign received over the past several months. It has beena tremendous experience, and one that I will not forget; it has been one ofhearing, seeing, and feeling. I have learned on the campaign trail to be"brief," as my long diatribes can even bore me. To all of those whobelieved in me and supported me financially, I say thank you, as I know howthought the economy has been. For all who worked tirelessly as unpaidvolunteers, you have my utmost thanks and respect. You hung there, gave ofyourselves and your time, and believed in me to the end, thank you! I cantruly be proud of a volunteer base that was as diverse as this melting potthat we call Broward County! Thank you all and we will continue to "fightthe good fight." I will leave you with two of my favorite quotes that sumup my feeling. "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect ofintelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbationof honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciatebeauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave theworld a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemedsocial condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung withexultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you havelived - this is to have succeeded." RALPH WALDO EMERSON - "Do not run acampaign that would embarrass your mother." ROBERT C. BYRD
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN,
Sincerely,
Adriane Reesey


=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Poll shows Mccain has lead over Obama in Florida
Denver looks like it couldn't come fast enough for Florida Democrats.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-florida-democrats-082608,0,7174729.story

=

[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

Monday, August 25, 2008

GLBT DIGEST - August 25, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

=
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-As Many as 32% of Gay Americans May Be Morons and an Embarrassment to theRest of Us
This morning I received a media release from Witeck-Combs Communicationsconcerning a recent poll conducted by Harris Interactive. The poll showedthat 68% of the LGBT respondents support Barack Obama, 10% support JohnMcCain, 3% supported Ralph Nader, 1 % supported Bob Barr and 15% haven'tmade up their minds yet. Senator Obama maintains only an eight-point leadover Senator McCain in the total mainstream sample, which is unchanged fromthe July numbers. The poll was conducted online between August 1st and 7thamong 2,834 adults aged 18 and over, with 178 (or nearly 6.3%) indentifiedas gay lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. I am sorry folks, but if thispoll is representative of our community, and 178 seems to be too smallsample to me, 32% of the LGBT community are morons! John McCain is staunchlyanti-gay and yet 10% of us support him. that makes lots of sense, especiallyif McCain gets into office and we have to survive a U.S. Supreme Courtcomprised of a majority of "Strict Constructionists" for the rest of many ofour lives!

-Gay Athletes on Move for Acceptance
The 2008 Northwest Quest Gay Softball World Series will be held this week in Seattle with 175 teams and 4,000 athletes and fans from 41 cities in Canada and the U.S. participating. The opening ceremonies are scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m. at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre featuring keynote speakers David Kopay, the first American pro athlete to say he was gay, and Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, a lesbian who successfully challenged her discharge from the Washington National Guard. Mayor Greg Nickels will greet the athletes, too. The World Series will end Saturday with championship games and closing ceremonies at Russell Road Park in Kent.

-Retired Admiral Turned Congressman Fighting to End Don't Ask, Don't Tell
He packed away his Navy uniform, but is still actively serving his countryin Congress, fighting for equal rights for all in the military. CongressmanJoe Sestak, a Democrat representing the 7th Congressional District ofPennsylvania, spent 31 years serving in the U.S. Navy and retired athree-star admiral. On July, 23, 2008, he spoke at the House Armed ServicesCommittee hearing on a review of Don't Ask, Don't Tell 15 years after it wasintroduced as a law. The congressman was gracious enough to talk to The GayMilitary Times over the phone on August 1, 2008. The committee decided torevisit Don't Ask, Don't Tell due in part because outside surveys have shownthat a certain percentage of men and women in the military are gay.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/


=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:

-Vatican orders Cardinal Newman to be parted from priest friend in sharedgrave
Plan to exhume cardinal is 'homophobic'
The Catholic Church is under growing pressure to abandon the "homophobic"exhumation and reburial of the body of one its most famous cardinals, indefiance of his wish to lie for eternity next to the man he loved. Gayrights campaigners have accused the Vatican - which has ordered thedisinterment in the first step towards beatification - of attempting tocover up the sexuality of Cardinal John Henry Newman, who died in 1890.Opposition to the reburial among some British Roman Catholics has beenbolstered by a new poll organised by The Church Times which shows that amajority of Anglicans are now against the separation of Cardinal Newman, aformer Anglican clergyman, and Father Ambrose St John who lived together as"husband and wife" for most of their late adult lives. Yesterday, the gayrights campaigner Peter Tatchell told The Independent: "The Vatican'sdecision to move Cardinal Newman's body from its resting place is an act ofgrave robbery and religious desecration. It violates Newman's repeated wishto be buried for eternity with his life-long partner Ambrose St John.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/plan-to-exhume-cardinal-is-homophobic-907797.html


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Photos and Articles of Olympics - Gays
http://www.outsports.com/


=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article

-Joe Biden on the issues: Gay Equality
http://www.eQualityGiving.org/Joe-Biden-on-the-issues-Equality-Quotes-Gay-Rights


=
Forwarded from Esther and Marjie Lorpol
Cartoons - Same-Sex Marriage
http://progressflorida.org/page/content/gallerymain/


=
Pink Choice's top 10 destinations for August
Based on our members' reviews and ratings here are the top destinations forAugust:
.Provincetown
.Fort Lauderdale
.San Francisco
.Montreal
.New York
.Saugatuck/Douglas
.Ogunquit
.Rehoboth Beach
.Chicago
.Palm Springs
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/261098/4d856af51b/1277000930/bedd4a7097/

=

[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - August 25, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-That's 8 Out of 457,000
America should require the hard-working undocumented workers to legalize andassimilate, and use enforcement power to catch and deport the criminals.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/opinion/25mon2.html?ref=opinion

-Op-Ed Columnist: Out of Africa
In the castle here, slaves force-marched from the African interior were heldin dungeons until their passage through the "Door of No Return" onto theships that would carry them to the New World.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/opinion/25cohen.html?ref=opinion

-Obama Aides Defend Bank's Pay to Biden Son
During the years that Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. was helping the creditcard industry win passage of a law making it harder for consumers to filefor bankruptcy protection, his son had a consulting agreement that lastedfive years with one of the largest companies pushing for the changes, aidesto Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign acknowledged Sunday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25biden.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1219665853-bjBg0+eUgeJVfIoDJ0DIZA

-Tasks for Biden This Fall: Travel and Attack McCain
Travel plans for Senator Barack Obama's running mate, Senator Joseph R.Biden Jr., have yet to be finalized beyond his arrival this week in Denverfor the Democratic National Convention. But campaign advisers said Sundaythat they were certain Mr. Biden would spend considerable time campaigningthrough Election Day in four swing states: Florida, Michigan, Ohio andPennsylvania.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25MAP.html

-1 million cut off by monsoon floods in India
Authorities struggled Monday to get aid to more than 1 million peoplestranded by floods in a north Indian state, with one local government leaderdescribing the situation as a catastrophe.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-India-Monsoon-Flooding.html

-At Conference on the Risks to Earth, Few Are Optimistic
This ancient hilltop town, rife with Roman, Greek, Norman and otherinfluences, is hosting a very modern gathering: a conference on global riskslike cyberterrorism, climate change, nuclear weapons and the world's laggingenergy supply.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/world/europe/24sicily.html

-A Teacher on the Front Line as Faith and Science Clash
David Campbell switched on the overhead projector and wrote "Evolution" inthe rectangle of light on the screen. He scanned the faces of thesophomores in his Biology I class. Many of them, he knew from years ofteaching high school in this Jacksonville suburb, had been raised to takethe biblical creation story as fact. His gaze rested for a moment on BryceHaas, a football player who attended the 6 a.m. prayer meetings of theFellowship of Christian Athletes in the school gymnasium.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/education/24evolution.html


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Obama's Reassuring Choice
I saw another man dance with Joe Biden's wife, Jill. It was almost threeyears ago, on the terrace of the sublime Villa d'Este on the shore ofItaly's stunning Lake Como, and Biden watched, smiling broadly and sometimeslaughing, as the man gracefully moved Jill around the dance floor. It waslate, and the guests still there looked on keenly because Jill Biden'sdancing partner was very good-looking and very famous. He was John McCain.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/24/AR2008082401857.html

-Using God Politically
With all due respect to Pastor Warren and the candidates, and withoutcomplaint about what was said, I'm on the side of those who are nervousabout the practices that bring this kind of forum about, and its longer-termconsequences.. It is almost impossible to stage events with a focus likethis without falling into the trap of "using" God.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/martin_marty/2008/08/using_god_politically.html

-Zimbabwe opposition wins vote for speaker
Zimbabwe's opposition won the vote for speaker of the first parliament sincedisputed elections in March, claiming votes even from the ruling party ofautocratic President Robert Mugabe on Monday amid stalled talks over sharingpower.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/25/AR2008082500276.html?hpid=moreheadlines

-In India, New Opportunities for Women Draw Anger and Abuse From Men
Every morning, Gitanjali Chaudhry, 17, walks to her high school through alabyrinth of temples and vegetable markets. Along with her books, shecarries an Indian version of Mace -- a bag of chili powder and a pouch ofsafety pins -- to fend off the often boorish men who loiter in the narrowpassageways.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/24/AR2008082401665.html?hpid=moreheadlines

-Where Are All the Men?
Relief! That's the word that describes my emotions last week when wereceived the long-awaited postcard telling us who the first-grade teacherwould be. While we're lucky that our school has many very good teachers,there are a few I'd rather avoid. A good teacher means my son will likelyhave a great school year; a bad teacher means... Well, thankfully we haven'thad to cross that path yet.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/parenting/?hpid=news-col-blogs

-The GOP's Delicate Passing of the Baton
When it gathers next week in Minneapolis-St. Paul for its quadrennialconvention, the Republican Party will try to turn the page from George W.Bush to John McCain. It won't be an easy trick.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/24/AR2008082401668.html?hpid=sec-politics

-Ex-prime minister Sharif quits Pakistan coalition
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he is withdrawing his party fromPakistan's ruling coalition. The move will likely concentrate power in thehands of the main ruling Pakistan People's Party, which wants to maintainthe country's close ties with the United States.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/25/AR2008082500173.html?hpid=sec-world

-Olympic Closing Ceremony - Photos
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/25/AR2008082500173.html?hpid=sec-world


=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Human rights group says 78 Afghans killed; US to investigate civilian death claims
Scores of Afghan civilians who had gathered in a small village for thememorial ceremony of a militia commander were killed when U.S. and Afghansoldiers launched an attack in the middle of the night, officials andvillagers said Saturday. President Hamid Karzai condemned the early Fridayoperation in western Afghanistan and said most of the dead were civilians.The U.S. coalition, however, said it believed only five civilians were amongthose killed and said that it would investigate the Afghan claims.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ats-ap-afghan-violenceaug23,0,7647447.story

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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-MIDDLE EAST: What Georgia crisis means for Israel
A war between a resurgent Russia and tiny Georgia over the microscopicregion of South Ossetia should have little impact on another miniaturecountry on the shores of the Mediterranean. And yet, the course of thisconflict points in a direction that should trouble those who care aboutIsrael and about the prospects for peace in the Middle East.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/656414.html

-Leonard Pitts: Children of Katrina still bear the scars
You cannot watch Laura Belsey's movie without ruminating upon the myriadways we fail our young. There are many wrenching scenes in Katrina'sChildren but arguably the most wrenching is not the girl crying because thehurricane left her so fearful of water she can no longer swim, or the boystouring the wreckage that once was home, or the children recalling howcorpses floated by, writhing with maggots, bursting open. No, the mostwrenching scene comes when Tyronieshia tries to read.
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/leonard-pitts/story/653939.html

-It's not personal
The temptation is obvious: Polling tells us that voters are more likely toremember a negative message than a positive one. And yet the danger issubstantial: Those same voters tend to think less of candidates who delivera negative message. So the question that every candidate faces is this one:Is the probable backlash worth the potential payoff?
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/653936.html


=
Forwarded from Susan Frishkorn
frishkorn@bellsouth.net
Contact Ray's List for the full articles.

-McCain's Plan to Privatise Veterans' Health Care
If John McCain is elected the next U.S. president, wounded veterans could bein for a world of hurt. On the campaign trail, the Republican's presumptivenominee has talked of a new mission for the Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) and argued that veterans with non-combat medical problems should begiven vouchers to receive care at private, for-profit hospitals -- in otherwords, an end to the kind of universal health care the government hasguaranteed veterans for generations. "We need to relieve the burden on theVA from routine health care," McCain told the National Forum on DisabilityIssues last month. "If you have a routine health care need, take it whereveryou want, whatever doctor or health care provider and get the treatment youneed, while we at the VA focus our attention, our care, our love, on thesegrievous wounds of war." The Republican senator argues that giving veteransa VA card that they can use at private doctors would shorten the long waittimes many veterans face in seeing government doctors, who are nearlyuniversally viewed as among the best in the world.

-Citizens' U.S. Border Crossings racked
Data From Checkpoints To Be Kept for 15 Years
The federal government has been using its system of border checkpoints togreatly expand a database on travelers entering the country by collectinginformation on all U.S. citizens crossing by land, compiling data that willbe stored for 15 years and may be used in criminal and intelligenceinvestigations. Officials say the Border Crossing Information system,disclosed last month by the Department of Homeland Security in a FederalRegister notice, is part of a broader effort to guard against terroristthreats. It also reflects the growing number of government systemscontaining personal information on Americans that can be shared for a broadrange of law enforcement and intelligence purposes, some of which are exemptfrom some Privacy Act protections. While international air passenger datahas long been captured this way, Customs and Border Protection agents onlythis year began to log the arrivals of all U.S. citizens across landborders, through which about three-quarters of border entries occur.


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Video: Message from Joe Biden about the Coming Campaign
http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/bidendtc


=
Pew Research center
http://pewresearch.org/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Politics and the Pulpit
More Americans Question Religion's Role in Politics
A new Pew Research survey finds a decline in the share of Americans who wantchurches and other houses of worship to be involved in political matters.Most of the drop in the past four years has come among politicalconservatives. Read more

-News to You
Key News Audiences Blend Web and Traditional Sources
For more than a decade, audiences for most traditional news sources havesteadily declined and the number of people getting news online has surged.The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press' biannual media studyalso finds that a growing number Americans mix both old and new mediasources. The report presents a typology that breaks news consumers into fourgroups: Integrators, Net-Newsers, Traditionalists and the Disengage. Readmore

-Pocketbook Press
Uptick in Coverage of Economic Slowdown
The slowing economy has replaced Iraq as the second most intensely coveredstory so far in 2008, according to a new study of media content. However, itstill trails far behind the presidential campaign. Read more

-Party Time
Democrats Primed to Tune into Convention
More Americans are interested in following the Democratic Convention (59%)than the Republican Convention (48%). An overwhelming majority of Democrats(79%) plan to follow their party's convention. However, those who favoredHillary Clinton express only modest interest in Obama's speech and stronginterest in her address. Read more

-Conflict Coverage
Russian-Georgian War Knocks Campaign off Coverage Perch
Last week marked the first time in nine months that the most covered newsstory was not the presidential campaign. The Russian-Georgian war led thenews and also generated positive coverage for McCain and his aggressiveapproach to the crisis. Read more

-Daily Number
20 points - Jobs: Partisan Problem
Views of the job situation continue to differ along partisan lines with 69%of Democrats and 65% of independents -- but only 49% of Republicans --saying jobs are hard to find in their area. Check back every weekday foranother number in the news. Read more


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As U.S. growth of online social networks slows due to market saturation,social nets are going global, expanding into a diversity of world marketsand growing worldwide. MySpace, for example, has a footprint in more than 29countries worldwide, and 63% of Facebook's 132 million users reside outsideof North America.


=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-FLORIDA, MICHIGAN ENTER CONVENTION WITH FULL VOTING RIGHTS
DENVER ?
Democratic delegates from Michigan and Florida were awarded fullvoting rights at the national convention Sunday, despite holding earlyprimaries against party rules. The convention credentials committee votedunanimously to restore the voting privileges at the behest of Barack Obama,the party's presumptive nominee for president. The states were initiallystripped of delegates for holding primaries before Feb. 5. The party's rulescommittee restored the delegates in May, but gave them only half votes.Democrats hope the gesture will strengthen their standing in two importantbattleground states while ending a contentious chapter of the nominatingprocess.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/24/florida-michigan-granted_n_120975.html

-Kennedy hopes to give speech at convention
In a moment that is sure to bring down the house, US Senator Edward M.Kennedy is expected to attend the Democratic National Convention, mostlikely to deliver a speech tonight. Kennedy has been battling brain cancersince May, and his doctors are said to be worried that his treatment hascompromised his immune system and that attending the convention could puthim at further risk. Still, the senator has recently told people that he hasa speech written for the convention and that he badly wants to come, pendinga final medical consultation.
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/08/25/kennedy_hopes_to_give_speech_at_convention/

-Decision 2008: Romney abortion stand gives pause
Some at state GOP convention worry about potential VP candidate. Not allMichigan Republicans are thrilled that Mitt Romney could be the vicepresidential running mate John McCain names in his expected announcementFriday. At the state GOP's weekend convention in Novi, most said they wouldlove to have Michigan-reared Romney, who won Michigan's Jan. 15 presidentialprimary, on the ticket with McCain.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080825/POLITICS/808250376&imw=Y

-Time for Obama to prove he's the leader next door
One of the most fascinating passages from Barack Obama's first book, Dreamsfrom My Father, describes his first trip from Hawaii to the mainland withhis family when he was 11 years old. He mentions visits to Disneyland andthe Grand Canyon, days spent on Greyhound buses and nights in Howard Johnsonmotels. And then, somewhat discordantly, he says he watched the Watergatehearings on TV each night.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/08/time-for-obama.html?csp=34

-DNC schedule
Today
Theme: "One Nation."
Headline primetime speaker: Michelle Obama.
Other highlights: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former president Jimmy Carter,and a tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/08/25/dnc_schedule/

-Pelosi agrees to hear case for offshore drilling
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said yesterday that expanded oil drilling infederal waters could be included in a broader energy bill if advocates canprove its effectiveness as a solution to America's energy problems.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/08/25/pelosi_agrees_to_hear_case_for_offshore_drilling/

=

[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

FLORIDA DIGEST - August 25, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

From Jesse Monteagudo
Friends: I am happy to announce that I am now a contributor to the Floridaedition of "The Bilerico Project - Daily Experiments in GBTQ"(http://florida.bilerico.com). Thanks to Waymon Hudson for inviting me tojoin. -- Jesse


~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Fla. homes evacuated as waters rise in wake of Fay
Flooding left behind by Tropical Storm Fay forced residents in parts ofnorthern Florida out of their homes Sunday, while the storm's remnants wereforecast to dump several inches of rain on at least four other states.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/24/AR2008082400215.html?hpid=moreheadlines


=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Broward property appraiser says Web site has clearer explanation of exemption
Appraisal notices don't make clear that bigger exemption is figured inWith tax appraisal notices hitting mailboxes across Broward County,property owners are getting confused about whether they are receiving theextra tax breaks approved in January.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/sfl-flbproperty0825sbaug25,0,3838235.story

-Broward County 'blue laws' still stir debate
No bar brawls over this. Boynton Beach, like many cities across thecountry, has age-old "blue laws" that ban Sunday alcohol sales before noon.Commissioners considered scaling back on hours and limiting sales onlybetween 2 and 8 a.m. Sundays. The measure was defeated, but it could comeback.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbalcohol0822sbaug25,0,7359873.story

-Wexler named convention vice chairman
U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler was appointed Sunday as a vice chairman of theDemocratic National Convention in Denver. He's one of several. In additionto the convention chairwoman, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, there are a totalof seven co- and vice-chairmen.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2008/08/wexler_named_convention_vice_c.html

-Despite flooding in Fla., other states hope rain from Fay remnants willbring drought relief
Tropical Storm Fay may be gone but the rain remains. And for some, thatcould be a good thing. Flooding forced residents in parts of northernFlorida out of their homes Sunday. But in other states, the rain bringshopes of some drought relief.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-tropical-weather-fay,0,2425269.story


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Florida gets its full votes at Democratic Convention
Florida delegates will get full voting rights at the national conventionthat starts Monday, although they'll have to ride for 7.9 miles to getthere.
http://www.miamiherald.com/979/story/656437.html

-Restraining of mentally ill foster kids questioned
Last month, a 16-year-old Broward County girl was brought into Circuit JudgeJohn A. Frusciante's courtroom for a hearing. She was handcuffed, her legsshackled with cloth restraints, with two armed deputies leading her by thearm. Her offense? She's never been charged with one. A mentally ill fosterchild who was neglected by her mother and wound up in a psychiatric center,the teen was being restrained to keep her from running away, her attorneysaid.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/656653.html


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Palm Beach Post
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-A hefty trail of paper: 90 tons of ballots piling up in Palm Beach County alone
A mountain of a paper trail is building in Florida as elections supervisorsorder hundreds of thousands of pounds of the stuff for the first statewideuse of optical-scan voting.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/local_news/epaper/2008/08/24/papertrail0825.html


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Nelson won't back offshore drilling
Though other Democrats in Congress are willing to discuss drilling offFlorida's coast, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson made it clear last week that he isn'tone of them.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080825/COLUMNIST/808250327/2257/NEWS&title=Nelson_won_t_back_offshore_drilling

-Michael Peltier: State starts to add up the Fay tab
Tropical Storm Fay bid Florida a watery adieu over the weekend but notbefore claiming at least 11 lives and causing millions of dollars in damage.Homeowners, businesses and the state's agricultural industry all took theirshare of hits as Fay slowly crisscrossed the state over the course of morethan a week. Now it's time for the state to figure out how to recoup some ofits losses.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/aug/24/michael-peltier-state-starts-add-fay-tab/

-State: Fay claims 11 lives in Florida; storm system still a threat
Both the St. Marks and Sopchoppy rivers in Wakulla County have risen abovemajor flood level after what's now Tropical Depression Fay dumped more than10 inches of rain on the Big Bend. At 8 a.m. Sunday, the St. Marks Riverwas at 12.4 feet, measured at a gauge at Newport. That's higher than thehistoric rise for the river, exceeding the previous record when the waterwaycrested at 11.81 feet in April 1973.
http://floridacapitalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/CAPITOLNEWS/808240336&theme

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From Beverly Gallagher
Re-Elect for Broward School Board, District #2
Thank you so much for your friendship, hard work and support. I'm very proud of my accomplishments I have worked very hard to bring 10 new schools, classroom additions, renovations of our older schools, keeping kids safe and raising teacher salaries. Unfortunately, my opponent has unleashed an untruthful, negative, smear campaign against me filled with innuendos. I need your help now more than ever. Please forward this email to all of your friends. It is very important that we get all of our friends to vote tomorrow. Every vote counts!
If you'd like to help in other ways, please call me.
Bev
Phone- 954-435-5918
Cell- 954-829-6621
Fax- 954-435-5918
bevagallagher@aol.com
www.BevAGallagher.com

=

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#####

Sunday, August 24, 2008

GLBT DIGEST - August 24, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Modern Love: We'll Marry Each Other as Often as Needed
"Come to California," I said. This was two days before I was leaving forLos Angeles for work, and a week after same-sex marriage had been legalizedthere, making it eciprocally legal in New York State, where we live.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/fashion/24love.html?_r=1&sq=gay&st=cse&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&scp=2&adxnnlx=1219584463-/zI1+Y81ZHy4OLlq01KBqA


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Aussie swoops in to ruin Chinese sweep
Mitcham's last dive garners best score in Olympic history
Matthew Mitcham grabbed the moment and simply wouldn't let go Saturday nightto give Australia its first diving gold medal since 1924, preventing Chinafrom sweeping all eight Olympic diving gold medals.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/other/sfl-flspolydive24sbaug24,0,5424948.story

-Internet firms charging bandwidth hogs more
Three months ago, Guy Distaffen switched Internet providers, lured from hiscable company to his phone company by a year of free service on a two-yearcontract. But soon the company quietly updated its policies to say it wouldlimit his Internet activity each month. "We felt that we were suckered,"said Distaffen, who lives in the small village of Silver Springs in upstateNew York. The phone company, Frontier Communications Corp., is one ofseveral Internet service providers that are moving to curb the growth oftraffic on their networks, or at least make the subscribers who download themost pay more.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzinternetcaps0824sbaug24,0,7491033.story

-Measles at decade high as more parents fear vaccine
Number of cases so far more than triple last year's
Measles cases in the United States are at the highest level in more than adecade, with nearly half of those involving children whose parents rejectedvaccination, health officials reported Thursday. Worried doctors aretroubled by the trend fueled by unfounded fears that vaccines may causeautism. The number of cases is still small, just 131, but that's only forthe first seven months of the year. There were only 42 cases for all of lastyear.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-flameasles0822sbaug22,0,7260963.story


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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Gay journalists announce award winners Saturday at Washington conference
I've been blogging since Wednesday from Washington, D.C., where I'mattending the annual National Lesbian & Gay Journalists (NLGJA) conference.Here's today's news release about this year's award-winning journalists: NLGJA Announces Excellence in Journalism Awards & 2008 Hall of FameInductees
As the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) kicked off"NLGJA Goes to Washington," its 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBTMedia Summit, it presented the first of its Excellence in Journalism Awards.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/08/gay-journalists.html


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Lesbians Bring Home the Medals at the 2008 Olympics
Six of the 13 out lesbian and bisexual women competing at the 2008 SummerOlympics in Beijing ended up winning gold, silver, or bronze medals. (TheGames' sole openly gay male athlete, Australian diver Matthew Mitcham, tookhome the gold in the men's 10m platform.)
http://www.365gay.com/features/lesbians-medal-at-the-olympics/

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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Out Olympian Matthew Mitcham Wins Gold
After narrowly missing out on qualifying for the three-meter springboardfinals earlier this week, out Australian diver Matthew Mitcham took home thegold in the 10-meter platform competition, preventing the Chinese fromtaking gold in all eight diving categories.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid59894.asp


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Concerned Women for America claim gay greeting cards are detrimental tochildren
Senior members of Concerned Women for America (CWA) have condemnedHallmark's marketing of greeting cards aimed at gays and lesbians.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-8783.html

=

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#####

NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - August 24, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-In Obama's Choice, a 'Very Personal Decision'
As world events shifted, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s stock rose throughone of the most rigorous vice presidential vetting processes Democrats couldrecall.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/us/politics/24deconstruct.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

-Hoping It's Biden
By DAVID BROOKS
August 21, 2008
Barack Obama has decided upon a vice-presidential running mate. And while Idon't know who it is as I write, for the good of the country, I hope hepicked Joe Biden. Biden's weaknesses are on the surface. He has said anumber of idiotic things over the years and, in the days following hisselection, those snippets would be aired again and again. But that won'thurt all that much because voters are smart enough to forgive the genuineflaws of genuine people. And over the long haul, Biden provides what Obamaneeds: Working-Class Roots. Biden is a lunch-bucket Democrat. His fatherwas rich when he was young - played polo, cavorted on yachts, drove luxurycars. But through a series of bad personal and business decisions, he wasbroke by the time Joe Jr. came along. They lived with their in-laws inScranton, Pa., then moved to a dingy working-class area in Wilmington, Del.At one point, the elder Biden cleaned boilers during the week and soldpennants and knickknacks at a farmer's market on the weekends.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/opinion/22brooks.html?pagewanted=print

-Op-Ed Columnist: Last Call for Change We Can Believe In
AS the real campaign at last begins in Denver this week, this much iscertain: It's time for Barack Obama to dispatch "Change We Can Believe In"to a dignified death. This isn't because - OMG! - Obama's narrow three- tofour-percentage-point lead of recent weeks dropped to a statisticallyindistinguishable one- to three-point margin during his week of vacation. It's because zero hour is here. As the presidential race finally gains thecountry's full attention, the strategy that vanquished Hillary Clinton mustbe rebooted to take out John McCain.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/opinion/24rich.html?ref=opinion

-Op-Ed Columnist: Melting Pot Meets Great Wall
The Olympics may just be a sporting event, but it is hard not to read largermessages into the results, especially when you see how China and Americahave dominated the medals tally. Both countries can - and will - look attheir Olympic successes as reaffirmations of their distinctly differentpolitical systems. But what strikes me is how much they could each learnfrom the other. This, as they say, is a teaching moment.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/opinion/24friedman.html?ref=opinion

-Georgia Prepares for Refugees; Russians Declare Pullback Finished
GORI, Georgia - Though Russian forces still held several key areas of thecountry, the Georgian government began on Saturday to prepare cities andvillages in the conflict areas for the return of thousands of refugees.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/world/europe/24georgia.html

-A Courteous Call and a Quick Strike From McCain
Senator John McCain publicly reacted Saturday to the news that his goodfriend, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., would be on the Democratic ticket withhis now daily vacation ritual: going for a morning coffee run with hissix-car motorcade to Starbucks and saying not a word.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/us/politics/24mccain.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1219587057-YQNX8esKUNM/mhs4/4Pudw


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Assessing Joe Biden
This is a good first decision by Barack Obama. Sen. Joseph Biden has manyobvious strengths that make him a good running mate: unassailable foreignpolicy credentials, personal relationships with many world leaders, long anddeep service on the Hill. He will be a valuable voice of experience in anObama White House.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/23/AR2008082300853.html

-They Can Only Go So Far
The world's bullies are throwing their weight around. But history isn't ontheir side. Are we entering the age of the autocrat? It's certainlytempting to think so after watching Russia's recent clobbering of Georgia.That invasion clearly marks a new phase in world politics, but it's amistake to think that the future belongs to Russian strongman Vladimir Putinand his fellow despots.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202395.html

-READERS LEFT BEHIND
We're Teaching Books That Don't Stack Up
Browsing in Barnes & Noble one recent afternoon, I found myself drawn tothe "Summer Reading" table, where neatly stacked piles of books by CharlesDickens and John Steinbeck and Zora Neale Hurston sat waiting for theteenagers who were supposed to read them by the first day of school. Gazingat the gleaming covers, I had to wonder how many students were in factturning the pages with any real desire to get to the next one.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202398.html

-The Right Age for Drinking
It isn't 18, whatever some college officials think. COLLEGE OFFICIALS whohave signed on to the provocative proposition that the legal drinking age of21 isn't working say that they just want to start a debate. Perhaps whenthey get done with that, they can move on to whether Earth really orbits thesun. Any suggestion that the current drinking age hasn't saved lives runscounter to the facts.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/23/AR2008082301748.html

-Texas truant students to be tracked by GPS anklets
Court authorities here will be able to track students with a history ofskipping school under a new program requiring them to wear ankle braceletswith Global Positioning System monitoring. But at least one group isworried the ankle bracelets will infringe on students' privacy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/23/AR2008082300274.html?hpid=sec-education


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Detroit News
http://detnews.com/

-Be wary of McCain's inconsistency
There's a candidate in this presidential race who remains a mystery -- hazy, undefined, so full of contradictions that voters may see electing him as anenormous risk. I'm referring to the cipher known as John McCain. In fact,there are some basic things about McCain that apparently even McCain doesn'tknow. Asked Wednesday by reporters from Politico how many houses he and hiswealthy wife Cindy own, McCain responded, "I think -- I'll have my staff getto you." The correct answer seems to be somewhere between four and seven,but who's counting?
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/OPINION03/808240307/1031


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Be wary of McCain's inconsistency
There's a candidate in this presidential race who remains a mystery -- hazy,undefined, so full of contradictions that voters may see electing him as anenormous risk. I'm referring to the cipher known as John McCain. In fact,there are some basic things about McCain that apparently even McCain doesn'tknow. Asked Wednesday by reporters from Politico how many houses he and hiswealthy wife Cindy own, McCain responded, "I think -- I'll have my staff getto you." The correct answer seems to be somewhere between four and seven,but who's counting?
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/OPINION03/808240307/1031

=

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#####

FLORIDA DIGEST - August 24, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

DNC Convention Party - Watch Obama Accept Nomination
Thursday, 8/28/2008 - 7:00 PM
Rosie's Bar and Grill 2449 Wilton Dr.
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Join HRC South Florida at Rosie's on August 28, to watch as Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Party nomination for President. We will have food, drink specials and more! This event is open to the community, no RSVP required, no ticket purchase required. Questions? Email us at: HRCsfla@bellsouth.net
Also, don't forget to register and mark your calendar for election day, November 4, 2008. Click Here for more resources for Florida


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Property Appriaser Challenger Supports Amendment 2
Countywide candidate favors ban on same-sex marriage
Sara Truini, a Republican-turned-Democrat who's challenging Property Appraiser Lori Parrish in the Aug. 26 primary, is not a fan of same-sex marriage. The issue arises because the Parrish campaign found Truini's name on the on-line database of people who signed the petitions that got an anti-gay marriage amendment on the November election ballot. The amendment in question would add the state's current ban on same-sex marriage to the Florida Constitution. Truini said she didn't remember signing the petition, but "If you see my name there I probably signed it." She said it reflects her views. "I believe as a Catholic that the marriages should be between a man and a woman. I believe that. I believe that's the correct way of describing a marriage [as] between a man and a woman," she said.


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GOTTLIEB RECEIVES MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS FROM EQUALITY FLORIDA AND OTHER LOCAL COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS, Hollywood Florida
Equality Florida, the states largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organization with over 70,000 members statewide and over 10,000 members in Broward County, announced their endorsement of Ken Gottlieb for Florida Senate District 31. "Ken Gottlieb has been an absolute champion in Tallahassee. He led the charge on anti-bullying legislation and fought for the inclusion of LGBT students at every turn. At a time when few had the courage to even discuss gay and transgender issues, he was an outspoken leader. We are thrilled to announce Equality Florida Action PAC's endorsement of Ken Gottlieb for the Florida Senate," said Equality Florida Action PAC's Stratton Pollitzer. [...] Ken Gottlieb and his wife, School Board Member Jennifer Gottlieb have also been active members of the Dolphin Democratic Club. For more information regarding the Gottlieb for Senate campaign, please view the website at www.KenGottlieb2008.com.


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Vote for Adriane Reesey
Broward County Supervisor of Elections
Check out her website!
http://www.votereesey2008.com/


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Mobilizing pro-GLBT voters
Mark LaFontaine keeps his cool as race heats up
Express Gay News
By JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
Thursday, August 14, 2008
With just a little more than two weeks before the Aug. 26 primary, Mark LaFontaine, the openly-gay candidate for the District 92 seat of State Legislature, methodically makes his rounds knocking on doors in the district on a Saturday morning wearing summer whites and matching Docksiders. "This is crunch time," La Fontaine says. Getting out in the neighborhoods and attending community meetings is crucial at this point, he said. The race is rife with whisper campaigns and a good amount of mud. Because all the candidates are Democrats, with no Republican opponents competing, the race will be determined at the primary. As if mirroring the rapidly-intensifying race against his opponents, Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton and former Deerfield Beach City Commissioner Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, the temperature on Saturday is creeps beyond 90 degrees and keeps rising. Yet LaFontaine walks at a brisk pace along NW 12th Ave in Jenada Isles in Wilton Manors. Armed with a pile of glossy placards and a list of registered voters, LaFontaine barely breaks a sweat, his hair nearly perfect. [...] "Hello, I'm Mark LaFontaine and I'm running for state legislature," he says. His door-step stump speech varies little from house to house - he begins by informing voters that there are no accountants in office in the State House of Representatives. "We need people with financial background in Tallahassee," he says. Then he gives a brief bio: a lifelong Broward resident, the only veteran in the race, his extensive background as an activist for GLBT issues, AIDS and youth. Then he smoothly reveals the detail that could cast him into Florida's history. "I'm openly gay," he says. "I'm not running on that premise, but there is a need for the [GLBT] community to have a voice in Tallahassee." [...] And while La Fontaine does not consider his sexuality, or HIV status to be the primary part of his campaign, he does not deny that his voter base is the LGBT community. "When you are running a campaign you always look to your base," La Fontaine said. "Obviously getting GLBT voters is going to be important."


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Mark LaFontaine's New TV ad
We need your help through the election! If you'd like to volunteer please call campaign headquarters at
954-651-3147. http://marklafontaine.com/


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LAFONTAINE PICKS UP THREE MORE ENDORSEMENTS
Democratic Florida House candidate Mark LaFontaine picked up three more endorsements in his bid for the District 92 seat - the Florida Nurses Association PAC, the Florida Progressive Coalition, and the Florida Consumer Action Network. "I'm reaching out to all segments of our community, and I'm earning support because people know I've been fighting for them at the grassroots level for years," LaFontaine said. "On Election Day, the people of District 92 will elect someone to represent them, not lobbyists in Tallahassee ."
Florida House District 92 includes parts of Deerfield Beach , North Lauderdale , Oakland Park , Lazy Lake , Poinsettia Heights , Pompano Beach , Tamarac , Victoria Park and Wilton Manors.
www.MarkLaFontaine.com


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Mayor Scott Newton Receives Another Endorsement in St. Rep Dist. 92 RaceI am proud and honored to be endorsed by the Florida CarpentersRegional Center FLCRC. An organization with over five thousand strongactive members and another five thousand strong retires. We share eyeto eye the same beliefs that all people deserve an opportunity thatencourages a high quality of life. They currently sponsor four localapprentices' centers in the tri county area. These centers stand asbeacons to educate and teach skilled workers trades like carpentry,millwright and pile driving. I look forward to working together withthe FLCRC once I am elected as State Representative for District 92.I will stand for bringing more jobs to Florida, because with moreopportunity we as Florida's can ensure a greater future for those whowill come after us.
Mayor Scott Newton
VoteNewton.com



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Palm Beach County Human Rights Councilg
http://www.pbchrc.org/

PBCC TRUSTEE CAROLYN WILLIAMS AGAIN DELAYS VOTE ON DOMESTIC PARTNER HEALTH INSURANCE For the second year in a row, Palm Beach Community College Trustee Carolyn Williams has successfully delayed approval domestic partner health insurance benefits for college employees. On the agenda for today's meeting of the PBCC Board of Trustees was approval of a pilot program to allow employees with domestic partners to purchase family coverage. Since the item was on the consent agenda, it was expected to pass without opposition. At the last minute, much to the surprise of her colleagues, Trustee Carolyn Williams cited her concern that the recently enacted Open Government Act might prohibit the college from offering domestic partner benefits. Despite assurances from PBCC President Dennis Gallon that the legislation did not apply to community colleges, Williams, citing an attorney she had consulted but whose name she did not disclose, urged the Trustees not to move forward on this issue.
Contact Ray's List for the full article.



~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

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Paul Eichner for Broward Circuit Court Judge
The Paul Eichner for Broward Circuit Court Judge Group 21 Campaign is excited to send this email to you announcing the Sun-Sentinel's recommendation that the community elect Paul Eichner for Circuit Court Group 21. Many of you know Paul through his community service and his broad-based practice of law in Broward County. Paul needs your vote at the polls as we approach Election Day on August 26, 2008. This is a county wide election and all registered voters in Broward County can vote on August 26, 2008 or at any of the early voting locations from now until August 24, 2008. Paul has received numerous endorsements from groups and individuals and he needs your support as well. Please forward this email to everyone on your email list and ask them to support Paul.


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-South Florida's Democratic convention delegates seek to unify the party andmake history, too
Young and old, gay and straight, black, brown and white, the South Floridadelegates to the Democratic National Convention are intent on making historythis week and drawing you to the polls on Election Day in November. Somedelegates still are nervous about the prospects for victory, and a few havenot fully embraced the candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama. But many say theyhave never been so enthused about an election and are excited about formallynominating the first African-American presidential candidate for a majorparty.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flodemintro0824sbaug24,0,2502253.story

-Broward adds dock fees to help pay for manatee protection
Broward adds dock fees to help prevent manatee deaths
Hundreds of waterfront properties in Broward County soon will have to payannual dock fees, as part of a plan almost 20 years in the making to helpprevent marine development from killing manatees.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbmanatees0824sbaug24,0,1114423.story

=

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#####

Equality Florida Primary Endorsements

Equality Florida Action PAC August 26th Primary Endorsements

Equality Florida Action PAC only endorses candidates that meet a combination of our strategic criteria.

They must be Champions of LGBT equality
They must be running strong in competitive races.
In particular, we support qualified, openly LGBT candidates who can bring a vital perspective and much-needed voice to the political debates that impact our lives.

For Additional Endorsement Information, Visit our Local Partners:

Palm Beach County Human Rights Council

Save Dade

Equality Florida Action PAC August 26th Primary Endorsements

Reminder:
Absentee voting has already begun and early voting begins on August 11th - please remember to vote

Our Top 5 Targeted Races:

Are strategically vital
Will be VERY close
Need your financial support so please Donate


Top Targeted Races:
Name: Running For: District: Donate

Mark LaFontaine
www.marklafontaine.com
State House District 92 Donate Online
If elected, Mark LaFontaine will become Florida's first openly LGBT state legislator - a huge milestone for our entire state. Because there is no Republican opponent, Mark¢s race will be decided in the August 26th primary. Mark has a slim fundraising lead and needs our immediate financial support.

Ken Gottlieb
www.kengottlieb2008.com
State Senate District 31 Donate Online
As a state Representative, Ken Gottlieb championed our safe schools bill from the beginning. At a time when few people in Tallahassee would speak honestly about LGBT issues, Ken was an fearless leader for our community. Both of the other candidates in this race, Eleanor Sobel and Tim Ryan, have strong records of support for LGBT issues, but Ken's outstanding leadership makes him our choice in this tight winner-take-all Democratic primary.

Charles McKenzie
www.mckenzie2008.com
State House District 55 Donate Online
Charles McKenzie, a minister, has been a visible and longstanding supporter of equality for the LGBT community helping to pass local protections in central Florida. His opponent in this winner-take-all Democratic Primary, Darryl Rouson has been criticized for virulently anti-gay remarks he made during a TV show in 2006. Visit www.eqflblogspot.com for more information.

Hillsborough County

Kevin Beckner
www.KevinBeckner.com
Hillsborough County Commission District 6 Donate Online
Kevin Beckner has a strong chance of becoming the first openly gay Hillsborough County Commissioner (includes Tampa). His presence on the commission could reverse the anti-gay trend the commission has taken in recent years, which included the banning of any recognition of gay pride events by the county. Kevin has a broad and diverse base of support and is leading his primary opponents in fundraising.
Pinellas County

Darden Rice
www.DardenRice.com
Pinellas County Commission At-Large District 3 Donate Online
If elected, Darden Rice will be the first openly-lesbian member of the Pinellas County Commission (includes St. Pete / Clearwater). Darden has been a supporter of Equality Florida and the progressive community . She has built a strong coalition of environment, civil rights and community activists. She is leading her primary opponents in fundraising and has an excellent chance to win.

Chris Smith
www.chrissmithforsenate.com
Senate District 29 Donate Online
As the Democratic Leader in the House of Representative, Chris Smith co-sponsored both Equality Florida's safe schools and adoption bills. A victory would put a well-respected champion for equality in the Senate.

Betty Reed
www.votebettyreed.com
State House District 59 Donate Online
Representative Betty Reed voted for an amendment to add categories to the anti-bully bill last legislative session including specific protections for LGBT students.

Kevin Rader
www.kevinrader.com
State House District 78 Donate Online
Candidate Rader received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and is committed to equality for LGBT Floridians.

Kenneth Thurston
Kenthurston94@aol.com
State House District 94
Candidate Thurston received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and is committed to equality for LGBT Floridians.

Evan Jenne
www.EvanJenne.com
State House District 100 Donate Online
Rep. Jenne has been a strong ally to the LGBT community in Tallahassee. He has co-sponsored several bills, debated on the House floor for an amendment to include LGBT students in the safe schools bill and has spoken out against hate violence.

Richard Steinberg
www.RichardSteinberg.com
State House District 106 Donate Online
As Commissioner to Miami Beach Richard Steinberg played a key role in passing Florida's strongest Domestic Partnership policy and in adding Gender Identity to the Human Rights Ordinance. Richard¢s opponent in the race, Joe Geller, also has a strong record of support for LGBT issues and as mayor of North Bay Village led the passage of a Domestic Partnership policy. However, Richard¢s leadership on two key local policy initiatives that have become models for the state makes him our choice in this winner-take-all primary.
Broward County

Robin Bartleman
www.Bartleman.com
Broward School Board District 9 Donate Online
School Board member Robin Bartleman has been an absolute champion pushing hard at the local and state level for anti-bully policies that include protections for LGBT students. She has stood with our community every time we¢ve needed her.

Bryan Caletka
www.electbryancaletka.com
Broward County Commission District 7 Donate Online
The former Vice-Mayor of Davie, Florida, Bryan is running a strong campaign to become Broward County¢s second openly gay Commissioner. Bryan has a 100% rating on Equality Florida¢s candidate questionnaire and would be a champion for LGBT issues.

Beverly Gallagher
www.BeverlyGallagher.com
Broward School Board District 2 Donate Online
Beverly Gallagher has been a strong supporter of protecting LGBT students from harassment and bullying and of including LGBT families in school diversity training programs.

Adriane Reesey
www.VoteReesey2008.com
Broward Supervisor of Elections
Adriane Reesey is running as an out lesbian for the Broward Supervisor of Elections. As chair of the Broward Human Rights Board, Adriane has been an outspoken proponent of adding gender identity protections to the County Human Rights ordinance and has a powerful record of standing for full equality.

Richard Saltrick
www.RickSaltrick.com
Broward School Board District 1 Donate Online
Candidate Rick Saltrick received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and is committed to protecting and supporting LGBT students.
Hillsborough County

Caroline Tesche
www.ElectTesche.com
Circuit Court Judge, Hillsborough County Group One Donate Online
Caroline is running as an out lesbian for Circuit Judge in Hillsborough County. She is a highly qualified candidate with an extensive legal background and as a community volunteer.

Miami Dade County

Evelyn Langlieb Greer
evelyngreer@greerco.com
Miami Dade School Board District 9
Evelyn Greer has been a key ally on the Miami-Dade School Board and Miami-Dade County and has stood with the LGBT community many times.

Dr. Martin Karp
www.martinkarp.com
Miami Dade School Board District 3 Donate Online
Dr. Karp has been a champion on the Miami Dade school board and introduced the districts comprehensive anti-bullying policy.

Palm Beach County

Susan Bucher
Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections PO Box 16574
West Palm Beach, FL 33416
As a State Representative, Susan Bucher was a vocal supporter of LGBT issues and perennial co-sponsor of Equality Florida-backed legislation.

Shelley Vana
Palm Beach County Commissioner District 3 6038 Bania Wood Circle
Lantana, FL 33462
As a State Representative, Shelley Vana was a key ally in ensuring the safe schools bill addressed anti-lgbt bullying. Shelley has been a longtime supporter and has co-sponsored many of Equality Florida's legislative priorities.

Pinellas County

Janet Clark
Pinellas County School Board at Large 1 836 5th St N
St Petersburg, FL 33701
Janet Clark received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and is committed to equality for LGBT Floridians.

Palm Beach - Early voting for the Primary Election Endorsements

**
The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council

has endorsed the following candidates in the

August 26 Primary Election

(Not all candidates appear on your ballot)

U.S. Congressman, District 22
Ron Klein (Dem.)

U.S. Congressman, District 23
Alcee L. Hastings (Dem.)

State Attorney
Michael McAuliffe (Dem.)

State Senator, District 29
Chris Smith (Dem.)

State Representative, District 78
Kevin Greenstein Rader (Dem.)

State Representative, District 83
Bryan S. Miller (Dem.)

State Representative, District 87
Robert "Rob" Ostrov (Dem.)

State Representative, District 91
Christian Chiari (Dem.)

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Sharon R. Bock (Dem.)

County Commission, District 1
Karen T. Marcus (Rep.)

County Commission, District 3
Shelley Vana (Dem.)

Port of Palm Beach, Group 2
George E. Mastics (Dem.)

Circuit Court Judge, Group 14
Lisa Small

Circuit Court Judge, Group 23
No endorsement

County Court Judge, Group 3
No endorsement

School Board, District 1
Monroe Benaim

School Board, District 4
Carrie Parker Hill

School Board, District 5
No endorsement

Sheriff
Ric L. Bradshaw

Property Appraiser
Gary R. Nikolits

Supervisor of Elections
Susan Bucher

To locate your polling place, call (561) 656-6200
or use Precinct Finder in our Quick Links

This paid political advertisement, which is independent of any candidate or committee, is produced, sponsored and paid for by the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.
The endorsements have approved individually by each of the listed candidates.

Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Inc.
Post Office Box 267, West Palm Beach, Florida 33402
(561) 845-6545

The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council is dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

The Council promotes equality through education, advocacy, direct action, impact litigation and community outreach.

www.pbchrc.org pbchrc@gmail.com