**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 a Volatile Time, Obama Strikes a New Tone
By PETER BAKER and ADAM NAGOURNEY
For just under an hour on Tuesday night, Americans saw not the fiery and inspirational speaker who riveted the nation in his address to Congress last month, or the conversational president who warmly engaged Americans in talks across the country, or even the jaunty and jokey president who turned up on Jay Leno. Instead, in his second prime-time news conference from the White House, it was Barack Obama the lecturer, a familiar character from early in the campaign. Placid and unsmiling, he was the professor in chief, offering familiar arguments in long paragraphs - often introduced with the phrase, "as I said before" - sounding like the teacher speaking in the stillness of a classroom where students are restlessly waiting for the ring of the bell.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/us/politics/25obama.html?hp
-As Clinton Visits Mexico, Strains Show in Relations
By MARC LACEY and GINGER THOMPSON
MEXICO CITY - Mexico's economy is being dragged down by the recession to the north. American addicts have turned Mexico into a drug superhighway, and its police and soldiers are under assault from American guns. Nafta promised 15 years ago that Mexican trucks would be allowed on American roads, but Congress said they were unsafe. United States-Mexican relations are in the midst of what can be described as a neighborly feud, one that stretches along a lengthy shared fence. That border fence, which has become a wall in some places, is another irritant.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/025/worldamericas/25/mexico/html?hp
-Justices Seem Skeptical of Scope of Campaign Law
By ADAM LIPTAK
A quirky case about a slashing documentary attacking Hillary Rodham Clinton would not seem to be the most obvious vehicle for a fundamental re-examination of the interplay between the First Amendment and campaign finance laws. But by the end of an exceptionally lively argument at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, it seemed at least possible that five justices were prepared to overturn or significantly limit parts of the court's 2003 decision upholding the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law, which regulates the role of money in politics.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/washington/25scotus.html?hp
-Secrets of a Pollster
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Stan Greenberg, one of America's most experienced pollsters, sums up the key lesson he learned polling for Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Ehud Barak and Tony Blair: "Bold leaders in tumultuous times always have at least one crash."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/opinion/25friedman.html?ref=opinion
-Watershed Moment on Nuclear Arms
During the 2008 campaign, President Obama promised to deal with one of the world's great scourges - thousands of nuclear weapons still in the American and Russian arsenals. He said he would resume arms-control negotiations -
the sort that former President George W. Bush disdained - and seek deep cuts in pursuit of an eventual nuclear-free world. There is no time to waste.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/opinion/25wed1.html?ref=opinion
-Broader Access to Morning-After Pills
A federal judge in New York has added his weight to contentions that the Bush administration delayed easy, nonprescription access to the morning-after pill for political and ideological reasons, not from a desire to protect the public's health. Judge Edward R. Korman wisely ordered the Food and Drug Administration to make the pill available without prescription to women as young as 17 and to consider approving it for girls of any age, as major medical groups have long advocated.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/opinion/25wed2.html?ref=opinion
-Dear A.I.G., I Quit!
The following is a letter sent on Tuesday by Jake DeSantis, an executive vice president of the American International Group's financial products unit, to Edward M. Liddy, the chief executive of A.I.G.
DEAR Mr. Liddy,
It is with deep regret that I submit my notice of resignation from A.I.G.
Financial Products. I hope you take the time to read this entire letter.
Before describing the details of my decision, I want to offer some context:
I am proud of everything I have done for the commodity and equity divisions of A.I.G.-F.P. I was in no way involved in - or responsible for - the credit default swap transactions that have hamstrung A.I.G. Nor were more than a handful of the 400 current employees of A.I.G.-F.P. Most of those responsible have left the company and have conspicuously escaped the public outrage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/opinion/25desantis.html?ref=opinion
-Netanyahu Promises Peace Effort
By ISABEL KERSHNER and ALAN COWELL
JERUSALEM - Israel's prime minister-designate, Benjamin Netanyahu, said Wednesday that the coalition he is forming would be a "partner for peace," offering a pledge that seemed designed to reshape his reputation as a foe of the peace process with the Palestinians.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/world/middleeast/26mideast.html?hp
-Vandals Hit Home of Ex-Chief of Bank
By JULIA WERDIGIER
LONDON - The house of Fred Goodwin, the former chief executive of ailing Royal Bank of Scotland, was vandalized early Wednesday and windows of his car were smashed. Mr. Goodwin attracted criticism for keeping his £703,000, or $1 million, pension despite a string of ill-timed acquisitions under his reign that brought the bank under government control and calls from Prime Minister Gordon Brown to surrender the payment.
tp://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/business/worldbusiness/26rbs.html?hp
-U.S. Weighs Sharif as Partner in Pakistan
By JANE PERLEZ
LAHORE, Pakistan - The opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, sealed his place as the most popular politician in Pakistan this month when he defied his house detention and led a triumphant protest that forced the government to restore the country's chief justice.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/world/asia/25sharif.html?hpw
-To Cut Costs, States Relax Prison Policies
By JENNIFER STEINHAUER
For nearly three decades, most states have dealt with lawbreakers in two ways: lock more of them up for longer periods, and build more prisons to hold them. Now many governments, out of money and buried under mounting prison costs, are reversing those policies and practices.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/us/25prisons.html?hpw
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-'Strengths and Weaknesses'
Will the Texas board of education evolve backward?
IF YOU THOUGHT the fight over teaching evolution in public schools had been settled, you haven't heard about what's taking place in Texas this week. Starting today, the state's board of education will consider whether the phrase "strengths and weaknesses" should remain deleted from the state's science standards. Debating strengths and weaknesses of various scientific theories might sound reasonable until you learn that those are supportive buzzwords for people who doubt evolution and want creationism taught in the classroom. A final vote is expected Friday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032403356.html
-Hope in the Mountains
By Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Yesterday was a great day for the people of Appalachia and for all of America. In a bold departure from Bush-era energy policy, the Obama administration suspended a coal company's permit to dump debris from its proposed mountaintop mining operation into a West Virginia valley and stream. In addition, the administration promised to carefully review upward of 200 such permits awaiting approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402657.html
-Another McCain Throws Down a Challenge
By Kathleen Parker
The GOP's identity crisis just got more interesting with the media splash of Meghan McCain, daughter of the senator who did not become president. Young McCain, who began blogging during her father's presidential campaign, recently made waves at the Daily Beast when she picked a fight with conservative media mavens Ann Coulter and Laura Ingraham.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402465.html
-Building Bridges on The Hill
By Evan Bayh, Tom Carper and Blanche Lincoln
Last week, the three of us announced the formation of a moderate Democratic working group in the U.S. Senate. Even though the White House and Senate leadership praised the group's formation, some commentators reacted by reporting signs of a rift and a power struggle within the Democratic Party. Others accused the 16 members of our group of trying to obstruct the president's agenda.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402461.html
-A Killer Forces A Choice in Darfur
By Michael Gerson
For years, the Sudanese regime, headed by President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, has acted the part of a terrorist gang, holding millions of refugees in Darfur camps hostage and warning the world not to make any sudden or aggressive moves. Now the world faces a question: What do we do when the captors begin killing their captives?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402466.html
-President Points To Progress on Economic Efforts
He Says Budget Is Key to Recovery
By Michael D. Shear and Scott Wilson
President Obama sought to reassure Americans last night that his administration has made progress in reviving the economy and said his $3.6 trillion budget is "inseparable from this recovery."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032403207.html?hpid=topnews
-Handling Of 'State Secrets' At Issue
Like Predecessor, New Justice Dept. Claiming Privilege
By Carrie Johnson
Civil liberties advocates are accusing the Obama administration of forsaking campaign rhetoric and adopting the same expansive arguments that his predecessor used to cloak some of the most sensitive intelligence-gathering programs of the Bush White House.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032403501.html?hpid=topnews
-Despite Warrant, Egypt Welcomes Sudanese President
By MAGGIE MICHAEL
CAIRO -- Egypt, one of the strongest U.S. allies in the Middle East, welcomed Sudan's president on Wednesday despite an international warrant seeking his arrest on charges of war crimes in Darfur.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/25/AR2009032500603.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-US takes steps to deport alleged Nazi to Germany
By M.R. KROPKO
The U.S. government said Tuesday it is asking German officials for travel documents needed to deport accused World War II Nazi guard John Demjanjuk, who is charged in Europe with 29,000 counts of accessory to murder. Immigration and Customs Enforcement provided an e-mail to The Associated Press showing that it has contacted the German government in its effort to deport Demjanjuk, once accused but ultimately cleared of being a notorious guard at the Treblinka concentration camp in occupied Poland.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032401311.html?hpid=sec-nation
-Bishop to skip Notre Dame commencement over Obama
By KEN KUSMER
The Roman Catholic bishop whose diocese includes the University of Notre Dame says he will boycott President Barack Obama's commencement speech at the Catholic school because Obama's policies on stem cell research and abortion run counter to church teaching.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032401734.html?hpid=sec-religion
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-FACT CHECK: Obama's plea for patience not a perfect fit with his bullish budget
CALVIN WOODWARD
President Barack Obama's plea Tuesday for patience in the economic turmoil fits with the view of most economists that a turnaround will take some time. It doesn't fit quite so neatly with his bullish budget. The president's spending plans and deficit projections rest on the assumption that the economy will post solid growth next year after a mild, further decline this year. Many economists think that's too rosy.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-fact-check-obama,0,248728.story
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Ten Radical Remedies America Needs
Obama must use his leadership to make necessary radical ideas mainstream. These changes are essential if we are to build an economy of broad prosperity.
Robert Kuttner
This is one of those eras of national crisis when the effective solutions to national problems are still far outside mainstream debate. Only a president can bring radical ideas into the mainstream. Under Abraham Lincoln, abolition of slavery went from unthinkable to inevitable. Thanks to Lyndon B. Johnson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the White House embraced a radical social movement for civil rights. What will Barack Obama do to shift the political center of gravity?
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=ten_radical_remedies_america_needs
-The Big Takeover
The global economic crisis isn't about money - it's about power. How Wall Street insiders are using the bailout to stage a revolution
MATT TAIBBI
It's over - we're officially, royally fucked. no empire can survive being rendered a permanent laughingstock, which is what happened as of a few weeks ago, when the buffoons who have been running things in this country finally went one step too far. It happened when Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner was forced to admit that he was once again going to have to stuff billions of taxpayer dollars into a dying insurance giant called AIG, itself a profound symbol of our national decline - a corporation that got rich insuring the concrete and steel of American industry in the country's heyday, only to destroy itself chasing phantom fortunes at the Wall Street card tables, like a dissolute nobleman gambling away the family estate in the waning days of the British Empire.
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/26793903/the_big_takeover
-Five Lessons from the AIG Bonus Blowup
By Jay Newton-Small
Last week, outlets reported that "the clock was ticking" for "embattled" Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, with a few members of Congress openly calling for his ousting. His boss, President Barack Obama, was criticized for not engaging in the congressional furor over the $165 million in bonuses paid out to top executives at AIG - the insurance giant that has received more than $180 billion in federal money. This week Obama remains relatively untouched in the polls, and Geithner is basking in his best week of media coverage yet. How did their fortunes shift so suddenly? To some degree, they were helped by the fact that New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced Monday night that he has already managed to get AIG employees to give back $50 million of the bonuses. But much of the credit still has to go to the Obama Administration for its handling of the AIG fracas. With that in mind, here are five lessons of the latest Beltway blowup. (Read "The AIG Bonuses: Getting Mad and Getting Even.")
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1887466,00.html
-GOP's rising star runs into a rough patch
By Molly K. Hooper
A rising star in the Republican Party has dimmed over the past week. House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.), a politically shrewd up-and-comer in the GOP, has broken with his party on two high-profile issues. And the defections on last week's AIG bonus tax bill and the Obama administration's troubled assets plan have exasperated some members in the GOP conference.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gops-rising-star-runs-into-a-rough-patch-2009-03-24.html
-President expects backing on broader authority
By Sam Youngman
Timothy Geithner's request for more authority over non-bank entities like AIG will likely receive broad support from Congress and the public, President Obama said. In his second primetime press conference, Obama said that because of the lack of that broader authority, "the AIG situation has gotten worse."
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obama-expects-support-for-increased-authority-over-non-banks-2009-03-24.html
-President Cool faces the nation
Andrew Leonard
Early on in his press conference, President Obama proved that he could take a bad question and turn it into a good answer. A question from the AP's Jennifer Loven asking why the American people should grant the administration new powers to regulate was flipped into an explanation of why the lack of regulatory authority had contributed to the government's inability to properly manage the AIG debacle. Next, NBC's Chuck Todd asked why Obama wasn't asking the American people to sacrifice more in the "war" on the economy. Obama looked mildly surprised,
http://www.salon.com/tech/htww/2009/03/24/obama_press_conference/
-Key Senator Won't Support Union Bill
By KRIS MAHER
Republican Sen. Arlen Specter dealt a blow to organized labor's top legislative priority by announcing that he wouldn't support a bill to make it easier to unionize workplaces. The AFL-CIO and the bill's Democratic sponsors had been counting on Sen. Specter's vote to reach the 60 needed in the Senate to avoid a Republican-led filibuster. In 2007, Sen. Specter voted for cloture on the bill, or to cut off debate, but he said he could not do so now, especially given the recession and the weak economy.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123792023652828061.html
-At news conference, Obama is salesman-in-chief
By Steve Holland - Analysis
Ronald Reagan was known as the "great communicator." George W. Bush was the self-styled "decider." President Barack Obama could easily be called the "salesman-in-chief." Obama used a nationally televised news conference on Tuesday night to try to sell Americans on his $3.55 trillion budget proposal and a bank bailout plan, and convince U.S. allies of the need to stimulate the global economy.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52O0ME20090325?virtualBrandChannel=10112
-Human rights advocate named State Department's top lawyer
Donald Stampfli
Harold Hongju Koh's selection continues Obama's pattern of filling legal posts with liberals. Harold Hongju Koh, dean at the Yale Law School, has been one of the most vocal critics of the Bush administration's approach to the detention and trial of terrorism suspects.
By Paul Richter
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-na-justice-koh25-2009mar25,0,33354.story?track=rss
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
FLORIDA DIGEST - March 25, 2009
**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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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Hurrah! Antidiscrimination Repeal Fails in Gainesville
Gainesville's Amendment 1 - which, if passed, would have repealed a number of antidiscrimination protections for LGBT residents in the college town - failed at the polls Tuesday. With the majority of precincts reporting, results have the amendment failing with 61% voting no and 39% voting yes. The repeal movement began last year after the city commission revised the antidiscrimination law to include protections for transgender people in employment, housing, and public accommodations -- including restrooms. Opponents using scare tactics about mixed-sex public bathrooms gathered enough signatures to place a referendum of the protections on the ballot. Charter Amendment 1 would have eliminated not only transgender protections but also protections for gays and lesbians in the North Florida city. It would also forbid the city to add protected categories that are not included in the Florida Civil Rights Act, which does not recognize sexual orientation and gender identity.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76275.asp
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Gainesville voters keep anti-discrimination laws
The Associated Press
Voters have turned down a measure that could have stripped Gainesville government's anti-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, the vote from Tuesday's referendum was 58 percent against changing the law.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-bn-0325transgender,0,2985175.story
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Palm Beach Human Rights Council
www.pbchrc.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Record Number Sponsor Florida Gay Rights Bills
(Tallahassee) Forty Florida legislators are working to enact a statewide law to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in employment, housing and public accommodations. At the request of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, state senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and state representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) have introduced legislation (SB 2012/HB 397) to expand the protected classes in both the Florida Civil Rights Act and Florida's Fair Housing Act. he Council is a non-profit organization that has been in the forefront of Florida's gay rights movement since 1988. "For the first time in history, 25 percent of our state lawmakers are on record supporting legislation to ensure that gay, lesbian and transgender individuals have the same rights as all other Floridians," said Council president Rand Hoch. [...] More than 90% of the Fortune 500 companies have written policies prohibiting workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and a quarter of them also prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. Joining Deutch as co-sponsors of the civil rights bill are state senators Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach), Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa), Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersbeurg), Nan Rich (D-Weston), Jeremy Ring (D-Margate), Chris Smith (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Eleanor Sobel (D-Hallandale Beach). The thirty co-sponsors of Skidmore's bill include Representatives Joseph Abruzzo (D-Wellington), Mary Brandenburg (D-West Palm Beach), Ronald Brisé (D-North Miami), Dwight Bullard (D-Miami), Chuck Chestnut (D-Gainesville), Gwyn Clarke-Reed (D-Deerfield Beach), Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota), Luis Garcia (D-Miami Beach), Joe Gibbons (D-Hallandale Beach), Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville), Bill Heller (D-St. Petersburg) Evan Jenne (D-Dania Beach), Marty Kiar (D-Davie), Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg), Janet Long (D-Seminole), Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach), Ari Porth (D-Coral Springs), Kevin Rader (D-Delray Beach), Scott Randolph (D-Orlando), Betty Reed (D-Tampa), Michelle Rehnwinkel Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee), Yolly Roberson (D-Miami), Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach), Franklin Sands (D-Weston), Ron Saunders (D-Key West), Elaine Schwartz (D-Hollywood), Darren Soto (D-Orlando), Richard Steinberg (D-Miami Beach), Priscilla Taylor (D-West Palm Beach) and Jim Waldman (D-Coconut Creek).
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-No guaranteed raises for Broward teachers
By Kathy Bushouse and Robert Nolin
Shortly after a rally by 1,000 angry teachers, Broward School Board members Tuesday night rejected guaranteed raises for the upcoming school year. Several board members, however, said they would be willing to talk raises soon. Board members voted 8-1 in favor of Superintendent James Notter's recommendation that the board not approve raises for the 2009-2010 year. Board member Phyllis Hope voted against it.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flbteachers0325sbmar25205015,0,6358034.story
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Broward commissioners agree to oppose Seminole gaming pact
BY DAN CHRISTENSEN
Broward commissioners agreed Tuesday to oppose the Seminole Tribe's efforts to negotiate a gambling compact with Florida -- unless Broward gets a cut of a proposed revenue sharing pact. At the same time, they agreed to adopt new procedures suggested by the county auditor to ensure Broward is getting its accurate share of slot machine profits from local racetracks. Broward Administrator Bertha Henry suggested commissioners oppose the revenue sharing proposal for Seminole casinos submitted to Gov. Charlie Crist's office by Coconut Creek City Manager David J. Rivera.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/965608.html
-Bill strengthening Florida auto emissions rules unlikely to pass
A bill to toughen emission standards gathered steam in the Senate, but is going nowhere in the House.
BY MARY ELLEN KLAS
As Gov. Charlie Crist savored one victory Tuesday in his goal of revamping Florida's energy policy, he also suffered a major defeat. In the Senate, the Environmental Preservation Committee unanimously passed a bill to require Florida cars to meet tougher greenhouse gas emission standards beginning in 2011, steamrolling a lineup of opponents from the state's business and automobile lobbyists in the process.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/966155.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-CFO Alex Sink's recent moves make gubernatorial run look likely
By Adam C. Smith
Most of the political world in Tallahassee is convinced Charlie Crist will give up his governor's seat to run for the U.S. Senate, so what about Alex Sink?
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article986807.ece
-Legislature may reject $1.1 billion in stimulus funds
Gary Fineout
Florida may forfeit more than $1.1 billion in federal stimulus aid unless the GOP-controlled Legislature agrees to increase the number of out-of-work people eligible for help.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090324/BREAKING/903249936/2062/NEWS?Title=Legislature-may-reject-1-1-billion-in-stimulus-funds
-Obama shoots back and scores
With a sharp retort about AIG, the president was on his game with the press, weaving through questions and driving home his economic plan.
By Mike Madden
The defining moment in President Obama's prime-time news conference Tuesday night came about midway through. Nearly all the questions up to then had dealt with the ragged economy and the administration's plans to turn it around. So when a reporter asked Obama -- who, as you may have heard, is the nation's first black president -- to talk about how race has affected the first couple months of his time in office, it wasn't entirely clear how he would answer.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/03/25/obama_press_conference/index.html
-Crist remains coy on possible Senate run
By Jim Ash
"Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate" update number 1,317. The perpetually optimistic governor, who said he will decide at the end of the legislative session whether he will run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Orlando, remains firmly on the fence.
http://www.news-press.com/article/20090324/NEWS01/90324061/1002
-Floridians are slow to sign up for new health-care coverage
Anika Myers Palm
Despite a high-profile launch and attempts to make the program appealing to low-income Floridians, the state's new health-insurance program hasn't attracted many participants during its first two months.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-biz-cover-fla-032509,0,1482006.story?track=rss
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Hurrah! Antidiscrimination Repeal Fails in Gainesville
Gainesville's Amendment 1 - which, if passed, would have repealed a number of antidiscrimination protections for LGBT residents in the college town - failed at the polls Tuesday. With the majority of precincts reporting, results have the amendment failing with 61% voting no and 39% voting yes. The repeal movement began last year after the city commission revised the antidiscrimination law to include protections for transgender people in employment, housing, and public accommodations -- including restrooms. Opponents using scare tactics about mixed-sex public bathrooms gathered enough signatures to place a referendum of the protections on the ballot. Charter Amendment 1 would have eliminated not only transgender protections but also protections for gays and lesbians in the North Florida city. It would also forbid the city to add protected categories that are not included in the Florida Civil Rights Act, which does not recognize sexual orientation and gender identity.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76275.asp
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Gainesville voters keep anti-discrimination laws
The Associated Press
Voters have turned down a measure that could have stripped Gainesville government's anti-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, the vote from Tuesday's referendum was 58 percent against changing the law.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-bn-0325transgender,0,2985175.story
=
Palm Beach Human Rights Council
www.pbchrc.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Record Number Sponsor Florida Gay Rights Bills
(Tallahassee) Forty Florida legislators are working to enact a statewide law to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in employment, housing and public accommodations. At the request of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, state senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and state representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) have introduced legislation (SB 2012/HB 397) to expand the protected classes in both the Florida Civil Rights Act and Florida's Fair Housing Act. he Council is a non-profit organization that has been in the forefront of Florida's gay rights movement since 1988. "For the first time in history, 25 percent of our state lawmakers are on record supporting legislation to ensure that gay, lesbian and transgender individuals have the same rights as all other Floridians," said Council president Rand Hoch. [...] More than 90% of the Fortune 500 companies have written policies prohibiting workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and a quarter of them also prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. Joining Deutch as co-sponsors of the civil rights bill are state senators Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach), Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa), Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersbeurg), Nan Rich (D-Weston), Jeremy Ring (D-Margate), Chris Smith (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Eleanor Sobel (D-Hallandale Beach). The thirty co-sponsors of Skidmore's bill include Representatives Joseph Abruzzo (D-Wellington), Mary Brandenburg (D-West Palm Beach), Ronald Brisé (D-North Miami), Dwight Bullard (D-Miami), Chuck Chestnut (D-Gainesville), Gwyn Clarke-Reed (D-Deerfield Beach), Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota), Luis Garcia (D-Miami Beach), Joe Gibbons (D-Hallandale Beach), Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville), Bill Heller (D-St. Petersburg) Evan Jenne (D-Dania Beach), Marty Kiar (D-Davie), Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg), Janet Long (D-Seminole), Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach), Ari Porth (D-Coral Springs), Kevin Rader (D-Delray Beach), Scott Randolph (D-Orlando), Betty Reed (D-Tampa), Michelle Rehnwinkel Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee), Yolly Roberson (D-Miami), Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach), Franklin Sands (D-Weston), Ron Saunders (D-Key West), Elaine Schwartz (D-Hollywood), Darren Soto (D-Orlando), Richard Steinberg (D-Miami Beach), Priscilla Taylor (D-West Palm Beach) and Jim Waldman (D-Coconut Creek).
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-No guaranteed raises for Broward teachers
By Kathy Bushouse and Robert Nolin
Shortly after a rally by 1,000 angry teachers, Broward School Board members Tuesday night rejected guaranteed raises for the upcoming school year. Several board members, however, said they would be willing to talk raises soon. Board members voted 8-1 in favor of Superintendent James Notter's recommendation that the board not approve raises for the 2009-2010 year. Board member Phyllis Hope voted against it.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flbteachers0325sbmar25205015,0,6358034.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Broward commissioners agree to oppose Seminole gaming pact
BY DAN CHRISTENSEN
Broward commissioners agreed Tuesday to oppose the Seminole Tribe's efforts to negotiate a gambling compact with Florida -- unless Broward gets a cut of a proposed revenue sharing pact. At the same time, they agreed to adopt new procedures suggested by the county auditor to ensure Broward is getting its accurate share of slot machine profits from local racetracks. Broward Administrator Bertha Henry suggested commissioners oppose the revenue sharing proposal for Seminole casinos submitted to Gov. Charlie Crist's office by Coconut Creek City Manager David J. Rivera.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/965608.html
-Bill strengthening Florida auto emissions rules unlikely to pass
A bill to toughen emission standards gathered steam in the Senate, but is going nowhere in the House.
BY MARY ELLEN KLAS
As Gov. Charlie Crist savored one victory Tuesday in his goal of revamping Florida's energy policy, he also suffered a major defeat. In the Senate, the Environmental Preservation Committee unanimously passed a bill to require Florida cars to meet tougher greenhouse gas emission standards beginning in 2011, steamrolling a lineup of opponents from the state's business and automobile lobbyists in the process.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/966155.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-CFO Alex Sink's recent moves make gubernatorial run look likely
By Adam C. Smith
Most of the political world in Tallahassee is convinced Charlie Crist will give up his governor's seat to run for the U.S. Senate, so what about Alex Sink?
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article986807.ece
-Legislature may reject $1.1 billion in stimulus funds
Gary Fineout
Florida may forfeit more than $1.1 billion in federal stimulus aid unless the GOP-controlled Legislature agrees to increase the number of out-of-work people eligible for help.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090324/BREAKING/903249936/2062/NEWS?Title=Legislature-may-reject-1-1-billion-in-stimulus-funds
-Obama shoots back and scores
With a sharp retort about AIG, the president was on his game with the press, weaving through questions and driving home his economic plan.
By Mike Madden
The defining moment in President Obama's prime-time news conference Tuesday night came about midway through. Nearly all the questions up to then had dealt with the ragged economy and the administration's plans to turn it around. So when a reporter asked Obama -- who, as you may have heard, is the nation's first black president -- to talk about how race has affected the first couple months of his time in office, it wasn't entirely clear how he would answer.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/03/25/obama_press_conference/index.html
-Crist remains coy on possible Senate run
By Jim Ash
"Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate" update number 1,317. The perpetually optimistic governor, who said he will decide at the end of the legislative session whether he will run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Orlando, remains firmly on the fence.
http://www.news-press.com/article/20090324/NEWS01/90324061/1002
-Floridians are slow to sign up for new health-care coverage
Anika Myers Palm
Despite a high-profile launch and attempts to make the program appealing to low-income Floridians, the state's new health-insurance program hasn't attracted many participants during its first two months.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-biz-cover-fla-032509,0,1482006.story?track=rss
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
GLBT DIGEST - March 24, 2009
**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:
-Most of the Seventh Grade Will Be at the Commitment Ceremony
By SUSAN DOMINUS
Sometimes the best news is that a story makes no news. In the fall of 2008, the supporters of Proposition 8, a ballot initiative meant to ban gay marriage in the state of California, fell on a lucky break: video of first graders whose class parents had arranged for them a trip to city hall, where they celebrated their female teacher's marriage to another woman, a ceremony over which the mayor of San Francisco presided. Gay-marriage opponents cried indoctrination, and the ensuing controversy provoked so much outrage that it has been considered important in squashing opposition to the ban. (The California Supreme Court is currently weighing the constitutionality of the proposition.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/nyregion/23bigcity.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Tonight: Finale of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Big hopes for hometown [Miami] girl Rebecca Glasscock
By Dan Renzi
We'll be in front of our TVs tonight (or setting our TiVos) to cheer on Rebecca Glasscock, the Fort Lauderdale contestant on LOGO's "RuPaul's Drag Race," the reality competition pitting drag performers against each other in a battle to the death. They don't actually die, of course, but losing this battle is almost as sorrowful.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm#24618
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Christian Hotel Owners Sued for Anti-gay Discrimination
A gay couple in England filed a lawsuit against Christian hotel proprietors who refused to let the men stay together in the same room. Martyn Hall and his civil partner Steven Preddy are seeking £5,000 in damages for "direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation," according to the Daily Mail.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76101.asp
-Gay Marriage and Transgender Rights Take Spotlight in New Hampshire
By Julie Bolcer
Bills to legalize gay marriage and to expand nondiscrimination laws to include transgender individuals are expected to be the emotional focus of the New Hampshire legislature this week. The House Judiciary Committee deadlocked, 10-10, on voting for both bills last week. The split votes mean that each bill will reach the full chamber floor without a recommendation.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76094.asp
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Video: Portia de Rossi says sorry for 'selfish' gay marriage
Lesbian actress Portia de Rossi has appeared in a short clip to send up opponents of gay marriage. When she appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show last Friday, the star, who married Ellen Degeneres last August, offered up a tongue-in-cheek public service announcement.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11709.html
-Muslim preacher calls for gays to be stoned to death
Hate preacher Anjem Choudary launched a vitrolic attack on gays last week in which he said that they should be stoned to death. The former lawyer added that this would include gay business secretary Lord Peter Mandelson.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11708.html
-Spanish trans man pregnant with twins
A Spanish man who was born female has said he is pregnant with twins after a course of fertility treatment. Ruben Noe Coronado, 25, plans to bring up the babies with his partner Esperanza Ruiz, 43.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11704.html
=
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Barney Frank: Antonin Scalia is a 'Homophobe'
Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer | CNSNews
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview Friday on 365gay.com that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a "homophobe." "At some point, [the Defense of Marriage Act] is going to have to go to the United States Supreme Court," Frank said. "I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court." Frank also said in the interview that he thinks President Barack Obama will reverse the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the U.S. military. "Absolutely," Frank said, concerning the policy. Read more
-Ayslum Judge: Gay Man "Was Never Physically Harmed" By Rape
Jim Burroway | Box Turtle Bulletin
How many women's groups would remain silent over a case like this? Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, has asked the Obama administration to grant asylum to a gay man who married an American citizen in Massachusetts and was later forced to return to Brazil. The man, Genesio Oliveira, has been separated from his husband, Tim Coco, since August 2007, when he left the country after his request for asylum and an appeal were denied. Mr. Oliveira asked for asylum in 2002, saying he was raped and attacked by a physician as a teenager in Brazil and feared persecution because of his sexuality. The Associated Press does not typically name rape victims, but Mr. Oliveira has spoken openly about his case. In a letter sent Thursday to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., Mr. Kerry said that Immigration Judge Francis L. Cramer had found Mr. Oliveira's testimony to be credible and his fear of living in Brazil genuine. However, the judge denied the asylum claim, saying he "was never physically harmed" by the rape, the letter said. Mr. Kerry called the ruling "outrageous." Genesio now lives in a small apartment in Brazil, just blocks away from the man who raped him. He mostly stays in the apartment, afraid to go out. Read more
-A Battle Hymn for Gay Marriage
D. Allan Kerr | Sea Coast Online
There's a segment of our society that would suggest homosexuals are my enemy; this same segment tells homosexuals I do not believe in their cause. These are individuals who believe other people should be prevented from exercising the same rights they themselves enjoy - even if these other people pay their taxes, contribute to society, and obey the laws of the land. A bill recently introduced into the Maine Legislature would allow residents to marry someone of the same sex, presumably if they are both consenting adults. Now those supporting and opposing the measure are each marshalling their forces for battle in the months ahead - the battle for your heart, your mind and your vote. Both sides will claim to speak for the majority, but in the end you will most likely have the opportunity to speak for yourself. I have nothing to gain from this proposal. I am euphorically heterosexual, married to a partner who is quite literally the woman of my dreams. We have three strong sons and a little girl with the twinkling face of an angel who will celebrate her first birthday this very weekend. Read more
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gallery | Capacity crowd screens 'Pedro,' MTV biopic of Miami AIDS activist
Pedro Zamora (1972-1994)
Previously: Years after his death, AIDS activist Pedro Zamora is celebrated on film -"Love is unconditional and God created Pedro for a reason" - ister Mily Zamora to the audience after a screening Sunday night of the film Pedro at the Colony Theater, Miami. Pedro will be simulcast at 8 p.m. April 1 on MTV, MTV TR3S, mtvU and LOGO with an introduction by former President Bill Clinton. It will be released June 9 on DVD. Here's a gallery of photos before and after the screening.
=
Iranian Queer Organization News [IRQO]
http://www.irqo.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-New bill in the Iranian Parliament affecting LGBT bloggers.
Last year, a new by-law was introduced in the Iranian parliament which states that bloggers that spread atheism and prostitution in their weblogs will be executed. This bill is dangerous for LGBT bloggers who communicate about their homosexual identity and their rights as a homosexual and simply express their ideas through their weblogs. In the eyes of the law this is considered inappropriate and comparable to prostitution and will cause unfair persecutions on LGBT bloggers. If this bill is passed a judge can rule capital punishment, without consulting a higher court. In March 2009, government media in Iran reported the arrest of a number of bloggers who were accused of conducting a "velvet" revolution (activity conducted by a group that promotes their agenda in a peaceful manner). This arouses deep concern for gay bloggers who are not protected or supported by any group including human rights groups in Iran.
http://www.irqo.org/PDFs/IRQOnewsletter0309.pdf
-Europe still refuses to believe in "honor killing."
In Turkey, UNHCR lawyers are familiar with the concept of honor killing, however in Germany a judge refused to believe that a person's own family could kill him because of being an LGBT. An Iranian LGBT refugee when faced with deportation explained to the judge that he would be killed by his own uncle, but the judge did not believe him. This means that European judges and immigration authorities are unfamiliar with Iranian culture and Sharia law.
http://www.irqo.org/PDFs/IRQOnewsletter0309.pdf
-Campaigners in over 50 countries are gearing up to mark the 5th
International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17th. Amongst events and initiatives already announced in the UK are the launch of a major international campaign against transphobia, and "the largest, organised same sex hand-holding event in the world". The IDAHO committee in conjunction with "Transgender Europe" and "Gender Dynamix" have launched an international appeal "to reject transphobia and respect gender identity" and there is an on-line petition to sign. Derek Lennard, IDAHO-UK Campaigner explained "In the UK, we will focus on human rights and violations against trans people around the world, and work with other campaigners to publicise and celebrate the services which do exist , and identify the many gaps in service provision". Professor Stephen Whittle commented "Press for Change welcomes the IDAHO campaign and we will be working closely with them". (Details of the campaign can be seen on www.idahomophobia.org. If you support the aims of this campaign, please indicate your support on www.idaho.org.uk.)
Details of IDAHO-UK events can be found on www.idaho.org.uk
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-Time for movement to look inward
Coping with and surviving recession should be our top priority right now.
By JOAN GARRY
LAST WEEK I was interviewed for the Pride month episode of "In The Life." We talked specifics and we talked strategy. The last question posed was, "What is the most important issue you think will affect our community in the next few years?" There are a number of ways to answer this question, many of which place the ball in someone else's court: How will the Obama administration move on our issues? Will the LGBT people on the inside of the administration help move us forward? Will donors continue to support our organizations in this time of economic crisis? But now it's time to look inward - at the decisions we can actually control - and, more specifically, at the decisions the organizations that represent us can control.
http://www.washblade.com/2009/3-20/view/columns/14258.cfm
-European Union Pressures Serbia to Adopt "Gender Identity" Legislation
Serbia's legislature has just passed a law providing for "freedom of expression of sexual orientation and gender identity" under pressure from the European Union (EU) and non-governmental organizations advocating homosexual rights. Passage of the legislation is understood to be a precondition for further Serbian reintegration with Europe, including the right to participate in an EU-wide visa waiver program allowing Serbs to travel freely among EU member states. Proponents claim that the law, which also contains an array of human rights protections for minority groups like gypsies (or "Roma"), would help Serbia meet the "Copenhagen Criteria" - a checklist for EU membership that includes stable democratic institutions and human rights guarantees.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09032014.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Most of the Seventh Grade Will Be at the Commitment Ceremony
By SUSAN DOMINUS
Sometimes the best news is that a story makes no news. In the fall of 2008, the supporters of Proposition 8, a ballot initiative meant to ban gay marriage in the state of California, fell on a lucky break: video of first graders whose class parents had arranged for them a trip to city hall, where they celebrated their female teacher's marriage to another woman, a ceremony over which the mayor of San Francisco presided. Gay-marriage opponents cried indoctrination, and the ensuing controversy provoked so much outrage that it has been considered important in squashing opposition to the ban. (The California Supreme Court is currently weighing the constitutionality of the proposition.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/nyregion/23bigcity.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Tonight: Finale of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Big hopes for hometown [Miami] girl Rebecca Glasscock
By Dan Renzi
We'll be in front of our TVs tonight (or setting our TiVos) to cheer on Rebecca Glasscock, the Fort Lauderdale contestant on LOGO's "RuPaul's Drag Race," the reality competition pitting drag performers against each other in a battle to the death. They don't actually die, of course, but losing this battle is almost as sorrowful.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm#24618
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Christian Hotel Owners Sued for Anti-gay Discrimination
A gay couple in England filed a lawsuit against Christian hotel proprietors who refused to let the men stay together in the same room. Martyn Hall and his civil partner Steven Preddy are seeking £5,000 in damages for "direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation," according to the Daily Mail.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76101.asp
-Gay Marriage and Transgender Rights Take Spotlight in New Hampshire
By Julie Bolcer
Bills to legalize gay marriage and to expand nondiscrimination laws to include transgender individuals are expected to be the emotional focus of the New Hampshire legislature this week. The House Judiciary Committee deadlocked, 10-10, on voting for both bills last week. The split votes mean that each bill will reach the full chamber floor without a recommendation.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76094.asp
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Video: Portia de Rossi says sorry for 'selfish' gay marriage
Lesbian actress Portia de Rossi has appeared in a short clip to send up opponents of gay marriage. When she appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show last Friday, the star, who married Ellen Degeneres last August, offered up a tongue-in-cheek public service announcement.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11709.html
-Muslim preacher calls for gays to be stoned to death
Hate preacher Anjem Choudary launched a vitrolic attack on gays last week in which he said that they should be stoned to death. The former lawyer added that this would include gay business secretary Lord Peter Mandelson.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11708.html
-Spanish trans man pregnant with twins
A Spanish man who was born female has said he is pregnant with twins after a course of fertility treatment. Ruben Noe Coronado, 25, plans to bring up the babies with his partner Esperanza Ruiz, 43.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11704.html
=
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Barney Frank: Antonin Scalia is a 'Homophobe'
Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer | CNSNews
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview Friday on 365gay.com that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a "homophobe." "At some point, [the Defense of Marriage Act] is going to have to go to the United States Supreme Court," Frank said. "I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court." Frank also said in the interview that he thinks President Barack Obama will reverse the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the U.S. military. "Absolutely," Frank said, concerning the policy. Read more
-Ayslum Judge: Gay Man "Was Never Physically Harmed" By Rape
Jim Burroway | Box Turtle Bulletin
How many women's groups would remain silent over a case like this? Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, has asked the Obama administration to grant asylum to a gay man who married an American citizen in Massachusetts and was later forced to return to Brazil. The man, Genesio Oliveira, has been separated from his husband, Tim Coco, since August 2007, when he left the country after his request for asylum and an appeal were denied. Mr. Oliveira asked for asylum in 2002, saying he was raped and attacked by a physician as a teenager in Brazil and feared persecution because of his sexuality. The Associated Press does not typically name rape victims, but Mr. Oliveira has spoken openly about his case. In a letter sent Thursday to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., Mr. Kerry said that Immigration Judge Francis L. Cramer had found Mr. Oliveira's testimony to be credible and his fear of living in Brazil genuine. However, the judge denied the asylum claim, saying he "was never physically harmed" by the rape, the letter said. Mr. Kerry called the ruling "outrageous." Genesio now lives in a small apartment in Brazil, just blocks away from the man who raped him. He mostly stays in the apartment, afraid to go out. Read more
-A Battle Hymn for Gay Marriage
D. Allan Kerr | Sea Coast Online
There's a segment of our society that would suggest homosexuals are my enemy; this same segment tells homosexuals I do not believe in their cause. These are individuals who believe other people should be prevented from exercising the same rights they themselves enjoy - even if these other people pay their taxes, contribute to society, and obey the laws of the land. A bill recently introduced into the Maine Legislature would allow residents to marry someone of the same sex, presumably if they are both consenting adults. Now those supporting and opposing the measure are each marshalling their forces for battle in the months ahead - the battle for your heart, your mind and your vote. Both sides will claim to speak for the majority, but in the end you will most likely have the opportunity to speak for yourself. I have nothing to gain from this proposal. I am euphorically heterosexual, married to a partner who is quite literally the woman of my dreams. We have three strong sons and a little girl with the twinkling face of an angel who will celebrate her first birthday this very weekend. Read more
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gallery | Capacity crowd screens 'Pedro,' MTV biopic of Miami AIDS activist
Pedro Zamora (1972-1994)
Previously: Years after his death, AIDS activist Pedro Zamora is celebrated on film -"Love is unconditional and God created Pedro for a reason" - ister Mily Zamora to the audience after a screening Sunday night of the film Pedro at the Colony Theater, Miami. Pedro will be simulcast at 8 p.m. April 1 on MTV, MTV TR3S, mtvU and LOGO with an introduction by former President Bill Clinton. It will be released June 9 on DVD. Here's a gallery of photos before and after the screening.
=
Iranian Queer Organization News [IRQO]
http://www.irqo.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-New bill in the Iranian Parliament affecting LGBT bloggers.
Last year, a new by-law was introduced in the Iranian parliament which states that bloggers that spread atheism and prostitution in their weblogs will be executed. This bill is dangerous for LGBT bloggers who communicate about their homosexual identity and their rights as a homosexual and simply express their ideas through their weblogs. In the eyes of the law this is considered inappropriate and comparable to prostitution and will cause unfair persecutions on LGBT bloggers. If this bill is passed a judge can rule capital punishment, without consulting a higher court. In March 2009, government media in Iran reported the arrest of a number of bloggers who were accused of conducting a "velvet" revolution (activity conducted by a group that promotes their agenda in a peaceful manner). This arouses deep concern for gay bloggers who are not protected or supported by any group including human rights groups in Iran.
http://www.irqo.org/PDFs/IRQOnewsletter0309.pdf
-Europe still refuses to believe in "honor killing."
In Turkey, UNHCR lawyers are familiar with the concept of honor killing, however in Germany a judge refused to believe that a person's own family could kill him because of being an LGBT. An Iranian LGBT refugee when faced with deportation explained to the judge that he would be killed by his own uncle, but the judge did not believe him. This means that European judges and immigration authorities are unfamiliar with Iranian culture and Sharia law.
http://www.irqo.org/PDFs/IRQOnewsletter0309.pdf
-Campaigners in over 50 countries are gearing up to mark the 5th
International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17th. Amongst events and initiatives already announced in the UK are the launch of a major international campaign against transphobia, and "the largest, organised same sex hand-holding event in the world". The IDAHO committee in conjunction with "Transgender Europe" and "Gender Dynamix" have launched an international appeal "to reject transphobia and respect gender identity" and there is an on-line petition to sign. Derek Lennard, IDAHO-UK Campaigner explained "In the UK, we will focus on human rights and violations against trans people around the world, and work with other campaigners to publicise and celebrate the services which do exist , and identify the many gaps in service provision". Professor Stephen Whittle commented "Press for Change welcomes the IDAHO campaign and we will be working closely with them". (Details of the campaign can be seen on www.idahomophobia.org. If you support the aims of this campaign, please indicate your support on www.idaho.org.uk.)
Details of IDAHO-UK events can be found on www.idaho.org.uk
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-Time for movement to look inward
Coping with and surviving recession should be our top priority right now.
By JOAN GARRY
LAST WEEK I was interviewed for the Pride month episode of "In The Life." We talked specifics and we talked strategy. The last question posed was, "What is the most important issue you think will affect our community in the next few years?" There are a number of ways to answer this question, many of which place the ball in someone else's court: How will the Obama administration move on our issues? Will the LGBT people on the inside of the administration help move us forward? Will donors continue to support our organizations in this time of economic crisis? But now it's time to look inward - at the decisions we can actually control - and, more specifically, at the decisions the organizations that represent us can control.
http://www.washblade.com/2009/3-20/view/columns/14258.cfm
-European Union Pressures Serbia to Adopt "Gender Identity" Legislation
Serbia's legislature has just passed a law providing for "freedom of expression of sexual orientation and gender identity" under pressure from the European Union (EU) and non-governmental organizations advocating homosexual rights. Passage of the legislation is understood to be a precondition for further Serbian reintegration with Europe, including the right to participate in an EU-wide visa waiver program allowing Serbs to travel freely among EU member states. Proponents claim that the law, which also contains an array of human rights protections for minority groups like gypsies (or "Roma"), would help Serbia meet the "Copenhagen Criteria" - a checklist for EU membership that includes stable democratic institutions and human rights guarantees.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09032014.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS - March 24, 2009
**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:
-Strip-Search of Girl Tests Limit of School Policy
By ADAM LIPTAK
Savana Redding still remembers the clothes she had on - black stretch pants with butterfly patches and a pink T-shirt - the day school officials here forced her to strip six years ago. She was 13 and in eighth grade. An assistant principal, enforcing the school's antidrug policies, suspected her of having brought prescription-strength ibuprofen pills to school. One of the pills is as strong as two Advils.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/us/24savana.html?_r=1&hp
-Hail to the Chief - in Public, That Is
By Richard Reeves
President Obama must have been a bit surprised when, on his 54th day in office, the former vice president, Richard Cheney, decided to go on television and brand him a danger to the Republic. " "He is," said Cheney, "making some choices that, in my mind, will, in fact, raise the risk to the American people of another attack."
http://100days.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/hail-to-the-chief-in-public-at-least/?ref=opinion
-Combat and Community
By DAVID BROOKS
Wardak Province, Afghanistan:
You drive up to the forward operating base in Wardak Province in an armored Humvee, with the machine-gunner sticking up through the roof and his butt swinging on a little perch just by your head. Outside there's a scraggly downtown, with ragamuffin Afghan children, almost no old people (the median life expectancy is 45) and dust everywhere. The dust of Afghanistan piles up in front of the storefronts and covers the ruins of the buildings destroyed during the Soviet period, or during the civil war or during some lost conflict from centuries past.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/opinion/24brooks.html?ref=opinion
-Obama Flinches on Immigration
In a little-noticed act of political faintheartedness, the Obama administration has pulled back from nominating Thomas Saenz, a highly regarded civil-rights lawyer and counsel to the mayor of Los Angeles, to run the Justice Department's civil rights division.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/opinion/24tue3.html?ref=opinion
-Nominate and Wait
By PAUL C. LIGHT
ROBERT C. BYRD, the Democratic senator from West Virginia, chastised the Obama administration last month for using White House policy czars to undermine the president's own cabinet. "At the worst," he wrote to President Obama, "White House staff have taken direction and control of programmatic areas that are the statutory responsibility of Senate-confirmed officials."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/opinion/24light.html?ref=opinion
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Consider This: NPR Achieves Record Ratings
By Paul Farhi
At a time when newspapers, magazines and TV news continue to lose readers and viewers, at least one part of the traditional media has continued to grow robustly: National Public Radio.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302972.html?hpid=topnews
-Geithner Asks Congress for Broad Power to Seize Firms
Goal Is to Limit Risk to Broader Economy
By Binyamin Appelbaum, David Cho and Debbi Wilgoren
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner today told Congress the administration will seek unprecedented power to seize non-bank financial companies whose collapse could jeopardize the economy, a move Geithner said would have allowed the government to bail out insurance giant American International Group at a far lower cost to taxpayers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032400847.html?hpid=topnews
-AIG Employees to Repay $50 Million in Bonuses
Executives at Troubled Unit Vow to Give Up Payments, Staving Off Cuomo
Threat to Release Names
By Brady Dennis
The e-mail went out at 6:46 p.m. on Friday.
It had been a brutal week inside AIG Financial Products. News that the firm had doled out more than $165 million in retention payments over the past week had angered the country and sent lawmakers into fits of rage. American International Group's president, Edward M. Liddy, had asked that the unit's employees consider returning some, if not all, of the money. New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo had subpoenaed AIG for a list of Financial Products employees and how much money each had received.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302162.html?hpid=topnews
-Community Policing Defines Nominee to Lead Drug Office
As Seattle Police Chief, Kerlikowske Is Known for Pragmatism
By Amy Goldstein
Ten months after R. Gil Kerlikowske became Seattle's police chief, two of his officers arrived at the home of JoAnna McKee, where she ran a co-op giving medical marijuana to patients and teaching them to grow their own. Neighbors, the police told her, had been complaining. Soon, a "cease and desist" order was tacked to her door.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302861.html?hpid=topnews
-Churchill takes stand in lawsuit to reclaim job
By IVAN MORENO
A former University of Colorado professor, assailed for likening Sept. 11 victims to a Nazi leader and fired for alleged plagiarism, testified in court Monday that the 2001 terrorist attacks were "perfectly predictable." Ward Churchill took the stand in his lawsuit seeking to get his job back at the university, where he was a tenured professor of ethnic studies.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302319.html?hpid=sec-nation
-Saudis awaiting change from religious police
By DONNA ABU-NASR
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Visitors to a women's job training center heard terrified screams _ and rushed to see an agent of the religious police dragging a woman by her hair down the stairs of the building.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301216.html?hpid=sec-religion
-The End of Dollar Dominance?
By John Pomfret
Are the Chinese just worried about the sagging value of the $1.4 trillion in U.S. Treasuries they hold or are they really on to something? That's the big question now that China's central banker, Zhou Xiaochuan, has called for the greenback to be jettisoned as the world's dominant currency and replaced by a new type of benchmark controlled by the International Monetary Fund.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301782.html
-The Repairman's Burden
By Eugene Robinson
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is a repairman, not a revolutionary. Contrary to the impression he sometimes gives, he does understand why the Sun King excesses of Wall Street's pampered executives make people so angry. Essentially, though, he blames the players, not the game.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301978.html
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Madoff Trustee Locates Assets of $75 Million
By CHAD BRAY
A lawyer for the court-appointed trustee liquidating Bernard Madoff's firm confirmed they have located an additional $75 million in Madoff assets -- a figure that would put the total above $1 billion. A lawyer for the court-appointed trustee also said Monday that French authorities are moving to seize Mr. Madoff's residence in France, to satisfy claims by victims in that country. The residence in Cap d'Antibes, France, was valued at about $1 million, according to a statement of Madoff's assets as of Dec. 31, 2008.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123784325783017823.html
-Bill Would Limit Corporate Campaign Fund Raising
By ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON
Democratic leaders, riding public sentiment against corporate influence in Washington, will attempt to rein in the role of corporations and lobbyists in fund raising for congressional elections. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate's second-ranking Democrat, is set to introduce a bipartisan bill this week that would give congressional candidates the option of financing their campaigns partly through a public fund, in exchange for limiting their funding from corporate political-action committees.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123785115127819203.html
-Message to Iran Shows Strategy Shift
Write to Gerald F. Seib at jerry.seib@wsj.com
When President Barack Obama sent a video message to Iran marking the Persian New Year last week, it ran to just 556 words. But that brief message spoke volumes about the strategy that lies behind his oft-repeated pledge to reach out to Tehran.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123783781669516971.html
-Three Companies to Back Proposal on Union Bill
By KRIS MAHER
Three big retailers are expected to back an alternative proposal next week on a hotly contested bill that would make it easier to unionize workplaces, a move some experts said would bolster the legislation's chance of passage. Costco Wholesale Corp., Starbucks Corp. and Whole Foods Market Inc. are supporting the alternative proposal, according to someone familiar with the effort. Ray Krupin, a management labor lawyer in Washington said the most likely compromise would allow employees to unionize if 70% of them sign union-authorization cards, as opposed to 50% as currently proposed in the Employee Free Choice Act.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123759435215100809.html
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Why Iran is angry
Most Americans vilify Iran and somehow don't know or have forgotten that, in 1953, the United States toppled a democratically elected government there and installed the shah to get a better deal on -- and control of -- its oil. The shah spent decades terrorizing and killing his own people using state police trained by the CIA. That is why there was so much anger toward the United States when Iranians took our diplomats hostage. During the most recent Bush administration, a huge U.S. armada was positioned off Iran, and there was a formidable military build-up. Is Iran not supposed to feel threatened? Iran has not attacked a country in 400 years. Can the United States or Israel claim that they haven't attacked anyone in the past 10? Once again, too many Americans have been trained to hate an entire people that has suffered from our actions. I am glad that President Obama is reaching out. He needs to take concrete action, such as withdrawing the armada and not unconditionally backing Israel. JOHN A. STARNES JR., Tampa
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/letters/story/964579.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Go back into hiding, GOP begs Dick Cheney
By Molly K. Hooper
Congressional Republicans are telling Dick Cheney to go back to his undisclosed location and leave them alone to rebuild the Republican Party without his input. Displeased with the former vice-president's recent media appearances, Republican lawmakers say he's hurting GOP efforts to reinvent itself after back-to-back electoral drubbings.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/go-back-into-hiding-gop-begs-dick-cheney--please-2009-03-23.html
-No Retreat, No Surrender
by E.J. Dionne, Jr.
Obama's reeling a bit, but the larger challenge is to take on those who would indefinitely delay health care reform, energy conservation, and the expansion of educational opportunities. President Obama's biggest task at his news conference on Tuesday will not be to defend Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner or to push aside the administration's bungling of the AIG bonus imbroglio. It will be to challenge Washington's habit of evading substantive issues by transforming them into procedural questions.
http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=45f9beca-37fe-48f4-9748-1595bd4091ee
-EPA says global warming a public danger
By H. JOSEF HEBERT
The White House is reviewing a proposed finding by the U.S. environmental agency that global warming is a threat to public health and welfare.
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090323/BREAKINGNEWS/90323053/1006/NEWS01
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Strip-Search of Girl Tests Limit of School Policy
By ADAM LIPTAK
Savana Redding still remembers the clothes she had on - black stretch pants with butterfly patches and a pink T-shirt - the day school officials here forced her to strip six years ago. She was 13 and in eighth grade. An assistant principal, enforcing the school's antidrug policies, suspected her of having brought prescription-strength ibuprofen pills to school. One of the pills is as strong as two Advils.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/us/24savana.html?_r=1&hp
-Hail to the Chief - in Public, That Is
By Richard Reeves
President Obama must have been a bit surprised when, on his 54th day in office, the former vice president, Richard Cheney, decided to go on television and brand him a danger to the Republic. " "He is," said Cheney, "making some choices that, in my mind, will, in fact, raise the risk to the American people of another attack."
http://100days.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/hail-to-the-chief-in-public-at-least/?ref=opinion
-Combat and Community
By DAVID BROOKS
Wardak Province, Afghanistan:
You drive up to the forward operating base in Wardak Province in an armored Humvee, with the machine-gunner sticking up through the roof and his butt swinging on a little perch just by your head. Outside there's a scraggly downtown, with ragamuffin Afghan children, almost no old people (the median life expectancy is 45) and dust everywhere. The dust of Afghanistan piles up in front of the storefronts and covers the ruins of the buildings destroyed during the Soviet period, or during the civil war or during some lost conflict from centuries past.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/opinion/24brooks.html?ref=opinion
-Obama Flinches on Immigration
In a little-noticed act of political faintheartedness, the Obama administration has pulled back from nominating Thomas Saenz, a highly regarded civil-rights lawyer and counsel to the mayor of Los Angeles, to run the Justice Department's civil rights division.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/opinion/24tue3.html?ref=opinion
-Nominate and Wait
By PAUL C. LIGHT
ROBERT C. BYRD, the Democratic senator from West Virginia, chastised the Obama administration last month for using White House policy czars to undermine the president's own cabinet. "At the worst," he wrote to President Obama, "White House staff have taken direction and control of programmatic areas that are the statutory responsibility of Senate-confirmed officials."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/opinion/24light.html?ref=opinion
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Consider This: NPR Achieves Record Ratings
By Paul Farhi
At a time when newspapers, magazines and TV news continue to lose readers and viewers, at least one part of the traditional media has continued to grow robustly: National Public Radio.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302972.html?hpid=topnews
-Geithner Asks Congress for Broad Power to Seize Firms
Goal Is to Limit Risk to Broader Economy
By Binyamin Appelbaum, David Cho and Debbi Wilgoren
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner today told Congress the administration will seek unprecedented power to seize non-bank financial companies whose collapse could jeopardize the economy, a move Geithner said would have allowed the government to bail out insurance giant American International Group at a far lower cost to taxpayers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032400847.html?hpid=topnews
-AIG Employees to Repay $50 Million in Bonuses
Executives at Troubled Unit Vow to Give Up Payments, Staving Off Cuomo
Threat to Release Names
By Brady Dennis
The e-mail went out at 6:46 p.m. on Friday.
It had been a brutal week inside AIG Financial Products. News that the firm had doled out more than $165 million in retention payments over the past week had angered the country and sent lawmakers into fits of rage. American International Group's president, Edward M. Liddy, had asked that the unit's employees consider returning some, if not all, of the money. New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo had subpoenaed AIG for a list of Financial Products employees and how much money each had received.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302162.html?hpid=topnews
-Community Policing Defines Nominee to Lead Drug Office
As Seattle Police Chief, Kerlikowske Is Known for Pragmatism
By Amy Goldstein
Ten months after R. Gil Kerlikowske became Seattle's police chief, two of his officers arrived at the home of JoAnna McKee, where she ran a co-op giving medical marijuana to patients and teaching them to grow their own. Neighbors, the police told her, had been complaining. Soon, a "cease and desist" order was tacked to her door.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302861.html?hpid=topnews
-Churchill takes stand in lawsuit to reclaim job
By IVAN MORENO
A former University of Colorado professor, assailed for likening Sept. 11 victims to a Nazi leader and fired for alleged plagiarism, testified in court Monday that the 2001 terrorist attacks were "perfectly predictable." Ward Churchill took the stand in his lawsuit seeking to get his job back at the university, where he was a tenured professor of ethnic studies.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302319.html?hpid=sec-nation
-Saudis awaiting change from religious police
By DONNA ABU-NASR
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Visitors to a women's job training center heard terrified screams _ and rushed to see an agent of the religious police dragging a woman by her hair down the stairs of the building.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301216.html?hpid=sec-religion
-The End of Dollar Dominance?
By John Pomfret
Are the Chinese just worried about the sagging value of the $1.4 trillion in U.S. Treasuries they hold or are they really on to something? That's the big question now that China's central banker, Zhou Xiaochuan, has called for the greenback to be jettisoned as the world's dominant currency and replaced by a new type of benchmark controlled by the International Monetary Fund.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301782.html
-The Repairman's Burden
By Eugene Robinson
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is a repairman, not a revolutionary. Contrary to the impression he sometimes gives, he does understand why the Sun King excesses of Wall Street's pampered executives make people so angry. Essentially, though, he blames the players, not the game.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301978.html
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Madoff Trustee Locates Assets of $75 Million
By CHAD BRAY
A lawyer for the court-appointed trustee liquidating Bernard Madoff's firm confirmed they have located an additional $75 million in Madoff assets -- a figure that would put the total above $1 billion. A lawyer for the court-appointed trustee also said Monday that French authorities are moving to seize Mr. Madoff's residence in France, to satisfy claims by victims in that country. The residence in Cap d'Antibes, France, was valued at about $1 million, according to a statement of Madoff's assets as of Dec. 31, 2008.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123784325783017823.html
-Bill Would Limit Corporate Campaign Fund Raising
By ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON
Democratic leaders, riding public sentiment against corporate influence in Washington, will attempt to rein in the role of corporations and lobbyists in fund raising for congressional elections. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate's second-ranking Democrat, is set to introduce a bipartisan bill this week that would give congressional candidates the option of financing their campaigns partly through a public fund, in exchange for limiting their funding from corporate political-action committees.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123785115127819203.html
-Message to Iran Shows Strategy Shift
Write to Gerald F. Seib at jerry.seib@wsj.com
When President Barack Obama sent a video message to Iran marking the Persian New Year last week, it ran to just 556 words. But that brief message spoke volumes about the strategy that lies behind his oft-repeated pledge to reach out to Tehran.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123783781669516971.html
-Three Companies to Back Proposal on Union Bill
By KRIS MAHER
Three big retailers are expected to back an alternative proposal next week on a hotly contested bill that would make it easier to unionize workplaces, a move some experts said would bolster the legislation's chance of passage. Costco Wholesale Corp., Starbucks Corp. and Whole Foods Market Inc. are supporting the alternative proposal, according to someone familiar with the effort. Ray Krupin, a management labor lawyer in Washington said the most likely compromise would allow employees to unionize if 70% of them sign union-authorization cards, as opposed to 50% as currently proposed in the Employee Free Choice Act.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123759435215100809.html
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Why Iran is angry
Most Americans vilify Iran and somehow don't know or have forgotten that, in 1953, the United States toppled a democratically elected government there and installed the shah to get a better deal on -- and control of -- its oil. The shah spent decades terrorizing and killing his own people using state police trained by the CIA. That is why there was so much anger toward the United States when Iranians took our diplomats hostage. During the most recent Bush administration, a huge U.S. armada was positioned off Iran, and there was a formidable military build-up. Is Iran not supposed to feel threatened? Iran has not attacked a country in 400 years. Can the United States or Israel claim that they haven't attacked anyone in the past 10? Once again, too many Americans have been trained to hate an entire people that has suffered from our actions. I am glad that President Obama is reaching out. He needs to take concrete action, such as withdrawing the armada and not unconditionally backing Israel. JOHN A. STARNES JR., Tampa
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/letters/story/964579.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Go back into hiding, GOP begs Dick Cheney
By Molly K. Hooper
Congressional Republicans are telling Dick Cheney to go back to his undisclosed location and leave them alone to rebuild the Republican Party without his input. Displeased with the former vice-president's recent media appearances, Republican lawmakers say he's hurting GOP efforts to reinvent itself after back-to-back electoral drubbings.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/go-back-into-hiding-gop-begs-dick-cheney--please-2009-03-23.html
-No Retreat, No Surrender
by E.J. Dionne, Jr.
Obama's reeling a bit, but the larger challenge is to take on those who would indefinitely delay health care reform, energy conservation, and the expansion of educational opportunities. President Obama's biggest task at his news conference on Tuesday will not be to defend Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner or to push aside the administration's bungling of the AIG bonus imbroglio. It will be to challenge Washington's habit of evading substantive issues by transforming them into procedural questions.
http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=45f9beca-37fe-48f4-9748-1595bd4091ee
-EPA says global warming a public danger
By H. JOSEF HEBERT
The White House is reviewing a proposed finding by the U.S. environmental agency that global warming is a threat to public health and welfare.
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090323/BREAKINGNEWS/90323053/1006/NEWS01
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - March 24, 2009
**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~~
Dolphin Democrats
-This weekend at the Pridefest, the Dolphin Democrats got 300 voters (exactly) to take the Pledge for Obama. This is the most pledges at one event in the state of Florida this weekend according to Organizing for America State Leader John Bivona. We also got 112 voters to sign the Fair Districts Florida petitions to end gerrymandering. The Dolphins would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the many members who gave freely of their time to put us at the forefront of the state. Now we need to do it again at the Pridefest of the Palm Beaches next week! Please contact Tim Ross at browdempartyP4@bellsouth.net if you can help us next weekend from Noon to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. We would like to get close to 450 pledges next weekend.
-Gainesville City Commission amended its Human Rights Ordinance to include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity - just like 8 other cities or counties have done around the state of Florida. Now the far right is trying to take those rights away -- and there's a vote on March 24 that could do just that! If they do it in Gainesville, WHERE ELSE IN FLORIDA IS NEXT? Please help us make call from the GLCC in Ft. Lauderdale monday March 23 evening this week from 5:45pm to 9pm Call JD Camp at (954) 802-2202 in advance to schedule. Time is running out and we really do need your help. A couple of hours can make a world of difference to protect the few advances made here in Florida for the GLBT community. Tuesday, March 24th --Election Day in Gainesville -- could be D-Day. We have one day left to take action. Will you help
=
Florida GLBT Democrats - SAVE THE DATES
July 17 thru July 19, 2009
The summer conference of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus will be held in fabulous Key West, Florida.
We will make our first return to the city where we began the revitalization of the Caucus. Please watch the website for information.
www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org
=
A message from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz
A little more than a year ago, after I found a lump in my breast while doing a routine self-exam, my doctor diagnosed me with breast cancer. After my diagnosis, it seemed like there were a million different decisions I had to make. My doctor's initial recommendation, because I found the lump so early and it was less than a half centimeter, was to simply have the cancer removed, followed by radiation. However, after sitting down with a nurse educator who asked me many, many questions about my personal and family health history, I also decided to have a blood test that would show whether I had a genetic alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Although I have no immediate familial history with cancer I was informed that, as a woman of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, I was in a category of at-risk populations for the gene mutation. I learned that there is an 85 percent lifetime risk for a woman who doesn't have breast cancer, but tests positive for this genetic mutation. For a woman who tests positive and already has breast cancer, there is a 65 percent risk that cancer will affect the healthy breast. Because I was young and diagnosed with breast cancer, there was an indication I might carry the gene, although it was again thought unlikely. Several weeks after the successful removal of the tumor, my doctor advised me that I carry the BRCA2 genetic marker that suggests a greater susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancers. After careful consideration, and further consultation with my doctors and my husband, I decided to have a double mastectomy and have my ovaries removed, to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of cancer. As any breast cancer patient will tell you, it is a time when you feel you have very little control. I chose to manage my breast cancer and get through the last year privately, with my family and close friends around me. I also chose to wait to tell my young children until recently. After consulting with my doctors, I knew that I could get through the surgeries and procedures and make it very unlikely that I would have a recurrence. I wanted to be able to tell my children with a clear conscience that their Mommy would be okay. This week in Washington, with a clean bill of health and cancer-free, I plan to introduce the EARLY Act, which seeks to educate young women on the risk factors for breast cancer, why certain populations are more likely to be at risk, and ways that young women can be proactive in lowering their risks. The legislation also seeks to help young women diagnosed with breast cancer deal with the issues unique to their fertility, and the social ramifications young women face. Some people might say I was lucky. While I certainly was fortunate enough to have access to good health care, I didn't find my tumor early because of luck. I found my tumor early because of knowledge and awareness. I knew that I should perform breast self-exams, and I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like. We need to ensure that every young woman in America can rely on more than luck. Their survival depends on it.
Sincerely, Debbie
=
Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale
2009 Annual Reception honoring Tony Timiraos and featuring Janice Langbehn
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Join fellow Lambda Legal supporters alonside Executive Director Kevin Cathcart for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens - 900 North Birch Road - Fort Lauderdale. This event has limited capacity. To ensure your admission, please reply as soon as possible to Rick Hill at 786-473-6126 or purchase tickets online. All reservations will be held at the door.
http://ga4.org/lambdalegal/events/fortlauderdale09/details.tcl
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Updated: Women In Network's 14th annual charity golf tournament to be April 25 - Men are welcome at this event.
Please join us for the Women In Network's 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Gilda's Club of S. Florida Pace Center for Girls Broward and Palm Beach Counties Alzheimer's Family Center, Margate, FL on April 25, 2009. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful Palm-Aire Country Club & Resort in Pompano Beach, FL (www.palmairecountryclub.com). The event will include a 4-person scramble, Buffet and awards receptions following the golf. Register now and remember to invite your friends to play. Just click on "Tell a Friend" and you can send them a link to this site automatically. Thank you for your support of the Gilda's Club of S. Florida Pace Center for Girls Broward and Palm Beach Counties Alzheimer's Family Center, Margate - April 25, 2009 -1:00 pm
Palm-Aire Country Club & Resort
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-De Rossi talks 'Ted,' Ellen and babies
BY SCOTT COLLINS
As half of one of the most famous gay couples in the country, Portia de Rossi is still working to decipher the mixed messages American culture is sending her way. On one hand, the actress' marriage to talk-show queen Ellen DeGeneres has won enough popular acceptance that tabloids speculate about whether De Rossi will soon bear the couple's first child through in-vitro fertilization.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/tv/story/960318.html
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
JustNews.com
http://www.justnews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fla. Law Interferes With Cuba Travel Regulations
A Florida law that would make it more expensive for travel agents to book trips to Cuba interferes with existing federal regulation of travel to the communist island, according to a report by the U.S. Justice Department. In the 35-page opinion issued Friday, the Justice Department said the Sellers of Travel Act also interferes "with the federal government's ability to speak for the United States with one voice in foreign affairs."
http://www.justnews.com/news/18987430/detail.html?treets=mia&tid=2655619429813&tml=mia_dailyforecast&tmi=mia_dailyforecast_1_04000203232009&ts=H
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Dolphin Democrats
-This weekend at the Pridefest, the Dolphin Democrats got 300 voters (exactly) to take the Pledge for Obama. This is the most pledges at one event in the state of Florida this weekend according to Organizing for America State Leader John Bivona. We also got 112 voters to sign the Fair Districts Florida petitions to end gerrymandering. The Dolphins would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the many members who gave freely of their time to put us at the forefront of the state. Now we need to do it again at the Pridefest of the Palm Beaches next week! Please contact Tim Ross at browdempartyP4@bellsouth.net if you can help us next weekend from Noon to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. We would like to get close to 450 pledges next weekend.
-Gainesville City Commission amended its Human Rights Ordinance to include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity - just like 8 other cities or counties have done around the state of Florida. Now the far right is trying to take those rights away -- and there's a vote on March 24 that could do just that! If they do it in Gainesville, WHERE ELSE IN FLORIDA IS NEXT? Please help us make call from the GLCC in Ft. Lauderdale monday March 23 evening this week from 5:45pm to 9pm Call JD Camp at (954) 802-2202 in advance to schedule. Time is running out and we really do need your help. A couple of hours can make a world of difference to protect the few advances made here in Florida for the GLBT community. Tuesday, March 24th --Election Day in Gainesville -- could be D-Day. We have one day left to take action. Will you help
=
Florida GLBT Democrats - SAVE THE DATES
July 17 thru July 19, 2009
The summer conference of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus will be held in fabulous Key West, Florida.
We will make our first return to the city where we began the revitalization of the Caucus. Please watch the website for information.
www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org
=
A message from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz
A little more than a year ago, after I found a lump in my breast while doing a routine self-exam, my doctor diagnosed me with breast cancer. After my diagnosis, it seemed like there were a million different decisions I had to make. My doctor's initial recommendation, because I found the lump so early and it was less than a half centimeter, was to simply have the cancer removed, followed by radiation. However, after sitting down with a nurse educator who asked me many, many questions about my personal and family health history, I also decided to have a blood test that would show whether I had a genetic alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Although I have no immediate familial history with cancer I was informed that, as a woman of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, I was in a category of at-risk populations for the gene mutation. I learned that there is an 85 percent lifetime risk for a woman who doesn't have breast cancer, but tests positive for this genetic mutation. For a woman who tests positive and already has breast cancer, there is a 65 percent risk that cancer will affect the healthy breast. Because I was young and diagnosed with breast cancer, there was an indication I might carry the gene, although it was again thought unlikely. Several weeks after the successful removal of the tumor, my doctor advised me that I carry the BRCA2 genetic marker that suggests a greater susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancers. After careful consideration, and further consultation with my doctors and my husband, I decided to have a double mastectomy and have my ovaries removed, to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of cancer. As any breast cancer patient will tell you, it is a time when you feel you have very little control. I chose to manage my breast cancer and get through the last year privately, with my family and close friends around me. I also chose to wait to tell my young children until recently. After consulting with my doctors, I knew that I could get through the surgeries and procedures and make it very unlikely that I would have a recurrence. I wanted to be able to tell my children with a clear conscience that their Mommy would be okay. This week in Washington, with a clean bill of health and cancer-free, I plan to introduce the EARLY Act, which seeks to educate young women on the risk factors for breast cancer, why certain populations are more likely to be at risk, and ways that young women can be proactive in lowering their risks. The legislation also seeks to help young women diagnosed with breast cancer deal with the issues unique to their fertility, and the social ramifications young women face. Some people might say I was lucky. While I certainly was fortunate enough to have access to good health care, I didn't find my tumor early because of luck. I found my tumor early because of knowledge and awareness. I knew that I should perform breast self-exams, and I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like. We need to ensure that every young woman in America can rely on more than luck. Their survival depends on it.
Sincerely, Debbie
=
Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale
2009 Annual Reception honoring Tony Timiraos and featuring Janice Langbehn
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Join fellow Lambda Legal supporters alonside Executive Director Kevin Cathcart for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens - 900 North Birch Road - Fort Lauderdale. This event has limited capacity. To ensure your admission, please reply as soon as possible to Rick Hill at 786-473-6126 or purchase tickets online. All reservations will be held at the door.
http://ga4.org/lambdalegal/events/fortlauderdale09/details.tcl
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Updated: Women In Network's 14th annual charity golf tournament to be April 25 - Men are welcome at this event.
Please join us for the Women In Network's 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Gilda's Club of S. Florida Pace Center for Girls Broward and Palm Beach Counties Alzheimer's Family Center, Margate, FL on April 25, 2009. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful Palm-Aire Country Club & Resort in Pompano Beach, FL (www.palmairecountryclub.com). The event will include a 4-person scramble, Buffet and awards receptions following the golf. Register now and remember to invite your friends to play. Just click on "Tell a Friend" and you can send them a link to this site automatically. Thank you for your support of the Gilda's Club of S. Florida Pace Center for Girls Broward and Palm Beach Counties Alzheimer's Family Center, Margate - April 25, 2009 -1:00 pm
Palm-Aire Country Club & Resort
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-De Rossi talks 'Ted,' Ellen and babies
BY SCOTT COLLINS
As half of one of the most famous gay couples in the country, Portia de Rossi is still working to decipher the mixed messages American culture is sending her way. On one hand, the actress' marriage to talk-show queen Ellen DeGeneres has won enough popular acceptance that tabloids speculate about whether De Rossi will soon bear the couple's first child through in-vitro fertilization.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/tv/story/960318.html
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
JustNews.com
http://www.justnews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fla. Law Interferes With Cuba Travel Regulations
A Florida law that would make it more expensive for travel agents to book trips to Cuba interferes with existing federal regulation of travel to the communist island, according to a report by the U.S. Justice Department. In the 35-page opinion issued Friday, the Justice Department said the Sellers of Travel Act also interferes "with the federal government's ability to speak for the United States with one voice in foreign affairs."
http://www.justnews.com/news/18987430/detail.html?treets=mia&tid=2655619429813&tml=mia_dailyforecast&tmi=mia_dailyforecast_1_04000203232009&ts=H
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Monday, March 23, 2009
NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS - March 23, 2009
**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:
-Most of the Seventh Grade Will Be at the Commitment Ceremony
By SUSAN DOMINUS
Sometimes the best news is that a story makes no news. In the fall of 2008, the supporters of Proposition 8, a ballot initiative meant to ban gay marriage in the state of California, fell on a lucky break: video of first graders whose class parents had arranged for them a trip to city hall, where they celebrated their female teacher's marriage to another woman, a ceremony over which the mayor of San Francisco presided. Gay-marriage opponents cried indoctrination, and the ensuing controversy provoked so much outrage that it has been considered important in squashing opposition to the ban. (The California Supreme Court is currently weighing the constitutionality of the proposition.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/nyregion/23bigcity.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Tonight: Finale of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Big hopes for hometown [Miami] girl Rebecca Glasscock
By Dan Renzi
We'll be in front of our TVs tonight (or setting our TiVos) to cheer on Rebecca Glasscock, the Fort Lauderdale contestant on LOGO's "RuPaul's Drag Race," the reality competition pitting drag performers against each other in a battle to the death. They don't actually die, of course, but losing this battle is almost as sorrowful.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm#24618
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Christian Hotel Owners Sued for Anti-gay Discrimination
A gay couple in England filed a lawsuit against Christian hotel proprietors who refused to let the men stay together in the same room. Martyn Hall and his civil partner Steven Preddy are seeking £5,000 in damages for "direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation," according to the Daily Mail.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76101.asp
-Gay Marriage and Transgender Rights Take Spotlight in New Hampshire
By Julie Bolcer
Bills to legalize gay marriage and to expand nondiscrimination laws to include transgender individuals are expected to be the emotional focus of the New Hampshire legislature this week. The House Judiciary Committee deadlocked, 10-10, on voting for both bills last week. The split votes mean that each bill will reach the full chamber floor without a recommendation.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76094.asp
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Video: Portia de Rossi says sorry for 'selfish' gay marriage
Lesbian actress Portia de Rossi has appeared in a short clip to send up opponents of gay marriage. When she appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show last Friday, the star, who married Ellen Degeneres last August, offered up a tongue-in-cheek public service announcement.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11709.html
-Muslim preacher calls for gays to be stoned to death
Hate preacher Anjem Choudary launched a vitrolic attack on gays last week in which he said that they should be stoned to death. The former lawyer added that this would include gay business secretary Lord Peter Mandelson.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11708.html
-Spanish trans man pregnant with twins
A Spanish man who was born female has said he is pregnant with twins after a course of fertility treatment. Ruben Noe Coronado, 25, plans to bring up the babies with his partner Esperanza Ruiz, 43.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11704.html
=
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Barney Frank: Antonin Scalia is a 'Homophobe'
Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer | CNSNews
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview Friday on 365gay.com that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a "homophobe." "At some point, [the Defense of Marriage Act] is going to have to go to the United States Supreme Court," Frank said. "I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court." Frank also said in the interview that he thinks President Barack Obama will reverse the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the U.S. military. "Absolutely," Frank said, concerning the policy. Read more
-Ayslum Judge: Gay Man "Was Never Physically Harmed" By Rape
Jim Burroway | Box Turtle Bulletin
How many women's groups would remain silent over a case like this? Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, has asked the Obama administration to grant asylum to a gay man who married an American citizen in Massachusetts and was later forced to return to Brazil. The man, Genesio Oliveira, has been separated from his husband, Tim Coco, since August 2007, when he left the country after his request for asylum and an appeal were denied. Mr. Oliveira asked for asylum in 2002, saying he was raped and attacked by a physician as a teenager in Brazil and feared persecution because of his sexuality. The Associated Press does not typically name rape victims, but Mr. Oliveira has spoken openly about his case. In a letter sent Thursday to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., Mr. Kerry said that Immigration Judge Francis L. Cramer had found Mr. Oliveira's testimony to be credible and his fear of living in Brazil genuine. However, the judge denied the asylum claim, saying he "was never physically harmed" by the rape, the letter said. Mr. Kerry called the ruling "outrageous." Genesio now lives in a small apartment in Brazil, just blocks away from the man who raped him. He mostly stays in the apartment, afraid to go out. Read more
-A Battle Hymn for Gay Marriage
D. Allan Kerr | Sea Coast Online
There's a segment of our society that would suggest homosexuals are my enemy; this same segment tells homosexuals I do not believe in their cause. These are individuals who believe other people should be prevented from exercising the same rights they themselves enjoy - even if these other people pay their taxes, contribute to society, and obey the laws of the land. A bill recently introduced into the Maine Legislature would allow residents to marry someone of the same sex, presumably if they are both consenting adults. Now those supporting and opposing the measure are each marshalling their forces for battle in the months ahead - the battle for your heart, your mind and your vote. Both sides will claim to speak for the majority, but in the end you will most likely have the opportunity to speak for yourself. I have nothing to gain from this proposal. I am euphorically heterosexual, married to a partner who is quite literally the woman of my dreams. We have three strong sons and a little girl with the twinkling face of an angel who will celebrate her first birthday this very weekend. Read more
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gallery | Capacity crowd screens 'Pedro,' MTV biopic of Miami AIDS activist Pedro Zamora (1972-1994)
Previously: Years after his death, AIDS activist Pedro Zamora is celebrated on film -"Love is unconditional and God created Pedro for a reason" -
sister Mily
Zamora to the audience after a screening Sunday night of the film Pedro at the Colony Theater, Miami.
Pedro will be simulcast at 8 p.m. April 1 on MTV, MTV TR3S, mtvU and LOGO with an introduction by former President Bill Clinton. It will be released June 9 on DVD. Here's a gallery of photos before and after the screening.
=
Iranian Queer Organization News [IRQO]
http://www.irqo.org/
-New bill in the Iranian Parliament affecting LGBT bloggers.
Last year, a new by-law was introduced in the Iranian parliament which states that bloggers that spread atheism and prostitution in their weblogs will be executed. This bill is dangerous for LGBT bloggers who communicate about their homosexual identity and their rights as a homosexual and simply express their ideas through their weblogs. In the eyes of the law this is considered inappropriate and comparable to prostitution and will cause unfair persecutions on LGBT bloggers. If this bill is passed a judge can rule capital punishment, without consulting a higher court. In March 2009, government media in Iran reported the arrest of a number of bloggers who were accused of conducting a "velvet" revolution (activity conducted by a group that promotes their agenda in a peaceful manner). This arouses deep concern for gay bloggers who are not protected or supported by any group including human rights groups in Iran.
http://www.irqo.org/PDFs/IRQOnewsletter0309.pdf
-Europe still refuses to believe in "honor killing."
In Turkey, UNHCR lawyers are familiar with the concept of honor killing, however in Germany a judge refused to believe that a person's own family could kill him because of being an LGBT. An Iranian LGBT refugee when faced with deportation explained to the judge that he would be killed by his own uncle, but the judge did not believe him. This means that European judges and immigration authorities are unfamiliar with Iranian culture and Sharia law.
http://www.irqo.org/PDFs/IRQOnewsletter0309.pdf
-Campaigners in over 50 countries are gearing up to mark the 5th International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17th. Amongst events and initiatives already announced in the UK are the launch of a major international campaign against transphobia, and "the largest, organised same sex hand-holding event in the world". The IDAHO committee in conjunction with "Transgender Europe" and "Gender Dynamix" have launched an international appeal "to reject transphobia and respect gender identity" and there is an on-line petition to sign. Derek Lennard, IDAHO-UK Campaigner explained "In the UK, we will focus on human rights and violations against trans people around the world, and work with other campaigners to publicise and celebrate the services which do exist , and identify the many gaps in service provision". Professor Stephen Whittle commented "Press for Change welcomes the IDAHO campaign and we will be working closely with them". (Details of the campaign can be seen on www.idahomophobia.org. If you support the aims of this campaign, please indicate your support on www.idaho.org.uk.) Details of IDAHO-UK events can be found on www.idaho.org.uk
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-Time for movement to look inward
Coping with and surviving recession should be our top priority right now.
By JOAN GARRY
LAST WEEK I was interviewed for the Pride month episode of "In The Life." We talked specifics and we talked strategy. The last question posed was, "What is the most important issue you think will affect our community in the next few years?" There are a number of ways to answer this question, many of which place the ball in someone else's court: How will the Obama administration move on our issues? Will the LGBT people on the inside of the administration help move us forward? Will donors continue to support our organizations in this time of economic crisis? But now it's time to look inward - at the decisions we can actually control - and, more specifically, at the decisions the organizations that represent us can control.
http://www.washblade.com/2009/3-20/view/columns/14258.cfm
-European Union Pressures Serbia to Adopt "Gender Identity" Legislation
Serbia's legislature has just passed a law providing for "freedom of expression of sexual orientation and gender identity" under pressure from the European Union (EU) and non-governmental organizations advocating homosexual rights. Passage of the legislation is understood to be a precondition for further Serbian reintegration with Europe, including the right to participate in an EU-wide visa waiver program allowing Serbs to travel freely among EU member states. Proponents claim that the law, which also contains an array of human rights protections for minority groups like gypsies (or "Roma"), would help Serbia meet the "Copenhagen Criteria" - a checklist for EU membership that includes stable democratic institutions and human rights guarantees.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09032014.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Most of the Seventh Grade Will Be at the Commitment Ceremony
By SUSAN DOMINUS
Sometimes the best news is that a story makes no news. In the fall of 2008, the supporters of Proposition 8, a ballot initiative meant to ban gay marriage in the state of California, fell on a lucky break: video of first graders whose class parents had arranged for them a trip to city hall, where they celebrated their female teacher's marriage to another woman, a ceremony over which the mayor of San Francisco presided. Gay-marriage opponents cried indoctrination, and the ensuing controversy provoked so much outrage that it has been considered important in squashing opposition to the ban. (The California Supreme Court is currently weighing the constitutionality of the proposition.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/nyregion/23bigcity.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Tonight: Finale of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Big hopes for hometown [Miami] girl Rebecca Glasscock
By Dan Renzi
We'll be in front of our TVs tonight (or setting our TiVos) to cheer on Rebecca Glasscock, the Fort Lauderdale contestant on LOGO's "RuPaul's Drag Race," the reality competition pitting drag performers against each other in a battle to the death. They don't actually die, of course, but losing this battle is almost as sorrowful.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm#24618
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Christian Hotel Owners Sued for Anti-gay Discrimination
A gay couple in England filed a lawsuit against Christian hotel proprietors who refused to let the men stay together in the same room. Martyn Hall and his civil partner Steven Preddy are seeking £5,000 in damages for "direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation," according to the Daily Mail.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76101.asp
-Gay Marriage and Transgender Rights Take Spotlight in New Hampshire
By Julie Bolcer
Bills to legalize gay marriage and to expand nondiscrimination laws to include transgender individuals are expected to be the emotional focus of the New Hampshire legislature this week. The House Judiciary Committee deadlocked, 10-10, on voting for both bills last week. The split votes mean that each bill will reach the full chamber floor without a recommendation.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid76094.asp
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Video: Portia de Rossi says sorry for 'selfish' gay marriage
Lesbian actress Portia de Rossi has appeared in a short clip to send up opponents of gay marriage. When she appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show last Friday, the star, who married Ellen Degeneres last August, offered up a tongue-in-cheek public service announcement.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11709.html
-Muslim preacher calls for gays to be stoned to death
Hate preacher Anjem Choudary launched a vitrolic attack on gays last week in which he said that they should be stoned to death. The former lawyer added that this would include gay business secretary Lord Peter Mandelson.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11708.html
-Spanish trans man pregnant with twins
A Spanish man who was born female has said he is pregnant with twins after a course of fertility treatment. Ruben Noe Coronado, 25, plans to bring up the babies with his partner Esperanza Ruiz, 43.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11704.html
=
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Barney Frank: Antonin Scalia is a 'Homophobe'
Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer | CNSNews
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview Friday on 365gay.com that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a "homophobe." "At some point, [the Defense of Marriage Act] is going to have to go to the United States Supreme Court," Frank said. "I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court." Frank also said in the interview that he thinks President Barack Obama will reverse the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the U.S. military. "Absolutely," Frank said, concerning the policy. Read more
-Ayslum Judge: Gay Man "Was Never Physically Harmed" By Rape
Jim Burroway | Box Turtle Bulletin
How many women's groups would remain silent over a case like this? Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, has asked the Obama administration to grant asylum to a gay man who married an American citizen in Massachusetts and was later forced to return to Brazil. The man, Genesio Oliveira, has been separated from his husband, Tim Coco, since August 2007, when he left the country after his request for asylum and an appeal were denied. Mr. Oliveira asked for asylum in 2002, saying he was raped and attacked by a physician as a teenager in Brazil and feared persecution because of his sexuality. The Associated Press does not typically name rape victims, but Mr. Oliveira has spoken openly about his case. In a letter sent Thursday to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., Mr. Kerry said that Immigration Judge Francis L. Cramer had found Mr. Oliveira's testimony to be credible and his fear of living in Brazil genuine. However, the judge denied the asylum claim, saying he "was never physically harmed" by the rape, the letter said. Mr. Kerry called the ruling "outrageous." Genesio now lives in a small apartment in Brazil, just blocks away from the man who raped him. He mostly stays in the apartment, afraid to go out. Read more
-A Battle Hymn for Gay Marriage
D. Allan Kerr | Sea Coast Online
There's a segment of our society that would suggest homosexuals are my enemy; this same segment tells homosexuals I do not believe in their cause. These are individuals who believe other people should be prevented from exercising the same rights they themselves enjoy - even if these other people pay their taxes, contribute to society, and obey the laws of the land. A bill recently introduced into the Maine Legislature would allow residents to marry someone of the same sex, presumably if they are both consenting adults. Now those supporting and opposing the measure are each marshalling their forces for battle in the months ahead - the battle for your heart, your mind and your vote. Both sides will claim to speak for the majority, but in the end you will most likely have the opportunity to speak for yourself. I have nothing to gain from this proposal. I am euphorically heterosexual, married to a partner who is quite literally the woman of my dreams. We have three strong sons and a little girl with the twinkling face of an angel who will celebrate her first birthday this very weekend. Read more
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gallery | Capacity crowd screens 'Pedro,' MTV biopic of Miami AIDS activist Pedro Zamora (1972-1994)
Previously: Years after his death, AIDS activist Pedro Zamora is celebrated on film -"Love is unconditional and God created Pedro for a reason" -
sister Mily
Zamora to the audience after a screening Sunday night of the film Pedro at the Colony Theater, Miami.
Pedro will be simulcast at 8 p.m. April 1 on MTV, MTV TR3S, mtvU and LOGO with an introduction by former President Bill Clinton. It will be released June 9 on DVD. Here's a gallery of photos before and after the screening.
=
Iranian Queer Organization News [IRQO]
http://www.irqo.org/
-New bill in the Iranian Parliament affecting LGBT bloggers.
Last year, a new by-law was introduced in the Iranian parliament which states that bloggers that spread atheism and prostitution in their weblogs will be executed. This bill is dangerous for LGBT bloggers who communicate about their homosexual identity and their rights as a homosexual and simply express their ideas through their weblogs. In the eyes of the law this is considered inappropriate and comparable to prostitution and will cause unfair persecutions on LGBT bloggers. If this bill is passed a judge can rule capital punishment, without consulting a higher court. In March 2009, government media in Iran reported the arrest of a number of bloggers who were accused of conducting a "velvet" revolution (activity conducted by a group that promotes their agenda in a peaceful manner). This arouses deep concern for gay bloggers who are not protected or supported by any group including human rights groups in Iran.
http://www.irqo.org/PDFs/IRQOnewsletter0309.pdf
-Europe still refuses to believe in "honor killing."
In Turkey, UNHCR lawyers are familiar with the concept of honor killing, however in Germany a judge refused to believe that a person's own family could kill him because of being an LGBT. An Iranian LGBT refugee when faced with deportation explained to the judge that he would be killed by his own uncle, but the judge did not believe him. This means that European judges and immigration authorities are unfamiliar with Iranian culture and Sharia law.
http://www.irqo.org/PDFs/IRQOnewsletter0309.pdf
-Campaigners in over 50 countries are gearing up to mark the 5th International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17th. Amongst events and initiatives already announced in the UK are the launch of a major international campaign against transphobia, and "the largest, organised same sex hand-holding event in the world". The IDAHO committee in conjunction with "Transgender Europe" and "Gender Dynamix" have launched an international appeal "to reject transphobia and respect gender identity" and there is an on-line petition to sign. Derek Lennard, IDAHO-UK Campaigner explained "In the UK, we will focus on human rights and violations against trans people around the world, and work with other campaigners to publicise and celebrate the services which do exist , and identify the many gaps in service provision". Professor Stephen Whittle commented "Press for Change welcomes the IDAHO campaign and we will be working closely with them". (Details of the campaign can be seen on www.idahomophobia.org. If you support the aims of this campaign, please indicate your support on www.idaho.org.uk.) Details of IDAHO-UK events can be found on www.idaho.org.uk
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-Time for movement to look inward
Coping with and surviving recession should be our top priority right now.
By JOAN GARRY
LAST WEEK I was interviewed for the Pride month episode of "In The Life." We talked specifics and we talked strategy. The last question posed was, "What is the most important issue you think will affect our community in the next few years?" There are a number of ways to answer this question, many of which place the ball in someone else's court: How will the Obama administration move on our issues? Will the LGBT people on the inside of the administration help move us forward? Will donors continue to support our organizations in this time of economic crisis? But now it's time to look inward - at the decisions we can actually control - and, more specifically, at the decisions the organizations that represent us can control.
http://www.washblade.com/2009/3-20/view/columns/14258.cfm
-European Union Pressures Serbia to Adopt "Gender Identity" Legislation
Serbia's legislature has just passed a law providing for "freedom of expression of sexual orientation and gender identity" under pressure from the European Union (EU) and non-governmental organizations advocating homosexual rights. Passage of the legislation is understood to be a precondition for further Serbian reintegration with Europe, including the right to participate in an EU-wide visa waiver program allowing Serbs to travel freely among EU member states. Proponents claim that the law, which also contains an array of human rights protections for minority groups like gypsies (or "Roma"), would help Serbia meet the "Copenhagen Criteria" - a checklist for EU membership that includes stable democratic institutions and human rights guarantees.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09032014.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - March 23, 2009
**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~~
Dolphin Democrats
-This weekend at the Pridefest, the Dolphin Democrats got 300 voters (exactly) to take the Pledge for Obama. This is the most pledges at one event in the state of Florida this weekend according to Organizing for America State Leader John Bivona. We also got 112 voters to sign the Fair Districts Florida petitions to end gerrymandering. The Dolphins would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the many members who gave freely of their time to put us at the forefront of the state. Now we need to do it again at the Pridefest of the Palm Beaches next week! Please contact Tim Ross at browdempartyP4@bellsouth.net if you can help us next weekend from Noon to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. We would like to get close to 450 pledges next weekend.
-Gainesville City Commission amended its Human Rights Ordinance to include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity - just like 8 other cities or counties have done around the state of Florida. Now the far right is trying to take those rights away -- and there's a vote on March 24 that could do just that! If they do it in Gainesville, WHERE ELSE IN FLORIDA IS NEXT? Please help us make call from the GLCC in Ft. Lauderdale monday March 23 evening this week from 5:45pm to 9pm Call JD Camp at (954) 802-2202 in advance to schedule. Time is running out and we really do need your help. A couple of hours can make a world of difference to protect the few advances made here in Florida for the GLBT community. Tuesday, March 24th --Election Day in Gainesville -- could be D-Day. We have one day left to take action. Will you help
=
Florida GLBT Democrats - SAVE THE DATES
July 17 thru July 19, 2009
The summer conference of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus will be held in fabulous Key West, Florida. We will make our first return to the city where we began the revitalization of the Caucus. Please watch the website for information.
www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org
=
A message from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz
A little more than a year ago, after I found a lump in my breast while doing a routine self-exam, my doctor diagnosed me with breast cancer. After my diagnosis, it seemed like there were a million different decisions I had to make. My doctor's initial recommendation, because I found the lump so early and it was less than a half centimeter, was to simply have the cancer removed, followed by radiation. However, after sitting down with a nurse educator who asked me many, many questions about my personal and family health history, I also decided to have a blood test that would show whether I had a genetic alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Although I have no immediate familial history with cancer I was informed that, as a woman of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, I was in a category of at-risk populations for the gene mutation. I learned that there is an 85 percent lifetime risk for a woman who doesn't have breast cancer, but tests positive for this genetic mutation. For a woman who tests positive and already has breast cancer, there is a 65 percent risk that cancer will affect the healthy breast. Because I was young and diagnosed with breast cancer, there was an indication I might carry the gene, although it was again thought unlikely. Several weeks after the successful removal of the tumor, my doctor advised me that I carry the BRCA2 genetic marker that suggests a greater susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancers. After careful consideration, and further consultation with my doctors and my husband, I decided to have a double mastectomy and have my ovaries removed, to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of cancer. As any breast cancer patient will tell you, it is a time when you feel you have very little control. I chose to manage my breast cancer and get through the last year privately, with my family and close friends around me. I also chose to wait to tell my young children until recently. After consulting with my doctors, I knew that I could get through the surgeries and procedures and make it very unlikely that I would have a recurrence. I wanted to be able to tell my children with a clear conscience that their Mommy would be okay. This week in Washington, with a clean bill of health and cancer-free, I plan to introduce the EARLY Act, which seeks to educate young women on the risk factors for breast cancer, why certain populations are more likely to be at risk, and ways that young women can be proactive in lowering their risks. The legislation also seeks to help young women diagnosed with breast cancer deal with the issues unique to their fertility, and the social ramifications young women face. Some people might say I was lucky. While I certainly was fortunate enough to have access to good health care, I didn't find my tumor early because of luck. I found my tumor early because of knowledge and awareness. I knew that I should perform breast self-exams, and I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like. We need to ensure that every young woman in America can rely on more than luck. Their survival depends on it.
Sincerely, Debbie
=
Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale
2009 Annual Reception honoring Tony Timiraos and featuring Janice Langbehn
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Join fellow Lambda Legal supporters alonside Executive Director Kevin Cathcart for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens - 900 North Birch Road - Fort Lauderdale. This event has limited capacity. To ensure your admission, please reply as soon as possible to Rick Hill at 786-473-6126 or purchase tickets online. All reservations will be held at the door.
http://ga4.org/lambdalegal/events/fortlauderdale09/details.tcl
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Updated: Women In Network's 14th annual charity golf tournament to be April 25 - Men are welcome at this event.
Please join us for the Women In Network's 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Gilda's Club of S. Florida Pace Center for Girls Broward and Palm Beach Counties Alzheimer's Family Center, Margate, FL on April 25, 2009. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful Palm-Aire Country Club & Resort in Pompano Beach, FL (www.palmairecountryclub.com). The event will include a 4-person scramble, Buffet and awards receptions following the golf. Register now and remember to invite your friends to play. Just click on "Tell a Friend" and you can send them a link to this site automatically. Thank you for your support of the Gilda's Club of S. Florida Pace Center for Girls Broward and Palm Beach Counties Alzheimer's Family Center, Margate - April 25, 2009 -1:00 pm Palm-Aire Country Club & Resort
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-De Rossi talks 'Ted,' Ellen and babies
BY SCOTT COLLINS
As half of one of the most famous gay couples in the country, Portia de Rossi is still working to decipher the mixed messages American culture is sending her way. On one hand, the actress' marriage to talk-show queen Ellen DeGeneres has won enough popular acceptance that tabloids speculate about whether De Rossi will soon bear the couple's first child through in-vitro fertilization.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/tv/story/960318.html
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
JustNews.com
http://www.justnews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fla. Law Interferes With Cuba Travel Regulations
A Florida law that would make it more expensive for travel agents to book trips to Cuba interferes with existing federal regulation of travel to the communist island, according to a report by the U.S. Justice Department. In the 35-page opinion issued Friday, the Justice Department said the Sellers of Travel Act also interferes "with the federal government's ability to speak for the United States with one voice in foreign affairs."
http://www.justnews.com/news/18987430/detail.html?treets=mia&tid=2655619429813&tml=mia_dailyforecast&tmi=mia_dailyforecast_1_04000203232009&ts=H
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Dolphin Democrats
-This weekend at the Pridefest, the Dolphin Democrats got 300 voters (exactly) to take the Pledge for Obama. This is the most pledges at one event in the state of Florida this weekend according to Organizing for America State Leader John Bivona. We also got 112 voters to sign the Fair Districts Florida petitions to end gerrymandering. The Dolphins would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the many members who gave freely of their time to put us at the forefront of the state. Now we need to do it again at the Pridefest of the Palm Beaches next week! Please contact Tim Ross at browdempartyP4@bellsouth.net if you can help us next weekend from Noon to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. We would like to get close to 450 pledges next weekend.
-Gainesville City Commission amended its Human Rights Ordinance to include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity - just like 8 other cities or counties have done around the state of Florida. Now the far right is trying to take those rights away -- and there's a vote on March 24 that could do just that! If they do it in Gainesville, WHERE ELSE IN FLORIDA IS NEXT? Please help us make call from the GLCC in Ft. Lauderdale monday March 23 evening this week from 5:45pm to 9pm Call JD Camp at (954) 802-2202 in advance to schedule. Time is running out and we really do need your help. A couple of hours can make a world of difference to protect the few advances made here in Florida for the GLBT community. Tuesday, March 24th --Election Day in Gainesville -- could be D-Day. We have one day left to take action. Will you help
=
Florida GLBT Democrats - SAVE THE DATES
July 17 thru July 19, 2009
The summer conference of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus will be held in fabulous Key West, Florida. We will make our first return to the city where we began the revitalization of the Caucus. Please watch the website for information.
www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org
=
A message from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz
A little more than a year ago, after I found a lump in my breast while doing a routine self-exam, my doctor diagnosed me with breast cancer. After my diagnosis, it seemed like there were a million different decisions I had to make. My doctor's initial recommendation, because I found the lump so early and it was less than a half centimeter, was to simply have the cancer removed, followed by radiation. However, after sitting down with a nurse educator who asked me many, many questions about my personal and family health history, I also decided to have a blood test that would show whether I had a genetic alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Although I have no immediate familial history with cancer I was informed that, as a woman of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, I was in a category of at-risk populations for the gene mutation. I learned that there is an 85 percent lifetime risk for a woman who doesn't have breast cancer, but tests positive for this genetic mutation. For a woman who tests positive and already has breast cancer, there is a 65 percent risk that cancer will affect the healthy breast. Because I was young and diagnosed with breast cancer, there was an indication I might carry the gene, although it was again thought unlikely. Several weeks after the successful removal of the tumor, my doctor advised me that I carry the BRCA2 genetic marker that suggests a greater susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancers. After careful consideration, and further consultation with my doctors and my husband, I decided to have a double mastectomy and have my ovaries removed, to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of cancer. As any breast cancer patient will tell you, it is a time when you feel you have very little control. I chose to manage my breast cancer and get through the last year privately, with my family and close friends around me. I also chose to wait to tell my young children until recently. After consulting with my doctors, I knew that I could get through the surgeries and procedures and make it very unlikely that I would have a recurrence. I wanted to be able to tell my children with a clear conscience that their Mommy would be okay. This week in Washington, with a clean bill of health and cancer-free, I plan to introduce the EARLY Act, which seeks to educate young women on the risk factors for breast cancer, why certain populations are more likely to be at risk, and ways that young women can be proactive in lowering their risks. The legislation also seeks to help young women diagnosed with breast cancer deal with the issues unique to their fertility, and the social ramifications young women face. Some people might say I was lucky. While I certainly was fortunate enough to have access to good health care, I didn't find my tumor early because of luck. I found my tumor early because of knowledge and awareness. I knew that I should perform breast self-exams, and I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like. We need to ensure that every young woman in America can rely on more than luck. Their survival depends on it.
Sincerely, Debbie
=
Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale
2009 Annual Reception honoring Tony Timiraos and featuring Janice Langbehn
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Join fellow Lambda Legal supporters alonside Executive Director Kevin Cathcart for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens - 900 North Birch Road - Fort Lauderdale. This event has limited capacity. To ensure your admission, please reply as soon as possible to Rick Hill at 786-473-6126 or purchase tickets online. All reservations will be held at the door.
http://ga4.org/lambdalegal/events/fortlauderdale09/details.tcl
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Updated: Women In Network's 14th annual charity golf tournament to be April 25 - Men are welcome at this event.
Please join us for the Women In Network's 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Gilda's Club of S. Florida Pace Center for Girls Broward and Palm Beach Counties Alzheimer's Family Center, Margate, FL on April 25, 2009. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful Palm-Aire Country Club & Resort in Pompano Beach, FL (www.palmairecountryclub.com). The event will include a 4-person scramble, Buffet and awards receptions following the golf. Register now and remember to invite your friends to play. Just click on "Tell a Friend" and you can send them a link to this site automatically. Thank you for your support of the Gilda's Club of S. Florida Pace Center for Girls Broward and Palm Beach Counties Alzheimer's Family Center, Margate - April 25, 2009 -1:00 pm Palm-Aire Country Club & Resort
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-De Rossi talks 'Ted,' Ellen and babies
BY SCOTT COLLINS
As half of one of the most famous gay couples in the country, Portia de Rossi is still working to decipher the mixed messages American culture is sending her way. On one hand, the actress' marriage to talk-show queen Ellen DeGeneres has won enough popular acceptance that tabloids speculate about whether De Rossi will soon bear the couple's first child through in-vitro fertilization.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/tv/story/960318.html
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
JustNews.com
http://www.justnews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fla. Law Interferes With Cuba Travel Regulations
A Florida law that would make it more expensive for travel agents to book trips to Cuba interferes with existing federal regulation of travel to the communist island, according to a report by the U.S. Justice Department. In the 35-page opinion issued Friday, the Justice Department said the Sellers of Travel Act also interferes "with the federal government's ability to speak for the United States with one voice in foreign affairs."
http://www.justnews.com/news/18987430/detail.html?treets=mia&tid=2655619429813&tml=mia_dailyforecast&tmi=mia_dailyforecast_1_04000203232009&ts=H
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Sunday, March 22, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - March 22, 2009
**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:
-Kerry Requests Asylum in Case of Gay Man
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, has asked the Obama administration to grant asylum to a gay man who married an American citizen in Massachusetts and was later forced to return to Brazil.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/us/politics/22asylum.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-'Pedro' tells story of Miami AIDS activist Pedro Zamora
By Steve Rothaus
Fifteen years after Miami's Pedro Zamora became a national symbol for living with HIV - and dying of AIDS - a new drama about his life will soon debut on the network that made him a reality TV star. Pedro, a film written by Dustin Lance Black, who won an original-screenplay Oscar for Milk, will be simulcast April 1 on four MTV networks. The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival will screen the film Sunday night at the Colony Theater in Miami Beach.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/lifestyle/sfl-li22-pedro-reviewsbmar22,0,4057906.story
-Sneak peek at the choreography session of RuPaul's Drag Race
Courtesy of LOGO
Watch as Fort Lauderdale native Javier (Rebecca Glasscock) tries to learn a routine. He's the one wearing the green scarf.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/custom/offbeat/sfl-032209-drag-race-video,0,6811379.story
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-One-third of HIV sufferers 'face discrimination'
A survey has suggested that one-third of people living with HIV experienced discrimination relating to their status in the last year. It also found that discrimination was compounded by homophobia, racism or asylum and immigration-related prejudice.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11687.html
=
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Bishop T.D. Jakes Sexuality Back in the Spotlight
Rev. Irene Monroe | Windy City Times
When preachers pontificate too much from on High about the sins of homosexual sex, the cautionary tale is to be careful of what you say, because your words invariable will come back to bite you, as we have seen with fallen evangelical star the Rev. Ted Haggard. For Bishop T. D. Jakes, the internationally known African-American evangelical star dubbed as the Black Billy Graham, his rantings against homosexuality have come back to bite him in the form of his oldest son's recent arrest. On Jan. 3, Jermaine Jakes was arrested in a sex sting for openly soliciting gay sex from an undercover vice detective in a public park just a few blocks from his father's church, The Potter's House, a 30,000-member megachurch in Dallas, Texas. The arrest warrant affidavit filed by Dallas police detectives on Jermaine Jakes stated the following: Read more
-Pastor John Hagee's Re-Branding
Bill Berkowitz | Buzz Flash
It may not be as fascinating, macabre or downright titillating as Michael Jackson's upcoming comeback tour, nor as carefully crafted, and all-consuming, as Richard Nixon's efforts to rehab his image with the public, nevertheless Pastor John Hagee's upcoming sojourn to the nation's capital is geared toward drawing crowds and headlines as well as providing a redemptive opportunity of a sort. While Jackson will be trying to moonwalk his way back into the hearts of his fans, Hagee's comeback revolves around re-stating his support for Israel while at the same time hoping that the mainstream media has forgotten about his outrageous remarks stating that God sent Hitler as a way of expediting the return of the Jews to Israel. And in the hopes of creating a theatrical moment, Hagee, who presides over the 19,000-member Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the chief executive officer of the non-profit corporation Global Evangelism Television (GETV), the president of John Hagee Ministries, and is a best-selling author, plans to deliver something called "The Israel Pledge" "to our newly elected leaders in Washington, D.C." when he arrives in the nation's capital next week. A recent e-mail from Strang Publications - the publisher of a host of conservative evangelical publications including Charisma News Online, Strang Report, Power Up, New Mane Magazine, The Ministry Today Report - urged its readers to support Hagee by signing on to something being called "The Israel Pledge." The "Pledge," according to Hagee, "provides you with the opportunity to express your support for Israel's right to exist and to defend itself from terrorism. Your signature will help send a strong message that American Christians are standing with Israel at this critical juncture": Read more
-Marriage Push in Maryland
Yusef Najafi | Metro Weekly
Michael Lacey used to be a private person. On Wednesday, March 11, speaking in front of a crowd of about 30 people in a meeting room of the Lowe House Office Building near the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis, Lacey explained how his life has changed since August when his partner of nearly 24 years, Ira Kaye, died as the result of an automobile injury. "I always felt . that as a citizen of Maryland that I had greater rights and equality than I certainly had in the state of Virginia. But with Ira's passing . I really came to understand that it just really is not enough." Lacey shared his story during a press conference in support of legislation to secure marriage equality in Maryland. Read more
-Pulling Out the PFLAG Stops
Will O'Bryan | Metro Weekly
Washington is home to many national GLBT organizations working for equality on nearly every front. When you look at the lineup for one organization's upcoming gala - with Broadway and TV's Cheyenne Jackson, Alan Cumming of Hollywood and stages on either side of the Atlantic, and West Hollywood City Council member and Mayor John Duran who will serve as emcee - it seems as though it must be one of those national organizations. But no. This March 21 fete is a local affair. Granted, it is for the world's largest chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), but it's exclusively the baby of Metro-D.C. PFLAG, working locally for GLBT equality, from schoolyards to Senate halls. "We certainly have more star power this year," says executive director Lindy Garnette, adding there will be greater opportunity to mix and mingle with the celebrities, what with the VIP reception happening after the gala rather than prior. Read more
-Will Gay Couples' Marriage Vows Survive California Court Review?
GEOFFREY A. FOWLER | Wall Street Journal
The California Supreme Court is weighing an incendiary question: Should it recognize the gay couples who married last year, when same-sex marriage was briefly legal? Within the next 10 weeks, the court is expected to rule on a petition to overturn the state's voter-mandated gay marriage ban, called Proposition 8. Legal scholars and even many gay-marriage advocates say the justices' questions during a March 5 hearing leave little doubt that the court will allow the ban to stay, partly out of respect for California's voter initiative process. Read more
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-European Union Pressures Serbia to Adopt "Gender Identity" Legislation
Serbia's legislature has just passed a law providing for "freedom of expression of sexual orientation and gender identity" under pressure from the European Union (EU) and non-governmental organizations advocating homosexual rights. Passage of the legislation is understood to be a precondition for further Serbian reintegration with Europe, including the right to participate in an EU-wide visa waiver program allowing Serbs to travel freely among EU member states.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09032014.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Kerry Requests Asylum in Case of Gay Man
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, has asked the Obama administration to grant asylum to a gay man who married an American citizen in Massachusetts and was later forced to return to Brazil.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/us/politics/22asylum.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-'Pedro' tells story of Miami AIDS activist Pedro Zamora
By Steve Rothaus
Fifteen years after Miami's Pedro Zamora became a national symbol for living with HIV - and dying of AIDS - a new drama about his life will soon debut on the network that made him a reality TV star. Pedro, a film written by Dustin Lance Black, who won an original-screenplay Oscar for Milk, will be simulcast April 1 on four MTV networks. The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival will screen the film Sunday night at the Colony Theater in Miami Beach.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/lifestyle/sfl-li22-pedro-reviewsbmar22,0,4057906.story
-Sneak peek at the choreography session of RuPaul's Drag Race
Courtesy of LOGO
Watch as Fort Lauderdale native Javier (Rebecca Glasscock) tries to learn a routine. He's the one wearing the green scarf.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/custom/offbeat/sfl-032209-drag-race-video,0,6811379.story
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-One-third of HIV sufferers 'face discrimination'
A survey has suggested that one-third of people living with HIV experienced discrimination relating to their status in the last year. It also found that discrimination was compounded by homophobia, racism or asylum and immigration-related prejudice.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11687.html
=
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Bishop T.D. Jakes Sexuality Back in the Spotlight
Rev. Irene Monroe | Windy City Times
When preachers pontificate too much from on High about the sins of homosexual sex, the cautionary tale is to be careful of what you say, because your words invariable will come back to bite you, as we have seen with fallen evangelical star the Rev. Ted Haggard. For Bishop T. D. Jakes, the internationally known African-American evangelical star dubbed as the Black Billy Graham, his rantings against homosexuality have come back to bite him in the form of his oldest son's recent arrest. On Jan. 3, Jermaine Jakes was arrested in a sex sting for openly soliciting gay sex from an undercover vice detective in a public park just a few blocks from his father's church, The Potter's House, a 30,000-member megachurch in Dallas, Texas. The arrest warrant affidavit filed by Dallas police detectives on Jermaine Jakes stated the following: Read more
-Pastor John Hagee's Re-Branding
Bill Berkowitz | Buzz Flash
It may not be as fascinating, macabre or downright titillating as Michael Jackson's upcoming comeback tour, nor as carefully crafted, and all-consuming, as Richard Nixon's efforts to rehab his image with the public, nevertheless Pastor John Hagee's upcoming sojourn to the nation's capital is geared toward drawing crowds and headlines as well as providing a redemptive opportunity of a sort. While Jackson will be trying to moonwalk his way back into the hearts of his fans, Hagee's comeback revolves around re-stating his support for Israel while at the same time hoping that the mainstream media has forgotten about his outrageous remarks stating that God sent Hitler as a way of expediting the return of the Jews to Israel. And in the hopes of creating a theatrical moment, Hagee, who presides over the 19,000-member Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the chief executive officer of the non-profit corporation Global Evangelism Television (GETV), the president of John Hagee Ministries, and is a best-selling author, plans to deliver something called "The Israel Pledge" "to our newly elected leaders in Washington, D.C." when he arrives in the nation's capital next week. A recent e-mail from Strang Publications - the publisher of a host of conservative evangelical publications including Charisma News Online, Strang Report, Power Up, New Mane Magazine, The Ministry Today Report - urged its readers to support Hagee by signing on to something being called "The Israel Pledge." The "Pledge," according to Hagee, "provides you with the opportunity to express your support for Israel's right to exist and to defend itself from terrorism. Your signature will help send a strong message that American Christians are standing with Israel at this critical juncture": Read more
-Marriage Push in Maryland
Yusef Najafi | Metro Weekly
Michael Lacey used to be a private person. On Wednesday, March 11, speaking in front of a crowd of about 30 people in a meeting room of the Lowe House Office Building near the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis, Lacey explained how his life has changed since August when his partner of nearly 24 years, Ira Kaye, died as the result of an automobile injury. "I always felt . that as a citizen of Maryland that I had greater rights and equality than I certainly had in the state of Virginia. But with Ira's passing . I really came to understand that it just really is not enough." Lacey shared his story during a press conference in support of legislation to secure marriage equality in Maryland. Read more
-Pulling Out the PFLAG Stops
Will O'Bryan | Metro Weekly
Washington is home to many national GLBT organizations working for equality on nearly every front. When you look at the lineup for one organization's upcoming gala - with Broadway and TV's Cheyenne Jackson, Alan Cumming of Hollywood and stages on either side of the Atlantic, and West Hollywood City Council member and Mayor John Duran who will serve as emcee - it seems as though it must be one of those national organizations. But no. This March 21 fete is a local affair. Granted, it is for the world's largest chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), but it's exclusively the baby of Metro-D.C. PFLAG, working locally for GLBT equality, from schoolyards to Senate halls. "We certainly have more star power this year," says executive director Lindy Garnette, adding there will be greater opportunity to mix and mingle with the celebrities, what with the VIP reception happening after the gala rather than prior. Read more
-Will Gay Couples' Marriage Vows Survive California Court Review?
GEOFFREY A. FOWLER | Wall Street Journal
The California Supreme Court is weighing an incendiary question: Should it recognize the gay couples who married last year, when same-sex marriage was briefly legal? Within the next 10 weeks, the court is expected to rule on a petition to overturn the state's voter-mandated gay marriage ban, called Proposition 8. Legal scholars and even many gay-marriage advocates say the justices' questions during a March 5 hearing leave little doubt that the court will allow the ban to stay, partly out of respect for California's voter initiative process. Read more
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-European Union Pressures Serbia to Adopt "Gender Identity" Legislation
Serbia's legislature has just passed a law providing for "freedom of expression of sexual orientation and gender identity" under pressure from the European Union (EU) and non-governmental organizations advocating homosexual rights. Passage of the legislation is understood to be a precondition for further Serbian reintegration with Europe, including the right to participate in an EU-wide visa waiver program allowing Serbs to travel freely among EU member states.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09032014.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS - March 22, 2009
**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:
-Mr. Obama and the Rule of Law
As much as it needs to happen, we never expected President Obama to immediately reverse every one of President George W. Bush's misguided and dangerous policies on terrorism, prisoners, the rule of law and government secrecy. Fixing this calamitous mess will take time and care - and Mr. Obama has taken important steps in that direction.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/opinion/22sun1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
-Obama Responds to Criticism From Cheney
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
President Obama has hit back at former Vice President Dick Cheney, calling Bush administration policy on detainees at the military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, "unsustainable."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/us/politics/22obama.html?hp
-Chávez Trims Budget to Offset Low Oil Revenues
By SIMON ROMERO
CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chávez announced a series of economic measures Saturday night, including a reduction in this year's federal budget and a modest increase in the value-added tax, that are aimed at offsetting a recent plunge in the government's oil revenues.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/world/americas/22venez.html?hp
-Sudan Scholars Urge President to Stay Home
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) -- Sudan's Islamic scholars have issued a religious edict calling on the president not to travel to an Arab summit because of the international warrant against him on war crimes charges, state media reported Sunday.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/03/22/world/AP-ML-Sudan.html
-Despair over financial policy
by Paul Krugman
The Geithner plan has now been leaked in detail. It's exactly the plan that was widely analyzed - and found wanting - a couple of weeks ago. The zombie ideas have won.
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/despair-over-financial-policy/
-A Religious War in Israel's Army
By ETHAN BRONNER
JERUSALEM - The publication late last week of eyewitness accounts by Israeli soldiers alleging acute mistreatment of Palestinian civilians in the recent Gaza fighting highlights a debate here about the rules of war. But it also exposes something else: the clash between secular liberals and religious nationalists for control over the army and society.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/weekinreview/22BRONNER.html?hp
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Obama's Campaign Army on Road Again
Volunteers Rally Support for Budget Plan
By Peter Slevin and Michael Laris
As she headed into the morning sunshine to talk up President Obama's $3.6 trillion budget proposal, Althea Thomas counted herself a citizen and a partisan picking up where she left off Nov. 4, backing the president she helped elect. "It's the change we all voted on," said Thomas, one of about 40 volunteers who fanned out from the Democratic Party headquarters here with clipboards, pledge cards and a sense of mission that flowed from their support of Obama when he was a candidate.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/21/AR2009032102249.html?hpid=topnews
-5 Myths on Nuclear Power
By TODD TUCKER
Thirty years ago this week, a chain of errors and equipment malfunctions triggered the defining event in the history of American nuclear power: the accident at Three Mile Island. Although no one died and the health consequences were insignificant, the mishap was vivid confirmation that things could go wrong with a nuclear reactor. It almost instantly galvanized popular opposition to this form of power, giving rise to lingering misconceptions about one of our nation's largest sources of electricity. 1. Three Mile Island killed the idea of nuclear power in the United States.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032001781.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-To: Detroit, From: Pittsburgh
By John G. Craig Jr.
The bottom was falling out of this city's economy in 1979, but you'd never have known it from the face we presented to the world. The Pirates were singing "We. Are. Famil-ee" and winning the World Series. Three months later, the Steelers beat the Rams in Pasadena to take a fourth Super Bowl. And what had been "The Steel Capital of the World" started calling itself the "City of Champions" instead.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/12/AR2009031202480.html
-Women Ensnared By Iran
By Haleh Bakhash
To celebrate the Persian New Year, President Obama sent a videotaped message to the people of Iran. But his references to a "new day" for relations between Washington and Tehran may not be heard by many women there. Roxana Saberi, a 31-year-old Iranian American freelance journalist from Fargo, N.D., has been in the infamous Evin prison for more than a month. The regime announced two weeks ago that it had completed its investigation of Saberi and reportedly planned to release her in "a few days." Saberi's arrest and delayed release are the latest twists in a frightening pattern of harassment and detainment of women and dual nationals by Iran's Intelligence Ministry, whose clout and reach have expanded under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The ministry is behind a stepped-up campaign to silence female writers, journalists and peaceful activists.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032003000.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Irony Board
How many ways can Senate Republicans show intellectual hypocrisy?
By Dahlia Lithwick
Let's stipulate: You hate our nominees, and we hate yours. Our nominees are all godless baby killers and terrorist lovers. Yours are all God-crazed rights suppressors and misogynists. Fine. But isn't it also the case that when you reverse, rewrite, or undermine every rule and standard you've ever laid out for measuring the fitness of a presidential nominee, you become ridiculous-period?
http://www.slate.com/id/2214233/
-The virtues of public anger and the need for more
GGreenwald@salon.com
With lightning speed and lockstep unanimity, opinion-making elites jointly embraced and are now delivering the same message about the public rage triggered this week by the AIG bonus scandal: This scandal is insignificant. It's just a distraction. And, most important of all, public anger is unhelpful and must be contained or, failing that, ignored.
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2009/03/21/anger/
-What's Behind Dick Cheney's New Attacks?
By Bobby Ghosh
Dick Cheney has never had any qualms about defending the Bush Administration's war on terrorism or criticizing Democrats' alternative approaches to national security. But the former Vice President's vitriol-spewing turn on CNN last Sunday has left many in Washington wondering if it was about more than just protecting his legacy.
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1886603,00.html
-Misplaced outrage won't solve economic crisis
By Steven Pearlstein
We're angry. We're frustrated. We feel cheated and abused. We're not going to take it anymore. But then again, we don't have much choice, do we? Sure, we can demand that a few more heads roll on Wall Street or at the Treasury, or that a few hundred million are clawed back from financiers who never deserved it. But the reality is that no matter what we do now, tens of trillions of dollars in wealth have been lost. All that's left is simply an elaborate exercise in settling up the accounts.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/markets/article985767.ece
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Mr. Obama and the Rule of Law
As much as it needs to happen, we never expected President Obama to immediately reverse every one of President George W. Bush's misguided and dangerous policies on terrorism, prisoners, the rule of law and government secrecy. Fixing this calamitous mess will take time and care - and Mr. Obama has taken important steps in that direction.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/opinion/22sun1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
-Obama Responds to Criticism From Cheney
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
President Obama has hit back at former Vice President Dick Cheney, calling Bush administration policy on detainees at the military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, "unsustainable."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/us/politics/22obama.html?hp
-Chávez Trims Budget to Offset Low Oil Revenues
By SIMON ROMERO
CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chávez announced a series of economic measures Saturday night, including a reduction in this year's federal budget and a modest increase in the value-added tax, that are aimed at offsetting a recent plunge in the government's oil revenues.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/world/americas/22venez.html?hp
-Sudan Scholars Urge President to Stay Home
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) -- Sudan's Islamic scholars have issued a religious edict calling on the president not to travel to an Arab summit because of the international warrant against him on war crimes charges, state media reported Sunday.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/03/22/world/AP-ML-Sudan.html
-Despair over financial policy
by Paul Krugman
The Geithner plan has now been leaked in detail. It's exactly the plan that was widely analyzed - and found wanting - a couple of weeks ago. The zombie ideas have won.
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/despair-over-financial-policy/
-A Religious War in Israel's Army
By ETHAN BRONNER
JERUSALEM - The publication late last week of eyewitness accounts by Israeli soldiers alleging acute mistreatment of Palestinian civilians in the recent Gaza fighting highlights a debate here about the rules of war. But it also exposes something else: the clash between secular liberals and religious nationalists for control over the army and society.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/weekinreview/22BRONNER.html?hp
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Obama's Campaign Army on Road Again
Volunteers Rally Support for Budget Plan
By Peter Slevin and Michael Laris
As she headed into the morning sunshine to talk up President Obama's $3.6 trillion budget proposal, Althea Thomas counted herself a citizen and a partisan picking up where she left off Nov. 4, backing the president she helped elect. "It's the change we all voted on," said Thomas, one of about 40 volunteers who fanned out from the Democratic Party headquarters here with clipboards, pledge cards and a sense of mission that flowed from their support of Obama when he was a candidate.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/21/AR2009032102249.html?hpid=topnews
-5 Myths on Nuclear Power
By TODD TUCKER
Thirty years ago this week, a chain of errors and equipment malfunctions triggered the defining event in the history of American nuclear power: the accident at Three Mile Island. Although no one died and the health consequences were insignificant, the mishap was vivid confirmation that things could go wrong with a nuclear reactor. It almost instantly galvanized popular opposition to this form of power, giving rise to lingering misconceptions about one of our nation's largest sources of electricity. 1. Three Mile Island killed the idea of nuclear power in the United States.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032001781.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-To: Detroit, From: Pittsburgh
By John G. Craig Jr.
The bottom was falling out of this city's economy in 1979, but you'd never have known it from the face we presented to the world. The Pirates were singing "We. Are. Famil-ee" and winning the World Series. Three months later, the Steelers beat the Rams in Pasadena to take a fourth Super Bowl. And what had been "The Steel Capital of the World" started calling itself the "City of Champions" instead.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/12/AR2009031202480.html
-Women Ensnared By Iran
By Haleh Bakhash
To celebrate the Persian New Year, President Obama sent a videotaped message to the people of Iran. But his references to a "new day" for relations between Washington and Tehran may not be heard by many women there. Roxana Saberi, a 31-year-old Iranian American freelance journalist from Fargo, N.D., has been in the infamous Evin prison for more than a month. The regime announced two weeks ago that it had completed its investigation of Saberi and reportedly planned to release her in "a few days." Saberi's arrest and delayed release are the latest twists in a frightening pattern of harassment and detainment of women and dual nationals by Iran's Intelligence Ministry, whose clout and reach have expanded under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The ministry is behind a stepped-up campaign to silence female writers, journalists and peaceful activists.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032003000.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Irony Board
How many ways can Senate Republicans show intellectual hypocrisy?
By Dahlia Lithwick
Let's stipulate: You hate our nominees, and we hate yours. Our nominees are all godless baby killers and terrorist lovers. Yours are all God-crazed rights suppressors and misogynists. Fine. But isn't it also the case that when you reverse, rewrite, or undermine every rule and standard you've ever laid out for measuring the fitness of a presidential nominee, you become ridiculous-period?
http://www.slate.com/id/2214233/
-The virtues of public anger and the need for more
GGreenwald@salon.com
With lightning speed and lockstep unanimity, opinion-making elites jointly embraced and are now delivering the same message about the public rage triggered this week by the AIG bonus scandal: This scandal is insignificant. It's just a distraction. And, most important of all, public anger is unhelpful and must be contained or, failing that, ignored.
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2009/03/21/anger/
-What's Behind Dick Cheney's New Attacks?
By Bobby Ghosh
Dick Cheney has never had any qualms about defending the Bush Administration's war on terrorism or criticizing Democrats' alternative approaches to national security. But the former Vice President's vitriol-spewing turn on CNN last Sunday has left many in Washington wondering if it was about more than just protecting his legacy.
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1886603,00.html
-Misplaced outrage won't solve economic crisis
By Steven Pearlstein
We're angry. We're frustrated. We feel cheated and abused. We're not going to take it anymore. But then again, we don't have much choice, do we? Sure, we can demand that a few more heads roll on Wall Street or at the Treasury, or that a few hundred million are clawed back from financiers who never deserved it. But the reality is that no matter what we do now, tens of trillions of dollars in wealth have been lost. All that's left is simply an elaborate exercise in settling up the accounts.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/markets/article985767.ece
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - March 22, 2009
**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 GENERAL NEWS~~
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-As Florida shifts to solar, a fight looms
By Zac Anderson
Billions of dollars are at stake in a battle under way in Florida over who profits from the pending expansion of solar energy: Big energy companies or individuals and businesses with extra roof space. Solar power is poised to hit the big time in Florida with the expected passage next month of a new energy law requiring power companies to generate 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, including the sun, by 2020. The mandate should provide a huge boost to Florida's nascent renewable energy industry.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090322/ARTICLE/903221081/0/SPORTS0501
-Imagine . . . the terrible result of not attending to the needs of Florida's community colleges
By E. Ann McGee, Chuck Mojock and Sandy Shugart
Imagine two new state universities suddenly surfacing in Florida over the past year, without any state support. Inconceivable? That's essentially what has happened throughout Florida's community college system. Over the past 12 months, our state's 28 community colleges have found a way to serve nearly 100,000 new students at the same time our budgets have been reduced.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpmyword22colleges032209mar22,0,3310354.story
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-As Florida shifts to solar, a fight looms
By Zac Anderson
Billions of dollars are at stake in a battle under way in Florida over who profits from the pending expansion of solar energy: Big energy companies or individuals and businesses with extra roof space. Solar power is poised to hit the big time in Florida with the expected passage next month of a new energy law requiring power companies to generate 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, including the sun, by 2020. The mandate should provide a huge boost to Florida's nascent renewable energy industry.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090322/ARTICLE/903221081/0/SPORTS0501
-Imagine . . . the terrible result of not attending to the needs of Florida's community colleges
By E. Ann McGee, Chuck Mojock and Sandy Shugart
Imagine two new state universities suddenly surfacing in Florida over the past year, without any state support. Inconceivable? That's essentially what has happened throughout Florida's community college system. Over the past 12 months, our state's 28 community colleges have found a way to serve nearly 100,000 new students at the same time our budgets have been reduced.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpmyword22colleges032209mar22,0,3310354.story
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
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