**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:
-Pakistan Is Said to Be Attracting Insurgents
By ERIC SCHMITT
An increase in the number of foreign fighters may reflect a change that ismaking Pakistan's tribal areas the preferred destination for some Sunniinsurgents.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/world/asia/10terror.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
-Senate Approves Bill to Broaden Wiretap Powers
By ERIC LICHTBLAU
The Senate approved a bill expanding the government's surveillance powers,and granted immunity for phone companies that cooperated in the wiretappingprogram.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/washington/10fisa.html?hp
-The Pain of the G-8's Big Shrug
NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
The G-8's collective shrug about the Darfur genocide - because the victimsare black, impoverished and hidden from television cameras - will be alingering stain.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/opinion/10kristof.html?ref=opinion
-The Audacity of Listening
GAIL COLLINS
If you look at the political fights Barack Obama's picked throughout hispolitical career, the main theme is not any ideology. It's that he hatesstupidity.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/opinion/10collins.html?ref=opinion
-The Government and Your Laptop
Congress should pass a law that allows the government to look at data onlaptops only when it has a reasonable suspicion about the specific personbeing searched.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/opinion/10thu3.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=login
-Siphoning G.M.'s Future
By ROGER LOWENSTEIN
None of G.M.'s management miscues was so damaging to its long-term fate asthe rich pensions and health care that robbed General Motors of itsfinancial flexibility.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/opinion/10lowenstein.html?ref=opinion
-Patriot Games
By MICHAEL A. COHEN
Barack Obama needs to define service to America as something beyond militaryexperience.
http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/patriot-games/index.html?ref=opinion
-Spy Cases Raise Concern on China's Intentions
Recent spy cases have intensified the evaluation in intelligence and lawenforcement circles about the breadth of the threat from China.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/washington/10spy.html?hp
-Jesse Jackson Apologizes for Remarks on Obama
The Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized on Wednesday for critical and crudecomments he made about Senator Barack Obama, remarks in which he accused Mr.Obama of "talking down to black people."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/us/politics/10jackson.html?hp
-A More Confident Iraq Becomes a Tougher Negotiating Partner for the U.S.
The Bush administration's quest for a deal with Iraq that would formallyauthorize an unlimited American troop presence there well beyond PresidentBush's tenure appears to be unraveling. The irony is that it may be a victimof the administration's successes in the war.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/world/middleeast/10policy.html
-Prospect of Obama at Brandenburg Gate Divides German Politicians
BERLIN - With the pillars of the Brandenburg Gate looming in the background,tens of thousands of adoring Berliners turn out to greet Senator BarackObama with wild cheering. It may have seemed like the perfect campaign stopon the candidate's highly anticipated European tour, an ideal way to burnishhis foreign policy credentials.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/us/10germany.html
-Ohio Gives Veterans In-State Rates at Public Colleges
In an effort to attract more veterans to Ohio's public universities, Gov.Ted Strickland announced Tuesday that the state would charge in-statetuition to all veterans attending college on the G.I. bill.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/education/09vets.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Bail Out Ben
It's up to Congress, not the Fed boss, to regulate financial markets. ITHAS BEEN about four months since the Federal Reserve orchestrated a bailoutof the Wall Street investment firm Bear Stearns. The action wasunprecedented: Invoking rarely used emergency powers, the Fed put billionsof taxpayer dollars at risk to stop the meltdown of a non-bank that it didnot regulate. It did so in a series of harried weekend phone calls, with nospecific approval from Congress. Given the risk of potentially catastrophicfallout for the global economy, the unorthodox move was probably justified.But the Bear Stearns rescue continues to raise questions: Has the governmentnow assumed responsibility for the stability of all investment banks? And ifso, by what legal authority, and on what terms?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070902052.html
-Tehran's Definite 'Maybe'
Even in midsummer, Iran's foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, wears thethree-piece suit of a traditional diplomat. But faithful to the dress codeof the Iranian revolution, he doesn't wear a necktie. That mix of symbols isa good snapshot of Iran's hard-and-soft foreign policy these days. TheIranians are signaling that they want talks with the West -- and hintingthat they are ready for a serious dialogue with the Great Satan inWashington. But while they discuss engagement, they remain wary of it. TheIranians are almost coquettish: They like being wooed, and they enjoy beingthe center of attention, but they aren't quite ready to say yes.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070901935.html
-Clintonites at Arm's Length
"I would say he was pretty underwhelming," a longtime Democratic activistsaid several days after he and some 200 other big-money supporters ofHillary Clinton's failed presidential campaign met with the victor, BarackObama, in Washington on June 26. Gus will support and contribute to Obama asthe party's nominee, but he is not enthusiastic about it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070901933.html
-No G(r)8 Accomplishment
President Bush's agreement to a declaration on climate change comes sevenyears late. THE GROUP of Eight declaration of its commitment to a goal ofreducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2050 could be viewed as aho-hum event when you consider that German Chancellor Angela Merkel soughtthe same commitment at last year's summit and that the IntergovernmentalPanel on Climate Change has called for a cut of up to 80 percent in the sameperiod. What made the announcement Tuesday at once monumental and patheticwas that it was agreed to by President Bush. With just over six months leftin office, and after seven years of denial, inaction and foot-dragging, Mr.Bush finally did what the world has been pleading with him to do.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070901977.html
-Powerful New Weapon Hits U.S. Troops in Iraq
Suspected Shiite militiamen use rocket-propelled bombs, propane tanks packedwith hundreds of pounds of explosives, in attacks on outposts.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070902396.html?hpid=topnews
-Iran Fires More Test Missles
Tehran's second round of long-range excercises come on the heels of a rebukefrom Secretary Rice.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/10/AR2008071000025.html?hpid=topnews
-Fixing How We Go to War
Just shy of eight years after they squared off in the Florida recountbattle, James A. Baker III and Warren Christopher have joined forces toclean up one of the ugly legacies of Vietnam -- the misguided piece oflegislation called the War Powers Act.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070901936.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-What's Making the GPB Tick...
Real Time Analysis by Denver Research Group
The world at a crossroads...a global schizophrenia
Challenges awaiting a new US President in a confusing new world
In many ways, the world is becoming a better place. PostGlobal foundingpartner, Fareed Zakaria, reports in his new book, "The Post-American World",that the global economy has advanced dramatically and peace is alive andwell. One hundred twenty four nations had better than 4% growth in 2006 and2007. Zakaria reports that the share of people living on a dollar a day orless fell from 40% in 1981 to 18% in 2004 and is expected to fall further to12% by 2015. Poverty according to Zakaria is falling in countries that areare home to 80% of the world's population. Zakaria quotes Harvard professorSteven Pinker as arguing "that today we are probably living in the mostpeaceful time in our species' existence."
http://www.secure-x-001.net/SecureGeo/Issue/SecureObservationComments.asp?IssueFunction=103&Site=109&Portal=1
-With Nudge By Kennedy, Medicare Bill Passes
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) made a dramatic return to the Capitolyesterday to help the Senate pass legislation that would rescind a sharp cutin Medicare payments to physicians.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070901884.html?hpid=sec-health
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Population drops in 26 of 31 Broward municipalities
Broward's at a loss. Twenty-six of the county's 31 municipalities lostpopulation and three of them - Hollywood, Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines -made the Top 10 list of fastest-shrinking large cities from 2006 to 2007,according to U.S. census estimates released today.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbpop0710sbjul10,0,2267636.story
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Obama, McCain and Fiscal Disaster
Federal budget policy is a dry subject with far too many numbers and charts,which makes it uninviting to most Americans. But the theme of the currentbudget story is one that could have come from a blockbuster summer movie: Weare doomed. There is a fiscal asteroid on course to pulverize us, and no oneis coming to the rescue.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/07/obama_mccain_and_fiscal_disast.html
-Could the Convention Hurt Obama?
In the modern age, America's major-party conventions are love fests, fetingtheir preselected nominees. But that may not be the case this year forBarack Obama, which means the Democratic Convention even has the potentialto derail his chances for victory in November.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/07/is_this_thing_on.html
-Dems follow Obama down centrist path
House and Senate Democrats are taking a centrist path this election-yearsummer, following the lead of Barack Obama, who has increased hiscoordination with congressional leaders. Democrats have decided to focus oneconomic and security issues designed to appeal to a wide range of voters,especially independents who are concerned about soaring gas prices and theslumping stock and housing markets.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dems-follow-obama-down-centrist-path-2008-07-09.html
-Dems searching their souls on drilling
In the stages of grief, denial gives way to anger and then to bargaining.It may be an apt metaphor this week, as Democrats' long-held opposition toexpanded offshore oil drilling succumbs to the political realities of$4-per-gallon gasoline.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/11649.html
-Barack's Brilliant Ground Game
For a campaign that says it wants to end the politics of the Bush-Cheneyyears, the Obama for President effort has cribbed an awful lot from theBush-Cheney playbooks of 2000 and 2004.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121564804985640977.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
-Jackson's cutting remark may be helpful to Obama
So what part of Barack Obama will Rev. Al Sharpton want to chop off now?Barack's pinkie toe? A nose hair? The vast Barackian ego?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-10jul10,0,725595.column
-Foreclosure Filings Up 53% From Last Year
More Than A 250,000 Homes Got A Foreclosure Notice In June;
Slightly Better Than May
The number of homeowners stung by the rout in the U.S. housing marketjumped last month as foreclosure filings grew by more than 50 percentcompared with June a year ago, according to data released Thursday.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/10/business/main4246947.shtml
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Thursday, July 10, 2008
FLORIDA DIGEST - July 10, 2008
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Ft. Lauderdale - Dolphin Democrats
-The Dolphin Campaign Committtee would like to thank and congratulate ourmembers who stepped forward to run for precinct committeeman andcommitteewoman in Broward County . 47 of our members applied to run forthese positions in the Broward Democratic Party, which serve as leadershippositions within their precincts and within our party. 24 of our memberswill be automatically elected because they are running unopposed and 23 ofour members' names will appear on the August 26th primary ballot in theirrespective precincts. Be sure to get out and vote on August 26 and supportthe Dolphins running in your precinct!
-Dolphins who have been elected with no opposition and their precincts:
Michael Rajner (C002) Suzanne Boisvenue (D001) Patti Lynn (J009) BarbaraStuart (L001) Gloria Stein (M011) Daniel Friedman (M011) Harry Boreth (N012)Justin Flippen (P005) Gretchen Hasselkus (R009) Alan Silva (R013) MitchWeisbrot (R015) Ted Adcock (R016) Dick Rogers (R022) Mike Lockwood (R024)Bill Vayens (R027) Shelley Walker (R029) Steve Shires (R032) Julie Bruno(R041) Michael Albetta (R088) Dean Trantalis (R090) Ron Mills (R114) GaryHensley (T008) Phyllis Kessler (T035) Joe Kessler (T035)
-Dolphins who's names will appear on the August 26 ballot and theirprecincts:
Bishop S.F. Ma-Hee (D007) Robin Bodiford (D009) Barbara Strugar (D009) AmyRose (F002)
Nadezda Martinez (L022) Phyllis Boreth (N012) Vince McStay (P001) JayFeldman (P003) Tom Green (P003) Timothy Ross (P004) Alfred DiMaio (R007)Colin Wright (R010) Laurie Watkins (R011) Gwen Handelman (R015) RonaldCatena (R023) Ann Perley (R028) Percy Johnson (R037) Ron Gunzburger (R048)JD Camp (R048) Adam Sanders (R067) Tom Runyan (R115) Philip Busey (T027)Josh Cazares (V009)
=
Invitation: Adriane Reesey, for the Broward County Supervisor of Elections
I encourage you and your family / friends to come to my house and meetAdriane Reesey, a candidate for the Broward County Supervisor of elections.You will have an opportunity to meet her, learn about her ideas and plans,as well as take an important step in the democratic process. July 13 from 1PM to 2: 30 PM. Yes, please forward this message to your friends andcolleagues.
954-594-3363 - info@votereesey2008.com
Miriam Rodriguez
1716 NE 8th St.
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
=
From Steve Shires
The 8th Annual Starving Artist Competition and Exhibit
Please join me Sunday, July 20th, 2008 at Broward County Main Library
100 S. Andrews Ave - downtown Ft. Lauderdale - 1:00 to 4:30 pm.
This will be a fun day - The theme is a Sock Hop! THERE WILL BE ROCK ANDROLL, BEATNIKS AND BONGOS, SINGERS, AND OF COURSE THE AWARDS. The MeltingPot will bring the chocolate! Guests are welcome to bring and share a sweettreat as well as dress in period. (not necessary to attend) This is analcohol free event. I would be honored by your presence - - Steve Shires Shirespics@aol.com
=
Palm Beach Human Rights Council
www.pbchrc.org
-Next month, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council begins our 21st yearof working to secure equal rights and opportunities for the gay, lesbian,bisexual and transgender community.
-To expand GLBT rights statewide, the Council has enlisted the help of twoDemocratic state legislators from Boca Raton - Senator Ted Deutch andRepresentative Kelly Skidmore. During the 2007 and 2008 legislativesessions, these two influential lawmakers introduced legislation to ensurethat our community is protected from discrimination in employment, housingand public accommodations.
-Since 1991, the Council has repeatedly requested the School Board of PalmBeach County to amend the School District Policy on Equal EmploymentOpportunity (Policy 3.05) to prohibit discrimination against members of ourcommunity. Despite county ordinances prohibiting discrimination based onsexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, the School Boardand the superintendent continue to refuse to conform the policy to complywith the law. (To view Policy 3.05, go to:
www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/policies).
-Thanks to the Council's lobbying efforts, three of Palm Beach County'selected constitutional officers - the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collectorand the Supervisor of Elections - currently extend the family medical leavebenefits not only to employees with spouses, but also to employees withdomestic partners.
-Moving on to higher education, the Council continues to work with PalmBeach Community College administrators on domestic partner benefits. Lastyear, there were not enough votes on PBCC's Board of Trustees to permitemployees to purchase health insurance for their domestic partners. At thetime, Trustee Carolyn Williams expressed "philosophical uneasiness" withdomestic partner benefits. Her vote was instrumental in killing theproposal. (Interestingly, Williams is married to School District GeneralCounsel Gerald Williams).
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Population drops in 26 of 31 Broward municipalities
Broward's at a loss. Twenty-six of the county's 31 municipalities lostpopulation and three of them - Hollywood, Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines -made the Top 10 list of fastest-shrinking large cities from 2006 to 2007,according to U.S. census estimates released today.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbpop0710sbjul10,0,2267636.story
-I-95, Southern Blvd. projects coming to an end in Palm Beach County
The end is near. More than five years of major construction on some PalmBeach County roads finally is wrapping up. By September, drivers will saygoodbye to many of the orange-and-white barricades dotting the county'sroadside landscape.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flproadsdone0710sbjul10,0,1270820.story
-Palm Beach County schools update policy on 'inappropriate' books
The Perks of Being a Wallflower can be found on the shelves of 18 middle andhigh school libraries in Palm Beach County. But the copy of the 213-pagebook at Seminole Ridge High in The Acreage recently came under scrutiny.Just before the end of the school year, a parent of a ninth-grader filed aformal challenge to remove Stephen Chbosky's 1999 book from the library,contending some of its language and content is inappropriate for students.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-710books,0,2058294.story
-Lake Okeechobee's levels rising thanks to rain
Lake Okeechobee's water levels are up thanks to recent rains. LakeOkeechobee's level was at 10.02 feet Wednesday, half a foot higher than amonth ago.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-79lakeo,0,431395.story
-American Airlines cutting jobs, flights in Fort Lauderdale
American Airlines is cutting 79 jobs and six of its 16 flights from FortLauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The Fort Worth, Texas-basedcarrier says it's responding to rising fuel costs that have hurt theindustry in recent months.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzamericanbrief0710sbjul10,0,1230608.story
-State college system has potential
ISSUE: Legislators create a state college system.
A bachelor's degree via a community college may not be the norm, but itcould soon lead to more students earning four-year degrees in Florida. Thestate's foray into a "state college system" comes just in time to offset theclosing of higher education opportunities at Florida's public universities,where thousands of students are being rejected due to higher admissionstandards and pricier tuition rates.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editajjdegreesbjul10,0,6042415.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Prisons trying to get cell phones out of cells
Corrections officials across the country are trying to get cell phones outof prison cells. Maryland and Virginia have become the first states totrain dogs to sniff out phones hidden in socks and books and undermattresses. Other states have passed bills to punish guards and visitors whoprovide them to inmates.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/AP/story/599870.html
-State must not abandon foster teen
OUR OPINION: POOR SOCIAL SERVICES PUT THIS BOY, THOUSANDS MORE, AT RISK
The plight of a disabled foster-care teenager in Central Florida is redolentof the ills of the state's welfare system. As an infant, the now 15-year-oldboy was taken from his crack-addicted mother and placed with relatives.There he stayed until a year ago, when they were no longer able to care forhim. The boy is in the advanced stages of liver disease and needs atransplant. He is developmentally disabled and has behavior problems.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/598212.html
-Shunning ill foster child is just barbaric
He's yours, you know, that pathetic foster child with an impaired mind and adiseased liver. If you live in Florida, he's your kid. That makes it yourethical responsibility to make sure he doesn't die.
http://www.miamiherald.com/548/story/599706.html
-In Florida, deportations are on the rise
Deportations in Florida jump by almost 50 percent, setting a pace thatlikely will surpass last year's total and exceed a 10-year high mark.
http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/599752.html
-BEATING DEATH: Boy, 12, takes deal in tot's beating death
A Broward boy pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in the death of histoddler cousin -- escaping a possible life sentence. A 12-year-old BrowardCounty boy accused of beating his toddler cousin to death with a bat wassentenced to 18 months in a high-risk juvenile treatment facility Wednesdayafter pleading no contest to a second-degree murder charge.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/599712.html
-REAL ESTATE: Housing market recovery picking its spots
Commute length, level of investor interest and diminished desirability are afew reasons home sales in some neighborhoods are sinking, while other areasare stabilizing in the housing downturn. Although it was the first openhouse she had hosted at the West Kendall home, real estate agent Ana Escotosensed her chances of snaring a buyer were more than a little slim.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/story/599726.html
=
Palm Beach Post
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Health-care coverage opened to include more working poor
A little-known source of cheap health-care coverage got a big boostWednesday from the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. EffectiveOct. 1, an individual making as much as $31,200 could qualify for insurancecoverage starting at just $51.86 a month. A family of four with a householdincome of $63,600 could pay less than $200 a month under the newly expandedVita Health program.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/health/content/business/epaper/2008/07/09/c1a_health_district_0710.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-THOMPSON: The Crist tryst ...
McCain: Don't even think about it
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is on John McCain's vice-presidential short list.Talk-radio host Glenn Beck has predicted that Mr. McCain would tap Mr.Crist. Mr. McCain would be hard pressed to make a worse choice.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/10/the-crist-tryst/
-Wasserman Schultz proposes universal health care
Hoping to fulfill a long-standing personal dream, Congresswoman DebbieWasserman Schultz introduced a bill in the House today to requirehealth-care coverage for all Americans.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/dcblog/2008/07/wasserman_schultz_proposes_uni_1.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Ft. Lauderdale - Dolphin Democrats
-The Dolphin Campaign Committtee would like to thank and congratulate ourmembers who stepped forward to run for precinct committeeman andcommitteewoman in Broward County . 47 of our members applied to run forthese positions in the Broward Democratic Party, which serve as leadershippositions within their precincts and within our party. 24 of our memberswill be automatically elected because they are running unopposed and 23 ofour members' names will appear on the August 26th primary ballot in theirrespective precincts. Be sure to get out and vote on August 26 and supportthe Dolphins running in your precinct!
-Dolphins who have been elected with no opposition and their precincts:
Michael Rajner (C002) Suzanne Boisvenue (D001) Patti Lynn (J009) BarbaraStuart (L001) Gloria Stein (M011) Daniel Friedman (M011) Harry Boreth (N012)Justin Flippen (P005) Gretchen Hasselkus (R009) Alan Silva (R013) MitchWeisbrot (R015) Ted Adcock (R016) Dick Rogers (R022) Mike Lockwood (R024)Bill Vayens (R027) Shelley Walker (R029) Steve Shires (R032) Julie Bruno(R041) Michael Albetta (R088) Dean Trantalis (R090) Ron Mills (R114) GaryHensley (T008) Phyllis Kessler (T035) Joe Kessler (T035)
-Dolphins who's names will appear on the August 26 ballot and theirprecincts:
Bishop S.F. Ma-Hee (D007) Robin Bodiford (D009) Barbara Strugar (D009) AmyRose (F002)
Nadezda Martinez (L022) Phyllis Boreth (N012) Vince McStay (P001) JayFeldman (P003) Tom Green (P003) Timothy Ross (P004) Alfred DiMaio (R007)Colin Wright (R010) Laurie Watkins (R011) Gwen Handelman (R015) RonaldCatena (R023) Ann Perley (R028) Percy Johnson (R037) Ron Gunzburger (R048)JD Camp (R048) Adam Sanders (R067) Tom Runyan (R115) Philip Busey (T027)Josh Cazares (V009)
=
Invitation: Adriane Reesey, for the Broward County Supervisor of Elections
I encourage you and your family / friends to come to my house and meetAdriane Reesey, a candidate for the Broward County Supervisor of elections.You will have an opportunity to meet her, learn about her ideas and plans,as well as take an important step in the democratic process. July 13 from 1PM to 2: 30 PM. Yes, please forward this message to your friends andcolleagues.
954-594-3363 - info@votereesey2008.com
Miriam Rodriguez
1716 NE 8th St.
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
=
From Steve Shires
The 8th Annual Starving Artist Competition and Exhibit
Please join me Sunday, July 20th, 2008 at Broward County Main Library
100 S. Andrews Ave - downtown Ft. Lauderdale - 1:00 to 4:30 pm.
This will be a fun day - The theme is a Sock Hop! THERE WILL BE ROCK ANDROLL, BEATNIKS AND BONGOS, SINGERS, AND OF COURSE THE AWARDS. The MeltingPot will bring the chocolate! Guests are welcome to bring and share a sweettreat as well as dress in period. (not necessary to attend) This is analcohol free event. I would be honored by your presence - - Steve Shires Shirespics@aol.com
=
Palm Beach Human Rights Council
www.pbchrc.org
-Next month, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council begins our 21st yearof working to secure equal rights and opportunities for the gay, lesbian,bisexual and transgender community.
-To expand GLBT rights statewide, the Council has enlisted the help of twoDemocratic state legislators from Boca Raton - Senator Ted Deutch andRepresentative Kelly Skidmore. During the 2007 and 2008 legislativesessions, these two influential lawmakers introduced legislation to ensurethat our community is protected from discrimination in employment, housingand public accommodations.
-Since 1991, the Council has repeatedly requested the School Board of PalmBeach County to amend the School District Policy on Equal EmploymentOpportunity (Policy 3.05) to prohibit discrimination against members of ourcommunity. Despite county ordinances prohibiting discrimination based onsexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, the School Boardand the superintendent continue to refuse to conform the policy to complywith the law. (To view Policy 3.05, go to:
www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/policies).
-Thanks to the Council's lobbying efforts, three of Palm Beach County'selected constitutional officers - the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collectorand the Supervisor of Elections - currently extend the family medical leavebenefits not only to employees with spouses, but also to employees withdomestic partners.
-Moving on to higher education, the Council continues to work with PalmBeach Community College administrators on domestic partner benefits. Lastyear, there were not enough votes on PBCC's Board of Trustees to permitemployees to purchase health insurance for their domestic partners. At thetime, Trustee Carolyn Williams expressed "philosophical uneasiness" withdomestic partner benefits. Her vote was instrumental in killing theproposal. (Interestingly, Williams is married to School District GeneralCounsel Gerald Williams).
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Population drops in 26 of 31 Broward municipalities
Broward's at a loss. Twenty-six of the county's 31 municipalities lostpopulation and three of them - Hollywood, Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines -made the Top 10 list of fastest-shrinking large cities from 2006 to 2007,according to U.S. census estimates released today.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbpop0710sbjul10,0,2267636.story
-I-95, Southern Blvd. projects coming to an end in Palm Beach County
The end is near. More than five years of major construction on some PalmBeach County roads finally is wrapping up. By September, drivers will saygoodbye to many of the orange-and-white barricades dotting the county'sroadside landscape.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flproadsdone0710sbjul10,0,1270820.story
-Palm Beach County schools update policy on 'inappropriate' books
The Perks of Being a Wallflower can be found on the shelves of 18 middle andhigh school libraries in Palm Beach County. But the copy of the 213-pagebook at Seminole Ridge High in The Acreage recently came under scrutiny.Just before the end of the school year, a parent of a ninth-grader filed aformal challenge to remove Stephen Chbosky's 1999 book from the library,contending some of its language and content is inappropriate for students.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-710books,0,2058294.story
-Lake Okeechobee's levels rising thanks to rain
Lake Okeechobee's water levels are up thanks to recent rains. LakeOkeechobee's level was at 10.02 feet Wednesday, half a foot higher than amonth ago.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-79lakeo,0,431395.story
-American Airlines cutting jobs, flights in Fort Lauderdale
American Airlines is cutting 79 jobs and six of its 16 flights from FortLauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The Fort Worth, Texas-basedcarrier says it's responding to rising fuel costs that have hurt theindustry in recent months.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzamericanbrief0710sbjul10,0,1230608.story
-State college system has potential
ISSUE: Legislators create a state college system.
A bachelor's degree via a community college may not be the norm, but itcould soon lead to more students earning four-year degrees in Florida. Thestate's foray into a "state college system" comes just in time to offset theclosing of higher education opportunities at Florida's public universities,where thousands of students are being rejected due to higher admissionstandards and pricier tuition rates.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editajjdegreesbjul10,0,6042415.story
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Prisons trying to get cell phones out of cells
Corrections officials across the country are trying to get cell phones outof prison cells. Maryland and Virginia have become the first states totrain dogs to sniff out phones hidden in socks and books and undermattresses. Other states have passed bills to punish guards and visitors whoprovide them to inmates.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/AP/story/599870.html
-State must not abandon foster teen
OUR OPINION: POOR SOCIAL SERVICES PUT THIS BOY, THOUSANDS MORE, AT RISK
The plight of a disabled foster-care teenager in Central Florida is redolentof the ills of the state's welfare system. As an infant, the now 15-year-oldboy was taken from his crack-addicted mother and placed with relatives.There he stayed until a year ago, when they were no longer able to care forhim. The boy is in the advanced stages of liver disease and needs atransplant. He is developmentally disabled and has behavior problems.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/598212.html
-Shunning ill foster child is just barbaric
He's yours, you know, that pathetic foster child with an impaired mind and adiseased liver. If you live in Florida, he's your kid. That makes it yourethical responsibility to make sure he doesn't die.
http://www.miamiherald.com/548/story/599706.html
-In Florida, deportations are on the rise
Deportations in Florida jump by almost 50 percent, setting a pace thatlikely will surpass last year's total and exceed a 10-year high mark.
http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/599752.html
-BEATING DEATH: Boy, 12, takes deal in tot's beating death
A Broward boy pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in the death of histoddler cousin -- escaping a possible life sentence. A 12-year-old BrowardCounty boy accused of beating his toddler cousin to death with a bat wassentenced to 18 months in a high-risk juvenile treatment facility Wednesdayafter pleading no contest to a second-degree murder charge.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/599712.html
-REAL ESTATE: Housing market recovery picking its spots
Commute length, level of investor interest and diminished desirability are afew reasons home sales in some neighborhoods are sinking, while other areasare stabilizing in the housing downturn. Although it was the first openhouse she had hosted at the West Kendall home, real estate agent Ana Escotosensed her chances of snaring a buyer were more than a little slim.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/story/599726.html
=
Palm Beach Post
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Health-care coverage opened to include more working poor
A little-known source of cheap health-care coverage got a big boostWednesday from the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. EffectiveOct. 1, an individual making as much as $31,200 could qualify for insurancecoverage starting at just $51.86 a month. A family of four with a householdincome of $63,600 could pay less than $200 a month under the newly expandedVita Health program.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/health/content/business/epaper/2008/07/09/c1a_health_district_0710.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-THOMPSON: The Crist tryst ...
McCain: Don't even think about it
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is on John McCain's vice-presidential short list.Talk-radio host Glenn Beck has predicted that Mr. McCain would tap Mr.Crist. Mr. McCain would be hard pressed to make a worse choice.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/10/the-crist-tryst/
-Wasserman Schultz proposes universal health care
Hoping to fulfill a long-standing personal dream, Congresswoman DebbieWasserman Schultz introduced a bill in the House today to requirehealth-care coverage for all Americans.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/dcblog/2008/07/wasserman_schultz_proposes_uni_1.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
GLBT DIGEST - July 09, 2008
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Demo mocks ban on annoying Pope fans
SYDNEY, Australia -- Wearing T-shirts that read "Pope Go Homo" and "The popeis wrong, put a condom on!," a dozen demonstrators poked fun Wednesday at anew Australian law meant to protect participants of next week's World YouthDay from being annoyed by opponents.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070900414.html
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Conservative Calif. County Delivers Setback To Gay Marriage Foes
Kern County supervisors refused to ban gay marriage, rebutting aconservative group that sought to make it the first California county toreject the statewide policy.
-Homophobia Alleged In Workplace Shooting
A Houston city worker accused of shooting a co-worker in what her fatherclaims was retaliation for homophobic bullying has been released on bail.
-Court: Gays Cannot Sue Russian President
(Moscow) A Moscow court ruled Tuesday that Russian President Dmitry Medvedevis immune from prosecution, throwing out a complaint by gay pride organizersthat Medvedev ignored pleas to intervene in a longstanding dispute with thecity over Moscow's ban on the event.
-G8 Accused Of Failing To Meet AIDS Pledges
(Rusutsu, Japan) An aid group founded by U2 frontman Bono calculates thatthe Group of Eight top industrialized nations has delivered only $3 billionof the additional $25 billion promised for Africa for everything from AIDSdrugs to training peacekeepers.
-Obama Campaign Subject Of Gambling Probe
A Minnesota official has asked state authorities to investigate whether arequest for money by Barack Obama's presidential campaign constitutes anillegal raffle.
=
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-McDonald's Stands Up
Lest you think the enticing market for wedding-related marketing to gays andlesbians had suddenly made it "safe" for gay and lesbian communications, thesaga of McDonald;s should remind you that there are still folks out therewilling to attack companies for their involvement with our community.McDonald's last week became the latest victim of a certain anti-gay fringegroup. McDonald's "crime?" They agreed to allow a senior executive to jointhe board of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
http://www.fhoutfront.com/2008/07/mcdonalds-stand.html
-San Fran gays declare independence from HRC
This Saturday, July 12 at noon, gay activists in San Francisco will"celebrate independence" from the Human Rights Campaign by giving outrainbow flag stickers in front of the HRC store in the Castro as a "symbolof LGBT liberation." They encourage former HRC members to cover up theirbumper stickers with the rainbows.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=7/8/08&end=7/10/08#19557
-Man sues Zondervan to change anti-gay reference in Bible
A Canton man is suing Zondervan Publishing and a Tennessee-based publisher,claiming their versions of the Bible that refer to homosexuality as a sinviolate his constitutional rights and have caused him emotional pain andmental instability. Bradley LaShawn Fowler, 39, is seeking $60 million fromZondervan, based in Cascade Township, and $10 million from Thomas NelsonPublishing in the lawsuits filed in U.S. District Court for the EasternDistrict of Michigan.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-42/121560935360960.xml&coll=6
-Federal judges grill foes of Oregon gay rights law
Gay rights - A quick ruling will be needed to decide if a referendum goes onOregon's November ballot
A lawsuit that seeks to force a vote on Oregon's domestic partnership lawran into a panel of skeptical federal judges Tuesday. A group of voters isseeking to reverse a decision by Oregon elections officials who disqualifieda referendum on Oregon's new law giving many of the legal benefits ofmarriage to same-sex couples who register for domestic partnerships.Officials said the petition was short of the number of voter signaturesneeded to get on the November ballot.
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1215573918312310.xml&coll=7&thispage=1
-Will gay Republicans tolerate the Barnes Option?
Openly gay former congressman withdraws support for Arizona campaign //Anti-gay group tries to salvage petition against Oregon domesticpartnerships » The LGBT community has grown accustomed to the tiredtradition of anti-gay politicos scaring the bejesus out of straight Americain order to turn out voters. But the conventional wisdom, before this pastweek anyway, was that the tactic had played itself out in presidentialpolitics.
http://www.gaypolitics.com/?p=585
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-South Africa Demands Justice in Lesbian Killings
South Africa's The Star reported Tuesday that there have been no suspectsretained for the vicious murders of out lesbians Sizakele Sigasa and SalomeMaoosa, which occurred over a year ago. "This has been a year of horror forus, knowing that a year has passed and no one has been convicted of thecrimes," Mpumi Mathabela, of the Forum for Empowerment of Women, told TheStar.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57312.asp
-Bono's AIDS Group Accuses G-8 of Failing to Meet Pledge
An aid group founded by U2 front man Bono calculates that the Group of Eighttop industrialized nations has delivered only $3 billion of the additional$25 billion promised for Africa for everything from AIDS drugs to trainingpeacekeepers. Now the Africans and their allies want a new system to makesure rich nations come through. The G-8 opened their summit in northernJapan this week with a discussion with eight African leaders over theprogress in aid increases to the continent - and how the wealthy countrieshave fallen short.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57338.asp
=
National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay Marriages Still Unequal in the Eyes of Federal Government
Last week, on our 13th wedding anniversary, my partner finally became mylawfully wedded wife. In the Santa Clara County wedding chapel, as our2-year-old son scampered around and our 2-month-old daughter dozed, were-exchanged vows and rejoiced that our state has finally recognized ourunion. But there is another battle to be fought before we have the fulllegal rights enjoyed by our straight friends. And I'm not even talking aboutdefeating the November ballot measure that would amend the stateconstitution to ban gay marriage.
-Seattle Opera Reaches Out to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and TransgenderCommunity
Seattle Opera is looking to build its audience by reaching out tolesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender music fans. The arts organization announcedthree LGBT Nights at McCaw Hall during the upcoming 2008-09 season. Atthese designated performances, patrons may pay $100 for discountedmain-floor orchestra seating, private intermission receptions (with wine,hors d'oeuvres and desserts) and admission to preshow lectures. Theinaugural event - an Aug. 22 presentation of "Aida" - will be hosted bySeattle Opera trustee JJ McKay and Washington state Sen. Ed Murray. Ticketsfor the evening are on sale now.
-Study Sought on Response to Violence
With the new legal protections given same-sex marriages and a lack ofdetailed information by police agencies, a city panel on Monday called for astudy on how the Los Angeles Police Department responds to cases of domesticviolence in the gay and lesbian communities.
-Gays to Protest at Pope's Arrival
Gay and lesbian Christians will protest the Pope's condemnation ofhomosexuality ahead of World Youth Day, labelling his beliefs as right-wingpropaganda. The protest, calling for equality for gay and lesbianfollowers, will take place at the Pitt Street Uniting Church this Sunday,coinciding with Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in Sydney.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Church of Ireland clarifies Archbishop's statement
Link: Londonderry Sentinel
THE Church of Ireland (COI) has moved to clarify statements made onhomosexuality by the Archbishop of Armagh, Alan Harper. It had beenreported the Archbishop had said the Church would allow same sex marriagesif homosexuality was proven to be biologically predetermined. However, theCOI has told the Sentinel that the comments have been misrepresented. In alengthy speech to an international theological conference in England lastweek, Archbishop Harper called for a return to the heart of Anglicanism toresolve "contemporary issues."
-PageOneQ's Mike Rogers appears on Fox News to defend gays' marriage rights
Link: PageOneQ
If the people can vote away gay citizens' right to marry in California thisupcoming November, asked activist Mike Rogers during a recent paneldiscussion, why didn't the Supreme Court let the voters continue to dictatewho their fellow citizens could marry based on race? California's gaymarriage ban, overturned by California's Supreme Court on May 15, was a"super statute," said Liberty Counsel chairman and founder Matt Staver,meaning that it was higher than a legislative measure but didn't have theweight of an amendment to the constitution, the intent of this year'sProposition 8. "And that amendment, when passed--I believe it will pass,and it only needs 50% to pass--will overrule this activist 4-3 decision bythe California Supreme Court and restore marriage as the union of one manand one woman as it has historically been, in that state and around thecountry."
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Pride London apologises for trans toilet problems
The Directors of Pride London have said that they deeply regret that sometrans people were asked to use a disabled toilet at the festivities inTrafalgar Square.
-Homophobic aristocrat claims public support his civil partnerships ban
A castle owner who had his civil wedding licence revoked for discriminatingagainst same-sex couples says that bookings for receptions are up as aresult of his prejudicial stance.
-New programme targets gay abuse in Welsh schools
A community safety organisation and a gay rights group have joined forces todevise a new training programme that aims to raise awareness around sexualorientation and gender identity issues in Welsh schools.
-Gays in Northern Cyprus seek European support for law reform
An anti-homophobia group in Northern Cyprus has launched an English languageversion of their website.
-Straight Pride has a "homophobic agenda"
Plans for a so-called "Straight Pride" in New York, promoted by a reggaemusic label, have been criticised by leading a campaigner againsthomophobia.
-INTERVIEW: The "devil incarnate" for fundamentalist Anglicans
The chief executive of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement is too busypreparing for next month's Lambeth Conference to dwell on his impendingdeparture from the organisation he helped found.
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Moscow Pride Organizers Question Russian President's Immunity In the Appealto Moscow City Court
On Wednesday 9 July organizers of Moscow Gay Pride appealed the decision ofTverskoi District Court which denied to consider the case against RussianPresident Dmitriy Medvedev initiated due to his inaction on the letter ofgay activists asking him to permit Gay Pride march in Alexandrovskiy Sad ofMoscow Kremlin.
http://www.gayrussia.ru/en/news/detail.php?ID=11765
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
- London: LGBT Pride is worse than the other kind
For the first time in thirty-some years of going to Pride, I have come awayseriously questioning whether I will ever go again. Official stewards whowere running the toilets at Trafalgar Square announced that I, and any othertransgender or transsexual woman, had to use the disabled toilets and wasnot allowed to use the regular women's toilets. I pointed out to thestewards that I transitioned and had surgery before they were born; I wasmore polite than a polite thing. No dice. I went and fetched a posse oftranswomen and transmen and we made a collective fuss. Their response - andremember these were official stewards AT PRIDE - was to radio in 'we'rebeing attacked by a mob of trannies! send backup'.
http://rozk.livejournal.com/209622.html>http://rozk.livejournal.com/209622.html
-Cypriots admit to widespread discrimination
HOMOPHOBIA is rampant throughout Cypriot society, according to a recent EUsurvey, which found that almost three-quarters of all Cypriots admitted todiscriminating against homosexuals. The figure puts Cyprus higher than anyother member state of the European Union, according to the Eurobarometersurvey on discrimination. Of the 506 people who were surveyed in March2008, 61 per cent of respondents said they had issues with people of otherraces. According to the study, the highest level of discrimination inCyprus is reserved for sexual orientation, with 73 per cent of thosequestioned saying they discriminate against homosexuals. The figure putsCyprus 20 per cent higher than the European average.
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=40209&cat_id=1
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-Sign on letter - Protect HIV travel ban repeal
Friends, As many of you know, an important provision which repeals the HIVtravel and immigration ban is part of the Senate's PEPFAR legislation.Unfortunately, we hear from our allies in the Senate that we will likelyface an amendment to strip out the repeal when the legislation is on theSenate floor. Attached is an organizational sign-on letter opposing anyattempt to remove this critical provision from the Senate's PEFPARlegislation. Please join this important effort to reject discrimination andstigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS and add your organization's nameto the letter by emailing adamf@immigrationequality.org by Friday, July 11that 12pm (noon) EST. If you have any questions, please feel free to contactAdam Francoeur (at the above email address or 917.573.3773 x 21) or me (atdena.feldman@hrc.org or 202.216.1574).
Many thanks for your support,
Dena Wigder Feldman
Public Policy Advocate
Human Rights Campaign
-Academy for Leadership and Action coming to Michigan and Florida
The Task Force Academy for Leadership and Action - a premier leadership andskills development academy for the LGBT rights movement - will be hostingdiverse training sessions in Detroit, Mich., and Miami, Fla. On July 10, atthe Alliance for Non-Profit Management Conference in Detroit, Mich., theAcademy for Leadership and Action will host a training session forpractitioners working with social movement organizations focusing on diversecommunities. For more information, please contact Task Force Director ofCapacity Building Lisa Weiner-Mahfuz at lmahfuz@theTaskForce.org or at202.639.6325. On July 26-27, the Academy for Leadership and Action alongwith Fairness forAll Families, Florida Red and Blue and SafeguardingAmerican Values forEveryone (SAVE) will host a training session on how torecruit a team ofvolunteers, talk to voters and coordinate large-scaleactions to urgeFloridians to vote No on 2 this November. Amendment 2 is aproposedconstitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage, civilunions andpossibly domestic partnership benefits for both gay and straightcouples. Toregister, please contact Task Force Senior Field Organizer BeccaAhuja atrahuja@theTaskForce.org or at 202.360.8327.
http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=hqLNIVNCLeIMK6J&s=9rIRI1PDIeKNI3NCKmE&m=eiLRL6PLLjI0E
-Do you want to work for the next President of the United States?
Our partners at the Gay
&Lesbian Leadership Institute are leading a community-wide effort toidentifystrong candidates to serve the next president of the United States.GLLI's Presidential Appointments Project serves as the talent bank foropenlyLGBT professionals seeking appointed positions in the nextpresidentialadministration. If you've ever considered working for thefederal government,now is the time to start thinking about whether you havewhat it takes towork for the president and help to bring about positivechange our country.Help raise the voices of LGBT working folks on the federal level - visit thePresidential Appointments Project's website
challenging and exciting opportunity!
-Is Sam Nunn Gaining Momentum?
The potential of Sam Nunn being selected as running mate
seemsincomprehensible. He stands in stark contrast with a campaign thathasreached out to the LGBT community and has a number of openly gaystaffmembers, including Deputy Campaign Manager Steve Hildebrand. Yet thevicepresidential selection process has now become an elimination game, (withJimWebb the latest to drop out) and Nunn's name still appears on almostevery"short list." Barney Frank recognized the turn of events several weeksago and issued thesternest warning possible. We know that Nunn is a shrewdand ambitiousoperator with the backing of big-moneyed constituencies. Theywill be makingthe best case possible for Nunn to the selection committee.Given thearguments put forth for Nunn and the increasingly positive mediareports,perhaps now would be a good time to prepare our best case againstNunn for the selection committee.
-MSNBC - Vote on Same-Sex Marriage Issues - Quick 2 questions.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25573195/
-I'm not making this up
Right now on Sean Hannity's web site. two ads are flashing on the screen inrotation: one for "Hannidate," his conservative matchmaking service, and one(from energy interests) that commands in big letters, "Drill Here. DrillNow. Pay Less."
http://www.hannity.com/
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Gay American Heroes
"Shining a light on our family and friends who have been murdered for beingthem self and giving a voice to those silenced by hate."
Scott Hall gayamericanheroes@yahoo.com
www.gayamericanheroes.com/
=
From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Man convicted in cross-dressing murder sentenced to life in prison
A 19-year-old man convicted of shooting a cross-dressing man to deathoutside a night club was sentenced to life in prison today. Cesar Villazanosaid he felt "very bad about what happened." But speaking through aSpanish-language interpreter, Villazano said he didn't kill Mario OscarMosqueda, 37, on July 29, 2007. Villazano was found guilty of second-degreemurder on June 20.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/newsjournalonline/breakingnews/life070708.htm
-The most recent tactic used by the groups trying to prevent adding GenderIdentity/ Expression to anti-discrimination ordinances is the "bathroomissue". Recently, in both Colorado and Maryland, the "bathroom issue" hasbeen the reason they use to deny protection for TGs. According to the ads,men is dresses are going to be using the bathrooms, exposing themselves, andacting as a sexual predators to women and chilren. I do not know of a singlecase where this has occured in any city, county, or state that has voted toprotect Trans people but it's a scare tactic that creates traction andincites hysteria. Very good and thought-provoking video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKDprTX-ZjA
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Demo mocks ban on annoying Pope fans
SYDNEY, Australia -- Wearing T-shirts that read "Pope Go Homo" and "The popeis wrong, put a condom on!," a dozen demonstrators poked fun Wednesday at anew Australian law meant to protect participants of next week's World YouthDay from being annoyed by opponents.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070900414.html
=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Conservative Calif. County Delivers Setback To Gay Marriage Foes
Kern County supervisors refused to ban gay marriage, rebutting aconservative group that sought to make it the first California county toreject the statewide policy.
-Homophobia Alleged In Workplace Shooting
A Houston city worker accused of shooting a co-worker in what her fatherclaims was retaliation for homophobic bullying has been released on bail.
-Court: Gays Cannot Sue Russian President
(Moscow) A Moscow court ruled Tuesday that Russian President Dmitry Medvedevis immune from prosecution, throwing out a complaint by gay pride organizersthat Medvedev ignored pleas to intervene in a longstanding dispute with thecity over Moscow's ban on the event.
-G8 Accused Of Failing To Meet AIDS Pledges
(Rusutsu, Japan) An aid group founded by U2 frontman Bono calculates thatthe Group of Eight top industrialized nations has delivered only $3 billionof the additional $25 billion promised for Africa for everything from AIDSdrugs to training peacekeepers.
-Obama Campaign Subject Of Gambling Probe
A Minnesota official has asked state authorities to investigate whether arequest for money by Barack Obama's presidential campaign constitutes anillegal raffle.
=
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-McDonald's Stands Up
Lest you think the enticing market for wedding-related marketing to gays andlesbians had suddenly made it "safe" for gay and lesbian communications, thesaga of McDonald;s should remind you that there are still folks out therewilling to attack companies for their involvement with our community.McDonald's last week became the latest victim of a certain anti-gay fringegroup. McDonald's "crime?" They agreed to allow a senior executive to jointhe board of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
http://www.fhoutfront.com/2008/07/mcdonalds-stand.html
-San Fran gays declare independence from HRC
This Saturday, July 12 at noon, gay activists in San Francisco will"celebrate independence" from the Human Rights Campaign by giving outrainbow flag stickers in front of the HRC store in the Castro as a "symbolof LGBT liberation." They encourage former HRC members to cover up theirbumper stickers with the rainbows.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=7/8/08&end=7/10/08#19557
-Man sues Zondervan to change anti-gay reference in Bible
A Canton man is suing Zondervan Publishing and a Tennessee-based publisher,claiming their versions of the Bible that refer to homosexuality as a sinviolate his constitutional rights and have caused him emotional pain andmental instability. Bradley LaShawn Fowler, 39, is seeking $60 million fromZondervan, based in Cascade Township, and $10 million from Thomas NelsonPublishing in the lawsuits filed in U.S. District Court for the EasternDistrict of Michigan.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-42/121560935360960.xml&coll=6
-Federal judges grill foes of Oregon gay rights law
Gay rights - A quick ruling will be needed to decide if a referendum goes onOregon's November ballot
A lawsuit that seeks to force a vote on Oregon's domestic partnership lawran into a panel of skeptical federal judges Tuesday. A group of voters isseeking to reverse a decision by Oregon elections officials who disqualifieda referendum on Oregon's new law giving many of the legal benefits ofmarriage to same-sex couples who register for domestic partnerships.Officials said the petition was short of the number of voter signaturesneeded to get on the November ballot.
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1215573918312310.xml&coll=7&thispage=1
-Will gay Republicans tolerate the Barnes Option?
Openly gay former congressman withdraws support for Arizona campaign //Anti-gay group tries to salvage petition against Oregon domesticpartnerships » The LGBT community has grown accustomed to the tiredtradition of anti-gay politicos scaring the bejesus out of straight Americain order to turn out voters. But the conventional wisdom, before this pastweek anyway, was that the tactic had played itself out in presidentialpolitics.
http://www.gaypolitics.com/?p=585
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-South Africa Demands Justice in Lesbian Killings
South Africa's The Star reported Tuesday that there have been no suspectsretained for the vicious murders of out lesbians Sizakele Sigasa and SalomeMaoosa, which occurred over a year ago. "This has been a year of horror forus, knowing that a year has passed and no one has been convicted of thecrimes," Mpumi Mathabela, of the Forum for Empowerment of Women, told TheStar.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57312.asp
-Bono's AIDS Group Accuses G-8 of Failing to Meet Pledge
An aid group founded by U2 front man Bono calculates that the Group of Eighttop industrialized nations has delivered only $3 billion of the additional$25 billion promised for Africa for everything from AIDS drugs to trainingpeacekeepers. Now the Africans and their allies want a new system to makesure rich nations come through. The G-8 opened their summit in northernJapan this week with a discussion with eight African leaders over theprogress in aid increases to the continent - and how the wealthy countrieshave fallen short.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57338.asp
=
National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay Marriages Still Unequal in the Eyes of Federal Government
Last week, on our 13th wedding anniversary, my partner finally became mylawfully wedded wife. In the Santa Clara County wedding chapel, as our2-year-old son scampered around and our 2-month-old daughter dozed, were-exchanged vows and rejoiced that our state has finally recognized ourunion. But there is another battle to be fought before we have the fulllegal rights enjoyed by our straight friends. And I'm not even talking aboutdefeating the November ballot measure that would amend the stateconstitution to ban gay marriage.
-Seattle Opera Reaches Out to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and TransgenderCommunity
Seattle Opera is looking to build its audience by reaching out tolesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender music fans. The arts organization announcedthree LGBT Nights at McCaw Hall during the upcoming 2008-09 season. Atthese designated performances, patrons may pay $100 for discountedmain-floor orchestra seating, private intermission receptions (with wine,hors d'oeuvres and desserts) and admission to preshow lectures. Theinaugural event - an Aug. 22 presentation of "Aida" - will be hosted bySeattle Opera trustee JJ McKay and Washington state Sen. Ed Murray. Ticketsfor the evening are on sale now.
-Study Sought on Response to Violence
With the new legal protections given same-sex marriages and a lack ofdetailed information by police agencies, a city panel on Monday called for astudy on how the Los Angeles Police Department responds to cases of domesticviolence in the gay and lesbian communities.
-Gays to Protest at Pope's Arrival
Gay and lesbian Christians will protest the Pope's condemnation ofhomosexuality ahead of World Youth Day, labelling his beliefs as right-wingpropaganda. The protest, calling for equality for gay and lesbianfollowers, will take place at the Pitt Street Uniting Church this Sunday,coinciding with Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in Sydney.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Church of Ireland clarifies Archbishop's statement
Link: Londonderry Sentinel
THE Church of Ireland (COI) has moved to clarify statements made onhomosexuality by the Archbishop of Armagh, Alan Harper. It had beenreported the Archbishop had said the Church would allow same sex marriagesif homosexuality was proven to be biologically predetermined. However, theCOI has told the Sentinel that the comments have been misrepresented. In alengthy speech to an international theological conference in England lastweek, Archbishop Harper called for a return to the heart of Anglicanism toresolve "contemporary issues."
-PageOneQ's Mike Rogers appears on Fox News to defend gays' marriage rights
Link: PageOneQ
If the people can vote away gay citizens' right to marry in California thisupcoming November, asked activist Mike Rogers during a recent paneldiscussion, why didn't the Supreme Court let the voters continue to dictatewho their fellow citizens could marry based on race? California's gaymarriage ban, overturned by California's Supreme Court on May 15, was a"super statute," said Liberty Counsel chairman and founder Matt Staver,meaning that it was higher than a legislative measure but didn't have theweight of an amendment to the constitution, the intent of this year'sProposition 8. "And that amendment, when passed--I believe it will pass,and it only needs 50% to pass--will overrule this activist 4-3 decision bythe California Supreme Court and restore marriage as the union of one manand one woman as it has historically been, in that state and around thecountry."
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Pride London apologises for trans toilet problems
The Directors of Pride London have said that they deeply regret that sometrans people were asked to use a disabled toilet at the festivities inTrafalgar Square.
-Homophobic aristocrat claims public support his civil partnerships ban
A castle owner who had his civil wedding licence revoked for discriminatingagainst same-sex couples says that bookings for receptions are up as aresult of his prejudicial stance.
-New programme targets gay abuse in Welsh schools
A community safety organisation and a gay rights group have joined forces todevise a new training programme that aims to raise awareness around sexualorientation and gender identity issues in Welsh schools.
-Gays in Northern Cyprus seek European support for law reform
An anti-homophobia group in Northern Cyprus has launched an English languageversion of their website.
-Straight Pride has a "homophobic agenda"
Plans for a so-called "Straight Pride" in New York, promoted by a reggaemusic label, have been criticised by leading a campaigner againsthomophobia.
-INTERVIEW: The "devil incarnate" for fundamentalist Anglicans
The chief executive of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement is too busypreparing for next month's Lambeth Conference to dwell on his impendingdeparture from the organisation he helped found.
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Moscow Pride Organizers Question Russian President's Immunity In the Appealto Moscow City Court
On Wednesday 9 July organizers of Moscow Gay Pride appealed the decision ofTverskoi District Court which denied to consider the case against RussianPresident Dmitriy Medvedev initiated due to his inaction on the letter ofgay activists asking him to permit Gay Pride march in Alexandrovskiy Sad ofMoscow Kremlin.
http://www.gayrussia.ru/en/news/detail.php?ID=11765
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
- London: LGBT Pride is worse than the other kind
For the first time in thirty-some years of going to Pride, I have come awayseriously questioning whether I will ever go again. Official stewards whowere running the toilets at Trafalgar Square announced that I, and any othertransgender or transsexual woman, had to use the disabled toilets and wasnot allowed to use the regular women's toilets. I pointed out to thestewards that I transitioned and had surgery before they were born; I wasmore polite than a polite thing. No dice. I went and fetched a posse oftranswomen and transmen and we made a collective fuss. Their response - andremember these were official stewards AT PRIDE - was to radio in 'we'rebeing attacked by a mob of trannies! send backup'.
http://rozk.livejournal.com/209622.html>http://rozk.livejournal.com/209622.html
-Cypriots admit to widespread discrimination
HOMOPHOBIA is rampant throughout Cypriot society, according to a recent EUsurvey, which found that almost three-quarters of all Cypriots admitted todiscriminating against homosexuals. The figure puts Cyprus higher than anyother member state of the European Union, according to the Eurobarometersurvey on discrimination. Of the 506 people who were surveyed in March2008, 61 per cent of respondents said they had issues with people of otherraces. According to the study, the highest level of discrimination inCyprus is reserved for sexual orientation, with 73 per cent of thosequestioned saying they discriminate against homosexuals. The figure putsCyprus 20 per cent higher than the European average.
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=40209&cat_id=1
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-Sign on letter - Protect HIV travel ban repeal
Friends, As many of you know, an important provision which repeals the HIVtravel and immigration ban is part of the Senate's PEPFAR legislation.Unfortunately, we hear from our allies in the Senate that we will likelyface an amendment to strip out the repeal when the legislation is on theSenate floor. Attached is an organizational sign-on letter opposing anyattempt to remove this critical provision from the Senate's PEFPARlegislation. Please join this important effort to reject discrimination andstigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS and add your organization's nameto the letter by emailing adamf@immigrationequality.org by Friday, July 11that 12pm (noon) EST. If you have any questions, please feel free to contactAdam Francoeur (at the above email address or 917.573.3773 x 21) or me (atdena.feldman@hrc.org or 202.216.1574).
Many thanks for your support,
Dena Wigder Feldman
Public Policy Advocate
Human Rights Campaign
-Academy for Leadership and Action coming to Michigan and Florida
The Task Force Academy for Leadership and Action - a premier leadership andskills development academy for the LGBT rights movement - will be hostingdiverse training sessions in Detroit, Mich., and Miami, Fla. On July 10, atthe Alliance for Non-Profit Management Conference in Detroit, Mich., theAcademy for Leadership and Action will host a training session forpractitioners working with social movement organizations focusing on diversecommunities. For more information, please contact Task Force Director ofCapacity Building Lisa Weiner-Mahfuz at lmahfuz@theTaskForce.org or at202.639.6325. On July 26-27, the Academy for Leadership and Action alongwith Fairness forAll Families, Florida Red and Blue and SafeguardingAmerican Values forEveryone (SAVE) will host a training session on how torecruit a team ofvolunteers, talk to voters and coordinate large-scaleactions to urgeFloridians to vote No on 2 this November. Amendment 2 is aproposedconstitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage, civilunions andpossibly domestic partnership benefits for both gay and straightcouples. Toregister, please contact Task Force Senior Field Organizer BeccaAhuja atrahuja@theTaskForce.org or at 202.360.8327.
http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=hqLNIVNCLeIMK6J&s=9rIRI1PDIeKNI3NCKmE&m=eiLRL6PLLjI0E
-Do you want to work for the next President of the United States?
Our partners at the Gay
&Lesbian Leadership Institute are leading a community-wide effort toidentifystrong candidates to serve the next president of the United States.GLLI's Presidential Appointments Project serves as the talent bank foropenlyLGBT professionals seeking appointed positions in the nextpresidentialadministration. If you've ever considered working for thefederal government,now is the time to start thinking about whether you havewhat it takes towork for the president and help to bring about positivechange our country.Help raise the voices of LGBT working folks on the federal level - visit thePresidential Appointments Project's website
challenging and exciting opportunity!
-Is Sam Nunn Gaining Momentum?
The potential of Sam Nunn being selected as running mate
seemsincomprehensible. He stands in stark contrast with a campaign thathasreached out to the LGBT community and has a number of openly gaystaffmembers, including Deputy Campaign Manager Steve Hildebrand. Yet thevicepresidential selection process has now become an elimination game, (withJimWebb the latest to drop out) and Nunn's name still appears on almostevery"short list." Barney Frank recognized the turn of events several weeksago and issued thesternest warning possible. We know that Nunn is a shrewdand ambitiousoperator with the backing of big-moneyed constituencies. Theywill be makingthe best case possible for Nunn to the selection committee.Given thearguments put forth for Nunn and the increasingly positive mediareports,perhaps now would be a good time to prepare our best case againstNunn for the selection committee.
-MSNBC - Vote on Same-Sex Marriage Issues - Quick 2 questions.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25573195/
-I'm not making this up
Right now on Sean Hannity's web site. two ads are flashing on the screen inrotation: one for "Hannidate," his conservative matchmaking service, and one(from energy interests) that commands in big letters, "Drill Here. DrillNow. Pay Less."
http://www.hannity.com/
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Gay American Heroes
"Shining a light on our family and friends who have been murdered for beingthem self and giving a voice to those silenced by hate."
Scott Hall gayamericanheroes@yahoo.com
www.gayamericanheroes.com/
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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Man convicted in cross-dressing murder sentenced to life in prison
A 19-year-old man convicted of shooting a cross-dressing man to deathoutside a night club was sentenced to life in prison today. Cesar Villazanosaid he felt "very bad about what happened." But speaking through aSpanish-language interpreter, Villazano said he didn't kill Mario OscarMosqueda, 37, on July 29, 2007. Villazano was found guilty of second-degreemurder on June 20.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/newsjournalonline/breakingnews/life070708.htm
-The most recent tactic used by the groups trying to prevent adding GenderIdentity/ Expression to anti-discrimination ordinances is the "bathroomissue". Recently, in both Colorado and Maryland, the "bathroom issue" hasbeen the reason they use to deny protection for TGs. According to the ads,men is dresses are going to be using the bathrooms, exposing themselves, andacting as a sexual predators to women and chilren. I do not know of a singlecase where this has occured in any city, county, or state that has voted toprotect Trans people but it's a scare tactic that creates traction andincites hysteria. Very good and thought-provoking video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKDprTX-ZjA
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - July 09, 2008
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Iran Says It Test-Fired Missiles
One day after threatening to strike Tel Aviv and U.S. interests if attacked,Iran's Revolutionary Guards were reported to have test-fired nine missiles.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/world/middleeast/09qatar.html?hp
-Qatar, Playing All Sides, Is a Nonstop Mediator
In an increasingly divided Arab world, the Qataris have fashioned areputation as independent arbitrators.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/world/middleeast/09qatar.html?hp
-U.N. Lawyers Say Bosnian - Serbs Burned Muslims Alive
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Bosnian Serb cousins Milan and Sredoje Lukic wereaccused on Wednesday of imprisoning and burning alive some 140 Muslims andsummarily shooting others in some of the cruelest ethnic cleansing of theBosnian war.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-warcrimes-bosnia.html
-Obama Donors Aren't Rushing to Aid Clinton
A prominent donor to Senator Barack Obama recently sent an e-mail plea toother supporters, asking them - for the sake of Democratic unity - to writechecks to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to help retire her $23 million incampaign debt.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/us/politics/09debt.html
-Obama Says His Critics Haven't Been Listening
Senator Barack Obama on Tuesday forcefully addressed concerns that he hadmoved too quickly to the political center, acknowledging complaints from "myfriends on the left" about his statements on Iraq, his approaches toevangelicals and his remarks on other issues that have alarmed some of hissupporters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/us/politics/09campaign.html
-Cheney's Office Said to Edit Draft Testimony
Vice President Dick Cheney's office was involved in removing statements onhealth risks posed by global warming from a draft of a health official'sSenate testimony last year, a former senior government environmentalofficial said on Tuesday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/washington/09enviro.html
-4 Teenagers Are Arrested in Attack at Gay Shelter
Four teenagers have been arrested on charges that they harassed and struck apriest who runs a Queens shelter for transgender and gay youth. Some of theshelter's residents were also attacked, officials said on Tuesday. Thevictims had minor injuries, the police said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/nyregion/09shelter.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Thomas Disch; Sci-Fi Writer Was Part of 'New Wave'
Thomas M. Disch, 68, an innovative and often-overlooked writer who was partof science fiction's "new wave" of the 1960s and who also wrote poetry,criticism and a popular children's book, fatally shot himself July 4 at hisNew York apartment. He had been despondent in recent years because ofdeclining health, financial reversals and the 2005 death of his companionand occasional collaborator, poet Charles Naylor.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802842.html
-Why Were We in Vietnam?
U.S. companies prefer communist countries like Vietnam for their stability.So why did 58,000 Americans die?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802462.html
-FISA's Fetters
Concerns about the new foreign surveillance measure are overblown. THEAMERICAN Civil Liberties Union, in a letter we printed yesterday, accused usof backing a surveillance bill that would give the president "unfetteredpower to spy on Americans," reducing the role of the court overseeing thesurveillance to "little more than serving as a rubber stamp." Sen. RussellFeingold (D-Wis.), in another letter, said the measure overhauling theForeign Intelligence Surveillance Act, on the verge of congressionalpassage, "gives the government broad new powers to collect information oninnocent Americans within the United States without providing nearly enoughprotections for privacy." It means, Mr. Feingold said, that "Americanse-mailing relatives abroad or calling business associates overseas could bemonitored with absolutely no suspicion of wrongdoing by anyone."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802587.html
-Ted Koppel's Capital Tour of a New China
Some broadcasters have always worked in high definition -- they didn't haveaccess to the technological wonder, but they did seem blessed with the giftof natural communication, erudite but accessible. Ted Koppel is a perfect,or near-perfect, example, and he proves it again with "The People's Republicof Capitalism," a report on changing China that is the latest and mostambitious entry in the "Koppel on Discovery" series of documentaries.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802998.html
-Another Green Revolution
Congress should help make it happen. WHOEVER GAVE the Consultative Group onInternational Agricultural Research its bland, unwieldy name clearly lackeda sense of drama. But the seemingly mundane CGIAR, as it is sometimescalled, has played a quietly astonishing role in recent world history. Aconsortium of internationally funded and staffed crop-research centersscattered around the world, CGIAR was a critical institution of the GreenRevolution -- the innovations in high-yield, disease-resistant strains ofrice, potatoes and other staples that transformed farming in the developingworld and probably saved tens of millions of lives.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802585.html
-U.S. Finds It's Getting Crowded Out There
Dominance in Space Slips as Other Nations Step Up Efforts
China plans to conduct its first spacewalk in October. The European SpaceAgency is building a roving robot to land on Mars. India recently launched arecord 10 satellites into space on a single rocket.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070803185.html?hpid=topnews
-Free This Detainee
There's someone I'd like to introduce to President Bush. Also to ChiefJustice John Roberts and Sen. John McCain. His name is Huzaifa Parhat, andthat get-together might be tricky to arrange. Parhat is also known as ISN(Internment Serial Number) 320 at Guantanamo Bay.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802463.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-Church of England split on women bishops
LONDON -- The Church of England's move to accept women bishops furtherroiled an already troubled Anglican communion Tuesday, infuriatingconservatives and complicating efforts to promote unity with the RomanCatholic Church.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070800857.html?hpid=sec-religion
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Pickens unveils energy plan to replace foreign oil
Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens opened an advertising campaign Tuesday in anattempt to bring more focus to solving the nation's energy crisis. Theformer wildcatter, who now heads the Dallas-based hedge fund BP CapitalManagement LP, outlined his concerns and some proposed solutions in NewYork.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/la-fi-pickens9-2008jul09,0,5217641.story
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-'Reviews' lock up our history
By MICHAEL DOBBS
Giving Americans back their history may not rank with ending the war in Iraqor balancing the budget, but it should be high on the to-do list of the nextpresident. Our declassification system has broken down. Historians arewaiting an average of seven years for replies from presidential libraries totheir Freedom of Information Act requests. The White House cannot locatemillions of e-mail records created during the months immediately before andafter the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other_views/story/598235.html
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Forwarded from Susan Frishkorn
frishkorn@bellsouth.net
Go to this link for the following article:
-HR 362 and the Alarming Escalation of Hostility Towards Iran
by Alan Nasser
The current tension among political observers as to whether the U.S. and/orIsrael will undertake military action against Iran before president Bushleaves office has been greatly intensified by the prospect that Congresswill pass a frightening resolution, HR 362, as early as this week.
The Demands of HR 362
HR 362, sponsored by Rep. Gary Ackerman, a New York Democrat, calls for thepresident to enact more draconian economic sanctions against Iran. Theseinclude an embargo against any imports of refined petroleum. (While Iran isof course a major exporter of oil, it imports at least 40% of its refinedpetroleum.) The wording of the Resolution is chilling in the extreme:
"Congress. demands that the President initiate an international effort toimmediately and dramatically increase the economic, political and diplomaticpressure on Iran to verifiably suspend its nuclear enrichment activities by.prohibiting the export to Iran of all refined petroleum products; imposingstringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes,trains, and cargo entering or departing Iran; and prohibiting theinternational movement of all Iranian officials not involved in negotiatingthe suspension of Iran's nuclear program." The resolution is moving quicklythrough the House and could pass as early as this week.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/07/08/10204/
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-GOP Looks To Redistrict Itself Back Into Power
For months, a sense of dread has been percolating within Republican circlesover potentially massive congressional losses in 2008. Facing thepossibility of a more pronounced minority status in the House and more thana couple seats lost in the Senate, the GOP has begun setting its sights on acontingency plan: redistricting.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/07/gop-looks-to-redistrict-i_n_110632.html
-Convention cities sued by protesters
The cities hosting the Democratic and Republican conventions also willinevitably host thousands of protesters - and those visitors have alreadytaken Denver and St. Paul to court. Both cities have been sued by the ACLUand protest groups planning to mobilize at the political confabs. At issue:where and when demonstrations and marches can be held.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-07-08-Protests_N.htm?csp=34
-Obama Grants First Family Interview to 'Access Hollywood'
Democratic Candidate Allows Entertainment Program to Talk With YoungDaughters
What do Angelina Jolie's pregnancy, Alex Rodriguez's love life, and BarackObama have in common? Not much until now.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5330730&page=1
-Does EMILY's List Still Matter?
EMILY's List is one of the largest PACs in the nation and funds onlypro-choice, female candidates. But is it still as effective as it once was?
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=does_emilys_list_still_matter
-The push for a popular vote
THIS MONTH, the Massachusetts Legislature can help nudge the nation into themodern age by taking a stand in favor of a national popular vote forpresident - and against that most antiquated of arrangements, the ElectoralCollege. After hesitating last week, the House today will take up a cleverproposal to institute a national popular vote - a plan that could takeeffect without having to amend the Constitution.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/07/09/the_push_for_a_popular_vote/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z
- Losing the Latino Vote
McCain's prospects don't look good.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/303eesko.asp
-Cheney wanted cuts in climate change testimony
Seeking to play down the effects of global warming, Vice President DickCheney's office pushed to delete from congressional testimony referencesabout the consequences of climate change on public health, a former seniorEPA official claimed Tuesday.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/green/sns-ap-cheney-climate,0,6850735.story
-Dancing on the grave of Jesse Helms
LIBERALS DIDN'T think much of Jesse Helms when he was alive, and theirfeelings didn't soften with his death. "Jesse Helms, you rat bastard, burnin hell," announced a headline at Daily Kos, the hugely popular left-wingblog; "Please excuse me while I dance upon his grave," gloated another.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/07/09/dancing_on_the_grave_of_jesse_helms/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Jeff+Jacoby+columns
-McGovern: War heroism doesn't make a president
He was a pilot in World War II, bombing targets in Europe to stop Hitler.But former senator and 1972 Democratic presidential nominee George McGovernsays that didn't qualify him to run the country - and the same goes for GOPpresumptive nominee John McCain. "I don't have any regrets about that," theantiwar Democratic stalwart said in a brief interview yesterday on CapitolHill. "While bombing is a terrible thing, we smashed Hitler's oil refineriesall over Europe."
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/07/09/mcgovern_war_heroism_doesnt_make_a_president/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z
-Obama shows signs of being trail-weary
The Democrat makes the most of the occasional break with his family butcan't seem to escape the spotlight. He hasn't had a vacation for months. Hesees his family little more than once a week. And now as the presumedDemocratic nominee for president, he can't go anywhere without being trailedby a full crew of journalists.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-weary9-2008jul09,0,619759.story?track=rss
-John McCain's radical tax plan
He voted against Bush's tax cuts, but now, despite a ballooning deficit, hewants to slash taxes even further -- with most of the benefits going to therich. As gas and food prices soar and job losses mount, John McCainlaunched a new effort this week to reassure Americans that he has a plan tobring back economic growth. McCain spoke at a town-hall event in DenverMonday and will travel to the swing states of Ohio and Pennsylvania onWednesday and Michigan and Wisconsin on Thursday and Friday to spread hiseconomic message.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/07/09/mccain_taxes/
=
[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:
-Iran Says It Test-Fired Missiles
One day after threatening to strike Tel Aviv and U.S. interests if attacked,Iran's Revolutionary Guards were reported to have test-fired nine missiles.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/world/middleeast/09qatar.html?hp
-Qatar, Playing All Sides, Is a Nonstop Mediator
In an increasingly divided Arab world, the Qataris have fashioned areputation as independent arbitrators.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/world/middleeast/09qatar.html?hp
-U.N. Lawyers Say Bosnian - Serbs Burned Muslims Alive
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Bosnian Serb cousins Milan and Sredoje Lukic wereaccused on Wednesday of imprisoning and burning alive some 140 Muslims andsummarily shooting others in some of the cruelest ethnic cleansing of theBosnian war.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-warcrimes-bosnia.html
-Obama Donors Aren't Rushing to Aid Clinton
A prominent donor to Senator Barack Obama recently sent an e-mail plea toother supporters, asking them - for the sake of Democratic unity - to writechecks to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to help retire her $23 million incampaign debt.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/us/politics/09debt.html
-Obama Says His Critics Haven't Been Listening
Senator Barack Obama on Tuesday forcefully addressed concerns that he hadmoved too quickly to the political center, acknowledging complaints from "myfriends on the left" about his statements on Iraq, his approaches toevangelicals and his remarks on other issues that have alarmed some of hissupporters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/us/politics/09campaign.html
-Cheney's Office Said to Edit Draft Testimony
Vice President Dick Cheney's office was involved in removing statements onhealth risks posed by global warming from a draft of a health official'sSenate testimony last year, a former senior government environmentalofficial said on Tuesday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/washington/09enviro.html
-4 Teenagers Are Arrested in Attack at Gay Shelter
Four teenagers have been arrested on charges that they harassed and struck apriest who runs a Queens shelter for transgender and gay youth. Some of theshelter's residents were also attacked, officials said on Tuesday. Thevictims had minor injuries, the police said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/nyregion/09shelter.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Thomas Disch; Sci-Fi Writer Was Part of 'New Wave'
Thomas M. Disch, 68, an innovative and often-overlooked writer who was partof science fiction's "new wave" of the 1960s and who also wrote poetry,criticism and a popular children's book, fatally shot himself July 4 at hisNew York apartment. He had been despondent in recent years because ofdeclining health, financial reversals and the 2005 death of his companionand occasional collaborator, poet Charles Naylor.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802842.html
-Why Were We in Vietnam?
U.S. companies prefer communist countries like Vietnam for their stability.So why did 58,000 Americans die?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802462.html
-FISA's Fetters
Concerns about the new foreign surveillance measure are overblown. THEAMERICAN Civil Liberties Union, in a letter we printed yesterday, accused usof backing a surveillance bill that would give the president "unfetteredpower to spy on Americans," reducing the role of the court overseeing thesurveillance to "little more than serving as a rubber stamp." Sen. RussellFeingold (D-Wis.), in another letter, said the measure overhauling theForeign Intelligence Surveillance Act, on the verge of congressionalpassage, "gives the government broad new powers to collect information oninnocent Americans within the United States without providing nearly enoughprotections for privacy." It means, Mr. Feingold said, that "Americanse-mailing relatives abroad or calling business associates overseas could bemonitored with absolutely no suspicion of wrongdoing by anyone."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802587.html
-Ted Koppel's Capital Tour of a New China
Some broadcasters have always worked in high definition -- they didn't haveaccess to the technological wonder, but they did seem blessed with the giftof natural communication, erudite but accessible. Ted Koppel is a perfect,or near-perfect, example, and he proves it again with "The People's Republicof Capitalism," a report on changing China that is the latest and mostambitious entry in the "Koppel on Discovery" series of documentaries.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802998.html
-Another Green Revolution
Congress should help make it happen. WHOEVER GAVE the Consultative Group onInternational Agricultural Research its bland, unwieldy name clearly lackeda sense of drama. But the seemingly mundane CGIAR, as it is sometimescalled, has played a quietly astonishing role in recent world history. Aconsortium of internationally funded and staffed crop-research centersscattered around the world, CGIAR was a critical institution of the GreenRevolution -- the innovations in high-yield, disease-resistant strains ofrice, potatoes and other staples that transformed farming in the developingworld and probably saved tens of millions of lives.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802585.html
-U.S. Finds It's Getting Crowded Out There
Dominance in Space Slips as Other Nations Step Up Efforts
China plans to conduct its first spacewalk in October. The European SpaceAgency is building a roving robot to land on Mars. India recently launched arecord 10 satellites into space on a single rocket.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070803185.html?hpid=topnews
-Free This Detainee
There's someone I'd like to introduce to President Bush. Also to ChiefJustice John Roberts and Sen. John McCain. His name is Huzaifa Parhat, andthat get-together might be tricky to arrange. Parhat is also known as ISN(Internment Serial Number) 320 at Guantanamo Bay.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802463.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-Church of England split on women bishops
LONDON -- The Church of England's move to accept women bishops furtherroiled an already troubled Anglican communion Tuesday, infuriatingconservatives and complicating efforts to promote unity with the RomanCatholic Church.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070800857.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Pickens unveils energy plan to replace foreign oil
Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens opened an advertising campaign Tuesday in anattempt to bring more focus to solving the nation's energy crisis. Theformer wildcatter, who now heads the Dallas-based hedge fund BP CapitalManagement LP, outlined his concerns and some proposed solutions in NewYork.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/la-fi-pickens9-2008jul09,0,5217641.story
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-'Reviews' lock up our history
By MICHAEL DOBBS
Giving Americans back their history may not rank with ending the war in Iraqor balancing the budget, but it should be high on the to-do list of the nextpresident. Our declassification system has broken down. Historians arewaiting an average of seven years for replies from presidential libraries totheir Freedom of Information Act requests. The White House cannot locatemillions of e-mail records created during the months immediately before andafter the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other_views/story/598235.html
=
Forwarded from Susan Frishkorn
frishkorn@bellsouth.net
Go to this link for the following article:
-HR 362 and the Alarming Escalation of Hostility Towards Iran
by Alan Nasser
The current tension among political observers as to whether the U.S. and/orIsrael will undertake military action against Iran before president Bushleaves office has been greatly intensified by the prospect that Congresswill pass a frightening resolution, HR 362, as early as this week.
The Demands of HR 362
HR 362, sponsored by Rep. Gary Ackerman, a New York Democrat, calls for thepresident to enact more draconian economic sanctions against Iran. Theseinclude an embargo against any imports of refined petroleum. (While Iran isof course a major exporter of oil, it imports at least 40% of its refinedpetroleum.) The wording of the Resolution is chilling in the extreme:
"Congress. demands that the President initiate an international effort toimmediately and dramatically increase the economic, political and diplomaticpressure on Iran to verifiably suspend its nuclear enrichment activities by.prohibiting the export to Iran of all refined petroleum products; imposingstringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes,trains, and cargo entering or departing Iran; and prohibiting theinternational movement of all Iranian officials not involved in negotiatingthe suspension of Iran's nuclear program." The resolution is moving quicklythrough the House and could pass as early as this week.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/07/08/10204/
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-GOP Looks To Redistrict Itself Back Into Power
For months, a sense of dread has been percolating within Republican circlesover potentially massive congressional losses in 2008. Facing thepossibility of a more pronounced minority status in the House and more thana couple seats lost in the Senate, the GOP has begun setting its sights on acontingency plan: redistricting.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/07/gop-looks-to-redistrict-i_n_110632.html
-Convention cities sued by protesters
The cities hosting the Democratic and Republican conventions also willinevitably host thousands of protesters - and those visitors have alreadytaken Denver and St. Paul to court. Both cities have been sued by the ACLUand protest groups planning to mobilize at the political confabs. At issue:where and when demonstrations and marches can be held.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-07-08-Protests_N.htm?csp=34
-Obama Grants First Family Interview to 'Access Hollywood'
Democratic Candidate Allows Entertainment Program to Talk With YoungDaughters
What do Angelina Jolie's pregnancy, Alex Rodriguez's love life, and BarackObama have in common? Not much until now.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5330730&page=1
-Does EMILY's List Still Matter?
EMILY's List is one of the largest PACs in the nation and funds onlypro-choice, female candidates. But is it still as effective as it once was?
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=does_emilys_list_still_matter
-The push for a popular vote
THIS MONTH, the Massachusetts Legislature can help nudge the nation into themodern age by taking a stand in favor of a national popular vote forpresident - and against that most antiquated of arrangements, the ElectoralCollege. After hesitating last week, the House today will take up a cleverproposal to institute a national popular vote - a plan that could takeeffect without having to amend the Constitution.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/07/09/the_push_for_a_popular_vote/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z
- Losing the Latino Vote
McCain's prospects don't look good.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/303eesko.asp
-Cheney wanted cuts in climate change testimony
Seeking to play down the effects of global warming, Vice President DickCheney's office pushed to delete from congressional testimony referencesabout the consequences of climate change on public health, a former seniorEPA official claimed Tuesday.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/green/sns-ap-cheney-climate,0,6850735.story
-Dancing on the grave of Jesse Helms
LIBERALS DIDN'T think much of Jesse Helms when he was alive, and theirfeelings didn't soften with his death. "Jesse Helms, you rat bastard, burnin hell," announced a headline at Daily Kos, the hugely popular left-wingblog; "Please excuse me while I dance upon his grave," gloated another.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/07/09/dancing_on_the_grave_of_jesse_helms/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Jeff+Jacoby+columns
-McGovern: War heroism doesn't make a president
He was a pilot in World War II, bombing targets in Europe to stop Hitler.But former senator and 1972 Democratic presidential nominee George McGovernsays that didn't qualify him to run the country - and the same goes for GOPpresumptive nominee John McCain. "I don't have any regrets about that," theantiwar Democratic stalwart said in a brief interview yesterday on CapitolHill. "While bombing is a terrible thing, we smashed Hitler's oil refineriesall over Europe."
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/07/09/mcgovern_war_heroism_doesnt_make_a_president/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z
-Obama shows signs of being trail-weary
The Democrat makes the most of the occasional break with his family butcan't seem to escape the spotlight. He hasn't had a vacation for months. Hesees his family little more than once a week. And now as the presumedDemocratic nominee for president, he can't go anywhere without being trailedby a full crew of journalists.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-weary9-2008jul09,0,619759.story?track=rss
-John McCain's radical tax plan
He voted against Bush's tax cuts, but now, despite a ballooning deficit, hewants to slash taxes even further -- with most of the benefits going to therich. As gas and food prices soar and job losses mount, John McCainlaunched a new effort this week to reassure Americans that he has a plan tobring back economic growth. McCain spoke at a town-hall event in DenverMonday and will travel to the swing states of Ohio and Pennsylvania onWednesday and Michigan and Wisconsin on Thursday and Friday to spread hiseconomic message.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/07/09/mccain_taxes/
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - July 09, 2008
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Two gay candidates in Fort Lauderdale mayor's race
It would be ironic, but if a gay candidate wins the mayor's post in FortLauderdale next spring, city residents would have Mayor Jim Naugle to thank.A second openly gay candidate filed to run for Fort Lauderdale mayor thisweek, citing Naugle's comments last year as inspiration. Political newcomerEarl Rynerson, owner of a tile store, joins former City Commissioner DeanTrantalis as an openly gay mayoral hopeful. Rynerson said he wants to polishthe city's image, which he said was tarnished by Naugle. Naugle last summeruttered a quote that was heard across gay America: "I use the wordhomosexual. Most of them aren't gay; they're unhappy." That and the mayor'ssubsequent comments, including his allegation that gay men have sex inpublic restrooms, touched off a culture war of sorts in Fort Lauderdale.Naugle spoke out about "safe parks" with bathrooms free of sex. Gayresidents, and their heterosexual supporters, held a "Flush Naugle" rallyand protested Naugle's seeming intolerance. The mayor's comments alsoinspired former city commissioner Trantalis to run for mayor. Trantalisfiled his paperwork in June. Naugle has held the office since 1991 butbecause of term limits cannot run again. City elections are in February andMarch next year. Also running for mayor are City Commissioner CindiHutchinson, State Rep. Jack Seiler and criminal defense attorney SteveRossi. Hutchinson, who said she is "from the heterosexual community," alsomentioned Naugle's comments when she announced her candidacy last November.She promised to be "inclusive" and "mayor for all of Fort Lauderdale."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbgaymayor0709sbjul09,0,6671226.story
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Wilton Manors: Congregation Etz Chaim Moves Friday Night Services to 8 p.m.
The Board of Congregation Etz Chaim (CEC) approved a motion to move theSynagogue's Friday Night Services to 8 p.m. The change will take effect onAugust 1. This move does not apply to CECs monthly "early" Services, whichwill remain at 7 p.m. on the third Fridays of each month.
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Victory in Miami
It's unbelievable to imagine: Florida has never elected an openly gaylegislator. However, now we have an opportunity to make history! When youcome out to help support Mark LaFontaine in his bid for the state House ofRepresentatives, you will help the Florida LGBT community securerepresentation in the state legislature.
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: At the home of Joseph L. Falk
1770 Micanopy Avenue , Miami , FL 33133
Sponsorship Levels: $100 Individual Ticket - $250 Host - $500 SponsorHelp send Mark to Tallahassee and give Florida its first openly LGBT statelegislator!
http://www.victoryfund.org/slate/view/id:11
=
Are you ready to speak out? Vote No on Amendment #2!
You know how important it is to Vote No on Amendment #2, but do yourfriends, family, coworkers and classmates? Does your local senior centerknow how Amendment #2 could strip away essential benefits from all unmarriedcouples in Florida? Have you asked your local teachers' union to join you inthis fight? Election Day is November 4th. That means there are only 117 daysleft to convince Florida's voters to oppose Amendment #2, the deceptive"marriage protection" amendment. Your Voice Makes A Difference! TheFairness for All Families Coalition has created a Vote No On 2 Speaker'sBureau. Equality Florida, ACLU of Florida, Florida Association of PlannedParenthood Affiliates are among the 240 coalition members that have teamedup to bring a Speaker's Training to your town. Trainings will be heldthroughout the state to make sure that you have the tools necessary toeducate voters in your community about the harm posed by Amendment 2. Reachout to your circle of friends. Present to your organizations. Educate votersduring the August primary. The speaker's training will prepare you to be aneffective VoteNOon2 spokesperson in every setting. Below is a list ofupcoming trainings that you can RSVP to now. Additional trainings will beadded in the coming weeks. If your city is not listed and you would like toorganize a speaker training, contact tobias@eqfl.org. ~~~
Naples - July 19
Greater Orlando - July 20
Pensacola - July 21
Panama City - July 20
Jacksonville - July 26
Broward Co. - July 29
Pinellas Co. - August 2
Coming Soon! Hillsborough County - Brevard County -Volusia County - SarasotaVisit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://ga4.org/Equalityflorida/events/broward_speakertraining/details.tcl
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From GLCCSF - Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.glccsf.org/
-New Women's Group Announced at GLCC
Lavender Events is for women by women.
Wilton Manors, FL, July 9, 2008 - The Gay and Lesbian Community Center ofSouth Florida (GLCC) is pleased to present Lavender Events, the women'sgroup formerly known as WomenNet. We are excited to announce that LavenderEvents will be sponsoring several fun-filled networking activities forwomen, by women, in our community! In addition to presenting the FREEWomen's Financial Forum at the GLCC on Monday, July 14 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm,Lavender Events will be a sponsor of "Gender Bender Bingo" on Saturday,August 9 at 7:00 pm at the GLCC. Also being planned is a women's dance to beheld at the GLCC on Saturday, August 30th from 8:00 pm to midnight. Otherevents that are currently being planned include a Breast Cancer AwarenessEvent in October, a Lesbian Family Forum in November and a Bunco Party & ToyDrive for December. If you are interested in helping with the planning ofone of these events please contact Janet Vargas at jvargas@glccsf.org or954-463-9005.
=
Tonight! Special Offer to see Leslie Jordan @ Parker Playhouse
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Parker Playhouse hasgenerously offered ArtsUnited members a special ticket price of $37.50 tosee Leslie Jordan at the Parker Playhouse tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 9,2008, at 8pm. This is $10.00 off the regular price level B tickets. One ofAmerica's fastest rising stars will be bringing his highly anticipated newstage show My Trip Down the Pink Carpet starring iconic funny man LeslieJordan to the Parker Playhouse. Written and adapted for the stage by Jordanhimself, the latest one man laugh fest from the diminutive star of stage,screen and television will traverse the entire North American continent withfresh, heartfelt autobiographical material that promises to run the gamutfrom A (Amazing) to Z (Zany). This is a special offer to friends and members of ArtsUnited and is not applicable to previously purchased tickets. Tickets can only be purchased by calling the Box Office at (954) 462-0222 or at the Parker Playhouse box office window from 12:00pm - 5:00pm, and using the promotional code word "PINK". Don't miss this chance to see one of America's great gay comedians!
For more information about the show. Visit
http://www.browardcenter.org/lesliejordan/
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles
-Fort Lauderdale wants refund on flubbed fireworks display
By Brittany Wallman
The city's $80,250 fireworks display fizzled mid-show on the Fourth of July,after a misfire disabled a computer controlling the launches, city officialssaid. That burned up city officials, who said taxpayers didn't get theirmoney's worth. In May, the city gave a $40,125 deposit to Zambelli FireworksInternationale. Now they say they shouldn't have to pay the full amount. This is the second year in a row Fort Lauderdale's spectators were robbed ofthe finale. Last year's problem was traced to electrical wiring. A differentcompany put on that $40,000 production.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbfizzle0709sbjul09,0,3808303.story
-Bertha could strengthen as it heads toward Bermuda
As of about 5 a.m. Wednesday, the center of the storm was about 560 milesnortheast of the northern Leeward Islands and about 790 miles southeast ofBermuda.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane/sfl-hurricane-bertha,0,4301754.story
-75% of Broward schools earn A's or B's on progress report
Coral Glades High School was largely empty Tuesday, with students andteachers off until August, but that didn't stop the gathered few summerstaff from celebrating the school's first A in the state's student progressreport. "It's me, my office manager, the data processor and thecustodians," said Coral Glades Principal David Jones, whose school receiveda C last year. "But I can make a lot of noise."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbgrades0709sbjul09,0,6644725.story
-Health Care for America Now ads promote universal health insurance
Health Care for America Now ads urge universal, affordable coverage. Inthree South Florida cities and nationally, a coalition of unions and socialinterest groups kicked off a $40 million campaign Tuesday to push foruniversal and affordable health insurance.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-flrxad0709sbjul09,0,1144287.story
-Voting league sharpening its battle ax
The commonly held image of the League of Women Voters - and please forgiveus for any unintended ageism or sexism here - seems to have been that of agroup of genteel elderly ladies, properly sipping tea while stuffingcandidate questionnaires into envelopes and politely urging their neighborsto do their patriotic duty. Granny in the old Warner Bros. Tweety Birdcartoons with, perhaps, a neatly crocheted flag pin on her cardigan, mighthave been a typical member.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-womenvoters07forumpnjul07,0,2876027.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-American to trim jobs, flights at Fort Lauderdale
American Airlines is eliminating 79 jobs at Fort Lauderdale-HollywoodInternational Airport and will trim some flights to Puerto Rico and Nassauand its only service to Los Angeles.
http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/598073.html
-State must not abandon foster teen
The plight of a disabled foster-care teenager in Central Florida is redolentof the ills of the state's welfare system. As an infant, the now 15-year-oldboy was taken from his crack-addicted mother and placed with relatives.There he stayed until a year ago, when they were no longer able to care forhim. The boy is in the advanced stages of liver disease and needs atransplant. He is developmentally disabled and has behavior problems.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/598212.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Nelson or Wexler for Veep? What are the odds?
Will Sen. Barack Obama be calling Sen. Bill Nelson or Rep. Robert Wexler tobe his runningmate? According to FiveThirtyEight.com, an independentwebsite that tracks polls, Wexler has an 80-1 chance of being thepresumptive Democratic nominee's VP, while Nelson was close behind with a100-1 chance.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/floridapolitics/entries/2008/07/08/nelson_or_wexler_for_veep_what.html?cxntfid=blogs_q_florida_politics
-A Decade Of School Grades Show Accountability Movement Delivers
It has been a decade since Florida started the controversial practice ofgrading schools and Tuesday's release of school grades from the FloridaDepartment of Education added a celebratory note to the milestone. Theresults indicate that school accountability is doing just what it wasintended to do: revealing what progress is - and is not occurring - in ourschools.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/09/na-a-decade-of-school-grades-show-accountability-m/?news-opinion-editorials
-Another crack in Florida's once-universal opposition to offshore drilling
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez stood next to a Texas colleague this morning andcalled for more drilling off the nation's coasts. Not too long ago, he andU.S. Sen. Bill Nelson were fighting off efforts led by other Gulf Coastlawmakers to allow drilling off Florida's coasts.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2008/07/another_crack_in_floridas_once-universal_opposition_to_offshore_drilling.html
-Our view: Going solar
UCF grant will boost efforts to increase solar use and end U.S. oiladdiction
In a futuristic building in Cocoa scientists are playing with the sun.Specifically, they're searching for ways to increase the residential,commercial and industrial uses of solar power to help end the nation'saddiction to the soaring cost of foreign oil and stem global warming.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/OPINION/807090312/1004/capitolnews
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Two gay candidates in Fort Lauderdale mayor's race
It would be ironic, but if a gay candidate wins the mayor's post in FortLauderdale next spring, city residents would have Mayor Jim Naugle to thank.A second openly gay candidate filed to run for Fort Lauderdale mayor thisweek, citing Naugle's comments last year as inspiration. Political newcomerEarl Rynerson, owner of a tile store, joins former City Commissioner DeanTrantalis as an openly gay mayoral hopeful. Rynerson said he wants to polishthe city's image, which he said was tarnished by Naugle. Naugle last summeruttered a quote that was heard across gay America: "I use the wordhomosexual. Most of them aren't gay; they're unhappy." That and the mayor'ssubsequent comments, including his allegation that gay men have sex inpublic restrooms, touched off a culture war of sorts in Fort Lauderdale.Naugle spoke out about "safe parks" with bathrooms free of sex. Gayresidents, and their heterosexual supporters, held a "Flush Naugle" rallyand protested Naugle's seeming intolerance. The mayor's comments alsoinspired former city commissioner Trantalis to run for mayor. Trantalisfiled his paperwork in June. Naugle has held the office since 1991 butbecause of term limits cannot run again. City elections are in February andMarch next year. Also running for mayor are City Commissioner CindiHutchinson, State Rep. Jack Seiler and criminal defense attorney SteveRossi. Hutchinson, who said she is "from the heterosexual community," alsomentioned Naugle's comments when she announced her candidacy last November.She promised to be "inclusive" and "mayor for all of Fort Lauderdale."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbgaymayor0709sbjul09,0,6671226.story
=
Wilton Manors: Congregation Etz Chaim Moves Friday Night Services to 8 p.m.
The Board of Congregation Etz Chaim (CEC) approved a motion to move theSynagogue's Friday Night Services to 8 p.m. The change will take effect onAugust 1. This move does not apply to CECs monthly "early" Services, whichwill remain at 7 p.m. on the third Fridays of each month.
=
Victory in Miami
It's unbelievable to imagine: Florida has never elected an openly gaylegislator. However, now we have an opportunity to make history! When youcome out to help support Mark LaFontaine in his bid for the state House ofRepresentatives, you will help the Florida LGBT community securerepresentation in the state legislature.
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: At the home of Joseph L. Falk
1770 Micanopy Avenue , Miami , FL 33133
Sponsorship Levels: $100 Individual Ticket - $250 Host - $500 SponsorHelp send Mark to Tallahassee and give Florida its first openly LGBT statelegislator!
http://www.victoryfund.org/slate/view/id:11
=
Are you ready to speak out? Vote No on Amendment #2!
You know how important it is to Vote No on Amendment #2, but do yourfriends, family, coworkers and classmates? Does your local senior centerknow how Amendment #2 could strip away essential benefits from all unmarriedcouples in Florida? Have you asked your local teachers' union to join you inthis fight? Election Day is November 4th. That means there are only 117 daysleft to convince Florida's voters to oppose Amendment #2, the deceptive"marriage protection" amendment. Your Voice Makes A Difference! TheFairness for All Families Coalition has created a Vote No On 2 Speaker'sBureau. Equality Florida, ACLU of Florida, Florida Association of PlannedParenthood Affiliates are among the 240 coalition members that have teamedup to bring a Speaker's Training to your town. Trainings will be heldthroughout the state to make sure that you have the tools necessary toeducate voters in your community about the harm posed by Amendment 2. Reachout to your circle of friends. Present to your organizations. Educate votersduring the August primary. The speaker's training will prepare you to be aneffective VoteNOon2 spokesperson in every setting. Below is a list ofupcoming trainings that you can RSVP to now. Additional trainings will beadded in the coming weeks. If your city is not listed and you would like toorganize a speaker training, contact tobias@eqfl.org. ~~~
Naples - July 19
Greater Orlando - July 20
Pensacola - July 21
Panama City - July 20
Jacksonville - July 26
Broward Co. - July 29
Pinellas Co. - August 2
Coming Soon! Hillsborough County - Brevard County -Volusia County - SarasotaVisit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://ga4.org/Equalityflorida/events/broward_speakertraining/details.tcl
=
From GLCCSF - Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.glccsf.org/
-New Women's Group Announced at GLCC
Lavender Events is for women by women.
Wilton Manors, FL, July 9, 2008 - The Gay and Lesbian Community Center ofSouth Florida (GLCC) is pleased to present Lavender Events, the women'sgroup formerly known as WomenNet. We are excited to announce that LavenderEvents will be sponsoring several fun-filled networking activities forwomen, by women, in our community! In addition to presenting the FREEWomen's Financial Forum at the GLCC on Monday, July 14 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm,Lavender Events will be a sponsor of "Gender Bender Bingo" on Saturday,August 9 at 7:00 pm at the GLCC. Also being planned is a women's dance to beheld at the GLCC on Saturday, August 30th from 8:00 pm to midnight. Otherevents that are currently being planned include a Breast Cancer AwarenessEvent in October, a Lesbian Family Forum in November and a Bunco Party & ToyDrive for December. If you are interested in helping with the planning ofone of these events please contact Janet Vargas at jvargas@glccsf.org or954-463-9005.
=
Tonight! Special Offer to see Leslie Jordan @ Parker Playhouse
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Parker Playhouse hasgenerously offered ArtsUnited members a special ticket price of $37.50 tosee Leslie Jordan at the Parker Playhouse tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 9,2008, at 8pm. This is $10.00 off the regular price level B tickets. One ofAmerica's fastest rising stars will be bringing his highly anticipated newstage show My Trip Down the Pink Carpet starring iconic funny man LeslieJordan to the Parker Playhouse. Written and adapted for the stage by Jordanhimself, the latest one man laugh fest from the diminutive star of stage,screen and television will traverse the entire North American continent withfresh, heartfelt autobiographical material that promises to run the gamutfrom A (Amazing) to Z (Zany). This is a special offer to friends and members of ArtsUnited and is not applicable to previously purchased tickets. Tickets can only be purchased by calling the Box Office at (954) 462-0222 or at the Parker Playhouse box office window from 12:00pm - 5:00pm, and using the promotional code word "PINK". Don't miss this chance to see one of America's great gay comedians!
For more information about the show. Visit
http://www.browardcenter.org/lesliejordan/
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles
-Fort Lauderdale wants refund on flubbed fireworks display
By Brittany Wallman
The city's $80,250 fireworks display fizzled mid-show on the Fourth of July,after a misfire disabled a computer controlling the launches, city officialssaid. That burned up city officials, who said taxpayers didn't get theirmoney's worth. In May, the city gave a $40,125 deposit to Zambelli FireworksInternationale. Now they say they shouldn't have to pay the full amount. This is the second year in a row Fort Lauderdale's spectators were robbed ofthe finale. Last year's problem was traced to electrical wiring. A differentcompany put on that $40,000 production.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbfizzle0709sbjul09,0,3808303.story
-Bertha could strengthen as it heads toward Bermuda
As of about 5 a.m. Wednesday, the center of the storm was about 560 milesnortheast of the northern Leeward Islands and about 790 miles southeast ofBermuda.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane/sfl-hurricane-bertha,0,4301754.story
-75% of Broward schools earn A's or B's on progress report
Coral Glades High School was largely empty Tuesday, with students andteachers off until August, but that didn't stop the gathered few summerstaff from celebrating the school's first A in the state's student progressreport. "It's me, my office manager, the data processor and thecustodians," said Coral Glades Principal David Jones, whose school receiveda C last year. "But I can make a lot of noise."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbgrades0709sbjul09,0,6644725.story
-Health Care for America Now ads promote universal health insurance
Health Care for America Now ads urge universal, affordable coverage. Inthree South Florida cities and nationally, a coalition of unions and socialinterest groups kicked off a $40 million campaign Tuesday to push foruniversal and affordable health insurance.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-flrxad0709sbjul09,0,1144287.story
-Voting league sharpening its battle ax
The commonly held image of the League of Women Voters - and please forgiveus for any unintended ageism or sexism here - seems to have been that of agroup of genteel elderly ladies, properly sipping tea while stuffingcandidate questionnaires into envelopes and politely urging their neighborsto do their patriotic duty. Granny in the old Warner Bros. Tweety Birdcartoons with, perhaps, a neatly crocheted flag pin on her cardigan, mighthave been a typical member.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-womenvoters07forumpnjul07,0,2876027.story
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-American to trim jobs, flights at Fort Lauderdale
American Airlines is eliminating 79 jobs at Fort Lauderdale-HollywoodInternational Airport and will trim some flights to Puerto Rico and Nassauand its only service to Los Angeles.
http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/598073.html
-State must not abandon foster teen
The plight of a disabled foster-care teenager in Central Florida is redolentof the ills of the state's welfare system. As an infant, the now 15-year-oldboy was taken from his crack-addicted mother and placed with relatives.There he stayed until a year ago, when they were no longer able to care forhim. The boy is in the advanced stages of liver disease and needs atransplant. He is developmentally disabled and has behavior problems.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/598212.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Nelson or Wexler for Veep? What are the odds?
Will Sen. Barack Obama be calling Sen. Bill Nelson or Rep. Robert Wexler tobe his runningmate? According to FiveThirtyEight.com, an independentwebsite that tracks polls, Wexler has an 80-1 chance of being thepresumptive Democratic nominee's VP, while Nelson was close behind with a100-1 chance.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/floridapolitics/entries/2008/07/08/nelson_or_wexler_for_veep_what.html?cxntfid=blogs_q_florida_politics
-A Decade Of School Grades Show Accountability Movement Delivers
It has been a decade since Florida started the controversial practice ofgrading schools and Tuesday's release of school grades from the FloridaDepartment of Education added a celebratory note to the milestone. Theresults indicate that school accountability is doing just what it wasintended to do: revealing what progress is - and is not occurring - in ourschools.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/09/na-a-decade-of-school-grades-show-accountability-m/?news-opinion-editorials
-Another crack in Florida's once-universal opposition to offshore drilling
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez stood next to a Texas colleague this morning andcalled for more drilling off the nation's coasts. Not too long ago, he andU.S. Sen. Bill Nelson were fighting off efforts led by other Gulf Coastlawmakers to allow drilling off Florida's coasts.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2008/07/another_crack_in_floridas_once-universal_opposition_to_offshore_drilling.html
-Our view: Going solar
UCF grant will boost efforts to increase solar use and end U.S. oiladdiction
In a futuristic building in Cocoa scientists are playing with the sun.Specifically, they're searching for ways to increase the residential,commercial and industrial uses of solar power to help end the nation'saddiction to the soaring cost of foreign oil and stem global warming.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/OPINION/807090312/1004/capitolnews
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
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Tuesday, July 08, 2008
GLBT DIGEST - July 08, 2008
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fake Ark. bouts showing men kissing draw suspicion
Crowds in Arkansas came for the lure of cage fighting and $1 beer, butpolice say what they got instead was men ripping each others' clothes offand kissing -- a stunt suspected of being orchestrated by Sacha Baron Cohenof ''Borat'' fame. ''We had a contract for cage fighting. We weredeceived,'' said Dwight Duncan, president and CEO of Four States FairGrounds in Texarkana, where the first of two Arkansas fights raisedsuspicions last month.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Faked-Fight-Nights.html?scp=9&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Church of England split on women bishops
The Church of England's ruling body has voted its support for women tobecome bishops without giving traditionalist supporters of male-onlypriesthood the concessions they had sought. One bishop broke down in tearsat the meeting of senior British church leaders Monday in York, northernEngland, as he described his distress at the church's lack of willingness toaccommodate traditionalists who have threatened to leave if they felt theywere not adequately protected.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Britain-Women-Bishops.html?scp=6&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Study: Military gays don't undermine unit cohesion
Congress should repeal the ''don't ask, don't tell'' law because thepresence of gays in the military is unlikely to undermine the ability tofight and win, according to a new study released by a California-basedresearch center. The study was conducted by four retired military officers,including the three-star Air Force lieutenant general who in early 1993 wastasked with implementing President Clinton's policy that the military stopquestioning recruits on their sexual orientation.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/washington/AP-Military-Gays.html?scp=7&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Ted Koppel Tours a China Brimming With Dreams and Consumerism
Interviewing millionaires and peasants, drag queens and students as he tours nightclubs, classrooms, factories and upscale malls, Ted Koppel takesviewers beyond the oft-seen China in "Koppel on Discovery: The People'sRepublic of Capitalism," an ambitious four-part series that begins Wednesdaynight on the Discovery Channel. The series, which depicts the complexitiesof an emerging capitalist economy tethered to an authoritarian government,vividly demonstrates the interdependence of the economies of China and theUnited States.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/arts/television/08kopp.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Study: Military gays don't undermine unit cohesion
Congress should repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" law because the presenceof gays in the military is unlikely to undermine the ability to fight andwin, according to a new study released by a California-based researchcenter. The study was conducted by four retired military officers,including the three-star Air Force lieutenant general who in early 1993 wastasked with implementing President Clinton's policy that the military stopquestioning recruits on their sexual orientation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070800350.html
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Okeechobee Gay-Straight Alliance wants to meet on school grounds this year
The Gay-Straight Alliance wants to be able to meet on campus when the newschool year begins in August at Okeechobee High School, according to courtpapers filed Monday. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federallawsuit in November 2006 on behalf of the club, which was denied the rightto meet at the school. A judge initially approved an injunction allowing thegroup to meet while the lawsuit is pending, but the injunction was dissolvedafter the ACLU said the club had no more members.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Anglicans Embroiled In New Controversy
(London) The Church of England's ruling body voted its support Monday forwomen to become bishops, a move that risks further division because itlacked accommodation for traditionalists opposed to the idea.
-New Guide Offers Support To Parents Of Trans Youth
(Toronto, Ontario) To the outside world, Jamie was male. On the inside, itwas a different story.
-Heir's Adoption Of Lesbian Lover Annulled In Maine
An adult adoption involving lesbian partners and a claim on one of America'spremier business fortunes has been annulled.
-Study: Military Gays Do Not Undermine Unit Cohesion
Congress should repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy because thepresence of gays in the military is unlikely to undermine the ability tofight and win, according to a new study released by a California-basedresearch center.
-London Marks Anniversary Of Terrorist Attack
(London) Londoners marked the third anniversary Monday of suicide bombattacks that killed 52 bus and subway passengers.
-Gay Foes See Red Over Pink Golden Arches
The American Family Association is taking on the nation's largest fast foodchain calling on its members to boycott McDonald's over the company'ssupport for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Task force set to cut same-sex domestic violence
Plans to create a subcommittee aimed at reducing incidents of domesticviolence among same-sex couples were approved today by a Los Angeles CityCouncil committee. The City Council still must approve setting up thesubcommittee, which will be overseen by the city's Domestic Violence TaskForce. If approved, members of the subcommittee also would be charged withreviewing how laws are enforced in domestic violence cases involvingsame-sex partners.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_9808595?source=rss
-McCain, Obama oppose gay marriages, but how to ban them is the issue
With four months to go until the election, msnbc.com is presenting a weeklyseries, Briefing Book: Issues '08 which will assess issues and controversiesthat the next president must confront once he takes the oath of office.This week, we look at the courts and marriage. Can same-sex couples marry?Is such a right is guaranteed by state constitutions and by the UnitedStates Constitution?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25555532/
-What the Pregnant Man didn't deliver
Thomas Beatie brought us a media circus and late-night punch lines. Butthere's something missing, say some transgender advocates -- more respect.By the time Thomas Beatie, "the Pregnant Man," strode across Oprah Winfrey'sstage on April 3, his story had already become a worldwide phenomenon.Beatie -- a transgendered man who was born a woman and became pregnantthrough artificial insemination -- had captured headlines, and worldwideattention, in the preceding weeks. On the show, Oprah clutched Beatie'sbelly like a touchy aunt and asked him nosy questions about his family, hissex life and the appearance of his clitoris. ("It looks like a penis," heanswered, uncomfortably.)
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/07/03/pregnant_man/index.html?source=newsletter
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Sci-fi Writer Thomas Disch Commits Suicide
Science fiction writer and poet Thomas Disch has committed suicide. Dischdied July 4 and his body was discovered July 5, according to the New YorkCity Police Department. He was 68. The author of popular sci-fi novels CampConcentration and 334, Disch had been openly gay since 1968. Following the2004 death of his partner, poet Charles Naylor, Disch reportedly begansuffering from depression.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57207.asp
-No Homo: The NFL Joke of Choice
Professional sports locker rooms are one of the last bastions for gay humor.That's because there's never been any gay athletes. So, you see, the veryidea of anyone being gay is always funny. Which brings me to the first bigscoop of my illustrious Deadspin career: The phrase "No Homo" has taken overNFL locker rooms. It's everywhere, on every single team, the NFL equivalentof the late 90's Macarena dance. No Homo owes its popularity to theremarkably varied and infinitely complicated nature of its use. Or theopposite. One or the other. It's applied thusly: LenDale White says toVince Young: "Vince, you've got great nips. No homo."
http://deadspin.com/5022396/no-homo-the-nfl-joke-of-choice
-McCain hires another senior gay staffer, one week after he promisesreligious right to be more anti-gay
The Gay-Talk Express strikes again. John McCain needs to decide who hewants to be. Two weeks ago, McCain met with gay Republican leaders (peoplehis staff had met with repeatedly before). After the religious right flippedout, McCain then met with virulently anti-gay religious right leaders, andpromised those leaders that he would be more vocally anti-gay in public inthe future. Then one week after that, McCain outfoxed those same religiousright leaders by hiring a gay man to one of the most senior positions in hiscampaign.
http://www.americablog.com/2008/07/mccain-hires-another-senior-gay-staffer.html
-Obama's Faith-Based Program Meets With Skepticism
Senator Obama's pledge to spend $500 million to expand religions' socialservices for people in need is a tough sell to many LGBT activists, even assome lean toward cautious optimism.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid57267.asp
-Anglican Archbishop Rebukes "Ungracious" Criticism of Archbishop ofCanterbury
The archbishop of York on Saturday rebuked some Anglican traditionalists forwhat he calls ungracious behavior toward Archbishop of Canterbury RowanWilliams.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57262.asp
-Heir's Adoption of Lesbian Lover Annulled in Maine
An adult adoption involving lesbian partners and a claim on one of America'spremier business fortunes has been annulled. At issue is whether it waslegal for a judge in Maine to allow Olive Watson to adopt Patricia Spado in1991. Watson's father was Thomas Watson, who built IBM into a computergiant.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57260.asp
-The Story Thus Far...
David Sedaris opens up about embarrassing hairs, gay marriage, and whetheror not he's gay enough
Is there anything left to know about David Sedaris? After all, the man hasopened up in many a personal essay. What else is there to learn about theunabashed National Public Radio contributor and best-selling author of Nakedand Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim? Plenty. In fact, when we caughtup with Sedaris -- currently on a cross-country book tour for his latestwork When You Are Engulfed in Flames -- we got an earful.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid57258.asp
-Testimony Heard in Machete Attack on Gay Bermuda Man
A jury in Bermuda heard testimony last week concerning an alleged antigayhate crime that left one man with fractured facial bones and a two-inch gashover his eye, the Bermuda Sun reports. According to medical evidencepresented Thursday in the island nation's supreme court, the victim, ShawnNusum, had his cheek and jaw broken in the machete assault, while his nosewas fractured and his ability to raise the injured eyebrow impaired.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57243.asp
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Campaign Warns Gay Community of Crystal Meth Danger
An aggressive new campaign seeks to educate Capital Region residents - andgays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people, in particular - aboutthe dangers of crystal meth. A new website, www.crystalfree.org, providesinformation on crystal meth and where to seek treatment for an addiction.Billboards on the campaign were displayed for over a month in Albany, Troy,Schenectady, Montgomery and Saratoga counties, and another round isscheduled to go up in late July. Advertisements have also run in localnewspapers, and a brochure on the risks of crystal meth has been created.
-HIV Clinic in South Los Angeles Sees More Teenagers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a worrisome reportlate last month on a jump in newly diagnosed HIV cases among young gay men.From 2001 to 2006, such cases among all gay males ages 13 to 24 rose by 12%,which was ominous enough. But the steepest increase was among young gayblacks -- up 15%, compared with 8% for young gay Latinos and 9% for younggay whites.
-No Gay Rights At NYC Rite Aid
Rite Aid simply ain't right. A reader sent in this image from one of thepharmacy's New York City locations (on Sixth Avenue at West 13th Street)and, as you can see, it's not the most welcoming message. This isn't thefirst time Rite-Aid has found itself in a queer controversy. A DC-basedmanager came under fire last year after booting an "overly affectionate" gaycouple. The best part of this sign, we think, is mention of "anything thatwould make our customers uncomfortable is prohibited in the store." Wesuppose manager Tom Marquez didn't consider the gay customers in that one,huh? Someone else must have, because the sign, which appeared around 7am onSunday, was soon removed.
-Lindsay Lohan Comes Out As a Lesbian
According to MTV.CO.UK, actress Lohan has finally come clean about herrelationship with Samantha Ronson... Lindsay Lohan has admitted she's in aromantic relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson after months of speculation.At her 22nd birthday party the Mean Girls actress came clean about tha ladyin her life saying: "I just wanna live a healthy happy year, continue on thepath I've been on and be with the person I care about."
-Minneapolis: Airport Stall May Return to Spotlight
t's a bathroom door the GOP would rather keep closed. Thousands of membersof the international media will have to walk past it when they land at theMinneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for the Republican NationalConvention in St. Paul at the end of the summer. Many will feel obligated tostop and file a story.
-Minister of Equalities Jeered at London's Gay Pride
Harriet Harman MP, government minister of equalities and deputy leader ofthe Labour Party, was booed and heckled as she spoke from the main stage atthe gay Pride London celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Saturday afternoon.Gay Pride organisers came on stage and appealed to the crowd to stop jeeringand listen to what she had to say. But their appeal had limited effect asthe crowd which packed Trafalgar Square expressed their anger at theGovernment's approach to gay men and women who seek refuge in the UK afterfeeling from danger.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-'Charming children's book deals with gay marriage'
Link: McClatchy Newspapers via Centre Daily Times
Summer is wedding season. It seems especially so this year with the flurryof newly legal same-sex marriages. Here's a timely picture book that adds toever-growing diversity in today's children literature. "Uncle Bobby'sWedding," by Sarah S. Brannen, is the tale of a girl and her favorite uncle.Uncle Bobby takes Chloe for walks, for rowboat rides on the river andteaches her about the stars. Life is good until the day Mama throws a familypicnic and Uncle Bobby announces that he and his friend Jamie are gettingmarried. Everyone is excited except Chloe. She tells her mother, "Bobby ismy special uncle. I don't want him to get married."
-Washington Times: 'Gay marriage gives Newsom an edge;
San Francisco mayor eyes governorship'
Link: Washington Times
Four years ago, when San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom began grantingmarriage licenses to same-sex couples, he seemed to put the kibosh on anythought of a statewide political career. After all, that same yearCalifornia voters approved Proposition 22, a defense-of-marriage initiative,by more than 61 percent. A Field Poll taken in May 2004 showed thatCalifornians disapproved of same-sex marriage by a margin of 50 percent to44 percent. Fast forward to 2008, however, and suddenly Mr. Newsom lookspolitically reborn. Mr. Newsom, 40, announced last week the formation of anexploratory committee for a 2010 California gubernatorial run, and politicalstrategists agree that his strong identification with the gay-marriage issueshould help him in the Democratic primary.
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-MEPs demand European Commission action after Pride violence
The European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights has accusedthe Hungarian government of being unable to guarantee the safety of theircitizens and visitors to the country.
-Will Smith movie Hancock criticised for homophobic dialogue
Hancock, the story of a seriously messed up superhero starring Will Smith,took home the top spot at US cinemas last weekend, taking home an estimated$66 million (£33m) for Sony Pictures.
-Court rules Russia's President is immune for gay legal action
Organisers of Moscow's Pride event have been told their complaint againstthe President of Russia will not be considered because he is immune fromlegal action.
-Volunteers needed as Black Pride comes to Regents Park in August
Tickets are now on sale for official UK Black Pride festival (UKBP) thatwill take place on Saturday 16th August in Regents Park, London.
-Sex education leaves lesbians in the dark
More voices are being added to the call for more and better Sex andRelationship Education. The Family Planning Association and Brook, two ofthe UK's leading sexual health charities, recently called for SRE to betaught at a younger age.
-Gay history exhibit at City Hall is a hit with school groups
An exhibition has been set up in London's City Hall that draws attention tothe "shameful way LGBT lives have been neglected in British museums andarchives." has proved popular with all sorts of visitors.
-Photos: Pride was a busy day for Sir Ian McKellen
The man perhaps best-known around the globe as Wizard Gandalf in the Lord ofthe Rings trilogy certainly fulfilled his duties to the gay community atPride London on Saturday.
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Obama on Same-Sex Immigration
Throughout the primary season I was angry that no gay reporter or gay personasked either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama a question about same seximmigration, the issue I care about most. As a result, I decided to takethings into my own hands. I would find a way to personally lobby theDemocratic nominee how important this issue is for me and tens of thousandsof others in the gay community. That opportunity arose tonight in Atlanta atan Obama fundraiser. I attended the Obama VIP reception which entailed aphoto with Barack and maybe the possibility of 10 seconds chat time whilethe photo was being taken. I consulted Rachel Tiven of Immigration Equalityfor her suggestion as to what the best 10 second bite would be. Shesuggested to be as emotional as possible and gave me, "I have to choosebetween the love of my life and my country because I am gay. Please supportimmigration rights for gay and lesbian families."
-Dubai Police Target Indecent Acts on Beaches
Dubai Police have formed an undercover unit to combat homosexual andindecent activity on the emirate's public beaches, a recent press reportsaid. An unnamed official at Dubai Police's Criminal InvestigationDepartment told UAE daily Al-Emarat al-Youm that police officers in civilianclothing are patrolling local beaches after complaints from the public ofindecent behavior, especially at night time. He encouraged the public toreport any activity they find offensive. According to Dubai governmentstatistics, out of 2.97 million beach visitors last year, 641 people werecaught engaging in indecent acts. There were also seven cases of alcoholconsumption, five cases of alcohol possession, and five attempted robberies.
-PCUSA Gay Clergy Decision Changes Nothing, Scholar Says Church Executive
While supporters of gay ordination say a recent vote by the highestgoverning body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) gives the green light forgay clergy, one professor is arguing that the decision changes nothing. Ina soon-to-be published analysis, Dr. Robert A. J. Gagnon, associateprofessor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, said hebelieves there is a "reasonable possibility" that the actions by the 218thGeneral Assembly of the PC(USA) last weekend in favor of homosexuality "willhave no material effect on changing the denomination's stance againstordaining, unrepentant, homosexually active persons to church office."During the biennial meeting in San Jose, Calif., the Assembly on June 27approved an "authoritative interpretation" (A.I.) of the churchconstitution - which currently bans ordaining non-celibate gays andlesbians. The vote would allow gay and lesbian candidates for ordination toconscientiously object the current standard requiring fidelity in marriage(between a man and a woman) and chastity in singleness. And the localordaining body would be required to discern whether the declared objectionis disqualifying and consider such requests on a case-by-case basis. Anauthoritative interpretation does not change the church constitution and isthus effective immediately. Gay advocates in the denomination praised thedecision and some believe gays and lesbians can be ordained now. Gagnon,however, has reason to believe otherwise.
-Could Nunn's Gay Rights Record be an Asset to Obama?
The New York Times has posted a fairly comprehensive guide to theVeepstakes. They may have put this on their site a while back, but today isthe first time I saw it, and I think part of their assessment of Sam Nunn isworth discussing: Mr. Nunn was known for the most part as a conservativeDemocrat, and he led a high-profile fight against Bill Clinton's effort toallow homosexuals to serve openly in the military. Mr. Obama would certainlyencounter some heat from his supporters if he turned to Mr. Nunn.The Timesis hardly the first outlet to raise the issue of Nunn's record on gays inthe military and it's hardly a stretch to say this record doesn't sit wellwith gay rights activists and much of the party's base. But this is lookingat the issue the wrong way. On the whole, Nunn's resistance to gays in themilitary - 15 years ago, it ought to be noted - would be a plus for anObama-led ticket, not a minus. Obama, unlike John McCain, doesn't reallyhave a problem with his base in this election. Yes, a smattering of Hillarydiehards will hold out until the very end, but Obama's real challenge is tooffer reassurance to voters in the center and slightly to the right of thecenter of the political spectrum - the folks who couldn't bring themselvesto vote for Al Gore or John Kerry.
-Churches' Secret Talks to Stop Gay Surge
The Church of England has refused to deny that its most senior bishops heldsecret discussions with their Vatican counterparts this weekend in anhistoric union to topple the controversial Anglican push to admit gay unionsand the ordination of women bishops. In an unprecedented turn of events, ahandful of Pope Benedict XVI's most trusted advisers are believed to havemet senior Anglican Bishops in York over the weekend to build closerinter-church ties - and to stymie the liberalisation of significanttraditions. The meetings, reported by Anglican websites and London'sTelegraph , suggest that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams,was not informed of the talks.
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Score One for the NGOs
From the Brookings Institution
The Bush Administration and other critics of the United Nations' HumanRights Council are quick to decry every slight setback in Geneva or New Yorkas proof that the entire organization should fold up and go home. Sincethat won't happen, the U.S. State Department has decided to abandon thefield to its adversaries. But while the Bush Administration remains missingin action, another story is unfolding -- one that shows the growinginfluence of the global human rights movement and its ability to strengthenthe U.N. Human Rights Council. Six months ago, it seemed inevitable thatEgypt would take over the presidency of the Human Rights Council, the UnitedNations' main forum for monitoring state behavior on human rights. Africa'sturn at the rotating presidency was coming up, and no country had expressedany willingness to stand against Egypt, the Africa group chair. Last week,however, it was Nigeria, not Egypt, that was elected to the presidency,marking a major victory for human rights organizations in Africa and aroundthe world. Nigeria is far from perfect as a council president, but it iscertainly better than Egypt.
-Belfast Pride: Amnesty welcomes Peter Tatchell to Belfast to shine light onhomophobia
On Monday 28 July Amnesty International members will welcome well-known gayrights activist Peter Tatchell to Belfast to deliver the AmnestyInternational Pride Lecture as part of the city's gay pride festival. Hewill also join in a panel discussion, Pride Talks Back, following theAmnesty lecture. The human rights organisation is drawing attention to howlesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experience homophobia anddiscrimination in different parts of the world.
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=17814
-Native Portlander recounts experiences at Turkey's anti-homophobia march
As the Portland waterfront becomes a tribute to taking pride in being partof a sexual or gender minority, could we be taking our freedoms for granted?While thousands gather to watch a parade and lend visibility to the fightfor marriage and equal treatment under the law, queers in other corners ofthe world, like Turkey, fight simply to exist. Chaos Gay Lesbian-a queernongovernmental organization in Ankara, Turkey-held its annual internationalanti-homophobia conference May 16. Much like Portland Pride, the conferenceis a place to celebrate sexualities, march in the street, have politicaldiscussions about gay rights and party. But imagine a Pride parade with nomusic, no leather, no chaps, nor feathers nor wands nor whips, no Dykes onBikes, no mayors, no children, no commercial advertising. In this city witha population of 4 million, 100 people march with the passion of a thousand. Turkey's queer community is facing "systematic violence," according to HumanRights Watch. The structural oppression that sexual minority organizationsare experiencing can be observed through the actions taken by the governorof Istanbul.
http://www.justout.com/archives/issues/06_13_08/
-Dusseldorf: Gender Warrior Wins Case Against Surgeon
A 48-year-old woman who was forced to live much of her life as a man won adamages lawsuit in a 30-year-old medical case that promised to set aprecedent for intergender activists. Christiane Völling, who works as anurse in Düsseldorf, sued the doctor who removed her fully intact femaleinternal organs 30 years ago, when she was 18 years old. She sought 100,000euros ($148,000) in damages for pain and suffering, claiming the surgeonfailed to inform her about the full extent of the consequences of theoperation or about possible alternatives. The court decided in Völling'sfavor, although the amount the surgeon will have to pay will be decided in afuture trial.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3111505,00.html
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-OAS Adopts Resolution to Protect Sexual Rights
States Condemn Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
(New York, June 6, 2008) - The General Assembly of the Organization ofAmerican States (OAS) has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning humanrights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, taking acrucial step to end the silence around violence against lesbian, gay,bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Americas, Human Rights Watchsaid today. Human Rights Watch called on OAS member governments to ensurethat the resolution is implemented in their countries, and to continue theirsupport for sexual rights internationally. "This resolution is a bold firststep toward ending violence and discrimination," said Scott Long, directorof the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program at HumanRights Watch.
-Our Government: Powerless to Outlaw Guns, Able to Outlaw Sexual Expression
By Dr. Marty Klein, Sexual Intelligence
The Supreme Court recently ruled that the government has virtually no rightto regulate guns in Washington, D.C. You may also have read about yetanother obscenity bust in Florida, which ended in a deal that puts morepeople in jail for selling videos of adults having (consensual,enthusiastic) sex with adults. If you expect logic from America about sex,the juxtaposition is bewildering. If you're more realistic, it's simplyenraging. Our Constitution says (2nd Amendment) that "A well regulatedMilitia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of thepeople to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." Our Constitution alsosays (1st Amendment) that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging thefreedom of speech, or of the press." To put it simply, Americans can ownguns, and Americans can express themselves as they wish. So if thegovernment can't restrict the first, why is it allowed to restrict thesecond? Oh, for a similar decision affirming our unrestricted right to freeexpression! The right to watch what we want on TV without FCC interference;to buy adult porn without FBI or Andy-of-Mayberry sheriffs bustingproducers; to see strippers close up and nude without county ordinancesrequiring tape measures and pasties; to enjoy swingers clubs without citycouncils closing them by inventing health emergencies out of thin air.
http://www.alternet.org/story/90252/
-Plans to clear undergrowth from gay sex spot branded discriminatory
A council has been accused of discriminating against homosexuals over plansto clear undergrowth from a notorious gay cruising spot. Bristol CityCouncil wants to prune bushes and remove cover from an area known as theDowns to improve the landscape and encourage rare wildlife. But its own gayrights group has opposed the move, claiming that cutting back the bushes was"discriminating" to homosexual men who used the area for late night outdoorsex known as dogging.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2263277/Plans-to-clear-undergrowth-from-gay-sex-spot-branded-discriminatory.html
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Forwarded by Bill Sterling
whsterling1@yahoo.com
-Outfest celebrates 26 years. What hasn't changed?
In its 26th year, the gay and lesbian film festival reflects the community'sincreased integration. Now: What hasn't changed? Filmmaker Stewart Wade hasbeen attending Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festivalhe was akid growing up in Woodland Hills and Agoura Hills. Seeing movies that "spoketo my life so clearly," like the seminal 1986 AIDS drama "Parting Glances"with Steve Buscemi, inspired him to make movies himself.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-outfest8-2008jul08,0,542828.story
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Mark's List Presents over 1,000 photos of LGBT Pride events in Florida.
Nobody covers the Sunshine State like Mark's List!
http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/MSFL/2008/052908.htm
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fake Ark. bouts showing men kissing draw suspicion
Crowds in Arkansas came for the lure of cage fighting and $1 beer, butpolice say what they got instead was men ripping each others' clothes offand kissing -- a stunt suspected of being orchestrated by Sacha Baron Cohenof ''Borat'' fame. ''We had a contract for cage fighting. We weredeceived,'' said Dwight Duncan, president and CEO of Four States FairGrounds in Texarkana, where the first of two Arkansas fights raisedsuspicions last month.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Faked-Fight-Nights.html?scp=9&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Church of England split on women bishops
The Church of England's ruling body has voted its support for women tobecome bishops without giving traditionalist supporters of male-onlypriesthood the concessions they had sought. One bishop broke down in tearsat the meeting of senior British church leaders Monday in York, northernEngland, as he described his distress at the church's lack of willingness toaccommodate traditionalists who have threatened to leave if they felt theywere not adequately protected.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Britain-Women-Bishops.html?scp=6&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Study: Military gays don't undermine unit cohesion
Congress should repeal the ''don't ask, don't tell'' law because thepresence of gays in the military is unlikely to undermine the ability tofight and win, according to a new study released by a California-basedresearch center. The study was conducted by four retired military officers,including the three-star Air Force lieutenant general who in early 1993 wastasked with implementing President Clinton's policy that the military stopquestioning recruits on their sexual orientation.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/washington/AP-Military-Gays.html?scp=7&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Ted Koppel Tours a China Brimming With Dreams and Consumerism
Interviewing millionaires and peasants, drag queens and students as he tours nightclubs, classrooms, factories and upscale malls, Ted Koppel takesviewers beyond the oft-seen China in "Koppel on Discovery: The People'sRepublic of Capitalism," an ambitious four-part series that begins Wednesdaynight on the Discovery Channel. The series, which depicts the complexitiesof an emerging capitalist economy tethered to an authoritarian government,vividly demonstrates the interdependence of the economies of China and theUnited States.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/arts/television/08kopp.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Study: Military gays don't undermine unit cohesion
Congress should repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" law because the presenceof gays in the military is unlikely to undermine the ability to fight andwin, according to a new study released by a California-based researchcenter. The study was conducted by four retired military officers,including the three-star Air Force lieutenant general who in early 1993 wastasked with implementing President Clinton's policy that the military stopquestioning recruits on their sexual orientation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070800350.html
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Okeechobee Gay-Straight Alliance wants to meet on school grounds this year
The Gay-Straight Alliance wants to be able to meet on campus when the newschool year begins in August at Okeechobee High School, according to courtpapers filed Monday. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federallawsuit in November 2006 on behalf of the club, which was denied the rightto meet at the school. A judge initially approved an injunction allowing thegroup to meet while the lawsuit is pending, but the injunction was dissolvedafter the ACLU said the club had no more members.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Anglicans Embroiled In New Controversy
(London) The Church of England's ruling body voted its support Monday forwomen to become bishops, a move that risks further division because itlacked accommodation for traditionalists opposed to the idea.
-New Guide Offers Support To Parents Of Trans Youth
(Toronto, Ontario) To the outside world, Jamie was male. On the inside, itwas a different story.
-Heir's Adoption Of Lesbian Lover Annulled In Maine
An adult adoption involving lesbian partners and a claim on one of America'spremier business fortunes has been annulled.
-Study: Military Gays Do Not Undermine Unit Cohesion
Congress should repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy because thepresence of gays in the military is unlikely to undermine the ability tofight and win, according to a new study released by a California-basedresearch center.
-London Marks Anniversary Of Terrorist Attack
(London) Londoners marked the third anniversary Monday of suicide bombattacks that killed 52 bus and subway passengers.
-Gay Foes See Red Over Pink Golden Arches
The American Family Association is taking on the nation's largest fast foodchain calling on its members to boycott McDonald's over the company'ssupport for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Task force set to cut same-sex domestic violence
Plans to create a subcommittee aimed at reducing incidents of domesticviolence among same-sex couples were approved today by a Los Angeles CityCouncil committee. The City Council still must approve setting up thesubcommittee, which will be overseen by the city's Domestic Violence TaskForce. If approved, members of the subcommittee also would be charged withreviewing how laws are enforced in domestic violence cases involvingsame-sex partners.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_9808595?source=rss
-McCain, Obama oppose gay marriages, but how to ban them is the issue
With four months to go until the election, msnbc.com is presenting a weeklyseries, Briefing Book: Issues '08 which will assess issues and controversiesthat the next president must confront once he takes the oath of office.This week, we look at the courts and marriage. Can same-sex couples marry?Is such a right is guaranteed by state constitutions and by the UnitedStates Constitution?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25555532/
-What the Pregnant Man didn't deliver
Thomas Beatie brought us a media circus and late-night punch lines. Butthere's something missing, say some transgender advocates -- more respect.By the time Thomas Beatie, "the Pregnant Man," strode across Oprah Winfrey'sstage on April 3, his story had already become a worldwide phenomenon.Beatie -- a transgendered man who was born a woman and became pregnantthrough artificial insemination -- had captured headlines, and worldwideattention, in the preceding weeks. On the show, Oprah clutched Beatie'sbelly like a touchy aunt and asked him nosy questions about his family, hissex life and the appearance of his clitoris. ("It looks like a penis," heanswered, uncomfortably.)
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/07/03/pregnant_man/index.html?source=newsletter
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Sci-fi Writer Thomas Disch Commits Suicide
Science fiction writer and poet Thomas Disch has committed suicide. Dischdied July 4 and his body was discovered July 5, according to the New YorkCity Police Department. He was 68. The author of popular sci-fi novels CampConcentration and 334, Disch had been openly gay since 1968. Following the2004 death of his partner, poet Charles Naylor, Disch reportedly begansuffering from depression.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57207.asp
-No Homo: The NFL Joke of Choice
Professional sports locker rooms are one of the last bastions for gay humor.That's because there's never been any gay athletes. So, you see, the veryidea of anyone being gay is always funny. Which brings me to the first bigscoop of my illustrious Deadspin career: The phrase "No Homo" has taken overNFL locker rooms. It's everywhere, on every single team, the NFL equivalentof the late 90's Macarena dance. No Homo owes its popularity to theremarkably varied and infinitely complicated nature of its use. Or theopposite. One or the other. It's applied thusly: LenDale White says toVince Young: "Vince, you've got great nips. No homo."
http://deadspin.com/5022396/no-homo-the-nfl-joke-of-choice
-McCain hires another senior gay staffer, one week after he promisesreligious right to be more anti-gay
The Gay-Talk Express strikes again. John McCain needs to decide who hewants to be. Two weeks ago, McCain met with gay Republican leaders (peoplehis staff had met with repeatedly before). After the religious right flippedout, McCain then met with virulently anti-gay religious right leaders, andpromised those leaders that he would be more vocally anti-gay in public inthe future. Then one week after that, McCain outfoxed those same religiousright leaders by hiring a gay man to one of the most senior positions in hiscampaign.
http://www.americablog.com/2008/07/mccain-hires-another-senior-gay-staffer.html
-Obama's Faith-Based Program Meets With Skepticism
Senator Obama's pledge to spend $500 million to expand religions' socialservices for people in need is a tough sell to many LGBT activists, even assome lean toward cautious optimism.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid57267.asp
-Anglican Archbishop Rebukes "Ungracious" Criticism of Archbishop ofCanterbury
The archbishop of York on Saturday rebuked some Anglican traditionalists forwhat he calls ungracious behavior toward Archbishop of Canterbury RowanWilliams.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57262.asp
-Heir's Adoption of Lesbian Lover Annulled in Maine
An adult adoption involving lesbian partners and a claim on one of America'spremier business fortunes has been annulled. At issue is whether it waslegal for a judge in Maine to allow Olive Watson to adopt Patricia Spado in1991. Watson's father was Thomas Watson, who built IBM into a computergiant.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57260.asp
-The Story Thus Far...
David Sedaris opens up about embarrassing hairs, gay marriage, and whetheror not he's gay enough
Is there anything left to know about David Sedaris? After all, the man hasopened up in many a personal essay. What else is there to learn about theunabashed National Public Radio contributor and best-selling author of Nakedand Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim? Plenty. In fact, when we caughtup with Sedaris -- currently on a cross-country book tour for his latestwork When You Are Engulfed in Flames -- we got an earful.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid57258.asp
-Testimony Heard in Machete Attack on Gay Bermuda Man
A jury in Bermuda heard testimony last week concerning an alleged antigayhate crime that left one man with fractured facial bones and a two-inch gashover his eye, the Bermuda Sun reports. According to medical evidencepresented Thursday in the island nation's supreme court, the victim, ShawnNusum, had his cheek and jaw broken in the machete assault, while his nosewas fractured and his ability to raise the injured eyebrow impaired.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid57243.asp
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Campaign Warns Gay Community of Crystal Meth Danger
An aggressive new campaign seeks to educate Capital Region residents - andgays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people, in particular - aboutthe dangers of crystal meth. A new website, www.crystalfree.org, providesinformation on crystal meth and where to seek treatment for an addiction.Billboards on the campaign were displayed for over a month in Albany, Troy,Schenectady, Montgomery and Saratoga counties, and another round isscheduled to go up in late July. Advertisements have also run in localnewspapers, and a brochure on the risks of crystal meth has been created.
-HIV Clinic in South Los Angeles Sees More Teenagers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a worrisome reportlate last month on a jump in newly diagnosed HIV cases among young gay men.From 2001 to 2006, such cases among all gay males ages 13 to 24 rose by 12%,which was ominous enough. But the steepest increase was among young gayblacks -- up 15%, compared with 8% for young gay Latinos and 9% for younggay whites.
-No Gay Rights At NYC Rite Aid
Rite Aid simply ain't right. A reader sent in this image from one of thepharmacy's New York City locations (on Sixth Avenue at West 13th Street)and, as you can see, it's not the most welcoming message. This isn't thefirst time Rite-Aid has found itself in a queer controversy. A DC-basedmanager came under fire last year after booting an "overly affectionate" gaycouple. The best part of this sign, we think, is mention of "anything thatwould make our customers uncomfortable is prohibited in the store." Wesuppose manager Tom Marquez didn't consider the gay customers in that one,huh? Someone else must have, because the sign, which appeared around 7am onSunday, was soon removed.
-Lindsay Lohan Comes Out As a Lesbian
According to MTV.CO.UK, actress Lohan has finally come clean about herrelationship with Samantha Ronson... Lindsay Lohan has admitted she's in aromantic relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson after months of speculation.At her 22nd birthday party the Mean Girls actress came clean about tha ladyin her life saying: "I just wanna live a healthy happy year, continue on thepath I've been on and be with the person I care about."
-Minneapolis: Airport Stall May Return to Spotlight
t's a bathroom door the GOP would rather keep closed. Thousands of membersof the international media will have to walk past it when they land at theMinneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for the Republican NationalConvention in St. Paul at the end of the summer. Many will feel obligated tostop and file a story.
-Minister of Equalities Jeered at London's Gay Pride
Harriet Harman MP, government minister of equalities and deputy leader ofthe Labour Party, was booed and heckled as she spoke from the main stage atthe gay Pride London celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Saturday afternoon.Gay Pride organisers came on stage and appealed to the crowd to stop jeeringand listen to what she had to say. But their appeal had limited effect asthe crowd which packed Trafalgar Square expressed their anger at theGovernment's approach to gay men and women who seek refuge in the UK afterfeeling from danger.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-'Charming children's book deals with gay marriage'
Link: McClatchy Newspapers via Centre Daily Times
Summer is wedding season. It seems especially so this year with the flurryof newly legal same-sex marriages. Here's a timely picture book that adds toever-growing diversity in today's children literature. "Uncle Bobby'sWedding," by Sarah S. Brannen, is the tale of a girl and her favorite uncle.Uncle Bobby takes Chloe for walks, for rowboat rides on the river andteaches her about the stars. Life is good until the day Mama throws a familypicnic and Uncle Bobby announces that he and his friend Jamie are gettingmarried. Everyone is excited except Chloe. She tells her mother, "Bobby ismy special uncle. I don't want him to get married."
-Washington Times: 'Gay marriage gives Newsom an edge;
San Francisco mayor eyes governorship'
Link: Washington Times
Four years ago, when San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom began grantingmarriage licenses to same-sex couples, he seemed to put the kibosh on anythought of a statewide political career. After all, that same yearCalifornia voters approved Proposition 22, a defense-of-marriage initiative,by more than 61 percent. A Field Poll taken in May 2004 showed thatCalifornians disapproved of same-sex marriage by a margin of 50 percent to44 percent. Fast forward to 2008, however, and suddenly Mr. Newsom lookspolitically reborn. Mr. Newsom, 40, announced last week the formation of anexploratory committee for a 2010 California gubernatorial run, and politicalstrategists agree that his strong identification with the gay-marriage issueshould help him in the Democratic primary.
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-MEPs demand European Commission action after Pride violence
The European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights has accusedthe Hungarian government of being unable to guarantee the safety of theircitizens and visitors to the country.
-Will Smith movie Hancock criticised for homophobic dialogue
Hancock, the story of a seriously messed up superhero starring Will Smith,took home the top spot at US cinemas last weekend, taking home an estimated$66 million (£33m) for Sony Pictures.
-Court rules Russia's President is immune for gay legal action
Organisers of Moscow's Pride event have been told their complaint againstthe President of Russia will not be considered because he is immune fromlegal action.
-Volunteers needed as Black Pride comes to Regents Park in August
Tickets are now on sale for official UK Black Pride festival (UKBP) thatwill take place on Saturday 16th August in Regents Park, London.
-Sex education leaves lesbians in the dark
More voices are being added to the call for more and better Sex andRelationship Education. The Family Planning Association and Brook, two ofthe UK's leading sexual health charities, recently called for SRE to betaught at a younger age.
-Gay history exhibit at City Hall is a hit with school groups
An exhibition has been set up in London's City Hall that draws attention tothe "shameful way LGBT lives have been neglected in British museums andarchives." has proved popular with all sorts of visitors.
-Photos: Pride was a busy day for Sir Ian McKellen
The man perhaps best-known around the globe as Wizard Gandalf in the Lord ofthe Rings trilogy certainly fulfilled his duties to the gay community atPride London on Saturday.
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Obama on Same-Sex Immigration
Throughout the primary season I was angry that no gay reporter or gay personasked either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama a question about same seximmigration, the issue I care about most. As a result, I decided to takethings into my own hands. I would find a way to personally lobby theDemocratic nominee how important this issue is for me and tens of thousandsof others in the gay community. That opportunity arose tonight in Atlanta atan Obama fundraiser. I attended the Obama VIP reception which entailed aphoto with Barack and maybe the possibility of 10 seconds chat time whilethe photo was being taken. I consulted Rachel Tiven of Immigration Equalityfor her suggestion as to what the best 10 second bite would be. Shesuggested to be as emotional as possible and gave me, "I have to choosebetween the love of my life and my country because I am gay. Please supportimmigration rights for gay and lesbian families."
-Dubai Police Target Indecent Acts on Beaches
Dubai Police have formed an undercover unit to combat homosexual andindecent activity on the emirate's public beaches, a recent press reportsaid. An unnamed official at Dubai Police's Criminal InvestigationDepartment told UAE daily Al-Emarat al-Youm that police officers in civilianclothing are patrolling local beaches after complaints from the public ofindecent behavior, especially at night time. He encouraged the public toreport any activity they find offensive. According to Dubai governmentstatistics, out of 2.97 million beach visitors last year, 641 people werecaught engaging in indecent acts. There were also seven cases of alcoholconsumption, five cases of alcohol possession, and five attempted robberies.
-PCUSA Gay Clergy Decision Changes Nothing, Scholar Says Church Executive
While supporters of gay ordination say a recent vote by the highestgoverning body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) gives the green light forgay clergy, one professor is arguing that the decision changes nothing. Ina soon-to-be published analysis, Dr. Robert A. J. Gagnon, associateprofessor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, said hebelieves there is a "reasonable possibility" that the actions by the 218thGeneral Assembly of the PC(USA) last weekend in favor of homosexuality "willhave no material effect on changing the denomination's stance againstordaining, unrepentant, homosexually active persons to church office."During the biennial meeting in San Jose, Calif., the Assembly on June 27approved an "authoritative interpretation" (A.I.) of the churchconstitution - which currently bans ordaining non-celibate gays andlesbians. The vote would allow gay and lesbian candidates for ordination toconscientiously object the current standard requiring fidelity in marriage(between a man and a woman) and chastity in singleness. And the localordaining body would be required to discern whether the declared objectionis disqualifying and consider such requests on a case-by-case basis. Anauthoritative interpretation does not change the church constitution and isthus effective immediately. Gay advocates in the denomination praised thedecision and some believe gays and lesbians can be ordained now. Gagnon,however, has reason to believe otherwise.
-Could Nunn's Gay Rights Record be an Asset to Obama?
The New York Times has posted a fairly comprehensive guide to theVeepstakes. They may have put this on their site a while back, but today isthe first time I saw it, and I think part of their assessment of Sam Nunn isworth discussing: Mr. Nunn was known for the most part as a conservativeDemocrat, and he led a high-profile fight against Bill Clinton's effort toallow homosexuals to serve openly in the military. Mr. Obama would certainlyencounter some heat from his supporters if he turned to Mr. Nunn.The Timesis hardly the first outlet to raise the issue of Nunn's record on gays inthe military and it's hardly a stretch to say this record doesn't sit wellwith gay rights activists and much of the party's base. But this is lookingat the issue the wrong way. On the whole, Nunn's resistance to gays in themilitary - 15 years ago, it ought to be noted - would be a plus for anObama-led ticket, not a minus. Obama, unlike John McCain, doesn't reallyhave a problem with his base in this election. Yes, a smattering of Hillarydiehards will hold out until the very end, but Obama's real challenge is tooffer reassurance to voters in the center and slightly to the right of thecenter of the political spectrum - the folks who couldn't bring themselvesto vote for Al Gore or John Kerry.
-Churches' Secret Talks to Stop Gay Surge
The Church of England has refused to deny that its most senior bishops heldsecret discussions with their Vatican counterparts this weekend in anhistoric union to topple the controversial Anglican push to admit gay unionsand the ordination of women bishops. In an unprecedented turn of events, ahandful of Pope Benedict XVI's most trusted advisers are believed to havemet senior Anglican Bishops in York over the weekend to build closerinter-church ties - and to stymie the liberalisation of significanttraditions. The meetings, reported by Anglican websites and London'sTelegraph , suggest that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams,was not informed of the talks.
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Score One for the NGOs
From the Brookings Institution
The Bush Administration and other critics of the United Nations' HumanRights Council are quick to decry every slight setback in Geneva or New Yorkas proof that the entire organization should fold up and go home. Sincethat won't happen, the U.S. State Department has decided to abandon thefield to its adversaries. But while the Bush Administration remains missingin action, another story is unfolding -- one that shows the growinginfluence of the global human rights movement and its ability to strengthenthe U.N. Human Rights Council. Six months ago, it seemed inevitable thatEgypt would take over the presidency of the Human Rights Council, the UnitedNations' main forum for monitoring state behavior on human rights. Africa'sturn at the rotating presidency was coming up, and no country had expressedany willingness to stand against Egypt, the Africa group chair. Last week,however, it was Nigeria, not Egypt, that was elected to the presidency,marking a major victory for human rights organizations in Africa and aroundthe world. Nigeria is far from perfect as a council president, but it iscertainly better than Egypt.
-Belfast Pride: Amnesty welcomes Peter Tatchell to Belfast to shine light onhomophobia
On Monday 28 July Amnesty International members will welcome well-known gayrights activist Peter Tatchell to Belfast to deliver the AmnestyInternational Pride Lecture as part of the city's gay pride festival. Hewill also join in a panel discussion, Pride Talks Back, following theAmnesty lecture. The human rights organisation is drawing attention to howlesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experience homophobia anddiscrimination in different parts of the world.
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=17814
-Native Portlander recounts experiences at Turkey's anti-homophobia march
As the Portland waterfront becomes a tribute to taking pride in being partof a sexual or gender minority, could we be taking our freedoms for granted?While thousands gather to watch a parade and lend visibility to the fightfor marriage and equal treatment under the law, queers in other corners ofthe world, like Turkey, fight simply to exist. Chaos Gay Lesbian-a queernongovernmental organization in Ankara, Turkey-held its annual internationalanti-homophobia conference May 16. Much like Portland Pride, the conferenceis a place to celebrate sexualities, march in the street, have politicaldiscussions about gay rights and party. But imagine a Pride parade with nomusic, no leather, no chaps, nor feathers nor wands nor whips, no Dykes onBikes, no mayors, no children, no commercial advertising. In this city witha population of 4 million, 100 people march with the passion of a thousand. Turkey's queer community is facing "systematic violence," according to HumanRights Watch. The structural oppression that sexual minority organizationsare experiencing can be observed through the actions taken by the governorof Istanbul.
http://www.justout.com/archives/issues/06_13_08/
-Dusseldorf: Gender Warrior Wins Case Against Surgeon
A 48-year-old woman who was forced to live much of her life as a man won adamages lawsuit in a 30-year-old medical case that promised to set aprecedent for intergender activists. Christiane Völling, who works as anurse in Düsseldorf, sued the doctor who removed her fully intact femaleinternal organs 30 years ago, when she was 18 years old. She sought 100,000euros ($148,000) in damages for pain and suffering, claiming the surgeonfailed to inform her about the full extent of the consequences of theoperation or about possible alternatives. The court decided in Völling'sfavor, although the amount the surgeon will have to pay will be decided in afuture trial.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3111505,00.html
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-OAS Adopts Resolution to Protect Sexual Rights
States Condemn Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
(New York, June 6, 2008) - The General Assembly of the Organization ofAmerican States (OAS) has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning humanrights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, taking acrucial step to end the silence around violence against lesbian, gay,bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Americas, Human Rights Watchsaid today. Human Rights Watch called on OAS member governments to ensurethat the resolution is implemented in their countries, and to continue theirsupport for sexual rights internationally. "This resolution is a bold firststep toward ending violence and discrimination," said Scott Long, directorof the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program at HumanRights Watch.
-Our Government: Powerless to Outlaw Guns, Able to Outlaw Sexual Expression
By Dr. Marty Klein, Sexual Intelligence
The Supreme Court recently ruled that the government has virtually no rightto regulate guns in Washington, D.C. You may also have read about yetanother obscenity bust in Florida, which ended in a deal that puts morepeople in jail for selling videos of adults having (consensual,enthusiastic) sex with adults. If you expect logic from America about sex,the juxtaposition is bewildering. If you're more realistic, it's simplyenraging. Our Constitution says (2nd Amendment) that "A well regulatedMilitia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of thepeople to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." Our Constitution alsosays (1st Amendment) that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging thefreedom of speech, or of the press." To put it simply, Americans can ownguns, and Americans can express themselves as they wish. So if thegovernment can't restrict the first, why is it allowed to restrict thesecond? Oh, for a similar decision affirming our unrestricted right to freeexpression! The right to watch what we want on TV without FCC interference;to buy adult porn without FBI or Andy-of-Mayberry sheriffs bustingproducers; to see strippers close up and nude without county ordinancesrequiring tape measures and pasties; to enjoy swingers clubs without citycouncils closing them by inventing health emergencies out of thin air.
http://www.alternet.org/story/90252/
-Plans to clear undergrowth from gay sex spot branded discriminatory
A council has been accused of discriminating against homosexuals over plansto clear undergrowth from a notorious gay cruising spot. Bristol CityCouncil wants to prune bushes and remove cover from an area known as theDowns to improve the landscape and encourage rare wildlife. But its own gayrights group has opposed the move, claiming that cutting back the bushes was"discriminating" to homosexual men who used the area for late night outdoorsex known as dogging.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2263277/Plans-to-clear-undergrowth-from-gay-sex-spot-branded-discriminatory.html
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Forwarded by Bill Sterling
whsterling1@yahoo.com
-Outfest celebrates 26 years. What hasn't changed?
In its 26th year, the gay and lesbian film festival reflects the community'sincreased integration. Now: What hasn't changed? Filmmaker Stewart Wade hasbeen attending Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festivalhe was akid growing up in Woodland Hills and Agoura Hills. Seeing movies that "spoketo my life so clearly," like the seminal 1986 AIDS drama "Parting Glances"with Steve Buscemi, inspired him to make movies himself.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-outfest8-2008jul08,0,542828.story
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Mark's List Presents over 1,000 photos of LGBT Pride events in Florida.
Nobody covers the Sunshine State like Mark's List!
http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/MSFL/2008/052908.htm
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