Local Fight Against Don't Ask, Don't Tell

The very contentious and heated debate over Don't Ask, Don't Tell and whether or not gay and lesbians should be allowed to serve in the military has always drawn heated debate from both sides of the issue. I could never understand why people who bravely and heroically chose to put their life on the line would be treated like second class citizens and not allowed to serve honorably with their fellow men and women. I think this blog post, by a fellow student illustrates very nicely the insanity that goes on in the military, and how silly it is to force gay and lesbian recruits to stay closeted.

While I was checking out the local Westchester paper I came across a very interesting and local story which I wanted to blog about. The first sentence really jumped out to me because of the amount of disappointment and anguish it made me feel inside.

Twice while she was a cadet at West Point, Becky Kanis was investigated for being a lesbian. She was asked point-blank if she was, she said, "and I lied." I really feel awful that she had to be investigated for being a lesbian and that she felt she needed to hide what she was, although I do not blame her since West Point had to investigate her sexuality, like it was such a huge deal. I think it is fantastic that she wants to fight the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and use her own experiences as a learning tool. Hopefully she can help future recruits who had to deal with what she and a couple other had to with little support. My hope for the future is that we will never have to deal with this at all, and can be much more accepting to everyone, no matter what their sexual preference, or religion.

Political Double Speak

It really annoys me when politicians, or someone in general is willing to sacrifice their own personal beliefs to get ahead. Meg Whitman, who was the former CEO of eBay before stepping down was a staunch supporter of Mitt Romney before he bowed out of the Republican Primary and then supported John McCain. In February she announced she would run for Governor of California, against a crowded group of Republicans. Her rhetoric, which was echoed by the McCain campaigned did not please me, and made me an even bigger supporter of Barack Obama. However, double speak like like this drives me up a wall, especially when it is something I am passionate about and an issue that I do not think a candidate should be allowed to have both ways. I think she should be called out on this and someone should demand where she stand on this issue. I feel this is especially true since she wants to be Governor of California and this is an important issue for the state. I really hope people hold her feet to the fire and call her out on this.

Barney Frank Vs Antonin Scalia

Earlier in the week Barney Frank, who is one of two openly gay members in the House of Representatives called Supreme Court Justice, and one of the more Conservative leaning members, Antonin Scalia a homophobe. At first Frank only justified his reasoning for doing so by saying that Scalia had always written dissenting views that attacked gay rights when he was in the minority, like in the case of Lawrence Vs Texas. Frank also stated that he was glad that certain gay rights issues had not come up when a majority was held by the Conservative because he knew he would not be able to count on them for support. Representative Frank decided to clarify his remarks and contributed to the Huffington Post, with some examples which included Scalia's dissenting opinion in the Lawrence Vs Texas case.

There is no denying how intelligent, well read, and well spoken, Justice Scalia is and how that translates to the opinions and decisions he is responsible for. However, I do not agree at all with his views or ideals and would consider myself to be on the complete opposite end of the political spectrum to him. I remember seeing him interviewed on 60 Minutes and vehemently disagreeing with his views. I think Representitive Frank is correct about Justice Frank being homophobic and not caring one bit about gay rights, but I do not think his view will change during his time on the Supreme Court so it is futile to attempt to have him "see the light." Hopefully, and this is a reason why I voted for Obama, there will be some openings on the Supreme Court and he can fill them with Progressive Justices, and not just for their views on gay rights, but other issues that relate to them.

Chuck Schumer Reversing Self on Gay Marriage

As I expressed in previous blog posts, my hope for a more progressive New York State may be coming true with the announcement that Chuck Schumer not only supports same-sex marriage, but would back the repeal of the Defense Of Marriage Act, which would be a huge 180 degree change from his previous statements. I not only am thrilled to hear this, but it makes me feel proud of my state for wanting to put an end to the hatred and close-mindedness gay and lesbian couples are still subjected to in this country.

Schumer said about this topic "It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue." And I could not agree anymore, especially about New York being on the forefront of issues relating to equality. I really hope this gains traction, despite our economic troubles, and we can make this happen. I know people have a lot on their minds, but we can still make this country and world a better place for everyone, and lead by example, by showing people that we care for everyone no matter what their sexual preference, and love does not discriminate.

More Progress Throughout the Nation

Image via Flickr

As I mentioned in my previous blog post about Connecticut changing the wording in their laws to acknowledge and accept gay and lesbian couples, another state is moving forward to join them. The Huffington Post, reports that their state Senate committee has already unanimously approved a gay marriage bill today, which puts same-sex couples one step closer to having the ability to legally be married in the state.

"It provides ... gay and lesbian couples the same rights that I have as a married heterosexual," said Sen. John Campbell, vice chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and chief sponsor of the bill.

If this is approved, Vermont will join Massachusetts and Connecticut as the only U.S states that allow gay and lesbian couples to wed. If this measure is passed, it would replace Vermont's first in the nation civil unions law, which was passed back in 2000, and permitted same-sex partners to marry. This would be a huge step in the right direction in my opinion, but the only thing that really stand in its way is the Republican Governor who could veto the measure if it reaches his desk. He has not said whether or not he will do so, but I really hope he does not stand in the way of true progress and love. There are so many other things he could be an obstructionist about and try to hold up, but this should not be a partisan issue. I really hope he does not try to make it one, and does not veto it if it becomes law.

Equal Rights Fight in Connecticut

Image via flickr


Lawmakers in the State of Connecticut are considering an updated bill, which would comply with a court ruling that allows same-sex marriage. This surge in hope and optimism was brought on by a State Supreme Court ruling a few years ago that said gay and lesbian couples have the right to bed wed in the state of Connecticut, making it the only other state, besides Massachusetts, to recognize gay marriage. This is very important for gay couples because this updated measure would strip gender references in the current state laws and also change the language of same-sex unions, into same-sex marriages.

As usual, opponents of such legislation worry about how this would affect schools, their children and traditional marriage. Peter Wolfgang, executive director of The Family Institute of Connecticut said the proposed changes could be interpreted by “some enterprising judge” or others as encouragement to teach about homosexual lifestyles in schools. He went on to say that “We don’t want this misread as some sort of affirmation, some sort of mandate, that things that are opposed to in parental rights or traditional public beliefs will now be taught in the public schools,” Wolfgang said.

It is unfortunate that there is so much opposition to allowing gay and lesbian couples, but I really hope they do finally recognize gay marriage under the law in Connecticut. I also get very annoyed by hearing the same, slippery slope argument, which is complete nonsense from groups who are against gay marriage. When they say that gay marriage will destroy marriages, and next people will want to marry within their family, or marry goats, it is not only offensive, but a complete straw man theory which is simply not true. I am going to continue to watch this and hope that it passes.

OLPC

After watching the Nicholas Negroponte speech on giving impoverished children a laptop, at the cost of $100, I have mixed feelings. I am not really sure if that is their top priority when it comes to their needs, according to Maslow and his hierarchy of needs as we briefly discussed in class. There are many things that you could probably put ahead of needing a broadband Internet connection and the need to Skype. The need to end disease, feed, cloth and bath themselves would be high on the list of needs I would imagine.

On the other hand, I believe that laptops have the power to pull people out of poverty by educating them, and helping them learn. That way they can go on to live a productive and leave their impoverished lives. They can also use these laptops to communicate with other countries if and when an emergency occurs, or a national disaster happens and they need some assistance. This way they will have a lifeline to the outside world and be able to communicate quickly with either skype or their broadband Internet. And most importantly, and I think this goes along with my first point, they can educate themselves on diseases, and other health issues by using the Internet.

A Very Scary Story

Image via flickr

In my previous blog posts I expressed my disappointment and dismay over the lack of progress the United States had made when came to gay marriage, civil rights for gay and lesbian couples and being on the forefront of liberal, progressive ideology. However, when I see a story like this, I am not only deeply concerned about what is going on in other parts of the world, but I am also reminded that the fight for equal rights for everyone is a process that will take a long time. This is not something that can be solved over night, or resolved after one generation. The women in this country are constantly living in fear of being raped just for their sexual preference and can not rely on their government to help them. In the article it said that the country's 'macho politics' lead to a lack of action which is very confusing since I don't understand what macho politics would have to do with anything, or why anyone would not just want to lend a helping hand out of the goodness of their heart. It is almost unimaginable to me that according to the article 86% of black lesbians from the Western Cape said they lived in fear of sexual assault. The group also said it deals with up to 10 cases of "corrective rape" every week.

"What we're seeing is a spike in the numbers of women coming to us having been raped and who have been told throughout the attack that being a lesbian was to blame for what was happening to them,"

I really do not know how any group of people can live like this. It makes me very sad to read this and very pessimistic about the views and ideology of this area. I give a lot of credit to this group, who is really doing such amazing work and trying to defy the odds, given the amount of work they have each week. They are really wonderful people, and I hope they can help all the women who see them.

Final Arguments In Prop 8 Fight

As I mentioned in my previous blog about prop 8 returning to the Supreme Court in California, the fight for equality under the law for gay and lesbian couples did not end on November 4th when people went to the voting booths and passed Prop 8. Today the California Supreme Court heard the final arguments from both proponents of the legislation and those who oppose it. Now the justices who heard from both sides have 90 days to make a final ruling on whether to uphold the original decision to ban gay marriage, or overturn it.

I am really hopeful that the Supreme Court in California can overturn this hateful proposition and show how truly progressive California can be. I can not begin to imagine how scary it is must be for gay and lesbian couples to have to sit and wait for these justices to make a decision about their lives. This decision will have such a huge impact on their lives and whether or not they are able to get married and be recognized under the law in the state of California. I really hope this proposition is struck down and the rest of the country watches as we progress as a nation that accepts people, rather than knocking them down because they are different.

Don't Ask, Just Serve

I could never understand the hangups of not being allowed to openly admit you are gay, and still serve in the military. I was still quite young when Bill Clinton signed Don't Ask, Don't Tell into law. I could not understand why people, who were giving their lives, fighting for this country, had to stay closeted, and could not serve openly. I thought it was real shameful. I did give Bill Clinton credit, however, for pushing forward the fact, and acknowledging that gays and lesbians were in our military. Fast forward to today, and this issue has come up again with President Obama. Sadly, it has been brought up in way that can be used to destroy and divide people, while helping social conservatives. It really annoys me when issues near and dear to Obama, which I tend to agree with, are seen as radical, socialist, or some left-wing agenda. It is never seen like this when the Republicans are in complete control of the country for 6 out of the 8 years and are allowed to destroy things, including keeping down gay-rights. It is more doublespeak from them and I hope it does not work. I really hope Obama can turn around the economy, and also work on social issues while not giving into the real radicals on the right. If that happens I am fearful about what could happen to gay-rights issues, especially with a person like Bobby Jindal leading the country.

Prop 8 Has Its Day in Court

Proposition 8, which gained national attention for its divisive, controversial, and heated debates, is finally getting its day in court. This proposition sought to overturn marriages between gay and lesbian couples, that had already been legalized in the state of California, and also tried to reaffirm "traditional marriages" between men and women. I put that in quotations because I think it is disgusting that they feel the need to use phrases like traditional marriages, while calling gay and lesbian couples, who only want the same rights and any American should have, extremists. It seems like a scenario where you are either with them, or you are labeled an outsider, or different. This is another example of excluding a group of people because they are different, or not like you and me. These are not the principles by which our country was founded on and certainly not the way a country that prides itself on being so inclusive, warm and welcoming should act. I really hope this final battle in court is a victorious one for gay and lesbian couples and the state where this started can show the country that it is not backing down. However this court decision turns out, this issue will be far from over. However, I am very hopeful that in the future (during my young adult lifetime) it will be a lot less taboo for people in this country to talk about, and also around the world. I think we will be able to move forward and get past this issue and talk about much more important problems that face us, and not worry about whether gays and lesbians should marry.