Rise of $3 Dollars: American Taliban Update

An upcoming change in my life will hopefully prompt me to revive my blogging career. More on that in a few days... for now, this article was enough to get me to post an entry.

Via Joe.MyGod.:

American Family Association radio host Bryan Fischer has called for sending homosexuals to prison for forced reparative
therapy, a move he says is sanctioned by the Bible.

[Mr. Fischer clarifies:] It might be worth noting that what I actually
suggested is that we impose the same sanctions on those who engage in homosexual
behavior as we do on those who engage in intravenous drug abuse, since both pose
the same kind of risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. I'd be curious to know what you
think should be done with IV drug abusers, because whatever it is, I think the
same response should be made to those who engage in homosexual
behavior.

If you believe that what drug abusers need is to go into an
effective detox program, then we should likewise put active homosexuals through
an effective reparative therapy program.

Mr. Fischer then goes on to quote one of our favorite of the "clobber passages", (passages that are frequently brought up to dismiss non-heterosexuals as deviant, corrupt, immoral, or less than) 1 Timothy 1: 8-11. Mr. Fischer's Bible translates the unlawful as being among murders, liars, profaners, enslavers, people who hit their parents, and "men who practice homosexuality."

We'll skip for now how the Bible NEVER addresses female same-sex activity (not even in Romans) and look briefly at how the word homosexual could possibly show up in the Bible. The term homosexual, was created in Germany around the mid to late 1860's and became more widely known through Nazi literature and the rise of psychoanalysis (not to conflate the two).

Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality concludes that the two words that Paul uses are completely debatable. One term is very unclear and the other doesn't refer to "homogenitality" but rather "soft" or "effeminate" and then only in the sense that effeminacy was opposite to a virtuous man (so it is rooted in negative concepts about women, not same sex behavior). The other fairly unknown and uniique term likely refers to sexual perversion, prostitution, pederasty or sexual abuse.

The best argument against this term being applicable today is we we would view as modern forms of homosexual expression were not forms Paul (or anyone of that day) would know about - which is not, IMO and as an aside, a basis to make a case for the politically expedient but potentially dangerous "hey we're just like you but gay" argument.

One of my other favorite arguments against Biblical condemnation of homosexuality is that while the Bible may have injunctions against us, the Bible teaches a lot of things that we do not endorse in modern Western society.

All of that to say this: 1) these kinds of arguments make little if ANY headway against members of the American Taliban /Religious Right and 2) the great thing is that, so far, our country's laws are not based on any religious text, so in terms of who has what rights or who gets sent to jail, what does it matter what the Bible or Koran, or Talmud or any similar religious work (Dianetics?) say?

To answer my own rhetorical question, what matters of course is that there is at least a percentage or concentration of individuals who think our laws should be based on their particular interpretation of their (usually the Bible) religious work and there are politicians who either agree with that viewpoint or are willing to pander to it for votes. The religious right should not be ignored or trivialized. It is still a movement with some degree of power and influence, although that seems to be waning. However, the calls to action and voice of the leaders of the religious right has become more strident and intolerant than ever - hopefully because they see their power diminishing - but things can get much worse before they get better. It will still be a while until these fascists are fully and completely disregarded as the hate mongers they are.

FCBD

Free Comic Book Day, an annual, national event for the promotion of comic books, was yesterday. Local and phenonmenal store Heroes Aren't Hard to Find always puts on a great party that includes reginal artists doing free sketches also. It really is incredible seeing all these talented people willing to put in their time and not charge for sometimes near-finished pieces. The amount of work and detail some of these individuals put in is incredible. And the Heroes owner, Shelton Drum, and his staff are always fantastic, even on such a crazy day for them .

I have a sketchbook that has the theme of "monsters." I just ask artists to draw a monster of their choosing (or sometimes if I have a specific monster in mind, of my choosing). Here are the cool sketches I got this year plus two from last year that I haven't had the opportunity to post. The other sketches in my book are posted in this entry my now-defunct blog The Silent Accomplice.

2009 Sketches

Jason Latour (The Expatriate, Loose Ends) was doing color pieces and did this great Gene Colan-esque version of Hammer Studios Dracula. He knew "it couldn't be Bela Legosi." So, you get a white-haired Christopher Lee-type version of the Count. There's so many things I love about this piece from the hand outreaching in a cool 3-D effect to the way the mouth gapes open to his use of colors, especially the blue shading.

Here's a neat comparison shot I found on the web later of Christopher Lee in Horror of Dracula. Just to reiterate, Jason didn't have any comparison shot when he drew the sketch (he was something of an Encylopedia Brown, as dubbed by Chris Brummer), so it's uncanny how well he captures the feel of this version.

Nat Jones is known for his horror comics work with Steve Niles, on Spawn, and Frank Franzetta's Death Dealer, so it was a no-brainer to ask for a sketch of a monster from him, which resulted in this muck-encrusted mockery of man. Pretty dern creepy and a great add.

Chris Brummer (Gotham Central, Loose Ends) struggled for a moment to think of a suitable monster before coming up with this wonderful rendition of Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 movie
(Gary Oldman) Dracula. Clicking on the image will make it larger where you can see the wonderful detail in the chalice and the face of Dracula. What you won't be able to see, unfortunately, is the slight color of silver color in his eyes, giving the actual drawing another depth of eerieness. I think the serpentine depiction of the shadow does a great job of both evoking the scene in the movie as well as freshly and somewhat differently representing the predatory and evil nature of this seemingly harmless old man.

2008 FCBD Sketches

Tony Shasteen did this wonderfully detailed werewolf. My favorite part of this drawing is the eyes, which contain some wonderful fine details that make the picture almost seem alive.


Brian Stelfreeze surprised me somewhat coming up with this great Bride of Frankenstine. He began sketching and I had no idea what he was doing - I thought maybe Medusa or a harpie but when he got to that famous shock of hair I knew he had taken inspiration from the previous page's Frankenstein's monster to create this beauty that you can also hear screaming.

Amazon Rank

Amazon claims that the delisting of gay books on its book ranking list because they were tagged as "adult" was a glitch, but it's been happening since February and a customer service representative wrote that it was a policy. "Glitch" seems far too convenient an excuse, especially since it's been happening since February while truly adult, however heterosexual, literature has never been removed.

So, in the spirit of redefining santorum, I present to you Amazon Rank

Happy Easter

Today, on the perhaps the most meaningful day of the Christian faith, the day representing the hope and salvation of ALL people, I'd like to point to what is certainly to be a rising surge of fundamentalist Christian lies and misinformation about and hate towards gays and lesbians. With the decision in Iowa, the passing of marriage in Vermont for same-sex couples, and DC's recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states, rabidly anti-gay sentiment has already started and will undoubtably increase towards an unbearable cacaphony of venomous noise.

It's already started with NOM's (National Organization for Marriage) much and rightly ridiculed new, fear-mongering ad of lies

Here is a brief but good response to the ad


Here is a slightly longer, better response to the ad


Mark Morford's scathing (and right on) review of the ad: Fear the Rainbow (SF Gate article)

Thom Hartmann takes on Brian Brian of NOM (video)

And a funny take on the dumb ad


Perhaps one of my favorite questions for fear-mongering fundies is this: Which type of traditional marriage are you supporting?
The Eight Types of Marriages / Families Found in the Bible
Bible Passages Against Marriage

By the way, the Bible doesn't address same-sex marriage. Not saying something about a topic isn't the same as condemning it. Go enroll in a basic logic course.
The Bible and Same-Sex Marriage

And while we're on it, let's see what the Bible says about the Gays in general. Love Mel White's point at the end that, hey, America isn't a theocracy....yet. So religious arguments against civil marriages need to just go away.
What the Bible Does and Doesn't Say About Homosexuality

When will so many Conservative Christians understand that God isn't as small and fearful as they are?

Who President Obama is to me

Joe My God reports on the updating of the official White House websitewith a list of commitments to LGBT rights. I think this is huge.
Even if they are not fulfilled, to have this on our nation's website is a proud step forward.

A CNN poll shows that 2/3 of African-Americans believe that Dr. King's dream of race relations has been fulfilled. I think this is incredibly optimistic and a bit naive.
Martin Luther King III said it best when he stated that an aspect of the dream has been fulfilled, but that as long as there is poverty and inequity, there is work to be done on the dream.

Many people seem to view President Obama as some type of savior or the living embodiment of Dr. King's vision. I don't see him as either.

I am exceptionally glad to have Barack Obama as my president. I supported him from the start. I absolutely think he is the right person for the job and who our country needs as a leader right now. That said, he's not a savior he's human and he'll make mistakes. He'll make decisions I and others won't agree with. I still believe that he's not just the best choice he's the right choice for our country. He's never been completely where I'd want him to be on LGBT rights. I don't think we will see much and certain not quick advances in civil rights legislation on the federal level during his term(s). I hope I'm wrong, but there are at least more pressing concerns.

I'm proud of my country and I'm proud of this moment and for what President Obama represents. THis represents a milestone in our country's history and attitudes. This election represents the hope and almost mythical promise that anyone can be president. This election represents the hope that we'll have a woman president and one day even a gay or lesbian president (and corresponding first man or lady). The symbol and significance of the choice of Obama greatly outstrips whatever the man's performance will be. This presidency represents a change in the American conciousness.

Without a doubt, he'll make choices I don't like, he'll make mistakes, he probably won't advocate for LGBT rights like I would like him to, he may prove to be more of a politician than I'd like. He already has; he's also made choices that I'm very pleased with. His inauguration celebration has included one notably regretable choice, but has also incorporated our community in a way that it never has previously and in some very significant and powerful ways. I couldn't be happier and prouder as an American at this point.

The Facts About American and Gay Families, or McCain Again Proves Out of Touch and Mind

From: KARA SUFFREDINI, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY FOR THE FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL


Senator McCain's comment in the New York Times on Sunday, July 13, stating, "I think that we've proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no, I don't believe in gay adoption" demonstrates a lack of knowledge and understanding of the many kinds of families that exist in the United States. The Family Equality Council, the national organization working to ensure equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families, is disturbed and disappointed that a presidential candidate would make such a biased and ill-informed statement about the most "successful" kind of family.

These are the facts about American families. According to the 2000 census, the vast majority-more than 75%-of American households differ in structure from two married, heterosexual parents and their biological children. We are a nation of blended and multi-generational families, adoptive and foster families, and families headed by single parents, divorced parents, unmarried parents, same-sex couples and more. As an adoptive parent himself, McCain should be well aware of this. As a presidential candidate, he should seek to honor and support the many kinds of families that exist, rather than dismiss the vast majority of households in this country as second-tier.

This is what is true about lesbians and gays raising children: 30 years of scientifically valid research universally demonstrates that LGBT families are just as nurturing for children's growth and development as heterosexual families.

Our society's primary child welfare organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychiatric Association and the National Association of Social Workers, have all issued statements supporting same-sex parents. The American Psychological Association has stated: "Gay and lesbian parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide healthy and supportive environments for their children."

All of which makes one wonder: What is the basis for Senator McCain's position?

American families may be diverse, but have at least one thing in common-we want our children to be safe, healthy, happy and supported. When our families are politicized, our ability to protect ourselves, each other and our children comes under attack. After eight years of similarly baseless attacks on our families, we hope that the next President of the United States will honor and support the vast array of families that daily work to raise happy, healthy and productive children. The Family Equality Council has a proud history of educating political leaders about our families and we welcome Senator McCain and others whose perspectives affect the most personal aspects of our lives to contact us and get to know the loving families he paints as "unsuccessful".

Guess We Can Get that Rifle Now

Charlton Heston dead at 84

Where the Candidates Stand

According to Southern Voice

ENDA
Supports: Clinton, Obama
Opposes: McCain

Hate crime legislation
Supports: Clinton, Obama
Opposes: McCain

DOMA Repeal
Supports: Obama
Opposes: McCain
Clinton supports a partial but not total repeal

Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Supports: Clinton, Obama
Opposes: McCain

Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage
Voted agains: Clinton, McCain, Obama

Same-Sex Marriage
Opposes: Clinton, McCain, Obama

Same-sex Civil Unions
Supports: Clinton, Obama
Mixed views (means opposes to me): McCain


Does any of this mean that our rights will be advanced? Probably not significantly, although I hope we can see ENDA passed and with transgendered rights included. I would love to see DOMA repealed, but I'm not confident this will happen under any president.

Oh Snap!

The tornado that hit Atlanta

Your Easter Sunday Sermon

Here's what Dr. King got out of the Sermon on the Mount. On Nov 17, 1957, in MOntgomery's Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, he concluded the learned discourse that came to be known as the "loving your enemies" sermon this way: "So this morning, as I look into your eyes and into the eyes of all of my brothers in Alabama and all over America and over the world, I say to you: 'I love you. I would rather die than hate you.'"

Go ahead and re-read that. That is hands down the most beautiful, strange, impossible, but most of all radical thing a human being can say. And it comes from reading the most beautiful, strange, impossible, but most of all radical civics lesson ever taught, when Jesus of Nazareth went to a hill in Galilee and told his disciples, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you."

Whoever wins the presidential election this year will be a Christian. (Unless of course it's that one guy who is a member of a Muslim sleeper cell. Just when you think the electorcal process couldn't get any more stupid....) So the rest of us might as well suck it up and see if we can pick the Christian who is, if incapable of loving his or her enemies, the one who seems least likely to drum up a bunch of extra, new enemies to hate.

-- Your most unlikely minister, Sarah Vowell in The New York Times, January 21, 2008

Hey, Hetero! Campaign

From the website:

Hey Hetero! returns the gaze at heterosexuality: the priveleged sexuality which
makes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movements both possible and
necessary. In the form of simulated mainstream 'advertisements', the artwork
invites heterosexuality into public discourse.

Hey Hetero! posters and website

And Continuing the Theme of "Trashy" Tonight

This is NOT SAFE FOR WORK
Nobody under 18...no, 21....no, probably 30 should watch this
Rude, crude, TOTALLY socially unacceptable
Inappropriate terminology and humor
So damn funny

Lives up to its name

Really?

Do we really need this?

Will people really wear this?

Do I have to know them?

How much are you willing to pay to be trashy and slutty?

Description at 10 Percent.Com:

Unique and sexy. Designed to be worn with confidence and style. The Rufskin Hustler jean features a super low-rise waist with a boot cut leg. Rufskin... pushing the envelope and creating the ultimate in sexy men's jeans. There's just nothing that compares to Rufskin.

You can't buy it in a size larger than 35 waist. I don't know whether to accuse them of being sizist or smart.

Debra Chasnoff Interview on NPR

In the wake of recent incidents the last few weeks in the movement to address prejudice and homophobia among youth, GroundSpark is pleases to announce the long-awaited arrival of It's Elementary and It's STILL Elementary on DVD. As we continue to mourn the murder of Lawrence King, the 8th grader in Oxnard, California who was harassed for being gender non-conforming, along with other anti-LGBT hate crimes against youth, our hope is that the media explore the potential solutions to decrease bullying and harassment in our schools and communties.

Our new curriculum guides have printed and the DVDs made, and we are thrilled to start shipping them later this week to everyone who has pre-ordered the DVD set!

In a lengthy segment that aired last week on National Public Radio, executive director Debra Chasnoff called on educators across the country to learn from the preventable death of Lawrence King. To hear her interview, you can visit
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19357474.

For more information, to obtain a screener copy or to interview Debra Chasnoff, please contact cathy@rennacommunications.com

LOLCats are a Sin

After the week I had, this spoke to me:

see more crazy cat pics

More Sinister Than We Thought

Peterson Toscano beats me to making the point about the tortured logic and just plain ignorance behind Randy Thomas's (executive VP of Exodus International) pronouncements about gender identity.

Perhaps making the point even finer, DK, one of Peterson's commenters, parallels the alarming rise in left-handedness since the 1900's with increased cases of gender non-comformity, now that teachers and parents have quit torturing us southpaws and that we realize that we don't teach gender: gender, like handedness, just is.

Cool Gay Comic

I recently tripped across Boy Meets Hero. It's been an online comic about same-sex super-hero love, but is about to be published as a graphic novel! How cool is that? If you want to order it, please visit their site and order through them so they can earn a little credit for it! As a seriously nerdy collector, I'll be ordering the deluxe version in May.

Above is a recent promo mini-strip (not part of the main comic) that I found extremely funny.

Atlanta Tornado Pictures

The tornado or tornadoes that hit downtown Atlanta were just a few blocks from where I used to live - the Georgia Olympic Village. Pretty scary and unusual stuff.

CNN has pictures and a map showing where they hit.

Fortunately they were quite some distance from where my sister still lives.

No Link found between Bush Administration and the Truth

ABC News reports that the Bush administration is making the Pentagon report detailing no connection between Sadaam Hussein and al Qaida difficult to access