More info can be found here- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121960997888297
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
June Social
Our next social will be Thursday, June 30 at 6 pm at the City Cellar and Loft in Cartersville. Please come out and join your fellow Bartow County Young Democrats for food and conversation.
More info can be found here- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121960997888297
More info can be found here- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121960997888297
Protesting for Pride
We all know that this month is Pride Month. And with celebrating and embracing all that we are, in supporting our friends and our family, in fighting against ignorance and hatred, we must remember that we cannot simply show up for a Pride Parade once a year and then try to assimilate into the heterosexual culture. We have to be smart. Not only in who we vote for, but also in where we shop. Target, for example, we can all enjoy that place, can’t we? Decent clothes, music, D.V.D.s, books, magazines and even video games, all in one place. Better selection then K-Mart without the corporate evils of Walmart, right?
Well, almost. Actually, they contributed money, $150,000, to MN Forward (Minnesota Forward is a political action group that is funded by local corporations. Its mission statement says that, "MN Forward is an effort by Minnesota job providers to elect a governor and state legislators who understand the importance of creating private-sector jobs and economic opportunity in our state."). MN Forward then used the money to run television ads* for Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, who, along with being well known for his anti - gay beliefs, has also himself contributed $250 to a Christian rock band that has been known to speak harshly of gays (The band’s name is: Junkyard Prophet). He said on his campaign website, “As a legislator, I have consistently supported the constitutional marriage amendment that protects traditional marriage.”
Target is quoted as saying, “Our support of causes and candidates is based strictly on issues that affect our retail and business objectives.”
Still, Target is not alone. There’s also Best Buy, which seems like a good place for C.D.s, D.V.D.s and all your electronic or entertainment needs, right? Only if you like to entertain the idea that they spent $100,000 supporting Tom Emmer and MN Forward. So, what Target and Best Buy are telling you, the LGBTQIAP community is that, “We like you and all, but, uh, our profit margin is more important then you.”
Is that the place you want to spend your money? My high school Economics teacher (or maybe it was my Accounting teacher, I’m unsure) once said,
“You vote with your money.”
Of course, you might be asking, “But Alexander, where do I go to get the stuff I normally buy at those stores (Target and Best Buy)?”
I am still up to my eyeballs in researching these companies and corporations, but if you are going to ‘vote with your money,’ I would say places like K-Mart, Radioshack, FYE and Hot Topic would be good places to go. Are they the easiest and the cheapest choices to make? Maybe not. Are they principled? Yes. Would shopping at these locations instead of Target or Best Buy show respect for yourself, your friends, your families and your peers? Absolutely! So! Do the entire LGBTQIAP community, and yourself, a favor, and if you are going to shop, shop responsibly this Pride month, and every day, month and year that follows.
And as kind of an after thought. Don’t shop in silence. Feel free to talk to your friends, family, neighbors and co - workers. If we are going to protests these people for the homophobic and close minded decisions they have made, we must do it on a grand scale.
* MN Forward actually donated 97% of its $1.9 million in contributions toward supporting Emmer.
With Great Hope,
- J. Alexander Fisher
Well, almost. Actually, they contributed money, $150,000, to MN Forward (Minnesota Forward is a political action group that is funded by local corporations. Its mission statement says that, "MN Forward is an effort by Minnesota job providers to elect a governor and state legislators who understand the importance of creating private-sector jobs and economic opportunity in our state."). MN Forward then used the money to run television ads* for Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, who, along with being well known for his anti - gay beliefs, has also himself contributed $250 to a Christian rock band that has been known to speak harshly of gays (The band’s name is: Junkyard Prophet). He said on his campaign website, “As a legislator, I have consistently supported the constitutional marriage amendment that protects traditional marriage.”
Target is quoted as saying, “Our support of causes and candidates is based strictly on issues that affect our retail and business objectives.”
Still, Target is not alone. There’s also Best Buy, which seems like a good place for C.D.s, D.V.D.s and all your electronic or entertainment needs, right? Only if you like to entertain the idea that they spent $100,000 supporting Tom Emmer and MN Forward. So, what Target and Best Buy are telling you, the LGBTQIAP community is that, “We like you and all, but, uh, our profit margin is more important then you.”
Is that the place you want to spend your money? My high school Economics teacher (or maybe it was my Accounting teacher, I’m unsure) once said,
“You vote with your money.”
Of course, you might be asking, “But Alexander, where do I go to get the stuff I normally buy at those stores (Target and Best Buy)?”
I am still up to my eyeballs in researching these companies and corporations, but if you are going to ‘vote with your money,’ I would say places like K-Mart, Radioshack, FYE and Hot Topic would be good places to go. Are they the easiest and the cheapest choices to make? Maybe not. Are they principled? Yes. Would shopping at these locations instead of Target or Best Buy show respect for yourself, your friends, your families and your peers? Absolutely! So! Do the entire LGBTQIAP community, and yourself, a favor, and if you are going to shop, shop responsibly this Pride month, and every day, month and year that follows.
And as kind of an after thought. Don’t shop in silence. Feel free to talk to your friends, family, neighbors and co - workers. If we are going to protests these people for the homophobic and close minded decisions they have made, we must do it on a grand scale.
* MN Forward actually donated 97% of its $1.9 million in contributions toward supporting Emmer.
With Great Hope,
- J. Alexander Fisher
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Queer In Dixie
We have our month thanks to President Obama, yet I can't feel the warm rays of GLBT Pride month down here in Dixie. Outside the city lights gay pride is hard to come by, and it's even harder to express. I'll tell you what I see. I see a sidewalk where I would never hold my lover's hand in fear of being bashed. I see myself being denied equality through marriage and sharing my partners work benefits. I see a local court case involving a lesbian being forced into "homo rehab" by my local Sheriff Department. I also see myself paying taxes and remaining law abiding in a country that does not recognize me as an equal to heterosexuals.
Yes, President Obama is our champion thus far. His administration has done more for the GLBT community than any other administration. However, how much is enough? People are either free or they are not. It's very clear. Equality can not be splintered to suit the needs of politics. While I am thrilled and hopeful that this is one step closer to being a "full American" (despite the fact that I was born here and I have paid taxes since age 16), I am fearful that this is an appeasement tactic.
Regardless of my personal fears, I will stand behind President Obama because, like i said, he has done more for the GLBT cause than any other President.
- Christopher McAbee
Find more by Chris at http://iliktadied.blogspot.com/
Yes, President Obama is our champion thus far. His administration has done more for the GLBT community than any other administration. However, how much is enough? People are either free or they are not. It's very clear. Equality can not be splintered to suit the needs of politics. While I am thrilled and hopeful that this is one step closer to being a "full American" (despite the fact that I was born here and I have paid taxes since age 16), I am fearful that this is an appeasement tactic.
Regardless of my personal fears, I will stand behind President Obama because, like i said, he has done more for the GLBT cause than any other President.
- Christopher McAbee
Find more by Chris at http://iliktadied.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
LGBT Pride Month
President Bill Clinton declared the first Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in June 2000. While he failed to recognize the remainder (B&T) of the community, this seemed to be a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, once Bush took office he refused to recognize Pride Month and eight years passed without national recognition.
During Barack Obama’s campaign he said that he would help the LGBT community gain equality, and every year during his administration he has declared June to be LGBT Pride Month. Every year they have made another advancement like ending DADT or stopping the federal defense of DOMA. On May 1st, 2011, in a proclamation detailing steps his administration has taken to help bring about equality, Barack Obama proclaimed June 2011 to be LGBT Pride Month; the third of his administration.
I take this declaration to mean that Obama does intend to carry out his promises to the LGBT Community. I believe that he is devoted to full equality. I also believe that every civil rights movement takes time.
While there are many who would argue that Obama hasn’t done enough, I believe he is taking steps in the right direction. As a straight ally any changes put in place by the Obama administration may not effect me directly, however I can see how these new policies are changing the lives of my friends and loved ones. I can also see that these slow changes are better than a complete halt of progress. If Obama wins a second term he’ll be able to champion more LGBT causes leading the way for full equality. Leading the way for full civil rights.
Realistically, changes in LGBT policy don’t affect me much. I’m less likely to be discriminated against as a cisgender heterosexual female. I’m unlikely to encounter someone trying to legislate whom I can or cannot fall in love with or marry. But I can be outraged on behalf of my friends. I can be angry that they’re refused service at restaurants because someone saw two same sex adults holding hands. I can be angry that I could pick up some strange man I’ve never met from a bus stop and apply for a marriage license anywhere and have a marriage that will be recognized in all 50 states; but, two men who’ve known and loved each other for years have to go through a waiting period and drive halfway across the country to get married and have a document that isn’t even honored in their home state. (I can also be angry that I could be forced to carry a child to term that I don’t want while they can’t even adopt a child that needs a home and a family, but that’s another blog.)
An Obama victory in 2012 could mean great leaps toward equality, while having any Republican in the White House would mean progress grinding to a halt. It would mean at least four more years of waiting for something that’s long overdue. If for some reason you don’t believe me, look at Bush’s record on LGBT issues and consider that his views are pretty much standard for the Republican Party. http://www.ontheissues.org/george_w__bush.htm
I’m proud of Barack Obama and his administration, I’m proud that they’re taken a stand for LGBT equality. I’m also hopeful for what a 2012 Obama victory could mean not only for the LGBT community, but for all Americans.
Check the White House LGBT page here-
Read the 2011 LGBT Pride Month Proclamation here-
Shut Your Face Award of the Week Part 2
Nothing is sadder than watching a beautiful blond woman peddle her book on national TV. You might say, "but people do it all the time." Yes, they do, but this one is different. This book peddler is controversial, syndicated, and hated by many. On the other hand, many people worship her and become entranced at the sight of her slim lined body.
Ann Coulter, when I looked crazy up in my dictionary I saw a your pic. Down here we say, "Bless her heart." But I'm going to make an exception for you. I'll come right out and say... You're Crazy. Watching you on your latest CNN interview reminded me of a three legged race for the blind. The further you go on your diatribes the less you make sense, honey. Finally, I'm forced to pause and ask... what is she talking about? I suggest making a list prior to interviews and sticking with it.
Although I believe Ann deserves a "SHUT THE F UP AWARD," I can't find it in myself to go that far. The "F" word is ugly. To my favorite American Neo Nazi, Ann Coulter, I gladly give the "Shut Your Face Award."
Shut your face....
Ann Coulter, when I looked crazy up in my dictionary I saw a your pic. Down here we say, "Bless her heart." But I'm going to make an exception for you. I'll come right out and say... You're Crazy. Watching you on your latest CNN interview reminded me of a three legged race for the blind. The further you go on your diatribes the less you make sense, honey. Finally, I'm forced to pause and ask... what is she talking about? I suggest making a list prior to interviews and sticking with it.
Although I believe Ann deserves a "SHUT THE F UP AWARD," I can't find it in myself to go that far. The "F" word is ugly. To my favorite American Neo Nazi, Ann Coulter, I gladly give the "Shut Your Face Award."
Shut your face....
- Christopher McAbee
Find more by Chris at http://iliktadied.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
June Meeting
Please join us for our next meeting on June 13 at 7 PM. We welcome all liberal and left leaning individuals!
In order to become a voting member one must meet the age requirement and pay dues. Dues are $5 per year. Young Democrats are between the ages of 14 and 40. Young at Heart Democrats (40+) are still welcome to attend, however they cannot be voting members.
Note- Meetings ARE NOT candidate forums. If you are a candidate for office please contact the Bartow County Young Democrats directly (bartowyds@gmail.com), they will notify you of any planned candidate forums.
More info about the BCYD's and meeting location can be found here - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_109985691371&ap=1
In order to become a voting member one must meet the age requirement and pay dues. Dues are $5 per year. Young Democrats are between the ages of 14 and 40. Young at Heart Democrats (40+) are still welcome to attend, however they cannot be voting members.
Note- Meetings ARE NOT candidate forums. If you are a candidate for office please contact the Bartow County Young Democrats directly (bartowyds@gmail.com), they will notify you of any planned candidate forums.
More info about the BCYD's and meeting location can be found here - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_109985691371&ap=1
Shut Your Face Award of the Week
... and the SHUT YOUR FACE AWARD goes to....
Congressman... "I" before "E" except after "C" and in Weiner,
Sometimes we say too much, and we get tangled in our own trap. Sometimes it's better to just shut your face or use your brain. You should have said something like..." Yes,I did it and I have a problem." Everyone would have run to help you. But, OH NO! You can't do that. You would rather lie. LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE....
Congressman Weiner, I gladly give you a Shut Your Face Award.
Shut your face...
Sometimes we say too much, and we get tangled in our own trap. Sometimes it's better to just shut your face or use your brain. You should have said something like..." Yes,I did it and I have a problem." Everyone would have run to help you. But, OH NO! You can't do that. You would rather lie. LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE....
Congressman Weiner, I gladly give you a Shut Your Face Award.
Shut your face...
- Christopher McAbee
Find more by Chris at http://iliktadied.blogspot.com/
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