It occurred to me that if the Administration is truly serious about attacking Iran, that this would be the wrong time for them to jettison Rummy...thus the bizarre vote of confidence from Bu$h...
Posted by Roy Batty at April 16, 2006 04:26 AMThe gay folks crashing the White House Easter egg hunt will be yet another reason for the homophobic rubes to show up in November. If the house is not regained, they will hurt their own cause in the long run. Shortsighted, and not team players.
Posted by TIKI AL at April 16, 2006 04:40 AMHppy Rsrrctn Dy vrybdy!
The reason Bush wants the War to continue is because as soon as it is over the economy will fold. War spending is what is saving this economy.
Posted by goose1 at April 16, 2006 05:07 AMGeorge Will says come November the GOP doesn't deserve your help, much less your vote...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/14/AR2006041401450.html
Now I have to say, this is kind of weird. It's kind of like Dickie V picking the Bruins. Rarely happens, and when it does you really wonder what are the motives......
Posted by at April 16, 2006 05:12 AMTIKI-
Maybe you're not a team player. The gay families have every right to roll eggs and be visible. The history of the egg roll is a children's rights history. Pres. Hayes let the egg rollers in when the Capitol Police kept them off the Mall. Mamie Eisenhower let the black kids in in 1954. It is open to ALL kids.
Visibility of the ordinariness of gay life is necessary to keep us from being isolated and demonized.
The snub from the WH is likely to educate many more to our side than activate voters already against us.
Blaming the victims and blaming the people with courage is no way to win.
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.
Briefly, what is the story on the WH Easter egg hunt? I missed it evidently. Who would care who goes?
Posted by Judith at April 16, 2006 05:34 AMhttp://pageoneq.com/news/2006/eggroll_041506.html
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/4/15/142658/343
Basically - Gay Families thought a good way to be visible would be todo the egg roll and wear rainbow leis. Not a protest but just a coordinated outing and being there. Drudge let the wingnuts know about it and gays were accused of 'politicizing' the event. The WH officilly said nothing and Laura Bush said it was open to all.
100 families lined up overnight to get tickets to get in for the opening. The WH decided to have the special invited guests in first so the earliest times for gay families is 11:30 or so instead of 8AM.
This is the first year it has been done this way. Normally it is first-come first-served and invited guests are scattered through the day.
mmmmmmmmmm: Guess you are happy with the right wing running everything. How did that gay marriage revolution work out in the last election?
Yes, they have the right to go there, all I am saying is why provoke the knuckle draggers before an election? It would be smarter to gain power and get some real legislation for the gays.
Your plan is to poke the big poopies in the eye, and then bitch when yet another Republican takes the oath of office? Real smart.
This ain't Sunnybrook Farms, it's Karl Rove Hell World. Wake up.
mmmmmmmmmm: NOT A PROTEST?????? You are more naive than I thought!
Posted by TIKI AL at April 16, 2006 06:11 AMAre you a troll or just a box turtle?
My family is the first gay-parented family most of my kids' friends' families have ever met. It is not a protest to be at scouts, choir, playdates, etc. But it changes the stereotypes. Visibility is a first step.
And if you think that if we hide that the repugs will just get tired of kicking us, well we learned that appeasement doesn't work.
"Yes, they have the right to go there, all I am saying is why provoke the knuckle draggers before an election? It would be smarter to gain power and get some real legislation for the gays."
TIKI AL, your point is a good one.
Posted by Judith at April 16, 2006 06:27 AM6:26 AM vacuum: Calling me names when you did not see the organizers preening on CNN, in anticipation of their "non protest" is not going to further your cause.
Judith: Are you spoken for? (kiss, kiss).
Posted by TIKI AL at April 16, 2006 06:39 AMThis is a perfect case of "perception" over reality. One side will use this Easter Egg roll and claim, "Hey, we're normal people with normal lives too. See?"
Yet, the other side will simply frame the issue however best suits their cause. Its one of those things that probably will do a good job of getting the "die-hards" all pumped up, while leaving the more moderates to shake their head at the spin machine spectacle.
Posted by Jolly Sapper at April 16, 2006 07:04 AMAl, for once I'd like to kick your ass.
There's a lot of stupidity going on about the easter egg hunt, but to be honest, You're leading the pack. If you want to help GLBT families, you need to step back and let them pariticpate like they're the normal American families they are. Oh, and maybe back their right to participate.
These comments, which I've clarified, are totally making you look like an ass:
The black folks crashing the White House Easter egg hunt will be yet another reason for the black rubes to show up in November. If the house is not regained, they will hurt their own cause in the long run. Shortsighted, and not team players.
Calling me names when you did not see the organizers preening on CNN, in anticipation of their "non-violent protest" is not going to further your cause.
It's being reported on Pandagon that families who waited all night - literally in some cases - that instead of getting good tickets, people in line were suddenly pushed to the later time slots in a last minute unexplained change of plan. When the rules change because of the type of people in line for a public event so they're disadvantaged - call it for what it is - prejudice on par with Southern discrimination.
Posted by idiosynchronic at April 16, 2006 07:11 AMI so posted that without caffine. I may be somewhat incoherent, but Tiki Al's still an ass with or without caffine.
Posted by idiosynchronic at April 16, 2006 07:14 AMAn unaccountable administration sliding down the back-side of the slippery slope called 'power corrupts'...
personal privacy and constitutional protections slowly eroding as one would boil a frog so as not to inspire it to jump out of the slowly heating pan of water...
a deficit spun so far beyond reasonably imagineable recovery that to call the government 'bankrupt' would be the understatement of the decade, and...
the last shreds of the United States' international credibility all but gone, leaving us fewer and fewer partners, or 'allies', in which to trust absolutely.
These are just some of the reasons that a despotic transition seems inevitable to me. Meanwhile, 'we the people', overall, seem to have little to say, backed up by even less to do (besides our self-indulgent ranting).
We are so, SO f~cked!
The debate about "forgiveness" or "acceptance" on pro-war thinkers now switching sides is really very interesting and telling. I think the whole "package" of thought that included enabling Bush to get away with what he has done is a mark of most career Republicans. They see a political twist and are reacting to it, I don't believe there is much sincerity in anything they do or say in the quest for money and/or power. On the other hand, "regular" people who now have had the light bulb go on are being real Americans and have enough brains to actually learn from their research and experience. Guys like Gingrich ..... forget it! He is trying to manipulate this for his political gain, just like any other issue that gets air time.
I like going to Huffington Post also and this debate seems very active there.
I don't think it's the gay people who're wanting to hunt eggs, it's their kids. Let the kids celebrate.
Use the kids to gotv? Nah, they wouldn't do that, would they? I think WE have a better story: kids drowning and orphaned in NOLA, kids held back from hunting the eggs, kids-no healthcare, kids-NCLB-money sucked from public schools, kids joining the military death machine to afford college if they live that long,-kids no future if the air and food is totally polluted....if the dems were smart, they could GOTV by televising what kids go thru in this age of corporatism, but I'm not so sure they care to change things.
And Happy Easter to All.
Posted by Sharon at April 16, 2006 07:40 AMOn this Easter Sunday I note with great hope the signs of arising ... Springsteen is coming out with a new album, "We Shall Overcome, the Seeger Sessions" giving a new voice to the historically dissident voice of Pete Seeger and then of course the new Neil Young album with the piece eneitled "Impeach the Pres". Hopefully this is just the beginning.
Posted by mainsailset at April 16, 2006 08:19 AMIt would seem that a few 'regulars' got up on the wrong side of the bed today. Maybe we should all just be thankful for what we have (not materially), and enjoy Sunday.
tempus
Posted by tempus at April 16, 2006 08:26 AMmainsailset: Have you caught Neil Young's new movie? I've seen bits of it, and it is nothing short of incredible.
Posted by tempus at April 16, 2006 08:31 AMI wholly support gay parents and their children attending the WH Easter egg event. Of course neither the parents nor the children should be forced to live in shadows. The way the WH and the right wing have played this only makes them look heartless and cruel to children (because that is exactly what they are). As more and more people wake up to what an abomination of morality then Bu$hco gang are, the more that these realizations of intolerance and prejudice as pertains this Easter egg event will become common knowledge. Tiki Al, I'm not interested in kicking your ass, just massaging your higher self. By denigrating the gay parents for trying to give their children a normal life, perhaps you're the one who's not being a team player. Like it or not, Gay rights is part of the progressive agenda. As team players, we need to stick together. That means not allowing gays to be openly discriminated against by the WH, without raising loud objections. Drudge and his ilk only stand out as the cretans that they are.
Posted by Oaklander at April 16, 2006 08:44 AMPlease, no more division in our party.
TIKI you have your point and Idio you have your point.
Yes, positive exposure is good for a cause but the question comes down to: Have we been able to win on the gay issue? The answer is no.
Let's take back the congress first then promote agenda's all we want.
Tempus: NEW NEIL YOUNG MOVIE? NEW MOVIE! Where did you see it? Is it playing in the big type theatres or what? When I was over on Kaui after Inikki helping with the clean up, he and the gang gave an outdoor concert to help the locals, never forget it.
Posted by mainsailset at April 16, 2006 09:40 AMNeil Young always puts on a great show. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I look forward to it. And the new disc.
Posted by iamcoyote at April 16, 2006 09:47 AMOak,I don't approve of using children in any cause as little pawns. It is wrong. I said nothing about not being able to raise them as normal, which is certainly what they are. Bringing them on TV and making a big organized deal out of this was self defeating in my humble opinion.
Id, your views on caffeine, my social status, and the threat to the future configuration of my posterior, I find quite interesting.
I feel someone who is addicted to caffeine, should at least be able to spell it.
Now, kicking someone's ass, because they ARE an ass makes perfect sense to me. That kind of logical thinking WILL win elections.
Saying that egg hunt was not a protest is as bad as any spin I've ever heard from the right. I stand by my opinion, and await my verbal and physical thrashings.
Posted by TIKI AL at April 16, 2006 09:47 AMmainsailset: I ripped it off of Bearshare (p2p). However, I was only able to get portions of the film. I'm not sure if it is in theatres yet. There is a very good interview with Neil and Jon Stewart, which is up on Comedy Central. Neil discusses the film, and is still rockin' in the free world...
Posted by tempus at April 16, 2006 09:49 AMI think that as long as the debate is framed as "they" and "them" when speaking of GLBT families - we have lost the debate.
That is the problem, very subtle discrimination and biggotry.
When my gay friends, with children, come to mind, I do not think "gay family" I think "family" - unfortunately most people do not. Not even people on the left. Because these families are hidden and are not allowed to come out and participate in any normal way that is viewed by the rest of America. Normalcy and inclusion is the only way that this debate will change and my friends will simply become "families'.
I think that the WH, moving the general public until later in the day will allow for the GLBT families to miss the media. The media will be done and the WH will have succeeded in keeping these normal families in the dark and not bringing into the light of public view regular people who happen to be gay.
It is a shame.
Posted by Anjha at April 16, 2006 10:00 AM40,000 suicide bombers ready to go if Bu$hCo attacks Iran. However this crazy man still has his arrogant finger on the bomb.
People, we need to sing louder.
Posted by Anjha at April 16, 2006 11:46 AMNeil Young's movie was out in Phoenix, have not seen it yet, or know if it's still playing in theaters.
Posted by bbtb at April 16, 2006 11:53 AMAnjha and her friends went to the party. THEY, oops, I mean Anjha and her friends had a good time. I invited THEM, oops again, I mean I invited Anjha and her friends to my next party.
It's a shame you have to walk on eggshells around here today, just because you don't agree with some of the gay strategy. Et tu Anjha?
Posted by TIKI AL at April 16, 2006 12:17 PMI don't consider same sex families going to the Easter Egg Roll as a protest. Maybe an action, but generally I see it as families taking their children to a family activity. Is it a statement that these children are going? Is it a statement if hetero families take their kids? What's the alternative, the same sex families stay home and give their kids the message that there's something wrong with them? Come on, Al, then the terrorists win. Now, I was totally against the parents who took their kids to Terri Schiavo's hospice and had the kids attempt to take her a glass of water, but this is different. The easter Egg Roll is an activity for children.
Posted by ann at April 16, 2006 12:53 PMAnjha and her friends went to the party. THEY, oops, I mean Anjha and her friends had a good time. I invited THEM, oops again, I mean I invited Anjha and her friends to my next party.
It's a shame you have to walk on eggshells around here today, just because you don't agree with some of the gay strategy. Et tu Anjha?
Posted by TIKI AL at April 16, 2006 12:17 PM
Tiki, now you are just plain being silly.
If you said, "Anjha's gay friends..." then you would be perpetuating the need to separate.
The operative word is "gay" and the need to make the statement with that characterization. My point is that there is no need - or should be no need - to point out via speech or writing that my friends may or may not be gay. You don't say my hetero friends.
Subtle discrimination. But discrimination nonetheless.
The SPAN was on the other day. Abu Gonzales was testifying before the House Judiciary Committee. He said, "when black and Latino kids join gangs..." My ten-year old picked up on it. My ten-year old said, "that was racist, why does he think only blacks and Latinos join gangs?"
See, by differentiating, instead of saying, "when kids join gangs..." he was perpetuating stereotypes and creating racism.
Our use of language perpetuates all kinds of things that most people do not pick up on. It is very common for us and eye opening when we take a good hard look at it.
The movie "Crash" did a fantastic job of this.
When I was in college I did a research paper on how the word "fuck" can perpetuate violence and degradation towards women. Complex issue and highly debatable and I am one of the first to use the word in my daily speak.
All of it is worth thinking about.
Language is extremely powerful.
I'm just saying that to make such a big deal out of "gay families" participating in the WH egg roll, by the very nature of making a big deal out of it, people are saying there is something wrong with it.
My hope is that there comes a day when people simply say "families" instead of "gay families."
I get your point about not offering any more reasons for the wedge issue at the midterms - not to offer any more reasons for the right wing jesus freaks to get to the polls, but the right wing jesus freaks are going to make it an issue themselves. Gay marraige legislation is on how many state's ballots?
By bringing normalcy to families - who just happen to have gay parents - then it can no longer be such a big fucking deal.
Posted by Anjha at April 16, 2006 01:29 PMTiki, the "walking on eggshells" statement was pretty funny.
Happy easter!
Posted by Anjha at April 16, 2006 01:31 PM**Applause**
Anjha, that was delightfully eloquent and healing. My hat's off to you.
Group hug?
Posted by iamcoyote at April 16, 2006 01:37 PMAnjha, that was delightfully eloquent and healing. My hat's off to you.
Group hug?
Posted by iamcoyote at April 16, 2006 01:37 PM
Thanks. Yes - group hug much needed today.
Posted by Anjha at April 16, 2006 01:44 PMAnjha: well said. Every time our kids "hear" those choices of words, no matter how seemingly mundane, it stamps their perspectives and since we're not always in a position to counteract those words seem to tune people in to the rhythms of discrimination. I heard a term "levelling" the other day. That it is human nature to level another person up or down depending on your own insecurity. And whenever you chose to level the other person you're weakening yourself. It sounds as though your kids can already identify strength and shun weakness. Good job.
Posted by mainsailset at April 16, 2006 04:48 PMI have a funny:
My mom was telling my brother today about starting to "read the book 'America' by Bill O'Reilly..."
I said "Don't you mean Jon Stewart?" Oh yeah. "You can't get much different than those two, Mom." It was so funny. As if.
Posted by Sharon at April 16, 2006 05:48 PMAnjha, I knew you would get the "eggshells" crack. Now, in an effort to start more trouble, is it asking too much for everyone to get on the same page for 6 lousy months, and win back the house? Going on national TV, and picking a fight with the wingnut's apple pie poster girl, Laura Bush, is fun, but not smart.
I have donned my welder's mitts, as a safety precaution for the much anticipated group hug with the coyote. (also have a kevlar ass protector strapped on in case Idio wishes to join in).
Posted by TIKI AL at April 16, 2006 08:48 PMAn agnostic wishing another agnostic Happy Easter IS pretty funny. Thank you.
Posted by TIKI AL at April 16, 2006 09:00 PM"Anjha, I knew you would get the "eggshells" crack.
LOL
Posted by Judith at April 17, 2006 05:02 AMJudith, I also knew you would get the "eggshells" crack, crack.
Posted by TIKI AL at April 17, 2006 05:44 AMNow what's that strategy again? We're going to hide all the gay people/families till after the election? Why stop there? Let's hide the racially mixed families too? We better hide the mentally ill and people with no health insurance too. Those single pregnant girls better be tucked out of sight too. Shouldn't we put the homeless even further underground too? Can't we keep the wounded veterans from screaming out in pain for medical care? We should probably ask the scientists to shut-up about global warming and evolution till after the election too. We can fudge the test scores of poorly performing schools and students so they'll all be above average. Perhaps we can convince people of all religions to celebrate Christmas till after the election. Let's pretend to be for war and public executions too-just till after we win the election. Maybe our candidate should have an agenda for implanting all citizens with a spy chip to make sure none of us break the law or speak ill of our government. That should win the election!
But here's an even better idea! Rather than go to all that trouble of pretending to be Republicans to win the election, let's just skip that whole voting mess and let the Rebublicans have it. If we have nothing to fight for why bother? We'll all be in hiding so there'll be no one left to vote for our side anyway.
Posted by OffTheFence at April 18, 2006 12:06 AM