12.23.2008

America will once again embrace science!

CNN Political Analyst, David Gergen, can always be counted on to deliver an honest, eloquent, and accurate commentary on current events.  This recent commentary by Mr. Gergen is eye-opening and lays out the striking difference between the Bush administration and the Obama administration on the importance and validity of science.  We can breath a sigh of relief that we will once again have a government that supports and embraces science.  Let's hope it's not too late.

Mr. Gergen writes:

In coming months, public attention will heavily focus on the performance of Barack Obama’s economic and national security teams, but over the long haul, his new team in science and technology could do even more to shape the country’s future. They will arrive not a moment too soon.

Over the past seven plus years, many leaders in the science and technology community feel they have been in a virtual war with the Bush administration. They despaired, as one told me this weekend, that “no one was ever home” and that the Bush team was so dismissive of key scientific research that it threatened our future.

In a brief capsule, here are some of their key complaints:.

  • The President and the men around him have been so ideologically opposed to the idea of man-made global warming that they first put their heads in the sand, refusing to accept evidence and editing reports from scientists inside the government such as the EPA, sending morale down the tubes. More recently, President Bush has acknowledged that man has contributed to warming, but the U.S. continues to drag its feet in international negotiations and Bush has resisted mandatory emission standards.
  • Top scientific leaders in the administration have sometimes been silenced, including a top NASA climate scientist James Hansen and former Surgeon General Richard Carmona. A number of government scientists have resigned.
  • The President twice vetoed bills for stem cell research over the objections of many in the scientific community as well as Bill Frist, the cardio-surgeon who was a GOP leader in the Senate.
  • The President allowed funding for the National Science Foundation to go essentially flat and after sizable increases, also allowed a flattening of the budget for the National Institutes of Health.
  • The President did sign onto the competitiveness agenda proposed by a special commission of the national academies of science and engineering – and he helped to secure Congressional passage of legislation endorsing the agenda. But, stunningly, the Congress refused to fund it – and the President put up very little fight.
  • This November, the president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science publicly lambasted the administration for putting unqualified political appointees into permanent civil service jobs that make scientific policy decisions. A case in point: Todd Harding, a 30-year old with a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky’s Centre College, was named to a permanent post at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration working on space-spaced science for geostationary and meteorological data.
  • Even as some positions were filled with non-entities, the White House left vacant the post of Executive Director for the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that the scientific community began rallying to Barack Obama months ago. Periodically, Dr. Harold Varmus, now chief of Memorial Sloan Kettering, convened informal conference calls among leading scientists to provide counsel to the Obama campaign, and they also met with Obama for a morning of conversation in Pennsylvania.

This past Saturday, Obama began filling out his appointments to his science and technology team, and it is a star-studded cast, promising a sharp break with the Bush administration. Among those who will be surrounding him are a physicist who has won a Nobel Prize (Steven Chu), a physicist and top expert on global warming who will be his top science adviser in the White House (John Holdren), a chemical engineer who has won acclaim for as an environmental leader in New Jersey (Lisa Jackson), a marine biologist is a leading expert on the impact of global warming on the oceans (Jane Lubchenco),. a polymath who heads up one of the most important genome projects in the country (Eric Lander), and a biologist who won a Nobel prize in medicine (Varmus). It doesn’t get any better than that!

For at least half a century, America has been the world’s premier nation for scientific and technological research. Remaining at the cutting edge is not only important for the advancement of knowledge, but it is also critical – absolutely critical — for the creation of high-powered jobs and meeting the challenges of global warming. In his Internet address on Saturday, Obama said, “It’s time we once again put science at the top of our agenda and worked to restore America’s place as the world leader in science and technology.” He’s right – it is none too soon to call off the war and build a strong, new alliance between government and science.

12.19.2008

Not a policy issue, a human issue

No one is perfect.  It seems that when you might think someone is perfect, there always comes a time when you realize that in fact he or she is just like everyone else: not perfect.

This recent revelation has shown itself to me in President-Elect Obama.  It happened yesterday as he was addressing questions related to the selection of Pastor Rick Warren as the person to give the invocation at the inauguration.  

I should point out that it was not the sheer fact that Pastor Warren was chosen that elicited this revelation.  While I certainly was a little disappointed because I do not believe that a person who holds Pastor Warren's beliefs does anything to unite people, but rather divides more starkly than most.  I was disappointed because Pastor Warren was one of the biggest proponents of Proposition 8 in California and likens gay relationships to that of incest and polygamy - to men, this is not someone who should be celebrated by a campaign largely guided on the message of unity.  However, I didn't think his selection was the end of the world and in some regards I think I do understand what the President-Elect might be trying to do with this decision.

My disappointment came yesterday as President-Elect Obama said, in relation to gay rights, that, "we can disagree on policy issues." 

This is when I realized that he doesn't get it, just as so many people don't get it.  There is still this notion that there is something to disagree with in terms of what or who people are.  Imagine if Pastor Warren would have replaced the word "gay" in his hate-filled statements with "black."  Hard to believe?  Well, it wasn't that long ago that statements like that were made and if they were said today - they would not be accepted.

So, I come back to what I've been saying lately.  At the heart of this isn't a policy issue - it's a human issue.  The debate must move away from whether homosexuality is right or wrong.  This isn't something people choose, this isn't something people can change.  It shouldn't be open for debate as there is nothing we can do about it!  Once the conversation moves from this "right or wrong"/"agree or disagree" nonsense, perhaps some progress can be made.  Once people realize that gay individuals are humans who love, perhaps we can put aside the unproductive and hateful rhetoric that gets us nothing but division.

I want to clarify that I do think President-Elect Obama will do many good things on behalf of the GLBT people in America.  In the same press conference he said that he is a "fierce advocate" for equality.  I do believe this and I think that he understands he must choose his words carefully in these times of extreme division that are created by Rick Warren and the like.  Mr. Obama is such a rational person that it's hard to believe he doesn't support same-sex marriage; rational people understand that it is indeed the right thing to do and the world will not come to an end.  But he's clearly aware that he would not have been elected if he would have said that.

So, is President-Elect Obama perfect?  Of course not, and he would be the first to admit it.  Does he really understand what is at the heart of this issue and why it stings us gays so much to hear a debate on our rights?  It's hard to say, but his words, and the words of many others, appear to show that he and they do not.

I'm glad that the dialogue about this choice of Pastor Warren remains in the media days after its announcement.  While I may not be as outraged as others, I think it is important that everyone understand why people are so upset.  For me it is as simple as this:  People who hold and express divisive, hateful views should not be rewarded.

12.09.2008

Not victims, Americans

I try to avoid posting articles/posts from other sites, but when I see something good I must share it.  The following is a post from The Bilerico Project contributor, Sara Whitman.  It is perhaps that best statement for same-sex marriage and equality that I have seen, ever.  I feel very strongly that we should not be playing the victim card.  People generally don't respond well to people who play the victim card (even if it is warranted).  If the goal is truly equality and inclusion, then that's the language we should be using to plead our case.  This is what Ms. Whitman does:

I Am An American
Sara Whitman
12/9/08
I have spent much of my life as a victim. As a lesbian, as a woman, I have been a victim of hate, of violence, of job discrimination.

I'm done. I don't want to be the other. I don't want to be on one side while the rest of the world, divided by what often feels like an arbitrary line, sits on the other.

I am an American. I am responsible for three kids, my wife- my family. I love them and it is my job to take good care of them- the best care of them I possibly can. I pay taxes and a mortgage. In order to do that, I need to be an excellent employee, work hard, put in my best effort.

I am motivated by being a good role model for my children. I need to support them emotionally, and provide the best education possible. My marriage, more than just our community wrapped around our relationship, keeps us intact. It provides laws to do so, too.

Marriage is good for society. It keeps families whole and provides safety nets- especially for children. It has for a long time. It will continue to for a long time.


I'm not looking for any special treatment- except on my birthday, when I love my kids waking me up at the crack of dawn to provide me a "leisurely" breakfast in bed. I don't except to pay less for gas, or to have a special line to get past airport security faster than anyone else.

Most of all, I don't want pity. I am stronger than most people. I can haul wood or groceries or laundry endless distances. I can stay up all night and rub a sick child's back until they can fall back asleep again. I can cook dinner for my family every night or for 50 people on Superbowl Sunday.

I can hold unbearable past experiences and still breathe in the joy of my life today.

I am a good friend. I care deeply about my neighbors, my community, my country. I donate my time, my money to help better the world.

I am not on the other side. I am not a tiny piece of a small fragment in this country.

Don't ever feel sorry for me.

Let me have the full responsibility of being an American. Because we deserve an American workforce free of discrimination, we deserve the strongest military in the world and every child in this country deserves a family.

I am an asset to this society. Let us all erase the lines of Us and Them. Think of what we can do if we do it together.

I want excellence. Don't we all?

Brothers assumed gay, attacked

The Associated Press reports that two brothers were beaten with an aluminum baseball bat in New York by four attackers.  The two were walking arm in arm Sunday morning down a Brooklyn street.  Police say one of the brothers (31-years-old) died Monday in a NYC hospital.

The assailants used anti-gay slurs and anti-Hispanic insults, city officials said at a news conference.  “We believe all of this happened simply because of who these individuals are and who these perpetrators perceived them to be,” said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. “For some reason (they) didn’t like the two men they believed were gay … and felt so emboldened in their hatred that they acted it out in violence.”

According to Police, the attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. Sunday as the brothers were walking. One attacker jumped out of an SUV, used the anti-gay slur and smashed one of the brothers over the head with a bottle.  The other brother ran away and three more attackers joined the assault. One hit the victim in the head with the bat while the others kicked him.  At some point, the other brother returned holding a cell phone and told the men he had called police. They then drove off together.

The office of Brooklyn prosecutor Charles Hynes and the New York Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force are investigating.  Hynes “is shocked and appalled at this senseless, bigoted, brutal act,” said Assistant District Attorney Charles Guria. “We need people out there who have any piece of information to please come forward.”

How many more times does this have to happen before people realize they need to stop teaching hate?  These two innocent people were just assumed to be gay and they were attacked and one of them died.  There is no excuse for this, obviously.  I have to think that if the lies and misconceptions about gay people were not taught, this might not have happened.

Kern delivers hate and lies



"We have to get rid of that and start curing those sinners. It's past time that this nation stopped placating sin and start putting them in education programs. Courts can force drug offenders into treatment centers and violent people into anger management. There's no reason our courts can't do that with homos."
These are the words of Pastor Steve Kern.  These are the kinds of words that perpetuate misunderstanding, lies, and hate.  These are the kinds of words that need to stop.  These words need to be called out for what they are: hateful, ridiculous, unfounded rhetoric.

12.08.2008

Rove to 'name names'


In an interview with Cox News, Karl Rove said he will be calling out the people in Washington who never respected President Bush as a commander-in-chief.  My first thought after reading this, "is there anyone who wouldn't be on that list?"

I find this incredibly hilarious.  One of the most unpopular political figures, ever, is writing a book detailing the names of people who didn't respect one of the most unpopular presidents, ever (perhaps THE most unpopular, but I don't feel like confirming that at the moment).  Wouldn't it be easier to just look at the last U.S. census for this information?  Or maybe it would be easier to write a book about the people who did accept Bush; at least it would be shorter.

In a seemingly threatening fashion, Rove told Cox News, "I've got behind-the-scenes episodes that are going to show how unreceiving they were of this man as president of the United States," he continued, "I'm going to name names and show examples."  I'm sure these people are terrified (note sarcasm).  

I'm sorry, but I just can't stop laughing.

Mr. Rove, an overwhelming majority of Americans don't respect this man as their president (I wish they would have relieved that in 2004).  Nobody cares who, in Washington, was 'unreceiving' of W.  In fact, these people will most likely be lauded - they may thank you for outing them.

Rove also suggested the criticisms the president and his aides took were partly because they were not part of the Washington establishment.  No, Mr. Rove, it's because we are now facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and the world hates us - just to name a couple reasons.

It's almost as if this story was in the Onion, but I promise, it's real!

12.07.2008

My Perspective... seeks guest writers

While I certainly enjoy giving you "my perspective," from time to time I would like to hear your perspective.  

I'm inviting anyone who has a thought, opinion, or idea they would like to share, to do so as a guest writer on My Perspective...

If you are interested send me your idea for a post or your completed post by clicking the link below.  Look forward to hearing your perspective!

12.05.2008

Lesson of hope from "Milk"



Just over a week ago I saw the new movie starring Sean Penn, "Milk."  For those who may not be familiar, it is the story of the first openly gay elected public official, Harvey Milk.

In the movie we experience Milk's attempts at running for office, until finally winning in 1977.  The film goes on to show the struggle that was California Proposition 6 in 1978, better known as The Briggs Initiative.

Prop 6 was an attempt, introduced by conservative state legislator John Briggs, to ban homosexuals and anyone who supported them from teaching or working in California's public schools.  The Briggs Initiative failed in California, but Oklahoma and Arkansas actually passed such measures prior to 1978.

The film roused within me myriad emotions.  Sadness, anger, confusion, excitement, empathy, and perhaps most the most prominent, hope.

California's Proposition 6 in 1978 was an awful thing, no discussion should be needed on that point.  As a former teacher, the thought of not being able to practice such an honorable profession because I'm gay is deeply distressing.  This is a profession that is starving for thoughtful, compassionate people to join its ranks, and to think that there were once individuals who believed gay people (or anyone who supported them) shouldn't be allowed to do so is frankly disgusting.

Enter: hope.  You see, I felt hope because I think you would be hard pressed to find people today who would even consider proposing such an initiative.  Well, perhaps with the exception of Michele Bachmann.  But the important thing to take from this is that progress has been achieved.  The view of homosexuality in the United States has come a long way since the days of Anita Bryant and John Briggs.  I'm certainly not suggesting that the journey to equality is complete or even close for that matter.  However, the finish line doesn't seem quite as far off as it once did.

So, in the words of Harvey Milk, "I'm here to recruit you."  Let us join together as one people, Americans, and finish this journey to ensure equality for all.  Many thought we would never be where we are today, let's show them that we can reach the finish line.

NC more progressive than I thought

The Associated Press reports that the city of Carrboro, North Carolina, has passed a resolution supporting gay marriage, sending it off to the state and federal government.

The bill was introduced by Alderwoman Jacqui Gist after California voters passed Proposition 8, amending the constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The resolution was supported and signed by Mayor Mark Chilton, and reads:

"Whereas, the denial of such benefits has been demonstrated to have significant psychological and social impact on the physical, social, and economic well-being of gay and lesbian couples and their families; and whereas the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes marriage as one of the ‘basic civil rights of man’ fundamental to our very existence and survival” and “one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men … [be it resolved] that civil marriage for same-sex couples must include all the benefits commonly bestowed upon opposite-sex couples, including, among other rights, healthcare coverage and related decision-making, privileges under immigration and naturalization law, survivor benefits, inheritance rights, and child custody.”

According to the AP, Carrboro is one of the most liberal cities in the south and is growing as many northern businesses move south.

Nice work, Carrboro.  You set a fine example.

12.04.2008

Prop 8 - The Musical

It's too good to not post. Mark Shaiman, the composer for Hairspray, wrote this song about Prop 8. It's got everything: humor, truth, and stars! Enjoy!

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

12.03.2008

Hope

I know this has been posted everywhere, but I couldn't help myself. It's so inspiring. Hope is alive, perhaps now more than ever - and the time to stand up for the us's is now.

Senator Marty says, "It's time..."

Minnesota state Senator John Marty introduced legislation to legalize same-sex marriage. His letter (below) describes his plan to move the legislation into committee. It's a great letter with pragmatic, rational ideas. Get ready to show your support!

It's Time to Move forward with Gay Marriage Legislation
by Senator John Marty
December 2, 2008

Last session, along with several of my colleagues, I introduced legislation to legalize same-sex marriages in Minnesota. Now we are asking for a hearing on the legislation in the Senate Judiciary Committee during the 2009 legislative session.

Minnesota's law prohibits any gay or lesbian from marrying the person they love. Our legislation would repeal that prohibition and extend equal marriage rights to all people regardless of sexual orientation.

This effort is made with no illusion about the difficulty of passing the legislation. In the November election, several states passed voter initiatives banning same-sex marriages. California's initiative actually took away the existing right for gay couples to marry.

But Minnesotans have a strong sense of fairness. Minnesotans are open to change when presented with new information.

Opponents have great fear and misunderstanding about gay marriage. A legislative committee hearing could begin to address those misconceptions. I am not asking for a hearing where we have hours of testimony from multiple speakers on each side, then a brief committee debate and vote.

Instead, let's have a gay couple briefly tell their story. Have them talk about their love, the challenges they face as parents, the problems they encounter because they are not allowed to marry. Opponents would have equal time to voice their concerns.

Then, instead of a debate, the Judiciary Committee could break past the heated rhetoric on the issue with a candid discussion, conducted in a civil tone. Discussions help to inform and educate people. With all of the divisiveness over gay marriage, a civil discussion might bring people closer together.

If opponents say they worry that allowing same-sex couples to marry will hurt their own marriages, I'd like to ask them to tell us how. I'd really like to know whether they feel my marriage – Connie and I just celebrated our 28th anniversary – would hurt their marriage too. And if it does not, why a gay couple's marriage would have any more impact on them than my marriage has had.

If opponents say they believe gay marriage is sinful or morally wrong, I'd like to tell them why I, as a Christian, believe we should not just allow, but actually encourage gay couples to marry. It is because of my faith, not in spite of it, that I think we should promote marriage and work to strengthen families of gay couples as well as heterosexual couples.

The Judiciary Committee could talk about the coexistence of different religious beliefs in a democratic society. We could discuss how our nation has a proud history of protecting the right of religious liberty and freedom of conscience; how every individual is entitled to his or her beliefs and has the freedom to join a church that shares those views.

I would like to ask my colleagues who oppose this legislation why they consider it acceptable for Minnesota's government to endorse their religious beliefs about gay marriage and enforce them over the religious beliefs that thousands of other Minnesotans have. Every member of the Senate took an oath of office to support the Constitution of the United States, and each of us understands that government should treat all people in a fair, non-discriminatory manner.

Opponents worry that their churches would be required to perform gay marriages. But we can reassure them that the freedom of religion that would allow gay marriages, is the same freedom of religion that allows them to perform marriages only for couples they choose to marry. We could point to the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down laws prohibiting interracial marriage which was strongly opposed by many Christians at the time, and remind them that the churches objecting to those marriages have never been forced to solemnize them.

A Senate hearing that confronts these issues with a civil discussion will not end all opposition to gay marriage, but it will help break down the misunderstandings that exist.

This may be the only legislative attempt to allow gay marriage in the Midwest, but it is time for Minnesota to look forward. California's Prop 8 and other bans on gay marriage have been painful setbacks for people who want to marry the partner they love; couples who want nothing more than the same rights and responsibilities other married couples have. It's time to show them that the people of Minnesota care about their families too.

Some may say that this legislation is premature. But how long is discrimination against gay couples acceptable? I'm confident that most Minnesotans, even those uncomfortable talking about homosexuality, will recognize the fundamental fairness of allowing every adult to choose his or her own marriage partner.