What not to do when you're an elected official

Don't get in a fight, beat someone up, plead guilty, lie about pleading guilty, and then lie to the press. Especially when you're part of the largest student government in the country, and working for a group that I was proud to be a part of.

Don't go golfing when 10 million people are counting on you to fix the state, and state employees are counting on you not to shut down the government.

Don't hide in the closet. It's okay if you're gay, even if your friends and colleagues don't think so. Listen to your heart, remember that God made all of us and loves all of us the same, and for crying out loud, come out of the closet and get new friends. You'll save a bundle on therapy.

Don't drink and drive. Don't keep drinking and driving even after you've been caught and arrested once before. No, no, no - bad move.

Don't hurt children, and those that are too young to defend themselves. (Again with the don't hide in the closet)

What you can do:

Lead by example - it's the best way you can. And if you can't, step down and let someone else. Our schools, our state, our country are too precious not to have the best of the best in charge.

Weekend Travels and a Must-Read Book

Happy Friday.

I'm going to be spending the weekend packing in a lot of hours in the car, traveling to and fro.


Having a weakness for cheese, I'm excited that I'll be stopping by an excellent frommage factory and picking up some yummy for home.

Even though I'll be in the car, I won't be doing as much driving as I will be enjoying some delicious hours with a pile of books that I'm taking with me. Among those in my list and pertinent to you, the readers of this humble little blog is one read that is getting more fascinating by day.

Religion Gone Bad by Rev. Dr. Mel White is a fascinating look into the fundamental Christian movements war on gays and lesbians in America, led by James Dobson, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and Pat Buchanan.

White is well qualified to lead this discussion. He's an evangelical pastor who's worked at the highest levels of the fundamentalist movement for over 20 years with the likes of Robertson, Dobson, Falwell and others.

• Among some of the more scarier revelations in the book (pun intended) -
  In August 2004, Dobson used one of his Focus on the Family broadcasts to compare the ethics of embryonic stem-cell research to "Nazi medical experiments on prisoners." (pg 87)

• In October 2005 - Dobson made it known that he had a private "conversations" with Karl Rove about Harriet Miers, the woman nominated by Bush to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, and that during the conversation he was trusted with information ..."that I probably shouldn't know." The media had a field day. The Democrats and even some Republicans demanded to know why Dobson had more information about the president's nominee than they did. (pg. 88)

If things like that don't make you shudder, well, I'm not sure what would.

I've said time and time again, as a spiritual person I will never advocate to criticize anyone's personal beliefs. I am a very staunch supporter of a very clear separation between church and state, it's clear that the mainstays of the Republican Party have become anything but.

But back to my travels. There's several other lighter books on the list to be read, and a good time with friends and family.

Here's hoping you have an enjoyable weekend!

Guest Post by Mike at Republic of M

A very humble thanks to Mike for his guest post and his accolades. If you haven't already made Republic of M part of your daily read, now's the time to fix that. Without further adieu...

If I was straight I would date Julielyn

A guest post by Mike at Republic of M

I am very much honored to have been asked to do this by uber blogger, and my friend, aka the www goddess, Liberal Lucy. Everyone should bow at this point. I know, I know, she hates accolades, but she so deserves it.

I hate to dwell, well not really, I actually thrive on it, but my boy friend always brings me to task on it, so I try not to. But I still can't help but go back to her guest post at Republic of M. If you didn't read it – then where the hell have you been? Well the link is above, so go read it, but make sure your ass comes back to read what I have to say. If you decide otherwise, then let me recap. Liberal Lucy: Allies of LGBTQ are very important. Our best friends are not only the ones who tell us that they stand beside us, but tell the world.

So, having said that, my partner and I attended the First Annual Michigan Blogger Picnic. We were both extremely apprehensive. He and I both were a little cautious because we didn't really know what to expect, or how we would be received. But everyone was extremely nice. We could not have anticipated a warmer welcome.

You might be thinking: Mike, why would you and your partner ever think that we, progressive thinking people would ever act in such a way?

Well progressive thinking people – some of your kind, or at least some who proclaim to be such, have let me and my people down. We support them with not only our donations, but our votes, only to see on one of the many cable news networks that we don't matter. You allow the opposing side to set the stage, with your LGBT allies the pie that's thrown in the progressive face. You allow them to set the tone of discussion, making us the bad guys, making us the issue. We both know there are far bigger issues. Issues that even their base put at the fore front, yet we always seem to be that punching bag in the religious right fitness center. We never seem to waver from you, yet we are the first "dead weight" to be cast over board when the religious right starts swinging. I know, I know, it sounds like a bad Sylvester Stallone Movie.

I realize that not all progressives are like this. And thank GOD, they aren't. And thank GOD for people like Liberal Lucy, and the rest of the Michigan Liberal crew.

Yes, a forward thinking progressive person would think that way. But many, who proclaim to be so, really are not. Its one of the problems we here in the LGBTQ community face all the time. People who say they are our friends and allies, yet when it comes down to standing their ground in our defense, run with their tail between their legs.

Liberal Lucy reminded me of how important allies are. And how she and the others from Michigan Liberal are not those back room friends. They are the best resource the LGBTQ community has. And I thank GOD, every day, for a friend like her, and the allies at Michigan Liberal.

Misc. Mutterings from around Michigan

I'm still catching up on sleep and rest from my trip to NY, but here's a couple things going through my head.

Snuffing it out: Applause for Sen. Ray Basham and Rep. Brenda Clack on banning smoking inside restaurants and bars. If you want to smoke that's fine, but that doesn't mean the rest of us need to inhale your pollutants. This issue rings especially true for me this week as my lungs recover from the smoke and smog that covered New York City. Smoking in restaurants and bars is banned in New York, just as it is in Ontario, and I think it's great. Please contact your representative and senator to voice your support for this public health issue.

From the mailbag: A leader of the Young Americans for Freedom, the right-wing student group who's MSU chapter was deemed the very first university-sponsored hate group, has come out of the closet as a gay man. Todd Heywood at PrideSource has the full skinny.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - An 18-year-old leader of Young Americans for Freedom and a conservative campaign operative is coming out of the closet.

Tyler Whitney, the immediate past chair of Western Michigan University YAF, the chair of the Michigan Teenage Republicans, or TARs, and the current webmaster for the Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado) for President website, has been telling other conservative activists for about a month of his coming out journey.

Wow, talk about rocking the boat. Tancredo's one of the nuttiest Republicans out there, and I wonder how he's really taking the news?

Reaction: Apparently my guest-post at Republic of M has gotten some fantastic response both here in Michigan and across the country. For those of you who didn't catch it, upon request from a good friend and fellow blogger at Republic of M, Gay Michigan, I wrote a post titled The Importance of being an Ally, an explanation of my personal decision to be ally to the LGBT community. It's not rocket science, just common sense and good will.

Current Events: Tonight I'll be speaking along with one of my blogmates, Marcy Wheeler, in Pittsfield Township down in Washtenaw County on Democratic politics and blogging.

Up and coming in Michigan: Staying true to my duties as Cruise Director, I announced Unplugged: The MichLib Family Picnic here in Lansing on Sunday June 24th. It's open to bloggers, readers/commenters/lurkers, and supporters of the MichLib community, which goes for those of you here at LLP. It'd be lovely to meet you, and I hope you'll consider coming out for a good time, great food, and wonderful friends.

Waiting on a Tally: I'm still waiting on a fundraising count from the Get Your Guts in Gear office, but apparently quite a few folks sent in (or are still sending in) last minute donations. Don't stop, keep sending! I'll keep you posted on the final tally.

Here's to a fantastic day to you and yours.

While I'm away in NYC...

Mike at Republic of M was kind enough to ask me to do a guest post on LGBT issues in Michigan. You can read the post at his blog, and also over at Daily Kos.

Thanks to Mike and the entire fantastic LGBT community in Michigan for all of their hard work and participating in keeping Michigan great! We are lucky to have them!

Just Full of the Dickens

Sometimes I find that the snark bug bites me early in the morning.

Today is no exception.

If you get a chance to stop by MichiganLiberal this morning, be sure to check out my Fantasy Blogger Baseball - Michigan Senate Style.

Why?

I think it's safe to say like every other politico and Michigan citizen, I've had it up to here with this budget two-step that's going on in Lansing. The Senate Republicans can't pull their heads out of the sand, or away from their tube of hair gel - if they're a particular Senate Republican, and it's like watching a bad car wreck. All you can do is stand there and watch this tragedy unfold. Rumors from the capital have frustrated politicians walking around muttering to themselves they are so besides themselves, and who can blame them?

So, my snark meter hits yet another all-time high. Call this a way of dealing with extreme frustration. Some people walk around muttering to themselves, I write snarky commentary. Could be worse I guess.

But in some good news, check out this front-page article from the Lansing State Journal about how local area teens are putting together the very first Gay Prom next month. My heart literally swells with pride when I hear of these young people who are marching forward, despite their state passing two state-wide ballot proposals encouraging hate and intolerance. A special moment of pride to Governor Granholm and U.S. Senator Carl Levin for publicly congratulating them on their hard work. Today's progressive leaders supporting tomorrow's societal leaders, if that doesn't just warm the heart, I don't know what is.

I was all prepared to write what a well-attended event Tuesday's Domestic Partner Benefits March, albeit a sobering one, but with the news from our up-and-coming LGBT community, I'm just going to let it rest at that.

I'll be staying in LucyLand this weekend, continuing with the unpacking of boxes and healing the sinuses that have been continuing to plague me. With a little help from my friends, and apologies to the Beatles, I know I'll still have a great weekend, and won't break the bank buying gas.

Here's hoping your weekend is a fun-filled time, that even our forecasted storms can't dampen!

Taking it to the Streets, and a Possible Right Wing Conspiracy

As I sit here with my big box o' Kleenex, throat lozenges, and remedies for all that ails me, here's a couple thoughts to supplement this morning's Coffee Talk over at MichLib.

Despite my lack of health and energy, I'll be out this afternoon for the Domestic Partner Benefits March over at the Capitol. A big thanks to my friend and fellow Daily Kos Rescue Ranger, Pico, for doing a great diary over at MichLib about it. It's at 3pm, hope you can make it.

There's a new blog on the block, Rust Belt Blues, which is worth you stopping by to check out. Howard's latest post is concerning a possible right-wing conspiracy against Apple. Given all the much ado about nothing that the Repubs drummed up over those iPods, Howard just may have a point. Once you head over, be sure to do like I do, and add Rust Belt Blues to your Bloglines or RSS Reader.

It's a beautiful day out, and I'm hoping that the sun and fresh air will do my sinuses/allergies some good. If nothing else, the exercise will do my body good and continue to help me get in shape for my bike ride.

p.s. I'm still collecting donations to reach my goal of $15,000. Can you help?

The Homophobes within Michigan's Government

To say that I'm a fan of Jack Lessenberry is an understatement. If the world operated according to Liberal Lucy, Jack would be running for high office in 2008. I often read his columns and find myself saying "Why isn't he in the government? The folks in Lansing could take a page or two from his book." He's just that good.

This week's Metro Times column just goes to further solidify my faith in the Gospel of Jack Lessenberry. Bully for Nobody is a brilliantly sharpened jab at the thinly-veiled homophobes in the State's Legislature.

If you haven't heard of the anti-bullying bill that's in the House right now, you probably haven't seen much of the news the last month or so. Bullying = a bad thing, right? Generally if you have your wits about you, you'd agree. So what's the hold up on the bill? Well for starters, two very conservative state representatives - Jack Hoogendyke and John Moolenaar.

Hoogendyk and Moolenaar, you see, are bigots who are supporting the agenda of hate fostered by homophobes everywhere. They would deny this, but they would be lying. Currently, there is a badly needed anti-bullying bill before the Michigan Legislature (House Bill 4162) which would, among other things, protect students from bullying "based on a pupil's actual or perceived religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, height, weight, gender identity, socioeconomic status or any other distinguishing characteristic."

Anybody who has ever been bullied unmercifully knows what a terrible experience it can be. I got my share of it; I was younger, smaller and fatter than most of the other kids in my working-class elementary school. Even worse, I was a "brain," and had the athletic ability of a salamander.

Lessenberry's rapier wit only gets sharper as the post goes on. I promise not to give away all the goodies of the post, because you'd only be shorting yourself if you don't read the whole thing. I will share this final bit from his piece, because Lessenberry hits it right on the head.

I am baffled that anyone should care very much about what other people do sexually. And I have to wonder whether some people who feel so threatened are really showing us something about their own psychology.

In any event — any legislator who doesn't support protecting anybody and everybody from being bullied is promoting fascism, pure and simple.

Not only does Jack tell it like it is, he reminds us all of the incredible need for us to continue to engage our government in our needs and wishes. In honor of Safe School Lobbying Day, contact your state representative, and tell them to support Bill 4162.

Then when you're done, make a regular habit of reading Jack's blog, catching his regular column in the Metro Times, and listening to his podcasts from Michigan Public Radio. Michigan needs more Jack Lessenberrys.

Why Republican Gay Discrimination Costs Us

Earlier this month, Michigan continued to take several steps back into the Dark Ages with the Appellate Court ruling that prohibits public universities and state and local governments from providing health insurance to the partners of gay employees. The Court based the ruling on the asinine 2004 vote on the so-called Gay Marriage Amendment Ban, aka the first failed Proposal 2.

Congratulations, Michigan. You join 26 other states in officially discriminating against the very people who pay your taxes, start and own businesses, and traditionally have the most disposable income of any major demographic.

When I talk to my GLBT friends, I find myself unable to convince them why they shouldn't leave Michigan. As a person with a chronic illness and someone who's *technically* classified as disabled, would I want to stay here if suddenly the government ruled I was a second-class citizen because of something that I have absolutely no control over? Of course not.

Honestly, for a party that's supposedly about helping businesses and decreasing the size of government, the Republicans are clearly headed in the wrong direction.

According to Fortune magazine, about 175 Fortune 500 brands advertise specifically to gay and lesbian audiences.

For the first time, more than half of Fortune 500 companies - 263, to be precise - offered health benefits for domestic partners, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Ten years ago only 28 did.
Along with health benefits for their families, many workers also get bereavement leave when their same-sex partner dies, adoption assistance or paid leave if they have children and relocation assistance for their partners if they are transferred. Put another way, gay marriage - an idea that has been banned by all but one of 27 states that have voted on it - has become a fact of life inside many big companies. "Corporate America is far ahead of America generally when it comes to the question of equality for GLBT people," says Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

Consider this - Raytheon, a defense contractor that makes Tomahawk Missiles (think Gulf War I) is rated as one of the Best Places to Work by the Human Rights Campaign, because they are reaching out to the GLBT community. Why the outreach? (Also from Fortune)

... it belongs to gay chambers of commerce in communities where it has big plants. Why? you may ask. Not because gay people buy missiles or radar - at least as far as we know. No, it's because the competition to hire and retain engineers and other skilled workers is so brutal that Raytheon doesn't want to overlook anyone.

To attract openly gay workers, who worry about discrimination, a company like Raytheon needs to hang out a big welcome sign. "Over the next ten years we're going to need anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 new employees," explains Heyward Bell, Raytheon's chief diversity officer. "We can't afford to turn our back on anyone in the talent pool."

Isn't it interesting that Michigan is in that very same situation, except we are the shareholders. The financial futures of ourselves, our children and our grandchildren depend on how well we advertise and promote our state to the rest of the global community.

It seems to me that Michigan can't afford to turn our backs on anyone, and yet thanks to certain narrow-minded individuals, that's all we seem to be doing. While the Governor, Dillon, Schauer and others are attempting to hang out the biggest welcome sign of them all, the Republicans are tearing it down faster than we can cry "Stop, thief!"

If the Republicans want to convince Michigan's voters that they really deserve to be in charge in '08, they should remember the words to one of the first songs we all learn as kids...

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world...

...not just the white straight ones.

Lansing City Council - A (possible) Step in the Right Direction

Who says freshman politicians can't get excellent things done? Proof is in the pudding...and it gives me extreme pleasure to applaud my fellow female Lansing Liberals for their hardwork...

Ingham County Commissioner Tina Weatherwax-Grant
Lansing City Councilwoman Kathy Dunbar
State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer
US Senator Debbie Stabenow
and I would be amiss to not mention the Lady Gov herself...
Governor Jennifer Granholm

This post hails from MichLib and my good friend and fellow blogger extraordinaire - Quaker21 - for this post.

If you get a chance, drop a line to Councilwoman Dunbar for her great work, and urge your city councilmembers to stand up for all of Lansing's citizens with a Yes vote on this proposal.

Without further adieu....

Kudos to Kathie Dunbar!

On Monday, Oct 30th, the freshman City Council member is proposing a "human rights" ordinance, protecting Lansing residence from discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity expression.

“When I was running for office, it was something that I was always interested in doing, because I knew we didn’t have a civil rights ordinance in the city,” said Dunbar, who has been in office for less than a year.

“Although we’ve made a ton of strides in recent years to curtail discrimination, it still occurs,” she said.

Dunbar said she hopes the ordinance will move rapidly through the committee process and have the ordinance in place by the end of the year.

Council President Harold Leeman Jr. said he expects the ordinance to pass easily. “Hopefully, everybody will make it a high priority,” Leeman said.

A great step in the right direction for Lansing.
As the Lansing City Pulse points out, Ingham county was one of two in Michigan that voted No on 2004's Proposal 2, the "gay marriage amendment." The other county was Washtenaw, home of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan -- UofM being the first University to offer partnership benefits in 1993.

Mad props to Kathie Dunbar for standing behind all of Lansing! Remember: the City of Lansing was one of a very few cities that had a law prohibiting discrimnation toward gays and lesbians, until it was overturned in 1996.

Thankfully, we're making strides forward.

Kudos to Kathie!

Here's the link to the story Quaker was referrencing...thanks Quaker and keep up the GREAT work!

I'll close with a little mantra I wrote in an earlier post, and I'll probably echo time and time again, because I couldn't agree with it more.

The great thing about Liberals - we don't care who you share a bed with, where your ancestors hail from, or how many zeros are on your paycheck, and we really don't care what you call yourself...just as long as what you do, you do it for MI, and not for just me.

~LL