Katie Duncan for mayor ?

The campaigning never ends in Nevada. A little more than a month after Harry Reid triumphantly won re-election, all the yard signs and billboards have come down, only to be replaced by by those running in the Spring 2011 municipal elections. Katherine "Katie" Duncan held a press conference today to announce her candidacy for mayor, and its to her benefit that no press showed up.

The Aruba Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard is just south of Charleston and sandwiched between Downtown Las Vegas' ubiquitous wedding chapels and cheap motels. Pictures inside the lobby remind you of the boom period of Old Vegas, when the mob ruled, money and liquor flowed freely, girls were fast and loose and Negroes had to find somewhere other than the strip to spend the night.

The building itself was colder than the 30 degree weather and unforgivably brisk wind outside. The press conference was held in the hotel's nightclub that was so dark that yes, I'll admit it, I ran into a support beam. I don't think this is the impression Duncan would want to leave our political press corps with: less than a dozen supporters in a dark room, huddling together for body warmth.

Duncan is not the only candidate in the race. Commissioner Larry Brown and Councilman Steve Ross also want to replace our garish and termed out mayor, Oscar Goodman. Unfortunately for Ross, some voters think of him as just another "union hack". He's claimed his union ties and city hall job don't pose a conflict of interest, but even bleeding-heart union-loving Liberals like me think his situation is shady.

Larry Brown has problems of his own. As commissioner he recently voted "NO" to approve changes to the Coroner's Inquest process. Changes that would give victim's families more rights and access during the inquest process and create the position of an ombudsperson. He voted no, even after telling Hispanic's In Politics meeting attendees he'd vote yes. I don't think a vote to protect police officers from the families of the victims they've killed will go over too well with Latino and Black voters.

Duncan would be the first first African American elected mayor of Las Vegas. Her name is synonymous with Ward 5 which covers most of the predominately Black and Latino historical West Las Vegas. She didn't mention her race, in her speech she stuck to palatable topics like homelessness, Veterans, neighborhood revitalization and "green projects" to create jobs.

Interestingly, she claims she wants to "continue the vision" of Mayor Goodman. The same mayor she's bumped heads with for wanting to build a wall through F and D Streets, essentially closing the the West Side off (Berlin style) from the rest of Las Vegas. And who could forget Mayor Goodman attacking President Obama going so far as to tell him he's not welcome in Las Vegas. While the "vision" may be about the revitalization of Downtown Las Vegas, part of the F and D Street project was part of Mayor Goodman's revitalization. But, Duncan's cloudy message and unspectacular press conference isn't the least of her worries: she's tapped Aloha Consulting to help her with her race.

Aloha Consulting is headed by Johnny Jackson, the blond haired, blue eyed former boxer who claims to be a native Hawaiian and representative of their government. Jackson says Duncan would be the 77th Aloha Consulting candidate to win. That is impressive for someone who says they've been in Las Vegas for only four years. However, his website only lists 23 candidates under "Nevada clients" and his list of "our candidates for the 2010 election" is different from the list of "Aloha Consulting candidates who won their races in 2010".

Jackson's biggest transgression: he is a birther.

In an email I've obtained Jackson claims President Obama wasn't born in Hawaii and his birth certificate is forged. Jackson's Positions on Issues PAC unsuccessfully tried to retire Senator Harry Reid. Members notoriously showed up to several Reid events in 2010 with his Aloha Consulting crew dressed in Sharron Angle t-shirts.

This is who Duncan thinks can help her win the Mayorship in an overwhelmingly Democratic city?


ETA: Thanks to Ms Duncan's correction below regarding Jan Jones. The mistake has been fixed. In response to Mr Jackson, it's not libel when you're repeating what someone says.

And I want to make it clear, I have nothing against Ms Duncan. I have admired her since I moved to Las Vegas in 2007 and I was excited to see she's be running for mayor. I was disappointed in her choice of campaign consultant and by how poorly put together her press conference was. She deserves better.

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Obama, Vick and journalists with nothing better to do

This morning Washington Post blogger Ezra Klein tweeted his disapproval of President Obama's phone call to the Philadelphia Eagle's owner. For background, check my post on This Week in Blackness.


It's hard to tell what Klein is upset about. His tweets and blog aren't too clear. Most of the anger directed at him was due to his garbled logic and lame defense. Klein seems to think that President Obama called the Eagle's owner to talk about Michael Vick, and the White House is lying when they say the president called to talk about the Eagle's move toward a clean energy stadium.

Candidate Obama promised innovation when it came to energy and the environment, but he's had a tough time building up Congressional support for his Cap and Trade energy proposal. President Obama has found an ally in Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie, and Lincoln Financial Field will be energy efficient by fall 2011; when Obama's re-election campaign comes to life. He'd be a fool not to reach out.

What evidence does Ezra have that he feels comfortable calling President Obama and the White House liars? It's a mystery he will never answer, but he managed to Google a few charts and is now thinking Obama should have fought to pass legislation to give felons a second chance.

Village Groupie (I can't remember who came up with that but *golf clap*) Ana Marie Cox weighed in on the faux controversy and provided an "anybody but Vick" argument. She claims that Vick isn't the best example to use for a rehabilitated criminal. Really? He's one of the most high profile dog fighters who has served his time and is successfully completing his process of rehabilitation. He's the perfect person to be made an example of.

Then Ana breaks off into a weird direction, claiming essentially that Black people love Michael Vick. Then gets a little wobbly, says Michael Vick's story means different things to different communities (translation: white people hate Vick, Black people love him. I hate when Obama reminds us that he's Black). Then she just gives up on the conversation.

Finally, Yunji de Nies of ABC News provides this banal report. She says the president "is a big believer in (Michael Vick's) comeback". She has no evidence that that claim is true. She reported President Obama has long been a supporter of giving felons (not just Michael Vick) second chances. Obama condemned the crimes Vick committed but praised the Eagles owner for allowing a felon to contribute to society again, despite his heinous crimes. It was an effort on her part to gin up controversy on an otherwise newsless holiday with the president in Hawaii.


ETA: How did I miss this dumbass tweet?



So now she's got a problem with people who don't have shelter dogs? Excuse Obama for seeking out a breed that won't cause his child to have an asthma attack. What is this bullshit? Is this real life? In the words of Obama "That's just how white folks will do ya"

The cultural arrogance is staggering.

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY! December 4, 2010
www.vegasallnetradio.com

This week we’re on twice in one day! We’re LIVE from 7am-10am and rebroadcast from 10am – 1pm. (Times are West Coast)

We would love to have your questions answered. If you see someone in the line-up that you would like to ask about something, drop us an email at derekisademocrat@gmail.com / chrisisademocrat@gmail.com / or Twitter to @LauraKmm


07:23am Sue Fulton of Knights Out will give us an update of the battle to repeal DADT

07:43 JD Smith gives us the view of DADT from the inside by a service member currently serving

08:12 Rob Smith is a great writer and Veteran who writes for The Huffington Post, After Elton amongst others and is working on a book about his time in the Armed Forces

08:27 Dave Schwartz is the go to guy when it comes to the potential for the legalization of Marijuana in Nevada

08:42 Ari Ezra Waldman is our “Legal Eagle” and he’ll be updating us on all of the latest LGBT related legal issues

09:00 Rock & Roll Marathon is coming to Vegas on Sunday and we’re leading TEAM BATTLE BORN! We’ll give you all the info about this annual charity event

09:14 Mallory Cyr will discuss her activism in matters of immigration reform and issues affecting college students, especially the DREAM ACT

09:28 Michael Flores of Progress Now Nevada will tell us what he’s doing to help people in need and talk about his work on the DREAM ACT

09:43 Steve Walker is a co-chair of the Organizing For America LGBT working group. Steve will be talking to us about the Obama administrations work on LGBT issues and what’s going on in DC these days.

We would love to have your questions answered. If you see someone in the line-up that you would like to ask about something, drop us an email at derekisademocrat@gmail.com / chrisisademocrat@gmail.com / or Twitter to @LauraKmm

SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT

By Chris Miller


I’m white. Yep, I was born Caucasian. That is the way God made me. All of my youth spent lying in the sun cannot change my skin tone… it just fades back to white. It also doesn’t matter how many Black or Hispanic friends I have, I will never know what it was like to grow up or live today as a non-white citizen.

Airline flying in the United States, and around the world, is a privilege, not a right. After the attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001, the security process required for anyone to fly was forever changed. It has evolved over time as other breaches in security have occurred. Thankfully, nothing to the extent of that horrible September morning has been repeated.

Because of different events, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) last week answered the call for increased screening of passengers as they embark into the friendly skies. Problem is people, mostly Caucasian, are upset. Why are they upset, because they are now learning how it feels to be searched, patted down, or touched in places that another person should not touch someone unless they are partnered… all while they have done nothing wrong.

Ask any Black man, he will tell you that this procedure was either a normal part of his upbringing or he lived in fear of this happening just because he looked different or was in what someone else perceived to be the ‘wrong neighborhood’. Am I speaking ‘out of turn’? I challenge anyone to ask an ethnic male friend if this is true to see if I am right. I am!

Now you have leaders such as Congressman-Elect Alan West (R-Florida) talking about ‘Trend Analysis’ in determining who should be searched. As a man of African-American heritage, I challenge him to call it out for what it really is…’Racial Profiling’ Mr. West needs to take a step back and remember Timothy McVeigh and the “Shoe Bomber” were Caucasian.

If we, as Americans, do not want a repeat of that life-changing 9/11 event, we have to pay the price. If TSA caves to public pressure, removes some safeguards just because a ‘Professionally Trained Agent’ is trying to keep the skies friendly, and another catastrophic event occurs, who will be to blame? The President, TSA, or the people with the biggest voices who felt inconvenienced or violated.

Air flight is a privilege, not a right. The US Government, airline companies and TSA are charged with making it safe to fly.

If you don’t like it, take the train!!!

Open Letter to Sen. Harry Reid Regarding the Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Martin : 702 292 1279
laurakmmartin@gmail.com



The Honorable Harry Reid
U.S. Senate
522 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510


Dear Senator Reid,

A very narrow window exists during the post-election session of Congress in which swift and decisive leadership must be displayed in order to secure successful repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). With all of the hard work that you have done to get this repeal as far as it has progressed thus far, it would be simply unacceptable for Congress not to get a chance to repeal DADT before the 111th Congress concludes its term.

As Senate Majority Leader, you control whether, when, and how bills are brought before the full Senate chamber. As a strong and principled supporter of ending the discriminatory DADT policy, you have the power to see that DADT gets acted upon in the lame duck session. We, therefore, ask you, the Senate Majority Leader, to oppose any effort to strip language repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The current language in the Senate Armed Services Committee-approved version of the NDAA offers important and overdue protections for servicewomen and military dependents, as well as provides those service members who are lesbian, gay or bisexual the opportunity to serve their country with honesty and integrity. Time is of the essence with ensuring that DADT is not removed from NDAA. We have the votes to end DADT this year. Now we must see more strong leadership from you, Senator Reid.

We know that you are committed to ending the dangerous and discriminatory policy that is DADT. We know that you are one to keep your promises, and we fully expect NDAA to be brought back up before you recess for Thanksgiving. We know you will follow through on your commitment to our LGBTQ community and our military here in Nevada, and across the nation, by ensuring that the DADT repeal provision is not excluded when NDAA is brought forward for a vote.

Sincerely,

STATE SENATOR DAVID PARKS (D-NV)
ROBERTA LANGE CHAIRWOMAN CLARK COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
CANDICE NICHOLS DIRECTOR OF THE GAY & LESBIAN CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
EQUALITY NEVADA
GAY LESBIAN & STRAIGHT EDUCATION NETWORK OF LAS VEGAS
LAMBDA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
LAS VEGAS EQUALITY
NEVADA STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
PARENTS & FRIENDS OF LESBIANS & GAYS OF NEVADA
PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE OF NEVADA
PROGRESS NOW NEVADA
SI SE PUEDE LATINO DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
STAND OUT FOR EQUALITY
STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF NORTHERN NEVADA

VETERAN & STUDENT ALLIES
Jonathan Abbinett
Ronald Ramsey
Conroe Brooks
Loretta Harper
Jennifer Webb
Christopher Mendez-Preciado
Marcos Penaloza
Adriana Felix
Robert Cavazos
James Lee
Edith Byrd

Diversity isn't "fair"

Chris Collins, executive director of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association (police union), last night said a coroner's inquest "jury" that is as diverse as the population of Clark County is not fair to law enforcement officers, suggesting that somehow diversity and fairness are mutually exclusive.

I attended the final meeting of the Coroner's Inquest Review Panel Monday night, where a panel brainstormed to come up with solutions to a process of investigating officer involved fatal shootings that is widely criticized by the public for being ineffective. I went partly to support friends on the panel but mostly to support a friend who has been a relentless advocate against the inquest process which sees officers walk free and the county using tax payer money to settle with victims.

From my seat in the Clark County Government Center commission chambers gallery I saw some news cameras and a few reporters scattered about. My hopes for good coverage disappeared when it was apparent that most of them weren't paying attention.

A cameraman sat in a chair and scrolled through his blackberry. A reporter who sat a few rows down from me was scrolling through his iPhone and giggling. Another reporter had her coat draped over her, slumped down in her seat and seemed to be dozing off (Ironically, during her evening news report, sleeping beauty said the meeting was "exhaustive").

So it's no surprise that there were no reports of Mr. Collin's offensive comments. There was also no report that the community members in the gallery erupted in applause after Mr. Collins was rebuked by Las Vegas NAACP representative Richard Boulware.

What was reported is interestingly the only bit of news Clark County tweeted: recently re-elected District Attorney David Rogers made a motion to remove his office from the entire coroner inquest process.

The purpose of the inquest is fact-finding in the occasion a police officer murders someone. The inquest brings out all facts and details leading to the murder for the public. A "jury" then decides if the use of force was justified, negligent or criminal. No punishments are made. Witnesses are not cross examined. Officers involved don't even have to participate. The last time an officer was found criminally negligent through this process was 1976.

Erick Scott was murdered leaving a Costco. Three Las Vegas police officers shot him in the chest and the leg. They then shot him five more times as he lay dying on the ground. He had a permit for the weapon he was carrying, but it was never removed from its holster.

Trevon Cole was murdered on his knees, in his bathroom, by Detective Bryan Yant (who has murdered a robbery suspect in 2001). Detective Yant claimed Mr Cole was dealing small amounts of marijuana to serviceman at the nearby Air Force base. But it turns out, Detective Yant had been targeting the wrong guy.

Erik and Trevon are just two of the six officer involved fatal shootings. Diversity isn't what we have to worry about when it comes to fairness. What isn't fair is for 36 years law enforcement officers in Clark County have gotten away with murder. In recent cases, these officers are cleared of all negligence despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.

Let's hope Mr. Collins can put aside his issues with "diversity", the Nevada press will wake up and the Coroner's Inquest Panel can come to a consensus on a solution that is not only fair, but just.




--
Laura

President Obama and his kabillion dollars a day trip overseas

It's been a little over two years since Barack Obama was first elected president and the American people have been deluged with crazy rumors ever since. He's a Muslim. He was born in Kenya. He's a fascist. He wants to be Hitler 2.0. He hates white people (which really doesn't go with the whole Hitler accusation). He's the anti-Christ.

As the president embarks on his latest trip to play nice with India and visit his boyhood home in Indonesia, the Republicans are at it again; claiming the trip is costing the US tax payers $200 million per day. Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann seems to be "Idiot 0" in this latest whopper which was (surprisingly) quickly debunked by members of the White House Press corps.

Bad media reports are to blame for this rumor, and it's my wish that all rumors/lies can be debunked this quickly and cleanly. We all remember Senator John McCain lying to Jake Tapper on This Week about Phoenix being the kidnap capitol of the world. A claim that was not anywhere near true, but McCain was given a pass because he heard it from media reports--reports he was never asked to name.

---
Laura

Harry Reid wins, public polling be damned

All public polling done for Nevada's Senate race was wrong. Several polls leading up to election showed Sharron Angle beating Harry Reid between 10 and 5 points. Pollsters and poll analyzers will hem and haw and suggest they "underestimated" certain groups of voters, but they were just wrong. Even Nate Silver of 538 fame, who's credited with teaching numbers how to fuck, was WAY off in his forecasting.

I was standing next to Harry Reid during his press conference when he was finally able to say in public that polls for his race were bullshit, and the press still "gobbled" them up. In a twitter back and forth with 8 News Now's Jonathan Humbert, he suggests he "has" to rely on bad polling because "what else do we have to go on?" Uh, how about nothing? Why report on a lie? Your employers spent a lot of money on bullshit polling. You should be apologizing, not making excuses.

Nevada's HPIC Jon Ralston got it right. His Sunday-after column says Reid won because of preparation. The Reid campaign spent the primary cultivating relationships with leaders of constituency groups. Seconds after the primary votes were counted in June, the Reid camp and its allies went live with their anti-Angle websites, Twitter accounts and facebook pages defining the "extreme" granny with a gun from up north before she ever had a chance to define herself.

--
Laura

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER 10AM -1PM
www.vegasallnetradio.com

Hour 1
Steven Thrasher on how White America finally lost it and what’s so bad
about Lt. Dan Choi. (Dan Choi was invited and accepted to be on this
weeks show, but, never got back to us to be scheduled, maybe next week
Dan?)

Ari Ezra Waldman with a DADT update and the latest on the election
scene in Cali.

Hour 2
Cathy Renna on sexism and misogyny in the LGBT movement and issues
affecting women such as DADT.

Ron Laurence from the Community Counseling Center of Las Vegas
telling us how we all can help queer at risk youth.

Hour 3
Doug Harris is the Producer of “The Glenn Burke Story” about one
man’s struggle to be a Gay man and still be part of America’s Pastime,
baseball.

Paco Alvarez will fill us in on where to get your Freak & Squeak on
this Halloween here in The City That Never Sleeps.

Jane Heenan will talk about whether or not it’s time for Derek to
change the tune on Ask A Tranny.

Political News
Entertainment News
Twitter Trenz with @LauraKMM

SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER 10AM -1PM
www.vegasallnetradio.com

THE YOUNG DEMS ARE READY TO PARTAY!

> Hey YDs:
>
>
> EVENT TODAY!!
>
> ---Dems are gonna rule the UNLV/UNR tailgate today!
>
> Rory Reid will be there in person at 5pm. Our fellow YD, Sara Farr, will be his tour guide. Call her to walk with them or ask Rory a question at 702.672.4993!
>
> Dina Titus will also be at the tailgate at 5pm. Call Mark for details at 702.235.5868!
>
> Friends for Harry Reid will be in attendence. Call Carl to volunteer to go to the tailgate from 3-7 p.m. and find supporters. Carl Segerblom: office: (702) 522-9867
> cell: (702) 232-6310
>
>
> HOPE TO SEE YA'LL THERE!

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY 02 OCTOBER 2010
10am – 1pm (West Coast Time)
www.vegasallnetradio.com

Hola! It’s been a very sad week in LGBTQ land. The completely needless death of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi was the latest in a string of deaths of LGBTQ young people who took their own lives because of the stupidity of others.

The Sausage Factory this week is dedicated to all of those who just couldn’t take it anymore.

Tyler Clementi
Asher Brown
Raymond Chase
Billy Lucas
Justin Aaberg
And all the kids everywhere who have been bullied and harassed because of who they are.



This weeks guests:

Educator & activist AJ O'Reilly will co-host with us.

Get Equals Michelle Wright with news from what activists around the country are doing to help keep our kids safe from bullies.

“Legal Eagle” Ari Ezra Waldman on what charges the people who led Tyler Clementi to take his life may face.

Nevada State Senator David Parks will tell us legislation to help keep kids safe.

Washington’s ultimate “insider” Steve Hildebrand

Shannon Cuttle joins us again on the urgent need for movement on the Safe Schools Improvement Act.

Live reports from the big march in DC by Natasha Dillon & Vito

As always, “Ask a Tranny”.

Paco Alvarez leaves his SkyPad in Downtown Vegas to tell us what’s going on in the city that never sleeps.

And Paul Soileau aka “Christeene” the filthiest drag queen since Divine!

Of course The Sausage Factory wouldn’t be complete without LauraKMM’s “Twitter Trendz”.

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY! SPECIAL GUEST HOSTS ALICIA JACOBS & MARY JO BUTTAFUOCO!

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY!

SATURDAY 25 SEPT 10AM-1PM

www.vegasallnetradio.com

This week Chris & Laura are off activisting (it’s a word, like “refudiate”) in Reno this weekend at a “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” protest.

Well, that leaves this Lunatic in charge of the asylum! I’ve got two very special co-hosts this weekend, author Mary Jo Buttafuoco, KVBC and “Access Hollywood” reporter Alicia Jacobs!

THIS WEEK’S GUESTS

Stampp Corbin who will be giving us his take on the current state of LGBT activism and it’s affect on LGBT voter turnout in the upcoming mid-term elections.

Ari Ezra Waldman, The Sausage Factory’s resident “Legal Eagle”, gives us the latest on where “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” stands from a legal point of view.

Allen Lichenstein from the ACLU will tell us about “Uncensored Voices, Celebrating Literary Freedom”.

Shannon Cuttle is on hand to explain why we need to push for an inclusive “Safe Schools Act” bill to protect LGBT students from bullying & Discrimination.

Nathaniel Phillipps, Chairman of the new Las Vegas GLSEN chapter and Director of Youth Outreach for Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada will also be with us to discuss what needs to be done to make our schools here in Nevada safe for every student.

Phil Attey answers the question, “can you be Catholic and Gay”?

There’ll will be naked boys and they’ll be singing in The Sausage Factory as JD and the boys tell us all about the longest running show Off Strip, “Naked Boys Singing”.

Jeff Sharlett is the hottest author in the country right now and he’s on hand to tell us about his latest page turner which explores the creepy world of “The Family”. You’ll cringe as you realize that Hillary Clinton’s “vast right wing conspiracy” is really true and it all emanates from a brownstone, “The C Street House”. Naturally, it wouldn’t be a scandal if John Ensign and Martin Ssempa weren’t involved. They are and it is, a scandal!

Octavia Hamlett is our guest for this week’s “Ask a Tranny”. I can’t wait to see what Mary Jo and Alicia have to ask!

Christina Garcia of “Basta 4 Bell” has a big victory on her hands with this week’s arrest of the entire City Council of Bell, California! She’ll fill us in on how grassroots activism brought down an entire government.


ALL ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY!

ALICIA JACOBS SCORES A MAJOR SCOOP!



MARY JO REFLECTS ON LIFE AFTER JOEY

SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY / SATURDAYS 10AM – 1PM (PST)
www.vegasallnetradio.com

The Sausage Factory is for those of you who’ve grown tired of those who quote Glenn Beck and politicians who talk out of both sides of their mouths. Surely you’ve thought, “Gee, why isn’t there a show that mixes politics, entertainment. Gay crap and life all in one easily digestible package?”

Surely.

In a world under attack by right wing whack jobs and boring people, two Gay guys (we are NOT together!) and a sassy, straight, light skinned Black girl bring you laughs and, hopefully, learn you something while we’re at it.

Join Chris Miller, Laura Martin and Derek Washington as they take you behind the scenes from DC to Hollywood to show you how life is made. That is if you’re brave enough to hear the truth, in The Sausage Factory.

This week’s guests are:

10:23 Peter Yacobellis with the week in New York politics and all the latest on his very special 50th Birthday party featuring Michelle Clunie & Lance Bass. He’s not 50? Really? Wow.

10:45 Ask a Tranny with Equality Nevada’s own Jane Heenan. And yes, this segment does have the catchiest theme song this side of Fresno.

11:00 Joseph Smith from Stonewall will tell us about the record number of LGBT candidates this year in Maryland. Can’t wait to find out what’s in the water there! And can we ship it nationwide?

11:26 Phil Attey answers the question, “can you be Gay and Catholic”? Openly, that is.

11:43 Nadine Smith gives us a peek inside the world of Marco Rubio, Kendrick Meeks and the newly Gay lovin’ Charlie Crist from her vantage point at Equality Florida. Maybe we’ll find out what’s in Charlie’s closet. Other than his beard…combs.

12:12 Mark Ebner is in the house to blow the lid off the pot ‘O scandal that’s brewing in Tinseltown and points far and near. Can’t wait to find out what’s inside Paris’s snatc..uh, bag of goodies these days.

12:28 J Webb with the latest in Sports. Poor JWebb, every week he thinks he’ll finally get Derek to understand the difference between a tight end and a good date. Hmmm.

12:40 Derrick Mathis brings a little color commentary from The Hills. Baldwin Hills, that is. Y’all come on down now, ya here?

Twitter Trenz is always “educational” with Laura “Light Skin” Martin leading us down the Rabbit hole to the land of twits.

The Sausage Factory. Four out five Ex-Gays agree, it’s the best place to start your relapse.

Sharron Angle (R-Area 51) called a "mental patient" on Morning Joe

And it's Nevaaaada! With a short "a"

--
Laura

Sharron Angle (R-Area 51) sued by her biggest supporter

Nevada GOP candidate faces copyright lawsuit

(AP) – 1 day ago

LAS VEGAS — A company has sued Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle, claiming she reprinted two Las Vegas Review-Journal articles on her campaign website without permission.

Las Vegas-based Righthaven is seeking unspecified damages in its complaint filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.

The suit alleges Angle neither sought nor received permission to display a Review-Journal article and editorial on her website this summer.

An Angle spokesman says he would not comment until the campaign's lawyers have reviewed the suit.

Righthaven tracks Internet traffic for copyright infringements of Review-Journal stories. It then buys the copyright for a story from the newspaper's owner, Stephens Media LLC, and sues the alleged infringer.

The Las Vegas Review Journal is the shittiest newspaper ever in life. Since 2008 they have lost 10s of thousands of subscribers because of their shittiness. How do they make up for that lost revenue? Sue people, get them to settle out of court.

And don't take my word for it. The folks over at ProgressNow Nevada are busy pointing out the shittiness by shinning light on the RJ's habitual errors and shameless conservative bias with their project The Las Vegas Journal Review.


--
Laura

Vatican 'may appeal' to Iran over stoning case

Too bad the Vatican wasn't this pro-active when priests were raping kids.

The Vatican has said it could appeal diplomatically to Iran to spare the life of an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.

The statement followed a plea for help from the son of the woman, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, in an interview with an Italian news agency.

After an international outcry, Iranian officials temporarily halted Ms Ashtiani's stoning sentence in July.

However, campaigners fear Ms Ashtiani could still be hanged.

The Vatican said it was "following this affair with attention and commitment," spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement.

"The Church's position against the death penalty is well known and stoning is a particularly brutal form of it," he said.

Fr Lombardi said the Vatican could use diplomatic channels to try to save Ms Ashtiani, but he told Associated Press news agency that no formal request to intervene had been made.

Source

--
Laura

HI, I'M WITH STUPID or WHY GAYS REALLY SHOULDN'T BE REPUBLICANS pt2

Whenever I hear a homo say they are Republican I go through a range of emotions from pity to pissed. They give you every excuse from , "I believe in smaller government and lower taxes" all the way to "Obama is a Socialist!". Then, they give you this one, "I'm working from within to change the culture of the party".

Yeah, I guess the Jews shoulda tried that at Treblinka.

Martin Luther King shoulda just put on a sheet and tried to understand Bull Conner.

Or some such drivel along those lines.

Gay Republicans live in a weird world where they think if they just keep being "straight acting and appearing" and don't make any waves, the Republican party will accept them.

They also think Unicorns fart in Lavender and Tangerine scents and Domesticv Partnership is "good enough".

They Don't.

It's not.

Pretty much every anti-Gay iniative put forward has been backed by Republicans. Now, the state that brought us the brain trust of the Bush family, Texas, has a doozy that I would like to see the self hating Gay Republicans explain away.

Here's just a small part of the 2010 Republican party platform. Mind you, a party platform is the OFFICIAL line of the party that they expect their candidates to support and campaign on.

Go ahead Gay Republicans, explain to me again why you put an "R" by your name.

CELEBRATING TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE
Family and Defense of Marriage – We support the definition of marriage as a God–ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists. We call on the President and Congress to take immediate action to defend the sanctity of marriage. We are resolute that Congress exercise authority under the United States Constitution, and pass legislation withholding jurisdiction from the Federal Courts in cases involving family law, especially any changes in the definition of marriage. We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman. Neither the United States nor any state shall recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse. We oppose the recognition of and granting of benefits to people who represent themselves as domestic partners without being legally married. We advocate the repeal of laws that place an unfair tax burden on families. We call upon Congress to completely remove the marriage penalty in the tax code, whereby a married couple receives a smaller standard deduction than their unmarried counterparts living together. The primary family unit consists of those related by blood, heterosexual marriage, or adoption. The family is responsible for its own welfare, education, moral training, conduct, and property.

Family Values – We affirm that this section is a response to the attacks on traditional family values. These include well- funded, vigorous political and judicial attempts by powerful organizations and branches of the government to force acceptance, affirmation and normalization of homosexual behavior upon school children, parents, educational institutions, businesses, employees, government bodies and religious institutions and charities. These aggressive, intolerant efforts marginalize as bigots anyone who dissents.

Marriage and Divorce – We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be protected at all levels of government. We urge the Legislature to rescind no–fault divorce laws. We support Covenant Marriage.

Marriage Licenses – We support legislation that would make it a felony to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple and for any civil official to perform a marriage ceremony for such.

Homosexuality – We believe that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, refuse to recognize, or grant special privileges including, but not limited to: marriage between persons of the same sex (regardless of state of origin), custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.

Texas Sodomy Statutes – We oppose the legalization of sodomy. We demand that Congress exercise its authority granted by the U.S. Constitution to withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy.

I'm listening........

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY!

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

WHO: Chris Miller & Derek Washington along with Laura Martin

WHEN: 10AM – 1PM

WHERE: www.vegasallnetradio.com

Alan Bouneville from Queer Rising

Michael Ginsburg of The Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada

Mike Zahara The Man you love to hate from Watchdog Wag with an election update.
Internet sensation SHOQ

CD KIrven & Michael Robinson of Get Equal Now on the state of Race and the LGBT movement.

World Cup Update with JWebb

Eduardo Cordova with the latest on the LGBT club scene on The Las Vegas Strip.

Debbie Hall to tell us where to go and what to eat in the city that never sleeps!

A special interview with Amanda Lepore!

HI, I’M WITH STUPID aka WHY GAYS REALLY SHOULDN’T BE REPUBLICANS

SHARRON ANGLE

Ok.

One of the best things about Gay is the comforting feeling you naturally have because you are naturally smarter than straight people.

Really.

I swear.

Well, imagine my surprise to find out that some people who claim to be Gay are actually, gulp, REPUBLICANS!

Zut Alors!

That’s stinky cheese eater (French) for WTF?

I know. It’s hard to believe. I can’t either. But. It’s true.

Much like Blacks in the KKK the Gay Republican is a terribly misguided creature. You see, pretty much EVERY anti-LGBT action done in the last twenty plus years has been Republican led.

More on those as the days go by.

In Nevada, we have a Senate race where the Teabagger contingent of the R’s somehow managed to stop watching paternity tests on Maury long enough to skedaddle over and vote for the Queen of Crazy, Sharron Angle.

I know I’m biased. I read.

But.

Really?

This Dame is so schizzy that even the Mayor of Reno, a staunch Republican, says no way Crazay! The Republican First Lady won’t have anything to do with her.

And yet, some poor misguided Homosexuals have decided that Sharron is the one that makes their wigs twirl.

Eek.

Remember when I mentioned that Gay = Smart?

These nimrods are messing up the grading curve.

To whit.

Angle doesn’t support ENDA.

She’s against repealing DADT.

She is literally on the wrong side of EVERY LGBT issue there is.

And yet some people think they are right to be proud of their support for this women who would just as soon have the Gays thrown in Camps as have them sully her crazy little flat Earth society view of the World.

Stay tuned. I’m just starting to get to know the honorary Queen of Crazy. I’ll be sure to let you know more about her and her rather, um, unusual ideas about a host of subjects.

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY PREMIERES!

The Sausage Factory premiered with lots of fun and information on hand. Just some of the topics covered were the weeks primary elections, Cindy Reid (the next first lady of Nevada),DADT and the latest in Vegan Ice Cream and dining & hanging out in Las Vegas!

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID ISSUES LGBT PRIDE MONTH STATEMENT

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID STATEMENT ON LGBT PRIDE MONTH

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement in support of National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month:

“Our state and our country have always been strengthened by diversity in our workforce, businesses and our military. This month we celebrate that diversity and the people who have worked so hard to create a more just and equal society in Nevada and across the country.

“I stand with President Obama and military leaders in support of ending the policy of 'Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,' which often prevents qualified and willing individuals from honorably serving their country because of their sexual orientation. Our nation’s security is too important to deny those who want to serve because of this flawed policy. I am encouraged by recent steps in the Senate and House to repeal this policy, and I will continue to advocate for the a fair review of for distinguished military service members who face dismissal until this policy is ended.

“I have pride in our nation and in Nevada’s LGBT community. We must end discrimination in the workplace and in our military. I will continue to fight to ensure Dignity and equality for all Nevadans.”

Senator Reid has a long record of supporting Nevada’s LGBT community. He was instrumental in passing the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which gives more support and funding to federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute hate crimes. Reid supported the creation and reauthorizations of the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides care, treatment and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, Reid supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

http://reid.senate.gov/

DMV TO RECOGNIZE GENDER MARKER CHANGES UPON DOCTORS CONFIRMATION!

The ACLU of Nevada is very pleased to announce that we learned today that the DMV is going to make changes that allow transgender people to obtain gender marker changes with a standardized form completed by their doctor. This change rightly puts the determination of whether someone’s gender has changed in the hands of medical professionals rather than individual DMV employees.



The ACLU of Nevada heard disturbing reports that individual DMV employees were asking inappropriate personal questions of transgender people who have submitted requests for gender marker changes, and even, in violation of HIPAA, contacting applicants’ doctors. After a particularly disturbing complaint that a DMV employee told a transgender person that God would not approve of her, we brought the incident to the attention of the DMV and a broader letter about the issues was sent on behalf of numerous community groups, from the Stonewall Democrats to the Log Cabin Republicans and the Abundant Peace Church.


The ACLU of Nevada and Jane Heenan from Equality Nevada met with the DMV and a representative from the Attorney General’s office, and negotiated the changes.



We understand that while the changes will not go into place immediately because they need to finalize the materials, the DMV is committed to instituting a humane policy that allows people whose gender has changed to get drivers’ licenses that reflect their identity and enable them to avoid harassment and discrimination. The representatives from the DMV and the Attorney General’s office that worked with have been extremely responsive and understanding, and we are glad that we could work with them to make this important change. We are also very grateful to Jane Heenan and Equality Nevada for insight into how the driver’s license issue affected the lives of transgender people. Finally, and most importantly, thanks to everyone who shared their stories and everyone who gave their support to the cause.


In Liberty,



Maggie McLetchie

Interim Southern Program Director and Staff Attorney

Obama: GOP Drove The Country Into A Ditch. 'Now They Want The Keys Back'

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

By Chris Miller
US Senator Larry Craig, Florida Congressman Mark Foley, California State Senator Roy Ashburn, Leader of the National Evangelicals Ted Haggard, the Catholic Church… the list could go on and on. What list? I am talking about a list of Republicans or right-leaning evangelical “leaders” or organizations that lived their life as hypocrites.
Numerous political figures have used the anti-gay rights issue to pander to their political base. Countless evangelical leaders and religious organizations have used the “homosexuality is a sin and is the reason for our moral decay” mantra for years. Both have used LGBT Rights as a “wedge” issue to scare voters.
Are we now turning the corner, or are Gay Republicans just being punked?
Here in Nevada we have had several LGBT issues brought to the state legislature for debate and vote. In the 2009 legislative cycle, two LGBT themed bills passed and became law, SB207 and SB283.
SB207, providing some citizens rights against discrimination in the form of public accommodations, passed the Nevada Senate by a vote of 19 – 2. The 2 no votes were Republican Senators Maurice Washington and Barbara Cegavske.
SB283, the Domestic Partnership bill, passed after a heated debate, and Governor Gibbons veto. The veto was overridden in the State Senate by a 14-7 vote. One of those voting no on both occasions, Republican Barbara Cegavske.


Nevada State Senator Barbara Cegavske

Ms. Cegavske recently attended an event hosted by a local LGBT Republican organization (yes, there is such a group). Ms Cegavske has demonstrated that she will not vote in favor of gay issues, but she will obviously shill for gay votes. Maybe this evangelical political figure has changed her beliefs? Maybe Gay Republicans are being falsely charmed to gain their support? I will leave that answer to you.

During a recent appearance on Orlando, Florida radio station WORL, Arizona Senate candidate J.D. Hayworth made the following comment during a conversation about gay marriage, “I guess that would mean if you really had affection for your horse, I guess you could marry your horse”


Arizona Senate Candidate J.D. Hayworth

Here is a picture of Mr. Hayworth at a Nevada Republican event attended by a member of a Nevada Republican LGBT organization. Did Republican Candidate Mr. Hayworth make the “marry your horse” statement to rally his base? Is he now backtracking to have the support of a community of horses? gays? Is he now in favor of gay marriage? Does anybody really know where JD Hayworth stands on LGBT rights issues?

Senator Cegavske and J.D. Hayworth are not the only current Republican candidates or elected officials who have shown up or schmoozed with the gays


US Senate Candidate Chad Christensen

For the record, in the 2009 legislative session, Assemblyman Christensen voted against SB207 (Public Accomodations) and SB283 (Domestic Partnerships). And my Republican friends tell me Mr. Christensen is pro-gay rights...Really?


Congressional Candidate Craig Lake

I did save the best for last. Lou "two-faced" Toomin changes political parties more often than most of us change underwear. Democrat, Republican, Democrat...which face is Lou wearing this election cycle? Maybe one of each. You see, Mr. Toomin is running in the Democratic Primary in AD 15, but here he is politicking for Republican votes.


AD 15 Democrat Candidate Lou Toomin at event hosted by Gay Republicans

Someone needs to tell Mr. Toomin that no matter how many times he changes parties, Republicans can't vote in the Democratic Primary and vice-versa.

So I ask the question, are all of these candidates in favor of LGBT rights? If elected, will they vote in favor of bills to protect LGBT Nevadans from Housing Discrimination? Employment discrimination? Will they support a movement toward the recognition of Marriage Equality?
Or are they just hypocrites saying or doing anything for a vote?
I say they are hypocrites and Gay Republicans are…
…just being PUNKED!

BOYCOTTING ARIZONA

By Chris Miller

FROM FACEBOOK:
William A Pope May 3 at 5:14pm Report:
"You are welcome to be completely ignorant. I'll be boycotting Las Vegas as long as ignorant people there want to boycott Arizona. Nevada has a lot more to loose than Arizona does. Out of staters need to mind their own business."


William A Pope

When Arizona passed its new immigrant “Paper’s Please” law, I decided to voice my opinion thru facebook. I changed my facebook name to “Chris BoycottArizona Miller” and posted several stories about this law and an economic boycott encouraged by many other individuals and organizations as a protest to it. Shortly thereafter, I received the message above from William A. Pope.

For the record, I do not personally know Mr. Pope. He may have been a facebook friend prior to this message, if so, he has since de-friended me. Mr. Pope, like myself, is entitled to his opinions. I personally believe that the new Arizona law undermines the bedrock of justice in the United States by presuming guilt before innocence as it singles out a group of individuals in an unfair manor.

The issue that I do have with Mr. Pope and any Arizonan that tells “out of staters to mind their own business” is to practice what they preach. Last month, I went to the Arizona / Nevada border where I witnessed an endless stream of out of state cars, primarily from Arizona, come in to my state and spew lies and hate about my US Senator, Harry Reid. Mr. Pope, I do not recall seeing you at the border telling fellow Arizonans to stay out of Nevada’s business...Why not?

As far as the “ignorant” comment, I wish to ask the question…Why or how does voicing an opinion constitute a lack of knowledge? I am well-versed on this law and how it resembles the Gestapo tactics used against Jews and other minorities in Nazi Germany. I am appalled that in 2010, any person, let alone a whole state, can still think it ok to single out a group with such hate. No person is illegal!

So, Mr. Pope, as an American with immigrant ancestors, I will continue to voice my opinions thru a personal economic boycott of your state and I will also continue to use this blog, social media and any other means at my disposal to promote this boycott. I encourage all fair-minded Americans to join me.
We will not rest until this law is overturned!

WE'LL JUST LET THEM SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

VOTE SUE?

How do you spell E-N-D-O-R-S-E

By Chris Miller

The right to vote. A right some take for granted. A right some choose not to exercise. A right some have given their life for. A right that some of our foreign brothers and sisters only dream about. When I stop to really think about this basic principal of democracy, I am awestruck by its power. If you don’t understand the power, ask Al Gore, a few hundred vote swing in November, 2000, and the first decade of this century would look vastly different than what will be written about in future history books.

If this right is so important, then why do so many choose to not educate themselves on the choices? Ah, but an even bigger question, why do some in position of perceived authority choose to educate us without first educating themselves.

The political endorsement. Many organizations, periodicals and individuals tell the masses that we need to vote for a particular candidate or referendum. Those doing the telling are usually in a position of authority such as a past or present elected official, an editorial review board, a labor union, an group of individuals held in high esteem. You would think that any of these ‘endorsers’ would take the process seriously. Well, think again.

It has come to my attention that in this primary season, there are several entities that have chosen to ‘endorse’ candidates, not on the basis of an interview or from answers on a written questionnaire, but because of how they might ‘feel’ about a candidate. They also endorse because of ‘identity politics’. i.e. I am a woman, therefore I will always endorse the female candidate. This occurs even if the male candidate has the same voting record and beliefs as the woman.

The endorsement process needs to be taken seriously. Calling a candidate a ‘Jackass’ or telling us to ‘not for for him’ when you haven’t completed due diligence is inexcusable. So if you are referring to an endorsement as a way to determine who to vote for, here are a few simple suggestions:

1.Look to see how the endorsement process was completed? Was it through an interview, questionnaire, or someone’s ‘feelings’ toward a candidate

2.Check to see who is doing the endorsing? If the endorsement comes from a periodical or a group, the names of the persons on the panel should be published. Don’t forget there are candidate friends who can ‘stack the deck’ on an endorsement vote.

3.Read everything. Flippant comments are not a sign of a serious process.

4.Do your own homework. The internet is a valuable tool that is quick and easy to use.

Remember, voting is one of the most valuable rights you have. Be educated. Be informed. Please take the process seriously.

THEN THEY CAME FOR ME......

I was made aware of an email this morning that really hurt my heart. It hurt because it showed the level of education that our Black community still needs when it comes to matters of Black & Brown people.

Here's the email:


Hi Every One.

listen up I think it would be very unwise for the black community to get involve
in the illegal immigrant confusion. I feel that is a Spanish problem. I sympathize
with Spanish concerns, but I don't think the Black community has the resources
to sub stain us in a battle such as that, after all we are law biding people and we
believe in Justice for all. let the spanish citizens handle that problem.

respectfuly yours




I left the name unexposed.

There's so much wrong with this email that it's hard to know where to start. But, here we go.

The Black community MUST get involved in the issues of the Latino community. Why? It's actually very simple.

Recently, Arizona passed an awful law that makes it legal to stop people based on the fact that they "look illegal". Why does that matter to Black people? Have you ever been to Miami? Florida is chock full of Haitians who are in the country without papers. Now, imagine if the law spreads to Florida. The police will then be allowed to stop anyone they suspect of being "illegal".

Guess what color Haitians are?

BLACK.

I am sure that many of you are aware of the fact that a whole lot of us Black folk (myself included) look more Latin than we do Black. There's quite a few of us mixed with Native American who could easily pass as Latino. Now, imagine a light skinned ("High Yella") person takes a day trip to see the Dam in Boulder City and crosses the border into Arizona only to be stopped because they "look illegal". How exactly does a light skinned Black person prove they are a citizen? A Nevada Drivers License is not proof of US citizenship. How many of you carry your "papers" with you? How many Black folk have a passport? How many Americans actually carry their birth certificate with them?

I don't and I look hella Latino.

Oops.

I was especially concerned with the section of the letter that refers to "us" as "law abiding citizens". Uh, ask the people who came up with this law what they think of Black people and if they feel that Black folk are "law abiding". I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of people who support this law don't think much of us either. Btw, I'm Black as is my little brother and he's in jail for the rest of his non law abiding life. Generalities are never pretty.

I learned from a local leader that all problems faced by minorities are all minorities problems. Why? Because what could happen to someone else could happen to you. How dare we Blacks dismiss another group after all we went through to get equal rights. I myself being Gay have less rights than the vast majority of people who will read this including "illegals". Do I say "screw you until I get mine"? No. I say, "how can we work together and build trust and foster communication so that I know your struggle and you know mine and together we can prevail?"

When did we forget that the Jews and other non Black groups marched with us into Selma and to Washington? How have we forgotten that a Gay Black man, Bayard Rustin planned the actions that led up to the most important event in Black Civil Rights history, The March on Washington? How on Earth can Black people turn their back on any group that needs our help?

If we turn our backs on the Latino community now in their time of need, how can we expect them to be there for us later?

And if there is any doubt that we will need them later, look around you. We live in a City, County, State and Country that is rapidly browning. Latinos will soon be the majority. They will sit on the school boards, in City Hall and in all of the highest offices of the land. In fact, after Barack, there will probably be a Latino President. Why should they help us if we turned our backs on them?

I'll close with a very famous poem that perfectly describes why we must become more involved in our Brown Brothers & Sisters lives.

This was written by Pastor Martin Niemoller:

In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.



Please, read and learn from this and try to curb your own inner racism and prejudices.

We as Black people are better than that.

TEAM REID 2010 HAS A GREAT TIME SUPPORTING AFAN!

2010 AIDS WALK A ROARING SUCCESS!

TEAM REID 2010 joined thousands of other walkers to raise money for and celebrate the good work that Aid For Aids of Nevada does for people living with HIV/AIDS in Nevada. Several dozen people from all walks of life and ages ranging from those in strollers up to active seniors joined to show support for both the charity and for our friend, Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid.

We were joined by progressives from various clubs and caucuses such as the Red Rock Dems, Stonewall, the Clark County Democratic Black Caucus and others. OFA showed up in force along with African Americans for Harry Reid, the Asian American Caucus, both the state and Clark County Dems, folks all the way from Mesquite and Laughlin and members of various unions such as SEIU and the Southwest Flight Attendants.

The walk attracted over 8500 walkers and was followed by a family festival with lots of hot dogs and smiles. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley came and hung out meeting and greeting pretty much everyone in the place while never tiring of stopping to chat, listen or have her picture taken with her many admirers. The woman is a Rock Star!

Secretary of State, Ross Miler and his (gorgeous) wife were there to accept an award for his work on behalf of Equal Rights for all Nevadans and Kristine Kuzemka (who's running for Justice of The Peace) was honored as well. Several other candidates such as Paul Murad, Gloria Sturman (District Court Judge candidate), Nancy Alf and Carolyn Essex (running hard for the Assembly seat in North Las Vegas!)and too many others to remember and list, all joined with TEAM REID 2010 to make this year's AIDS Walk a smashing success!

Take a look at the pictures for a front row seat on the fun!

WELCOME TO THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

It's been said that even though people may love sausage, if they knew how it was made, they might just pass on that next plate of Bangers & Mash.

The same could be said for politics and how your life is being affected by the relentless Conservative attacks on basic American values.Hopefully, instead of passing on the sometimes ugly backstage process, you will take what you're going to learn and get involved in taking back America from those who hate her.

Welcome to The Sausage Factory. And no matter how ugly it gets, keep your eyes open.