I had always equated my passion for LGBT rights to the old Nazi Germany quote by pastor Martin Niemöller:
“First they came for the communists and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak out because I was Protestant.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.”
As someone who’s family would have fallen in a couple of those categories circa 1930′s- I always found it a particularly powerful reminder of why saying something is important when people’s rights are being infringed on.
Yesterday’s 2-1 court ruling that California’s Proposition 8 was unconstitutional is a victory, but it is just one of many the LGBT community has to weather for a right I often take for granted.
When I was little, my mom used to tell me you can never be nice to too many people and you can never make too many friends.
When it comes to the fight for equal rights in the LGBT community- there can’t be enough friends, gay or straight.
Yay for yesterday’s victory- and know that we’re all, gay and straight, ready for the battles to come.
First, the new Dark Knight Rises trailer came out and I just couldn’t stop watching it. Everything about it looks awesome. And even for those of you who don’t want to like it, you will. Because it’s going to be awesome and epic. And mostly you’ll succumb to peer pressure. Because let’s be honest- everyone’s ass will end up standing in line for those tickets. Even my mom. Who I forced to watch the first one.
Then this morning, as I was getting ready for work, they played a video on The Today Show of a cat petting a baby to sleep. We all know how much I hate cats, but seriously- doesn’t this beg so many questions? Has the cat done this before? Were the parents just sitting around watching the baby cry and decided to see what the cat would do? Or was the cat just like: Why are you such bad parents letting this brat scream?? Make it SHUT UP. And wouldn’t this further prove my theory that cats know stuff?? They know. Which would further explain why they come and rub themselves on my very allergic self. And now, in desperate need of a lunchtime break, I discovered The 12 Gays of Christmas on YouTube. This video includes at least 2 of my top 5 favorite things in life- Gays & Dancing. Plus I’m drinking a Diet Coke as I type, which means we’re now up to 3.
Seriously- How awesome is this video? Doesn’t it just fill you with a festive spirit? Cause it should. And below the video someone posted- If God hated gays so much, he definitely wouldn’t have made them so awesome, which really sums up everything this video made me feel.
The fact that you too are spending your Tuesday evening glued to CNN, watching The Republican National Security Debate, should probably cause both of us to question our lives. But since we both find ourselves here, won’t you live blog with me?
8:03 p.m. The Introduction
First, how on earth did ol’ Newt get his wife? She’s sort of a hottie. He is not.
Second, I know CNN is obligated to pretend to be excited for all 8 candidates, but who are they kidding. They have to be reminded of several of the candidates names, at least twice a day.
8:05 The Parade of Contestants
In what brings me flashing back to “pageant” days- each of the Republican candidates, is introduced. They then walk out, in their bathing suit, waving at the audience.
Can someone tell me why Michelle Bachmann was walking like Morticia Adams? Anyone?
8:08 The National Anthem
Sung by the lead of Jersey Boys? Now playing in Washington DC?
Who are we kidding- he’s gay, living with his boyfriend Chuck and giggling because he experienced some Santorum of his own last night.
8:10 Introductions
Looks like all sorts of people are trying to be funny tonight.
Wolf explains that Wolf is ACTUALLY his name, Ron Paul pretends Republicans actually care about logic and Mitt clarifies that Mitt is actually his name too. This is met with no response.
None. Mitt’s attempts at funny just make EVERYONE feel awkward.
8:13 Michelle Bachmann’s Eye.
Is it just me or is she a bit cross eyed? And it seems to wander. Someone needs to call Peter.
8:16 Gingrich has no idea what’s going on. Ron Paul has some sense.
It’s odd. Newt says he’s studied this for years, but seems to have no idea what he’s talking about.
Ron Paul should really be a democrat.
8:18 Gingrich changes his mind.
Gingrich said, 2 minutes ago, that he wanted to preserve innocence of Americans until proven guilty.
Now, this might not be a good idea. Cause you know, you and I? We could be plotting to bomb something. Right now. Any suggestions on where to begin?
8:20 Bachmann feels non American’s have “no” rights.
None.
8:21 Huntsman.
I like him.
8:22 Mitt Romney Talked.
I fell asleep. I came to and he was still mumbling about something.
8:24 Abundant Good Sense
Perry used the phrase “abundant good sense”
Santorum wants us to find “The Bomber not The Bomb” I’d like to find the Santorum not the Santorum.
8:26 Let’s look at Muslims.
What if a politician got on stage and said ‘Let’s look at blacks. They might be up to no good.”
People’s head’s would BLOW off. So WHY are we openly saying, ‘Let’s stop putting white people through security. Just the Muslims.’
Awesome.
8:28 Wolf attempts to clarify the racism spewing out of Hermain Cain’s mouth.
Cain then forgot what Wolf’s name was.
‘I’m sorry Blitz. I meant Wolf. I was so distracted trying to come up with ways to put all Muslim people in a small box. Muslim-looking people too. Fuck. Anyone not really white or really black.’
8:30 Huntsman Speaks-
No one on stage knows any of the foreign dignitaries he just named.
8:32 Bachmann says she is answering the question.
You know when people say ‘No offense’ and then are incredibly offensive?
Yeah, it works very similarly with ‘I’m answering the question.’ And then not.
8:33 Perry feels Pakistan can’t be trusted.
I am pretty sure the reasoning here is because they are Muslim. Or not American. Or not from Texas.
8:36 Bachmann corrects Perry
You have to figure that Perry’s camp is currently swearing. Anytime Michelle-vaccines-cause-retardation-Bachmann is the sane one, there is an issue.
8:39 People clap for Huntsman
Yet not a one of them will vote for him.
Why? Because he doesn’t seem to hate Democrats. And Scientists. And everyone.
8:42 Newt doesn’t know what the rules are.
I love how they cut away to Newt’s wife. You can almost hear the camera men saying ‘Ugh. What a blow hard. Let’s look at how hot his wife is.’
8:43 Santorum agrees with Ron Paul
4 people applaud. Why? Because no one in that hall agrees with Ron Paul. Except Ron Paul. And probably the guy from Jersey Boys.
8:45 Commercial Break.
Thank god. I’m pooped.
8:47 I got Fun Dip.
That’s what I did with my commercial break. CNN on the other hand hid a microphone under a seat. It was like a live audience giveaway- “Everyone look under your chair- whoever has the microphone gets a free Godfather’s Pizza. And a little complimentary groping!”
8:53 There is a magical area… where all of the bad is.
I am pretty sure Perry thinks all the bad people in the world get together and have a meeting. Just hang out. Shits and giggles.
I’m having George Bush/Will Ferrel axis of evil flashback.
Ohhh Rick Santorum. Africa is a continent. Made up of many countries.
Jesus.
9:08 The Supercommittee… Who are we kidding?
President Obama is not a leader ya’ll.
But Perry is. He has a 20,000 + National Guard. Commander in chief of the Texas National Guard.
If only I could count the number of times Ol’ Texas has been invaded.
9:14 Laugh Out Loud Tweet #2
9:21 My Mom Called.
I now have the debate paused.
She has been sick all week. It’s the first time all week I’ve talked to her and she hasn’t been HACKING into the phone. She had bronchitis. It was gross.
In other useless news, ISU Women’s Basketball won tonight. Mom is now sharing that she could have been on the opposing team. Apparently they were tiny. And not good. And my little 5ft physical education major mother feels she could have made the team. Awesome.
9:27 And I’m Back to the Debate.
Ron Paul wants to cancel the war on drugs.
What I wouldn’t give for him to start talking about how much fun marijuana can be.
9:30 Hermain Cain Counts to 3
Cain proves that, unlike Perry, he can get all the way to three.
We’re all so proud.
9:32 Shining. City. Hill.
Look Santorum, we get it. America. City. Hill.
Funny Tweet #3:
9:34 Newt Gingrich won’t stop talking.
As it turns out, the thing Newt wants, in exchange for not kicking people out of the country is immigrants going to church. That proves they are real Americans.
But seriously, remember at the beginning of the debate when Newt seemed concerned about the amount of time he was allowed to talk? Yeah me too. I miss that.
9:47 Just discovered that Newt looks oddly like my father.
Oddly, he too had issues keeping it in his pants.
And I’m back to disliking Newt.
9:51 Huntsman just needs to jump ship.
I agree. Huntsman/Paul would be an interesting ticket.
Unfortunately this will NEVER happen.
9:54 America isn’t apologizing
Romney feels Pres. Obama’s apologies for America is what is causing all of our problems.
Oddly, I was under the impression that the former president, which the rest of the world was not all that fond of, is what began the need for all these apologies.
9:56 Rick Santorum is concerned about the spread of Socialism. And Communism.
What century is this??
9:57 God Love Ron Paul
What worries him most? American’s acting like assholes. Going to Afghanistan. Pissing off other countries.
That worries me too. Right after the likelihood of one of THESE assholes getting elected.
9:58 Perry is most concerned about China’s morals. And all their abortions.
I really hope Huntsman rips him a new one.
10:00 YES.
Huntsman feels we should look at the issues at home. And not worry about China’s apparent rabid abortions.
In conclusion-
What can I say? I am deeply saddened. We made it through the evening without Perry saying Oops, Ron Paul blowing up in little bitty pieces out of frustration or Hermain Cain offering to fondle anyone.
On the other hand, we did confuse the concept of country and continent. And decided to racially profile everyone, who is a color other than white or black. Completely black or white.
Awesome.
As much as I’d love to stick around and watch the commentators rehash what just happened, I need to salvage what is left of my evening- turning on Food Network and drinking wine.
Thank you for joining me for this experiment in live blogging.
I’ve decided I want to be picketed by Westboro Baptist Church. At the very least, I want something I’m involved in to be picketed. And here’s why.
The things, people, and events Westboro protest are awesome. And not just a little awesome, but epically, life changing-ly awesome. So, in order to be on the right side of history, I want to be on the same side as the below list of things protested by Westboro Baptist Church.
1. Betty Ford
She was a first lady who talked openly about abortions, premarital sex, women’s rights and depression. She made women’s issues not something whispered about behind closed doors. She took her power and started a dialogue. Watch this video and I promise you’ll have a new found respect for her.
2. Lady Gaga
They protest her concerts and shows. Apparently she’s responsible for rallying the damned homosexuals. They hate her. She loves gays. That seems like a good enough reason for me to love her.
3. Soldiers
You’d think this would be a universally agreeable thing. Because oddly, what their fighting for, what they protect, includes Westboro’s ability to protest. You’d think they’d be grateful. Or at the least, respectful. Apparently it doesn’t work that way for WBC.
4. Gays
I guess this topic is covered in conjunction with the fabulous comedienne category as well as Gaga. But, let’s be honest, who’s more fabulous than gays? Especially when, in counterprotest to WBC’s horrendous “God Hates Fags” signs, they make these gems.
I have to say though, of all the pictures I’ve seen, I believe the one below is the one that makes me smile the most. I wish I could grab the nearest guy and join these love birds in a screw-you-make-out-session. Sadly, as I am a female, that would do nothing to get Westboro’s pantys’ in a twist. I guess I’ll just have to applaud other’s efforts.
5. Twitter
I’m still unclear how this is unholy or devilish, but apparently they have been protesting Twitter headquarters. Oh well, I love Twitter and so does the rest of the world. Suck it.
6. Jews
Yep, they hate Jews.
I, on the other hand, happen to like Jews. A lot actually. I’ve worked for them, been born into a family with all sorts of fun jewish connections, and am fairly certain I could have been Jewish in a past life or something. (I actually had that suggested to me by a very old Jewish man who was sharing with me why he thought I was interested in Judaism. It was a very fun conversation. Perhaps later, I’ll take suggestions for what I could have possibly been in a previous life. I’m favoring some sort of ninja perhaps. Or a rebellious princess daughter- think Jasmine, from Alladin.)
As an added plus for the Jewish people, I find them FAR less judgmental than their Christian counterparts Hey Westboro. Next time you’re out protesting the Jews, maybe you should take notes.
7. Rocking Female Comedienne (Kathy Griffin. Lisa Lampanelli. Etc.)
These women are amazing in their own right as hilarious and ballsy comedienne. When you add to that the fact that they are happily telling Westboro where to suck it, they are my idols.
At a recent concert, that WBC was set to protest, Lisa donated money for each protestor in attendance to Gay Men’s Health Crisis for each WBC. You gotta love sticking it to them while also helping out a worthy cause.
8. Nerds?
Yep. For reasons far out of my scope of understanding WBC showed up at ComiCon with signs (See Below) saying God hated Nerds. I’m pretty sure I could be a Nerd category, I have my moments of VERY nerdy. Not to mention the fact that I cannot think of any conceivable reasoning for why God would hate ComiCon nerds. I mean really, how could they possibly have a problem with abstinate young men, living in their mom’s basement, playing Dungeon’s and Dragons for 18 hours a day?
