Queer Musings

All Men are Created Equal - Well Almost All

Today marks an important milestone in American history. While watching President Barack Obama being sworn into office today, it was all I could do to hold back tears of joy.

This year will mark 233 years since Thomas Jefferson wrote "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Today we've moved closer to the idea that all people are equal.

When Jefferson put pen to paper and drafted the Declaration of Independence there was a thriving slave trade, and the indigenous people of North America were treated as savages. Equality was only offered to white Christian men. Not even women were treated equally.

A lot has changed. Thanks to the courage of a few, a civil rights movement was founded. We now have a President that is far from what has been considered normal for the office. His father is a black man that immigrated here from Kenya. He has a funny name. And I am proud to call him my President.

We are, however, still in the middle of a civil rights struggle. We have not yet reached a point in time were all people are treated equal. Many GLBT citizens are treated in a manner that is far from equal to other citizens of this nation. Many GLBT citizens face the threat of losing their home or job because they have no protection under the law. Many GLBT citizens are denied the right to be in hospital rooms to be with the person they love.

Sure there's a lot of serious issues ahead of us. We have troops on the ground in two wars, and the economy is tanking. If ever there was a time for full equality for every citizen now would be it.

Look at it this way, if the discriminatory policy of "don't ask, don't tell" was overturned that would allow the military to recruit and retain more individuals to help protect us and our Constitution. If ENDA is passed it will help prevent some jobs from being lost.

There's still more that needs to be done even after that for us to live up to the idea that "all men are created equal," and eventually we'll get there. We just can't be lulled into thinking that everything that needs to be done, has been done to achieve equality.

We should take time to enjoy the historical significance of today. Once everything is said and done, we must, however, hold Pres. Obama accountable in his pledge to provide equality for GLBT citizens. By making sure he works towards getting his agenda passed will we come close to achieving what Thomas Jefferson said about mankind.

Obama Officially President-Elect

You know Dick threw up in his mouth a little bit as he was reading the official vote for President.

Prop 8 to Close to Call

I'm a bit dismayed by the numbers so far on California's Prop 8. I don't think there will be enough uncounted absentee and provisional ballots to swing the vote to the side of defeat of Prop 8.

It's not too surprising that similar ballot initiatives passed in Arizona and Florida. I was holding out hope that California might surprise us on this one. Especially when you take into account all the same-sex marriages that have already taken place.

This just shows that while we are ready to accept someone that's not from the same cookie cutter old white guy to lead our country, we still aren't ready to provide equal treatment under the law to everyone.

Obama Makes History

WOW!!!

I really don't know how to put into words how proud I am tonight of our great country. We have elected our first African-American President. As I'm watching CNN right now, they have Sen. Obama leading with 333 electoral college votes to McCain's 155.

Somehow it just seems fitting that Barack comes from the same state as the President who gave us the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery. I think Abraham Lincoln would be proud to see what we have accomplished tonight.

My one wish is that some of the great people of history like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King, Jr. could be here to see the effects of all their hard work.

Election Day

Today is it. I took advantage of early voting here in TX, but for those that didn't today is your last chance to make your voice be heard.

Google Maps has a tool to help you find your polling place if your not sure where it is. It doesn't seem to work for my address. I'm sure, however, in larger cities it will be able to provide your location.

This is probably the most important election I've ever witnessed in my 24 years of voting. What it really comes down to is this; do we want another four years of the same failing leadership, or do we want someone who can unite our country and our allies? I honestly feel that a McCain/Palin administration would alienate us further from our allies, and the economy would sink even further into depression.

Obama may not have all the answers, but I think he's smart enough to surround himself by people that can really make a difference.

Also for those of you living in California, please, please vote on Proposition 8. Do you want to be the one to be responsible for taking away a civil right from a fellow citizen? Please keep in mind that until 1967 it was still illegal in some states for interracial couples to get married. The world didn't come to an end when that same basic fairness was extended to those couples. The world won't come to an end when gay and lesbian couples can say their vows and get married.

Ron Howard on the Election

While it is nice seeing Ron get back together with some legendary costars, I hope you take a moment to listen to the actual message. It is pretty darn funny though seeing what he is willing to do for Obama.

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

I Went to Vote Today

Well I'm all done. I went and cast my vote for Obama today. Early voting runs until October 31st here in Texas.

I would encourage everyone to go out and vote this election year.

YouTube Link

Being President is Just Like Being a Governor

If you were thinking about voting for McBush/Palin, or not voting, then you might want to see this. It's doubtful that McBush will make it through the entire four year term. So we all need to be aware of what will happen once Palin is sitting in the Oval Office.

No Palin Proclamation for National Coming Out Day

Alaska's very own hockey mom governor, Gov. Sarah Palin, has declined to issue a proclamation for National Coming Out Day which will be on Saturday. The request to acknowledge the day came from Alaskans Together for Equality.

Sounds like her tolerance of the GLBT community will only go so far.

Early Voting in Texas

Just a reminder for everyone here in Texas, you will soon be able to go to the polls and start voting. Early in person voting will run from October 20 through October 31. I've made use of the early voting, and actually prefer it. I've never ran into any long lines, you can get in and get out with a minimum of fuss.

More information can be found at the Texas Secretary of State website, along with other important dates for absentee voting. If you're not going to be around to vote in person, it's not too late to request a ballot by mail.