From An Election & The Supreme Rulings…

Well, a lot has happened within the last post.  With a special election over and two monumental rulings, even a state in political chaos and new adventures for the politically savvy, there is never a dull moment in my life and keeping up with the changing times.

            To pick up from my last post, the special election in South Carolina did not turn out in my favor.  Elizabeth Colbert-Busch did not win the congressional seat against former governor Mark Sanford.  I can’t say I’m surprised, given it is the most conservative district in the country, if only for South Carolina.  I don’t blame the candidate for her loss; nobody should ever fault the candidate in these campaigns.  I would argue that false hopes and misguided name recognition lead to the blind support of the Democratic party standing behind her in this race.  I also think the Democratic party was reluctant to stand by her because she was too conservative a “true democratic candidate” for their liking.  In the end, it is the experience that matters, and it is important to always look towards the next election and work to win that one. The object is to fight to win the next election; but one should never forget their losses, as it drives the desire to win the next race.

            May transcended into June, and the end of June brought the month went out with a loud bang. On the twenty-sixth of the month, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and also cited the Proposition Eight case from California, that it has no legal standing which meant they wouldn’t rule on it; thus, it allowed for the lower court’s decision to be upheld (which stated that Proposition Eight was unconstitutional in the state of California).  Both of these cases are huge victories for LGBT-individuals living in the United States [and the overall fight for Marriage Equality in the country]. 

Personally, I view these as good things for the United States regarding progressing for progress’ sake.  I do not believe that marriage is being “re-defined” or that the country’s moral standing will fall and the wrath of God will come down hard against this great nation. Nay, I believe that marriage has been extended to those outside of the “traditional” marriage practice and the state of California has the right to pass laws that are within the constitutional boundaries of the law. Since I am not a resident of that state, the Proposition Eight ruling does not apply to me; what does however is the Amendment One that was passed by 60% of the North Carolina voting populace in last year’s election cycle. As far as the law goes in the state of North Carolina: “Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized”.  (NC Constitution, Article 14, Section 6)

            While we are talking about North Carolina, and the laws being passed within the state, it is important to focus on the General Assembly of the North Carolina State Legislature.  There have been a few bills that have been passed through the House of Representatives and/or the Senate that are not exactly promising when it comes to doing the best thing for the residents of the Tar Heel state.  The first issue is education and the battle to cut its funding. There is an incentive to have older teachers to retire early and to accept, as a parting gift, an extra $500.  The horrible thing is that it passed the House of Representatives! As far as I know, it is still being discussed in a senate committee. Let me backtrack a moment: After the election of 2012, the House, Senate, and Governorship went into the hands of Republicans (just stating a fact; this is how democracy works…whomever wins gets to be in power). 

            Now the House Republicans are trying to pass laws to limit education funding, revise the tax structure, and even pass anti-abortion measures attached to a law that is against Sharia law. First things first, I AM NOT ADVOCATING FOR SHARIA LAW (set aside the fact that it is Constitionally impossible for any religious based law to be followed in the USA); all I am saying is that we need to separate the real issues from “non-real” issues.  For example, the House republicans and Senate republicans have either passed, or will pass, a restructured tax base to allocate for tax breaks to the residents of North Carolina; the problem is that both houses have different views on what is the correct tax base formula.  Even Governor McCrory has stated that he will veto any bill that comes across his desk that would raise taxes on the middle class (which both plans do; Senate plan has middle class families paying more than $30 in taxes and I’m not sure about the House plan, but I’ll look into it and get back to you). I consider this to be an actual issue. The “non-real” issue is which plan saves North Carolina families…the answer: both plans, and the Governor knows it (which is why he’ll veto it...as it would haunt him around re-election time).

[The North Carolina Senate will vote today on their tax bill: The Senate Bill is #394 and the House Bill is #998]

As for the abortion rider in the bill against Sharia law (again, is Sharia law really a problem in North Carolina? Seriously?), this is also a thorn in the side for Governor McCrory as he stated in his campaign to become the Governor that he would not sign bills into law that would further restrict abortions. The sad thing is it might become law even if he vetoed the bill because they have the votes in the House to override him. When it comes to the real issue, such as abortion, we seem t have a lame duck governor in Raleigh. To review: Real issue – restricting abortions; “non-real” issue – Sharia law ever becoming the law in North Carolina (as it would be unconstitutional under our own state constitution, and the fact that the United States Constitution is the true law over all fifty states [and the territories] and that North Carolina was in the “God-fearing” south). Come to think this about it, how is that bill not unconstitutional?

Politics: The Palmetto Way & the Ocean State Way

Well, I’m currently in South Carolina working on a campaign to elect Elizabeth Colbert Busch to Congress so she can represent South Carolina’s first district in the House of Representatives.  I’ve never worked on a campaign in South Carolina.  I think South Carolina has a better understanding of what “southern hospitality” is all about.

     The district itself is only twenty percent rural, or so I’m told.  The President won this district in both 2008 & 2012.  I think based on that information, my candidate should win; however, this isn’t my first election and it is really up to the constituents of the first Congressional district of the Palmetto State.  I believe Elizabeth Colbert Bush is a strong candidate against the former governor of the state, Marl Stanford.  After watching them debate, I think she has what it takes to win over the district.  She is a tough individual and knows the issues that matter to the district.  She tends to put the district first, as any respectable member of Congress should do.  She knows that the district still has pockets of conservative values and understands they still need a voice in Congress.  There is a term for an individual who is liberal on social issues; yet conservative on fiscal matters…the new term is “Blue Dog Democrat.” Another term, slightly older, is a “Dixiecrat” which is essentially a newer generation of a Republican post-Civil War. (At least, that is how I look at it.)

     I guess after really thinking about politics and the issues, I would be considered a Blue Dog in many ways. First, I was a Republican in high school and growing up.  I tend to focus on issues instead of party politics. I also believe that we need to be in control of our own monetary funds and other things that we earn; however, I believe we need to have safeguards to help those in society that are less fortunate or cannot help themselves.  I believe everyone should be equal under the law of the United States.  If you are a citizen, then you deserved to be treated like one and equally as others.  With only some of those beliefs I hold, I feel that I would cast an affirmative vote for Elizabeth Colbert Busch to represent my voice in Congress (and if I lived in South Carolina’s first Congressional District).

In other political news, the state of Rhode Island [and Providence Plantations] became the tenth state in the United States to pass Marriage Equality.  I am extremely proud of this accomplishment.  I drove up to the Ocean State to help out this successful campaign and met a bunch of wonderful individuals (both on the campaign team and the citizens who contacted their state representatives to pass the legislation).  This win in Rhode Island completes all of the states in New England to have Marriage Equality! I hope this will be the positive model for other parts of the United States to adopt, implement, and pass this historic trend to include Marriage Equality into a basic American right.  Hopefully in June, the United States Supreme Court will render their verdict on the right side of history.

From Sea to Shining Sea...One State at a Time

     Well, this week was certainly a wonderful one for Colorado. The state signed a law granting civil-unions to same-sex couples.  Within the past two years, the subject of LGBT rights has really been at the front of American politics. Just to remember some of these events, let's name some:

1) "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" got repealed;

2) Four states put measures on their state ballots and won (Minnesota, Maine, Washington, Maryland);

3) The United States Supreme Court will hear the arguments to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act AND Proposition Eight;

4) President Obama (finally) comes out in support of Same-sex marriage;

5) Colorado has passed civil unions;

6) Tammy Baldwin becomes the first Openly Gay Senator in US History (representing Wisconsin);

7) Nebraska is considering granting Same-sex couples the right of marriage; and

8) Rhode Island will be the next state to allow Same-sex marriage once it gets past in the state senate.

     Notice I end the list with Rhode Island.  This is because I have some news; for the next three months, I'll be in the state of Rhode Island advocating for the state to pass Same-sex marriage!  This is really exciting as I haven't lived in Rhode Island since 1994. I will be helping a state extend the basic right of happiness to all its citizens.  I truly believe within the next 15-20 years, this issue will no longer be an issue.  This same "Separate but equal" mindset regarding the LGBT community is just silly and will be yet another period in American history where we will not be proud of the way we handle change.  in fact, there is at least one other state considering Same-sex marriage in their own boundaries [and that state being Illinois].

    Disclaimer:  As I continue writing, the song "No llores por mí Argentina" :-D 

     Another major thing that has happened this week is the election of a new Pope.  Now, it is wonderful that he is the first Pope from Latin America; I wish him well.  However, even this is a setback for the church.  I suppose I could also argue that this strengthens the "Separation of Church & State" argument, but I won't. :)  

      Now, Pope Francis I (former Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Mario Bergoglio) comes from  Argentina.  This is the same country that gave us Evita Perón and that WONDERFUL play that was on

Broadway that I did NOT get to see even though Ricky Martin was Che (no hard feelings of course…but I will see it soon enough).  Anyway, I digress. Now Argentina has allowed same-sex Marriage since July 2010.  The newly-elected Pope was a strong critic and the most vocal opponent against Argentina's position regarding the extension of marriage to same-sex couples.  I respect the establishment of religion, I truly do, but in the United States we have a separation of the two.  I think that when a rather high number of your congregation interprets the holy texts in a different manner that disagree with the official interpretation, it might be time to review the official stance on the matter.  I think the Catholic Church has done a remarkable thing while at the same time standing resolute.  I salute them for recognizing other minorities such as Hispanics being able to lead; but, I also think they are proving that just because a high number of their congregation don't follow their official word on the issue, they will not give into temptation to change their ways (and by the way, that pun was not exactly in my head at the time I wrote that).  There should be some sort of adoration for the Church, but since they don't dictate my life, then I really don't concern myself with what their position is regarding the matter. As I've stated before, within the next 15-20 years, this will be a moot point.

     Until then, I will be fighting to bring Marriage Equality to Same-sex couples in the state of Rhode Island & the Providence Plantations!

     By the way, I'm officially a UNC Tarheel fan. After living in North Carolina for the past 15 years, I've made my decision regarding the whole Duke/UNC rivalry thing.  For me, it's Public Vs. Private and I went with public. :)

The Young One & some political chats...

As I am writing this, I am starting the magical drive down hill towards 30! It feels odd, to say the least.


     Anyway, so thinking about the things going on within the past few days (and weeks) has rendered some thoughts.  This is regarding the new Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense nominee, the Boy Scouts, and the gun debate. Let's begin!
     In case you haven't been keeping up with the news, outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before Congress on the attacks at the American Embassy in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in four deaths including the ambassador. Now, I just happened to listen to this while driving back from my wonderful time in DC for the inauguration. Now, Secretary Clinton can hold her own ground and is very tough. She didn't back down from Senators McCain, Paul, or Johnson. It is true she got grilled on the issues, but in the end she was able to relay her point across about the situation at the time.  It seems odd that Republicans would want to imply that Secretary Clinton wasn't up for the job or even the handling of the situation; in fact, they even questioned her judgement.  While I do understand their point and frustration, it is important to remember that this is the same Republican Party that lead the United States into Iraq over "Weapons of Mass Destruction" and it was the intelligence reports of Ambassador Condoleezza Rice & then-Secretary of State Colin Powell. In addition, it was also this Republican Party that chose Alaska governor Sarah Palin to be placed on the Republican ticket in 2008 in a failed attempt to gain the women voters. It is the same party that had members of its own choose not to go to meetings on the [Capitol] Hill regarding security concerns for the embassies in the area; and, it is also this Republican Party that has failed to vote on any budget measures to enhance money allocated for embassy security...but, as usual, it is President Obama's fault and anyone within his administration.
     Since the hearing, Secretary Clinton has left her post and the senior senator from Massachusetts, John Kerry, has taken the helm at the State Department.  While I applaud his advancement and look forward to his service, I still don't agree that it would be wise to allow the Republicans a chance to gain a seat in the Senate (even if it isn't likely, I wouldn't tempt it). All in all, Secretary Kerry will do a fine job and I wish him the best.  As for the other cabinet position, that will be a little more of a fight.  Former senator Chuck Hagel has been nominated to succeed Leon Panetta at the Defense Department. There are concerns over his remarks, in the past, regarding: the state of Israel; homosexuals, supporting cuts to the defense department, sanctions on Iran, and a number of other issues. I won't go into every item I just mentioned, but I will say this: I do believe that he is a good fit for the job at hand. I also believe it is certainly wrong for members of his own political party (that's right, he is a Republican from Nebraska) to oppose his confirmation based on their "concerns" or whatever term they choose to hid behind. I think that this nomination, among other issues, will create an even bigger civil war within the Republican Party.
     One of the other headlines in the news is regarding the Boy Scouts of America.  They are considering eliminating the ban for gay scouts and adults from participating.  In fact, there was supposed to give a statement on the overall conclusion this week; but, they felt that it was getting to heated on both sides of the argument and have chosen to make a determination on the future of the ban in May at the annual Executive Council meeting.  As a former boy scout (yes, I was a boy scout and yes, I still hate camping and the outdoors in general) I just don't see the point. There are plenty of gay scouts and it is not like they push their beliefs onto others. I know supporters of the ban are citing the Boy Scout Oath. I know that oath by heart and I know plenty of people who say things after repeating it for so many times. But, let's look at the Oath......let just open out Hymns to page 281910 (I hope someone understands that number and the irony of it within this topic):

"On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight."

Now, let's just break this down...line-by-line:

     On my honor I will do my best: honor according to whom? I could have a bad honor as a gay scout, but the straight scout that lies all the time is considered to have good honor? So we are to judge a person's character? Also, one should always do their best.
     To do my duty to God & my country:  Well, what if one does not believe in God? Are they still able to join?  How does one prove that they are doing their duty to God, or much less believe in God? Everyone should do their duty to the their country.
     and to obey the Scout law: Oh yes, the scout law.....who else can do this beside me?
     Well, a Scout is -

• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean 
• Reverent 

     ....Too many thoughts regarding the laws so I'll elaborate more on those later.
     To help other people at all times: Well, so tend to the sick, needy, and those who aren't able to help themselves? You mean the 47%??? Well, that's socialism and that is UN-American!!! (Make sure you note the sarcasm because I'm not a republican if you didn't know)
     To keep myself physically strong: well, this makes sense.....if you stay in shape you don't have to go to the hospital as much and we don't have to pay for you to get better EVEN though a "psychically fit" individual can go to the emergency room for a toothache or a running nose and we are happy to help them out. If you aren't strong then I won't be able to help you even though it's what "honorable" people do (sarcasm is still in play here).
     To keep myself mentally awake & morally straight: So if a scout falls asleep or doesn't pay attention in a merit badge class (I never did except for Environmental Science because I didn't understand the point of it) does that mean they should be kicked out of the program?  How about the Straight scoutmaster who has been divorced three times, is he morally straight?  What about the older scouts that drink when they get together on the weekends or drink with their Scoutmasters (yeah, it goes on...just saying)?  What about the straight scouts that become recreational drug users when they are not a troop meeting, but still fall under the guidelines of "you can miss X amount of meetings before....."?
     I think the Boy Scouts of America should be able to except, and embrace, all its members and reinstate those that have been kicked out of the program for their sexuality.  One last thing, I find it extremely ironic that the same NONPROFIT that gives the most money to the Boy Scouts is the same that funded the Proposition 8 in the state of California. Forget about the Church & state argument, if you are going to politic from the pulpit, then it's time you loose your tax-exempt status, pay up, and pay up for your back taxes. I'll proudly support the rights of same-sex couples.
     Well, I planned on speaking about the gun debate.  Honestly, nothing for me has changed on this issue so if you would like to know how I feel, please read the piece I wrote two-or-three posts back.

2013: A New Year is Here with Endless Possibilities

     Well, 2013 is here! It was a great way to ring in the New Year...watching Anderson Cooper & Kathy Griffin (the funniest duo on TV during New Year's Eve festivities)!  2012 was a long year with many ups and downs.  It was a great year for me; but, 2013 will be even better.  There are so many things I can only image that will happen this year. Whether it's love, graduate school, occupation, politics, or some other things, it will be the best that I can make it.
     With regards to graduate school, I am planning on return to Western Carolina University this semester to begin the process of earning a Master of Arts in Public Administration.  I want to focus my studies on NonProfit Management and Public Policy.  I figure with an MPA and those areas of focus, I'll be able to advocate for the issues I think are the most important.  Bear in mind that my top issues are Education, Foreign Policy, Healthcare, and LGBT rights.  I think with those issues being the focal point of politics and policies within the next ten-to-fifteen years, it only makes sense that I help make history by leading the way to equality for all Americans and policies that benefit all Americans (both foreign and domestic). I believe that everyone is entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as others have and earned.  As an American, we are defined by the things that make us equal.  That is what our country was founded on and that is what is within our guiding document.  I think it is a high travesty that many Americans would deny their fellow country men [and women] the same rights they have.  Personally, it is okay to disagree with someone and still respect them; however, when one crosses the line from respect over to bigotry and judgements...then that is when we have a problem.
     I'm not just talking about Marriage Equality by the way.  I'm also talking about religious tolerance.  You see, the founding fathers were adamant about the separation of church and state.  That is why is is in the Constitution that, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" and also that "No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States".  I just still find that, in 2013, people still tend to vote on their elected officials based on their religious preference. If anything, that is un-american.  Especially if a religion wants to deny rights to Americans that have that right granted to them by their own government.  Again, I'm not bashing religion; I'm simply making the point that the United States has a Constitution which outlines a strict separation of church and state.
     2012 was a monumental year for politics and 2013 will [hopefully] be an even better year! With the re-election of the nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama, it proved that the United States is finally progressing to the point where other countries have been for at least twenty years. I mean, this President has done A LOT to progress the nation into the twenty-first century: nominating (and having confirmed) more women to the United States Supreme Court (and having the first ever hispanic woman on the court); the first President to ever support Same-Sex marriage (after much discussions though); signing the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act; championed the fight against SB 1070; Achieved a monumental Healthcare legislation overhaul (which was proved to be Constitutional); Repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"; got unemployment under 8%; eliminated multiple leaders of Al-Qaeda (including Osama Bin Linden); he even ensured student loans would not double and increased pell grant spending at the same time; and so much more! I think 2013 will bring further progression and that President Obama will take the United States forward into a positive and prosperous century. Many have said that the twenty-first century will belong to the United States of America. If anything, more states will join the ranks of Marriage Equality and, one day, all fifty states will allow same-sex couples an opportunity to marry their loved one.
     Well, I hope that 2013 will be the continuation of forward-thinking and prosperity of the United States. For me, 2013 will be my year of changes...for the better and not for anything less!

The Final Push to Re-elect Barack Obama as President

Well, after a long election cycle, the end is almost here.  I know I’ve spent hours calling, hours canvassing, hours writing letters to editors, and hours convincing voters why they should vote to keep President Obama in office.  If you are still undecided, here are some of the reasons I voted for President Obama (and yes, voting is past tense because I live in North Carolina which is an early voting state):

1.     He saved the auto industry and also prevented another Great Depression;

2.     He has had 32 consecutive months of job growth (5.4 million of those new jobs were in the private sector);

3.     He eliminated dozens of Al Qaeda leaders including Osama Bin Laden;

4.     He Signed the Affordable Care Act with vastly improves the healthcare of all Americans, including those with pre-existing conditions, senior citizens, and women;

5.     He strongly supports women’s rights and has appointed two women to the United States Supreme Court…one of them being the first Hispanic on the court;

6.     He has lowered taxes for a majority of Americans and believes in the top percent to pair their fair share;

7.     He has ended the War in Iraq as well as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”;

8.     He has signed into law the Lily Ledbetter Act, which allows equal pay for women;

9.     He has ensured that student loan rates not double for millions of students across the country…he even increased Pell Grant spending;

10.  He is in support of Same-sex marriage as well as the Dream Act;

11.  He was opposed to the Arizona Law regarding immigration (and the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with him);

12.  He appointed a commission to protect consumers from wasteful fees;

13.  He supports the state of Israel;

14.  He has enhanced financial regulatory measures; and,

15.  He has unemployment under eight percent (8%).

I truly believe we are on the correct course and we need to make sure Barack Obama remains President of the United States. I think President Obama will win re-election by taking the following states – which will lead to him winning 309 out of 538 electoral votes:

Washington; Hawaii; Oregon; California; Nevada; New Mexico; Colorado; Kansas; Missouri; Iowa; Minnesota; Michigan; Wisconsin; Louisiana; Illinois; Maine; New Hampshire; Vermont; Massachusetts; New Jersey; Delaware; Maryland; NORTH CAROLINA; Connecticut; Rhode Island, and Ohio.

I think that the United States Senate will stay in the control of the Democrats.  In fact, I believe they will pick up three seats: one from Wisconsin, one from Maine, and one from Massachusetts.

I think the United States House of Representatives will return to the Democratic Majority as well, and Nancy Pelosi will get her gavel back.  I think wins in WA-1 (Suzan DelBene), NH-1 & -NH-2 (Carol Shea Porter & Ann Kuster), CA-35 (Dr. Raul Ruiz), NC-11 (Hayden Rogers), NC-10 (Patsy Keever), and many more will be great for the Democratic Party as well.

I am actually really proud of the state of New Hampshire because I believe they will make history and have an all-female delegation (Yes, I am endorsing Maggie Hassan if you didn’t already know)! I also think that Minnesota will vote No on Amendment 2 and Washington state will Approve of Referendum 74. I also think that Maryland will vote for question 6 and Maine will vote in favor of Same-sex marriage.

In less than twenty-four hours, we will (hopefully) know what the next four years will look like.  Will it be a road continuing to progress, or a road leading backwards?  I do hope it’s FORWARD and get FOUR MORE YEARS of PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!! Yes We Can, Sí se Puede!!