Category: politics & causes

politics, both trans & otherwise

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How We Honor Dr. King

“Power without love is reckless & abusive,

& love without power is sentimental & anemic.

Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice

& justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”

– Dr. King

Found here.

Or, as my friend Dylan posted on Facebook:

Spend this day in reflection.

Put no words in Dr. King’s mouth and make no assumptions that he would be on your side if he was alive this day; dead men can neither dispute words nor defend deeds. Create no saints where there was only a brave, fragile human who spoke for justice at his peril and ultimately to his demise.

Above all, remember the work that must be done tomorrow, for while Dr. King gave us momentum there is still so much left to do, so many challenges yet to come. May we share his strength and bravery as we act justly in the face of injustice, and in doing so honor his legacy more than any statue or holiday could attempt.

Indeed. That last bit would make a lovely start to any meeting, or any day.

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Local Politics

I will honestly say I’m flabbergasted. There is a local election coming up for the city’s Aldermen, and one of the men running, Tom Van Susteren, posted this on his Facebook page, which is public:

How on earth this could be considered appropriate for any politician’s Facebook page is beyond me. Really, I’m staggered by the bad judgment, the treatment of violence against women as funny, and the violence against a public figure as funny, plus torture as funny.

I understand that someone out there finds this entertaining, which horrifies me even more.

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Christmas Present: Radical Inclusion

This letter from local clergy in Appleton is pretty much the best Christmas present I didn’t even imagine getting:

Jesus not only preached about but a lived a message of radical inclusion. He saw God’s realm as including everyone — and especially those who were despised or downtrodden or oppressed.

That’s why we and many other Christians believe that our values are best expressed when all people and all families are treated with fairness and loving support.

It was written in response to a letter from Appleton Taxpayers United which appeared a few weeks ago, which I won’t honor by quoting. It’s lovely to read Christians who sound like Christians.

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RIP Christopher Hitchens

We needed him whether we knew it or not. He was a huge influence on me; I started reading him when he wrote for The Nation and loved his deep passion for politics and for – well, thinking. He was so intense a writer, but always seemed to have such deeply-held beliefs and convictions. He was one of the few men I ever met where you could not escape how goddamned sexy he was – because he was brilliant. His intellect and his passion radiated off him.

He was an inspiration to me, and I’m glad I had a lovely conversation with him many years ago at one of his readings.

His turn toward conservative in these years since 9/11 echoed a similar turn of one of my other favorite writer-heros, John Dos Passos. They weren’t such poor company, really: both of them so in love with the US in some ways, and so deeply critical of it in others.

I’ll miss you, Hitch. I’d say Godspeed but he was the most ardent of atheists, for which I loved him too.

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Recall Update

The good news is that the recall of WI Gov. Scott Walker is on its way, with 500,000 signatures collected from every county in WI.

I may not actually be in Wisconsin right now, but I’m happy to see some good reports coming out of the recall effort, like this one, about where the signatures – and donations – are actually coming from.

People drove up to sign petitions who had actually voted for Walker in the 2010 election; but seeing the effects of his policies on their neighbors, the loss of jobs, and the power he now holds, felt compelled to sign the petition. One woman, signing with her adult daughter, stated ”…this isn’t what I voted for.”

These stories are being repeated all over the county, and indeed, the state. They are being told by a community of people who understand, whether Republican or Democrat, that as a society we have an obligation not only to the people we see every day – but to the strangers who may be the weakest and neediest among us. The word-of-mouth stories from neighbor to neighbor are becoming the most powerful message in the recall battle. No amount of money can overcome a factual accounting of the negative impact Scott Walker is having when conveyed by a familiar and trusted friend.

It looks like they will have more than enough signatures to withstand the scrutiny these petitions will receive, too.

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Fair Wisconsin Leadership Conference Jan 13-15

The Fair Wisconsin Education Fund is hosting its first ever Leadership Conference, to take place in Milwaukee from January 13th – 15th. Why go to a Leadership Conference?

1. Meet other LGBT and allied leaders from around the state. The Leadership Conference will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with LGBT and allied people working to advance equality in their local communities.  Share your experiences and gain support from people just like you who care about building a fair and just Wisconsin.

2. Learn new information and skills from local and national leaders. The Leadership Conference will offer an array of interesting and useful workshops to broaden your knowledge and help you to acquire new skills and tools to become a leader in the LGBT equality movement in Wisconsin.

3. Be a part of something new. This conference is a new opportunity that we have never seen before.  Don’t miss out on being the first to participate in what is poised to be a hugely successful program!

4. Strengthen the movement. The Leadership Conference is a prime opportunity to build a strong base of support for the LGBT movement in Wisconsin.  Join us as we build a fair Wisconsin together.

5. Celebrate and have fun! No conference is complete without some fun and celebration!  Work hard and play hard at the first ever Fair Wisconsin Education Fund Leadership Conference!

Student registration is only $35! I’ll be there, and Chaz Bono is doing the keynote speech.

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Pepper Spray

It turns out the pepper Spray Pike used is on Amazon, and people have been reviewing the product. There is some really good political satire in there:

1.0 out of 5 stars Product Warnng: This product multiplies protesters
I casually used this product to try to disperse a small band of non-violent campers who had locked their arms together. Although initially it seemed to be effective, it took two applications! The worst part is that the next day they multiplied exponentially! Now what?

One positive outcome, I did receive a paid vacation for my efforts.

There is a tumblr, of course, that is gathering all the images of Lt. John Pike pepper spraying his way through history, art, and movies, although my two favories are the Wheres John Pike? and of course, honey badger:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

= When memes collide.