More Craziness from Camp McSame

As Sen. Barack Obama continues on his picture-perfect trip through the Middle East and Europe, the petulance and pettiness of the McCain camp is breathtaking. It was McCain with the help of the RNC who chided, prodded and taunted Obama for not ever visiting Iraq (and a negative ad that states that remarkably still airs). But the success of this "high-risk" mission and the childish responses coming out of Camp McSame have diminished what was once a decent politician to that of an over-aged adolescent who throws tantrums because he doesn't get things to flow his way.

Blaming the Media. Aww poor John McCain can’t get media attention while Obama dazzles world leaders, our own troops and huge throngs on foreign soil. When a representative of the U.S. speaks to tens of thousands of Berliners, which garnered world attention, Camp McSame cannot understand why? It wasn’t long ago that President George War Bush had to be literally sneaked into London under the cover of darkness just to speak to Queen Elizabeth II. And Britain is our closest ally!

Again, you get what you ask for. Camp McSame pushed Obama to visit Iraq, and he will return home triumphant. Not such a great strategy on their part.

Learning Curve? John McCain criticized Obama’s trip by saying, "In a time of war, the commander-in-chief doesn’t get a learning curve." Maybe so, but McCain’s constant flubs concerning Iraq and the Middle East make George War Bush seem knowledgeable.

His confusion of Sunni and Shi-ites is unbelievable considering his self-expressed expertise of the area. His comment that Iran trains al-Qaeda when in fact it doesn’t was another example of lack of knowledge despite his many trips to the war’s theater.

Then there is his mistaken chronology of events with respect to the surge and the Anbar Awakening and his notion that the surge caused this event. Like a parrot who had his seeds laced with a banned substance, McCain repeats and repeats over again, "The surge is working. The surge is working." But he cannot define what success in Iraq actually means, and he ignores the other factors, such as the Anbar Awakening, for the reduction in violence.

And one can throw in his utter disregard for history when he referred to the Czech Republic as Czechoslovakia on several occasions. Adding more to the heap is McCain referring to a non-existent Iraq-Pakistan border. McCain is the foreign policy and national security expert? And someone PLEASE tell me what qualified Ronald Reagan to be commander-in-chief when he ran for President!

McCain is also seething over Iraq Prime Minister al-Maliki for his moving closer to Obama's timeline for a troop withdrawl.

Obama and Rising Gas Prices. In an incredible display of dishonesty and stupidity, Camp McSame launched an ad that actually blames Obama for the rise in gas prices. This is a head scratcher if I ever saw one. How low will they go? Answer: see below.

Portraying Obama as a Traitor. This cops the award for flagrant smearing. McCain said and said again that Obama would rather lose a war so that he can win an election.

The fact that this jackass is even competitive speaks more about the voters in this country than anything else. Hopefully, Obama's presence on the world stage will help America see the light that he is a plausible and much-needed President of the United States.

An Open Letter to Al Gore

By Steve Charing

Dear Vice-President Gore,

As a gay man, I believe it is critical that Senator Barack Obama be elected president on November 4. Sen. Obama stands with the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community on most issues that are important to us with the sole exception of same-sex marriage.

I recall you hadn’t been a major advocate for us during your years as vice-president, but I am confident that some of your positions have softened since then as you have recognized that one of the main tenets of the Declaration of Independence—all men are created equal—applies to our community.

Besides Sen. Obama’s pro-gay stances that include the repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act, plus his promised support for a comprehensive hate crimes bill and federal employment non-discrimination legislation that encompasses sexual orientation, his vision and leadership as well as his economic, environmental and foreign policies will steer America back on the right course.

On the other hand, a win for Senator John McCain would serve to do the opposite. He even recently announced his opposition to same-sex adoptions, which does nothing more than to punish innocent children.

Moreover, the next president will be faced with the likely prospect of filling two to three Supreme Court vacancies, which is crucial for many reasons, not the least of which is the likelihood the Court will face the question of the constitutionality of same-sex marriage bans.

For these reasons, the election of Sen. Obama is vital to our community, the nation and the world. And that is why I am imploring you to accept the vice-president position on the ticket with Sen. Obama should he ask that of you.

I fully understand your previously expressed views that you would not be interested in being on the ticket. I acknowledge that your work on climate change is far more significant than your political aspirations. I also recognize that you had been the vice-president for eight years and do not look forward to a repeat of that experience.

But please consider the fact that your addition to the ticket will all but guarantee the victory for Sen. Obama. With your extensive resume, you add the foreign policy and military gravitas that he lacks for which he is being unfairly vilified.

You are well respected and admired around the world, and your mere presence in the Administration would restore America’s good will and make it easier for other countries to embrace our ideals. As such we would fight a smarter war on terrorism and would gain the needed cooperation from other nations.

Mr. Vice-President, you conjure up the affection from millions of Democrats and Independents as a result of the 2000 election fiasco and your statesmanlike post-Vice-President years when you rightly earned the Nobel Prize among other honors. You are popular with women and older voters who are crucial in battleground states. You will convince wavering Clinton supporters to support the ticket and add even more excitement from the electorate, including younger voters who applaud your concerns for their futures.

As important as those, I envision your role as vice-president would be significantly upgraded to reflect the new Administration’s commitment to climate change and energy independence. You recently challenged Americans on the need to use clean energy sources. As a partner in the Obama Administration, you would have an official platform to advocate the needed changes and to work directly with Congress to see them through.

While I am confident that Sen. Obama will prevail regardless of his running mate, I am concerned that the Republican fear and smear machine will effectively undercut him. The false rumors and lies that are perpetuated without any outrage from the McCain camp have already sullied a good man.

And these assaults just don’t solely stem from independent swift-boat types. Sen. McCain chided Sen. Obama for not visiting Iraq. Now he’s attacking him for doing so. When will this end?

This is where your position on the ticket would help mitigate the effects of the GOP’s tactics. You, along with Sen. Obama, will unify an emboldened Democratic Party and bring new voters to more than offset the ignorant, the racists, the homophobes and those who maintain that Iraq attacked us on September 11.

The path of an Obama-Gore administration will lead us to a sound economy, a sane tax policy, universal health care, improved education, a better chance for peace in the world, concrete steps to effect climate change, and yes, full equality for all my GLBT brothers and sisters.

A guy can dream, can’t he?

The New Yorker's Bad Judgement

Yes, The New Yorker is satirical. But its upcoming cover that depicts Barack and Michelle Obama in the manner they did was over the top. Why? Because it simply feeds into the false stereotypes that the right wing has been desperately trying to push in an effort to smear the Obamas.

Why shouldn't they? They have John McCain as their standard bearer. They know he cannot win unless the Obama family is demonized. And The New Yorker simply aids in that process--wittingly or not.

Keep in mind this is the country that was dumb enough to elect George W. Bush TWICE. A quarter of the electorate still thinks Iraq attacked us on September 11 and believes Iraq posed a military threat to us. They buy into this crap, and The New Yorker should know better. Never overestimate the intelligence of the American people.

Over 10% of the country according to a recent Newsweek poll believe Obama is Muslim. All this cartoon did was to spread the myth because the editor had to explain the purpose of the cover. When you have to explain satire, it is considered a failure.

According to MSNBC, Obama had been the focus of their covers by a 2 to 1 ratio over McCain since January. If the magazine wants to be fair about perpetuating falsehoods, why don't they sketch McCain dressed in a hospital gown in a nursing home wielding an M-16 chanting "My friends, the surge is working. The surge is working..." countless times.

A President McCain Ready to Handle a Crisis?

As we marched, nation marches towards equality

The following letter was published in July 10 edition of the Howard County Times/Columbia Flier:

In sharing in the celebration of our great nation's 232nd birthday, it was an honor for the Columbia/Howard County chapter of PFLAG-Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays-to participate for the first time in the 4th of July River Hill parade.

Over 20 members of our chapter marched with our neighbors up Great Star Drive to affirm one of the basic tenets in the Declaration of Independence to which we honor: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

Our group consisted of parents who have gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered children; gays and lesbians of all ages; same-sex couples in long-term relationships and those with toddlers of their own. Some live in the very River Hill neighborhood through which the parade took place.
We did not possess a fancy float, but we proudly marched behind our chapter's banner while waving American and rainbow flags and wishing all the spectators a Happy 4th.

As we passed by the large and diverse crowd and tossed tasty goodies to the many children, we were moved by the warm reception from the onlookers with a large number voicing their support and encouragement. We not only trumpeted our country, but we also celebrated the progress we are making towards achieving the Declaration's principles of full equality for all, though clearly much more progress is needed.

The recognition and good wishes we received on this glorious day were heartwarming, and PFLAG looks forward to marching with our neighbors again next year.

Steve Charing

Clarksville

Steve Charing is the media coordinator for PFLAG-Columbia/Howard County.

McCain Just Being McCain?

When asked about the increase in US exports to Iran during the Bush Administration, with the largest export being cigarettes, McCain was reported to have said, “Maybe that’s a way of killing them,” he said, laughing, according to a pool report. “ This follows his "Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran "joke."

Why is it that the media brushes off McCain's flip and irresponsible remarks by saying, "Oh, it's McCain just being McCain"? Yet when Obama made those off-the-cuff "bitter" remarks at a supposedly private function, it dominated the news cycles for a month?

Think about it.

They won't admit it, but the press is definitely giving McCain a free ride on his missteps. Everything Obama does is under a microscope, however. And don't give me the "but we all know who McCain is and we know so little of Obama." That's a load of excrement.

The McCain of today is not the McCain of 2000. He has abandoned many of his once held principles to win an election, and now he acts like the drunken grandfather at a wedding with his disturbing jokes. hehehe

But the media still is working for him. Old memories won't die.

Pride Unifying For Us, Exploited by Others

By Steve Charing

The streets surrounding the Pride block party and parade have long been swept and trash picked up. Pieces of wrapped candy, rainbow trinkets, beads, plastic bottles, confetti—all gone now. The grounds at Druid Hill Park have also been restored to its former state. Although those remnants of Pride 2008 are no longer, the fond memories will stay with us.

On balance, this edition of Baltimore’s traditional June extravaganza was superb. I credit the outgoing Pride coordinator, Joel Rosado, as well as the GLCCB and the legions of volunteers who made for a smoothly run, professional and extraordinary weekend of June 21-22. Phone calls to Craig Wiley, executive director of the GLCCB to ascertain his perspective on Pride, were not returned.

The parade was kicked off by the campy high-heel race. The fabulous procession that featured gay and straight-owned businesses, lgbt organizations, political groups and other clubs actually began on time. Crowds lined the short parade route along both sides of Charles Street and cheered each float and cluster of marchers.

As soon as the parade ended, almost on cue, the block party began. Thousands packed narrow Eager Street made even narrower by the food and merchandise vendors. If you didn’t know the person pressed up against you, it was only a matter of time that you did.

The block party is always a fun event. If you can manage to slither up and down packed Eager Street, undoubtedly you will encounter an old friend or two who you have not seen since, well, last year’s Pride.

Drinks flowed; people consumed the array of aromatic food, and danced to the eclectic, high-energy music performed on stage at the intersection of Eager and Charles.

The next day’s festival in the park attracted thousands more. There was less partying and not quite as young a crowd that showed up on Saturday. It was more of a family atmosphere as many lgbt folks brought their children and, of course, dogs.

People came from all over Baltimore and beyond with some even venturing from Ohio to attend the festivities.

A variety of very good entertainers did their thing as people sat or laid out on the grassy field in front of the stage and relaxed on this warm, humid day that had been threatened by ominous weather forecasts.

Pride-goers meandered their way through the park’s trails to visit a wide variety of booths that presented such notable organizations as PFLAG, Equality Maryland, Chase-Brexton, Human Rights Campaign, and as a sign of things to come, Gays for Obama.

A group representing state District 43 was situated along side the comparable folks from District 45—both districts in Baltimore. They were there to organize lgbt and supportive residents in their respective districts to form a grass roots movement in an effort to secure marriage equality in Maryland.

Merchants peddled their wares and crafts. Food and drinks were in abundance. Affirming religious organizations had booths and tables to show that you can be gay and still be welcomed by churches and synagogues. Venerable groups like the OWLS, Prime Timers and C.O.M.M.A.N.D. were in force. Even newcomers to the festival like GAY.COM were there to give away T-shirts.

Naturally, thousands of gay people enjoying themselves could not be allowed to stand by a handful of Bible thumping zealots who can cite Leviticus but most likely can’t spell it. They were harassing the crowd early on, but they were skillfully and professionally forced by Security to conduct their unwanted preachings at the festival’s outer perimeter. Some festival-goers taunted the sign-waving goofballs which, unfortunately, gained them the attention they were so badly craving.

But they weren’t the only ones exploiting our Pride for political points. The day before, WBFF-45 was among the few media outlets that covered the parade. But some saw it as an opportunity for the FOX station to offer a platform for right wing, anti-gay conservatives.

Columbia residents Rob Lance and his partner of 30 years Tim Edwards were, along with some others, interviewed by the reporter on questions ranging from what marriage plans the couple may have in light of the California legalization of same-sex marriage to what Pride meant to them. Rob and Tim thoughtfully explained that if the amendment to California’s constitution failed in November, it would bring them that much closer to gaining marriage equality in Maryland—the preferred site of their marriage.

Much of the response, however, wound up on the cutting room floor. "I think WBFF reduced all those interviews down to basically nothing of substance while giving a platform to Don Dwyer to spew his venomous and vile anti-gay B.S.," fumed Lance. "Nice that they used Pride as well as California's ruling for marriage equality to let this dumbass do his usual shtick."

With this wonderful rainbow-laden Pride celebration fading in the rear-view mirror, our community must focus on some significant issues. For one thing, the disturbing news that HIV/AIDS is increasing among young men who have had sex with other men warrants attention. I think the younger members of the community are getting too lax and feel immortal—a dangerous attitude for those who scoff at unprotected sex. We need to push hard that barebacking is unclean and life threatening.

We also have an important election in November that will determine the chances of any success on the equality front. And we should do everything we can to help fend off the referendum in California, which would stop the marriages of same-sex couples.

Nonetheless, the enjoyment of Pride is still fresh. I had been interviewed at the festival by Washington, D.C. radio station WJFK. The reporter asked me what Pride meant to me. I essentially told him that it was a time for our diverse community to come together as one and celebrate all our accomplishments through the years and look towards the future.

During these two Pride days, at least, our community is unified with a common purpose. Others, however, don’t want to see that.

Here Are Some More Good Reasons to be Proud

By Steve Charing

As Baltimore’s Pride kicks off, several recent events add more to the meaning of Pride. To be sure, I reflect upon the commitment and sacrifice from thousands of activists who, through nearly four decades, have struggled to achieve equality for all gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered individuals.

I salute those who took the punches and even lost their lives, got thrown out of apartments, were fired from their jobs, and were kicked out of the military for simply being who they were born to be.

I tip my cap and thank the many LGBT organizations—both political and social—that have risen up to serve us well. Groups like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC); Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); Equality Maryland; the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN); and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) are just a few among the myriad organizations that have been on the battlefield to fight for our rights and to combat the hate and prejudice that ignorance produces.

These taken together would be sufficient to provide good reasons to celebrate Pride. Yet there are more.

California Dreaming
Our friends in California, thanks to a favorable ruling by the state’s Supreme Court, opened the door to tens of thousands of same-sex marriages. This is awesome! Previously only Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage and had done so since 2004. And guess what? The institution of marriage did not disintegrate as some fools predicted. The sky did not fall. When Larry and Eddie got married, there was no rush for straight couples to seek divorce. In fact, Massachusetts enjoys the lowest divorce rate in the country.

And on to California we march. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom selected Phyllis Lyon, 84, and Del Martin, 87—lovers of 55 years—to be among the first California couples to take advantage of this ruling. On June 16, he officiated a private ceremony in his City Hall office before 50 invited guests (pictured). Mayor Newsom did so in recognition of the couple’s long relationship and their lifetime work to achieve justice for gays and lesbians. My dream and hope is that we can share the same joy here in Maryland some day.

Massachusetts and California are paving the way. It’s a reason to be proud.

Obama More than Historic
The Democratic Party and its voters served this nation well when Sen. Barack Obama emerged as the presumptive nominee. While it is too soon to predict the ultimate results, I am proud that for the first time in our history an African-American will represent the party in the fall. We will not exactly know how much racism will play a part in the campaign and the election to determine how far we have come as a people. But the fact that Obama is there and will be, at the very least, extremely competitive with Sen. John McCain, speaks volumes.

For the LGBT community, it goes beyond the historic significance. With Barack Obama we will have for the very first time a candidate and hopefully a president, who will do his best to end the discrimination that still exists.

In an open letter to the gay community Obama asserted, "As president I will place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes and pass a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act to outlaw workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity."

"I will never compromise on my commitment to equal rights for all LGBT Americans," Obama wrote in the letter. "But neither will I close my ears to the voices of those who still need to be convinced. That is the work we must do to move forward together. It is difficult. It is challenging. And it is necessary."

He added, "As your president, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws."

Obama reiterated his pledge to do what it takes to end the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" military policy against gays and lesbians and supports the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Steve Hildebrand, Obama’s deputy campaign manager and who himself is gay, said lesbian musician Melissa Etheridge would serve as co-chair of the campaign’s 50-state voter registration program. The campaign is hiring other lgbt individuals to join the cause as well.
Obama’s historic run and his commitment to LGBT equality offer another reason to be proud.

Rising from the Ashes
Finally, the news of the fire that burned through the roof of Grand Central earlier in the month failed to mention the fact that the offices of this newspaper were destroyed. Baltimore OUTloud has rented third floor space at Grand Central for the past two years, and the fire rapidly swept through and gutted furniture, files, supplies and equipment including computers and telephones.

Undeterred, publisher Mike Chase and the partners in OUTloud’s parent company, Pride Media as well as other members of the staff, were determined to publish this and future issues. It is a credit to them and their commitment to providing information to the lgbt community that they would persevere by overcoming the absence of office space from which to operate, having to deal with insurance issues, and searching for new office space. They have since acquired new space in Mt. Vernon. And despite all of the challenges, these folks managed to publish this issue in time for Pride.

It’s still another reason to be proud.

McCain Mimics Bush's Policies

Letter published in the

June 5, 2008 edition of The Baltimore Sun

Douglas MacKinnon did his very best as a partisan of Sen. John McCain to spin the Republican's prospects for an electoral victory over Sen. Barack Obama in November. But he missed the mark ("Tying McCain to Bush," Commentary, June 2).

He argued that while President Bill Clinton's efforts in 1996 to tie Bob Dole to the unpopular Newt Gingrich were successful, the effort by Mr. Obama to link Mr. McCain to President Bush will fail.

I don't see why that should be the case.

In most major areas involving the economy and foreign policy, Mr. McCain is in lock step with the Bush administration, and a win for Mr. McCain would clearly represent, in effect, a third term for Mr. Bush.

Unfortunately for Mr. McCain, these policies are loathed by a majority of Americans. And the fact that Mr. Bush is helping Mr. McCain raise money only strengthens the link between them.

Mr. MacKinnon predicted that Americans will rally around Mr. McCain because of his valiant war service, which is lauded by voters of both parties.But heroic military service does not always translate into a November victory. Just ask Sen. John Kerry and Mr. Dole.

Steve Charing

Clarksville, MD

The Flawed John McCain

Taking Stock at Pride

Celebrating much progress but we have a long way to go

By Steve Charing

It has been nearly four full decades since the Stonewall uprising erupted against the New York police during that iconic steamy weekend in June. A vast majority of the Pride-goers in Baltimore who will be attending the traditional parade, block party and festival the weekend of June 21-22 have no recollection of that incident, which symbolically transformed the gay rights movement. Sadly, of those who are aware of it, many do not appreciate its historic significance or even care. But they have indeed benefited from the progress that resulted.

At the time of "Stonewall" most gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered individuals lived shadowy, closeted and fearful lives. If they were discovered, many would be fired from their jobs, kicked out of apartments and disowned by their families. Touching or dancing with each other in gay establishments was against the law. Bar raids were commonplace. So were beatings.

Since those dark, rainbow-less days, there has been monumental progress. Attitudes towards the lgbt population are slowly improving. Sodomy laws were struck down by the Supreme Court. Many states, local governments, corporations and universities have anti-discrimination laws on the books. Two states now permit the heretofore unthinkable: same-sex marriage.

Young people are coming out at an earlier age with a plethora of resources and support groups to turn to as they make this acknowledgement. Even straight young people are accepting lgbt folks with increasing regularity; they are indeed our most valued allies for paving the way for future progress.

Politicians are now coming out of the closet and are filling legislative and executive seats in greater numbers. For the first time, presidential candidates support recognition of same-sex couples, even if they cannot bring themselves to favor marriage.

During the ensuing years since Stonewall, lgbt organizations, books, magazines, newspapers and websites have sprouted up like April’s dandelions. Television shows, movies and theater routinely portray lgbt characters in a positive light instead of the stereotypical brooding, suicidal, depressed souls as had been depicted years ago.

Yes, we should take stock of our progress during Pride weekend. But please know we still have a long way to go.

To many in society and in government, despite the gains, we remain second-class citizens. Except for Massachusetts and now California, gays and lesbians do not enjoy the over 1,300 rights and benefits that marriage confers on heterosexual couples. Our nation has no problem allowing murderers, rapists, child molesters and bank robbers to marry, but gays and lesbians are denied the privilege.

Our current president saw fit to use time during a State of the Union speech to push for a constitutional amendment that would forever ban same-sex marriage. Had it been successful, it would have marked the first and only occasion where discrimination was enshrined in our nation’s most hallowed document.

Further insults to the lgbt community are hurled in the form of the abominable "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy that prevents openly gay and lesbian servicemembers from defending their country. As the military struggles to maintain adequate troop levels during this detestable war in Iraq, the Pentagon has lowered the entrance standards to allow ex-cons, drug abusers and those with below-standard intelligence to represent the U.S. in battle. Even non-citizens of the U.S. are permitted to fight. But not gay folks.

Exemplary performing gays and lesbians—especially those with much-needed linguistic skills—have been discharged under the policy, which hurts us in the war on terror. To the military and many elected officials, gays and lesbians are the lowest of the low.

We still do not have a national law that protects lgbt people from discrimination in workplace hiring and promotions. It is a stain on our country that work performance takes a back seat to prejudice and religious dogma.

And we cannot openly walk hand-in-hand with our loved one in most places lest we get smacked over the head with a baseball bat. Hate crimes legislation to include attacks on lgbt people is stalled in Congress.

These are the reasons we must continue to fight. With an Obama administration and a more heavily tilted Democratic Congress, there would be hope that the Employment Non-discrimination Act and the Hate Crimes bills may have a better chance of passage. There should also be movement to end Don’t’ Ask, Don’t Tell.

We must continue to work with our legislators—both local and national—to make them aware of the harm these discriminatory policies have caused us and the nation. We should not ever, ever think of ourselves as second-class citizens and should be proud of our accomplishments and our contributions to our neighborhoods, to our places of employment and to society.

We have made much progress over the 39 years since Stonewall. We have traveled the uncertain road from rejection to tolerance to acceptance. And now full equality is clearly within our grasp.

There is reason to be optimistic if we can attract more people, especially young people, to be involved in the struggle. We should reflect on what we have gone through, where we are today, and where we want to be tomorrow. This is what Pride should be about—not just the partying and the hoopla. Let’s be proud. Let’s acknowledge that we should not take a back seat to anyone.
Happy Pride!

Hillary for VP? Fughetaboutit!

Sen. Clinton has undermined Obama’s chances and doesn’t deserve the honor

By Steve Charing

If Senator John McCain manages to overcome an electorate where 4 out of 5 believe the country is on the wrong track, who overwhelmingly reject a continuation of the war in Iraq, and his own admitted ignorance of the economy to win the presidential election in November, then Senator Barack Obama can rightfully blame, at least in part, the workings of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

When it became evident that Senator Hillary Clinton did not receive her expected coronation as the Democratic Party’s nominee and that Barack Obama ably filled the anti-Hillary void by having the audacity to challenge her, she employed her "kitchen sink" campaign in an attempt to undo him and to scare off the party’s superdelegates. In the process, Hillary Clinton stoked fears about Obama, raised dubious issues, and otherwise painted him as a political neophyte who is unsuited to be commander-in-chief, much less president.

But as the sun rapidly sets on the Clintons’ dream of a Clinton II presidency, conversations and news reports are increasingly surfacing regarding a possible inclusion of Hillary as a vice-presidential candidate on Obama’s ticket.

In a recent New York Times article, an unnamed friend of the Clintons was quoted as saying, "If she’s not going to be the nominee, then he (Bill Clinton) wants her in the second spot. In the long run, it’s the best way for her to run again in 2016." Well, so much for satisfying the hunger for change, serving the country and providing the best level of governance possible. Apparently, it’s all about Hillary’s path to the White House (again).

The problem with her being on the ticket is that Clinton does not want Obama to succeed, and he has to know that. The thought that she would stoop so low to become second banana to this novice is laughable. She damaged him with her scorched earth strategy, and her diatribes provide fresh footage for the McCain camp to air. McCain’s reputation for being "clean" would not be sullied; it is Hillary doing the hatchet job for him.

Even worse, Hillary’s stubborn continuation of a doomed and financially bankrupt campaign cut into Obama’s timeframe to soften John McCain—a necessary tactic for him to have any chance of winning. Because Obama has to spend time and money fending off Clinton while persuading the remaining reticent superdelegates, he is allowing McCain the opportunity to portray him as naïve on foreign policy among other criticisms. The Obama camp, if it weren’t distracted, may have been better positioned to begin taking the attack to McCain in earnest.

Hillary Clinton would not be helpful to the Democratic Party as some project. She is a polarizing figure with an unseemly amount of negatives and airports full of baggage. She would be the anti-change candidate on a ticket whose fundamental rationale is change. It would appear ridiculous for her to stump for a man she denounced as not ready to be president.

The GOP, who is not completely sold on McCain, would, itself, be unified and emboldened to work against Obama-Clinton. Moreover, people vote according to the top of the ticket, not for the running mate. If anything, an unpopular vice-president candidate could damage the chances of success.

Should she not be on the ticket, the Clintons would not campaign all-out for Obama to unify the party. They’d expect him to lose in the Fall and that would allow Hillary to present her "I told you so" candidacy in 2012. But if she were on the ticket, that could come sooner.

Her nefarious invoking of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination as a rationale to remain in the race most likely doomed her chances to be selected. Without being cynically morbid, I have no doubt that part of the political calculus by the Clintons is that an intelligent, educated African-American who is so detested by "hard working," undereducated, gun-toting racists in Appalachia and other areas may not take too kindly to his occupying the White House.

This isn’t so far-fetched. A number of pundits wryly quipped that if Hillary was Obama’s running mate, he needs to find a food tester. The metaphor is eerily accurate: Hillary on the ticket would be poisonous.

The Democratic Party will come together in time. Obama cannot afford to have Hillary as a running mate and risk losing the election. And with several potential Supreme Court appointments looming and the certain continuation of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," our community cannot risk having McCain win in November.

This article eventually was published in the June 20 issue of the Washington Blade.

Calif. Ruling Validates Equality Maryland's Strategy

By Steve Charing

Like so many gays and lesbians who read or heard the landmark ruling by the California Supreme Court that overthrew that state’s ban on same-sex marriage, I was ecstatic. Three questions immediately came to my mind: 1) why couldn’t the Maryland’s Court of Appeals be as wise and fair-minded as the California court? 2) how will this ruling impact our struggle for marriage equality in Maryland? and 3) how would this affect the presidential campaign? I will discuss the latter in a future column.

The California’s court decision, in which 6 of the 7 justices were Republican appointees, sent shock waves throughout the country: "These core substantive rights include, most fundamentally, the opportunity of an individual to establish—with the person with whom the individual has chosen to share his or her life—an officially recognized and protected family possessing mutual rights and responsibilities and entitled to the same respect and dignity accorded a union traditionally designated as marriage," Justice Ronald M. George wrote for the Court’s 4-3 majority.

After reading these words, I concluded unequivocally that the controversial strategy employed by Equality Maryland, the state’s principal LGBT civil rights advocacy group, was correct all along.

The organization had been criticized by some in the gay press and letter writers for their so-called "all or nothing" strategy that failed to produce a civil unions bill during the 2008 General Assembly, much less one that legalized same-sex marriage. (Two important but smaller domestic partner bills passed and at press time were awaiting the Governor’s signature.)

I, along with others, had originally believed we should try to achieve some lesser victory in the short term as opposed to waiting for a limitless number of years to see marriage equality become a reality, if it actually would at all. I knew that civil unions was a "separate but unequal" concept, but wouldn’t securing some rights now be better than none at all? Perhaps it would lead to full marriage equality.

Although I hadn’t fully bought in on Equality Maryland’s strategy, I did not join the critics. It has been a meandering journey for me as it has been for many gays and lesbians—negotiating sharp turns, sidestepping potholes, skirting around detours, and making some U-turns before I settled on the position that full marriage equality must be unquestionably the ultimate goal. This was helped not only by the events in California but was also shaped by Dan Furmansky, Equality Maryland’s executive director.

Last October, following the Maryland high court’s dismal ruling, I had interviewed Furmansky for Baltimore OUTloud to ascertain the strategy going forward. In response to my question as to why not go for civil unions if that would be more attainable, he replied:

"We must remember that these alternative legal mechanisms (civil unions, domestic partnerships for same-sex couples) have deliberately been created both to approximate and withhold marriage itself. Real-life application of these mechanisms has shown that such separate alternatives do not provide equal access to the tangible and intangible protections, security, clarity, and respect that only comes with marriage."

And Furmansky was on point when he said, "Starting out the legislative process to win marriage by asking for an alternative legal mechanism that is intended to deliberately withhold marriage from same-sex couples does not make sense, either politically or philosophically."

These thoughts and other arguments coincide with the judgement rendered by the California Supreme Court’s majority opinion with respect to that state’s constitution. They validate Equality Maryland’s stance on the issue and consequently its strategy. Simply put, why should we settle for something less and not strive for full equality? Why should we forever be relegated to second-class status?

There is no question marriage equality in Maryland will take years—certainly beyond the 2010 election. We do not have a judicial remedy at this point. The timing of the lawsuit reaching the Court of Appeals was sickeningly unfortunate in that it occurred just prior to two conservative justices’ retirement. Accordingly, our efforts must be trained on the legislature and at the same time, we must aggressively educate the voters on the issue to win their support.

And we need more of the lgbt community to participate, especially young people. Even those who do not view marriage as a realistic or even desirable goal in their lives now may want to have that option available down the road when their own circumstances change.

This is not a battle that should be undertaken by a single organization, however strong it may be. The fight must be joined by the entire LGBT community to contribute its voices, resources and talents to the education component of the overall strategy.

While Equality Maryland presses our case to lawmakers and voters, it needs to be bolstered by individuals lobbying their own district legislators. The combined efforts will be effective. Grass roots organizations in local districts would provide a boon. Equality Maryland is extremely willing to lend a hand in such initiatives.

This process is slow, methodical, but it should be unwavering. The Supreme Court of the largest state in the nation saw the fairness in full marriage equality under the law. We should fully acknowledge that not only the Court’s majority was correct, but so is Equality Maryland.

Cutting it up at Neal's

By Steve Charing

The late Hope Quackenbush, who had brought Broadway theater back to Baltimore, gave long-time actress and stage personality Elaine Stritch some good advice. When Stritch’s friend actress Colleen Dewhurst died in 1991 and she needed to have her hair styled for the funeral, Ms. Quackebush told her not to trust anybody but Neal to do her hair.

Heeding that advice, Stritch entered Neal’s Mount Vernon hair studio, and as she stepped through the door, she proclaimed, "I’m in no mood for goddamn bullshit." Proprietor Neal Foore instantly fired back, "You might as well leave. All I do is bullshit." She stayed for four hours.

And that’s Neal for you. He’s part no-nonsense business owner and part campy cut-up. Along with Joe, his life partner of 27 years, Neal (pictured L.) is the co-owner of the venerable Neal’s Hair Studio and Day Spa located at 856 Park Avenue. Because it is housed in two small buildings that are jointly connected by a courtyard, there is an entrance on Read Street as well.

A native of Baltimore and a resident of Mount Vernon, Neal began his business by renting a small space in the Sutton Place Apartments in 1984. "The focus then was on hair services," says Neal on his website. "But the goal was always to operate a full-service salon and day spa catering to the diverse needs of all people."

To realize that dream, Neal and Joe clearly needed larger space for their business. After keeping a watchful eye out for acceptable real estate opportunities, they moved to their current location in 1990. Today, Neal’s establishment has a diverse staff of 10 employees who are highly trained and creative hair stylists, estheticians, massage therapists, makeup artists, and nail technicians.

The several rooms within the building are used for their expanded services. "We do more than just hair," says Ed Armstrong (pictured R.), an experienced stylist who once ran a hair salon in Charles Village and has been with Neal’s for 13 years.

Indeed, Neal’s boasts a breathtaking menu of services and products. Besides a wide array of hair treatments, stylings and cuts, Neal’s offers comprehensive nail treatments, manicures and pedicures; a variety of facials; and several types of massages, including Swedish, Therapeutic and Stone therapy massages. They also provide body treatments and waxing services.

Neal’s gift packages sound just as enticing. "Day of Pure Indulgence," "Men’s Retreat," "Pamper to Perfection," "Stolen Moments," "Mini Day of Delight" and "A Day Dream" are some of the intriguingly titled packages.

You can be pampered for up to 6 hours with some of these specials, and the cost ranges from $100 for the "Pretty Hands and Feet" package to $280 for the "Men’s Retreat," which includes a stress relief facial and back treatment. And you know you’re in for a relaxing time when one of the quaint spa rooms is called the "Tranquility Room."

Neal’s clientele is just as eclectic as the Mount Vernon neighborhood, although many clients come from outside the area. "We cater to suburban people who don’t want suburban looks," Neal points out. When asked what exactly does he mean by that, Neal explains, "Anyone can get paint, but not everyone can paint a Rembrandt." Can’t argue with that!

Celebrities, such as Tony Randall, Leslie Uggams and Anna Russell, have been customers at Neal’s. But Neal isn’t star-struck. He actually chided iconic Grammy-award winning musician Carlos Santana over the telephone for bad manners when the star canceled a two-hour appointment without giving notice.

Over the years, Neal’s had some other interesting folks walk through the doors. Neal recalls five masculine straight men who happen to be cross dressers patronizing the salon where they were helped with their wigs, wardrobe and make-up. "They come in as lumberjacks but leave as women," says Neal. "The funny thing is, none of them know each other."

Neal’s even provided services for a transvestite wedding. Neal explained, "Just because the Government doesn’t give you a piece of paper (marriage certificate), it doesn’t mean you can’t have a wedding!"

Neal and Joe have proven over 27 years you can successfully be partnered both at home and in business. Neal’s advice for relationships: "Find someone who makes you laugh. You can always give yourself an orgasm, but you can’t tickle yourself."

Neal’s genial personality is certainly an asset for a business that deals with the public. But he and Joe also own several apartment buildings in Mount Vernon to provide a nest egg for retirement. "The business alone isn’t enough," he says.

So why did he choose the hair styling profession? Neal Foore smiles and says, "My mother was a hairdresser. So, it chose me. I didn’t choose it."

With Involvement We Gain Influence

By Steve Charing

Following the completion of the 2008 Maryland General Assembly there were activists and members of the gay press who were critical of the results. While two domestic partnership measures passed both chambers, two other initiatives that formed the cornerstone of Equality Maryland’s legislative agenda failed.

A bill that would legalize civil marriage for lgbt couples and one that would extend legal protections to transgendered individuals both died in committee without a vote. There is no question that few realistically expected the marriage bill to succeed given the clear opposition from the leaders of the Senate and House. The failure to pass a transgender bill, however, was a travesty.

There was a good deal of finger-pointing and second-guessing, and many were miffed that even a civil unions measure—a controversial concept in its own right—did not make it to the floor. Some railed against our state leaders; some blamed Democratic lawmakers; some took umbrage with Equality Maryland’s strategy; and others pointed to the lgbt community’s insufficient level of involvement during the session.

"There are about 15,600 same-sex couples living in Maryland, yet only about 500 people showed up for Equality Maryland’s lobby day in February," wrote Washington Blade editor Kevin Naff in an editorial that presented several factors for the session’s failures. "Gays have grown complacent and apathetic, always assuming that someone else is doing the heavy lifting. As the results of this session prove, lawmakers won’t do the right thing until enough voters demand it…Maryland’s gay residents must look in the mirror to see the real face of blame."

Naff is right on target, and I said so in a Maryland lgbt political newsgroup discussion board that sparked comments from some who deny the existence of widespread apathy or don’t view apathy and complacency as seriously damaging to our cause.

But it is. For a variety of reasons, not all members of the lgbt community consider marriage equality, or transgender rights for that matter, critical. But lawmakers need to see a united community and in big numbers for them to take politically risky positions.

Let’s face it, you cannot eliminate apathy and complacency. And you cannot preach to folks to be more politically inclined. Nonetheless, there are ways to increase political involvement, and it begins in the neighborhood.

When Delegate Talmadge Branch of the 45th District in Northeast Baltimore denied the existence of gays and lesbians in his district, it triggered a call to action. Inspired by that snub, lgbt citizens came together and with the help from Equality Maryland, formed a group called Equality 45.

They appeared at the last Pride festival, complete with a map of the district and colored stars, which pride-goers used to indicate their residence on the map. It caught on fast. It became cool to fight back, and others who may not have been previously active politically joined the movement to establish visibility within the district.

It has paid off. The members of Equality 45 participated in the past two Lobby Days in Annapolis, conducted ongoing dialogues with their legislators and held a successful town hall meeting in October whereby several of the elected officials appeared.

"We're now discussing our next goals," said Susan Francis, Development Director for Equality Maryland who helped form the group. "We're talking about doing another town hall, as well as doing a financial planning workshop for our lgbt neighbors. We're also looking for opportunities to volunteer in our neighborhood and to make sure we're active participants in our local community, and we'll be tabling at Baltimore Pride again."

Susan added that there is now a fledgling group in District 43 in North Baltimore, with whom they are planning to share a table at next month’s Pride.

Having a strong local advocacy group taking up our causes is a proven path to success as demonstrated by the experience in Howard County’s District 13 (Columbia-Clarksville). The Columbia/Howard County chapter of PFLAG has been the focal point for lgbt advocacy in the district as well as neighboring districts. Just a couple of years ago, District 13’s delegates and senator were squeamish concerning marriage equality. All were Democrats and generally supportive of other lgbt issues, but saw "marriage" as problematic.

With continuing dialogues, sharing our personal stories, delivering a substantial turnout for Lobby Day, and earning the lawmakers’ trust and respect, all three delegates co-sponsored this year’s Religious Freedom and Marriage Protection Act—a major accomplishment while the senator supported the two gay-friendly bills mentioned earlier. This transformation would not have occurred had it not been for the determined effort by the chapter’s members.

The experience in both District 45 and District 13 should be a model for other districts, particularly in Baltimore City where a number of Democratic lawmakers are supportive of most lgbt issues but remain hesitant about marriage equality. That shouldn’t be allowed to stand.

Sometimes it takes a kick in the butt to get people motivated. During a legislative hearing on the marriage bill, Delegate Frank Conaway, Jr. of District 40 had made homophobic comments. Equality Maryland whipped out an e-mail to lgbt constituents in the district to prod a protest, which several carried out. Later, Del. Conaway apologized, but it was clear that the power of activism cannot be understated.

This district is ripe for a grass roots lgbt advocacy organization. It includes such lgbt- populous areas as Hampden, Remington, Mount Vernon and Charles Village. In fact, according to the 2000 census, ZIP code 21218, which encompasses the neighborhoods of Abell, Guilford and Charles Village, contains the most same-sex couples than any ZIP code in the state.

"It's definitely an idea worth pursuing," said Abigail Cohen, the district’s Lobby Day coordinator. "We had a large turnout from District 40 for Lobby Day, and there were a lot of people who were very disturbed by Del. Conaway's remarks at the hearing and want to take further action. We had met with Del. Conaway on Lobby Day and he was cordial, so his later remarks came as a shock."

It shouldn’t have. According to the Baltimore Messenger, Del. Conaway had said in September that allowing civil marriage for gays and lesbians will open the floodgates to the state having to recognize other unconventional relationships, such as polygamy.

Imagine the level of influence a well-organized group in District 40 would possess. The many lgbt citizens should join forces with The P.O.R.T.A.L—an African-American lgbt center and service provider—that is also located in the district, to flex their muscles. Elected officials, such as Del. Conaway would likely pay attention.

This is how you combat apathy. You get your friends and neighbors to mobilize, join hands and fight for what’s right. It does work.

Looking for the First Out

New baseball season revives hope that a gay player will come out.

by Steve Charing

WHEN THE WASHINGTON Nationals unveiled their new fabulous ballpark, it revived my annual hope to see a gay major leaguer step out of the closet and onto the field. Although no professional male athlete from the top four team sports has yet to come out while actively playing, I think we’ve progressed to the point that this possibility is real.

Of course, I am making the assumption that there is a gay, closeted major leaguer out there among the 750 players. But if that assumption is true, will the consequences of a heroic disclosure on his own terms be as dire as some fear?

Despite the gay bashing from the political right following the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, acceptance of gays and lesbians has increased according to a number of recent polls. This accepting environment should make things easier than in the past for a baseball player to come out.

Major league games are played in cities in the U.S. (and Toronto) that, for the most part, boast large and vibrant gay LGBT communities. Gay groups in Boston, Chicago (White Sox and Cubs), Denver, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington, D.C. helped to establish "Gay Days" or "Nights Out" at their respective ball parks in 2007. And in previous years such events were held in Arlington (Texas), Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York (Mets) and Oakland. Aside from the predictable scattered boos by some fans, no major incidents had been reported.

THE BACKLASH FROM teammates and opponents is a legitimate concern, however. Although a Sports Illustrated survey taken a couple of years ago showed that 60 percent of major league baseball players would support an openly gay teammate, I believe the a gay player’s fear of a negative locker room reaction is the number one impediment to his coming out. Esera Tuaolo, a former pro football player who came out in 2002 after he retired, said as much.

A lot of male bonding takes place among teammates—in the locker room and on the road—and this type of disclosure could be unsettling to some. You know, the shower argument. Add that to the basic homophobia that is spread around many jock types, and the response could be combustible.

When professional basketball player John Amaechi came out after he retired, he told how gay players in the NBA were terrified to come out because of the potential backlash by their teammates. Yet when former NBA player Tim Hardaway made virulently anti-gay remarks following Amaechi’s announcement, NBA Commissioner David Stern quickly rebuked him, demonstrating that anti-gay epithets are not welcome. Moreover, other players did not join Hardaway with anti-gay comments, at least publicly.

In fact, some spoke out in Amaechi’s defense. "I look at what guys can do for you on the court," said Miami Heat all-star Dwayne Wade. "And in the locker room you have great relationships with guys. I don't have any negative views."

BECAUSE MOST MAJOR league baseball cities have sizable gay populations with straight co-workers, friends and families allied with gays, the management and owners of teams would not likely tolerate anti-gay fervor levied against one of the players lest they offend a significant portion of the market. From a business angle, especially in the current era, discrimination isn’t the pathway to an improved bottom line.

And coming out may not hurt the player’s bottom line either. "From a marketing perspective, if you're a player who happens to be gay and you want to be incredibly rich, then you should come out, because it would be the best thing that ever happened to you from a marketing and an endorsement perspective," said Mark Cuban, the owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. "You would be an absolute hero to more Americans than you can ever possibly be as an athlete, and that'll put money in your pocket."

To take that big step it would indeed require the courage of Jackie Robinson who endured a barrage of taunts and threats when he broke the game’s color barrier in 1947. A gay baseball player would also be subjected to hostility, although I believe only for the short term.

Of course, being a fan favorite to begin with should mitigate any animosity. Once the fans embrace a gay ballplayer, the media and teammates will follow.

Such a phenomenon could happen soon, and it will be a major league step forward for the LGBT community as well as for America.

Obama Taking the High Road

The candidate is receiving punches, but is he throwing enough of his own?

By Steve Charing

I’ve always believed that politics is a war, especially now in the modern era where public opinion is expressed and manipulated instantly over the Internet. Mainstream media fuels any acrimony and relishes causing mischief and strife; the results of such an effort provide excellent fodder for writers. bloggers and talking heads.

Politics is a grimy business, and despite what "focus groups" say, negative campaigning generally works: it beats down the opposition. Taking the high road exclusively by a candidate usually leads him or her to the exit ramp.

Senator Barack Obama and his campaign ought to keep that thought in mind.

Obama should draw on the lessons of John Kerry’s failed presidential bid. The Massachusetts Senator had received the Silver Star among other medals during the Vietnam War. But in 2004 he was successfully painted by the Rove machine and "swift- boaters" as cowardly, treasonous, weak and unpatriotic.

Ironically, George W. Bush—a draft dodger who avoided military action to serve (and not completely at that) with the soft "Champagne Unit" of the Texas and Louisiana National Guard—was portrayed as a steadfast Commander-in-Chief who would keep America safe from terrorists. Nevermind that 9/11 occurred on his watch.

Kerry addressed the swift-boating, but way too late. He was already "defined" by the Republican fear and smear operation. Exit ramp for Kerry.

Sen. Obama has been under fire (not the sniper fire Hillary lied about) for a lot of stuff recently: his ex-pastor’s anti-American rhetoric, his meager association with a member of the 60’s radical group Weather Underground, and some verbal gaffes like the "bitter" brouhaha.

Unfortunately for him, the fire launched at Sen. Obama has not been returned with the same ferocity in which it was received. While his campaign shoots back rather effectively, the man himself opts for that dastardly high road.

The political calculus suggests that his rising above the fray will attract independent voters. That could be true. Obama prides himself as a different kind of politician—one that refuses to get drawn into the negative barrages he has faced and will be facing—so he doesn’t want to muck it up.

That clean strategy has been the rationale for his campaign and has unquestionably attracted thousands of new, young voters because of it. But many Obama supporters want to see a demonstration of his ability to strike back, to show some fight lest he be framed as weak. This could be a reason why Obama doesn’t seem to appeal to white blue-collar workers.

Obama had a golden opportunity to show some moxy during the much-criticized ABC debate in Philadelphia. While the moderators and Hillary Clinton spent the first 45 minutes pummeling Obama on the controversial events and comments he made since the previous debate six weeks ago, he appeared too tame in his responses.

He squandered the chance to lash into Sen. Clinton’s Bosnia fabrication. In the manner in which she kept repeating, "It goes to this larger set of concerns about how we are going to run against John McCain," he could have offered the following: "The voters and the American people want a president they can trust. When a candidate states on at least three occasions that bullets were fired upon her only to say later that she misspoke when the story was debunked, that goes to trust."

Instead, Obama saw this as part of the overall "distractions" of a political campaign. He let Sen. Clinton off the hook. He took the high road—to the consternation of a lot of his supporters.

The pitfall here is that Sen. John McCain and his GOP attack machine will not take the high road. Obama’s associations with questionable characters, his accused lack of patriotism, the remarks made by his wife Michelle, his liberal record, and the "elitist" label will be raised during the general election.

There will also be subtle attacks and innuendoes on his race and comments perpetuating the myth he’s a Muslim by right-wing blogs and conservative radio. And they will question his ability and judgement to be Commander-in-Chief in light of his position to end the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy.

If Sen. McCain personally does not make these pronouncements count on his surrogates, the slimy 527’s, and talk show blowhards to use the Net and the airwaves to discredit and defame Obama.

Now is the time Obama should practice the tactics he must use to endure the general election assaults. Since the extended primaries are cutting into the timeframe Obama will need to effectively battle in the general election, he must aim more at McCain to soften him up. He needs to shoot back instantly when attacked. Self-restraint, though admirable and probably more suited to his personality, will not serve him well in the bare knuckles general election.

Perhaps his campaign is seeing the light. David Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, told Newsweek that the Illinois senator wouldn’t let himself be "swift-boated" like John Kerry in 2004. "He's not going to sit there and sing ‘Kumbaya’ as the missiles are raining in," Axelrod said. "I don't think people should mistake civility for a willingness to deal with the challenges to come."

Recent history points to the risks. Good men like Al Gore and John Kerry allowed themselves to be caricatured by their opposition because they tried to rise above the dirt. In politics, you have to get dirty and fight dirty to win. To do that, you need to throw some back and don’t simply dismiss the smears as "politics as usual." The good guys took the blows, pulled their punches and lost.

Indeed, Obama will have to take the gloves off sooner than later—he began that process during the final days leading to the Pennsylvania primary. It may be uncomfortable for him to do so, but I hope he knows the dangers of taking the high road and where it will lead him.

Hillary and Bosnia

Why did the media and Obama for that matter allow Hillary Clinton to lie about taking sniper fire in Bosnia? It wasn't a "misstatement" as she alleges. She told that yarn at least 3 times under her own power. If you get shot at, you're going to remember it. There is no such thing as "almost shot at" or "I think I was fired upon."

Let's get real: she lied, plain and simple. And if the press is going to buy into her excuse that she was "sleep deprived" when she spun this outrageous tale, then why aren't they asking her, "how can you say you are best able to take that dreaded phone call at 3:00 a.m."?

In Annapolis March Madness Doesn't Mean Basketball

By Steve Charing

When it became apparent that Senator C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince Georges) was not going to break the stalemate and vote the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act out of the Judicial Proceedings Committee and onto the Senate floor, he quickly became the scapegoat. Marriage equality advocate Lisa Polyak told the Washington Blade, "I think it’s reprehensible that one person gets to determine whether an entire class of people gets their civil rights."

Carrie Evans policy director of Equality Maryland chimed in. "Until we crack the nut of Sen. Muse, marriage is not happening in the Judicial Proceedings Committee."

They should have seen it coming. It seemed like it was a foregone conclusion the bill would die in committee. Despite Equality Maryland’s extraordinary efforts to bring a diverse group of passionate advocates to testify at the hearing, the mood of many activists was pessimistic because of Muse’s public stance on marriage equality.

Sen. Muse, a senior pastor of Ark of Safety Christian Church in Upper Marlboro, opposes marriage rights for same-sex couples but is also concerned about denying civil rights to others. That concern, however, has not translated into any pro-LGBTactions on his part.

One would think Sen. Muse would have been a target for Equality Maryland following his doublecross last year. At that time he failed to vote for the bill in the same committee that would have extended legal protections based on gender identity and expression. Muse had promised the organization he would vote for the measure. There was no significant opposition to the bill in the Senate, and his vote would help clear the bill for passage.

Equality Maryland’s executive director Dan Furmansky told me then, "Senator Muse changed his vote. We had his vote. Clearly there were mysterious outside forces that made Senator Muse backtrack at the last minute."

One mysterious outside force could be none other than Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-Calvert). Sen. Miller (pictured) opposes same-sex marriage and even civil unions, and in his twilight years in the chamber, he has no stomach for an open debate on the touchy issue.

How does a powerful politico like Miller kill bills he does not want to see advance to the floor but doesn’t want the obstructionist label placed on him? He stacks committees with members who will stonewall such legislation. Sen. Muse, a Democrat, appears to be the perfect prop in that show. Who can deride Muse’s falling back on his faith for opposing LGBT progress? We can.

Equality Maryland should lead the lgbt community in two initiatives that would provide retribution to these roadblocks. First, recruit and back a candidate to the left of Muse and have him or her run against him in 2010. Muse’s 26th district includes the Ft. Washington-Camp Springs area.

This approach worked quite well when Congressman Albert Wynne was defeated in February’s Democratic primary by a more progressive candidate, Donna Edwards. Equality Maryland, with its enhanced stature, staff and resources, should be more than able to pull this off using its PAC component. It would demonstrate real muscle on the part of the organization as well as the lgbt community. Screw us at your peril.

And if you are like me and believe Mike Miller is also the villain here, there is a wonderful way to let him know how the lgbt community feels about his tactics: help defeat his beloved slots referendum. My calling for the defeat of slots in Maryland is tantamount to a robin swearing off worms, but exercising our clout in a public way transcends my penchant for the machines.

Another example of the madness in Annapolis is homophobe Janet Greenip (R-Anne Arundel). She is in the same flock as Republicans Don Dwyer, Alex Mooney and Nancy Jacobs—unapologetic bigoted extremists who oppose anything that would help the LGBT community.

When the Senate approved, over Greenip’s objections, the bill that would allow domestic partners—gay and straight—to obtain hospital visitation rights and make medical decisions for one another, Sen. Greenip was at it again.

She was concerned that undue rights would be granted to those in "highly unstable relationships." I hope she doesn’t believe that heterosexual marriages are stable given its 50 percent failure rate.

She added that if the state is going to encourage anything, it should be marriage, not cohabitation. I agree. That’s why the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act was crafted.

"This is not about you. This is not about me," she said before the vote. "This is about the children. What kind of future are we leaving for our children?"

I’ve been following this issue closely for years, but I have never been able to find someone who can convince me that marriage equality will be harmful to children. But Greenip constantly uses "children" as a fear tactic, and gets away with it.

The idiot Mooney also suggests that homosexuals and people "shacking up" will be rewarded by this chipping away at marriage, bill by bill. Well, give us marriage, and we won’t shack up.

Let’s be blunt. We are never going to achieve marriage equality by relying on a single organization to do the heavy lifting. We must make sure all our voices are heard loud and clear. Let’s all get involved.

I do urge Equality Maryland, however, to start making some waves. It isn’t enough to simply mark a legislator’s box, "anti-LGBT" and move on. Sometimes finding and funding alternative candidates when necessary or threatening to help kill pet projects of opponents could do the trick. Don’t you think it’s time?

This March Madness convinced me it is.