And the Beat goes on 24/7! part 3

The political smackdown of 08 should be swinging into a full tilt and we will right in the mix bringing you all the breaking news, postion papers, links, and announcements concerning the LGBTQI and beyond. Per our mission statement, this forum will highlight political activity locally, statewide, nationwide and globally.

Jena 6 Bell Released

It's time for contemplation and a nation of one law.." said Rev. Al Sharpton upon the release of Mychal Bell of the Jena 6 in Jena, Louisiana. The court action sparked an outcry across the nation culiminating in a massive march in the city, 9.20.07 Many have cited the civil unrest as a means to re-energize the civil rights movement emcompassing a broad base of participants. Locally, there were prayer vigils with participants going to Jena for the march. Our prayers go out to the entire Jena 6 family. It's our belief that justice will prevail.

National Stonewall Democrats Name leader and Reactions

Today, the National Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors named Jon Hoadley(pictured) as the organization’s new Executive Director. Hoadley officially accepted the offer this morning. He will begin his tenure on October 1.
Jon Hoadley comes to National Stonewall Democrats from Gill Action, an issue advocacy organization working to secure equal rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. At Gill Action Jon focused on legislative and political programs at the state and local level.
"Jon Hoadley's established credibility and results-driven passion are a motivating and complementary fit for the work of the members of National Stonewall Democrats," said National Stonewall Democrats Board Co-Chair Laurie McBride. "Our search process returned highly qualified candidates and among them Jon’s talent, passion and experience uniquely qualified him to lead our organization as we continue our growth. We are extremely enthusiastic about this choice."
"At the intersection of LGBT and Democratic politics, National Stonewall Democrats is an organization exceptionally positioned to change the political landscape and fight for equality," said Hoadley. "As we return to our focus of grassroots growth and results, our members have already begun to move our party into greater inclusion, accountability, progressive policies and winning strategies. That is why I am excited to deepen my personal partnership with Stonewall Democrats."
Before joining Gill Action, Jon Hoadley served as Executive Director of South Dakotans Against Discrimination (SDAD). Hoadley built a broad network of advocates who implemented one of the most accomplished ballot campaigns on LGBT issues in American history. Working with both Democrats and Republicans, Hoadley created a statewide infrastructure that stunned the nation by winning 48.18% of the vote on a marriage initiative in one of the most conservative states in the country. Following the 2006 election, Hoadley helped South Dakotans turn the infrastructure they built during the ballot campaign into a lasting statewide LGBT organization - Equality South Dakota.
"Jon Hoadley intuitively understands how our membership uses momentum on the local level to create change on the national stage," added National Stonewall Democrats Board Co-Chair Stephen Driscoll. "He has worked within our movement on the ground and he is ready to utilize his abilities to strengthen the impact of our chapters and members throughout the country."







Open Mouth, Enter Foot: What will talking head Bill O'Reilly say next? You never know. His mis-speak, out of context message, media slaying or whatever he's calling it now has me wondering many things. He stated in his radio show that he was pleasantly surprised at how patrons of famed NYC restaurant Sylvia's were behaving when he and the Rev. Al (Sharpton) had a bit to eat there recently. Here's his restaurant review:











"I had a great time, and all the people up there are tremendously respectful.
I couldn’t get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia’s restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City. I mean, it was exactly the same, even though it’s run by blacks, primarily black patronship.
There wasn’t one person in Sylvia’s who was screaming, “M-Fer, I want more iced tea.” You know, I mean, everybody was — it was like going into an Italian restaurant in an all-white suburb in the sense of people were sitting there, and they were ordering and having fun. And there wasn’t any kind of craziness at all."







He observed that no one was using "MF this or MF that" or needing more "Ice tea," sweet ice tea of course, is just amazing from this author and daily communicator. Also, the fact that they were ordering food and having fun, as he muses is just jaw dropping. But obviously vintage O'Reilly rhetoric. His catalouge of mis-statements are mind warping from his "black folks are starting to think for themselves," to his notice that Blacks dressed well for his night out at a recent Anita Baker concert. Was this Mr. O's first outing to a black owned eatery where the clientele is civilized by using knifes, forks and napkins. Is he for real? However, it's been his spin on the matter that has me really pondering his objective or motovation for these quasi bombastic observations. Mr. O, this seems like a case of "Open Mouth and Enter Foot." Stop tryin to explain it, enough already. I've never met Bill O. and I'm not sure if I want too. But I've found lots of hate for him all over the net including this T-shirt from Sweet, Jesus I Hate Bill O'Reilly International. I'm not endorsing it, but draw your own conclusions, if you dare.


GOP Fallout: Well they did again...a No-show from those top tier GOP candidates who decided that they had better things to do than participate in a forum on people of color issues. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, said that he was embarassed, Sen. Brownback, apologized for this snubbery and everyone tried to save face with those Black Republicans who were most likely miffed at the whole situation.
Except Alan Keyes, who said that there absence shouldn't be considered as a negative message to the Black community. I'm not so sure about that Mr. Keyes
http://www.mikehucakabee.com/
http://www.brownback.com/
http://www.gop.com/
http://www.teamtancredo.com/
http://www.ronpaul.com/
http://www.duncanhunter.com/


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