The Tennessee Legislature: A Paradox in Terms

I have officially lived in Tennessee for over ten years, so it's safe to say I am a citizen. And the longer I have lived here, the more I have become aware that the body of individuals who make laws for Tennessee are, for the most part, embarrassing. Granted, there are some that actually do some good, but usually, the news from the Capitol is about how absolutely ridiculous these people think and the actions they take to put their twisted views into law.

For example, very recently, some Tennessee lawmakers got their panties in a twist because they thought a mop sink at the state capitol building was a foot-washing sink for Muslims.

http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20130325/NEWS02/303250057/TN-lawmakers-confuse-mop-sink-Muslim-foot-washing-sink

I truly wish I was making this up. Their fear of a religion that has existed peacefully in Tennessee for over a hundred years is all of the sudden trying to put their evil plumbing just yards from where they make laws specifically aimed at keeping that religion from practicing in Tennessee. Oh the humanity!

But that is just one instance of the joke that is the GOP-dominated Tennessee General Assembly. The TGA makes up the 33-member state senate and 99-member house of representatives. I, for one, am a bit tired of these people making this great state look like were all a bunch of right wing nut job homophobes with a Jesus complex.

One of the biggest examples is the infamous Don't Say Gay Bill. It was first introduced in 2011 and stalled in the House. But it's back and could have some terrible repercussions on Tennessee children. The irony is that it's called the Classroom Protection Act and it essentially prohibits the discussion of any sexuality besides heterosexuality in public school classrooms. But bill sponsor, Senator Stacey Campfield, has added another little tidbit to the bill's reintroduction earlier this year. The new and unimproved legislation would now require teachers to out their students to their parents. The sheer amount of bigotry and unconstitutionality of this so-called would-be "law" is a disgrace. And the fact that there are people out there -- and lawmakers no less -- that would be so willing to trample on a child's humanity and identity is deplorable. It's also another veiled attempt at people in power pushing their religious views on Americans. Let's be honest. This is simply about forcing conservative Christian beliefs on the children of Tennessee.

Another example of the veiled Neocon agenda is the more recent introduction of a piece of legislation that wouldn't allow the police forces of  certain private state universities (like Vanderbilt) to make arrests if they didn't amend their non-discrimination campus policies. In real terms: they wanted to give groups (and religious ones in particular) on these campuses the ability to discriminate against homosexuals. Fortunately, our Republican governor (give credit where credit is due) did veto a similar bill last year and he has noted that this new piece of legislation doesn't exactly thrill him.

And while I give Governor Bill Haslam credit for stopping some of this nonsense, I am more angered by the fact that my tax payer money was wasted on a single piece of copy paper for these bills. If we want to focus on real issues in this state, let's start with education because it seems like a lack of education is what is causing these brainless laws to be introduced in the first place. Every time I flip on my local news, I hear about money problems in schools and a recent report from Education Week's Quality Counts gave Tennessee public schools a C+ grade and a national ranking of 22. I am not paying a 7% sales tax (and higher in the Nashville area) for Tennessee children to get a C+ rating and for TN lawmakers to introduce legislation that teaches creationism in public classrooms. Again, a veiled Christian agenda snaking its way into public school. No pun intended.

Let's also keep in mind this is the same group of legislatures that banned Sharia Law and passed an abstinence-only sex education program that prohibits almost any discussion of sexual activity. The sex ed bill was also known as the "gateway body parts" legislation because it states educators can mention kissing or hand-holding, but can't talk about the touching of "gateway" body parts like genitals. Ummmm.... so explain to me how this is sex education?

The Tennessee General Assembly has also passed a law that would make causing a miscarriage murder and let's not forget that life-altering bill that makes saggy pants a crime. And these are just the laws they PASSED. The amount of ridiculous bills introduced, but didn't pass includes a bill discriminating against transgender Tennesseans. And let's not forget a GOP rep who sent an email to constituents saying that President Obama was planning to fake an assassination attempt in order to fix the 2012 election.

I really have trouble trying to picture the reality these people live in because it's not even close to the real world. Tennessee doesn't need a bunch of Bible thumpers imposing extreme agendas. Other countries in the world ruled by religious law should be a clear indication that theocracies don't work and never will. Perhaps they should pay attention to their counterparts in wacky over in Texas who decided to cut Planned Parenthood. But because of rising health care costs, they are quietly restoring federal family planning funding. So much for pushing that quasi-religious agenda, Texas. Tennessee, are you paying attention?

Coughing Up To The Cop Out

I saw the movie Lincoln recently starring Daniel Day Lewis. It's a great film about Abraham Lincoln and the reason he pushed through the 13th Amendment to the United States constitution. Perhaps I am being arrogant (and it wouldn't be the first time I was being so) but it made me think that my fight for marriage equality is more important than ever.

I truly am tired of the complacent people who are fine with being friends with homosexuals, but show zero initiative in helping to fight for their rights.Simply saying that it should be left up to the states or that it will happen eventually is a cop out. That's right. A BIG, HUGE, CRAP LOAD OF COP OUT!

You see, that is their excuse that allows them to support candidates or bills that do not help their LGBT pals. It's what they tell themselves in order to get to sleep at night, I suppose. Being their pal is fine, I am sure. But how would they feel if their spouse was dying in the hospital and the law didn't allow them to be by his or her side? How would they feel if they spent most of their life dedicated to a spouse, and when that spouse died, they had zero say in funeral arrangements or assets or possessions or anything really?

But don't let me try to convince you. Let's hear the voices of a few of my LGBT friends who were kind enough to give their two cents about people who are happy to be their friends, but are complacent about their rights. And as you read these stories, keep in mind, they just might be people you know and love.

LGBT Pal #1:

 I am always taken aback by that because it clearly demonstrates that they don't take me--or our friendship--seriously. It also prompts me to tell them the story of losing my home and livelihood five years after my partner died because his cold-hearted bitch of a mother sued me for his half of everything. And with the lack of laws that would protect my interests, I had to sell our home and most of the stuff in it in order to pay her. As a result, my memories of him are forever clouded by his inaction and refusal to see his family for what they are: prejudiced and bigoted.

I firmly believe that if people who purport to care about me hear that story, they will understand why rights for people in same-sex relationships are essential and examples of basic human rights.

LGBT Pal #2:

I have friends who support candidates who go against gay rights and when I ask them about that, they often say something to the effect of, "Well, it's not that we don't support you, but we have to look out for our own best interests, and the Republican party aligns with our way of being fiscally conservative." I think that's a total cop out and speak up about it. I point out that by supporting Republican candidates, they're supporting people who are against equal rights. I don't want special rights, just equal rights. I want to be able to visit my partner in the hospital, I want the same tax rights, social security rights, the right to be legally married, and the list goes on and on. They often try to argue about Biblical principles, which is an even bigger cop out. I'm very spiritual, and there are hundreds of passages in the Bible that our society no longer lives by, but the right wing likes to pick and choose the scriptures that seem to condemn gays. It makes my blood boil. I have no patience with it, but I think many right wingers have formed opinions based on fear and ignorance. It's often a pointless cause to try and educate them because fear and ignorance build a wall around them.

LGBT Pal #3:

I think it’s easier for someone to say “Well I love YOU, but…” and then proceed to contradict that statement. This is because most people who believe this way have been taught that it’s okay to be homophobic or anti-gay....just don’t ever say it out loud.

How can you say you love and support me in one breath, and then tell me you don’t believe I deserve equal rights or treatment under the law? It’s a huge slap in the face. Most of them don’t get it.

I used this example with a friend not too long ago. She lives with diabetes, but at one point said to me that most people will never even give it a second thought. I turned this around and said “Okay. You know how you live with diabetes every day? That’s how it is for me. You might think about gay rights once in a blue moon, but I live it every single day.” While it’s not the best example, she finally began to understand that it’s not just something I choose to be a part of... it’s a fight every day for my life.

I have found myself in tears many times over the last two elections because of people in my life who, in my mind, just don’t get it. These are people who aren’t even vocalizing their opinions about gay marriage, but chose a side with their vote. While I know that the economy is important, I just don’t see how it can take precedent over the basic civil rights of the people in this country.

However, I think many people in the majority are hung up on the idea that gay people are somehow second-class citizens and thus deserve to be treated as such. It’s the very childish ideal of “We have these rights and privileges but we don’t want to share them with YOU because you’re icky.” It’s human nature to love power and control…and to me this is all just one big power play.

The biggest disappointment is comes from within my family. This is a group of people who have two openly gay relatives (myself and my aunt) and yet still do not believe that we deserve equal rights or protection under that law. Why? Because God says it’s wrong. That’s it. That’s the only reason anyone ever wants to give me.

What it really comes down to in this instance is the need for separation of church and state to be a REAL thing. Don’t get me wrong, I am Christian and I do believe in God, but I refuse to believe a book written by man thousands of years ago should be the social standard of what’s best for the people of this country in 2012. It’s an archaic, backwards way of thinking. If you want to live by Old Testament rules, go back to Old Testament times. The rest of us will continue evolving just fine without you.

LGBT Pal #4:

People who think "progress is just gonna happen eventually" while voting for candidates who want nothing but societal digression, are morons. Regardless of one's way of thinking. There's no such thing as a progressive conservative. The longer this country stays still, the more potential for growth it loses and the more it comes off as a cultural and intellectual wasteland. I'm sorry, but it's true.

And NOTHING regarding even the most basic rights of people should be left up to states. State governments are decided and controlled by the sheep. And yes, there are, and unfortunately always will be sheep. Sheep cannot make good decisions. Sheep cannot think outside themselves and their own interests. And allowing every slack-jawed hick and elementary school drop out to decide the rights of OTHER people is nothing short of criminal. The best example of this: the death penalty in Texas. Texas is the jewel on the Republican crown. Heaps of people are put down without any decent reason. Why? Because the hick dickfucks who are in charge and the oilmen who wanna play God make the decisions.

A BIG THANK YOU TO MY FRIENDS FOR SPEAKING OUT!

These are just the words of four fellow Americans who want equal rights. If you still want to deny these people their rights, then find another reason because the excuses are growing old and illogical. Showing your lack of concern by throwing out evasive diarrhea no longer holds water. Admit you care more for a political party than the rights of your friends and family. Thanks. 

Hooray for the Gay!

Great news on the human rights front in the United States! A conservative federal appeals court judge has struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). It's another step closer to marriage equality for all Americans.

I think Mr. Evans is correct. Yes, he is an actor and some actors know what they are talking about. I am an actor, but not nearly as good as Mr. Evans. But I digress.The point is,  I am already ashamed that my fellow Americans do not have the same right as me. And I have my conservative friends on Facebook say things like "You're not gay. Why do you care?"

Well, let's see, I care because I have hundreds of gay friends who cannot legally love the person they want to spend the rest of their lives with. And they are denied the rights that go along with being legally married. If you find the idea of homosexuality disagreeable or gross, then fine. That is your opinion. Don't marry a gay person. I find the idea of eating black licorice gross, but I am not trying to make it illegal to buy. I'm not supporting legislation to make Jagermeister unlawful because I personally don't appreciate the way it meshes with my palate. People have told me comparisons like that aren't that easy. But yes, they ARE that easy!

YOUR personal views, whether they be religious or otherwise are just that. YOUR views. Argue up the "God's view" and Bible scripture quotes all you want. Those are still your PERSONAL, religious views and not the opinion or belief of every American. I know we are a "majority rules" kind of democracy, but our founding fathers specifically kept religion out of the lawmaking process for a reason. (And majority rules only applies until the constitution starts to get trampled!) The founding fathers were smart enough to know that religion and spirituality is personal and is up to every individual to decide. Religion played little role in drafting our constitution and it should play zero role in giving gay Americans their legal right. If there were a law forcing every American to abide by the principles of the Methodist church, do you not think there would be severe public backlash and outcry?

And YES! I just said LEGAL right. You see, the government recognizes a marriage, so it is not really religious anyway unless you choose to marry in a church or other place of worship. And you know what? You can CHOOSE to do that if you like. It's not a legal requirement to marry in a religious house. You have to go to the local county office, apply for, and pay for a marriage certificate. It is not recognized by religion in the legal sense. It is recognized by the government. And if we're using religious criteria to disallow gays to marry, then counties shouldn't allow Catholics to marry Jews. And in some cases (because yes, some churches still  believe it) that Caucasians shouldn't marry African Americans and so on... But why isn't this the case? Because religious beliefs do not dictate our LEGAL rights. And they never should.

Then, we get into people like Mike Huckabee (why is he my favorite idiot to pick on?) who says that if you allow gays to marry, then people will want to marry animals. Well, to quote the clever comic Kathleen Madigan, "Well, maybe where YOU'RE from, Mr. Huckabee." I will admit that it took me watching the show Sister Wives to get me to somewhat comprehend polygamous marriage, but that is what the people in that relationship WANT. That is their path to happiness and why should I get in their way? I might not agree with that and it might not be my cup of tea, but it's not my business what goes on behind closed doors. I am not going to invite Mike Huckabee inside my bedroom, so he has no business being in mine or yours.

Most conservatives and tea partiers (granted, I said most, not all) like to throw around words like "freedom" and "liberty" while simultaneously attacking the freedom and liberty of their neighbors, teachers, government workers, firefighters, police officers, military officers etc... The only difference between them is one is a homosexual and one is not.

But think of it this way if no other. With gays marrying, it will bring more money into the government and our economy. More marriages equals more marriage licenses and more money to the county. More money for weddings will be spent in the local economy. And I'm sorry, but most of my gay friends don't want to do things on a small scale. So, businesses like florists, chapels, bakeries, venues, hotels, boutiques and dress shops will ALL benefit from the influx of business.

And seriously, a gay wedding will be much more fabulous in the long run. I, for one, cannot wait to get my first invitation to see it happen legally!

Own Your Disdain

With today's announcement that Chick Fil A will no longer be donating their money to anti-hate organizations, it brought about the usual discussions. I applaud the organization for taking the right steps towards equality, but I also know that there is still a lot of discrimination within that company against homosexuals. However, its a step in the right direction. Big win for the good guys. Kudos to all of those working to make equality happen in America and around the world. Now, I might be able to enjoy a chicken wrap from Chick Fil A again. I am still on the fence about whether or not to start patronizing their company again. I stopped going there because I knew of their views on homosexuals long before it made headlines. So, I might need some nudging.

Anyway, on my Facebook page, I asked the question: Where will those who supported Chick Fil A's anti-gay stance go to eat? And, as usual, I got the whole "Chick Fil A Day was a free speech issue" excuse. Yes. Free speech was merely an excuse. A BIG FAT EXCUSE. It served as a cover for hate. Or at least disdain. And disagreement in some cases. How was Chick Fil A CEO Dan Cathy's free speech silenced, smothered, or suppressed? He said it. It was his right to say it. I don't believe people ever took issue with his right to say it. However, people (including myself) had EVERY right to express their free speech by speaking out against his views. We used our free speech and freedom of expression to not take our business to his restaurants. However, Dan Cathy's free speech was NEVER In danger.

Dubya himself said that "Freedom is a two way street" when responding to Dixie Chicks' lead singer Natalie Maines' controversial comments about him. He was discussing the backlash against them. Of course she could make her statement. And those causing the backlash had every right, as well. They stopped buying Dixie Chicks albums, merchandise and concert tickets. Their albums were burned on street corners. So, how is the backlash against Chick Fil A's Dan Cathy any different? It's okay to lash out at the Dixie Chicks but not Dan Cathy? What is the difference?

Those who flocked to Chick Fil A on what I dubbed Mike Huckabee's "Hate Day," were not there for free speech. If they were, they watch too much Fox News. (Or they didn't care about Chick Fil A's views and just wanted a sandwich.) If you do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle or gay marriage or the LGBT agenda, then just say you don't. Cite whatever reasons you like be it religion, personal, political -- WHATEVER! Just don't hide behind a guise of free speech. Your real motives are you have disdain for or disagree with homosexuals or gay marriage. At least be honest in your opinion or belief. I would respect someone much more if they came out and said "I am here supporting Chick Fil A because marriage should be between a man and a woman." Don't use free speech-- something thousands fought and died for -- so you don't look like a bigot.

Own your truth even if it isn't politically correct. You may look like a real jerk, but at least you're an honest one.