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Saturday, May 07, 2005
Spokane's Anti-gay Mayor West (who plays on gay.com) makes the NY Times
Well, Mayor West has made the big time. The New York Times has a story tomorrow on the Mayor's gay.com antics...even giving us his screen name: RightBi-Guy.
The piece, "A Mayor's Secret Life Jolts a Northwest City" gives the highlights (or lowlights):
And another thing, Mayor, we need the "massive political agenda" to protect ourselves from you and the other hate-filled politicians who like to kick around the homos.
Unfortunately, I think Mayor West is just one of many hard-core, gay-bashing GOPers on the down low. It's just most of their stories don't end up in the NY Times. Read the rest of this post...
The piece, "A Mayor's Secret Life Jolts a Northwest City" gives the highlights (or lowlights):
Over the last three months, Mayor James E. West of Spokane, one of the most powerful politicians in this state, carried on an online exchange - full of mutual compliments and often overtly sexual - with someone who said he was a 17-year-old high school senior. In time, the mayor, 54, revealed his identity, and said he had lots of sports memorabilia he could give the boy from his office. As they prepared to meet for the first time, the mayor professed his nervousness, and his caution.No comments from the Radical right-wingers yet. But, maybe that's because Mayor West doesn't really like the homos:
"Guys like you don't come along very often and I want it to last," the mayor wrote. "Am I crazy here?"
The two never met. The high school senior was a fiction, created by The Spokesman-Review, a Spokane newspaper, as part of a three-year investigation into whether Mayor West, a Republican, used his authority to have sex with boys and young men.
The mayor has denied the most serious accusations by the paper this week: that he molested two boys more than 25 years ago when he was a sheriff's deputy and Boy Scout leader. But he acknowledged having the online conversations and said he had "relationships" with men.
People in the state were shocked, in part because Mayor West is a staunch opponent of gay rights, and recently threatened to veto a measure passed by the City Council that would grant benefits to domestic partners. He once promoted a bill in the Legislature to outlaw teenage sex, gay or straight.
The mayor insists he will never step down despite calls for his resignation from one council member. On Friday, Mayor West walked around a downtown riverfront park, refusing requests for interviews, and saying he had another 1,149 days to serve.
In one of the online chats that the newspaper recorded, Mayor West talked about his ambiguous feelings.Isn't that standard operating procedure for the right wingers who are on the down-low? Bash the gays by day, sleep with them by night. And, if you really don't like the homos, don't want to hang out with them, don't go to the gay grocery store....aren't you really not like them?
"Remember, I'm very closeted. No one knows I like guys," he wrote. "It's just that the openly gay guys are a little over the top for me. I don't really like the in-your-face attitude some guys have. And the massive political agenda either."
And another thing, Mayor, we need the "massive political agenda" to protect ourselves from you and the other hate-filled politicians who like to kick around the homos.
Unfortunately, I think Mayor West is just one of many hard-core, gay-bashing GOPers on the down low. It's just most of their stories don't end up in the NY Times. Read the rest of this post...
Ballmer's email to all Microsoft employees
Below is the text of Steve Ballmer's company-wide email announcing their support for gay rights....again. It's a hell of a lot better than the one he sent out on April 22nd:
From: Steve Ballmer
Sent: Fri 5/6/2005 9:01 AM
To: All Employees of MS in Puget Sound; All Employees of MS in MSUS
Subject: Microsoft's principles for public policy engagement
During the past two weeks I've heard from many of you with a wide range of views on the recent anti-discrimination bill in Washington State, and the larger issue of what is the appropriate role of a public corporation in public policy discussions. This input has reminded me again of what makes our company unique and why I care about it so much.
One point really stood out in all the emails you sent me. Regardless of where people came down on the issues, everyone expressed strong support for the company's commitment to diversity. To me, that's so critical. Our success depends on having a workforce that is as diverse as our customers - and on working together in a way that taps all of that diversity.
I don't want to rehash the events that resulted in Microsoft taking a neutral position on the anti-discrimination bill in Washington State. There was a lot of confusion and miscommunication, and we are taking steps to improve our processes going forward.
To me, this situation underscores the importance of having clearly-defined principles on which we base our actions. It all boils down to trust. Even when people disagree with something that we do, they need to have confidence that we based our action on thoughtful principles, because that is how we run our business.
I said in my April 22 email that we were wrestling with the question of how and when the company should engage on issues that go beyond the software industry. After thinking about this for the past two weeks, I want to share my decision with you and lay out the principles that will guide us going forward.
First and foremost, we will continue to focus our public policy activities on issues that most directly affect our business, such as Internet safety, intellectual property rights, free trade, digital inclusion and a healthy business climate.
After looking at the question from all sides, I've concluded that diversity in the workplace is such an important issue for our business that it should be included in our legislative agenda. Since our beginning nearly 30 years ago, Microsoft has had a strong business interest in recruiting and retaining the best and brightest and most diverse workforce possible. I'm proud of Microsoft's commitment to non-discrimination in our internal policies and benefits, but our policies can't cover the range of housing, education, financial and similar services that our people and their partners and families need. Therefore, it's appropriate for the company to support legislation that will promote and protect diversity in the workplace.
Accordingly, Microsoft will continue to join other leading companies in supporting federal legislation that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation - adding sexual orientation to the existing law that already covers race, sex, national origin, religion, age and disability. Given the importance of diversity to our business, it is appropriate for the company to endorse legislation that prohibits employment discrimination on all of these grounds. Obviously, the Washington State legislative session has concluded for this year, but if legislation similar to HB 1515 is introduced in future sessions, we will support it.
I also want to be clear about some limits to this approach. Many other countries have different political traditions for public advocacy by corporations, and I'm not prepared to involve the company in debates outside the US in such circumstances. And, based on the principles I've just outlined, the company should not and will not take a position on most other public policy issues, either in the US or internationally.
I respect that there will be different viewpoints. But as CEO, I am doing what I believe is right for our company as a whole.
This situation has also made me stop and think about how well we are living our values. I'm deeply encouraged by how many employees have sent me passionate emails about the broad respect for diversity they experience every day at Microsoft. I also heard from some employees who underscored the importance of feeling that their personal values or religious beliefs are respected by others. I'm adamant that we must do an even better job of pursuing diversity and mutual respect within Microsoft. I expect everyone at this company - particularly managers - to take a hard look at their personal commitment to diversity, and redouble that commitment.
The questions raised by these issues are important. At the same time, we have a lot of other important work to do. Over the next 18 months we'll release a broader, more advanced and more exciting set of products than at any time in the company's history. Let's all recommit to the job ahead, using our diversity as a strength to work together creatively and with respect for each other.
Thanks. Read the rest of this post...
From: Steve Ballmer
Sent: Fri 5/6/2005 9:01 AM
To: All Employees of MS in Puget Sound; All Employees of MS in MSUS
Subject: Microsoft's principles for public policy engagement
During the past two weeks I've heard from many of you with a wide range of views on the recent anti-discrimination bill in Washington State, and the larger issue of what is the appropriate role of a public corporation in public policy discussions. This input has reminded me again of what makes our company unique and why I care about it so much.
One point really stood out in all the emails you sent me. Regardless of where people came down on the issues, everyone expressed strong support for the company's commitment to diversity. To me, that's so critical. Our success depends on having a workforce that is as diverse as our customers - and on working together in a way that taps all of that diversity.
I don't want to rehash the events that resulted in Microsoft taking a neutral position on the anti-discrimination bill in Washington State. There was a lot of confusion and miscommunication, and we are taking steps to improve our processes going forward.
To me, this situation underscores the importance of having clearly-defined principles on which we base our actions. It all boils down to trust. Even when people disagree with something that we do, they need to have confidence that we based our action on thoughtful principles, because that is how we run our business.
I said in my April 22 email that we were wrestling with the question of how and when the company should engage on issues that go beyond the software industry. After thinking about this for the past two weeks, I want to share my decision with you and lay out the principles that will guide us going forward.
First and foremost, we will continue to focus our public policy activities on issues that most directly affect our business, such as Internet safety, intellectual property rights, free trade, digital inclusion and a healthy business climate.
After looking at the question from all sides, I've concluded that diversity in the workplace is such an important issue for our business that it should be included in our legislative agenda. Since our beginning nearly 30 years ago, Microsoft has had a strong business interest in recruiting and retaining the best and brightest and most diverse workforce possible. I'm proud of Microsoft's commitment to non-discrimination in our internal policies and benefits, but our policies can't cover the range of housing, education, financial and similar services that our people and their partners and families need. Therefore, it's appropriate for the company to support legislation that will promote and protect diversity in the workplace.
Accordingly, Microsoft will continue to join other leading companies in supporting federal legislation that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation - adding sexual orientation to the existing law that already covers race, sex, national origin, religion, age and disability. Given the importance of diversity to our business, it is appropriate for the company to endorse legislation that prohibits employment discrimination on all of these grounds. Obviously, the Washington State legislative session has concluded for this year, but if legislation similar to HB 1515 is introduced in future sessions, we will support it.
I also want to be clear about some limits to this approach. Many other countries have different political traditions for public advocacy by corporations, and I'm not prepared to involve the company in debates outside the US in such circumstances. And, based on the principles I've just outlined, the company should not and will not take a position on most other public policy issues, either in the US or internationally.
I respect that there will be different viewpoints. But as CEO, I am doing what I believe is right for our company as a whole.
This situation has also made me stop and think about how well we are living our values. I'm deeply encouraged by how many employees have sent me passionate emails about the broad respect for diversity they experience every day at Microsoft. I also heard from some employees who underscored the importance of feeling that their personal values or religious beliefs are respected by others. I'm adamant that we must do an even better job of pursuing diversity and mutual respect within Microsoft. I expect everyone at this company - particularly managers - to take a hard look at their personal commitment to diversity, and redouble that commitment.
The questions raised by these issues are important. At the same time, we have a lot of other important work to do. Over the next 18 months we'll release a broader, more advanced and more exciting set of products than at any time in the company's history. Let's all recommit to the job ahead, using our diversity as a strength to work together creatively and with respect for each other.
Thanks. Read the rest of this post...
Wow, I got to Morocco and all hell breaks loose
Wow. And wow. ´I arrived in Morocco for work yesterday and got a phone call from Joe today telling me we won the Microsoft dispute. And I can say is, holy shit. A few responses.
1. You guys did it. I told you that if we stood up, raising enough hell, worked with all the other great groups and blogs and everyone else speaking out, we could win, and we did.
2. Thank you so much to The Stranger that broke all the great Microsoft stories that were the basis of our calls to action, thanks to the Gay and Lesbian Center for all their work, Equal Rights Washington, and to all of you who responded to our calls to action, and finally, to Microsoft´s own employees, gay and straight, who stood up and fought against this outrage both privately and publicly.
3. And finally, thank you to Microsoft itself. I know we have you a hard time, but sometimes you have to hurt the one you love. I know I may get some flack for saying this, but I admire Bill Gates. Very few of us could take a hundred thousand bucks and turn into the richest man in the world. That´s part of the reason it was so important for him and his company to do the right thing in this case, and they did. They didn´t have to, but they did. And for that, they deserve and get our thanks and our support.
So, I´m going back to my bottle of Morrocan Chardonnay, and hope you´ll all take a second to sit back and relish a hard-earned victory. We´ve had so few of late, it´s nice to know that they still exist, so long as we all work together and act.
Yes! Read the rest of this post...
1. You guys did it. I told you that if we stood up, raising enough hell, worked with all the other great groups and blogs and everyone else speaking out, we could win, and we did.
2. Thank you so much to The Stranger that broke all the great Microsoft stories that were the basis of our calls to action, thanks to the Gay and Lesbian Center for all their work, Equal Rights Washington, and to all of you who responded to our calls to action, and finally, to Microsoft´s own employees, gay and straight, who stood up and fought against this outrage both privately and publicly.
3. And finally, thank you to Microsoft itself. I know we have you a hard time, but sometimes you have to hurt the one you love. I know I may get some flack for saying this, but I admire Bill Gates. Very few of us could take a hundred thousand bucks and turn into the richest man in the world. That´s part of the reason it was so important for him and his company to do the right thing in this case, and they did. They didn´t have to, but they did. And for that, they deserve and get our thanks and our support.
So, I´m going back to my bottle of Morrocan Chardonnay, and hope you´ll all take a second to sit back and relish a hard-earned victory. We´ve had so few of late, it´s nice to know that they still exist, so long as we all work together and act.
Yes! Read the rest of this post...
Bush gives the Monday Morning Quarterback routine on Yalta
I appreciate that Bush does not know anything about history, heaven forbid the guy would ever read, but today when Bush ripped FDR for giving up Eastern Europe at Yalta, he somehow overlooked the realities of 1945. Unless the US, UK, France and Western Allies wanted to launch an offensive against the Red Army, getting Stalin to pull back was virtually impossible. The Red Army blanketed Eastern Europe even prior to Yalta and the war was not yet finished. There was limited talk by the likes of Patton and others who wanted to continue the war and defeat Stalin together with the remains of the German military but after so many years of fighting and tens of millions of dead in Europe, nobody in power wanted any more war.
There are plenty of FDR haters in the GOP with the Bush family being part of that group, but they're all re-writing history just for the sake of bashing FDR when they make outrageous claims such as Bush did today. Bush can only dream of being such an important historical figure as FDR and the entire Bush clan together couldn't hold a candle to what FDR did for the US. Read the rest of this post...
There are plenty of FDR haters in the GOP with the Bush family being part of that group, but they're all re-writing history just for the sake of bashing FDR when they make outrageous claims such as Bush did today. Bush can only dream of being such an important historical figure as FDR and the entire Bush clan together couldn't hold a candle to what FDR did for the US. Read the rest of this post...
Schumer to Bush: Stop the Extremists
Chuck Schumer delivered the Democratic Radio Address today. Chuck really is one smart, tough SOB. He asked Bush to put a halt to the right wing radicals, AP reports:
Bush is their leader. Schumer's right. One word from Bush would stop the madness. My bet is we will never hear Bush utter any word in that direction. Read the rest of this post...
Sen. Charles Schumer, a leading Democrat in the fight over judicial nominees, urged President Bush to intervene and rein in the strongest conservative critics of Democratic opposition to some candidates.Looks like the plan is to make Bush liable for the extremists in the GOP. Good, because Bush is responsible. When his allies evoke Stalin, the KKK and violence against judges, Bush owns it. That's the standard the GOP created for John Kerry last year..."the Whoopi Standard." More from AP:
Schumer, D-N.Y., delivered his party's weekly radio address Saturday, in which he decried "a whiff of extremism in the air the likes of which we haven't seen in decades."
In his radio appeal, Schumer sought to draw Bush more directly into the fray by urging the president to denounce some conservatives who have used harsh language to criticize the Democrats.The Senate comes back in to D.C. this week. Frist will be under enormous pressure from the nuts to push the nuclear option (as the GOP named it). All the extremists will be working over time and going even further over the edge.
"I am making a heartfelt plea to you, Mr. President. When you came to Washington, you said you wanted to change the climate in D.C.," Schumer said. "Those stating these abhorrent views count themselves as your political allies. One word from you will bring a halt to these un-American statements. That would be a way to strengthen democracy here at home."
The senator referred generally to some activists comparing judges to the Ku Klux Klan and terrorists.
Bush is their leader. Schumer's right. One word from Bush would stop the madness. My bet is we will never hear Bush utter any word in that direction. Read the rest of this post...
EU pushes for Suu Kyi release
Well done and I hope that other countries join in this demand as well. Suu Kyi is enormously popular in Mynanmar and because of her popularity and her calls for democracy she has been under house arrest for years. The brutal dictatorship of Myanmar is not interested in change so they will surely continue the fight against Suu Kyi's freedom as long as possible but it's time for western countries and their businesses to stop feeding this government and start helping people like Suu Kyi and her followers. This also means that the US should not be sending military assistance to Myanmar, as I have seen with my own eyes.
Read the rest of this post...
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