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The Chill in Georgia is More Than the Weather

Gov. Palin "signs autographs" in Savannah. Isn't that too much makeup? Photo (cc) by Dizzy Girl.

It was a dark, cloudy, chilly day here in Georgia.  But it wasn’t just the weather.  That Alaskan beauty pageant runner-up Sarah Palin was in our state today.  Palin was here to campaign for Republican Incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss, who faces Democrat Jim Martin in a run-off tomorrow.  How nice of Gov. Palin to come down here to the “Real America” in the deep south, where we sure do love our guns and freedoms!  (Freedoms for everyone except for gay folk, that is.) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that one Augusta woman stood behind Palin holding a sign that read “Save my Gun” at the first rally of the day.  I’d rather someone save jobs and lives through affordable healthcare rather than saving guns.  The GOP is banking on Georgians clinging to guns and God rather than worrying about jobs and healthcare.  It worked for them in the Bush years–that and stirring up hatred and fear of queers.

Between the hard-right leanings of Palin and Chambliss, it’s a miracle the whole state didn’t tip into the Atlantic ocean.  According to ABC News, Palin told a decidedly smaller crowd than her Presidential campaign angry mobs that:  “We need Saxby because we need checks and balances in Washington, and we will not have that if Saxby is not re-elected. With one party in control of the House and the Senate and the White House we need a conservative who will speak for themselves.”

Ignoring Palin’s grammatical challenges, I couldn’t help but wonder what checks and balances she meant.  The only checks and balances I’m worried about right now are how to balance my checkbook in the middle of the Republican’s economic recession.  Maybe it’s just me, but the conservative trickle-down theory sure felt more like a tinkle-down in practice.  Palin doesn’t understand the concept of checks and balances (which is understandable from someone who doesn’t know what the Vice President does).  There are three branches of government in the United States.  The Supreme Court is dominated by conservatives.  There’s your balance.  What we don’t need is Republicans in Congress filibustering their way through the Obama presidency, slowing down hopes of early and decisive change.

Palin is like one of those horror movie monsters that keep sneaking up on you when you least expect them.  One of those evils that just won’t stay down.  It is truly chilling.  So no matter how cold the weather tomorrow, I’m getting out early to vote for Jim Martin for U.S. Senate.

There is a Santa Clause and Christmas Comes Early for Democrats

With the exception of Proposition 8 and other anti-gay amendments passed earlier this month, you have to believe there is a God and a Santa Claus, and that Christmas has come early this year. Several media outlets are reporting that Ann Coulter’s jaw has been wired shut. If only they would leave it that way permananently. Apparently, Coulter fell down some stairs and broke her jaw. Or maybe she was pushed by Karma? Check any of these reports for more details:

The Dish Rag Blog at the LA Times

The Huffington Post

The Political Machine at AOL

The Seattle Times

An Historic Election Night At An Historic Place

After watching the election returns last Tuesday at a Democratic event, I told my friend David that I wanted to stop by the King Center on the way home.  After Barack Obama’s historic vicotry, I was expecting a handful of people at the grave of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King.  What we found instead was a riot of happiness.  Here’s Life On Q’s video of the happenings on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta on November 4th, and early into the morning of November 5th, 2008.

Thank You Howard Dean

A little over five years ago, my intense but private political interest became an active obsession.  I was frustrated and worried by the George W. Bush “victory” in the 2000 election and by a war of little value and of even less justification..  Early in the 2004 Presidential campaign, I heard a speech by Dr. Howard Dean.  What I want to know, he said, is why so many Democrats are supporting George Bush’s war in Iraq.  I wanted to know too.  Looking into Dean’s record as the former Governor of Vermont, my attention intensified when I learned that Gov. Dean had led the state that gave gays and lesbians a first step toward equal rights via civil unions.  We were facing a gay marriage amendment to the Georgia Constitution, and I was offended and infuriated by the bigotry and hate of my fellow Georgians.

I had never before been active in any political campaign.  But I went to a Howard Dean meetup and found the energy, compassion and company of like-minded volunteers infectious and inspiring.  It was so “un-American” at that time to question President Bush or to be of the opinion that <gasp!> war is neither good nor the answer.  It was cathartic to sit at Manuel’s Tavern and talk about such things over a beer with people who, like me, would ultimately organize and work for Gov. Dean’s campaign.

Gov. Dean’s 2004 presidential campaign started what Sen. Barack Obama and his campaign have now finished.  Dean for America pioneered the idea of a broadly distributed, loosely organized campaign where individual groups around the country operated with autonomy.  The national campaign sent out requests for support on specific campaign strategies, details on positions and appeals for action through canvassing, phone banking, and fundraising events (so many of them “house parties” held in private homes of ordinary people).

As importantly, and perhaps ultimately more importantly, the Internet was exploited as a campaign tool as never before.  Blogging was a brand-new concept back then.  I wrote my first posts ever on the Georgia for Dean blog, and even was honored with a post or two on the national blog.  As you can see, blogging became a habit that I cannot break. Today, the Dean for America community lives on as Democracy for America, as does Georgia for Dean, which is now Georgia for Democracy.

As a volunteer for Georgia for Dean, I met some of the most amazing people I’ve ever encountered.  Many were brilliant.  Most worked hard, sometimes to the detriment of paying work or other basic needs like sleep.  All were committed, sincere and passionate about changing the direction of our country. Many people whom I now consider to be my closest friends were met at Dean meetups and Georgia for Dean activities.  My friend Brian led Out for Dean Georgia.  He does not like this title, but I tell him he is my personal hero.  Brian was discharged from the U.S. Army because he is gay–after serving in Afghanistan (and many other tours of duty) as a bomb technician who protected our troops by defusing and destroying IEDs and other bombs.  (You can read my post about Brian here.)  My friend David was responsible for the blog for Out for Dean Georgia and was active generally with Georgia for Dean.  He is a true friend.  I love him and trust him with my life.  My friend Kimberly is one of the most brilliant PR professionals I’ve ever met.  I respect her greatly and value her insight on both political issues and general PR/marketing issues, where we share a similar vocation.  I have great fondness and respect for many others I first met through Dean for Georgia.  We didn’t all get along all the time.  We disagreed, sometimes heatedly, on strategy and tactics.  But we had a common goal, and today we all celebrate together. More »

Where to Watch Election Returns with Like-Minded ATL Democratic Voters

If, like me, you are looking forward to going out tonight to watch election returns roll in, in the company of like-minded fellow citizens, I thought I’d round a up a list of election return parties in the metro Atlanta area.  Here are some of your options:

Democratic Organizations and local bars/restaurants are hosting a number of election night events across town, most of which will get underway between 7 and 8 pm.  The more “official” and LGBT-specific events are listed first, followed by others in alphabetical order. If a different time is announced, it will be noted in the listing here:

Democratic Party Election Coverage, Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, GA The Democratic Party Website says that Amsterdam Atlanta has hosted six hugely successful watch events, including a Super Tuesday watch party and Convention Acceptance Speech watch party, each attended by approximately 500 supporters. Those events were covered on the Obama Website, in the AJC and on WSB-TV. Amsterdam has 6700 square feet of elbow room with a 1400 SF outdoor patio. There are 21 flat screen TVs, four large screen projectors and a state-of-the-art sound system.  The Democratic Party will officially be there to take in multichannel viewing of national as well as local results. I’m betting none of those screens will be tuned to Fox News.  The TVs will be tuned in at 7 pm and continue until 3 am.  There’s also a full service restaurant serving until midnight.  It’s going to be crowded.

The Barack Obama Official “Yes We Did” Celebration has been expanded to two Atlanta locations to include all supporters who want to celebrate together (until capacity prohibits further admission).  Both locations are on 19th Street (at Atlantic Station):  Fox Sports Grill and Ten Pin Alley. 6:29 pm - approx. 2 am EDT. A DJ will begin at 9 pm at Dolce Ten Pin. This is a free event (as are most others). There will be an Obama Celebrity Backdrop Wall, a red carpet, and a life-size Barack Obama.  Event Host Preston L. Harden, an Obama Delegate and member of the Georgia Young Professionals for Change, isexpecting news coverage.  He asks that you wear your OBAMA gear and bring your Obama signs.   Parking is available at Atlantic Station or take MARTA to the Arts Center Station and take the free shuttle to Atlantic Station. Kids are okay.

And still there’s more…

More »

Jim Martin Adds Endorsement from the League of Conservation Voters

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV), a Washington, D.C.-based organization focused on voter education and action on environmental issues, announced its endorsement of former State Rep. Jim Martin for U.S. Senate.  Martin is in a very tight race with Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss, who is rated at only 5 percent in LCV’s 110th Congress 2008 National Environmental Scorecard.  According to the LCV, Senator Chambliss has accepted $107,500 in contributions from oil and gas interests for his 2008 re-election campaign.  His signature negative advertising is therefore funded, in part, by oil companies.

Jim Martin’s positions on climate change and environmental policy make clean air and clean water priorities issues, and he advocates a strong investment in renewable energy technology to create jobs and boost our economy. In a statement announcing the endorsement, LCV President Gene Karpinski said:

“(Jim Martin) is an experienced public servant who will fight for the interests of Georgians. He understands that investing in a clean energy future will not only protect the environment, but also ensure our national security and create good jobs in Georgia.

“As drought and high gas prices ravage Georgia’s economy, Georgians know that the failed energy policies of the last eight years don’t work.  Senator Chambliss promises to maintain President Bush’s failed policies, while Jim Martin offers a new kind of leadership and a new energy policy that will repower America with clean, renewable energy.”

The LCV has also published a comparison chart (in PDF format) outlining the environmental policies of Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain.  Obama has a lifetime score of 86 percent vs. 24 percent for McCain.  And for 2007, the most recent year scored, McCain was given a 0 (yes, that’s zero) vs. 67 for Obama.

It is clear that Jim Martin is the cleaner candidate for U.S. Senate, in more ways than one.

A Georgia Voter’s Guide for Queers

The 2008 election is upon us, and it’s time for LGBT Georgians to vote.  As in all elections, the media attention is primarily focused on the Presidential race and a few other major contests like the U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbant Saxby Chambliss and Democratic Challenger Jim Martin here in Georgia. Those races are paramount, of course, but there are a number of other important contests in Georgia and in the Atlanta area specifically.  This is Life on Q’s Guide for LGBT voters in Atlanta and Georgia, including links and information about the proposed Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, and hard-to-find information on judicial candidates and races.  If you find this helpful, please use the “bookmark” link at the bottom of this page to pass it on.  You can tag it to your favorite bookmarking site or e-mail it to a friend.

Ballot, Poll Location and General Voter Information

Here are some good resources for a sample Georgia ballot and/or good voter information resources:

• Get a sample ballot customized for your precinct at www.vote-ga.org, along with information on candidates.
• The Atlanta-Journal Constitution has an interactive voter guide by the League of Women Voters, (LOWV) where you can find the candidates specific to your precinct and review answers to LOWV questionnaires to the candidates (although many candidates did not respond).  You can print out your choices to take with you to the polls.  The LOWV also has an informative Website at www.vote411.org.
• Georgia Equality has issued endorsements for candidates, based on their vetting on issues of importance to the LGBT community and a general “fair majority” analysis of the candidates’ political viewpoints.  You can see a list of Georgia Equality-endorsed candidates for the Georgia General Assembly here and a list of Georgia Equality-endorsed judicial candidates here, along with links to the candidate’s Websites.
• You can also find your Georgia State Senate and House of Representative district on the Secretary of State’s Website, along with your poll location.

Proposed Amendments to the Georgia Constitution

There are three proposed Constitutional amendments on the Georgia ballot.  I think it’s fair to say that I am more politically aware and engaged than the average voter, yet I find myself in front of the the voting touch screen wondering what the hell some of those amendments mean.  The best source for information on the proposed amendments to the Georgia Constitution is, by far, on the Wiki at www.ballotpedia.org.  You’ll see summaries of the proposed amendments (in plain English), a list of supporters and opponents, a summary of the arguments for and against, and links to editorials on the ballot measures by media around the state.

Constitutional amendments in Georgia get very little attention, unless it’s an amendment to limit the rights of gays and lesbians like the one that eliminated any hope of LGBT marriage in Georgia in 2004.  This year’s amendments are not as life-changing, with the possible exception of one proposed amendment, which would, in part, fund the Atlanta Beltway project.  The Beltway is important for Atlanta’s future, promising to ease traffic congestion, revitalize neighborhoods and encourage tourism.  I hope you’ll vote for Amendment 2: To authorize local school districts to use tax funds for community redevelopment purposes. The amendment is endorsed by a long list of reputable media and community groups, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Savannah Morning News, The Sierra Club, The Augusta Chronicle, The Rome Tribune, Park Pride Atlanta, Creative Loafing, and many, many more.  Check out ballotpedia.org’s page on Amendment 2 for detailed information.

You can also review a summary of the proposed Constitutional amendments on the Secretary of State’s Website.

LGBT Community Should Help Create an Obama Landslide

Clearly, Barack Obama is the candidate of choice for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community nationwide.  The Obama/Biden ticket is not only the best option, while not perfect, on GLBT issues, the Democrats are the best hope for our country overall.  It is time for change, and it just so happens that the message of hope and fairness on issues like the economy and healthcare also promise to be a rising tide that could lift the fight for equal rights for LGBT Americans.  All our boats are sinking.  It’s time to change course.  You can find a list of get-out-the-vote events, volunteer opportunities and other information on the Georgia for Obama Website.  There are volunteer activities happening right now all over our state.

The Slacker Revolution is Underway

Michael Moore has a new film about the upcoming election that is a must-see.  It’s called Slacker Uprising, and it’s about Moore’s 42-day, 62-city tour across America during the run-up to the 2004 election, in the wake of his documentary Fahrenheit 9/11.  His tour was a failed attempt to remove George W. Bush from office that nonetheless succeeded in helping turn out a record number of young voters and others who had never voted before. Young adults voted in greater numbers than in any election since 18-year-olds were given the right to vote, despite the return of George W. Bush to the White House. The movie looks at the birth of a new political generation in America — young people who would signal the era of “Obamania” that would take place just four years later.

With Slacker Uprising, Moore is doing something unprecendented for a commercially successful filmmaker:  he’s giving the movie away on the Internet.  Neither Moore nor the movie’s distributor, Brave New Films,  will make any money from the film, which had a budget of over $2 million. You can download a free copy at the Slacker Uprising Slacker Uprising, legally, at the Slacker Uprising Website.  If you want to support Moore’s brilliant and important work anyway, you can purchase a DVD copy for $9.99.  Moore describes the free distribution of the movie as a gift to his fans:

“The only return any of us are hoping for is the largest turnout of young voters ever at the polls in November. I think ‘Slacker Uprising’ will inspire millions to get off the couch and give voting a chance.”

Along with Moore’s appearance, “Slacker Uprising” features live performances or appearances by Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam), Roseanne Barr, Joan Baez, Tom Morello (of Rage Against the Machine), R.E.M., Steve Earle, and Viggo Mortensen. It is described as part concert tour , part stand-up comedy performance and part rock concert.

Slacker Uprising is inspiring and motivating pre-election viewing.  Check it out, then call your local Barack Obama headquarters and see what you can do to help.  And no matter what, you must vote on Tuesday.

Keep Donna Brazile Out of Georgia

On ABC’s  This Week with George Stephanopoulos today, Democratic strategist and political analyst Donna Brazile indicated that there is the possibility of a runoff in the U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss and his Democratic challenger, former Georgia state Rep. Jim Martin.  If that happens, she said, “I will be in Georgia.”

As much as I would love to have Donna Brazile visit us, I say we make her trip unnecessary by giving Jim Martin an outright victory.  Let’s send Jim to Washington, and let poor Donna have a rest after a long campaign season.  Do what you can to support Jim Martin by voting for him on Tuesday, volunteering to help the Martin for Senate campaign, or making a contribution to help Martin fight the Republican smear campaign by Chambliss and his Republican surrogates.

Donna, I would love to meet you, but I’d prefer you come to Georgia under different circumstances.