Why won't Obama talk to the gay press?

Obama has does two interviews with the gay press, and none recently. Still, he'll purchase ads in Ohio and Texas LGBT publications to get his controlled message out. Why won't he answer questions from LGBT media? And some more babbling about the HRC

Ski Trip to Stratton Mountain, Vermont

Spent a couple days relaxing in Vermont at Snow 2008, the Google Employees Ski Trip. Enjoy

A reply to the comments about the HRC

Thanks to most people who commented on yesterday's post. This is my response, but first, I hosted Kathleen Turner and Gloria Feldt for authors@google today. People should buy their book.

HRC New York Gala

We went to the Human Rights Campaign dinner in New York City last night. Here are some of my thoughts on the HRC and two videos and pictures from the dinner.

"This Common Secret: My Journey as an Abortion Doctor" by Susan Wicklund

Let's talk about abortion, which should not be a controversial subject. Oh, and buy the book here

My Speech from the 2004 Democrat Platform Committee

In 2004, I was a representative to the DNC's Platform Committee. I'll tell the story on my vlog, but here is a copy of the speech.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee,

I rise today to give voice to a community with no member at today's meeting and invisible in our platform. I am speaking of the transgender community.

Our platform touches on many issues important to the trans-community, from education to health care to hate crimes and workplace discrimination. These issues, important to us all, have particular resonance in a community that is misunderstood, often maligned, and whose members live in fear of violence and discrimination.

Our platform says that hate crimes "demean good people." Gwen Araujo, Prvt. Barry Winchell, and Brandon Tina were not just "demeaned", they were murdered by individuals who saw no value in their humanity.

Transgender people are good citizens who make valuable contributions to their communities. Gender identity and gender expression are no basis to deny anyone a job, housing, an education or adequate medical care. These are mainstream issues as Governor Vilsack's own executive
order in his homestate demonstrates.

The transgender community understands that the Democratic Party's commitment to civil rights is "ironclad". Because of this Party's outreach efforts, there will be at least 8 transgender delegates in
Boston, an increase of 800% in 8 years, but more can be done. As a gay man, I can only be a surrogate for this distinct community, speaking second-hand in telling their stories and discussing their issues. We must do more to make certain that they themselves are included at the table.

Mr Chairman, I am instructed by the transgender delegates to tell this committee that the trans-community stands united behind the Kerry/Edwards ticket and will work for a Democratic victory in
November. At the request of the trans-delegation, and in recognition of this solidarity, I have been asked to withdraw this amendment, and do so now.

Thank you for your time.

A walking tour of the upper east side

Review: Sunday in the Park with George and then a discussion of Surfing a Wave of Misogyny

Sorry for the delay in posting. I actually recorded this yesterday. On Wednesday, we saw Sunday in The Park with George by the RoundAbout Theatre Company. I talk about the play in the blog.

I also read an interesting blog post Obama Surfs a Wave of Misogyny on MyDD.Com and discuss the post and the reaction to it.

Random babbling...

I talk about what is depressing me in this Democratic race, seeing Sunday in the Park with George tomorrow, Braking the Cycle and my buddy Rick.

February 11, 2008

Feeling justified as the New York Times does an article on how identity politics is playing a role in the Democratic vote.

February 10, 2008: Radical Walking Tour of Central Park

Today we took a radical walking tour of Central Park. The tour is from the book Radical Walking Tours of New York City by Bruce Kayton, a political activist in New York who views the city through the lens of class struggles, civil rights battles and labor movements. This is one way to view Central Park.

A conversation about blaming the victim

Some Obama supporters think that he is less divisive than Hillary. To me, that's blaming the victim.

When commenting on youtube, don't be an idiot

Yesterday's video received a comment on youtube asking if I was racist because I didn't support Obama. This is the response.

The Obamiac effect

Thoughts on the day after

Clinton won the big states. They tied in Connecticut, New Mexico, Delaware and Missouri. Obama takes the rest. What does it all mean?

SuperDuper Tuesday

Thoughts on election day.

Alicia Keys on Hillary

About endorsements and my dog Snowy's death

A bit about endorsements prior to Super-duper Tuesday. Also, since I have subscribers, thought I tell one about my dog Snowy and how she died in October. We miss her.

February 3, 2008

I attended a rally in Times Square that marched to Columbus Circle. Of course, being near Broadway, I have to give my opinion on what's currently playing.

February 2, 2008 -- Clinton Rally in Union Square

Champ and I went to a Hillary rally in Union Square and bumped into my friend Jon. We also bumped into a ... well, you'll see.

February 1, 2008

A brief discussion about how the democratic vote is breaking down and the youth vote.