Due to a public referendum 5 years ago, California Governor Schwarzenegger has elected to veto the bill to endorse gay marriage. I couldn't be more upset.
I simply don't understand how so many people are so willing to pass moral judgement on others, and inflict their views on people who have no desire to harm them by their actions. I have yet to hear anything beyond religious tirades in opposition to this movement for gay rights, and I have yet to see anyone speak sense on the issue. Since when did everyone believe in the same religion? This country was based on a desire to be free of religious prosecution, and today we have representatives from all faiths living here.
And what right do we have to make illegal a behavior that does nothing to infringe upon our basic rights? NONE. There is no legal ground to stand upon here.
You can dislike gay marriage for all you're worth, but no one is MAKING you marry a homosexual! Why must you then turn around and MAKE someone else's decision for them?!!
Sometimes people can be so cruel.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
From the Big Bad(ass) U.S.
Since it is my whim and fancy, I read the BBC News every day. Yesterday, I was reading an article about Hurricane Katrina and, more specifically, the U.S. Red Cross' appeal for international aid for victim relief work. Readers of the BBC were asked to contribute their thoughts and opinions on the wealthiest nation in the world asking for financial assistance. Some of the responses were downright hostile:
I will not be giving to this appeal. The United States is the richest country in the history of the modern world. They should be diverting their wealth into domestic social care programs not into imposing their economic will on the rest of the world. Maybe this will be the wake up call that the people of the US need.Alan, Herefordshire
Of cause people gladley gave after the tsunami, that is understadable. But surely there are enough people in USA that can charitable donations. Should the US government not spend it's own money helping these people? Even if it ment selling gold reserves. To ask other nations for help, and then retaining wealth makes my skin crawl. What % of the American defense budget is needed for aid I ask?gareth bruce, warwick
I can understand that aid agencies, such as the British Red Cross, can provide the physical help in terms of food parcels and staff on the ground. But why does this need to be paid for via charitable donations? Surely the US Government can transfer money to these agencies easily enough, rather than it needing to be raised by charitable donations.James Wilson, London, UK
A quick staw poll of people in my office shows up a feeling of disgust that the US can't free up enough funds. I don't think anyone here is planning on giving...Brian Cooper, London, UK
I think the fact that america is accepting aid from other poorer countries is very wrong & proves that the US & other developed countries i.e the UK use & abuse charity appeals i believe that the money donated to america will only be used to soften the blow as they have enough $$ to sort this mess out Bush just doesn't want to spend that money! I for one will not be donating Luke, England West sussex Southwater
This is a disgrace. I am shocked by what happened to the people of New Orleans and surrounding area but To give to a country that obviously went to war for other motives and spent millions on this. A country that is the richest in the world and has the most resources. I will not be helping - Considering the country is reluctant to help the truly needy countries eradicate poverty. Trevor Kingdon, Forest of Dean
I've always known that the U.S. has a fairly poor reputation overseas, whether the country is our closest ally or our nemesis, but I can't believe that so many people would be this inhumane. As if the poor and victimized of New Orleans and the surrounding areas are the direct cause of the political moves of the current administration, and for that they should be punished with this catastrophe.
I've long thought that the U.S., because of its current hegemony status, is damned if we do, and damned if we don't. This is a perfect example. We ALWAYS give aid to other countries, the amount of which varies from administration to administration, but we do give humanitarian aid. We have long been the largest contributor to certain international aid projects. Yet we are not only now criticized for accepting international aid ourselves, but we are at the same time being criticized for not giving enough to the Global Fund to help end extreme global poverty.
And the US was criticised for pledging just $0.6bn over the next two years, for the first time failing to contribute a third of the money needed by the fund. David Bryden of US based Global Aids Alliance said: "By breaking that promise Bush is letting down the most vulnerable people in the world.
"If his commitment to Africa is real, then words are not enough."
Like I said, damned if you, damned if you don't. The U.S. will NEVER be able to fulfill ALL the needs of the international community. Some days we cannot be involved enough, other days we are overly involved. Some days we are heroes, most days we are bitter rivals. Where do we draw the line? We cannot be everything to everyone.
And in this time of extreme need in Louisianna and Mississippi, the international community at large should put aside its political animosity and think of who we are hurting by simply discussing the pro's and con's of this country. There are people in EXTREME NEED. Quit the chatter and get to doing something! Not because they are American citizens, but because they are HUMAN BEINGS.
I will not be giving to this appeal. The United States is the richest country in the history of the modern world. They should be diverting their wealth into domestic social care programs not into imposing their economic will on the rest of the world. Maybe this will be the wake up call that the people of the US need.Alan, Herefordshire
Of cause people gladley gave after the tsunami, that is understadable. But surely there are enough people in USA that can charitable donations. Should the US government not spend it's own money helping these people? Even if it ment selling gold reserves. To ask other nations for help, and then retaining wealth makes my skin crawl. What % of the American defense budget is needed for aid I ask?gareth bruce, warwick
I can understand that aid agencies, such as the British Red Cross, can provide the physical help in terms of food parcels and staff on the ground. But why does this need to be paid for via charitable donations? Surely the US Government can transfer money to these agencies easily enough, rather than it needing to be raised by charitable donations.James Wilson, London, UK
A quick staw poll of people in my office shows up a feeling of disgust that the US can't free up enough funds. I don't think anyone here is planning on giving...Brian Cooper, London, UK
I think the fact that america is accepting aid from other poorer countries is very wrong & proves that the US & other developed countries i.e the UK use & abuse charity appeals i believe that the money donated to america will only be used to soften the blow as they have enough $$ to sort this mess out Bush just doesn't want to spend that money! I for one will not be donating Luke, England West sussex Southwater
This is a disgrace. I am shocked by what happened to the people of New Orleans and surrounding area but To give to a country that obviously went to war for other motives and spent millions on this. A country that is the richest in the world and has the most resources. I will not be helping - Considering the country is reluctant to help the truly needy countries eradicate poverty. Trevor Kingdon, Forest of Dean
I've always known that the U.S. has a fairly poor reputation overseas, whether the country is our closest ally or our nemesis, but I can't believe that so many people would be this inhumane. As if the poor and victimized of New Orleans and the surrounding areas are the direct cause of the political moves of the current administration, and for that they should be punished with this catastrophe.
I've long thought that the U.S., because of its current hegemony status, is damned if we do, and damned if we don't. This is a perfect example. We ALWAYS give aid to other countries, the amount of which varies from administration to administration, but we do give humanitarian aid. We have long been the largest contributor to certain international aid projects. Yet we are not only now criticized for accepting international aid ourselves, but we are at the same time being criticized for not giving enough to the Global Fund to help end extreme global poverty.
And the US was criticised for pledging just $0.6bn over the next two years, for the first time failing to contribute a third of the money needed by the fund. David Bryden of US based Global Aids Alliance said: "By breaking that promise Bush is letting down the most vulnerable people in the world.
"If his commitment to Africa is real, then words are not enough."
Like I said, damned if you, damned if you don't. The U.S. will NEVER be able to fulfill ALL the needs of the international community. Some days we cannot be involved enough, other days we are overly involved. Some days we are heroes, most days we are bitter rivals. Where do we draw the line? We cannot be everything to everyone.
And in this time of extreme need in Louisianna and Mississippi, the international community at large should put aside its political animosity and think of who we are hurting by simply discussing the pro's and con's of this country. There are people in EXTREME NEED. Quit the chatter and get to doing something! Not because they are American citizens, but because they are HUMAN BEINGS.
Hip Hip Hooray!
Gays and lesbians in America are seeing some changes taking place, even as the devastation of Hurrican Katrina is upon us. The California Assembly is backing legislation endorsing gay marriage. The bill is actually waiting for the signature from Governor Schwarzenegger's office. One can only hope that he decides to sign the bill into law and not become entrenched in a religious debate over "holy" matrimony. In today's day and age, where families are more and more defined by choice rather than bloodlines, it would be a welcome sight to see gay couples guaranteed the same rights as other families. If you are a California resident, I strongly urge you to throw your support behind the bill and contact your governor.
The article goes on to say that:
California already gives same-sex couples many of the rights and responsibilities of marriage if they register with the state as partners.
Last month, its highest court ruled lesbian parents have the same rights and duties towards their children in the event of a break-up as parents of the opposite sex.
While Massachusetts started this tide of gay marriage, I am so proud of you, California!
The article goes on to say that:
California already gives same-sex couples many of the rights and responsibilities of marriage if they register with the state as partners.
Last month, its highest court ruled lesbian parents have the same rights and duties towards their children in the event of a break-up as parents of the opposite sex.
While Massachusetts started this tide of gay marriage, I am so proud of you, California!
Monday, September 05, 2005
Visitors Welcome!
Darwin is on his way to visit me today, and I'm planning some sort of high school reunion for him. This should all be very, very weird, at the very least. I haven't seen most of my high school friends since 1997, the summer after we graduated. We've all traveled very different paths since then. I guess we'll see how it all goes.
I've been up since 7AM, running around like a chicken with its head cut off, making sure I am ready for all the visiting. Now its 11, and I just wish he and his girlfriend would show up already. I think its time to go make myself a bloody mary.
I've been up since 7AM, running around like a chicken with its head cut off, making sure I am ready for all the visiting. Now its 11, and I just wish he and his girlfriend would show up already. I think its time to go make myself a bloody mary.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home
There's nothing like John Howard Payne to say it like it is. And guess who has a new home these days?
Yes, my friends, that would be me. Anthony and I have a new apartment! We'll be living on U Street in D.C., and we have a whole 800 square feet to spread out in...
Check your emails in the coming days to get updated contact info...
Yes, my friends, that would be me. Anthony and I have a new apartment! We'll be living on U Street in D.C., and we have a whole 800 square feet to spread out in...
Check your emails in the coming days to get updated contact info...
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Eureka!
My friend Starr once asked me what I would do if there were nothing barring my way - not finances, not talent, not ability, nothing. And I responded, "Write a book."
She followed that with, "So what's stopping you?"
Like a light shining on a marble head, I FINALLY have the answer. It's funny, actually, that I am sitting here at work, in the midst of a million repetitive phone calls, and the answer all of a sudden comes to me, completely unbidden.
When someone asks you that question, your response is invariably an answer of something you WISH you wanted to do. I admire a great many authors, avidly read, and like the idea of publishing a novel, but if I really wanted to do it, I would. There isn't anything stopping me except the desire to do so.
Sure, we all like the idea of being famous, of becoming a rock star, or of scaling Mt. Everest. However, if we truly wanted that experience, we would do it. Instead of writing my memoirs, I scrapbook, I watch movies, I go to the gym, I hang out with friends - whatever it is that I choose to do at the moment.
So Starr, if you're reading this, I finally figured it out. I love the idea of writing, but don't really want to. When you asked me that question, I was already doing what I wanted to do.
She followed that with, "So what's stopping you?"
Like a light shining on a marble head, I FINALLY have the answer. It's funny, actually, that I am sitting here at work, in the midst of a million repetitive phone calls, and the answer all of a sudden comes to me, completely unbidden.
When someone asks you that question, your response is invariably an answer of something you WISH you wanted to do. I admire a great many authors, avidly read, and like the idea of publishing a novel, but if I really wanted to do it, I would. There isn't anything stopping me except the desire to do so.
Sure, we all like the idea of being famous, of becoming a rock star, or of scaling Mt. Everest. However, if we truly wanted that experience, we would do it. Instead of writing my memoirs, I scrapbook, I watch movies, I go to the gym, I hang out with friends - whatever it is that I choose to do at the moment.
So Starr, if you're reading this, I finally figured it out. I love the idea of writing, but don't really want to. When you asked me that question, I was already doing what I wanted to do.
I, Robot
I have to post this article from the BBC:
Domestic robot to debut in Japan
The robot will go on sale in mid-SeptemberA robot that recognises up to 10 faces and understands 10,000 words is to be offered to Japanese consumers looking for a high-tech helper in the house.
The one-metre tall humanoid Wakamaru robot is being marketed as a mechanical house-sitter and secretary.
Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries expects the first robots to go on sale in September.
"This is the opening of an era in which human beings and robots can co-exist," the company said.
The company says the robot can watch over homes while the owners are away, alerting them to possible burglaries.
It can also apparently help monitor the condition of a sick person.
And according to Mitsubishi, the robot can act as a secretary, recording notes and appointments and reminding owners of them with well-timed announcement.
The Wakamaru weighs 30kg (66lb) and is expected to cost 1.58m yen (US$14,300).
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries says it is the first robot with communication ability to be sold for use in the house.
It is powered by rechargeable batteries and moves around on wheels, Japan's Kyodo news agency reports.
Can you believe it? Yael, is this what you have secretly been working on at Techtium all these years? (If so, I am SO PROUD! :)
In any case, I just thought I'd take a moment out of my day to revel in the ingenuity of the human race. Most days I wonder how we made it this far, and then there's moments like this that remind me how kewl we really are. And that's "kewl" with a capital "K."
Domestic robot to debut in Japan
The robot will go on sale in mid-SeptemberA robot that recognises up to 10 faces and understands 10,000 words is to be offered to Japanese consumers looking for a high-tech helper in the house.
The one-metre tall humanoid Wakamaru robot is being marketed as a mechanical house-sitter and secretary.
Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries expects the first robots to go on sale in September.
"This is the opening of an era in which human beings and robots can co-exist," the company said.
The company says the robot can watch over homes while the owners are away, alerting them to possible burglaries.
It can also apparently help monitor the condition of a sick person.
And according to Mitsubishi, the robot can act as a secretary, recording notes and appointments and reminding owners of them with well-timed announcement.
The Wakamaru weighs 30kg (66lb) and is expected to cost 1.58m yen (US$14,300).
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries says it is the first robot with communication ability to be sold for use in the house.
It is powered by rechargeable batteries and moves around on wheels, Japan's Kyodo news agency reports.
Can you believe it? Yael, is this what you have secretly been working on at Techtium all these years? (If so, I am SO PROUD! :)
In any case, I just thought I'd take a moment out of my day to revel in the ingenuity of the human race. Most days I wonder how we made it this far, and then there's moments like this that remind me how kewl we really are. And that's "kewl" with a capital "K."
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