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Pen Points
Letters to Gay Today |
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Dealing with the Democratic Party is Similar to What?
Dealing with the Democratic Party is very similar to getting fucked in
the ass, the first time is usually the most painful. But, after several
good screwings, almost everyone gets comfortable with the experience.
This being the case, we should all have a nice, warm, tingly feeling
deep inside, now that the Democrats have shown us what it's like to
really get screwed.
For well over a year, NationalGayLobby.Org, and before NGL's formation its founders, have been saying, pleading, and begging our community's so-called political leadership to focus efforts to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act on the White House. In fact, it was the totally ineffective effort to pass the HCPA last year, and the refusal of our political leadership to publicly put the president on the spot, that directly led to NGL's formation. Blaming the Republicans for killing the Hate Crimes Prevention Act is like blowing smoke. Did anyone seriously think the Republicans were going to let HCPA pass? Of course not. The Republicans have made perfectly clear since day one that they were going to go all out to kill any hate crime legislation. The only hope HCPA ever had, was that the president would dig in his heels and refuse to sign the budget bills unless HCPA was included. Everything else that has taken place around efforts to pass HCPA this year has been theater.
HRC organized a press conference...a press conference. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans are involved an all out political, cultural and social war with the Right at every level, the outcome of which will affect the lives of each one of us, and HRC organized a press conference. But wait, perhaps I'm being too harsh. After all, the HRC's press conference "featured Dennis and Judy Shepard." Silly me, that should have done the trick! But, then again, maybe if they dragged out Ellen...? Who knows? Who cares? On November 6, NGL board members, members and others stood in the street in front of the White House for two hours in an effort to shame the president into finding the balls to stand tough on enactment of HCPA. Despite direct invitations to join us, numerous press releases explaining exactly what we were going to do and why, two full page newspaper ads in a Washington, D.C. GLBT publication, not one--NOT ONE--person from the HRC showed up. Our largest and best funded national political organization must have been holding a press conference.
By Michael Romanello
Attention! San Francisco's Ammiano Volunteers!
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM, we'll have 45 minute "Know the Candidate" groups in which, we'll review Tom's stands on the issues, and talk about our personal reasons for voting for Tom. This will be a great chance to broaden knowledge, especially for volunteers doing bar/cafe walking, and tabling. To sign up, reply to will94117@aol.com with the time you'd like to come, or call the Castro office at 503-1529 to confirm space in your desired time slot. You can also surf our the redesigned web-site at www.ammiano4mayor.com. Keep checking it, as information and features change regularly. The campaign offices have had an inspiring response to all of our requests for computers, phones, and other needs. We are currently seeking loaner folding tables, and ironing boards. If you have one that can be loaned until Dec. 15th, please drop by Josie's Cabaret and Juice Joint - 16th and Mission. Or e-mail will94117@aol.com, and I'll arrange to have it picked up. Lastly, and quite important, Saturday night beginning at 9:00 PM, there will be a fund-raiser for Tom Ammiano at The Justice League (Divisadero @ Hayes). For more info, visit our web-site at www.ammiano4mayor.com, and go to events. The eclectic mix of rock, house, and hip-hop promise to create a party symbolic of the diverse San Francisco Tom will preserve as Mayor. If you like this kind of thing, please come! ($10-$15 sliding scale donation) Again, thank you from Tom for all of your support in this Grassroots campaign
The Ammiano Campaign
Royalties to the AIDS Fund at Christmas
The National AIDS Fund is proud to announce the availability of "Christmases to Come," a jazzy romantic holiday album. All artist and producer royalties will be donated to the Fund to support the fight against AIDS. The featured vocalists are Miss America 1998 Kate Shindle and album producer Skip Sams. The compact disk may be ordered online at www.ssprecords.com, as well as through www.amazon.com. In the Chicago area, one may find the CD at Virgin Megastore, Tower Records, and most Borders Book and Records locations.
Although it's been more than a year since Shindle ended her reign as Miss America, she has not abandoned her courageous platform issue - fighting HIV and AIDS in America. She serves as a Trustee and the spokesperson for the Fund. She is a Fellow for AIDS Action. And in 1998, she received the Funders Concerned about AIDS Humanitarian Leadership Award. Her supporters should not miss this opportunity to hear her demonstrate her strong singing abilities. The album is a perfect means for celebrating the holidays, as its message is hopeful and uplifting. Sams says that the last two songs characterize the concept of the album best. The last song and title track, "Christmases to Come," is a life affirming piece about hope for the future, written and arranged by Sams. Sams adds, "Songs included on the CD are ones you may be familiar with, but are not typically recorded." For example, they include: "Christmas Time is Here" from A Charlie Brown Christmas, "Baby, Its Cold Outside" sung as a Sams/Shindle duet, a romantic version of "What a Wonderful World," and a bratty version of "Santa Baby." There are 11 tracks in all. Sams says he is committed to the project because there seems to be a public misconception that the AIDS crisis has ended. He knows that the revenue from this project will provide important support through the National AIDS Fund to cities throughout the United States. For more information regarding the CD, please telephone Skip Sams at (773) 868-9004, or send e-mail to skip@ssprecords.com. National AIDS Fund |
Tom Ammiano 
© 1997-99 BEI