Barney Frank finally speaks: I'm mad at what's going on, but keep the gay ATM open

What was that Dick Armey said back in the day?

Other than that, I. Am. Speechless.

---

by: kevinchi @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:11:20 AM CDT

Money, money, money!

Speaking of Army...

It's a good idea to close to the purse strings to the Dems, let's put that money to good use.
How about supporting gay veterans?

It makes sense to support those who are working with veterans and legislators to both end DADT and help actual gay veterans.

Here are two good places to start, both of these are run by actual veterans as well:

Servicemembers United: http://servicemembersunited.org/

Service Women's Action Network "About Face" project: http://www.servicewomen.org/?p...

---

by: ArmyVet @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 14:14:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

well now we know who will be attending Obama's crumb feast

this evening.  

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

Lurleen on Twitter.

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by: Lurleen @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:15:15 AM CDT

If true, it's not bad poiltics

After all, Barney is the gay politician. Remember, all this photo op shit isn't for us. It's for straight clueless America.

We need to as best as possible beat Obama to the punch on this. Barney Frank does NOT speak for the gay community. And he definitely isn't in this instance.

---

by: kevinchi @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:20:07 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

He is like bringing out a World One Vet to speak for the military

Aged, out of touch, irrevelant to our current needs...
and certainly not the spokes-gay of the Revolution

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

---

by: MauraHennessey @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:38:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Barney is 'the' gay politician

who maneuvered to exclude transpeople from ENDA while gutting ENDA until it was acceptable to the Chamber of Commerce bigots and the Republicans.

Barney is 'the' gay politician who won't get married in Massachusetts because he wants to run for the Senate and is afraid of alienating catholics, baptists and other bigots.

Barney is 'the' gay politician who opposed Newsome when he granted marriage licenses in Frisco.

Barney is about as gay as Obama is gay friendly. And surprise, they're both Democrats and liberals.

With Barney and Barry driving the bus who needs Republicans?  

The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

---

by: donal1944 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 14:55:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

donal, to us of course not

but to heterosexual America, he is the gay politican.

That was my point, clumsily stated.

---

by: kevinchi @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:03:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I wan't jumping your bones Kevin, just adding my 10 cents worth. And here's another 2 cents...

Barney Frank is a homophobe and a Quisling (afraid of the whole GLBT thing, especially the T thing) while Obama is, by his actions, a homobigot (a hater). It matters not at all what Obama thinks underneath all the pandering and bigotry, on the street he's a hater.

Obamas open hostility emboldens the thugs who harass, beat and occasionally murder young GLBT folks, especially young men and transfolks who aren't 'masculine' enough or 'feminine' enough to pass muster in school yards or in the military.  

The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

---

by: donal1944 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:31:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm disagree that Obama can be called a "liberal".

Whether one agrees with liberalism, or not, Obama's actions smack more of illiberalism than liberalism.

---

by: rfloh @ Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 01:23:07 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well maybe, but liberal and conservtive don't mean squat anymore, if they ever did.

Both parties are right centrist and their differences are either cosmetic or part of their turf war over the spoils of power. They go into to politics to hustle and get rich like Obama, Johnson, Nixon and Frank or in the case of gazillionaires like Pelosi, Feinstein, the Kennedys, Rockefellers or Bushes to protect their wealth.

That's been pretty much the case since Reconstruction was betrayed and replaced by Jim Crow and that's a long, long time. Socialists, 'Progressives' and populists are an exception but most current and past Democratic (sic) and Republican politicians are venal hustlers who have no clue about what a principle is or why it might be important.

 

The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

---

by: donal1944 @ Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 02:00:26 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

fuck you barney !

Any fool that attends this dinner loves one thing alone - power. At least barney is no longer lying. He is the borgs conduit to our pockets..lose that power and he knows HE is toast..and he loves his job way way more than the lgbtq population. He is a politican first and foremost - back tracked played us all mightily ...and has the fuckin nerve to present ENDA next week when we cannot get Hate Crimes out of Committe  - wasn't he the douche nozzle that said in 07 we all just cannot understand how hard it is on the Hill - He is our worst enemy for fuck sake. sorry but that's the way its looking to me. play us, just keep playing dude we are onto you.  He is shitting bricks because he will lose any POWER broker status he has - he colludes to bring them OUR MONEY.

starve the lying mother fuckers !

---

by: proudprogressive @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:16:20 AM CDT

and Tammy Baldwin too

Although not as sniveling as Frank's statement, Tammy Baldwin's statement about the brief was just insultingly pathetic. At least Jared Polis managed to convey a hint of passion about being called a child rapist and sibling-fucker.

---

by: uh_huhh @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:34:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Barney Frank is useless

He takes every opportunity to remind us that "now is not the time" to demand our civil rights. With "allies" like him, who needs Republicans?

---

by: exfundie @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:18:23 AM CDT

He is our past

The accomodationist, currying of favours for a favoured few "A-List" conserva-queer gays, past of LGBT activism, or lack thereof.

The Revolution is on, and Barney simply is now a historical footnote in activism...

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

---

by: MauraHennessey @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:51:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

He is our past

exactly

---

by: indigo32 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:06:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yeah that was the problem cousin-f*cker was just a poor word choice

It's not like the thought behind those words are just as ugly.

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

---

by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:18:38 AM CDT

Yeah sure Barney.

---

by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:19:36 AM CDT

stay FIERCE barney

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

---

by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:20:22 AM CDT

BZZZT WRONG ANSWER

There goes my esteem and admiration for Frank and couldn't he of the cutting remark have come up with anything a bit stronger than that the wording in the DOMA brief was "inappropriate". Disgusted. Totally.

---

by: Dieter @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:21:25 AM CDT

We need to boycott

For decades gays have given the DNC money because they hated us less. And now when they have the full capabilities to return the favor through legislation they haven't gotten 1 bill through both houses in 6 months. The boycott is necessary.

Are we suppose to believe that Reid and the Senate had an epiphany last night and will begin acting? ENDA and Hate crimes as well as DOMA all go through the Judiciary Committee, they are suppose to hold hearings & mark-up sessions with Sotomayor's nomination getting closer?

As for the Health Benefits, they are going to be BS. They will probably be taxable because of DOMA and SS will not be conferred because of DOMA. DOMA needs to be repealed. It would solve the health benefits issue, the retirement issue and make the UAFA unnecessary.

The DNC LGBT dinner needs to be postponed not our rights.

---

by: msark @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:21:44 AM CDT

Boycott and protest

We need to be a presence, protesting at every single government event til that government gives us our full citizenship and equality--all of us

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

---

by: MauraHennessey @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:54:39 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I agree about the protest

Its hard for people who can't afford to attend to organize a boycott, but they sure as heck can protest.

---

by: Jake Gellar-Goad @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:02:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No $ for Bigots

I have never given money to people who publically oppose my civil rights (read DOJ brief) and I will not start now.  

The Democratic party seems to be genuinely flummoxed over the reaction to their DOJ brief and their other snafus regarding broken promises to the GLBTQ community.

My advice to Obama and gang is to grow a brain.  You simply cannot shit all over people and expect for them to pay to gain enterence to your gross dinner parties.

I am through with most Democrats on their deafening silence on our civil rights struggle and I am forever over Obama.

Obama: Lead, follow or get the hell out of our way!  With friends like you, who needs enemies?

vanhattan

---

by: vanhattan @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:22:36 AM CDT

well when the DNC

gets up off it's ass and does something for the LGBT, then the LGBT will have a REASON to give money to the DNC.

Right now we've got a lot of "Yes I know this sucks, but if you'll just bear with us for a few years..."

Enough.  
It's 2009.

I'm through trying to convince people that I'm a person, a citizen, worthy of the same rights as everyone else. If the past couple decades hasn't been enough time for everyone to get cozy with the idea that LGBT = people, then the DNC has failed to do their job. Individuals MIGHT get my vote, but the DNC ain't gettin any of my time or money any more.

---

by: PunkZanyJ @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:25:05 AM CDT

When the DNC does everything

that we need for equality, then we stop protesting

ACT-UP!
"This is the Revolution"
Sylvia Rivera at Stonewall

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

---

by: MauraHennessey @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:56:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Then we don't have to worry about giving them anything.

The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

---

by: donal1944 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 14:59:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"innappropriate"

the WORDING was "innappropriate"?!?!?!

EFF THAT!!!

---

by: grover nerdkissed @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:28:20 AM CDT

This reponse...

Barney Frank's response shows that we're on exactly the right track for getting what we want. They're already freaked out we're going to cut off the $$ and keep it that way until we actually get something from them.

No gay rights = no gay $$!

---

by: cbear @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:30:18 AM CDT

Loss of gay $ = loss of power for Barney

Lyndon Johnson based his power and influence on controlling access to Texas oil money.  Barney is seen by DC politicos as strongly influencing, if not controlling, the Gay ATM.  

No gay money equals a loss of influence for Barney.

Get used to it folks -- this happens when people are in office for so long.  Their constituents become their colleagues and the lobbying community before the people who vote for them.

---

by: Smartypants @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:51:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Last night when my blood pressure was reaching the boiling point

I wrote every Democrat Senator telling them we are angrier than we've been in a decade, and to sponsor repeal of DADT, or don't expect one gay dime, or one gay vote.

It helped channel my outrage....try it.

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

---

by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:31:12 AM CDT

Obama sent out an e-mail this morning

asking for money (in the setting of health care reform ... the health care that apparently won't be available in the benefits package for partners of GLBT federal employees).

This administration is bouncing off walls over GLBT people.  I think they should consider getting an advisor or two in there who actually know something about GLBT Americans.  Obviously Obama and the rest of his gang are clueless.  

But it's fun to watch them run around like headless chickens.

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by: Mike in Texas @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:32:39 AM CDT

Yep. As soon as I got that email...

I went in the trash. I won't be lifting a finger to help unless and until the President's plans include us, all of us.

Act on Principles and make equality happen.  

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by: atdnext @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:43:20 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Unsubscribe

I think that's what started freaking them out. I was one of a lot of people who unsubscribed from those emails (from both email accounts) and put a VERY clear message into the reason for the unsubscribe. Not only will you not give them money, but you are turning off their ability to beg for it.  

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by: CPT_Doom @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:10:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Here's My Unsubscribe Message

You people either have enormous gall or are complete idiots to send this fundraising appeal out in the context of health insurance reform on the day Obama announces his little table scrap to GLBT Americans consisting of a couple of federal employee job benefits to unmarried couples WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE.

I have to wonder just who is advising the Democratic party and the administration on equal rights issues.  You're all bouncing off walls making utter fools of yourselves.  

But it just gives American GLBT people living proof of what we've known all along.  Homophobia short-circuts the part of the brain responsible for rationality.

---

by: Mike in Texas @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:30:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Log Cabin Republicans

If there is anything the Log Cabin Republicans have taught us, it is that you can keep feeding the beast money, but it isn't going to give you a damn thing as long as you sit politely by without asking for anything in return.

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by: ChristopherM @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:33:39 AM CDT

Kind of ironic

That I heard Barney give a speech once in which he said, "If you can't take their money, then vote against them, you're really not cut out for politics."

---

by: Smartypants @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:54:28 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not "asking." DEMANDING.

Cynic, n.  A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.  
-Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

---

by: QScribe @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:32:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

oh my!

Demanding would be unseemly!  LOL!

---

by: ChristopherM @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:33:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I heard Washington Blade will be photographing who attends the DNC fundraiser

They should title the pictures

Our FIERCE Leaders

nothing like equal parts shame, ridicule, and sarcasm to make A-Queens scramble for the hinterlands.

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

---

by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:35:56 AM CDT

Washington Blade

Any gay org that sends someone to this fundraiser will also not be getting a dime from me.

---

by: cbear @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:42:06 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Er, to clarify

I mean anyone they photograph going in. After I hit post, I realized it could be interpreted as though I were chastising the Washington Blade. I'm not -- they're doing a great thing.

---

by: cbear @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:43:06 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Disappointed in Barney

and Tammy, and all the Democrats' other house queers who are playing along with this.

And I agree with cbear: Any LGBT organization that participates in this sham is an org that will earn my lasting contempt and suspicion, and will not see a dime from me.

---

by: earthlingblues @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:55:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I agree

I know HRC is not always on the right side, but I sent them a contribution because of Solmonese's letter over the brief and pulling out of this fundraiser.

---

by: uh_huhh @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:39:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wanna bet they change course

and go anyway?  Joe's pathetic statement today seems to suggest they're leaning that way.

Cynic, n.  A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.  
-Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

---

by: QScribe @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:34:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I wouldn't be surprised.

How appropriate that Obama is sending Biden to talk to them. Obama is defending DOMA, and Biden voted for it. You have to give the administration credit for its clarity, if nothing else.

---

by: earthlingblues @ Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 00:12:36 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

That's why they sent the letter to Obama. To raise money to hold more dinners, symposia, and bloated salaries.

HRC is usually on the wrong side and it's because they're a front group for the Democrats.

They're agents of the Obama Administration pretending to be part of the movement.

The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

---

by: donal1944 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:04:51 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

You are correct!

---

by: meileen @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 21:04:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

This still applies.

Unless and until Obama & the DNC leaders stop paying politics with our very lives, I will ONLY be giving to pro-equality Democrats and pro-equality campaigns (like WA Ref 71 & ME marriage equality).

Sorry, Barney. I love you, but I can't give anything to the DNC if all they'll be doing is "rainbow washing" all this "fierce advocacy" of inaction.

Act on Principles and make equality happen.  

---

by: atdnext @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:38:29 AM CDT

theme of DNC fundraiser

Money 4 NOTHING

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

---

by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:43:45 AM CDT

Perfect

The Dire Straights song "Money 4 Nothing" is the one that originally included that line about "that little f-ggot with the earring and the makeup." Good pick for today's Democratic Party!

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by: uh_huhh @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:29:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'll go you one further, petey...

Should those who would still give to the DNC be relabeled as "Log Cabin Democrats"???

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners

Click here for DADT photobook

---

by: Louise @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:38:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

or stepford fags

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

---

by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:46:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I think so!

Louise, that's a good idea! LOL

Many liberal gays poke fun at republican gays for handing over their $$ towards their own demise.  

The same can be said about democrat gays handing their $$ over to the dems, especially at this point and time.  

I'm assuming gays have always supported democrats by default, but we should now be officially up for grabs.  

So who gives a shit?  Who's willing to WORK for our votes, support and $$$?  Oh, and "talk" isn't acceptable payment anymore.

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by: bluegrassfool @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:46:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I want full credit for any signs made up

and a DONATION to EQME...

Screw the DNC- let's put money where it can do some damned GOOD.

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners

Click here for DADT photobook

---

by: Louise @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:52:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Rock Their Boat

Not only the republicans, but the democrats have been rocking our boat for decades.  All lip-service and taking gay $$$.  

Now it's time to rock THEIR boat a little.  Or a LOT.  

Stop donating to dems all together and see what happens.  Don't be like Gandhi, be like Rosa Parks.  

---

by: bluegrassfool @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:43:58 AM CDT

Now that the movement has left Rep Frank behind in the past

he bravely steps forward behind us to denounce DOMA from the rear.

Notice the curious timing, we shut off the money spigot and prepare to disrupt Obama appearances, and Mr Franks sudddenly jumps in to support us buut likely primarily to stop us.

Sorry Represenative Frank, the outrage of a people will not be taken over by the failed leaders of the past, and Sir, you are our past, not our future.

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

---

by: MauraHennessey @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:44:24 AM CDT

"I'M MAD AS HELL..."

"I'M MAD AS HELL...& i'm only gonna take it for the next seven years!!!"

---

by: grover nerdkissed @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 11:55:34 AM CDT

Keep it going

I have been telling fundraisers calling me for a couple months now that I wont give anything more until I see some bills passed and signed into law. They were surprised and argued that DNC (or whatever organization) needs the money first before they can move any legislation. I said I have heard that for a decade and what is there to show?  NOT ONE... repeat, NOT ONE piece of gay supportive federal legistlation and in Florida where I live, NOT ONE piece of gay supportive statewide legistlation.  I cut back on my spending last year and gave well over $1,000 to various groups in that important election cycle.  I want to see something for it.  I even told one group that for each gay supportive piece of legislation that becomes law I will give them $50.  Is that buying votes?

I shut off the tap and so should everyone who cares about true Equality.

---

by: jaxtom @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:23:57 PM CDT

PARTY HACK FIRST, GAY MAN SECOND

Barney Frank has always put the party way ahead of the gay community. This is completely typical of him.

---

by: uh_huhh @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:25:41 PM CDT

Republicans are you listening????

Disgruntled Democratic supporters and donors here for the taking. A little outreach might go a long way if you stop catering to Jesus-freak bigotry.

---

by: uh_huhh @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:31:25 PM CDT

Not just the cash box, THE BALLOT BOX

Venal, venal, venal. Their party deserves more loyalty than their people? Okay, noted. So what now?  

It's not enough to deny them our money. Elections are won and lost on tiny percentages of votes.

They need to be put on notice that the gay VOTE is no longer guaranteed either.

Think about it: if a political party runs out of money, they just vote themselves a helping hand. But they can't grant themselves more VOTES. What were the Southern states most afraid of? The black VOTE. We must go to the polls and cast our vote elsewhere so the DNC can measure precisely what they've chosen to forswear.  

The Ralph Nader Effect certainly got their attention, didn't it?  

Collaborators will predictably whine that all of this ultimately "benefits the enemy." Perhaps it does as a collateral matter. But being good soldiers hasn't worked.  

They will not change their ways until we do.

Seriously, how much more clear can they make this point?

---

by: thecrustybastard.blogspot.com @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:50:31 PM CDT

Me kicking the "hope" box

Like Pandora, Obama let the evil out of the box (anti-gay legal brief) and when the lid was closed only "hope" was left at the bottom.  Screw Barney's/DNC "hope".  It won't play with me anymore.

Same-Sex Marriage is good for the economy.

---

by: CharlesMerrill @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 12:57:55 PM CDT

Call McClurkin, Don't Bug Us

Maybe Barney can call up Obama's "ex-gay" buddy Donnie McClurkin to make up for all the lost money.

Surely all those queers would totally dig Donnie's lisping songs about "loving Jeethus", in between his antigay rants and threats.

---

by: bluegrassfool @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:01:17 PM CDT

Don't forget southern baptist bigot Warren and Obama's Council of Spirit Advisors.

They can chip in too. And der papenfuehuer, the moron council of elders and even FOF.  

The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

---

by: donal1944 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:10:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ugh

Don't even remind me about FotF, especially being invited into the White House, when they were working against Obama being elected.  I guess he wasn't "uppity" enough to decline his invite.

---

by: bluegrassfool @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:53:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Barney Frank is pathetic

It took him this long to announce ENDA, only as a result of this fundraiser brouhaha, and only as an appeasement tool.  I bet you anything he'll be on MSNBC or somewhere in a couple months talking about how ENDA is dead for one reason or another (the highest likelihood being that the transgender inclusion has stopped it in its tracks).  Barney is an experienced, savvy senator in the pure political sense, but but don't confuse him to be a fierce advocate of LGBT rights at the moment.

---

by: Bruno @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:06:41 PM CDT

TOO Little, TOO Late... you are NOT on our Bus FRANK...

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

---

by: Orion45 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:10:47 PM CDT

...just quit HRC for good.

..and not another dime to ANY DEM, until we get Equal Rights for All, as our Constitution promises us.

 

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

---

by: Orion45 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:12:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I quit giving money to the Democrats

AND Obama after the South Carolina Homophobic Road Show.

fuck 'em all.  I'm taking care of ME AND MINE.

I will give money again when something looks inspirational to me.  Right now, I don't see it.

---

by: Tom P @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:15:37 PM CDT

What a disappointment

I used to think Barney Frank would make a great President.

I was mistaken.

Apparently, Dick Armey knew him better than I.

The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in time of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality. -- John F. Kennedy (inspired by Dante's Inferno)

---

by: oldbrit @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:20:11 PM CDT

Get rid of all these lame polticians!

I've always said, today in DC there is no difference between a Democrat and a republicon. They all think they belong to a special private club where they protect only themselves.

They work for WE THE PEOPLE and it's time to remind them by kicking them out if they don't work for our good.

And yes, Barney is PATHETIC and an enabler of the abuse the GLBT has been getting.  He is NOT a leader anymore.

boycott the stupid DNC fundraiser now!

No Gay Equality = No Gay $$$

---

by: Juan @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:25:37 PM CDT

PER PAM: Re THE Pres toniight.

No Delays, No Excuses. He's the one who appointed himself to lead on this. If he chooses not to, for whatever reason, political, personal, I don't really care. The bottom line is that the LGBT community has had enough with the games, and now the outright dehumanization represented by the DOMA brief.

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

---

by: Orion45 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:31:18 PM CDT

I'm starting to think that THESE folks have it right

http://www.bilerico.com/2009/0...

No, not Bilerico.  The Indiana Equality people.  At least partially.  They have their problems and inconsistancies, but look for the underlying reasoning for their statement.

The first clue is the counter statement about them from HRC:  

"spokesperson Brad Luna noted that no representative of the national organization sits on the Indiana Equality or Indiana Equality Action boards.

"No one officially representing HRC is on the board or voted on this measure," said Luna."

That alone prompted me to keep reading.

The Stonewall Dems had an equally wishy-washy "don't bite the hand that feeds you" message.

I'm not saying to go out and derail the fights against DOMA, DADT or ight for ENDA.  But, they are all just little, incomplete pieces and incrementalism is not the way to gain full equality.  It'll get you close, but never quite the same rights as everyone else.  Not one of these little pieces provides full equality for it's area of application.  But, the hope is they'll keep us just happy enough.

The politicians are trying to have their cake and eat it too.  They attempt to placate us (all LGBT* people) only when their backs (or wallets) are up against the wall...and then they throw us only the bare minimum but try to sell it as something great.  Or they give us Truth is, they don't want to stick their necks out at all.  And they are not sticking their necks out at all.  And they won't stick their necks out at all.  They are too worried about how it would appear, to be fighting for The Gay.  Boiled down, they are ashamed of us.  

Enough!

Enough accepting crumbs, enough waiting for our turn, enough getting rear-axle greased.  If we are going to fight for our rights, let's do once and do it right.  We fight for full equality for everyone, all the time.  We start out with that as our goal and we say it loudly.  We follow up with monetary messages such as pulling donations with full explanation.  We ralley.  We picket.  We boycott.  We get on the news and we hop onto blogs and sites we normally avoid.  We have meetings with those who represent us and let them know in no uncertain terms what is good enough and what isn't.  We need to take control.

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by: sarasnavel @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:49:00 PM CDT

Stonewall Dems?

I stopped listening to them when they told me John Kerry was our gay savior.

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by: uh_huhh @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 14:27:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

can't wait to hear from the Veep

It would be presumptuous of me to suggest to the gay and lesbian Democrats how they should run their political fundraiser or to suggest to the wealthy LGBTs in attendance how they should spend their money.  Those politicians know how to get money and those gays know how to act rich.  I have next to nothing in common with any of them them, really, and of course they could care less about what I think.  Notwithstanding all of that, I still have some good wishes for their dinner.

Wish #1.

Difficult though it may be, I wish that Rep. Barney Frank and the other hosts will find some way to loosen Vice President Joe Biden's tongue enough to get him to demand faster immediate actions by the Congress.  

Wish #2.

I have the impression, which ever grows stronger, that working within the American legislative process is like slogging waist-deep through particularly viscous sewage.  My wish for the event's politicians is that they take really good showers and put on clean clothes before the event.

Wish #3.

My wish for the LGBT rich folks who attend the event is that they send their donations to me, instead.   (Oh, and inspect the bottom crust of the cheesecake.  If it's greenish, pass up desert.)

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by: KerryGinn @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 14:16:14 PM CDT

Yeah, whatever Barney.

"I think it's a mistake to deny money to the DNC."

We have a Democratic President and solid majorities in both houses of Congress, but there has been almost no movement on any federal legislation on GLBT rights.  Some bills (such as a repeal of DADT) will likely not see the light of day in the forseeable future.  So continuing to contribute to the DNC has gotten (and will get) us...what...exactly?

I have no doubts whatsoever that the bigwigs on the Hill dispatched Frank to make this plea with the thoughts that since he's a generally well-respected Congressman and he's gay, that would simply recognize the foolishness of our outrage and heed his call -- to continue to be the good fundraising footsoldiers for the DNC and the Democratic Party that we have reliably been for so long.

Well, f*** that noise.  I'm well beyond tired of having my time, money, and votes taken for granted.

As others here have stated, Barney Frank is our past.  I value his many contributions over the years, but he is simply out of touch of the current needs of the GLBT community.  Take whatever he says with a grain of salt.

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by: racaulk @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 14:24:18 PM CDT

The cheap concessions and Barneys babbling are acts of desperation

that expose what we really mean to the Democrats. Money.  

These feeble, temporary concessions don't include the military so as not to create any embarrassing problems as Obama continues to robustly enforce Bill Clintons DADT.

They're meant to pacify our communities after the exposure of the Obama Administrations open bigotry in their comments supporting DOMA. That won't happen. The main effect of these temporary concessions will be to make people angrier (except for the Obots.)

If the Obama administration and the Democrats hadn't become such openly hostile bigots they'd see that this little sop is actually an embarrassment to them and an insult to our communities. Do they really think we're that cheap? Evidently they do because there are still GLBT Democrats who support them and attack same sex marriage.  

It seems evident thought that most people who blundered and voted for Democrats are angry about this one. The Administrations obvious strategy, supported by Congressional Democrats is to ignore us until the next election cycle, when they'll drop us like they did in 2007 and get back to pandering as usual.

With Democrats like this driving the bus who really needs Republicans?  

When will those who put their partisanship before the needs of the movement by pushing votes for Obama, McCain and other bigots begin to draw the lessons of their ham-fisted bungling political errors.  

The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

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by: donal1944 @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 14:42:15 PM CDT

I just lost all respect for Barney Frank...

What a bitter disappointment.  I would describe exactly what I think of him now, but the terminology I would have to use is a bit incendiary and hearkens back to slave days when certain slaves got to live in the master's house.

Plus, everything the Odoma's memorandum contains is ALREADY permitted to the fed agencies involved.  Odoma's pulling a fast one on us -- again.  They must think we're awfully stupid.  

This entire situation gets more and more insulting by the hour, Odoma should just STFU at this point, but I imagine he'll keep digging this hole for some time to come just because of his sheer cluelessness on GLBT issues.

Folks, we've got a major bigot in the white house, and nothing but total sell-outs like Frank, and worse, in Congress.

We need some kind of DIRECT ACTION, surely there is some way that THIRTY MILLION glbt people and their allies can affect this situation.

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by: Storm @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:18:37 PM CDT

"They must think we're awfully stupid."

Of course - just like how the majority thought blacks were stupid several decades ago.  That is, until they turned the tables and done what is possibly happening now in the gay community.

Ironic that it's happening while a black male is president.

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by: bluegrassfool @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:40:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

a helpful suggestion

Any way of sponsoring The Rude Pundit, and Sacha Baron Cohen (as Bruno) to attend the event? I'm sure that they would make it a night to remember.

Just trying to think positively here.

Excuse me, but I have to see a man about a crunchy frog.

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by: coram nobis @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 15:33:16 PM CDT

Barney Frank, et al.

So...after cutting off our noses to spite our faces, what's next? Vote Republican???  Maybe we will really love a President Palin, or a Secretay of State O'Reilly, or an Attorney General Gingrich??? How about a Presidential Advisor Coulter? Or a National Security Advisor Limbaugh?

 Go for it!!!

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by: Pineapple @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 16:03:20 PM CDT

That Was 2000-2008.

And that bunch will STILL be around whoring themselves for years to come, gay rights or no.

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by: bluegrassfool @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 16:17:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Guess what...

we're over your stupid argument.  In fact, I'm so over it, I resent it.  If we don't have control over our own situation, then I don't care if it IS President Palin in the White House treating us like shit instead of President Obama in the White House treating us like shit.  We're still being treated like shit, you're just too blinded by being given lip service but really being denigrated by the Democratic Party  to see how little difference it makes unless we stand up for ourselves.

Enjoy your Democrats, most of the rest of us are now more concerned with the fight for our rights not being ignored.

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by: Bruno @ Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 16:45:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yep...

That would be a huge wake up call, and we would likely be no worse off.

Hate stops a beating heart.

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by: KarenS @ Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 10:16:38 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Has anyone thought to pledge on contingency?

i.e.  Dear Mr President, Barney Frank, & co:

"The money will come in, when you come through.  DOMA must go away.  DADT must go away."  Then my check(s) for $xxx.xx will go through for you.

Hate stops a beating heart.

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by: KarenS @ Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 10:05:19 AM CDT