...if he continues on the current track he is taking. Not only has he abandoned the gay community, but his half-way economic policies have failed to turn the economy around, and it now appears as though he will cave in on health care reform giving up on a public option that would guarantee coverage to all or most Americans.
Who is this man Barak Obama, who gave such inspirational campaign speeches but now seems to be more like Bush-lite than change we can believe in.
He is squandering his opportunity to be a great president by allowing his handlers to run his administration based upon political expediency. He is not leading. Rather he is following the advice of his political handlers.
How sad.
Jim
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Cherry Grove RR Back In Operation
It's been a wet and cool Spring, so the town is still deserted. Nevertheless, the Cherry Grove Rail Road is back in operation. The crowds will be here soon.Jim
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Obama Betrayal: What Is To Be Done?
It should be clear everyone that team Obama made the calculation early on that they would not spend any political capital whatsoever by keeping even one of their campaign promises to the gay community. Yesterday's announcement by the President granting the gay community a few crumbs was pure damage control after the "incest" DOJ brief, nothing more. Of course, some of the usual gay Democratic Party whores like Solmonese were there to help provide cover to Obama, but we can see through that. So what is to be done?
First, we need to finally wean ourselves from the Democratic Party teat. It's been dry or poisonous for far too long. Our dependence on the Democrats has sucked the life out of what should have been our politically independent civil rights movement. Instead we can support third political parties and candidates who provide firm timetables and commitments.
Second, it's past time to organize our movement along the lines of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, so brilliantly and forcefully led by Dr. King. We need serious political themed marches and non-violent civil disobedience, not pride marches and dance parties.
The gay community appears to be finally waking up from decades of Democratic Party induced slumber. Whether or not we are able to mobilize into an effective movement for social change remains to be seen.
Jim
First, we need to finally wean ourselves from the Democratic Party teat. It's been dry or poisonous for far too long. Our dependence on the Democrats has sucked the life out of what should have been our politically independent civil rights movement. Instead we can support third political parties and candidates who provide firm timetables and commitments.
Second, it's past time to organize our movement along the lines of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, so brilliantly and forcefully led by Dr. King. We need serious political themed marches and non-violent civil disobedience, not pride marches and dance parties.
The gay community appears to be finally waking up from decades of Democratic Party induced slumber. Whether or not we are able to mobilize into an effective movement for social change remains to be seen.
Jim
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Obama Betrays The Gays - It's Not Just Me
Obama has betrayed the gays. Read all about it here.
"We are on our own folks. The Democratic party has abandoned us." - Blogger John Avavosis
Now even Barney Frank thinks that Obama's incest argument against gay marriage is OK because Obama has to follow existing law or else he would be like Bush ignoring the law. But we know that Obama didn't have to defend DOMA, and he didn't have to use every disgusting, bigoted argument in the book to do it.
We are indeed on our own...but we have been for a long time. The Democratic Party has been taking our money and our votes for a long time while doing nothing for us.
Now maybe we're finally waking up. They are not our friends.
Jim
"We are on our own folks. The Democratic party has abandoned us." - Blogger John Avavosis
Now even Barney Frank thinks that Obama's incest argument against gay marriage is OK because Obama has to follow existing law or else he would be like Bush ignoring the law. But we know that Obama didn't have to defend DOMA, and he didn't have to use every disgusting, bigoted argument in the book to do it.
We are indeed on our own...but we have been for a long time. The Democratic Party has been taking our money and our votes for a long time while doing nothing for us.
Now maybe we're finally waking up. They are not our friends.
Jim
Obama Has Abandoned The Gay Community
...and I thought Clinton was bad for gays (he was.) But the quick betrayal by this new president is incomprehensible. The story is a bit below the radar due to the turmoil in Iran. But make no mistake: Obama has another war on his hands here at home: he is now at war politically with the gay community.During the campaign, Obama pledged to end Don't Ask, Don't Tell and to repeal the Defense Of Marriage Act. Now six months into his presidency we find out that rather than repeal DOMA, Obama will defend it against challenges, and he has no plans to end DADT.
Were we lied to? Yes.
Perhaps finally gays and lesbians will wake up, stop being used by people like Obama, and demand action, not words when it comes to our rights as the price for our support.
Jim
PHOTO: St. Jean in Lyon
Friday, June 12, 2009
Obama Betrays The Gay Community Yet Again
The gay blogs are aflame with news that the Obama Department of Justice is defending the hateful Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) with a brief filed in a California same sex marriage case. In the brief , the Obama DOJ compares gay marriage to incest, among other things.
It's past time for the gay community to rise up in outrage against this man Obama, who made campaign promises to end Don't Ask, Don't Tell and to repeal the parts of DOMA that prevent legally married gays and lesbians from receiving federal benefits. We have been lied to and betrayed by Obama, who courted us and won the presidency with our money and votes.
This is an outrage!
Photo: a shop in Lyon, France with delicious treats on display.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Gay Rights: Obama's First Failure
Obama's first 100 days have come and gone, and now we're past the traditional honeymoon period and into the prime of his first year as president. Yet this self described "fierce advocate" for the rights of lesbians and gays has done nothing concrete to rectify the disgraceful anti-gay discriminatory policies that he promised to end. For example, over 200 gay and lesbian service members have been discharged under DADT since Obama took office. He has the power to stop these discharges by the stroke of a pen, yet they continue. At least Hillary Clinton ended one discriminatory policy at the State Department, yet the Obama administration has turned a deaf ear to the gay community, which is demanding action on DADT, and DOMA.
Some believe that certain mainstream gay rights organizations (HRC) actually made a deal with the Obama people to put gay rights issues on the back burner. What they got out of it was inside access to the White House, while Obama gets a pass on tackling gay issues. That's a disgrace if it's true.
Meanwhile others feel that the equality bus has already left the station leaving Obama on the platform. States like Iowa and New Hampshire have legalized same sex marriage, and even in Nevada legislators overrode the Governor's veto to pass domestic partnerships. Others have called for a national march on Washington. Where is Obama?
In May a group of gay activists, thinkers and donors met in Dallas, TX and formulated the "Dallas Principles" and uncompromising set of demands for equality now for gays and lesbians. This is actually based on Obama's rhetoric. Too bad that now that he is President Obama he doesn't act like he believes what he says:
The Dallas Principles
The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action.
In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:
1.Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.
2.We will not leave any part of our community behind.
3.Separate is never equal.
4.Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.
5.The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.
6.Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.
7.Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.
8.Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles
Some believe that certain mainstream gay rights organizations (HRC) actually made a deal with the Obama people to put gay rights issues on the back burner. What they got out of it was inside access to the White House, while Obama gets a pass on tackling gay issues. That's a disgrace if it's true.
Meanwhile others feel that the equality bus has already left the station leaving Obama on the platform. States like Iowa and New Hampshire have legalized same sex marriage, and even in Nevada legislators overrode the Governor's veto to pass domestic partnerships. Others have called for a national march on Washington. Where is Obama?
In May a group of gay activists, thinkers and donors met in Dallas, TX and formulated the "Dallas Principles" and uncompromising set of demands for equality now for gays and lesbians. This is actually based on Obama's rhetoric. Too bad that now that he is President Obama he doesn't act like he believes what he says:
The Dallas Principles
The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action.
In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:
1.Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.
2.We will not leave any part of our community behind.
3.Separate is never equal.
4.Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.
5.The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.
6.Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.
7.Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.
8.Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Of Sintra And Portugese Fado
Our last day in Portugal was a busy one.
In the morning we took a 45 minute train ride to Sintra, a beautiful resort high up in the mountains. Taking a local tourist bus we were driven to the Castle of the Moors, anold fortress that provided spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The ruins, dating from the time of the first king of Portugal, were restored in the 19th century.The 19th century was the height of Sintra, when millionaires from the country and around Europe built castles and palaces on the hillsides.
Our second stop was at the colorful Pena Palace, turned from a 16th century monastery into a Victorian Age, multi-roomed showplace by King Ferdinand. The lavish and excessive furniture and decorations were still in tact, and the palace attracts throngs of tourists from all over.
After a lengthy luncheon in the center of town, we went to the Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, a great 16th century structure with fantastic chimnies that resembled cones or witches ' hats. The decorative tile work and gilt ceilings were the best we saw on the trip, though fewer tourists visit the Royal Palace.
Jim picked out our next attraction, the Toy Museum. Though it did not have a large collection of toy trains (Jim's special hobby) the museum had such unique items as Nazi toy soldiers from the WW II period. The founder of the museum was there, rolling around in his wheelchair, and he spoke proudly of his collection. He had spent 50 years building up the collection, and had more toys in his house in Lisbon. When I told him how much I enjoyed the German figurines, he pointed out how two small figures in a toy limousine, made to represent Hitler and Mussolini, were different heights, with the former a couple heads taller than his Italian counterpart!
Our last attraction in Sintra was a recently opened palace with extensive gardens full of grottoes, wells and fountains. The 'Quinta' was no longer furnished, but it had been designed by Manini, an Italian stage designer and architect of the mid-19th century, and had recently been classified as a Unesco World Heritage site. (If I had been on the Unesco committee, I'd have chosen the unique Royal Palace instead, but the Quinta was fantastic.)
After taking the train back to Lisbon, we headed back to the Bairro Alto for dinner (note the different spelling from the Spanish 'barrio', though it means the same.) We went to a Fado cafe, where tourists are jammed next to each other at long tables. The restaurant featured two guitar players and three singers of fado songs; one woman was quite good and Jim bought her CD, which is fun and a great musical memento of the trip.
The next morning we flew back to Philadelphia on a sparsely populated US Airway jet. Now we're back on Fire Island, but still have fond memories of a spectacular and busy journey though southern France and a few days in Portugal.
In the morning we took a 45 minute train ride to Sintra, a beautiful resort high up in the mountains. Taking a local tourist bus we were driven to the Castle of the Moors, anold fortress that provided spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The ruins, dating from the time of the first king of Portugal, were restored in the 19th century.The 19th century was the height of Sintra, when millionaires from the country and around Europe built castles and palaces on the hillsides.
Our second stop was at the colorful Pena Palace, turned from a 16th century monastery into a Victorian Age, multi-roomed showplace by King Ferdinand. The lavish and excessive furniture and decorations were still in tact, and the palace attracts throngs of tourists from all over.
After a lengthy luncheon in the center of town, we went to the Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, a great 16th century structure with fantastic chimnies that resembled cones or witches ' hats. The decorative tile work and gilt ceilings were the best we saw on the trip, though fewer tourists visit the Royal Palace.
Jim picked out our next attraction, the Toy Museum. Though it did not have a large collection of toy trains (Jim's special hobby) the museum had such unique items as Nazi toy soldiers from the WW II period. The founder of the museum was there, rolling around in his wheelchair, and he spoke proudly of his collection. He had spent 50 years building up the collection, and had more toys in his house in Lisbon. When I told him how much I enjoyed the German figurines, he pointed out how two small figures in a toy limousine, made to represent Hitler and Mussolini, were different heights, with the former a couple heads taller than his Italian counterpart!
Our last attraction in Sintra was a recently opened palace with extensive gardens full of grottoes, wells and fountains. The 'Quinta' was no longer furnished, but it had been designed by Manini, an Italian stage designer and architect of the mid-19th century, and had recently been classified as a Unesco World Heritage site. (If I had been on the Unesco committee, I'd have chosen the unique Royal Palace instead, but the Quinta was fantastic.)
After taking the train back to Lisbon, we headed back to the Bairro Alto for dinner (note the different spelling from the Spanish 'barrio', though it means the same.) We went to a Fado cafe, where tourists are jammed next to each other at long tables. The restaurant featured two guitar players and three singers of fado songs; one woman was quite good and Jim bought her CD, which is fun and a great musical memento of the trip.
The next morning we flew back to Philadelphia on a sparsely populated US Airway jet. Now we're back on Fire Island, but still have fond memories of a spectacular and busy journey though southern France and a few days in Portugal.
Dan
Friday, May 22, 2009
Trip Finale!
Top photo: What a ham! A playful sea otter at the Oceanaria in Lisbon.Middle photo: Jeronimos monastery in Lisbon
Bottom photo: St. Sernin in Toulouse
The last day in France, a very exhausting day, started with the recovery of lost laundry from the front desk of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Montauban. This is written just to tell readers that travel, besides being enjoyable, is also arduous, sometimes perplexing and vexing. Does this sound like end-of-the-trip weariness? Indeed, we're both looking forward to flying back to Philadelphia tomorrow. Yesterday Jim calculated that he drove over a heroic 1,000 miles through southern France!
After checking out from the hotel in Montauban, we drove south to Toulouse, the fifth largest urban center in France. It was much more built up than remembered (when my friend Jet and I drove there almost thirty years ago), and might be considered a larger, still pink-brick cousin of such beautiful cities as Montauban and Albi. We left the car at the airport and took a bus into the city of Toulouse, walking in its old alleyways to eat lunch and visit a few sights. The best was the remarkable Romanesque cathedral of St.Sernin, one of the finest architectural treasures in France. Its broad nave and clearly articulated barrel-vaulted ceiling soared heavenwards.
Late in the same day, at 7 PM, our flight left Toulouse for Lisbon. We gained an hour, due to a time change, during the two hour flight, and the sky shone bright, if cool in the Portugese capitol. After a very late dinner, we tumbled into bed.
The next day we covered as much of Lisbon as possible. In the morning we took a cab to the Museu de Arte Antiga, which has a medium-sized collection featuring some major gems: works by Durer, Zubaran, Nunco Gonzalvez (the most important Portugese painter) and best of all, Bosch's fantastic "Temptation of St. Anthony," a painting which may depict a black mass.
Then we took a bus to the Hieronymite Monastery, the most important building in Lisbon. It's a huge complex, with chapter house, cloister and church all carved from warm-colored stone in the elaborate Manueline style, unique to early Renaissance Portugal. Ropes and other sea-motives are set in stone on the walls, alongside kingly shields, and saint's heads. This Unesco world heritage site, thronged with tourists, is near the Tagus River and the ocean. It reminds one that Portugal achieved its stature 500 years ago from its brave sailors, the most famed being Vasco da Gama, who is buried in the monastery's huge and ornate church.
After lunch we parted ways for the afternoon. Jim took a bus to the Oceanio, one of the world's largest aquariums, where he took extensive photos of playful sea otters, fish and other sea creatures. I went to the Gulbenkian Foundation's art museum, and enjoyed some of the masterpieces of that collection, including art works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Manet, Houdon, Lalique and many others. Calouste Gulbenkian was an early 20th century collector with exquisite taste and great means, and when he died he left his collection to Lisbon.
In the evening Jim and I explored the old section of town, the Bairro Alto, a neighborhood built on small hills, full of tascas (typical restaurants), bars and places where one can hear Fado, the unique Portugese folk songs. Though I was disappointed by the simple food, Jim enjoyed it very much, and it's certainly hearty. That's what happens after spending two weeks in France--one's palette expects only the best!
Today we'll take a train to Sintra, a nearby resort, mainly built in the 19th century. Then tomorrow it's the big return to the United States, home sweet home. Adieu, France and Portugal.
Dan
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
An Excursion To Moissac
Tuesday we took our last excursion from Montauban. It was an easy, half hour drive west to Moissac. There, we saw the remarkable abbey church and adjoining cloister of St. Pierre. The Romanesque statuary in the tympanum of the church are some of the most celebrated examples of that type of sculpture, and prove amazing to look at. Figures are elongated, and fanciful yet full of deep emotion, created for pilgrims to venerate. After a pleasant lunch in the square opposite the church we drove back early to Montauban to spend a final afternoon relaxing. Jim swam in the hotel pool, and Dan took a brief stroll to the city center to see Hardouin's neo-classical Cathedral.
Tomorrow we drive to Toulouse and then fly to Lisbon. Stay tuned for our adventures in sunny Portugal.
Dan
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