Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Right-wing evangelicals interrupt defense of Mike Pence's faith to attack Obama's faith

Right-wing evangelicals seem to have lies about Obama programmed in their heads.

The right-wing evangelicals of America are having another "everyone hates us because we love Jesus" pity party today. This one has to do with comments The View's Joy Behar made about Mike Pence's so-called Christian faith.

I'm not even going to try to explain this mess. I will just say that folks on that side of the political spectrum again figuratively drowned themselves with magnums of salty tears squeezed from pools of self-pity. It's another way in which they  stroke their own egos by pretending to be God's chosen people in so-called sinful, demonic, homosexual ridden world. And of course they hoisted the guest of honor in their pity part, Mike Pence, on a throne of thorns, proclaiming him as the martyr of hostility to the "Christian" community, either ignorant of indifferent to the fact that if there were truly any growing hostility it would be in reaction to them thinking that they (right-wing, evangelical, predominantly white) are the only "true Christians" in America.

Case in point is an article via the American Family Association's fake news source, One News Now, chronicling the situation between Behar and Pence. Those who are familiar with One News Now  already know that the article will be ridiculously one-sided. It's the comments which are golden. A certain individual (yours truly) made the strategic point to remind folks that it wasn't long ago that some of them attacked Obama's faith:




Your criticism of Behar may be warranted but I think there is an intentional decision to give this non-issue more attention than it deserves. Also, I can remember when a lot of folks upset over this didn't give Obama his respect when he spoke of his Christian faith.


Who knew that right-wing evangelical Christians could sprout fangs so quickly?

'Anti-LGBTQ hate groups feud with each other over CPAC attendance' & other Wed midday news briefs

Imagine the group which published this monstrosity of lies being deemed too homophobic to attend a conservative conference.

Anti-LGBTQ Group MassResistance Says It’s Been Banned From CPAC - This is rich. Vile anti-LGBTQ hate group Mass Resistance says it has been banned from having a table at the yearly conservative gathering CPAC because it has been deemed too homophobic. It gets better. Mass Resistance claims that it was backstabbed by other groups, including another anti-LGBT hate group the Family Research Council. Meanwhile, 'Porno' Pete LaBarbera who leads another anti-LGBTQ hate group - Americans for Truth About Homosexuality - is adding his less than two cents into this argument by taking Mass Resistance's side. I don't know about you, but to me the idea of triple spontaneous combustion would be rather nice right now.

Related - Here is some information as to why the Southern Poverty Law Center considers Mass Resistance, the Family Research Council, and Americans for Truth about Homosexuality  to be 'hate groups.'

3 years after diagnosis, this transgender inmate will finally receive the medical care she deserves - Sorry if anyone disagrees but transgender inmates should have their medical care. It is a health issue.

Donald Trump Jr. Attacks Olympian Adam Rippon On Twitter - Sit your ass down, Jr.

Young queer Africans take a stand - Good for them! 

How anti-gay researcher Mark Regnerus is duping liberal media on ‘Cheap Sex’ - Look who's back. Ugh!

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Randy Rainbow again comes for Donald Trump with brutal song parody of latest scandal


Randy Rainbow leads me to realize that some stereotypes about gay men aren't all that bad. Like for instance the absolute brutal way we can verbally put certain people in their place.

Certain people like Donald Trump in view of yet another scandal in his Administration, this one involving two aides who were recently dismissed after accusations of spousal abuse were lodged against them.

'Court to decide custody battle between parents, grandparents of trans child' & other Tue midday news briefs



Parents want custody to stop transgender teen having hormone treatment - An Ohio court will rule on this case and I hope it rules for the grandparents who supports this child's gender identity. From  the witnesses and sources  - including the teen's court appointed guardian AND a hospital medical team - the hormone treatment is the best thing in this case. 

Trans School Principal Goes Public - It's easy to forget the lives of transgender people when there is more of a focus on treating them as an invading horde. Stories like this are hated by the religious right.

Bisexual ice skater Ireen Wüst has become the most decorated LGBTQ Olympian of all time - Alright, girlfriend! 

Malaysian Newspaper Slammed For ‘How To Spot A Gay’ List - Hmmmmm.

NOM Claims It Played ‘A Significant Behind-The-Scenes Role’ In Bermuda’s Marriage Equality Repeal - Odious if not true. A bit scary if true.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos needs to stop whining & cease undermining the rights of trans students

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos needs to do her job to protect the rights of transgender students

Last week, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos remarked during a meeting that it's hurtful when her critics claim that she isn't protecting the rights of students.

Really? When I'm glad she feels that way because girlfriend needs to explain why the Department of Education has yet again its their back on transgender students.

From Buzzfeed:

The Education Department has told BuzzFeed News it won't investigate or take action on any complaints filed by transgender students who are banned from restrooms that match their gender identity, charting new ground in the Trump administration's year-long broadside against LGBT rights. 
It’s the first time officials have asserted this position publicly as an interpretation of law. No formal announcement has been made. 
For nearly a year, the Trump administration took a less clear stance, with officials saying they were studying the issue. When the Education Department and Justice Department withdrew Obama-era guidance on transgender restroom access in February 2017, Trump’s officials said in a memo and court filings that they would "consider the legal issues involved.” Then last June, the Education Department issued another memo saying it was "permissible" for its civil rights division to dismiss a trans student's restroom case. However, in those statements, officials never cemented their intent to reject all restroom complaints issued by trans students. 
For the past three weeks, BuzzFeed News called and emailed Education Department officials attempting to pinpoint the agency’s position. Finally on Thursday, Liz Hill, a spokesperson for the agency, responded “yes, that’s what the law says” when asked again if the Education Department holds a current position that restroom complaints from transgender students are not covered by a 1972 federal civil rights law called Title IX. Asked for further explanation on the department’s position, Hill said Friday, “Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, not gender identity.” 
She added that certain types of transgender complaints may be investigated — but not bathroom complaints.

The irony is that it is horror stories about young girls being in danger by being "trapped" in bathrooms with "predators" which has been the center of numerous attacks on the rights and dignity of the transgender community. Evangelical anti-LGBTQ groups have been successful in exploiting this even though there isn't as shred a proof backing it up.

'LGBTQ athletes shining at Olympics' & other Mon midday news briefs

Openly gay figure skater Adam Rippon wins bronze at Winter Olympics - American Adam Rippon isn't slouching either.

Fox removes 'Darker, Gayer, Different' Olympics column - Meanwhile, a certain column from Fox News criticizing the diversity of American Olympians got pulled. Hey John Moody! What's good?

For The Modeling Industry, The Future Is Transgender - Hopefully the beginning of a long and huge trend.

NC Christian supremacist claims that Amazon HQ2 might make the state too LGBT friendly - Smallest violin playing for this fool.

How journalists can avoid spreading misinformation about anti-LGBTQ conversion therapy - Pay attention, folks.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

'Evangelical' publication omits latest Trump scandal to talk about 'transgender programming'

'Evangelical publication too busy reporting on 'transgender programming' instead of covering Trump Administration's latest scandal.

While the Trump Administration continues to be embroiled with controversies involving Russia, domestic violence, staff members not receiving security clearances, memos, (have I left anything out), its allies on the evangelical right are conveniently ignoring speaking out on these things.

Instead, they are either being silent, propping Trump up on other issues, or going off the deep end like this article in the American Family Association's One News Now demonstrates:

Public schools are programming children to align their way of thinking to the LGBT’s transgender ideology, argues one propaganda expert, who formerly served as an intelligence professional. 
Stella Morabito, who is a historian of the Soviet Union, issued a warning at Family Research Council’s (FRC) office in Washington, D.C., that public education in the United States is beginning to implement an LGBT propaganda agenda that is geared to demolish free thinking and force students to embrace its politically correct gender worldview. 
"Social and emotional learning is becoming all the rage in the public education policy realm, and if left unchecked, it will result in a monolithic, nationalized mandate demanding conformity to the politically correct dogma of the day,” Morabito alerted attendees at FRC on Tuesday, according to The Christian Post (CP). “In other words, it is a massive state-sponsored propaganda operation intended to isolate and control people, including kids, about how to feel and relate to people.” 
She was referring to a strategic progressive operation orchestrated by an organization known as CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning), which uses various materials and processes to indoctrinate children into its mode of thinking. 
 . . . “[CASEL activists] say it is because [transgender indoctrination] is the only way children will acquire ‘life skills’ and children, who are bound to become ‘self-directed,’ are ‘crying out’ for this, noting that data show that approximately 40 percent are ‘chronically disengaged’ in school.” CP reported. “CASEL's curriculum is being implemented in certain places in the U.S. – especially in urban areas.” 
Morabito emphasized how the pro-LGBT training is nothing short of state-enforced social propaganda.

The article continues on like this, heaping the steaming helpings of conspiratorial bullshyte like it's the only food for folks in a famine. It would hilarious except for the fact that some people, driven by their so-called religious beliefs and personal prejudices, actually believe this mess.

Like all other conspiracies about the LGBTQ community driven by the religious right, this one has the same characteristics:

1. The conspiracies almost always imply that LGBTQs are out to "recruit" children.

2. The conspiracies are spun rather well except for a deliberate vagueness in terms their origins or specific players involved. In other words, the organizers are always grouped in depersonalized hordes and there is hardly ever any background given to the so-called plot or who the specific players may be. The conspiracies are geared to exploit people's personal prejudices and fears.

Oh well. This is nothing more than another "receipt" on those groups and individuals who have anointed Trump as Christianity's savior while ignoring all of the evidence which puts him on the "opposite side."

Friday, February 09, 2018

'Fox News executive has problem with racial, sexual orientation diversity of American Olympians' & other Fri midday news briefs

John Moody thinks America is sacrificing "quality" for "diversity" in the Olympics. Because he is obviously such a 'wonderful' athlete himself.

Fox News executive VP rails against diversity of US Olympians: "Darker, Gayer, Different" - It's always funny how these "let's have equal competition without thinking about race or sexual orientation" types act when we take them on and beat them. Their entitlement shows like a red light.

The Olympics Have Left Sochi, But Don’t Forget LGBTQ Russians - That's right. Don't forget.

More U.S. Teens Are Identifying as Trans and Gender-Nonconfirming - Sweet. This means our work is succeeding. Our kids are less fearful of coming out. But still more work to do.

This bill would prohibit South Dakota teachers from acknowledging transgender kids exist - Another attempt to erase our kids? Oh hell no! 

Republican-backed education bill alarms LGBTQ advocates - Some "religious liberty" mess. 


Thursday, February 08, 2018

Family Research Council ignores Rob Porter spousal abuse scandal to praise Trump's 'religious devotion'



Today was the National Prayer Breakfast, which is always attended by the President. That being the case,  Donald Trump attended. And Family Research Council president Tony Perkins practically oozed praise at Trump for doing so:

Every president since Eisenhower has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast. But not everyone has practiced the policies they preach. Barack Obama was famous for using the event to talk about the "inherent dignity of every person" only to ride back to an office that did more to promote abortion than any White House in history. Or to insist "we can't leave our values at the door," while he ordered Americans to do exactly that on marriage, health care, and faith. With Obama, what you heard wasn't necessarily what you got.
In the year since Donald Trump has been in office, he hasn't just talked a good game -- he's walked it. When he stepped up to the microphone this morning to promote religious liberty, 12 months of accomplishments already spoke volumes. Executive orders, HHS rules, Justice Department briefs, and confirmations like Sam Brownback's point to just how sincere the president is about what he says. 
This morning, he didn't disappoint, using the opportunity to draw the country's attention back to the importance of our First Freedom. "Our rights," Trump said, "are not given to us by man. Our rights come from our Creator. No matter what, no Earthly force can take those rights away." Then, in a nod to one of the biggest struggles in our society, he took time to highlight real tolerance and what it means to a nation like ours. "When Americans are able to live by their convictions, to speak openly of their faith, and to teach their children what is right, our families thrive, our communities flourish, and our nation can achieve anything at all." 
Then, broadening his scope, he hinted at the work cut out for Brownback, America's new Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom. "Together, as Americans, we are a tireless force for justice and for peace... We know that millions of people in Iran, Cuba, Venezuela and North Korea and other countries suffer under repressive and brutal regimes. America stands with all people suffering oppression and religious persecution."
It was another solid speech that reminded us all: words matter. But we can all be grateful that to this president, actions matter just as much.

So why is today is an odd time for Perkins to praise Trump's religious devotion? Because the Trump Administration is presently facing yet another scandal; this one involving a top aide, Rob Porter, who resigned this week because of allegations of spousal abuse involving his two ex-wives. Not only that but supposedly top Trump aides were aware of these allegations because the ex-wives informed the FBI last year during his background check, with one supplying pictures. Supposedly Trump was unaware of the situation until this week.

'Mike Pence's anti-LGBTQ history comes back to haunt him just in time for the Olympics' & other Thur midday news briefs


Come on, Mike Pence. You know how we in the LGBTQ community are. We don't forget major slights from legislators and politicians. And if said legislators and politicians come at us nicely while pretending that the slights weren't made, we will remind you about them. It's one of our major powers. To put it plainly:

We don't forget sh!t.

‘Hypocrite’ Mike Pence Slammed For Tweet Supporting Gay Olympic Athlete

Mike Pence lies about his support for anti-gay conversion therapy during riff with Olympic skater Adam Rippon

Here’s a Recap of Mike Pence’s Attacks on LGBT Rights – READ

In other news:

This elderly lesbian who was ‘slapped and told that homosexuals burn in hell’ is suing her care home - Someone needs their behinds whipped for this. I hope she wins.

LGBT historic site projects continue under Trump - Don't let the religious right know. They'll try to mess it up for us. 

Mercer University students grill Trump’s lawyer on anti-LGBTQ, anti-Muslim stances - Take note college students - THIS is how you handle an anti-LGBTQ speaker or any speaker you oppose coming to your campus. Wildcat screaming and yelling don't mean crap. You organize, plan, educate yourself on his/her history and ask pointed questions at the event. With dignity and purpose.

Wednesday, February 07, 2018

Do you agree with these Top 10 lists of LGBTQ culture?

Sometimes I feel like muckraking and sometimes I feel like I want to spotlight fun cultural references designed to get folks interested in educated about aspects of the LGBTQ community in entertainment. Today it's the latter so allow me to present four fun videos from youtube:

Top 10 Memorable Gay Characters, Top 10 Best Lesbian Themed Movies,Top 10 Inspirational Transgender Celebrities, and Top 10 Celebs You Didn't Know Both Ways (yeah, I'm not exactly happy about the title of that last one either).

Also, let me say that these video lists aren't representative of the entire LGBTQ community. They are to amuse and inspire searches for other bits of knowledge:




'Jeff Sessions is installing ‘religious freedom’ czars in every U.S. Attorney’s office' & other Wed midday news briefs


Jeff Sessions is installing ‘religious freedom’ czars in every U.S. Attorney’s office - Not if folks raise sufficient hell about this. It's no accident that anti-LGBTQ evangelical groups have refrained from crowing about these steps Sessions has been taking to codify this religious license to discriminate. I'm guessing they don't want anyone to know these behind-the-scenes moves.

‘I was enraged to see my story distorted and used’: Detransitioners object to anti-transgender book - Ryan T. Anderson is a little fraud who is attempting to repackage the same old anti-gay, anti-trans trash into a new, glittery package. 

AIDS In America Is A Black Disease - Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and work needs to be done in the African-American community in order to educate folks. 

LGBT Publix Employee Says He Was Fired for Reporting Anti-Gay Harassment - Really? Looks like Publix has a lot more work to do to get on our good side.

Why have Texas Republicans cooled on bathroom bill? - We can only hope Texas has.

Tuesday, February 06, 2018

Family Research Council's Tony Perkins tries to make homophobic lies into truth by repetition

FRC's Tony Perkins thinks he can make lies into truth via repetition.
On Tuesday afternoon, anti-LGBTQ hate group the Family Research Council just proved that no matter how much power it gains because of the Trump Administration, it will continue to be a deceptive, small-minded organization which works to undermine the LGBTQ community through lies and distortions.

Yesterday, the Georgia state Senate passed a bill which will streamline its adoption process. According to media reports, the bill was held up because it included a provision which would allow adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples on "religious grounds" while still receiving tax dollars.  That provision was taken out and GA governor Nathan Deal is expected to sign the bill.

And that is what Family Research Council president Tony Perkins was raging about Tuesday afternoon:

Governor Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) never met a religious freedom bill he liked -- and the state's newest adoption proposal isn't likely to change that. The Georgia Republican, who valiantly displayed all the traits of a coward on the issue a year and a half ago, is back at it, threatening the state's conscience protections for faith-based groups. 
After demanding a "clean" adoption bill from lawmakers, the state's conservatives obliged -- but only until they could introduce a standalone proposal that would give adoption agencies the freedom to turn down prospective parents based on their lifestyle. "Some will believe in same-sex marriage, others don't, whether it's by faith or other reasons," the bill's sponsor, Republican State Senator William Ligon said. "As a pluralistic society, we need to figure out ways to accommodate that and not pressure one group to accept another group's version of marriage." 
Even before the Obergefell ruling, adoption was an explosive issue in places like Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts, who cut off government grants for organizations like Catholic Charities because they sought what the social science research made abundantly clear were the safest and most nurturing environment for kids. If Deal gets his way, it would be open season on groups who take the well-being of children into account in adoption placement. 
This is how backwards we've become as a society. America's focus is no longer the well-being of children but on the "well-being" of a small but well organized political minority that uses Saul Alinsky tactics to force politicians into doing their illogical bidding. There's an abundance of social science data supporting the common-sense belief that children do best when raised by a married mother and father. In the largest peer-review study ever done on same-sex parenting, Dr. Mark Regnerus found that the emotional, financial, academic, and physical outcomes of kids raised in same-sex homes rated "suboptimal" or "negative" in almost every category. Because of that, there's every rational basis for agencies to prefer natural families over same-sex couples in adoption.
Why would anyone -- including Deal -- put the agencies that care about the social science out of business? Faith-based adoption agencies should never have to choose between their beliefs and helping people. That would be devastating – and not just for Georgia. Believe it or not, one of the biggest engines for adoption in America are private, social service agencies like Catholic Charities, who would sooner close its doors than compromise their biblical beliefs. 
If Georgia accepts Deal's terms, faith-based groups would be driven out of the adoption business -- leaving children and prospective parents with even fewer options for building families. Adoption is not -- and should never be -- about adults. This is about giving children the best chance to succeed in life. It's a shame Nathan Deal refuses to.

In the above tantrum, Perkins spins two distortions. And I think he knows this because both have been cited before by Perkins and those who on his side of this issue.  And both have been refuted time and time again, including by me. Someone needs to inform Perkins and FRC that the repetition of a lie doesn't change said lie into truth.

First of all, let's be clear about what Perkins favors. He thinks that citing "religious beliefs" should be a useful way for adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples while helping themselves to the tax money paid in part by those couples they are discriminating against.

Now let's tackle the distortions.

'Public outcry gets Publix to change its bad policy on HIV prevention medication' & other Tue midday news briefs


Following outcry, Publix announces it will begin covering HIV prevention medication - In spite of today's climate, we still win when we band together and raise necessary hell the right way.

Why Are Murders Of Gay And Bi Men Up A Staggering 400 Percent? - One guess why:

 The great majority of these homicides, which include killers who lured their queer male victims using social media apps, weren’t committed by men involved with neo-Nazis or white supremacist groups. But those hate groups and their allies may feel emboldened by a president who talked about the neo-Nazi rally that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, last year as having “very fine people” on “both sides.” And according to another ADL report, white supremacists hate groups are organizing on campuses, targeting college students. Those factors, in turn, have added to the culture of fear in which rising violence against LGBTQ individuals has taken place.

 Be careful. People are being really stupid out there. Don't be lured. De-escalate the situation if you can, fight like hell with anything you can if you have to. No need to be polite.

Anti-Gay Pastor Leads Ex-Minister in Run-Off to be Costa Rica President - Lawd hammercy!

Mat Staver: Labeling Liberty Counsel An Anti-Gay Hate Group Is Akin To What The Nazis Did To The Jews - I think it's safe to say "that's not how any of that works."

Transgender bathroom policy debate returns to S.D. Legislature - And we are here again.

Monday, February 05, 2018

American Family Association wants credit for release of disastrous Nunes memo

Anti-LGBTQ hate group wants partial credit for the release of the Nunes FISA memo. I say it's all yours.

And the winner of the "You Really Should Keep Your Mouth Shut Because You Sound A Damn Fool" award this evening goes to anti-LGBTQ and Trump supporting evangelical hate group the American Family Association.

When I read the email from AFA president Tim Wildmon, I nearly choked from laughter. It definitely made my day:

Recently, we sent you an AFA Action Alert, asking you to contact President Donald Trump, your representative, and senators and urge them to take the necessary steps to declassify and publicly release a four-page FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) memo to the American public. 
High ranking government officials reported that a classified, four-page memo, dubbed the "FISA memo," had been made available to every member of the U.S. House of Representatives. 
The memo highlights extensive and abusive and likely illegal surveillance of private American citizens by federal government agencies. The classified memo contains details of a coordinated effort between government agencies, including the DOJ and FBI, and the Hillary Clinton political campaign against President Donald Trump, both prior to and following the presidential election. 
Your actions helped get the controversial four-page FISA memo written by the majority staff of the House Intelligence Committee has been released by President Trump.

For those who don't know, the FISA memo has been all of the talk since last week. It was a memo written at the direction of House Intelligence chairman Devin Nunes of CA and it claims that there is a conspiracy to unseat Donald Trump as president via the FBI. Before it's release, conservatives and the right-wing media had been hyping it up as "worse than Watergate" (i.e. the scandal which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in the mid-1970s.). Self-avowed Trumpaholic Sean Hannity of Fox News was especially hyping it it to death.

'Illinois gubernatorial candidate demeans trans community, teachers, and others with ugly commercial' & other Mon midday news briefs


Illinois gubernatorial candidate unleashes hateful ad attacking trans people - Nothing says "election year"  better than a commercial demeaning transgender men and women, teachers, and feminists (see above video).

Illinois GOP Rep. Under Fire For Ad Mocking Transgender Community, Feminists - More details about the situation. And thank goodness Republicans are also calling her out.

Faces of Change: 30 amazing people looking to create change in the #LGBTQ community - WONDERFUL look at the diversity in our LGBTQ community. 

Sen. Gillibrand: Defeat Trump in 2020 to pass Equality Act - THIS I like. A long range goal which needs lots of action and preparation. I'm not being sarcastic here. Our community does need to stop wildcatting and in-fighting to gain a sense of discipline. With discipline comes the accomplishing of our goals. 

Man found guilty of plotting terrorist attack on LGBT pride event - Ew! Thank God he was stopped before he could carry it out.

Sunday, February 04, 2018

Coca-Cola's Super Bowl commercial is unapologetically pro-LGBTQ

You can either chalk it to age or weariness at seeing the New England Patriots featured, but I don't intend to watch the Super Bowl this year. BUT this upcoming commercial during the Super Bowl by Coca-Cola is awesome.

According to The Advocate:

Coca-Cola's upcoming Super Bowl commercial, "The Wonder of Us," is breaking new ground with its LGBT inclusivity. With Pride symbols and a diverse cast, the 60-second spot explicitly targets and supports LGBT consumers. The voice-over states, “We all have different looks … and loves" while displaying a female couple onscreen. It also proclaims "There’s a Coke for he — and she — and her — and me — and them." while showing a presumed genderqueer-identifying individual wearing a rainbow collar.



I know someone will probably cry foul about "how Coca-Cola is exploiting the community for profit." And will probably ask questions about "what is Coca-Cola giving back to the LGBTQ community. Both are valid statements and questions.

 But for now, just let us have this. Seeing a commerical like this does wonders for the self-esteem of our LGBTQ kids.

Friday, February 02, 2018

'Same-sex promposal creates ridiculous drama at AL high school' & other Friday midday news briefs


Same-sex promposal leads to suspensions and walkout at Alabama high school - A young girl asked her girlfriend to the prom and the school freaked out, thereby causing a bunch of unnecessary mess. Seems to me the attempts to supposedly "protect" the children is worse than the thing folks claim they need protection from. 

Black History is LGBTQ History - You damn right!

Honoring Black LGBTQ Icons - And on that same note . . . 

FRC's Tony Perkins furious at article spotlighting religious right takeover of HHS - My post from last night because of article below:

The religious activists on the rise inside Trump's health department - THIS is the article Tony Perkins doesn't want you to read. Especially the part about how his folks are attempting to gak the courts.

'Bathroom bill' author gets a Republican primary challenger in North Carolina -Yes! "Primary" that fool!

Thursday, February 01, 2018

FRC's Tony Perkins furious at article spotlighting religious right takeover of HHS

FRC's Tony Perkins is furious at article spotlighting religious right takeover of HHS.

Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council sounded off a hysterical alarm on Thursday regarding an article published last month in Politico. Perkins goes on as such:

The president laid out a compelling plan for the year in his State of the Union address, but it's important to remember that the key to good policy is good personnel. So, it's no surprise that anti-faith liberals are attacking some of the appointees in this administration, especially in one of the largest and most powerful departments, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has been the nemesis of conservatives, especially under Barack Obama. 
HHS under the previous administration promoted blatant anti-faith policies, including forcing faith-based employers like the Little Sisters of the Poor to violate their faith in the healthcare plans they provide. HHS also in 2009 had rescinded President Bush's 2008 conscience regulation which merely enforced federal laws prohibiting government discrimination against pro-life healthcare entities. They did nothing to enforce conscience protections for the likes of Cathy DeCarlo, a nurse who was forced to participate in an abortion at a federally funded hospital, or churches in California that have lost their healthcare coverage because the state mandated abortion coverage in violation of federal law preventing such discrimination. The attack on life and faith under the prior administration may have been at its most egregious at HHS in the Obama era. 
So when competent pro-life conservatives were appointed to oversee HHS, of course anti-life liberals pitched a fit. As we wrote before, Valerie Huber is an excellent choice for the team over at HHS, due to her experience in social sciences and practical public health programs encouraging risk avoidance in the context of sexual behavior. Last week, the liberal media went after two other solid conservatives working to implement the president's agenda. The left's effort to demonize qualified people over policy differences sinks lower and lower. Roger Severino, for instance heads up the Office of Civil Rights, the office at HHS that oversees helping defend civil rights laws. After HHS announced a new division to protect the conscience rights of healthcare providers who object to being forced to participate in abortion or assisted suicide -- the protections of which are in existing law -- and after HHS issued a new proposed rule to enforce 25 conscience laws on the books, Roger was slammed as a conservative evangelical along with Shannon Royce, who heads up the office of faith-based initiatives.

FRC's piece goes on like this, making sure to appropriate the word "faith" to mean only the very narrow definition the organization has.

In reality, the Politico article has nothing to do with any "purge." Instead, it spells out legitimate concerns regarding some members of HHS who seem to be sacrificing the mission of the agency in pursuit of their personal religious agendas:

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Franklin Graham's fawning praise of Trump is simply embarrassing


The speed from which Franklin Graham pivoted from "Stop picking on Donald Trump. We never said he was perfect." to "Oh my God! Isn't Donald Trump so dreamy! We need to pray for him!" is embarrassing. Especially when one considers that had not the media pressed him and other evangelicals on the matter, they probably wouldn't have mentioned Trump's many moral lapses. As the investigations into how Russia helped the Trump campaign continues, I have a feeling that Graham will be regretting his kiss-ass behavior in support of Trump.

And I bet that Graham never asked that Obama be prayed while HE was president. Yet more proof that Trump's relationship with Graham and company is merely about acquisition.

(Editor's note - I offer a pre-apology just in case it is proven that Graham did in fact ask for Obama to be prayed for.)