Dan Savage on Prop 8

(Via Andrew Sullivan)

While Tuesday, November 4 was certainly a day of celebration for many a cause, one of the black marks on that day was the passage of Proposition 8 in California. It's passage marked the end (hopefully, temporarily) of legalized same-sex marraige. It has since been revealed that the Mormons provided much of the funding for the campaign in support of Proposition 8. Consequently, over the past week there have been numerous protests outside of Mormon churches across the country. Many in the Mormon church, and the Christian Right in general, see this as a violation of their rights. I don't have the time nor the energy to lay out why that is complete bullshit, so in short, cry me a fucking river. One of the benefits of Proposition 8's passage however, has been the emergence of Dan Savage. Savage is not only incredibly funny and extraoridnarily intelligent, but he's a passionate advocate for LGBT issues. He's certainly made a fan and supporter (though I've always favored same-sex marraige) out of me!

Why Bush is Still Dangerous

Last night, Rachel Maddow touched on an issue that has been extremely underreported. I assume that she was informed by this great article by Matthew Blake in the Washington Independent. Watch the clip and read the article, because this is important stuff that could have devastating consequences.

Good Crazy

(Note: Poor Picture Quality)

The more material of Ta-Nehisi Coates I read, the more I kick myself for not having discovered him in a more timely fashion. In yesterday's Post, Coates has a lovely essay referencing the Rev. Joseph Lowery's introduction of Barack Obama at an event in Selma, Alabama in March of 2007. Rev. Lowery speaks of the difference between "good crazy" and "bad crazy." He likens the good craziness of Barack Obama's historic run for the presidency with that of Harriet Tubman's efforts on the Underground Railroad.

Coates' piece is particularly interesting because it documents his journey from an Obama skeptic, to one embracing the promise of the nation's first African-American president. As a white American, while I am certainly thrilled with Obama's victory, I don't think it's possible for me to entirely realize the historic nature of his ascendancy into our nation's highest office. Only black eyes and ears can fully realize what this election really means. Ta-Nehisi Coates' essay is the closest I've come to fully experiencing the joy of Obama's victory. Please take 5 minutes and read this moving piece. After that, do yourself a favor and become a regular reader of Coates' blog.

Where's Scott?

Dear readers, I know the thousands upon thousands of you that frequent this blog in order to be charmed by extremely well-informed opinions and off-handed wit are probably wondering where I've been. This answer is New Hampshire. I received an e-mail a week or so ago at work asking for volunteers to do election work in the battleground states. Being every bit the heroic and selfless person that I am, I answered the call. As a result, I've been in New Hampshire canvassing, phone banking, and adventuring for Barack Obama, Jeanne Shaheen (running for Senate against the incumbent John Sununu) Paul Hodes, and Carol Shea Porter (both of whom are running for Congressional seats)since last Friday. Since this is not a blog about me, I won't keep a log of my experiences unless I think it's something that my massive readership would find especially interesting. Anyways, blogging will be extremely light to non-existent. If I don't post before the election, I would just like to remind you to GO OUT AND FUCKING VOTE! If you live in Wisconsin or New Hampshire, there is same day registration, so you can go register and vote simultaneously. All you need is a piece of mail and a photo ID that contains your current address! Election day is Tuesday, November 4. However, if you are a Republican, you guys actually vote on a different day! You guys vote on Thursday, November 6. Therefore, those of you that support John McCain against the all the gay socialist Democrats, you need to put country first and have patience until next Thursday! I know you guys can do it, USA! USA! USA!

The Onion: McCain Accidently Left on Bus

Via Andrew Sullivan, The Onion is probably America's best media outlet!

If You Read Only One Thing Today...

Read this absolutely bracing Ta-Nehisi Coates post about Barack Obama's grandparents.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user shaesmith2002 April 14, 2008

The Extremism of Sarah Palin

This ad aired on CNN last night after the debate. It is, in my opinion, the most devastating political ad I've ever seen. You heard it here first: this ad, and McCain's mocking of women's health last night, will shift the women's vote another 5-10% in Obama's behavior. Checkmate.