Disqus - Latest Comments for a. mcewen

Re: Markos on Obama and Warren

a. mcewen — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:55:05 -0000

This situation just reminds us that no one is going to give us what we want unless we hold their feet to the fire.

The religious right does it even with politicians who suppor them. We need to do it with those who support us.

Re: You can call him Senator Burris by the end of the week

a. mcewen — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:19:29 -0000

My guess is that the Democrats didnt want to distract anyone with the drama. FOX News would have had a time distracting everyone with it.

Re: Evangelical Christians fear losing right to incite murder

a. mcewen — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:05:11 -0000

Don't fall for the religious right's line of lies on this. That part about the pastor "being arrested" comes from an intentional misquoting from the transcript (via the Traditional Values Coalition) of the Congressional hearing:

http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2007/05/tv...

Re: Mark Sanford and Son

a. mcewen — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:38:17 -0000

And then he is going to be speaking at one of those "tea bag protests" next week. This guy has never visited some of the schools in need of the stimulus money.

Re: Why are all the teabaggers white?

a. mcewen — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:28:52 -0000

Because we black folks aren't falling for all of this foolishness. We are too busy working for a living.

It's amazing that very few people are paying attention to how we view Obama. They just assume that we love him (which we do) and that's it.

The scuttlebutt is that we aren't surprised with how vicious things are against him. "You know they aren't going to let one of us run things without raising a major amount of hell" is the inference I am getting.

Re: No more Marches on Washington, please

a. mcewen — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:36:58 -0000

Amen! I went to the 1993 March on Washington and I found it to be colossal waste of time and energy. What we should do is organize in each community and trade resources. Those of us who have blogs should organize ourselves also.

Re: An op-ed for Black Gay Pride from our friend, Alvin McEwen

a. mcewen — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:05:41 -0000

Teddy, your strange comments are indicative of the forced homogenization that lgbts of color have to deal with from the gay community.

Just who are the representatives of lgbts of color in government? Futhermore, when the lgbt of color communities are given full verbal representation and visibility in the lgbt community at large, then we can talk about being in this together.

Re: "The black community is phony and hypocritical when it comes to lgbt issues"

a. mcewen — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:07:57 -0000

In support,

I am the author of that piece you called phony. Let me ask you something:

How many lgbts of color have you seen on the cover of Ebony or Jet or Essence or any other black-oriented magazine?

How many lgbts of color have you heard on BET (as opposed to how many times a very homophobic movie Soul Plane has been shown on the network?) or for that matter, any other African-American oriented show, talk show, etc.

Why is that when our black leaders talk about black issues (i.e. the state of Black America,) lgbts of color usually aren't included.

I found it highly interesting that you named "those who support us," but no one on that list is an lgbt of color.

While we enjoy any support we get, we aren't dogs and thus can speak for ourselves. But you know as well as I do that there is a HUGE problem in the black community with not only discussing lgbt issue but allowing those lgbts of color to have a public voice.

I'm not comparing communities here. To do so would lessen the problem. To me, it doesn't matter how the "white community" does it. As a black man, I have a right to demand that those claiming to be for the community look towards supporting the entire community rather than just some folks who have the so-called correct sexual orientation. My column came from years of experience of being disrespected by those who claim to support the entire black community.

And such has value. Too many black folks got their head intentionally in the sand.

Re: "The black community is phony and hypocritical when it comes to lgbt issues"

a. mcewen — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:08:03 -0000

Re: The roots of homophobia in the black community

a. mcewen — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:15:06 -0000

I'm going to have to disagree with all of you. By the way, nothing I said is excusing the black community for homophobia.

Religious bigotry can be perceived "a problem" but what's fueling it? there are too many "sins" in the black community that don't get as much attention in the pulpit such as sex before marriage and adultery. There is something fueling this over exuberance to condemn homosexuality while turning a blind eye to other things.

Not trying to dissuade anyone's opinion, but some of you speak about what you see and hear regarding preachers, but I speak about what I have lived in the black community.

Re: When will our top groups take Paul Cameron on?

a. mcewen — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:05:41 -0000

Ezekiel,

If you look at the religious right data on lgbts, you will see that the majority of it comes from his claims. There are groups that still cite him. If it came out that these so-called moral groups regularly cites data from a man not only makes up stories about gays castrating children, but has gotten into trouble for manipulating data, the repercussions could be big. Especially if it came out that these groups KNEW of his dubious history when citing this stuff.

Also, his data is cited in school board meetings, radio programs, and other places across the country and NO ONE is familiar with his history. That has negative consequences for us because that means no one is challenging him.

The problem is we don't make enough noise about it. If we did, we could put the religious right on the defensive for a change. We wonder how the religious right can get attention with their nonsense but fail to see that it's all about making noise and directing attention to the situation.

It's not only a lack of vision that's killing us but also apathy.

Re: When will our top groups take Paul Cameron on?

a. mcewen — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:49:55 -0000

It's not about convincing those who have unfair biases against lgbts.

It's all about getting the information out in the open so when people think of the religious right, they think of Paul Cameron.

It's about giving the religious right the stigma they deserve.

Re: Are the Republicans inciting actual violence against Obama?

a. mcewen — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:24:45 -0000

The fact that you think someone is going to report you more than proves Mr. Schaeffer's point. It's gotten scary how people have become so damned paranoid over President Obama. And I fear that Mr. Schaeffer's conclusion of how this thing will end will be correct. Then what are we going to do?

Re: Should libraries stock "ex-gay" books?

a. mcewen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:00:27 -0000

Ted, I share your concern and I have gotten some responses saying what you related, so let me clarify.

I understand that it is a very touchy subject - i.e. the possibility of censorship.

But on the other hand, a stand does need to be taken against books that have faulty data. I think that if an author presents his or her work as accurate, then it should be accurate - with no discredited research and no studies continuing to be taken out of context even after the study's author complains.

Like I said, it's a very touchy subject but that's what we are dealing with when it comes to books of the ex-gay nature and i'm all for librarians and groups taking steps to police such books for accuracy if the authors won't do it themselves.

Re: Losing the messaging war

a. mcewen — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:59:54 -0000

And their health care wouldn't change under the new plan if they are happy with it. if you weren't so busy passing around ugly pictures of Obama and using buzzwords like "socialism," you would know that.

it doesn't take that much to get informed on the facts. just stop listening to the conspiracy theories.

Re: Losing the messaging war

a. mcewen — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:03:52 -0000

With all due respect, we have seen this thing before on the campaign. Republicans go wild, we panic, Obama stays calm. We all know how that ended.

I'm patient on how this will turn out.

Re: This just in: Obama supports the public option again

a. mcewen — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:08:57 -0000

Stop second guessing. What happened is that the conservatives turned the screws on Obama and made him consider eliminating the public option. Then we turned the screws tighter to make him take it back up again.

It's politics and it happens. Instead of second guessing, let's remember this and be consistent in gettting our message and demands out better than the Republicans.

Geez, if I wanted as much angst as some of you folks are throwing out, I'd read a Spiderman comic.

Re: Wash Post poll, very bad numbers for Obama

a. mcewen — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:47:49 -0000

Folks,

As much as I have hated this August with the health care town hall nonsense, I am a little overwhelmed by this constant barrage of daily polls and the like.

The man isn't even out of his first year yet and folks are already sounding the horn that signals Armageddon.

I have to wonder, is he the entire problem or is it this need to constantly predict based on weekly and daily polls. Did we think any type of change is going to be easy?

It's not over yet, folks. Hell, it hasn't even begun yet. Ease up just a little.

Re: Wash Post poll, very bad numbers for Obama

a. mcewen — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:08:17 -0000

Don't get it twisted. It's not about backing off. It's about not second guessing and playing Monday morning quarterback at the first sign of trouble.

Re: Obama and the "socialist" indoctrination of our school children

a. mcewen — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:26:12 -0000

Nothing the President will do or say can stop this meme. If he devoted time to fighting it then the same folks who are attacking him would say "why is he wasting time with this when he was elected to deal with real problems."

I think in this case, this factoid is backfiring on those who pushed it. A wide majority of folks agree with the President addressing school children (and a lot of these people don't know a blog from a bluge), many are asking what the hell is wrong with these people, and in black communities (the place the media ignores with as much fervor as they pushed the "values voters" nonsense), things are started to get just a bit riled up. Mark my words on this last one, black people see what's going on and we get motivated to political action (i.e. voting blocks) too. The difference is no one is paying attention to us.

Re: I have a message of my own, too.

a. mcewen — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:57:29 -0000

Nelson, your immature behavior is giving a perfect reason as to why I cut you off.

Also you keep saying that it was about an endorsement from Peter. Peter had nothing to do with this. And I did address it. It was your dishonesty to me. You know what I speak of and I don't feel that I have to go into detail about it further.

Stop playing the victim because the only one responsible for anthying done against you is you. Now all of this other stuff you are talking about - me threatening people for support you - I don't know what you are talking about.

Re: I have a message of my own, too.

a. mcewen — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:39:35 -0000

Just one thing - I did NOT know anything about your past until the situation took place. No one told me anything not even you.

That is all I have to say about the situation.

Re: African American Political Pundit:: Barack Obama v Clarence Thomas - Two Black Men and The White House

a. mcewen — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:12:51 -0000

I find it ironic how conservatives were playing the gay and black community against one another via the Proposition 8 vote.

Meanwhile, two black men affiliated with conservatives (i.e. Alan Keyes and Clarence Thomas) are playing integral parts in trying to deny Obama the presidency.

Not putting down my brothers and sisters but it is ironic.

Re: Censorship, No Good Friday, and Savage Sluts « Road Sassy

a. mcewen — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:03:28 -0000

I'm sorry but there have been NO lawsuits threatened or lodged against Ms. Kern.

This claim is just a ploy to take attention away from her comments.

Re: Liberals Abandoning the First Amendment, Part 4: Banning Books in Virginia

a. mcewen — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:51:25 -0000

You know, it's easy to pull out the straw man arguments. It enables you to distract from the issue. To me, there is a barometer of whether or not these books should be in a public libary.

I’m usually not one for censorship but I am for standards. And I have a hard time believing that anything put out about the lgbt community by the anti-gay industry or their allies belong in a public library without extreme scrutiny on its credibility.

The anti-gay industry has a track record of relying bad research (Paul Cameron) or distorting legitimate research (i.e. Elizabeth Saewyc, Robert Spitzer, Patrick Letellier, Robert Garafalo, Carol Gilligan, Lisa Waldner, Joanne Hall, Francis Collins, etc. )

And this track record of lies should not be ignored simply because the anti-gay industry was able to find enough guillible students and their parents to try and play a game of semantics.

I don’t think a book should be included in a library’s selection simply because a group holds a press conference and sidesteps the issues of accuracy by appealing to emotions and religious beliefs

When choosing books, libraries should always adhere to high standards and the highest of all of these are veracity, or truth.

Re: To Dream the Impossible Dream

a. mcewen — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:44:11 -0000

I agree with Mr. Weigel.

Keyes, as usual, rambles. He reminds me of a restaurant which tries to fill its customers up on appeitizers because it has no entrees.

Really though, there is NO conspiracy. This issue has been settled. Obama doesn't owe anyone anything other than to be a good president. So get over it, folks.

Re: They Want to Believe!

a. mcewen — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:30:34 -0000

24 Dot Com, how many site are you on?

This is getting BEYOND ridiculous. Folks, PRESIDENT Obama is an American citizen and he is our president. show some patriotism for a change.

Re: Protesting Too Much

a. mcewen — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:18:27 -0000

So according to you, SPLC is "indirectly linked to the Mexican government." That's the exact words from the link claiming that SPLC is sending out misleading statements. I think we know what direction THAT site is coming from.

Re: Protesting Too Much

a. mcewen — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:19:42 -0000

But here I thought the report never said anything about conservatives. I think the question is very apropo. Why are you all jumping on the report if you are not mentioned in it?

Re: ‘Death to Obama’ Sign Pops Up at Cardin Town Hall

a. mcewen — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:14:15 -0000

jgvarner, you should have BEGUN and STOPPED with turn off the radio.

Re: Paglia: ‘Birthers’ Aren’t Racist, and They Have a Point

a. mcewen — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:21:04 -0000

The President has provided all the proof that is needed. He doesn't have to provide any extra proof.

Re: Gay Straight Alliance Hosts Dance; ONN Misses the Point

a. mcewen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:48:46 -0000

Hey Matt!

Excellent piece and did you check out the comments on the One News Now page? Earlier they weren't exactly in the corner of those against the dance.

One correction though - One News Now is a propaganda piece for the American Famly Association and Donald Wildmon, not James Dobson.

Re: Gay Straight Alliance Hosts Dance; ONN Misses the Point

a. mcewen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:41:03 -0000

Not mine yet either. Sometimes it takes them a while.

Re: Let’s Talk About Death Threats

a. mcewen — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:18:21 -0000

Stupid junk. The threats were hideous but the other comments were just dumb. Teachers should be asexual? I guess when teachers get pregnant, they should be barred from the classroom.

Re: BREAKING: Hate Crimes bill will become Hate Crimes Law

a. mcewen — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:50:14 -0000

oh please. those who whine about lgbts being added conveniently never say a word about the already existing religious category of hate crimes legislation.

Re: CNN debunks anti-Jennings campaign

a. mcewen — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:15:14 -0000

the story was debunked. the young man was of legal age - http://mediamatters.org/research/200909300050

if it continues to be brought up, its only because the right will continue to lie with impunity.

Re: CNN debunks anti-Jennings campaign

a. mcewen — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:16:53 -0000

naw. one was a friend of mine. this entire thing kinda destroyed our friendship.

Re: CNN debunks anti-Jennings campaign

a. mcewen — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:37:36 -0000

You have no idea how much of a good mood this puts me in. On my blog, I have been covering the Jennings mess in detail and was feeling a bit down. Some gays I know were actually buying into the lie that Jennings "counseled an underaged child into sex."

I kept telling them to think of the source of the lies and wait until until more is known. But they were so pompous that they refused to listen.

And it made me wonder how could we give Obama hell for supposedly deserting us when we seem to be deserting our own.

It feels good when you have faith and find that faith vindicated.

Re: Banning Christ from the Public Square

a. mcewen — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:37:12 -0000

I'm usually not one for censorship but I am for standards. And I have a hard time believing that anything put out about the lgbt community by the anti-gay industry or their allies belong in a public library without extreme scrutiny on its credibility.

The anti-gay industry has a track record of relying bad research (Paul Cameron) or distorting legitimate research (i.e. Elizabeth Saewyc, Robert Spitzer, Patrick Letellier, Robert Garafalo, Carol Gilligan, Lisa Waldner, Joanne Hall, Francis Collins, etc. )

And this track record of lies should not be ignored simply because the anti-gay industry was able to find enough guillible students and their parents to try and play a game of semantics.

I don't think a book should be included in a library's selection simply because a group holds a press conference and sidesteps the issues of accuracy by appealing to emotions and religious beliefs

When choosing books, libraries should always adhere to high standards and the highest of all of these are veracity, or truth.

Re: Kevin Jennings And Some of The Other Issues At Hand

a. mcewen — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:49:00 -0000

Actually this incident does not open any floodgates. Rather it just emphasizes how some people were looking for something to nail Jennings on. This inaccurate story was the lastest lie about Jennings.

Also, Mr. Thomas, you do your credibility something awful. If you had read Brewster's statement , you would see that he said he did not have sex. First the claims was "Jennings pushed an underaged boy to have sex with an adult." And now when it turns out that the young man was not underaged, you all are tapdancing rather than admit you are wrong. People recognize this for the anti-gay campaign it is, no matter how you try to gloss up the manure.