Howie Talks

Differences in abortion stances

2008-09-06T11:47:00.004-05:00

Last night I was talking to a friend who wasn't sure what the difference between pro-choice and pro-abortion was. I thought I'd take this opportunity and explain.

Being pro-choice does not mean you support or oppose abortion. It simply means you support the right for a woman to choose whatever she wants to do with her body. You may disagree with the idea of having an abortion but you will always support what a woman decides to do.

Being pro-life means you do not support a woman's right to choose. You want to see a ban on all abortions.

Being pro-abortion means you actually support the idea of abortions.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden are not pro-abortion. They are pro-choice.

John McCain and Sarah Palin are pro-life.

Words to live by

2008-08-31T14:23:00.000-05:00

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." - Albus Dumbledore

No way. No How. No Palin!

2008-08-31T12:40:00.005-05:00

Sarah Palin?! No way. No How. No Palin! Presumptive Republican Nominee for President John McCain has selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate for the Vice Presidency.

Now anyone who knows me knows I would normally applaud a woman being selected for the 2nd highest office in the land. But not this time. I have to give McCain kudos for choosing a woman but he chose the WRONG woman.

Let's see. Palin supports creationism over evolution. Palin believes global warming is a human made myth. Palin opposes all kinds of birth control including condoms even for married couples. Palin opposed the Bush administration's decision to add polar bears to the endangered species list because it would hurt the oil industry. Palin's husband works for BP so if elected we would have another Vice President tied to the oil industry (see Dick Cheney).

Nope. Sarah Palin. Wrong for America. She must not be elected Vice President. I have to congratulate McCain. He finally did it. He finally got me motivated for Barack Obama.

Review

2007-01-10T17:26:00.000-06:00

Since I have had a long extended absence from this blog, I'm going to go ahead and touch base on few issues that has happened since then.

Gallaudet University Presidency
I was an early backer of Jane Fernandes' appointment as President, but after the 2006/07 school year at Gallaudet started, I became disgusted with the behavior of I. King Jordan and their treatment of the FSSA coalition. I felt at that point even though JF would have made a good President, she would not be able to lead the University so I called for her resignation. I wrote an open letter to FSSA declaring my position. You can read the letter here.

Election 2006
I took a role in the Culver/Judge campaign for Governor in Iowa. I could not be happier with the results. Democratic Secretary of State Chet Culver defeated Buch crony Congressman Jim Nussle withh 54%. Democrats also picked up two Republican held seats in Iowa, giving the state a Democratic majority in the Congressional delegation. Democrats also won control of the Iowa State House and Iowa State Senate. I'm equally proud to say I arranged for a large number of Deaf people to attend Culver's election night celebration. I also arranged for 8 Deaf people including myself to attend Governor-Elect Culver's inauguration ceremony and ball which will happen on Friday, Jan. 12th.

A few days ago, I was proud to be an American and a Democrat when I watched the House of Representatives vote for Nancy Pelosi to become Speaker of the House. The first woman ever to hold that post. It was a good day to be a Democrat and an American.

Personal Life
I'm still here. Taking time off school. I have a new puppy Beagle! We named her Peanut. She is so cute, but stubborn and wild as hell too!

To donate or not to donate

2007-01-08T15:08:00.000-06:00

I know, I know. I keep saying I'm back then I disappear the next day. I promise this time I am here to stay. There's a lot that has happened to me and the world since my last post, but I wanted to touch on one issue that's now hotly debated in the deaf blogging world.

To donate to bloggers or not.

This whole thing erupted when Ridor asked for donations to his blog and another blogger attacked him for that, and told him to get a job.

The truth is - a lot of popular blogs ask for donations, but in different ways. DailyKos has a store where some of the proceeds go to the site. Bloggers have every right to do what they want on their blog. They can talk about whatever they want to talk about, and most certainly do they have the right to ask for donations. Don't like the idea? Then don't donate.

You can read the whole thing here.

Ridor's donation request post

Berke's response

Ridor's response

Berke's 2nd response

Say what you want about Ridor, but he is a legend in the world of Deaf Blogs. Just a sJerome Armstrong of MyDD is the 'blogfather" of Democratic party blogs, Ridor is the blogfather of Deaf blogs. We owe him a great deal of gratitude.

Uh-huh Baby!

2006-10-10T01:28:00.000-05:00

I'm back! And there's a lot to say. I'll update tomorrow.

Bitches

2006-06-22T23:36:00.000-05:00

It's odd. Whenever there's a villainous dominatrix style female in a movie, I tend to root for them. Last night, I watched "Teaching Mrs. Tingle" and I was enamored with Helen Mirren's portayal of Eve Tingle who reminded me of Louise Fletcher's Nurse Ratched. I also love the Evil Queen in Snow White and Dianne Weist's role of the Queen in "10th Kingdom". It is said that gay men are typically from families of distant fathers and domineering mothers, which isn't true in my case. But one has to wonder if there's a connection with me being gay and loving these characters.

Return!

2006-06-22T22:20:00.000-05:00

I'm back! Stay tuned for more tidbits :-)

Idiots, idiots, idiots

2006-04-26T10:47:00.000-05:00

Don't these people vet their staff anymore?

"George Bush has become something of an embarrassment." -Incoming White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, 5 months before being named to the White House Staff.

Clueless idiots.

Happy Birthday to me....

2006-04-25T19:06:00.000-05:00

So, it's my birthday. Weather's been terrible all day. Rain, rain, rain. People say it even snowed. Ugh. School was a waste of time today too. All I did was give my presentation and had to show up in classes to be marked "present" then we could leave. I did some work but.... blah. Thank God end of semester is next week, and I'll have three weeks to rest. I'm sure all three weeks will be spent looking for a job.

I'm watching Law and Order: SVU right now. I love that it's on like 100 times a day, but there's a huge con to that: eventually, you'll end up seeing every episode. Oh well. It's still good. I hope they don't put Benson and Stabler into a romantic relationship like they did in Moonlighting.

Going to the Saddle in a couple of hours for a few drinks. Gotta drown my tears ;-) I'm an old timer now, you know?

You've got to see this!

2006-04-24T15:12:00.001-05:00

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6640225987281635407

I love Howard Dean

2006-04-23T16:19:00.000-05:00

It's no secret I was a huge champion for Howard Dean in his 2004 bid for President and his successful campaign to become DNC chairman. He's done an awesome job as chair, focusing on state parties instead of "selected races".

Here's what he had to say over the weekend:

"This is a searing, burning issue," Mr. Dean said, "and I think it's going to cost George Bush his legacy, and it's going to cost the Republicans the House and the Senate and, maybe very well, the presidency in the next election. People will never forget this."
Pointing to two abandoned hulks of cars, he added, "I hate to be partisan at a time like this, but this is why the Republicans are going to be out of business."

He's talking about Katrina. Here's what the GOPs said to that. It's really laughable.

A spokesman for the Republican National Committee, Tracey Schmitt, was quick to accuse Democrats of "exploiting a human tragedy" after learning of Mr. Dean's remarks.

This from a party that exploited 9/11. LOL. Give them hell Howard!

Here's some comments party leaders have made about Howard Dean over the weekend during the New Orleans DNC meeting. They're awesome!

He's doing very well," said Mitchell Ceasar, a former Florida Democratic Party chairman. "We're winning races in red states, places where we, frankly, haven't won anything in 30 or 40 years."

Andrew O'Leary, executive director of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in Minnesota, said that because of Dean, the DNC now is paying the salaries of four organizers now working in Minnesota.

"He's raising the money necessary to be competitive. He's just spending it in ways the party's never seen before," O'Leary said.

"Howard Dean has put his money where his mouth is," added Jay Parmley, a former Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman who is working in Mississippi as a DNC-paid organizer. "He's delivered on his promises to help state parties reach out to our counties and precincts."

April 25

2006-04-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

In honor of my birthday, from Wikipedia:

April 25 is the 115th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (116th in leap years). There are 250 days remaining.

1719 - Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is published.

1792 - Highwayman Nicolas J. Pelletier becomes the first person executed by guillotine.

1847 - The last survivors of the Donner Party are out of the wilderness.

1898 - Spanish-American War: The United States declares war on Spain.

1901 - New York becomes the first U.S. state to require automobile license plates.

1944 - The United Negro College Fund is incorporated.

1993 - 300,000 gay, lesbian, transgender, and allied activists march on Washington, DC demanding freedom from discrimination.

Births (besides me)

1284 - King Edward II of England (d. 1327)
1906 - William J. Brennan, U.S. Supreme Court Justice (d. 1997)
1908 - Edward R. Murrow, American journalist
1917 - Ella Fitzgerald, American singer
1940 - Al Pacino, American actor
1964 - Hank Azaria, American actor
1969 - Renée Zellweger, American actress

The Wacky World of Politics

2006-04-03T17:52:00.000-05:00

It's been a craaaazy few weeks in politics. Check them out!

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) assaulted a cop because he didn't recognize her as a member of Congress and now she's accusing him of racism. The cop has requested an arrest warrant for McKinney.

Laura Bush says Hillary Rodham Clinton was an horrible housekeeper. Geez, I think Hillary had more to deal with than being a Stepford Wife, yes?

Speaking of Hillary, one of her Republican opponents for her Senate race in NY has accused Hillary of spying on her in her bedroom window, and flying black helicopters. OMG!

C R A Z Y. And people don't understand why I like politics? It's hilarious sometimes.

Marissa!!

2006-04-03T17:49:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of my niece, isn't she the cutest baby ever?!

Fun Movie..

2006-03-29T01:32:00.000-06:00

Just watched a cheesy horror flick on Sci-Fi. That's why I love Sci-Fi channel, cause I love cheesy horror movies. This one was called "Mortuary" about a family that moves into an old mortuary and it's haunted, and it's really cheesy. My favorite line is when a zombie pukes into this lady's mouth and the lady goes "So Wrong!". Cracked me up, you gotta see it. It's perfect for a night at home with a bowl of popcorn.

That movie also brings us to my current hottie: Rocky Marquette who plays a gay character. He's 25 now. Yum!

2006-03-28T21:28:00.000-06:00

Marissa Nicole Kent

Born: March 28, 2006 at 2:45pm

8 lbs, 10 ounces, 20 inches

:-)

FUCK FUCK FUCK

2006-03-27T05:04:00.000-06:00

2nd night, no sleep still. I'm getting pissy.

Jeezum

2006-03-26T08:11:00.000-06:00

Ugh. Ever have one of these nights where you lie down in bed wide awake trying to sleep for hours? That was my night. I gave up at 6am. Fuck. I'll be tired. Ugh.

New look!

2006-03-25T20:42:00.000-06:00

Hope you like it! I'm still trying to figure out how to edit the sidebar colors and size. If you can help, let me know! Thanks.

Judy Baar Topinka

2006-03-25T16:44:00.000-06:00

At a recent fundraiser for a drug-treatment center in Addison, state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka publicly confessed to a few addictions of her own. Coffee and nicotine top the list, she told the crowd. And, added the unnaturally red redhead, "My hair is chemically dependent."

Illinois is having a hotly contested race for Governor this year. Last week, Democrats renominated Governor Rod Blagojevich for reelection and the Republicans chose State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka. Normally, in an election like this, I'd back the Democrat without thinking twice.

However, Judy Baar Topinka is not your typical Republican. She's pro-choice. She supports gay civil unions. She has a personality that draws people to like her. She smokes in public, marchs in gay pride parades, and walks around in public wearing blue fuzzy slippers.

Two of my major reasons for being a Democrat is abortion and gay rights. Judy Baar Topinka just makes it harder for me to ignore her by being such a staunch supporter of these issues. Governor Blagojevich campaigned in 2002 promising to change how things are done in Springfield. He did change, alright. He changed the party in control. Other than that, things have remained the same. I'm fairly sure Judy will keep the status quo, but she makes me want to vote for her. (I am moving back to Illinois in the summer in time for the November elections).

What do I do? Vote Democrat as usual, or vote for a Republican for the first time?

Do I vote for someone for his party or for someone that makes me want to vote for her?

Some more fun info about Judy:

Look inside Judy Baar Topinka's bedroom closet, and this is one of the things you'll see: About nine out of every 10 pieces of clothing once belonged to someone else.

She chain-smokes, drinks caffeinated beverages nonstop, freely admits her fiery red hair comes from a bottle and plays the accordion because, as her dad once told her, "you never know when that will come in handy."

Childhood nickname? "Judith," courtesy of her grandfather, when she was bad.

Rest in Peace, Amber Burroughs.

2006-03-24T14:49:00.000-06:00

When I was younger, I went to Illinois School for the Deaf for one semester in 8th grade. I didn't like it and went back to mainstreamed schools. During my stay at ISD, I met alot of students I had developed a dislike for but there were a few students there I enjoyed being around. Amber Burroughs was one of them. She was always really sweet and nice. I haven't seen or heard from her ever since I left ISD but I ran into her sister Autumn when I was at Gallaudet. Autumn's boyfriend is Eddie Hoyt, son of Patty Hoyt. Patty and my parents are very close friends and she was like an unofficial aunt to me.

Amber was found dead yesterday in her home by her sons. Killed. By a former boyfriend(deaf too) who had just got out of jail and was violating a protection order filed by Amber. This is a complete shock. I feel so bad for the Burroughs family and her Amber's children. And for Amber's friends. The world will not be the same without Amber. Rest in Peace.

Illinois Primary Results

2006-03-22T17:25:00.000-06:00

I was close on most of my predictions!

Here are the results and my predictions in brackets. Name in italics is the winner.

Governor - Republican
Judy Baar Topinka: 38% [38%]
Jim Oberweis: 32% [29%]
Bill Brady: 18% [17%]
Ron Gidwitz: 11% [15%]
Andy Martin: 1% [1%]

Governor - Democrat
Rod Blagojevich: 70% [69%]
Edwin Eisendrath: 30% [31%]

Lt. Governor - Republican
Joe Birkett: 50% [45%]
Steve Rauschenberger: 30% [30%]
Others: 20% [25%]

Treasurer - Democrat
Alexii Giannoulias: 61% [53%]
Paul Mangieri: 39% [47%]

Cook County Board President - Democrat
John Stroger: 52% [55%]
Forrest Claypool: 48% [45%]

Congress 6th - Democrat
Tammy Duckworth: 44% [50%]
Christine Cegelis: 41% [40%]
Lindy Scott: 10% [15%]

Congress 8th- Republican
David McSweeney: 43% [30%]
Kathy Salvi: 33% [35%]
Robert Churchill: 16% [15%]
Aaron Lincoln: 5% [10%]
Ken Arnold: 2% [8%]
James Mitchell: 2% [2%]

It was a very good night for Progressives in Illinois save a few races (Cook Co. Board President and IL Congress 6th). The Republicans nominated a liberal for Governor. Judy Baar Topinka is pro-choice and pro-gay rights. She has marched every year in the Chicago Gay Pride Parade. If she does so again this year, I will be backing her candidacy.

It's illegal to have a boner in Mississippi

2006-03-21T17:54:00.000-06:00

This is ridiculous.

The state of Mississippi has banned sex toys, and erections in public.

“A person commits the offense of distributing unlawful sexual devices when he knowingly sells, advertises, publishes or exhibits to any person any three-dimensional device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs or offers to do so or possesses such devices with the intent to do so.”

And men are not permitted to be aroused in public.

Next time you go to MS, make sure you think about baseball all the time, and little naked old women. You sure don't want to go to jail for having a boner.

Primary Day in Illinois - Predictions

2006-03-21T15:19:00.000-06:00

Here are my predictions for the Illinois Primary:

Governor- Republican
Topinka - 38%
Oberweis - 29%
Brady - 17%
Gidwitz - 15%
Martin - 1%

Governor - Democrat
Blagojevich - 69%
Eisendrath - 31%

Lt. Governor - Republican
Birkett - 45%
Rauschenberer - 30%
Others - 25%

Treasurer - Democrat
Giannoulias - 53%
Manigeri - 47%

Cook County Board President - Democrat
Stroger - 55%
Claypool - 45%

Congress 6th - Democrat
Duckworth - 50%
Cegelis - 40%
Scott - 10%

Congress 8th - Republican
Salvi - 35%
McSweeney - 30%
Churchill - 15%
Lincoln- 10%
Arnold - 8%
Micthell - 2%

Miss Deaf Texas killed.

2006-03-20T23:47:00.000-06:00

Deaf bloggers all over the country are on this story like white on rice. Some of their comments are quite repulsive, like this:

If you're deaf, and if you want a bit of respect from your own country then shut the fuck up and work for a living or start attaining your goals like a normal American then people will start taking you seriously. Oh, and don't get hit by a train like this idiot .In a nutshell, that article is about an 18-year-old deaf girl from Texas who was walking less than foot away from the train tracks when a train hit and killed her.There are so many things wrong with this scenario.First of all, the train operator repeatedly sounded the horn as the train, which she had her back to, was approaching her and she didn't hear it, which is very understandable, but come on, what decent human being didn't feel three million tons of metal coming their way?! Was she really that arrogant to think that the train, which probably held millions of stock/passengers which was likely to sum up to three hundred thousand pounds, if not even, would swerve to avoid hitting her, a mere one hundred and thirty pound female? Did she really expect nothing but a gust of wind if she walked less than a foot away from a moving train?

Ridor and Kokonut are covering this story too but they aren't too offensive. Ridor asks sone good questions, and Kokonut is attacking these mocking her death.

Really, are we so low we'd actually make fun of people's deaths? Let the poor woman rest in peace, and focus on our issues.

Update:

I decided not to tell this person of the secret I know about their "friend", since they won't believe me. C'est la vie.

Heh Heh

2006-03-16T21:09:00.000-06:00

I just love it when I know secrets about people's boyfriends/girlfriends that they don't know. Especially when it's really JUICY.

The question, however, is: do I tell them and ruin their relationship knowing it is for the best in the long run, or do I not tell them and let them find out in unspeakable horror?

Anyway, back to laundry I go.

Unpopular President

2006-03-14T14:45:00.000-06:00

The picture to the left shows the latest approvals/disapprovals for President George W. Bush. The average approval is 39% while the average disapproval is at 55%.

What does this mean? Does this give Democrats an edge in the November elections for Congress/Governor? Democrats will most likely gain some seats in Congress, but not enough to win control. However, Democrats are expected to be in the majority when it comes to statehouse seats (Governors). Does this spell trouble for Bush? A tightly divided Congress will almost always spell trouble for a lameduck President, as most people will start shifting focus to the 2008 elections to replace Bush.

It's clearly time for a reigme change, and the best way to start is by cutting off Bush's power in Washington. It's time to start seriously blocking his chances, and for Howard Dean to continue building a party strategy in all 50 states. It's time for Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi to have a clear message in taking back Washington. It's time for Congressional candidates to start pumping their messages on the air and on the streets. It's time to beat Tom DeLay.

My Day at the Capitol

2006-03-14T14:09:00.000-06:00

Today was a pretty good day. I was offered a position teaching ASL at DAC (Deaf Action Center in Des Moines), and I accepted. We'll see soon enough if they were serious. Classes are to begin April 4th. Will contact them tomorrow. I had a rather amusing moment when I left the Capitol today, where they were holding a Deaf Awareness Day event.

I walked outside and was headed to my car, when I saw a huge political rally, so I decided to go check it out. Eek! Bad idea! I saw people holding signs all over saying stuff like "Man + Woman = Marriage" and shit like that. Ugh, I had walked right smack in the middle of an anti-gay marriage rally, so I slowly walked away and ran to my car. Drove to the corner, and saw people holding signs saying "Honk if you want equal rights!" I honked five times, and they gave me a thumbs up. Was good seeing some common-sensed people there trying to show support despite the homophobic fucks being all over the place.

Now, back to work on my flyer I have to make for DMACC's deaf nation event featuring Keith Wann. More on that later.

Poll: Blagojevich, Topinka lead respective challengers

2006-02-08T14:26:00.000-06:00

Poll: Blagojevich, Topinka lead respective challengers: " new poll shows Democrat Rod Blagojevich and Republican Judy Baar Topinka leading their challengers with six weeks until the primary election.
The Chicago Tribune/W-G-N T-V poll shows Governor Blagojevich with the backing of 62 percent of Democratic voters compared to just 18 percent for former Chicago Alderman Edwin Eisendrath.
Thirty-eight percent or Republicans say they back State Treasurer Topinka. That compares to 17 percent support for Jim Oberweis, eleven percent for Ron Gidwitz and eight percent for state Senator Bill Brady."

In February of 2002, a similiar poll showed former Attorney General Jim Ryan leading his GOP challengers for the nomination, and Blagojevich surging into the lead in the Democratic contest. This poll proves one thing. Eisendrath is not a serious challenger, and the Governor will win renomination easy. Topinka remains the strong frontrunner, and is almost likely to win the GOP nod. If nominated, Topinka will face an easier electorate with an improved attitude towards a woman Governor than Dawn Clark Netsch did in 1994, if only for one reason: her opponent is not Jim Edgar, but Rod Blagojevich. Blagojevich is a bigger threat to himself than Topinka can be.