The End of an Era - "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is Dead

Today, I got an email from Joe Solmonese of the Human Rights Campaign, notifying me of the repeal of DADT. Of course, I was following the votes myself all day, so I already knew we had won. But his letter had some very stirring words that I would like to share with you. He said:

Today, America lived up to its highest ideals of freedom and equality. Today, our federal government recognized that ALL men and women have the right to openly serve the country they believe in. That it doesn't matter who you are, or who you love – you are not a second-class citizen.

Think of the kids out there tonight, watching this on the news – kids who are bullied for being different, who live in fear daily that their parents will hate them if they find out the truth... Think of the relief, the empowerment, the sense of possibility they'll feel, knowing that the U.S. military has said: if you're lesbian or gay, you are worthy. We want you to join us, side by side, as equals.

Think of the people across the globe – some in countries where it is literally a life-or-death decision to come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender – who will hear this news and know we're one step closer toward a world where no one needs to live in fear because of who they are.

And take a moment to truly comprehend the lives ruined over the last 17 years because of this discriminatory law. The soldiers, sailors, airmen, translators, doctors and more, whose military careers were ended, whose livelihoods were threatened, whose friendships were cut off, all because the forces of bigotry and fear held out for so long.

They can never get those years back. But I hope they know that their sacrifice meant something. Their courage and integrity helped a nation understand what it means to serve. And that, more than anything else, helped bring about this historic change.

But my favorite quote from today came from Dave Weigel (@daveweigel), a reporter for Slate and who is a frequent guest on "Countdown" with Keith Olbermann. He tweeted today:

You know who we pissed off today? Taliban soldiers about to be killed by a military with openly gay troops. #win #DADT

So, yeah, it's been a joyous day here at our house. I hope it was at yours, too. I'd like to propose celebrating Dec. 18 every year as the day DADT was killed. Make it so!

Greyson Michael Chance performs Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi"

One of the best performances I've seen from a talented kid on YouTube in a long, long time. He's going to go far.

"IT'S....A NEW CAR!"

Don't you love that moment on The Price is Right when they do the big reveal of the car that the contestant can win and Rod Roddy says, "It's....A NEW CAR!" You know what's coming, but it's so exciting when he hypes it like that, isn't it? Well, today was one of those kind of days. I knew that I had enough money to buy a car, but what kind? And how much "car" could I get for my money?

Wonder no longer, dear reader. The day took a turn the first dealership we went to and next thing I know I'm the proud owner of a Chevy HHR. They're cool looking cars, but what sold me was that I could get in and out of the thing without straining my back. The old Mercury Tracer I had was like getting in and out of a hole in the ground. It's nice to have a car that's designed for grownups. Here's a pic of my new baby:

A Rousing Defense of People With AIDS

I found this post at Poz.com, in the blog of Peter Staley, founder of AIDSmeds.com. In the YouTube video embedded in Peter's post, New York state senator Tom Duane, openly gay and poz, fights for his bill that would cap housing expenses for PWA's at 30% of their income. Apparently someone made the mistake of laughing that they were going to defeat the bill. This touched off Duane's 22 minute tirade, which ultimately got him a standing ovation and the bill passed 52 to 1.

Good job, Senator! If you're ever in Kansas City I want to buy you a drink.

St. Louis Gateway Arch

Haven't posted any new wallpapers lately of good American architecture. Found a good one of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri that I wanted to share with you. The arch is meant to symbolize the "gateway to the west." Missouri (both Kansas City and St. Louis) was a major "jumping-off" point for settlers headed to California and the west. At one time, St. Joseph, MO was also a major source of settlers going west, but it eventually lost out to Kansas City, though the Pony Express was anchored in St. Joseph, of course.

Keith Olbermann Calls Out Folks In Congress Paid By Health Care Industry

Jaw-dropping. Last nite's "Special Comment" from Keith Olbermann, in which he calls out, by name,Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats who have accepted campaign contributions from heath industry interests. Amazing. Must-See TV!

Why Torchwood Is Bloody Brilliant

I watched the second episode of the Torchwood mini-series "Children of Earth" tonight. I've been a fan for a long time, but got to really thinking about the show itself, and the characters. What struck me in this episode (minor spoiler alert) is that you wind up with Gwen and Rhys and Jack and Ianto working together. Essentially, the quintessential straight couple and a gay couple working together to expose government corruption and save the world from aliens!! Brilliant!

I've seen interviews with Russell T. Davies and he's obviously an ego-maniac, but he's also a terrific writer. "Children of Earth" makes the point that, before the aliens even arrive, there are forces in the government that want to cover their own asses and deny all responsibility even as they are conspiring with the aliens. I know this is the same theme that Chris Carter explored in the X-Files, but here it's even more sinister, if that's possible. Davies has made the government the real enemy, not the aliens - they're almost incidental.

And as a gay man, I love Capt. Jack Harkness. Gay kids haven't had any role models, and Jack is long overdue. He's dashing, he's gorgeous, he comes in guns blazing and saves the day; oh, and he's shagging the coffee boy. LOVE IT!

Even more I love the idea of the four of them (Gwen & Rhys and Jack & Ianto) working together without squabbling, calling each other names, etc. They don't care what the other ones are "into," they've got more pressing problems at the moment, thanks very much. That's an attitude that a lot more people need to see and adopt.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, it looks like a hell of a good ride!