Editorials
Editorials (34)
I recently returned to dating via various computer sites, and I’m encountering the awkward issue of telling suitors that, historically, my plumbing was a bit opposite of what it is now. Liz, my electrologist, and I have been debating about how to best let potential partners know that I’m a “T” in the LGBT alphabet—a post-op male to female.
Recently while driving back to Iowa, I lost Minnesota Public Radio almost exactly at the Iowa-Minnesota border. I turned the dial to Iowa Public Radio, and I could have sworn that I had just passed into a foreign country. Although there were no border guard shacks to mark the state line (at least not yet), the airwaves told me that my old home state had changed dramatically since I moved north last year.
On Friday July 9, 2010, Maggie Gallagher again penned a lament about how horrible it is to have people say mean things about you when you are just voicing your opinion or making a statement of faith.
globegazette.com: The Editor's Inbox: Fear coming to campaign
Written by Other News SourcesFormer Gov. Terry Branstad prides himself on being an ignorant heap of hate. Branstad doesn’t move when it comes to the recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage. The gay and lesbian communities have fought hard to earn their right to marry. Now all their tears, trials and yearning for acceptance is in jeopardy. The Republican candidate offers a slap in the face to the homosexual community by promising to revoke the right to marriage of straightforward, hard-working Iowans.
Bleeding Heartland: Don't hold your breath waiting for Steve King to debate
Written by Other News SourcesDemocratic Congressional candidate Matt Campbell has challenged incumbent Steve King to a series of three debates this year. Campbell's press release notes that King "has never formally debated an opponent" since his first election to Congress in 2002.
The Roman Catholic Church has a big problem. Some might think it’s a public relations problem, and the Church does have one of those. The cloak of secrecy in Church governance and its exemption from accountability for centuries have revealed a remarkable inability to recognize that problem or to deal with it effectively in the modern world.
It’s disconcerting indeed to see protesters holding signs that read, “God hates Fags.” Fred Phelps and his ilk are famous for them. It inspires media attention, counter-protests, law enforcement protection for him as much as or more than anyone else, and it doubtless raises money for his continued efforts. He aims to shock, and he succeeds.
Chuck Hurley's false witness, intentional or otherwise
Written by Arthur Breur
Is the image shown here a “video showing two homosexuals masturbating each other,” as Chuck Hurley of the Iowa Family Policy Center claimed in a press event on June 1, 2010? No.
Sioux City Journal.com: Gays are entitled to same rights
Written by Other News Sources
SIOUX CITY -- One of the biggest war drums being beat this election year by Republicans in Iowa is on the gay marriage issue. It seems ironic to me that this group that touts itself as the party of freedom and small government seems to be chomping at the bit to get their hands on other people's rights.
Terry Brandstad panders with statements on his Lt. Governor selection
Written by Arthur BreurForget about picking the most qualified person for the job. Forget about respecting the expert opinion of Iowa's seven Supreme Court justices. Forget about providing all Iowans equal protection under the Constitution. Forget about who won and who lost in this past Tuesday's Iowa primaries.
No, it's far more important to pander to Iowa's hard-line social conservatives, hoping that they will be among those most motivated to vote this coming November.
This is apparently Terry Branstad's thinking regarding his as-yet unannounced choice for Lt. Governor. When asked on June 11th if he would select someone who believes in equal marriage rights for gays and lesbians, Terry Branstad answered, simply, "No."
Thank you, Mr. Branstad, for being so straightforward about the fact that you do not respect the fourteen years that my husband and I have worked together, building our relationship, paying our taxes, helping our neighbors, caring for and celebrating holidays with our extended family (many of whom live right here in Iowa).
And thank you, again, for reminding me that the Republican party has been hijacked by those who shout out that they are against government intrusion into their own private and spiritual lives, but eagerly espouse having that same government intrude into mine.
