The Honeymoon Goes On

As someone with cancer the story about the Georgia man with TB scares the living heck out of me. When you have a compromised immune system you pretty much live in fear of coming in contact with minor ailments such as a cold mcuh less something as threatening as TB. It seems to me, however, that there is blame to go around for everyone connected with this story but of course for me "individual" responsibility is paramount. It's scary to think that this guy flew all over the place before walking into a hospital. I guess the honeymoon must go on regardless of how many people you expose to a life threatening disease. Scary!

Rosie vs Elizabeth ALL IN ONE

Thanks for the birthday present Rosie.

Parlez-vous anglais?

Bonjour, Parlez - vous anglais? Oui! Boy were we happy for that response. My gf and I just returned from gay Parieee and we had a wonderful time. So, now you know the reason for my absence from blogging. This was my second trip to Europe and I think I have been bit by the travel bug. I just have to work on my fear of flying.

So, our trip was short enough to make us fall in love with Paris and long enough to miss home. We visited all the places that tourists visit and found a couple of out of the way places to have dinner. My gf took me to a wonderful restaurant for my birthday and it was magnificient. What a way to spend my birthday. I think we both gained 40lbs or more but it was all worth it. When all is said and done the French weren't so bad; just indifferent to everyone. One of the tings that I appreciated reading in our guide book was that the French are a quiet people and that was very evident even in restaurants. Of course, we got a glimse of the ugly American one morining while having breakfast in our hotel.

There were three American girls talking quite loudly and wouldn't quiet down even though we glared at them. We were very happy when they exited the dining room. We decided then and there that they were a perfect example of the label - the ugly American. But it seems like Americans have given up their monopoly on said phrase and thus this article was quite fortuitous. It seems that "ugly" applies to a lot of different people who travel to Europe and other places like New York City. Unfortunately I have to agree with the article as we encountered some but I won't say which group made me the craziest. Well as they say, ce la vie. I'll upload some of my favorite pics next time. Now, there is a lot for me to get to. See you on the funny pages.

No More Shame

I'm not sure but I guess it's normal for minorities to want role models. I don't like the word and have stayed away from essays or discussions where people keep insisting that I should have a role model. So, I'm not surprised that gay folks want their own role models and threaten to out them if they dare to live in the closet. In a recent article in Out magazine, Michael Musto's article The Glass Closet talks about gays we know are gay but continue to avoid the question. And I say, so what? Don't get me wrong, I would like it if Jody Foster came out but the fact that she she lives a quiet life makes her a role model to me. But I will offer this caveat, I am all for outing a closeted elected official whose votes scream anti-gay.

So, this brings me to the governor turned gay icon. I remember the day Jim McGreevey came out as a gay American. It was a Friday afternoon and I was in my car listening to talk radio when I happened to turn the dial to a news station. When he said the words I wanted to throw up in my car but thought it best not to mess up my clean car. I was furious and very disappointed in the back slapping that ensued shorthly thereafter that Governor McGreevey was one of us. I didn't welcome him with open arms then and I sure as hell don't now.

But, if I thought I had heard and seen it all before I'm once again surprised at McGreevey's arrogance and total disregard for anything moral. And unfortunately we live in a society where people like McGreevey is exempt from shame. He like many others are allowed to continue on a path that says it's ok to make a mockery of marriage vows, engage in indiscriminate sex in the backrooms of bookstores and lie to your constitutents while using their hard earned money by using state troopers to take you on trysts. But instead of holding McGreevey accountable for his horrid behavior we offer him a book deal, parade him on Oprah Winfrey where he talks about his "religion" and how hard it was to hide his orientation. And on top of it he wants custody of his daughter. Does anyone else see a problem here but me?

But the two most recent episodes in McGreevey's life are the real slap in the face of decent behavior. This article by Jonah Goldberg makes my point. It's an old article but it supports my point. And here is McGreevey getting paid for his pain as a gay American. I love the quote from Senator Lesniak, "He has a lot to offer. I wouldn't mind going to the class myself if I were a student." You gotta love it, McGreevey teaching ethics. But here is the real kicker folks. And who will he minster to, little boys? And we wonder why our society is so screwed up. So much for psychological tests.

Come Again?

Ok, I admit that I wasn't going to write about this but I can't help it. I can't help it because this is just another example of gross behavior with a result that screams to our kids, "Screw up but you can get a pass because of your wealth." There is no longer an opportunity to face the music there is just an opportunity to get more contracts and a party to welcome you home after serving your "punishment." I guess the new term, "overburdening" prevents the likes of Hilton to serve the necessary time in jail. Amazing!

Viva La Sarkozy!

It seems that conservative, Nicolas Sarkozy, won the election in France over the socialist, Segolene Royal. Sarkozy is considered the hard right conservative and has been accused of fomenting hate by calling young people bums. But at the end of the day, Royal "felt too much" and lost the women's vote to Sarkozy. But we will have to watch and see if change will happen in France because as writer Craig Smith tells us in this article, change may not be forthcoming even with a new president.