LIBERATE US

Post Irene. The east coast is assessing the damage Irene [1] caused. Some were lucky to avoid any serious issues. Others will face major clean up (hang in Vermont) [2]. Looks like the media narrative, especially in New York  has flipped over a few times. First it was "this is the hurricane of the ages" to "why did the the politicians overreact to a summer shower."  It's funny to hear people complain about over preparation for an emergency. It's like they need to see bodies floating down streets to feel justified about worry and concern. We might not like it, but we live in a post-Katrina [3]world. Government officials are willing to have constituents grumble over too much potted meat. Pols prefer that to bloated bodies. Ask former mayor Ray Nagin [4]. [5] Bachmann continues her bat doo crazy ways. Rep. Michele Bachmann [6] decided to act like Rev. Pat Robertson [7]. As reported by Politico.com, the Tea Party queen thinks the recent natural disasters can be blamed on not paying attention to the  fickle fellow in the sky. "I don't know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We've had an earthquake; we've had a hurricane. He said, 'Are you going to start listening to me here?' Listen to the American people because the American people are roaring right now. They know government is on a morbid obesity diet and we've got to rein in the spending." If I understand Minister Bachmann right, we need to vote for her to keep the country safe from earthquakes and hurricanes. Sure. Makes perfect sense. [8] HRC and Solmonese. Over the weekend there were multiple reports that Joe Solmonese was leaving the Human Rights Campaign (Pam's House Blend [9] reported it first). Well, it's now official. HRC [10] released a statement on Saturday. He will remain until the end of March 2012. "Joe Solmonese is an outstanding leader," said Anne Fay and Andy Linsky, co-chairs of HRC's board of directors. "While we will miss his extraordinary leadership, we enter this next phase, thanks to Joe, in the best place the organization has ever been. Not only has our community secured historic victories, but our membership is larger and more active than at any time in our history, and our financial health is secure even in these difficult economic times." The gay rights organization has a search committee for his replacement. [11] The VMAs [12]. Did you watch? Any moments you want to talk about? Did you see Lady Gaga's performance? [13] Perry signs NOM's pledge. Gov. Rick Perry [14] is the latest Republican to sign the National Organization for Marriage's pledge. If you want the Republican nomination, better make sure your NOM dues are up to date (thanks to Think Progress for the link). [15] The editor of the Advocate is pro glitter. Glittering, as a form of political protest, made the New York Times [16] this weekend. Glitter dumping has been performed  on a a number of politicians, most of them Republicans. Diane Anderson-Minshall, executive editor of the Advocate, was quoted in the article. "I think the whole thing is a wonderfully fabulous way to protest It's peaceful and it doesn't hurt anybody. But it does get a really important point across in a fun way." Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is also quoted; his point of view is a wee bit different. "Glitter bombing is clearly an assault and should be treated as such. When someone reaches into a bag and throws something on you, how do you know if it is acid or something that stains permanently or something that can blind you? People have every right to their beliefs but no right to assault others." I don't agree with Gingrich about the assault part, but he does have a point about glitter subjects not knowing what's being tossed their way. No one here really cares about that, but it's worth consideration. I still think the tactic is a kid's prank. What's gained by using a method of a child, even if it's fab? [17]   [1] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904332804576538111620272104.html?mod=googlenews_wsj [2] http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/29/us-storm-irene-vermont-idUSTRE77S1ZM20110829 [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina [4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Nagin [5] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/News-Irene-Damage-top.jpg [6] http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/62217.html [7] http://www.365gay.com../blog/011410-robertson-says-haiti-made-pact-with-the-devil/ [8] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/News-Michele-Bachmann-Iowa-Straw-Poll-top.jpg [9] http://www.365gay.com/news/082711-solmonese-to-leave-hrc/ [10] http://www.hrc.org/news/15855.htm [11] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/blog-hrc-joe-solmonese-top.jpg [12] http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2011/ [13] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/news_ladygaga_bornthisway_352x235.jpg [14] http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2011/08/26/305565/rick-perry-signs-anti-gay-marriage-pledge/ [15] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/news-rickperry-republican-conservative-top.jpg [16] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/opinion/sunday/glitter-a-kinder-gentler-prank.html?_r=1&ref=opinion [17] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/news-glitter-pile-shiny-top.jpg