LIBERATE US

Florida teacher back in the classroom. Social studies pedagogue Jerry Buell [1] is back teaching students. The teacher was suspended for his Facebook outburst about gay marriage and an upset tummy. The first amendment prevailed, as it should. An absolutist when it comes to free speech. My only problem with the guy is that he wasn't articulate. Would have been nice if he actually showed his kids what it means to craft an argument, beyond physical disgust. However. the beauty of free speech is that it covers our lucid and muddled moments. Expect the National Organization of Marriage to prop him up as  a martyr for truth. [2] Police investigate student's death, but insist it was no hate crime. There still has been no arrest in the death of Marcellus Richard Andrews [3]. The Waterloo, Iowa student was taken off life support this past Sunday. Last week he sustained severe head injuries in an attack where he was called "faggot." The police argue the crime is not connected to anti-gay bias. "We've done multiple interviews and we have heard those allegations, but this was not because of his persuasion or the perception of his persuasion," said Lt. Michael McNamee, a Waterloo police spokesman "These were all people who knew each other, and there was some bad blood between the two parties involved." OK, but can you, at the very least, gather enough info to charge somebody for this senseless  crime? [4] Lauper doing good deeds for homeless youth. Cyndi Lauper has been instrumental in opening a housing facility for LGBT homeless youth. Called True Color Residence [5], the building will open on September 1 in Harlem (thanks to Gothamist for the link). [6] Summit announces she has early Alzheimer's.  The women's basketball program at the University of Tennessee has had a difficult week. Pat Summit [7], the winningest coach in college basketball history, announced she has early signs of dementia. The Washington Post did a great profile of the coach, and her no nonsense approach to this new chapter of her life. She is not retiring, but this should come as no surprise. In her 37 years working the sidelines, she has preached hard work, and discipline,  no matter the situation. [8] Long's accusers speak out. Bishop Eddie Long's [9]public relations nightmares continue. Two of the preacher man's accusers, Jamal Parris and Spencer LeGrande, are speaking out, despite the confidential settlement they signed. Both risk losing the money received, but it seems as if the emotional  damage Long allegedly caused is deep and profound. The two say the minister used Scripture to justify their intimate relationships with him. Parris adds he tried to kill himself after he and Long were no longer a pair (thanks to Rod 2.0 for the link). [10] RIP Nick Ashford [11]. [12] [1] http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/24/Teacher_Gets_to_Keep_Job_After_Antigay_Overshare_on_Facebook/ [2] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/blog-apple-classroom-top.jpg [3] http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110824/NEWS01/308240052/-1/HALLOWEEN/Bad-blood-preceded-Waterloo-homicide [4] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/news-cops-car-crime-top.jpg [5] http://gothamist.com/2011/08/23/cyndi_lauper_opening_lgbt_housing_i.php [6] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/news-cyndi-lauper-top.jpg [7] http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/pat-summitt-tennessee-womens-basketball-coach-diagnosed-with-alzheimers-disease/2011/08/23/gIQADEuDZJ_story.html [8] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/basketball-floor-top.jpg [9] http://rodonline.typepad.com/rodonline/2011/08/video-eddie-longs-accusers-break-silence-and-speak-out.html [10] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/News-Bishop-Eddie-Long-Top.jpg [11] http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2011/08/23/139879277/nick-ashford-songwriter-and-singer-has-died?ps=cprs [12] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/News-Nick-Ashford-top.jpg