Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Larry... Will you ever learn?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
More on the Subway story
Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal paper ran an item on its site by Raymund Flandez:WSJ: Subway Franchisee Forced to Recall Prop. 8 Donation:
Subway got wind of the franchise agreement violation last Friday from a gay blogger, who found the contribution on a list of ‘Yes on 8’ contributors compiled by the Human Rights Campaign. Mike Rogers, 45, of Blogactive.com threatened to rally a major boycott of Subway sub-shops if his demands weren’t addressed: repudiating the gift, adding ‘sexual orientation and gender identity’ to the company’s nondiscrimination policy and giving an equal gift to the other side.At the end of each of his posts, Flandez asks his readers a question. Do you think it’s fair to organize a boycott of a company based on the gay-marriage issue? What can you do when your business gets blacklisted or boycotted? Is the question after the Subway posst. Here are the comments. I hope BlogActive readers will weigh in there, too.
The franchisee, Subway says, has asked for a refund of the $2,500 contribution. A person at the Subway shop in Merced Mall said the manager isn’t available today and will be back tomorrow. Subway has also updated its nondiscrimination policy to include the ‘sexual orientation and gender identity’ clause....
In a phone interview, he says he was quite surprised by Subway’s quick response. “I thought it was great. It was amazing.
An $8,200,000,000 (that's billion) worldwide company moved in 72 hours. Do you think this site is successful? I hope you'll help out...I still have not recovered the costs from the last case (that one contributed to the change of a Congressional seat from GOP to Democrat) and want to be able to continue to do this important work. Thanks!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Talk to the leaders...
An exciting live blogging event is taking place over it Bilerico Thursday at 7pm ET. If you ever wanted to interact with leaders of the movement, this is your chance. Kate Kendell, Nadine Smith and Barb McCullough-Jones, leaders from the three ballot measure states (California, Arizona and Florida), will be on hand to take your questions and comments.
A short gig...
I'm looking for a bit of help transcribing some tapes. If you'd like to volunteer or make a few bucks, I may be able to use your help.I have four Digital Video Cassettes (DVC) -- 60 minutes each -- and need them transcribed. The person who helps out will need to have a camera to play the tapes. Also, if you are volunteering or being paid, the project will require a confidentiality agreement regarding the contents and location of the filming (don't worry, there is nothing illegal on the tapes).
Hit me up at this email if you are interested.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The letter, the policy
In the comments someone asked to see the letter to the owners of 30,000 Subway stores. Here ya go (click it for easy to read pdf):
The policy has already been updated on line...
That was then:
This is now:
The policy has already been updated on line...
That was then:
This is now:
Freedom wins!
YAY Subway! I can keep going to the home of the Veggie Delite.
The company in question in my previous post was Subway, the international chain of sandwich shops. There are more than 30,000 outlets in over 85 countries. And as of today they have LGBT protections in their employment policies.
You can read the entire story here...
International food chain responds to blogger's demands, franchisee retracts gift, job protections added
On to the next battle...
The company in question in my previous post was Subway, the international chain of sandwich shops. There are more than 30,000 outlets in over 85 countries. And as of today they have LGBT protections in their employment policies.
You can read the entire story here...
International food chain responds to blogger's demands, franchisee retracts gift, job protections added
On to the next battle...Monday, November 17, 2008
Great news!
Hey, I'm willing to give them a break...
...It's why I have extended my original demand for action from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
I was reading through the Human Rights Campaign's list of companies that gave to Yes on 8, the California referendum that removed marriage equality from the state's constitution. When I saw a franchisee of an international company gave $2,500 to opponents of equality, I immediately knew I would require someone at the company's world HQ to address this. Or, I would.
So, after a few discussions, I informed the company's spokesperson that they had until today to take the following three actions:
Some have asked if I have been too harsh. It's an easy one to answer. "Harsh?" Are you kidding me? Let me tell you about harsh. This is a civil war waged upon free and just people by those who seek to control them. In 1776 the punishment for such treatment was not a boycott. Those objections came at the end of a bayonet. Thank goodness times have changed.
"But," say others, "It's not the national office, it's one individual franchisee." You know, they don't have any problem associating themselves with the franchisee when the checks roll in.
This is outrageous behavior. Luckily, we have a weapon far more powerful than the end of a gun. We have a handle, a handle on a spigot of money. Mess with the gays and watch the "pink wrath" slowly twist the spigot until they're at the table begging for forgiveness. (see: Coors, Ford, Microsoft, et al.)
It always helps move things along when I tell them to search this phrase in Google (thanks for the headline WaPo.)
I think we'll work it out, I really hope we do. To help them undertstand the matter, I sent the spokesperson a few links:
I was reading through the Human Rights Campaign's list of companies that gave to Yes on 8, the California referendum that removed marriage equality from the state's constitution. When I saw a franchisee of an international company gave $2,500 to opponents of equality, I immediately knew I would require someone at the company's world HQ to address this. Or, I would.
So, after a few discussions, I informed the company's spokesperson that they had until today to take the following three actions:
1) Repudiate the franchisee's gift
2) Make a gift in the same amount to an organization fighting for true equality
3) Immediately add sexual orientation and gender identity to the corporation's non-discrimination policy.
Some have asked if I have been too harsh. It's an easy one to answer. "Harsh?" Are you kidding me? Let me tell you about harsh. This is a civil war waged upon free and just people by those who seek to control them. In 1776 the punishment for such treatment was not a boycott. Those objections came at the end of a bayonet. Thank goodness times have changed."But," say others, "It's not the national office, it's one individual franchisee." You know, they don't have any problem associating themselves with the franchisee when the checks roll in.
This is outrageous behavior. Luckily, we have a weapon far more powerful than the end of a gun. We have a handle, a handle on a spigot of money. Mess with the gays and watch the "pink wrath" slowly twist the spigot until they're at the table begging for forgiveness. (see: Coors, Ford, Microsoft, et al.)
It always helps move things along when I tell them to search this phrase in Google (thanks for the headline WaPo.)
I think we'll work it out, I really hope we do. To help them undertstand the matter, I sent the spokesperson a few links:
Californians Against Hate to end boycott against Bolthouse Farms in
fight over gay marriage
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-juice9-2008oct09, 0,4032084.story
Ford Affirms Gay Publication Support. No Victory For AFA
http://www.boycottford.com/ford/businessweek/ businessweek.htm
Sincker's heads will roll over homophobic commercial
http://www.americablog.com/2007/02/snickers-parent- masterfoods-reportedly.html
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I saw Milk the other night...
A must see, especially if you are under 40. Here are Harvey's own words:
If you have not seen the preview:
Prediction: Penn will receive an Oscar Nomination.
If you have not seen the preview:
Prediction: Penn will receive an Oscar Nomination.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
So long, Farewell......
CMT artisitic director quits in fallout from Prop. 8 support:
California Musical Theatre's artistic director, Scott Eckern, resigned from his post today amid controversy over a donation he made to the Proposition 8 campaign to ban gay marriage.
Eckern gave $1,000 in support of Proposition 8, a donation that sparked criticism from theater workers and the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Goode-bye
Any questions? Along with an awesome candidate, a killer campaign team and countless volunteers, here's a major reason why it happened. The results are in!
I never ask for help if it is not for a reason. If you think a seat in Congress is worth a few bucks, there are more where Goode came from. Hell, there are more closet cases in the 111th Congress. Want to help? Here's the place.
I never ask for help if it is not for a reason. If you think a seat in Congress is worth a few bucks, there are more where Goode came from. Hell, there are more closet cases in the 111th Congress. Want to help? Here's the place.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Even Democrats can miss their targets
In the spirit of bipartisanship, I'd like to say there are plenty of Democrats who do dumb things. I have been to DC's 9:30 Club. Lucky for me this Democratic City Council member from NJ was not there on one those nights.
N.J. Councilman Arrested For Peeing on Crowd|NewsChannel 8:
N.J. Councilman Arrested For Peeing on Crowd|NewsChannel 8:
New Jersey Councilman Steven Lipski has been arrested for urinating on a crowd of concert goers at Washington's 9:30 club Saturday night, the New York Daily News reports.
The councilman was extremely drunk while attending a concert at the establishment and proceeded to relieve himself onto several concert goers from a second-level balcony, club sources tell the Daily News.
Club sources also tell the Daily News that this is not the first drunken incident involving the New Jersey councilman at the Washington nightclub, adding that it was, however, the first time he had urinated on someone. Councilman Lipski is currently serving his second term since getting elected in 2001."
Friday, November 07, 2008
Tell him what you think...
This Guy:
Is the Artistic Director of a place that makes money off of shows like this:
He gave money to this:
Here's his email, tell him what you think.
Is the Artistic Director of a place that makes money off of shows like this:
He gave money to this:
Here's his email, tell him what you think.
Mark Foley Prepares For First Interview... - Marc Ambinder
Marc Ambinder:
Mark Foley Prepares For First Interview... -
"The former congressman and 2006 Republican bête noire will appear on NBC News's Today Show next Wednesday. (or the Wednesday after next..)
That's according to a Florida source who is close to the former congressman....
Mr. Foley told friends that he wanted to wait until after the elections in 2008 so to have as little effect as possible on the current political situation.
He's sober, he's not blaming his problems on alcohol, he's kibitzing about Florida politics, and he's eager to speak..."
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Raising Kaine:: Perriello Launches to a "Huge" Lead!
Raising Kaine:: Perriello Launches to a "Huge" Lead!
From the campaign: November 6, 2008--Ivy, VA-With official vote tallies coming in from around the fifth district, Tom Perriello's lead in the election results has solidified significantly. As of 2:58 p.m. Perriello is up by 832 votes, garnering over 50% of the vote. Jessica Barba, communications director for the campaign, released the following statement:"
'As we've said all along, we feel confident that Tom Perriello will be declared the winner in this race. Our win margin has been growing wider as the results have been coming in from the official vote tally and now it appears that we now have a substantial lead in the race. It's clear that the fifth district is eager for a change in leadership to stabilize the economy, achieve energy independence, and correct our course in Iraq and Afghanistan. Perriello will deliver that leadership.'
Election commentary
Last week I used iPhoto to make my first animated movie. This one is the first time I used iMovie. It takes some playing around with, but overall it's pretty simple. So, here's a clip of my thoughts on the Presidential, Senate and House races:
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Looking like a landslide
If you need to know about what a scum Virgil Goode is, check out this BlogActive investigation.
Tom will need your support to fight the fight and defend the democratic principle of majority rule.
Tom will need your support to fight the fight and defend the democratic principle of majority rule.
BlogActive investigation flips congressional seat
Update: Somthing fishy is going on... when is 100% really 100%?...Could this be the stolen election of 2008?
Choice A or Choice B... Amazing what can happen in the dead of night, eh?
Don't believe the investigations and work of this site can flip seats? Well, you're wrong. Virgil Goode (VA-5) was tossed last night by less than 1,000 votes. Tom Perriello is headed to Congress because of the BlogActive investigation.
I drove through Goode's district ths weekend. On the drive my friend read that the Washington Post rated the Perriello/Goode race one of ten to watch. The post credited the story that BlogActive broke just three weeks ago about Goode's earmarking to help a closeted gay staffer.
What does this mean for BlogACTIVE. Well, once again the site has spent money that has not been recouped with support. Please help us earn back the funds the site spent to SWITCH THIS SEAT. We're just about $500 away from meeting the expenses BlogActive incurred.
$500 to help flip a seat in Congress. Won't you please help?
This successful investigation -- exposing Virgil Goode's anti-gay hypocrisy and the distribution of DVD's all over the district did -- not come for free. Your support makes it possible for the investigations to continue.
If you missed the original report, it's here.
If you think having Virgil Goode out of Congress is a good thing, please help out today.
Choice A or Choice B... Amazing what can happen in the dead of night, eh?
Don't believe the investigations and work of this site can flip seats? Well, you're wrong. Virgil Goode (VA-5) was tossed last night by less than 1,000 votes. Tom Perriello is headed to Congress because of the BlogActive investigation.I drove through Goode's district ths weekend. On the drive my friend read that the Washington Post rated the Perriello/Goode race one of ten to watch. The post credited the story that BlogActive broke just three weeks ago about Goode's earmarking to help a closeted gay staffer.
What does this mean for BlogACTIVE. Well, once again the site has spent money that has not been recouped with support. Please help us earn back the funds the site spent to SWITCH THIS SEAT. We're just about $500 away from meeting the expenses BlogActive incurred.
$500 to help flip a seat in Congress. Won't you please help?
This successful investigation -- exposing Virgil Goode's anti-gay hypocrisy and the distribution of DVD's all over the district did -- not come for free. Your support makes it possible for the investigations to continue.
If you missed the original report, it's here.
If you think having Virgil Goode out of Congress is a good thing, please help out today.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Confusion
There is some confusion over the McConnell flyer and the AFSCME radio ad. They are unrelated and AFSCME has made it clear. I know folks at AFSCME. They are good and honest people. They issued a statement.
AFSCME has nothing to do with the badly photoshopped flyer posted on the Internet, and our radio advertisement in Kentucky says absolutely nothing about Senator McConnell's sexual orientation. We are as interested in McConnell's undisclosed service records as we were in those of George W. Bush.Contrary to what some believe, there is no trademark on the word "straight." I believe AFSCME over the McConnell campaign any day. The campaign has not even bothered to return calls seeking comment.
Urging Senator McConnell to be "straight" with the voters of Kentucky is in no way gay-baiting. That is an outrageous and false charge. It is as ridiculous as suggesting that Senator John McCain named his bus the Straight Talk Express in order to appeal to anti-gay voters.
"I'm a Jew and I'm for John McCain"
Bring it on...
I was going to write a long post about being kid from NYC growing grew up in a Jewish household who now is surprised to see how many self described liberal Jews are able to justify voting for McCain/Palin. (Forget, of course, that Obama has 100% from AIPAC and she can't wait for the Rapture.)
Forget the long post. Katie Halper explains it all...brilliantly.
I was going to write a long post about being kid from NYC growing grew up in a Jewish household who now is surprised to see how many self described liberal Jews are able to justify voting for McCain/Palin. (Forget, of course, that Obama has 100% from AIPAC and she can't wait for the Rapture.)
Forget the long post. Katie Halper explains it all...brilliantly.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Let's not fall over
Signorile thanks Kirchick
He, too, credits TNR assistant editor Jamie Kerchick with elevating the item:And isn't Kirchick giving this whole issue more attention by circulating the flier on The New Republic site and around the web? Kirchick has done more to bring this issue forth than anyone else.
Why did the TNR elevate this homophobic flyer?
Jamie is a good guy. A really good guy. Sure, people disagree. It doesn't mean that they can't get along. Why, I wonder, would he take a little known flyer and this hardly heard AFSCME radio ad about Mitch McConnell's refusal to release his military records and elevate them into the political stratosphere? Is he making a preemptive move tying the gay images and ad to the Seantor in case McConnell is the next Larry Craig? What better way to give cover to conservatives in case they need to throw him under the bus?
What is sad here is that one guy, Dan Popkey, did a more thorough job in investigating Larry Craig on his this matter than the entire Kentucky press corps over 24 years has on McConnell! I have a new name for the mainstream media...let's call them "go with the flow media." What good is the First Amendment if you don't use it, Kentucky press corps?
Normally, I pass on writing about tactics like these. Why give what by many is seen to be homophobia by many any legs? Why put it out there and raise questions? Unfortunately, Jamie gave it legs longer than Lincoln's, I thought TNR was a little more progressive than to participate in this.
What is sad here is that one guy, Dan Popkey, did a more thorough job in investigating Larry Craig on his this matter than the entire Kentucky press corps over 24 years has on McConnell! I have a new name for the mainstream media...let's call them "go with the flow media." What good is the First Amendment if you don't use it, Kentucky press corps?
Normally, I pass on writing about tactics like these. Why give what by many is seen to be homophobia by many any legs? Why put it out there and raise questions? Unfortunately, Jamie gave it legs longer than Lincoln's, I thought TNR was a little more progressive than to participate in this.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Vote
Friday, October 31, 2008
Howie and I make movies
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Hey...
The Obama Campaign has a Halloween message:
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Communists?
They are going to say Barack is a communist (See: McCarthy, Joe). He's cut 'em off in advance:
Best ad of the campaign...
If you think McCain is an angry guy now, watch what happens when he realizes a 47-year old Black guy kicked him from here to Phoenix in his final quest to outdo daddy. Oh well, old man.
Check this out. As my friend Brad said, "best ad of the campaign."
Check this out. As my friend Brad said, "best ad of the campaign."
