Opinions
Temper tantrums, name-calling don’t win us friends
LGBT scaremongers risk alienating allies, ‘crying wolf’ undermines credibility
Social media has become nearly intolerable. LGBT timelines are among the worst examples of the childish and churlish temper tantrum being thrown by too many. Hysteria and hyperbolic exaggeration have become the norm on our feeds.
There’s name-calling. There’s cultural insulting. There’s a constant accusatory stream deriding claimed broad-based intrinsic racism, bigotry, homophobia, or just plain stupidity among others. There’s mocking people who are less educated, live different lives, have lower incomes, aren’t as cool. There’s derision of those outside the womb-like economic and cultural bubbles those of us who live in them think are normal.
You know, the stuff of bullies.
If the heel were on the other foot, the outrage would come like a tidal wave. But the vitriol is forgiven because it’s the insular behavior of the “cool kids” wearing resentment like fashion. The types we hated when we were younger and less cynical. Maybe even victimized by them. Before many of us became just downright mean ourselves.
You can cut the hypocrisy with a knife.
Most people look the other way. Perhaps post pet pictures and wait for it all to soon subside. Maybe the Nazi images of Hitler will someday go away. Hope springs eternal.
Good goddess, is it possible that those still upset over the election results will get a grip on their emotions? Will the over-the-top spittle-laced venom eventually cease?
The news media is little better. Not those Facebook-targeted pseudo-news “articles” pumped out for re-posting by easily manipulated fools of all stripes. Nope, the regular press.
Smug reporters and pundits, always relishing high-drama, gin-up conflicts and subsequently sit back and watch the ensuing explosion. They then move on to manufacturing the next indignation, not seeming to realize everything eventually gets lost in the mind-numbing muddle of continuing rage. When everything is an atrocity, nothing is.
The latest imbroglio involving iconic civil rights pioneer and long-serving Congressman John Lewis is a perfect example of how we have become objects of easy exploitation.
Lewis is undoubtedly frustrated by his party’s newly worsened and historically low electoral status due massive Democratic losses in local, state and federal elections across the country over the past 10 years. He faces ongoing diminished influence as a member of a House minority and a national party cast-out of both sides of the Hill and the White House, state legislatures and governorships.
Lewis publicly characterizing Donald Trump’s presidency as “illegitimate” only days before inauguration was inappropriate and itself malfeasant. Lewis won’t be attending the inaugural, a repeat of his stay-away from George W. Bush’s 2001 swearing-in.
Sure, it was a calculation. Baiting Trump on Twitter is no magician’s trick.
Either Trump will prove to be savvy disruptor of the politics-as-usual Americans detest, or chaotic destroyer of a national institution. But he is due the respect appropriately afforded the newest and, in the words of his outgoing predecessor, “fairly elected” national chief executive.
It’s likely that this week’s Presidential Inauguration won’t quell the “I’m so hip, I’m displeased” online certifications, but only exacerbate this trendy behavior.
Such embarrassing foot stomping wins lesbians and gays few friends. We risk alienating actual and potential allies by unseemly hegemony and hatred.
Worse are the ridiculous claims of impending LGBT Armageddon most gays don’t believe and only sabotage a community’s credibility.
We’re not headed to concentration camps, nor is Trump gassing up any transport trucks. Illusory victories won by presidential orders signify we opted for transient gains by seeking only convenience and not consensus.
We’ve won civil equality not so much by legislative fiat, but by coming out to family, friends and associates, telling our stories, having a face. The modest work remaining is dependent on that foundation and relies mostly on the support of others – notably the business community that takes a positive view of potential post-election policy reforms.
It’s time to heed the cautionary tale that falsely “crying wolf” will result in later being ignored.
Mark Lee is a long-time entrepreneur and community business advocate. Follow on Twitter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at [email protected].
Opinions
‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal serves as a guide for enacting equality legislation
Equality Act supporters should take cues from Senate moderates
Equality legislation is close to passing in Congress, but close isn’t good enough. “Close” won’t change anything for the LGBTQ Americans who face discrimination every day. Senate Democrats and Republicans must make a push to negotiate. With a reach on both sides to find common ground, we can move equality legislation from “close” to “done deal.”
Some Democrats are waiting for the filibuster to end—despite clear evidence that they lack the votes to end it. Some Republicans are practicing a tried-and-true brand of obstructionism. To break this deadlock, we should look to the successful, bipartisan repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) as a guide.
The DADT repeal is the single reference point for LGBTQ advocates for overcoming the Senate filibuster. Other victories have been in the courts; notably, the Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell decision that made gay marriage legal nationwide.
Before Obergefell, advocates had success in the state legislatures. I worked on campaigns for the freedom to marry in Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York and elsewhere, finding common ground between Democrats and Republicans who thought it was impossible to negotiate on marriage. Eventually, enough people from both parties came together to pass marriage laws in a majority of states.
Working together at the state level is one thing. Congress is another.
Despite Democrats’ control of the White House, Senate and House, negotiations are failing at the federal level. So, we lets look to ancient history—the 2010 repeal of DADT—for guidance on reaching 60 votes in the Senate.
The most important lesson from the DADT repeal is that Senate moderates must champion the cause and lead negotiations. The more partisan figures on both sides need to step back. Overcoming the filibuster is a job for moderates, not ideologues.
As it happens, the hero of the DADT repeal is still a senator and can help. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine led the negotiations on DADT repeal.
Senator Collins supports the Equality Act in principle and even sponsored a version of the bill in past. However, the current version is too extreme for Sen. Collins, as a result, she has withdrawn as a co-sponsor. The current bill has also foundered with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, another important figure in the repeal of DADT.
The fact that moderate, pro-LGBTQ senators are unable to back the current version of the Equality Act should send a clear message to Democrats that we need to make reasonable changes to the bill. So far, the message is being ignored.
On the Democratic side, independent Sen. Joe Lieberman was essential to the repeal of DADT. There certainly were passionate, liberal Democrats who could have asserted themselves during the debate. But then, the bill would have taken longer to pass, or even might have failed.
The lesson is clear. Listen to the moderates. Let them lead this charge.
Another important lesson from the repeal of DADT is to be flexible in the legislative strategy. DADT repeal was originally an amendment to a large defense authorization bill. Rather than give up, Collins and Lieberman fought and saved DADT repeal from defeat by pulling out key provisions they knew could pass on their own and making them a standalone measure. Repeal passed with bipartisan support.
The current version of the Equality Act tries to do too much. That’s why it can’t win support from moderate Republicans who have legitimate concerns the bill might suppress free speech or shut down religious charities.
Over 60 senators can agree on the basic premise of the Equality Act. They would gladly vote to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ Americans in employment, housing, and public accommodations, so long as the law didn’t intrude on the First Amendment.
If the far left believes that our country has too much religious liberty, they can deal with that in future legislation. But so long as we have a filibuster—and, there’s no indication it will end any time soon—the Equality Act needs to reflect our society’s current views on religious liberty.
The DADT repeal passed with 65 votes in the Senate, overcoming the filibuster. Let’s replicate that victory by using the same playbook. Moderates: Take the lead.
Tyler Deaton is the senior advisor to the American Unity Fund, a conservative nonprofit organization working to advance LGBTQ freedom and religious freedom
Commentary
LGBTQ people are being hunted down in Afghanistan
Homosexuality punishable by death under Taliban Sharia law interpretation
Kabul was known as one of the few “liberal” cities in Afghanistan. The word liberal is in quotation marks, and inflected, because it is liberal compared to the rest of the country. Now that the Taliban has taken over, most people who expressed themselves differently and openly are forced to adhere to Sharia law, completely change their ways, hide their identity, or be killed.
The U.S. State Department reported in 2020 that even before the Taliban took power in August, LGBTQ people in Afghanistan faced “discrimination, assault and rape” and “homosexuality was widely seen as taboo and indecent.” Laws against lesbian, gay and transgender people made their existence illegal and punishable by up to two years in jail. Those laws were not always enforced, but they did leave LGBTQ people at risk of extortion and abuse by authorities, as reported by the U.K. government.
Even with the discrimination and abuse, LGBTQ people still had a sliver of space in society. Nemat Sadat, an LGBTQ Afghan author living in the United States said that gay, lesbian and transgender people helped the country’s cultural life develop since the Taliban’s last rule 20 years ago. But, most of these people built their lives quietly.
Now with the Taliban regime, their sliver of space in society is gone, there is no room to live quietly as an openly LGBTQ person. Under the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law, homosexuality is punished by death.
In an interview with Reuters, Waheedullah Hashimi, a top decision maker for the Taliban said, “there will be no democratic system at all because it does not have a base in our country,” and continued to say, “what type of political system should we apply in Afghanistan is clear. It is sharia law and that is it.”
One source spoke to a 20-year-old university student who is lesbian in Afghanistan. Her family accepted her as a lesbian, but now the new Taliban leadership has put the lives of all of her family at risk. There is a new surge of violence against any lesbian, gay and transgender people. This includes anyone speculated of being lesbian, gay, or trans, and those who support them.
This young lesbian woman has gone into hiding. She is part of hundreds of LGBTQ people in Afghanistan who are pleading with advocates and organizations outside Afghanistan for help to escape the Taliban tyranny.
Nemat Sadat shares stories of lesbian, gay and trans people in hiding. He shared a story of a gay man who watched from his hiding place in the ceiling as Taliban fighters beat the friend who refused to disclose his location.
LGBTQ people in Afghanistan fear the risk of being arrested, beaten and killed. The Taliban made it clear that it is enforcing its strict religious laws against Afghanistan’s LGBTQ citizens. In an interview with Germany’s Bild newspaper, one Taliban judge said there were only two punishments for homosexuality: “stoning or being crushed under a wall.”
LGBTQ people in Afghanistan are reporting that their friends, partners and members of their community are being attacked and raped. They also stated that Islamic fundamentalists and riotous groups are encouraged by the new tyranny and are on the hunt for LGBTQ people.
Another source shared that a gay man was targeted for his sexuality and then raped by his male attackers. That is a terrible paradox. He was raped by his male attackers, who criminalizing him for having same sex relations.
LGBTQ people are in hiding, desperately trying to get out of the country, and trying to erase any proof of their queer identity.
They feel abandoned by the international LGBTQ community. The Taliban is proving that the Western nations have normalized relations to their government. The Taliban and their supporters see this a proof of their victory. This leaves LGBTQ people defeated and fearing torture and death.
The U.S. government and other Western countries evacuated many people out of Afghanistan, including journalists, women’s rights activists and those who worked with foreigners. But, LGBTQ activists said that nothing has been done for them. A source says about her situation, “we will definitely be killed. We are asking to be evacuated immediately from Afghanistan.” To date, no safe route has been found.
Even underground measures to help LGBTQ people are challenging and near impossible. The Rainbow Railroad is a non-governmental organization helping LGBTQ people around the world escape persecution. Executive Director Kimahli Powell said evacuating LGBTQ people from Afghanistan is especially hard as they are often alone, in hiding, and unable to contact each other. If routes to get them out is nearly impossible, that still means those routes are somewhat possible. As difficult as it may be, we must find pathways to save these people and get them out.
The Taliban regime has established itself, knowing with certainty that the world will stand aside, albeit condemning and protesting, but not intervening. This is empowering jihadists across the world, especially in the Middle East. The Taliban has many allies and admirers, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hamas.
The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, travelled from Palestinian territories to meet with Taliban leaders in Qatar. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad has a history of ties to the Taliban, even with radicals joining each other’s organizations. Very public statements of congratulations were made between leaders of the Taliban, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and all with full Iranian support.
The increase in brazen forcefulness of these groups reaches beyond Afghanistan, and spreads to the lands dominated by other similar groups. This causes an escalation of the threats to anyone who opposes Sharia law or who lives differently than what Sharia law allows. LGBTQ people in these lands are in peril.
If we do not help LGBTQ people in Afghanistan, the lives of LGBTQ people under other similar tyrannies face increased uncertainty and danger.
Since posting this video, I have been receiving direct messages from LGBTQ people in hiding in Afghanistan, and those who are seeking to be evacuated. They all share harrowing experiences of being attacked, raped, and threatened by Taliban, Islamic State and bullying groups.
Yuval David is an innovative actor, host and filmmaker with a creative mantra to entertain, uplift and inspire. He is a captivating performer and compelling storyteller who uses his platform for sharing narratives that affect social change, specifically on behalf of highly respected U.S. and international organizations that raise awareness for the marginalized and under-represented, inspired by his LGBTQ+ and Jewish identity, and his Israeli-American roots.
He can be reached through social media
As a former city commissioner for nine of the past 15 years, I have seen a lot of changes in the laws and decisions governing the city of Rehoboth Beach. Like most things in life, some have been good and some have been not so good. The ones that have been good for the city plan for the future. The ones that have been bad for the city try to hold on to the past. The city of Rehoboth Beach has been a magnet for tourists for a long time and that has not changed, nor can it be changed. Trying to stifle our business community will not decrease the numbers that come to our city but will only frustrate our residents and visitors by putting into place ordinances that will promote the construction of buildings that lack functional architectural creativity. Worse, discouraging business innovation will drive businesses to Route 1, resulting in vacant storefronts along our commercial streets that will ultimately increase costs to residents in terms of higher taxes, provision of basic services, and increased utility fees.
On Oct. 15, a public hearing will be held regarding patchwork changes to the zoning code. The proposed changes have been put forth as “clarifications”. They are NOT clarifications but changes that will change the downtown commercial districts for generations to come. And not in a good way.
This may seem like an over-reaction but truly it is not. Not to over-simplify, but the basic zoning code that applies to commercial buildings allows for construction of a building from lot line to lot line with a maximum height of 42 feet. The proposed changes/clarifications would count interior courtyards and elevator shafts. These changes do not change the bulk of a building but could very well disincentivize desired architectural enhancements, such as balconies and courtyards. In this day and age of COVID, open space should be promoted not penalized. Why would we stifle architects with ideas for buildings that embrace creative use of a parcel of land? The effect of the proposed changes on the new hotel projects that are currently being designed warrants involvement by everyone who wants to make sure that Rehoboth Avenue does not end up showcasing buildings with zero architectural interest.
It is important to remember that the one square mile of the city of Rehoboth Beach is not a suburban community, nor is it a retirement community. It is a city that hosts tens of thousands of visitors eight to nine months a year with a vibrant restaurant scene, beach and boardwalk, farmers market, recreational dock, and hopefully one day a performing arts center. What can you do? Send an email by Oct. 15 to [email protected], asking the mayor and city commissioners to pause making these patchwork changes to the city code, changes that will have negative unintended consequences for years to come. Ask them to do what was programmed in the budget over a year ago—to hire a zoning expert to look holistically at the city ordinances and make practical, coordinated changes that incentivize development that sustains the aesthetics and prosperity of our town.
Pat Coluzzi is a former city commissioner for the city of Rehoboth Beach.
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Im Just Sayin
January 20, 2017 at 3:54 pm
I really don’t think that after walking across that bridge in Selma, John Lewis has spent a moment of his life fretting about diminished influence. Now if you want to talk about someone who has never had much influence to even be diminished, then a review of Mr. Lee’s op-ed’s would provide reasonable fodder for such a discussion.
lnm3921
January 21, 2017 at 12:50 am
You’ve said it all with that last sentence! Should in in BOLD capital letters! You know how blind conservatives are to the TRUTH let alone reality!
Bruce Majors
January 21, 2017 at 6:56 am
Worship that holy cow
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 6:48 am
Lewis hasn’t paid his DC property taxes on his large Capitol Hill home in years.
Denny Lyon
January 21, 2017 at 12:19 am
Great column, Mark!
lnm3921
January 21, 2017 at 12:47 am
What tunnel vision and complete hypocrisy. Trump is nasty, petty, obnoxious and disrespectful to everyone even those in his own party that criticism him. He’s a bully always whining about being a victim. The polls are crooked, the media is biased and so and so on. It’s NEVER him, it’s always someone else. He is a joke so used to playing a role on a reality show that he thinks that how you play in the real world!
How dare you tell us we owe Trump anything let alone respect. He’s owed as much as you or any conservative gave Obama as President! I’m pretty tired of hearing you tell us how irrelevant the Dems are, too. We had a bad year, you conservatives have had them too where Dems have had it all and we could write you off the GOP entirely then, too. The Pendulum swings right and left periodically. History proves that. Liberalism gives way to conservativism gives way to Liberalism again. Kennedy/Johnson to Nixon and Reagan then Clinton then back to Bush before on to Obama.
You’re the one that needs to get a grip! You’ve always been out-of-touch with reality! Trump will get as much respect as you deserve which isn’t saying much!
Bruce Majors
January 21, 2017 at 6:58 am
Actually virtually everything in the Blade written about Trump has been a lie and pretty obvious ones.
I voted for someone else, but if you me choose whether to deport the Trumps or DC’s gay political class it would be an easy decision.
Rick Rosendall
January 23, 2017 at 6:57 pm
Hey, congrats, Mark. You’re being defended by one of the most toxic trolls in town.
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 6:45 am
Oh poor Rick and company. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but …reading your poorly reasoned gibberish and watching you lose election after election as you continue down your road of retardation, that really is priceless.
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 7:12 pm
We could have argued you were toast after pelosi became speaker of the house and Reid led the senate under Obama!
Sooner or later you will lose something like the senate cast rating trumps agenda likely in two years ad people have had enough of trump! Don’t count on a 2nd term for trump. People will be more galvanized and energized against trump. People took for granted he could not win so they did not vote!
But keep being smug and getting uppity! It will make your eventual comeuppance all the more enjoyable!
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 7:29 pm
I wonder if Pelosi will fall on her treadmill like Reid and end up all bruised and bandaged. Or maybe they will just glue the plastic and silicon back on.
Uppity? Aren’t you a precious little neoNazi. Now go round up some poor black kids and sell them to Randi Weingartner for NEA donations to your Democrat campaigns. She and Ms. Rosen are hungry.
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Yes, uppity conservative! It’s not just restricted to race anymore! You should know all about neoNazis. They all voted for trump! I recall al the white kids on the news chanting build a wall at a high school shouting white power.
Bruce Majors
January 26, 2017 at 6:01 am
Zzzzz. Keep stealing black kid’s futures to fund your campaigns.
lnm3921
January 26, 2017 at 11:49 am
Keep grasping at straws to make a point! The only point you have is on the top of your head!
If my reasoning skills were so lacking as you purport then why have you replied to me over half a dozen times? It not my skills it’s your poor mental faculties to grasp them! You’re not asleep your just in a coma!
Bruce Majors
January 27, 2017 at 8:06 am
Punkin, you did argue that.
And as always, you were wrong.
Are you sure you don’t have a friend or trick or attendant or healthcare provider with an IQ in the 3 digits you can send in to help you.
Watching you flail like a dying little bird on the sidewalk is so unpleasant.
lnm3921
January 27, 2017 at 8:22 pm
You failed at trying to be mayor, you failed at being a real estate agent and now you fail at being a writer! Do you have a real job?
Rick Rosendall
January 26, 2017 at 5:52 am
See what I mean, folks?
Bruce Majors
January 26, 2017 at 6:00 am
Everyone sees that your anencephaly has lost you thousands of elections Rick. If only Whitman Walker could clear up your collective case of virulent pink eye you could see it too.
Rick Rosendall
January 26, 2017 at 4:42 pm
#AlternativeFacts #TrumpScience #TroubleCounting
Bruce Majors
January 27, 2017 at 8:05 am
Yes yes. The common Democrat retreat to hashtags and bumperstickers because thinking is too hard.
But you people are the clear experts at alternative facts: you can keep your doctor; MLK’s bust was removed; Trump couldn’t get enough Electoral College votes; Hillary violated no rules and wasn’t corrupt; Trump’s priority was to oppress gay people and would be rounding them up his first week in office.
What fable will you tell us in your column this week?
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 7:03 pm
Since trump always speaks to us with alternative facts finding an iota of truth in his rants becomes impossible!
Of course you know better don’t you since everything you tell us is based on better information like trump knowing more than U.S. intelligence on putin’s hacking, or more than U.S. generals on Isis or Hillary getting 3.0 million more popular votes than trump due to voter fraud!
Ask us whether to buy or version of the alternative facts or realty and that’s an easy decision!
If you don’t like blade reporting then read a right-wing rag like breitbart where you can all be full of yourselves like trump!
customartist
January 21, 2017 at 9:26 am
Well said!
Mark Cichewicz
January 24, 2017 at 4:09 pm
Love ❤️ you
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 6:47 am
So the fact that DC’s gay political class and media establishment have lost election after election, and now it looks like many of you may lose your federal jobs because of the messages you peddled and the strategies you recommended — that’s not tunnel vision?
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 9:43 am
What election loss after election loss? Obama won two consecutive elections! As for losing federal jobs, that would be due to trump who promises to bring jobs to people at the expense of others! That’s called deception on trump’s part and denial on yours!
Since when does the media win or lose elections?
We see how trump focuses on job creation now calling for a voter fraud investigation to appease his ego at taxpayer expense! Another white water as conservatives grasp at straws and waste money to make our deficit worse!
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Of course you are right. There were no election losses. Just keep doing exactly what you are doing.
Make Ellison or Greene the new DNC chair.
Have closet case Brazille or closet case Mikulski run the next campaign.
Have Rick Rosendall and Peter Rosenstein write the speeches.
Please baby please. Keep doing just what you’ve been doing.
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Sooner or later you will be laughing out of the other side of your face!!
Trump is his own worst enemy and people are already tired of his mouth!
Now he expects us to spend 8.0 billion dollars on a wall across Mexico with some arrogant notion that he can force mexico to pay for it! How? At gun point? Americans will be stuck with that deficit breaker while the GOP TELLS US THERE IS NO MONEY FOR MEDICARE OR SOCIAL SECURITY! Of course that happens when you rob Peter to pay Paul!
Never say never BABY! You said you’d always have ted kennedy’s senate senate after Scott brown got it and yet it’s Elizabeth warren in that seat now! Only fools speak in absolutes!!!
Go back to real estate maybe you can finally sell something!
RESIST!!
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 7:22 pm
It’s extremely easy to tax remittances of funds to other countries. So taxing the wages of immigrants working here to pay for border security is a very simple policy to implement. I’m not actually advocating it, just saying it was always a simple and straight forward policy that your media told you didn’t exist when they told you Trump had no policies, couldn’t win the primary, couldn’t win the election, etc.
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 7:25 pm
Once your immigrants police goons round up and deport and reduce immigrant visas you won’t have much of a remittance base to tax!
Trump refuses to admit the American tax payer will have to pay for this wall up front instead deflecting by saying Mexico will pay for it! As with everything he does no real details. Instead we will do it and work out the details later. How exoedient!
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 7:33 pm
It’s funny you people don’t realize that if you drive businesses out of DC or the US you won’t have anything to tax. Your cognition is swiss cheese.
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 7:51 pm
It’s funny how you glazed over everything I said since you can’t refute it and went off on a tangent on driving out DC businesses.
So it’s better to tax individuals more in favor of business on the prextext that will what create more jobs. That will result in employees having alot less take home pay, right? Someone has to pick up the tax slack. That’s why Ryan wants to reform Medicare to pay for taxes on the Rich on the backs of the poor and middle class!
Why should business hire additional people when they can force one person to do the job of two or three at the same pay? They do that now.
He also promised us we would all have huge pay increases due to his policies. Another lie. Businesses only care about shareholder value and stock price. Not employees! How many high paying jobs can we find at the Trump organization? How many double-digit pay increases has he given?
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 8:05 pm
You aren’t actually cogent enough to have a discussion. I don’t see any points you are making. You are just ranting. You’ve bored me.
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 8:29 pm
Good. Maybe you’ll STFU then. Trump is enough big mouth for the rest of us without your specious two hissy fits thrown into it!!!
You’re dismissed!
Bruce Majors
January 27, 2017 at 8:01 am
You may be a queen but like your pork Queen who just got sent to the rendering factory, your dismissals and demands that people shut up are impotent and irrelevant. Like your vote was.
lnm3921
January 27, 2017 at 7:39 pm
A queen would chew you up and squat to spit you out!
You’re just bitter because you couldn’t get an endorsement to be mayor of DC, with the Republican Security Committee refusing to endorse you because you’re an “avowed homosexual”! That renders you even more pathetic than Luke-SissyFag who ran for Mayor!
Bruce Majors
January 27, 2017 at 8:00 am
Your mind really is swiss cheese. Your rants are all self-contradictions, evasions, and hissing and when this is pointed out to you you declare that you made an argument no one replied to it. Your poor husband. He has to be stepping out, which is why you have so much free time on the net.
lnm3921
January 27, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Is that why I’ve received a dozen replies from you in particular? You better re-evaluate who has so much free time on the net.
I’m pretty clear with my points and if you’re too thick to see them that’s not my problem!
Bruce Majors
January 27, 2017 at 7:58 am
Trump’s approval ratings have been going up every day.
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/01/big-league-rasmussen-poll-says-trumps-approval-rating-59/
lnm3921
January 27, 2017 at 8:24 pm
Based on what alternative polls? Is this a breibart or fox poll?
Glenn Priceless
January 27, 2017 at 7:17 pm
You need Anger Management, and there needs to be a distinction made between liberal Democrats and Hillary Supporters. Now stfu hothead! Lol.
lnm3921
January 27, 2017 at 7:33 pm
Heller Keller had better clarity than you and could articulate a lot better! I need anger management? I’m a hot head? I’ll STFU when your President does! When he takes an anger management class and passes then you can talk! Laugh that off!
Glenn Priceless
January 27, 2017 at 7:44 pm
My post lacks clarity, or you lack comprehension skills? Liberal Democrats didn’t vote for Trump you bully. Mad because you Hillary Supporters couldn’t lean on us enough? Read my post again hothead, and when you rebuttal this time see if you can stop proving me right.
lnm3921
January 27, 2017 at 8:03 pm
Learn how to write and make a point first! Keep believing you’re right and lick your own rear!
Glenn Priceless
January 28, 2017 at 10:48 am
You’re a child, and you’re responding like one. What are you three? Lol. Furthermore, I don’t have to do anything you tell me to do kid. You’re just mad because I do write better than you, and my points are what’s winning this argument.
lnm3921
January 28, 2017 at 11:02 am
Glenn “worthless” is that the best you got? You make no points and your defective thinking is winning nothing! You write and whine like a three year old needing a diaper change!
You should focus on treating your chronic IBS with constipation. You’re so full of it it’s sipping into your brain and making you delusional!
Homophobia could never shut me up so you NEVER will. Walk away before you get hurt!
Glenn Priceless
January 28, 2017 at 11:25 am
You’re a child, and you’re responding like one. Your childish temper tantrums are exactly what the title of the Mark Lee’s article is referring to. So you’re proving him right. Hate how logic works? You’re a child, and you’re proving both me, and Mark Lee right.
Do you get it yet little boy? Does the truth hurt? Maybe you should read the titles of articles first before you put your feet in your mouth with your childish temper tantrums and the childish name calling. You’re not winning yourself or the greater gay community any new friends with this unintelligent conduct, and you’re proving both Mark Lee and myself right.
Now you can take your homophobic bullying, and your homophobic threats, and you can shove them where the sun don’t shine. You’re not hurting anyone so I suggest you take your own advice before you hurt YOURSELF!
lnm3921
January 28, 2017 at 11:35 am
You’re a broken record little girl! You’re as limp as your DIK. You wouldn’t know truth if it b-slapped you in the face! Pull your head out of Mark Lee’s rear end and get some air!
Don’t waste my time with your expedient tunnel vision. Go worship your GOD trump! Your head is already shoved up his rear with your blind devotion!
Sashay away! Obviously you don’t have a life since you spend it here responding to me. This chain can go until dooms day!
Glenn Priceless
January 30, 2017 at 6:45 am
Homophobia? Lol! Well you’ve proven my point. Thank you. You’re so blind with anger that you can’t even make a credible argument for whatever your point is anymore, and that was Mark Lee’s point in the first place. Maybe you need Anger Management. Lol. You’re a homophobe? Well guess what. I’m a proud gay man and there’s nothing you can do about it. Mad about that loser? Lol.
If you want to stop making a fool of yourself then I suggest you read the title of the this article again and understand how you’re proving him right. You’re just throwing a temper tantrum and name calling. You’re a child, and you’re responding like one. Your childish temper tantrums are exactly what the title of the Mark Lee’s article is referring to. So you’re proving him right. Hate how logic works? I don’t have to stop repeating myself. I’m the one who’s right. And you’re wrong. Get it yet? Lol.
Maybe you should read the titles of articles first before you put your feet in your mouth with your childish temper tantrums and the childish name calling. You’re not winning yourself or the greater gay community any new friends with this unintelligent conduct, and you’re proving both Mark Lee and myself right. Now you can take your homophobic bullying, and your homophobic threats, and you can shove them where the sun don’t shine. You’re not hurting anyone with your childish threats but yourself so I suggest you take your own advice and stfu! Lol. You said this thread can go on until Dooms Day? Yours? Lol. You’re the one getting triggered. Because you’re wrong about everything that you’re saying.
As long as you’re wrong then who cares that I’m being a broken record. If you can’t be right against a broken record then you got some serious problems. Lol. You’re a child, and you’re proving both me, and Mark Lee right. Lol. Just read the article. Lol. Temper tantrums and name calling. Lol. You’re no victim. Lol. You’re only hurting yourself. Lol. Do you get it yet little boy? Lol. Does the truth hurt? Lololololololololololol.
lnm3921
January 30, 2017 at 7:15 am
You can and Mark Lee bend over so much for Trump and the GOP that you’ve become incontinent!
You’ll always be seen as losers and pariahs within the GLBT community! Laugh that off you right-wing piss ant!
Once Trump fails and is thrown out of us you can both crawl back into the Butt you came out of!
Glenn Priceless
January 31, 2017 at 4:06 am
You’re so stupid you haven’t even read the article to know that you’re just contradicting yourself. Lol. The article is about how ineffective childish behavior like yours is. Temper tantrums and name calling. Did you even read the article? Lol. You are such an embarrassment to yourself. I’m not going to cover for you. You’ve really made an a– out yourself this time.
“You can and Mark Lee bend over so much for Trump and the GOP that you’ve become incontinent!”
You proved Mark Lee right again. Maybe you should read the title of the article so you don’t keep putting your own foot in your mouth. In short your childish behavior just isn’t effective. Grow up, and maybe you can be more beneficial to yourself. Lol.
“You’ll always be seen as losers and pariahs within the GLBT community! Laugh that off you right-wing piss ant!”
I’m not a Republican so are you mad about the fact that liberals can see how wrong you are too? Lol. Maybe you should read the titles of articles so you will know how to conduct yourself so you don’t end up putting your foot in your mouth arguing the wrong point of view. This article is about childish behavior like yours. It’s not effective. Maybe you should read the article and stop putting your foot in your mouth. Lol.
“Once Trump fails and is thrown out of us you can both crawl back into the Butt you came out of!”
Homophobia? You are really falling on your own sword now. Lol. I’m a gay man, and proud of it. Maybe you should read what the article is about, and stop making a lunatic out of yourself. Lol. The topic of conversation is still your childish behavior, and that hasn’t changed yet even once. Lol.
lnm3921
January 31, 2017 at 4:49 am
I’m not conversing with you I’m speak at you. The topic of conversation is what I say it is! It will never be anything else,
obama is my president the great pretender never will be! In four years, assuming you and trump last that long, we will fix the error that voter apathy and Russian hacking created! Then you’ll get your comeuppance!
The mid-terms when we get the senate will be the beginning!
Glenn Priceless
January 31, 2017 at 5:30 am
“I’m not conversing with you I’m speak at you. The topic of conversation is what I say it is! It will never be anything else,”
Actually that’s not true. The topic of conversation is at the top of the page. It’s the title of the article. Basically the article is about temper tantrums and name calling. How they aren’t winning us any new friends, and I can see it’s not winning you any new friends either. Maybe you should read the article. It might help you. Because you actually use a lot of non-constructive communication techniques.
“obama is my president the great pretender never will be!”
You’re talking off of the topic. The topic is about temper tantrums and name calling. How they are non-constructive methods of communication. You should read the article, because you do that a lot; throw temper tantrums and name call I mean.
“In four years, assuming you and trump last that long, we will fix the error that voter apathy and Russian hacking created!”
You could fix your problem if you started reading titles of articles more. You’re still not talking on topic of the actual conversation. It’s up at the top. That might help you.
“Then you’ll get your comeuppance!”
Lol. You’re clearly delusional. You’re not making any sense. So you indeed were projecting earlier. I see. You seem to be expressing a loss of some sort? I think you need therapy. Not just Anger Management, but a psychoanalytic therapy. You need to check yourself into a mental hospital immediately, because (I’m not a doctor, but I feel) you need to be medicated.
“The mid-terms when we get the senate will be the beginning!”
Please say you are going to take my advice, because you are babbling incoherently. The topic of this article is bad behaviors of communication. It’s up at the top. You can read it for yourself. It might help you orient yourself. You don’t sound at all well.
THEBEARCUB
January 21, 2017 at 3:32 am
Dude please shut up
lnm3921
January 21, 2017 at 11:30 am
You are too polite and gracious to say please to him! Far more than he deserves!
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 6:48 am
You could always break his windows and burn his car. Or burn a Blade newspaper box. I mean, you people have to use the skills you have after all.
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 9:49 am
Or we can take the lead of you loopy conservatives and shot up restaurants on the premise of child abusers rings, right? How many of you attempted to get in the White House while Obama was in office? Easy to identify!
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Like the gay guy who shot the Family Research Council offices? Of course he actually shot people, not a lock on a locker.
Did the Blade cover that story by the way?
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 7:45 pm
So your support the Family Research Council, too! Figures you do. Tony Perkins after all got a donation from Trump when his house got flooded. He’s already pledged to support religious freedom laws and the FADA!
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 7:54 pm
I’m afraid your reasoning ability makes you an insufficient interlocutor. Do you have any more endowed friends I can play with?
lnm3921
January 25, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Just concede that you stink at debating or defending your position! None of it holds water and interjecting grandiose vocabulary words won’t embellish it!
Obviously I threaten you as does anymore opposing Trump thus you have to attack. You’re as insecure as he is! Stick to playing with yourself as disappointing as that experience is for you as well as anyone else in bed with you!
Don’t quit your day jobs to be a writer!
Glenn Priceless
January 27, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Stfu. You’re exactly the a–hole Mark Lee is talking about. Won us anymore friends yet?
lnm3921
January 27, 2017 at 8:00 pm
Pull your head out of Trumps rear end! This A-hole will make your mouth brown and shut you up!
Mark Lee is just another right-wing blithering mouth breather like the rest of you!
Yeah, we’ve won a lot of friends and have a very long history of achieving much for the GLBT community along the way. Most recently We convinced the POTUS to risk his re-election by coming out in favor of marriage equality!
What has Trump or you done of equal measure?!
Glenn Priceless
January 28, 2017 at 11:14 am
I’m not a Republican, and Mark Lee is right: You’re acting like a 3 year old. Does the truth hurt? You’re proving him right.
Your childish rebuttals prove him right, and your prissy princess conduct is hurting all of us. You’re a bad representation of a gay man, and you’re not winning yourself, or the greater gay community any friends with your banal temper tantrums. Ultimately you’re just a bully trying to silence criticism of your own bad behavior.
Now one adult to another: Grow tf up.
lnm3921
January 28, 2017 at 11:22 am
So you’re a useless libertarian then. Not much difference. You keep ranting the same BS but it doesn’t make it anymore effective!
You are a mindless blind fool to talk about being a bully with Donald Trump’s record of trashing everyone that doesn’t agree with him. He’s not winning any friends with his temper tantrums either. He’s ultimately a bully trying to silence criticism of his own bad behavior! He tries to censor the media and provides lies that he calls alternative facts!
So keep being over for the GOP and getting nothing for our community but crumbs in return! People like myself will keep the fight going as we always have so people like you can have the rights you ungratefully take for granted.
Now swish on out!
Glenn Priceless
January 28, 2017 at 11:28 am
And I’m not a Libertarian either thank you very much, lol. Can’t take honest criticism of your childish behavior? Now read the title of the article again kid, and address your own behavior in relation to it. Your childish temper tantrums, and your childish name calling are what’s not effective. Lol. Now swish on out of here you prissy little princess.
lnm3921
January 28, 2017 at 11:44 am
Can you take honest criticism of Trump’s behavior? Stop living in hypocrisy for once and so an iota of integrity!
Do you get paid by the number of times you use the word “child” or keep repeating the same thing over and over again? Pick up the needle in the phonograph spinning in your head, it’s stuck and creating a lot of static! You’re incapable of saying anything new so just keep regurgitating the same! Who taught you to write? Mark Lee?
You can prance away now missy!
Glenn Priceless
January 30, 2017 at 6:28 am
Can you take honest criticism of your own childish behavior? I asked you that question. How come you couldn’t answer it? How come you could only regurgitate my question as another question in an attempt to change the subject? Is it because I’m right that you’re just acting like a child? Well then child can’t be static as long as your childish behavior is proving me right. So grow up and figure that out. Child.
Was there too much truth in my synopsis of your behavior? Child? Apparently so. No you haven’t changed the subject yet. The subject is still your childish behavior. Can’t face up to the truth? Boy that’s awfully childish of you. I don’t know what you think you have to say that I’m supposed to respect otherwise. Child. You’re just a child who’s proving Mark Lee right.
Can you read? Start with the title of this article and understand how the word child relates to your behavior.
lnm3921
January 30, 2017 at 6:53 am
Float away in your bubble of denial Glennda worthless. You waste my time thinking you’re making some kind of point that anyone other than you and your cronies care about. Your blind political hack devotion to Trump and hypocrisy is obvious. Trump has a 51% disapproval rating, the highest in all American History for a President just 8 days in office. The gallup poll said so this morning and given his incompetence so far, causing chaos in the airports and forcing the court to step in, even getting criticism from his own party proves it!
Your assessment of my behavior is irrelevant. You have absolutely NO CREDBILITY! It’s Trump’s behavior that people care about not mine.
You write like a child and think like one. You reason like a fool! If you can’t do anything but live in denial then do like Socrates and make the world a better place!
As for “child:, you the S”trump”ette protests too much! The subject is your hypocrisy and inability to admit what you criticize describe as childish behavior is Trump’s behavior exactly. Until you can admit that, you need to STFU!
Glenn Priceless
January 31, 2017 at 4:12 am
You’re so stupid you haven’t even read the article to know that you’re just contradicting yourself. Lol. The article is about how ineffective childish behavior like yours is. Temper tantrums and name calling. Did you even read the article? Lol. You are such an embarrassment to yourself. I’m not going to cover for you. You’ve really made an a– out yourself this time.
“Float away in your bubble of denial Glennda worthless.”
Name calling? Lol. Float away in my bubble about what? I read the article. You didn’t. You’re the one in denial. Lol. You’re a child, and you’re acting like one. Your childish behavior is not effective. Am I supposed to take you seriously? Lol. Is anyone? You’re being so childish why don’t you just call me a poopy head next time? Lol. You’re temper tantrums and name calling are boring! You’re wasting yours and my time. You’re blind and irrelevant. Maybe you should read the article. Your childsh hypocrisy is obvious, and you’re not making any points acting like a child. You are completely proving Mark Lee right. Lol. Maybe you actually should read the article so you could know how not to keep making an absurd a– out of yourself. Lol.
“Your assessment of my behavior is irrelevant.”
It is relevant. Lol. Maybe you should read the article to find out how. Heck, maybe you should atleast take the time to read the title. Lol. You’re making a complete fool of yourself, and now you’re just offering blanket denials? Lol. That’s not going to work. Maybe you should take the time to actually read the article so you can stop putting your foot in your mouth. Lol. You’re really boring me. Lol.
“I could care less what you think of me.”
That’s a lie, because you just wrote twelve paragraphs all in the wrong direction. Lol. Maybe you should take the time to actually read the article so you can stop putting your foot in your mouth. Lol. You’re really boring me.
“You have absolutely NO CREDBILITY!”
I don’t need credibitlity. You’re the one who’s making a fool out of yourself not understanding what the article is about. Lol. So if you consider yourself as having credibility then I suggest you read the article, because you’re ruining whatever credibility you think you have. Lol. I hate to laugh at you, but it’s funny. You still haven’t read the article. It’s all about childish behavior. People like you!!!!!!! Lol..
“Do like Socrates and make the world a better place!”
I am, but you’re choosing not to listen to me. Lol. You really should read the article. You’re making an a– out yourself. Lol.
“As for “child:, you the S”trump”ette protests too much! The subject is your hypocrisy and inability to admit what you criticize and describe as childish behavior is Trump’s behavior exactly.”
No your wrong again and that was really a stretch. Mark Lee’s point is clear: We’re not winning any friends through childish behavior, and emulating childish behavior makes you look weak. Why are you admitting that Trump’s behavior is afterall? You’re playing yourself. Lol. The solution isn’t to emulate the most childish fighter in the game. Which is why I choose not to throw a temper tantrum and name call like you. Because Mark Lee is right, and it’s childish behavior. It’s no way to make a point, or make a friend. You’re belittling your own intelligence really.
“Your POTUS sets the example for all others to follow.”
My POTUS was Obama, and yes he did set a very nice example. I feel awkward taking credit for that, but thank you.
“You’re a broken record!”
And? I read the article. You didn’t. You’re the one making a fool of yourself with your childish behavior. Maybe you should listen to the broken record when he says for the umpteenth time: You’re making a fool out of yourself. Lol.
“You waste my time going in circles posting the same BS”
How did I waste your time? You had no idea that you were contradicting the article. Lol.
“Your life is so pathetic and your position so weak that you live to post your stupidity!”
Are you projecting? Lol. Okay I have no idea what that has to do with anything, but if your life is so pathetic, and your position is so weak that you live to post your stupidity then why don’t you make a break from it, and stop? Lol. Afterall, you’re that wrong about the direction you went in to begin with. Mark Lee’s article is about non-constructive behaviors… Like yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lol.
lnm3921
January 31, 2017 at 4:39 am
Go publish a book. I’m not going to even read it.
You voted for a 70 year old child and until you can acknowledge that, and that Obama has done more for us than any U.S. POTUS for glbt rights you have no moral authority or credibility and never will pee boy!
Glenn Priceless
January 31, 2017 at 5:30 am
I don’t even know what a pee boy is. Are you being homophobic? I think you need Anger Management. You’re not commenting on the subject of childish behavior like the rest of us. It’s ruining our relationships outside of the gay community. Do you feel embarrassed by your own childish behavior? That doesn’t mean that you didn’t vote for Trump. Are you just projecting again, because actually you use a lot of childish behavior. Am I supposed to respect you? Your temper tantrums and name calling can’t be working for you.
And you never asked me who I voted for so stop making assumptions. I didn’t vote for Trump. I’m a liberal. I can see that Mark Lee is right about you. You should read the articles before you comment on them. You’re wrong about using childish behaviors. Temper tantrums and name calling is exactly what this article is actually about. You apparently didn’t read the article either. You should read the article. This article is about non-constructive behaviors so you still aren’t getting the picture. You’re wrong, and you’re not winning any friends using this code of conduct.
lnm3921
January 31, 2017 at 4:54 am
Go phelch marl lee and trump!
Glenn Priceless
January 31, 2017 at 5:30 am
I think you need Anger Management. You should really try reading the article. This article is about non-constructive behaviors, and you aren’t winning any friends that way so you still aren’t getting the picture. Lol. You’re wrong, and you’re not winning any friends using this code of conduct.
Rick Rosendall
January 26, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Yes, three times: at his indictment, his guilty plea, and his sentencing.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/08/22/family-research-council-shooting-suspect-indicted/
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/02/06/family-research-council-shooter-pleads-guilty/
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/09/19/family-research-council-shooter-sentenced-25-years/
THEBEARCUB
January 27, 2017 at 3:49 am
LOL…I know his articles are so annoying!
Bruce Majors
January 21, 2017 at 8:37 am
The 70 Democrats who skipped the Inauguration had a breakfast meeting this morning to condemn the violence, vandalism, and arson yesterday
Aram Vartian
January 21, 2017 at 9:45 pm
Hey look, Mark Lee is wrong about something. Again.
DCHomos
January 22, 2017 at 10:40 am
WHAT WHITE NONSENSE IS THIS?!
Rick Rosendall
January 23, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Hold on a few days. You’ll like my column better.
Bruce Majors
January 25, 2017 at 6:50 am
rofl. I won’t. Your columns are boring idiotic mush. Only the Rosenstein kitty box liner make them look like a a human might have written them.
Rick Rosendall
January 27, 2017 at 2:20 pm
I wasn’t talking to you.
Glenn Priceless
January 27, 2017 at 7:19 pm
The worst: Good goddess
The best: When everything is an atrocity, nothing is.
Atleast he knew not to capitalize goddess, lol.
Glenn Priceless
February 1, 2017 at 2:26 am
You look like your wig needs pushing back on! Ooooh! Mike drop! You can’t compete. As if your movement doesn’t damaged it’s own integrity becoming the violent faction of liberal progress. LMFAO! Maybe you should reread the words of Mark Lee’s article, and understand WHY he’s right, lol.
“By any means necessary”? I bet you’re NOT trying to apologize to scores of African-Americans for taking sides against them when they were the ones who said that sh– against you White devils in the 1st place. Ha haa! You played yourself. Oh, and don’t think everybody can’t see where you consistently wage your bets against Black people, and the BLM movement thinking racism will only hurt “them Blacks” in the 2nd place. He he he. It hurts; us all being in the same boat afterall, now doesn’t it? ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The irony of you being a proud gay racist.
Blame yourself. You were never trying to do anything about racism, and thought Black gays were supposed to be 2nd class citizens. Now your inability to not be racist at the very least has got you bit on the a–, lol. So just take this L and stfu b—–. Lol. You lost, and you racist White Supremacists weren’t going to do anything actually progressive otherwise.