Democracy for New Mexico

SOUND OFF: Bush Ignores Cleland But Cacti Rule

I was angry this morning because the Albuquerque Journal decided that the misuse of saguaro cactus images was more important than the fact that the distinguised vet and ex-Senator, Max Cleland, was refused entrance to Bush's pseudo-ranch yesterday. Bush was there when Cleland came calling, but Max wasn't offered even the courtesy of a cold glass of ice tea. Turned away at the gates.

The saguaro story captured the top headline on the Journal front page, color picture and all. Cleland's trip to Crawford was relegated to the inner pages and a black and white photo. I guess they thought no-one would be interested in a story about Cleland personally carrying a letter to George to demand that he order his minions to stop running the dishonest and dishonorable swift-lie ads. This, despite the fact that the letter was cosigned by 8 US Senators, including Congressional Medal of Honor winner, Sen. Daniel Inouye, as well as fellow veterans Sens. Tom Harkin (IA), Ernest "Fritz" Hollings (SC), Jack Reed (RI), Tom Carper (DE), Jon Corzine (NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (NJ). Here's the text of the letter.

So I thought I'd provide a nice color photo here of the obviously dangerous Cleland being confronted by one of those Kevlar-wearing "security" personnel so much in evidence these days. Kevlar stock must be soaring. You can see more of these incredible photos at another of my favorites blogs, Daily Kos.

Meanwhile, the media keep showing that swiftboat ad for free. Here's a nice site where you can check out what these "truth-tellers" are saying vs. what really happened: SWIFTly VET the Slander

To read Kerry's complete testimony before the Senate committee in 1971, go here: Kerry Testimony

For a taste of the stories told by the "Winter Soldiers" at a meeting in Detroit that Kerry was relaying at the hearing, go here for a Salon article, or access the transcripts of the soldiers themselves.

I was also very disappointed in the Journal's coverage of the Veterans for Kerry gathering at the courthouse downtown yesterday. They didn't mention the credentials of the main rally speaker -- Wade Sanders, who commanded swift boat PCF-98 in Vietnam from 1968-1969 and patrolled the delta alongside John Kerry near the Cambodian border. Anything to minimize the credibility of Kerry's backers. I guess the Journal agrees with Bush that the truth is something to hide.

Barbara Wold

SOUND OFF: Gay Marriage

Phewwww!!!!! The Supreme Court of California rescinded the licenses all the 8,000 loving homosexuals that got married! Do I ever feel safer! I can just see the heterosexual marriages around me grow stronger in the hours that have gone by since the decision. While those evildoers were married, the divorce rate, the abuse rate, just kept on rising!

It is amazing to me that the world has such a need for love today and yet such honest, sincere love is discriminated against. Can anyone who reads this imagine being blamed for the degradation of the family, because of who you have chosen to love? They, the holy ones, sit there and smile and say they love all, while they spout so much vile hate.

For this lesbian, it hurts. I will be in a committed loving relationship for 16 years in September. It hurts to think that our love for each other actually changes how the rest of society is getting along. What power we homo's have! Enough so that there is a need to amend the Constitution, because we do not deserve and are not human enough for our love to produce a marriage.

I am minding my own side of the street, my brothers' and sisters' divorces were no doing of mine. This is what I know. Then what really stabs deep is the fact that a big percentage of Democrats are also opposed to gay marriage, and also believe that it will erode the bedrock of society; marriage between a man and a woman. I have talked to people that I am shocked to hear really don't think gays should get married. It should be kept for us, I guess their point is, not you low-lifes! No celebration for your loving partnership, at least not the same kind of celebration that our loving relationships can have!

Anyway, whoever reads this should remember: Today they smile and hate gays. They may come to my house and abduct me or burn me at the stake as they did in the past. Tell you what, I am ready today, but tomorrow it may be you. I suggest you get ready because the temperature is rising. ---Mary Ellen
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(Note: This is the first of a new blog feature called Sound Off. If you want to vent about an issue, this is the place. Email me by clicking on the link near the top of the right-hand column on this page and send along your Sound Off for consideration for our next featured rant. -BW)