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Florida judge approves abortion for 13-year-old

Thursday was a terribly interesting day, most of it not fit to discuss in a public forum. One thing that was of general interest would be a little presentation given by Libby Post. I apologise for the google link, but I can't seem to find whether she has a site of her own. Ms. Post is a political... well, she's political anyhow. She's a writer and a speaker on a number of political issues, not least of all gay rights. Thursday night she was at the Iroquois Museum, talking about the state of gay rights in the US, what's gone wrong, what's gone right, and what we need to do.

To me, the most interesting part was her discussion of the Democratic and Republican parties. The Republican party, she said, is like a pyramid. The largest group are the financial contributors, who give money to the think tanks. Think tanks determine policy, and perhaps as important, public opinion. These thinkers give the ideas to policy makers, who offer the public view of the party. On top of this stable base, they place any hat they choose. Since 2000 (*sigh*) it has been W, but it doesn't really matter who it is. Anyone would do. A cowboy just happens to fit right now. She compares the Democratic party to an upside-down pyramid. Democrats rely strongly on a charismatic leader, and only after that leader establishes interest does anyone join in the effort. This person has to develop a platform, gauge public opinion, and do it all on his own funding before someone comes along and helps out. That is why there have only been 12 years of Democratic presidency since Nixon left office. Well, that's one view anyhow.

That's a lot of politics. Maybe next time I'll write about puppies or something.

365 Gay reports that the NYS Appelate court has refused to hear the same-sex marriage cases until it passes through the lower court system. Apparently they don't think they can forestall the issue enough on their own. In the end it won't end up mattering too terribly much, because one side or another will end up appealing the case all the way up. I wonder why they bother.

According to articles on the AP (see here, here) The New York State Supreme Court has struck down the New York ban on gay marriage, citing that gays and lesbians are not being treated equally under the law in accordance with the state constitution. There is however, some opposition to this ruling. New York City of all places is appealing the decision. Bloomberg's official statement is that, If we did not appeal this, I think we would have chaos in this city, though some may question his true motives. In a way though, I have to agree with him. Its better to get this mess through with, because we all know that somebody was going to do it.

My plans? Well, I don't plan on getting married until I am out of Cobleskill. Steven and I have a lot of research to do into what the legal and financial ramifications are. We are in a loving and committed relationship right now, and that's what's important. As for the rest, we'll take it as it comes. That's all we can do anymore.