Compassionate conservatism at work

[Jesus]

This straight, fourth generation Republican grandfather is incensed at such discrimination. I've spent too many years fighting prejudice to accept its resurgence under government auspices without a fight.

Bush Allows Gays to Be Fired for Being Gay

Despite President Bush's pledge that homosexuals "ought to have the same rights" (1) as all other people, his Administration this week ruled that homosexuals can now be fired from the federal workforce because of their sexual orientation.

According to the Federal Times, the president's appointee at the Office of Special Counsel ruled that federal employees will now "have no recourse if they are fired or demoted simply for being gay." (2) While the Bush Administration says it is legally prohibited from firing a person for their conduct, they have the legal right to fire or demote someone based on their sexual orientation. To carry out the directive, the White House has begun removing information from government websites about sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace. (3)

Not only does the new directive contradict the president's own promise to treat homosexuals as equals under the law, but it also contradicts what the Administration told Congress. As noted in a bipartisan letter from four Senators to the Administration, "During the confirmation process [of the president's appointee], you assured us that you were committed to protecting federal employees against unlawful discrimination related to their sexual orientation." (4)

Sources:

1. Debates, 10/11/2000.
2. "OSC to study whether bias law covers gays", Federal Times, 03/15/2004.
3. "Gay Rights Information Taken Off Site", Washington Post, 02/18/2004.
4. "Special Counsel Under Scrutiny", Washington Post, 02/23/2004.

The Daily Mislead
March 20, 2004
http://www.misleader.org/daily_misle...f03202004.html

[A-1]

Jesus,

I must admit, that ain't too bright on his part.

A-1

[radar]

Now waitaminnit. The article is no longer available, but that site is a product of MoveOn.org, which is the brainchild of some of the most hateful and dishonest leftist types in the country -- the Michael Moore crowd, if you will. I would suggest that The Daily Mislead is an apt title for something that such people might produce (Bowling for Columbine for example).

Just looking at the headlines of the articles cited would suggest that MoveOn is construing things in a way not intended by the administration. For instance, "OSC to study whether bias law covers gays" could easily be a legitimate legal inquiry as to whether a particular law should be applied to discrimination against homosexuals in a particular situation, and not the attempt to universally deny rights that has been declared. The other assertions are equally ambiguous.

Now perhaps there is some merit to the accusation, but I'd wager that it's nowhere near as big a deal as MoveOn is attempting to paint it. I don't trust anything those people say without reading it, in context, myself. Until then, I remain very, very suspicious.

[Falcon]

". . .some of the most hateful and dishonest leftist types in the country -- the Michael Moore crowd . . ."

You want hate and dishonesty? Look inside the White House.

Terry

[A-1]

But wait, HATE is a little strong for GW.

AND, Michael Moore has made some good points.

However, it is not the man but the message. I believe that he is on to something with the culture stuff.

However, with that being said, making the quantum leap to a vast conspiracy is a little more than I can go.

I am sorry, but I just cannot trade Bush for Kerry. I am so glad that GW was in the Presidency on 9-11-2001. He has done exactly what needed to be done and what really had to be done.

I do not see how anybody can believe that Wesley Clark's motives are not political in trying to blame 9-11 on the GW Bush administration. He knows if Kerry gets elected that he will get Colin Powell's job. That's what he is in this for. I believe that his whole bid for the Democrat nomination is because he has some unfinished business at the Pentagon.

This is so predictable.

But the fact is that the Iran hostage crisis helped Ronal Regan get elected in 1980. That changed the face of the world in 8 years...

Remember this?

My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing will begin in five minutes. (Ronald Reagan, during radio microphone test)

The fact is the the Reagan campaign ran on a platform of balanced budget and when he got elected he spent so much money that he drove the former Soviet Union into a financial crisis from which they could not recover. That is why the USSR collapsed.

So, the Republicans have made their contribution. And I liked Bill Clinton, too!

I support the person, not the party. In my humble opinion and the religous right notwithstanding, GW has done an excellent job.

Thanks, everyone for all of the good output and contributions.

Even you, TB from Philly...for all you do, this one's for you...

"I disagree with everything you say. But I will defend to the death your right to say it."
- A. Voltare

Also, for all of my friends who run this place, we make make Constitutional scholars out of you all, even yet...these two are for you...

Whoever would overthrow liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. Ben Franklin

Freedom to think as you will and to speak as you think are means indispensable to the discovery and spread of truth. Justice Brandies

Thanks to all. This 'ole straight wacker loves all of you...

A-1

[Falcon]

TB from Philly...for all you do, this one's for you...

A-1 : I enjoy going back and forth with you, BUT SUGGESTING A PITTSBURGHER (PGH) IS FROM PHILADELPHIA IS THE WORST INSULT IMAGINABLE !!

Those of us on the sensible western side of Pennsylvania are still working on our plan to sell Phila to New Jersey.

TB

[Mac]

I've spent too many years fighting prejudice to accept its resurgence under government auspices without a fight. Bush Allows Gays to Be Fired for Being gay.

Does he really? How much control does any president have in this area? The military has always been anti gay and being gay meant that you would get an automatic discharge with prejudice. I don't know about the other branches of the federal government.

[jemagirl]

I don't trust anything those people say without reading it, in context, myself. Until then, I remain very, very suspicious.

Dear Friend,

It is sad when people lump other folks all in one group and then ascribe to them negative attributes. Imagine how members of the EA might be derided as crazies waiting for a ride on the next passing commit.

Please know that both my mother and I are members of MoveOn.org. If you would like to say that I am a full of hate left leaning liberal you are most welcome to do so, but as you have never met my mother it seems you are talking out of you hat. She is the kindest soul I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I am truly blessed to have her as my mother.

As for the issue of trust and politics it seems they rarely are found in the same place at the same time, and that may be a good thing.

Be Well

Jema

[Bboy]

Jema,

Let me remind you that this is free-wheeling political discussion and as such you know that no one was talking about your mother. I feel the same way about MoveOn.org ... it's as biased and hateful as it gets, and if good people, like I assume your mother and you are, get taken in them more shame on them (the organization).

Michael Moore is one of the most vile liars ever foist upon the unsuspecting population and those of his ilk who inist on running President Bush down and, calling him a hatemonger and 'the worst president ever' better be prepared to be called out for their lies.

I certainly don't agree with Bush on his social agenda stands against gay marriage and undermining personal freedoms in the name of (false) security.

I also don't agree with the amount of money he's wasting pouring into social programs.

We need to make the tax cuts we got when he took office permanent and we need more on top of those. We can't afford tax cuts? That's the most rediculous statement ever made.

If I can't afford something ... I don't buy it. When the government can't afford something ... it shouldn't buy it ... or give the money away in programs. We ought to be definition be able to afford ANY tax cut ... because government's spending should be defined by tax revenue, not the other way around.

Bush has been a good president and a good leader - by any objective measure.

[jemagirl]

Bboy,

I'm only trying to make the point that groups are made up of people. I don't agree with the platform of the Republican party but I do not refer to them as the most hateful group of rite wing war mongering fascists to ever walk the face of the earth. That would be wrong. More over it doesn't do any thing to persuade any one that my leftist liberal tax and spend policies are what this country really needs. Only meaningful debate and propaganda can do that ;-)

I'm all for a free wheeling political discussion as long as a modicum of civility can be maintained. A discussion is a discussion only so long as it remains a discussion political or otherwise.

The problem in America today is not that the Democrats and the Republicans are so far apart, in fact they are so close it is often difficult to tell the difference. No, the problem in America today is that the art of debate has largely fallen into decline. If you truly believe that I am wrong and you want me to believe you are rite, your best tactic is to win me over with a persuasive argument. Insult me or my intelligence and the result is further polarization.

The future is coming. We can not stop it. Our only hope to survive is by working together.

Jema

PS:I'm so glad I found out my browser has spell check. I couldnt belive modicum was spelled that way;-) lol

[Robby]

B,

I have to agree with you on most of your opinions... see me comments below.

Jema,

Let me remind you that this is free-wheeling political discussion ...

I certainly don't agree with Bush on his social agenda stands against gay marriage and undermining personal freedoms in the name of (false) security.

I also don't agree with the amount of money he's wasting pouring into social programs.

Like saving Iraqis from torment, slavery, fear...

We need to make the tax cuts we got when he took office permanent and we need more on top of those. We can't afford tax cuts? That's the most rediculous statement ever made.

Of course we need the Bush tax cuts... how else can we afford the $87 BILLION spending bill implemented last year for the Iraqi social programs...

If I can't afford something ... I don't buy it. When the government can't afford something ... it shouldn't buy it ... or give the money away in programs. We ought to by definition be able to afford ANY tax cut ... because government's spending should be defined by tax revenue, not the other way around.

This one is too easy... Need I say more? Of course we can afford the $87 BILLION spending plan. It will just take your grandchildren, if you ever have any, to continue working, paying taxes, and enjoying the debt left in the wake of the Great Iraqi Social Programs...

Bush has been a good president and a good leader - by any objective measure.

This one is even easier than the last one... under the George W. Bush watch; the United States of America invaded, took control, and dismantled all previous governmental operations of a sovereign nation.

To this day, I believe, no physical evidence has come to light linking Iraq with a valid reason for this unprecedented course of action... and please don't point to the events of September 11, 2001. There are no published links between Iraq and the events that occurred on that day.

There are more documents in government hands pointing to Osam bin Laden, and his organization, when it comes to terroristic issues and the U.S.A. So I say, lets spend as much money as we can print and put the terrorists out of business much like Ronald Reagan did to the former U.S.S.R.

[BroBear]

Just FYI
In support of Jesus' original post, it has been reported in various gay media that Bush's appointee did eliminate all safeguards for federal employees against arbitrary firing for being gay.

I have heard the action referred to on an almost daily basis on Sirius Out Q Satellite Radio.

Steve