Uppity Wisconsin
Making Wisconsin Progressive Again
DOJ Files Anti-Gay Marriage Brief
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 8:27am | mal contends
The Wisconsin Dept of Justice (DOJ) filed its response brief yesterday to a constitutional challenge to Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban approved in a 2006 statewide referendum composed of two questions being considered by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in a legal challenge posed by civil rights advocates.
The case, William C. McConkey v. J. B. Van Hollen, challenges the anti-gay marriage referendum on several constitutional grounds, arguing that the state’s resulting constitutional amendment should be overturned.
Constitutional Amendment Referendum
The language of the 2006 referendum reads:
The case, William C. McConkey v. J. B. Van Hollen, challenges the anti-gay marriage referendum on several constitutional grounds, arguing that the state’s resulting constitutional amendment should be overturned.
Constitutional Amendment Referendum
The language of the 2006 referendum reads:
Shall section 13 of article XIII of the constitution be created to provide that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state and that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state?
Defend Innocent Prof and You Are an Anti-Semite?
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 6:27am | mal contends
So says one Publius after my comments defending an innocent black Harvard professor and hitting the lack of liberal condemnation, too many abiding by the dictum that we don't want to challenge racism too much, lest we offend racists and their enablers. Bad politics.
"[T]hat anti-Semite MAL ... ," writes Publius.
The charge came out of nowhere, no context in my defending Henry Louis Gates, ignoring a lifetime of work against bigotry. And not surprisingly Publius hiding behind anonymity supplies not one piece of evidence for the foolish charge.
Such is the virtual country we live in where the forces against racism have been lulled into complacency, and an anonymous coward feels free to make up perhaps the most vile charge one can imagine in modern history. For more information on the use of the fake anti-Semitism charge, see:
- Ira Chernus
- Politics of Anti-Semitism, w/ essays by Uri Avnery and Bill, Kathy Christison
- MuzzleWatch (Jewish Voice for Peace) Sydney Levy
"[T]hat anti-Semite MAL ... ," writes Publius.
The charge came out of nowhere, no context in my defending Henry Louis Gates, ignoring a lifetime of work against bigotry. And not surprisingly Publius hiding behind anonymity supplies not one piece of evidence for the foolish charge.
Such is the virtual country we live in where the forces against racism have been lulled into complacency, and an anonymous coward feels free to make up perhaps the most vile charge one can imagine in modern history. For more information on the use of the fake anti-Semitism charge, see:
- Ira Chernus
- Politics of Anti-Semitism, w/ essays by Uri Avnery and Bill, Kathy Christison
- MuzzleWatch (Jewish Voice for Peace) Sydney Levy
Balz: National GOP Rancid, Good News for Dems - Echoed in Wisconsin
Sat, 06/13/2009 - 9:58pm | mal contends
On graphic display in the Wisconsin Assembly budget debate last week is the Republican demographic demise. GOP failings in Wisconsin echo those nationally.
Says Dan Balz today in his For Republicans, the Forces Aren't With Them in the Washington Post.
Says Dan Balz today in his For Republicans, the Forces Aren't With Them in the Washington Post.
The American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution convened a stellar cast on Friday to review what has been learned since November. The panel included Robert Lang of Virginia Tech; Ruy Teixeira of the Center for American Progress; William Frey of the Brookings Institution; Bill Bishop, a Texas writer and author of ‘The Big Sort’; Scott Keeter of the Pew Research Center; and Ronald Brownstein of Atlantic Media.
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Tags: Civil Rights, bigotry, Bill Bishop, Dan Balz, Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Hate, intolerance, Jim Doyle, Pedro Colón, Pew Research Center, racism, Robert Lang, Ronald Brownstein, Ruy Teixeira, Scott Keeter, Tamara Grigsby, William Frey, wisconsin budget
Olson-Boies Give Civil Rights for Gays Hope
Wed, 05/27/2009 - 9:36am | mal contends
Update: Civil rights groups say Make Change, Not Lawsuits, explicitly discouraging a federal legal challenge. "The arguments in the briefs are not the only thing that influences the Court’s decisions. The climate of receptivity and momentum in the country on these issues matter as well. There is much we can and should do together to strengthen our hand before we put a federal marriage case before the justices," reads the question and answer online sheet.
This is a defensive, crouching strategy that argues before demanding civil rights for everyone, make sure its okay with the bigots first. Put another way, "This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism," as MLK reminded us on one very special day.
This is a defensive, crouching strategy that argues before demanding civil rights for everyone, make sure its okay with the bigots first. Put another way, "This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism," as MLK reminded us on one very special day.
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mal contends's blog | Add new comment | Tags: Civil Rights, bigotry, California, civil liberties, civil rights, David Boies, discrimination, gay marriage, Hate, judicial policymaking, Katami and Zarrillo v. Schwarzenegger, Lawrence v. Texas, Make Change Not Lawsuits statement, Perry, Stier, Theodore B. Olson
Waco, OK City and Banality on April 19
Sun, 04/19/2009 - 7:53am | mal contends
Update: Intelligence analysts at the Homeland Security Department ignored objections by civil-liberties officials before sending out a controversial report on the resurgence of domestic right-wing extremism, a department official confirmed Friday.
April 19, Sunday is the anniversary of two American tragedies: Waco (1993) and Oklahoma City (1995).
Waco Casualties — Some 76 people dead, including more than 20 children
Oklahoma City Casualties — 168 dead and over 800 people injured
[A reader points out Ruby Ridge, April 19, 1992 — three people killed]
These numbers obviously understate the horror.
No doubt, the FBI and Homeland Security are properly on alert, trying to prevent a deadly marking of these anniversaries.
April 19, Sunday is the anniversary of two American tragedies: Waco (1993) and Oklahoma City (1995).
Waco Casualties — Some 76 people dead, including more than 20 children
Oklahoma City Casualties — 168 dead and over 800 people injured
[A reader points out Ruby Ridge, April 19, 1992 — three people killed]
These numbers obviously understate the horror.
No doubt, the FBI and Homeland Security are properly on alert, trying to prevent a deadly marking of these anniversaries.
Neo-NAZI Group Acts at Fond du Lac Gathering on Hispanics and Latinos
Fri, 01/09/2009 - 10:50am | mal contends
Update: Washington Post - Bad Economy May Fuel Hate Groups, Experts Warn
© by Michael Leon
A social diversity event held last night at the Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Public Library entitled "¡Hola! Hispanic and Latino Experiences in Fond du Lac" was marred by a card left on the car windows of several participants by a neo-NAZI "Aryan Wear" group asking if the car-owners had "had enough diversity?".
The card is pictured above-left and was obtained by e-mail from Ken Hall, director of the Fond du Lac Public Library.
Hitting Wildmon-AFA's Bigotry
Mon, 11/17/2008 - 10:06am | mal contends
Folk Bum has a post displaying the American Family Association’s (AFA) promotion of a Christmas-lighted cross that appears precisely like the image of a burning cross.
And the AFA is drawing howls.
“The American Family Association--they of the our-morality-for-all bent--is offering a sweet new Xmas gift,” laughs Folk Bum.
"The American Family Association has really topped themselves," observes John Cole.
The AFA’s founder is of course one Donald Wildmon—a self-proclaimed decency advocate challenging Jews, gays, humanists and other assorted going-to-spend-eternity-in-damnation types by “focusing primarily on the influence of television and other media” that Wildmon fears promotes witchcraft, homosexuality and so on.
And the AFA is drawing howls.
“The American Family Association--they of the our-morality-for-all bent--is offering a sweet new Xmas gift,” laughs Folk Bum.
"The American Family Association has really topped themselves," observes John Cole.
The AFA’s founder is of course one Donald Wildmon—a self-proclaimed decency advocate challenging Jews, gays, humanists and other assorted going-to-spend-eternity-in-damnation types by “focusing primarily on the influence of television and other media” that Wildmon fears promotes witchcraft, homosexuality and so on.
John Hagee and Joe Lieberman: Friends in War and Hate
Tue, 07/22/2008 - 7:29am | mal contends
One of John McCain’s most enthusiastic cheerleaders and top campaign surrogates, Sen. Joe Lieberman, will address a controversial, militaristic conference sponsored by an organization founded and led by the bigoted Pastor John Hagee tonight, Christians United for Israel (CUFI).
The Christians United for Israel (CUFI) group will hold its Third Annual Washington-Israel Summit in Washington, D.C. beginning today.
McCain had sought out and received Hagee’s endorsement before renouncing him earlier this year. “I’m very proud to have Pastor Hagee’s support," said McCain before repudiating Hagee.
Hagee’s anti-Catholicism and homophobia and whacky statements on blacks and women had caused an uproar on the internet, but it was Hagee’s statement on Judaism that finally saw McCain break with Hagee publicly in May.
The Christians United for Israel (CUFI) group will hold its Third Annual Washington-Israel Summit in Washington, D.C. beginning today.
McCain had sought out and received Hagee’s endorsement before renouncing him earlier this year. “I’m very proud to have Pastor Hagee’s support," said McCain before repudiating Hagee.
Hagee’s anti-Catholicism and homophobia and whacky statements on blacks and women had caused an uproar on the internet, but it was Hagee’s statement on Judaism that finally saw McCain break with Hagee publicly in May.
Supreme Court Piece Gets Revealing Angry Response from Bigot
Mon, 06/30/2008 - 6:33am | mal contends
The following text (in two e-mails) below was received from a blog reader, commenting on a brief analysis (SC Decision Striking Down Gun Control Is Fine with This Progressive) on the Supreme Court decision, District of Columbia v. Heller (07-290), that was picked up in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on Sunday.
Well, let's hope this guy doesn't own a gun.
U.S. Set to Deport Gay Iranian
Thu, 11/29/2007 - 9:38am | mal contends
Bush and his gay-hating pigs can always be counted on to if not lead, at least emulate, the worst of the world's bigotries.
from Doug Ireland at Z-Net:
President George W. Bush and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may not agree on much, but tragically they may find common ground about the disposability of Hassan Parhizkar's life.
Since November 7, a mild-mannered 40-year-old gay Iranian businessman from Rockville, Maryland has been sitting in jail in the Frederick County, Maryland Detention Center, housed with common criminals, in the living hell of limbo between the freedom he has known since he came to the United States as a young man 17 years ago and the certain persecution, imprisonment, or worse that will be his fate as a gay man if he is sent back to Iran.
A deportation order to send him back to Iran has been issued, and any day he could be put on a plane back to Tehran, where he was born.
"I am very afraid, and so very frustrated," Hassan Parhizkar told me in a truncated, collect telephone call from jail.
from Doug Ireland at Z-Net:
President George W. Bush and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may not agree on much, but tragically they may find common ground about the disposability of Hassan Parhizkar's life.
Since November 7, a mild-mannered 40-year-old gay Iranian businessman from Rockville, Maryland has been sitting in jail in the Frederick County, Maryland Detention Center, housed with common criminals, in the living hell of limbo between the freedom he has known since he came to the United States as a young man 17 years ago and the certain persecution, imprisonment, or worse that will be his fate as a gay man if he is sent back to Iran.
A deportation order to send him back to Iran has been issued, and any day he could be put on a plane back to Tehran, where he was born.
"I am very afraid, and so very frustrated," Hassan Parhizkar told me in a truncated, collect telephone call from jail.
God To Dead Jerry Falwell; Go to Hell ... Now!!
Tue, 05/15/2007 - 3:04pm | mal contends
Jerry Falwell, one of the most despicable abusers of the teachings of Jesus and the earnest faith of religious Christians, a foul, mean-spirited power hungry Neanderthal who sought to set back civilization has been called to meet his maker. I have no doubt, he will join the other racists, bigots, homophobes, war mongers, greedy money-grubbing corporatists and holy-rolling religious hypocrites he supported, encouraged and empowered.
Falwell made his infamous, and perhaps signature statement after 9/11 on the 700 club, saying, "the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians," as well as liberal advocacy groups were to blame for the attacks, according to Fox news. He later made a weak, non-specific apology. This statement could well be the quote that he is and should be remembered by.