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false, "timestamp": "2009-12-09_17:36:26", "remote_domain": "", "page": 1, "is_moderator": false, "display_username": "", "points": null, "subscribe_on_post": 2, "moderator_can_edit": false, "is_remote": false, "is_verified": false, "missing_perm": "login"}, "realtime_paused": false, "posts": {"3606528": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Co-sign<br><br>Yes IMO that is the the achilles heels of the present  the gay rights movement.  As a feminist I see that the gay rights movement has modelled themselves after the (white) feminist movements of the 70's and 80's   I can go on forever about the problems with the (white) feminist movement.   As a black feminist I do not identify with the middle class (white) feminist movement.  I don't give a rat's ass about them or their causes.  <br><br>Also I have been thinking about the whole marriage issues.  Many  working poor  and blacks do not see marriage in a legal way that working class, middle class and upper income people do.  Let me give you the reasons why.<br><br>I am in midst of a divorce.  When I first started the divorce procedure, I had to go to Family court.  The court  waiting area was overflowing with black and latino folks dealing with child support, custody and visitation issues.  When I went to divorce court I was usually one of two black women waiting to see the judge. The waiting area was populated with whites.  Most poor were not married so the crux of their legal problems were the rights of the children. For me and my ex at was the transference of wealth (property, income, health care benefits, etc. )<br><br> I have not lived with my ex-husband for almost 2 years.  He does not want to move back with me and I don't want him back.  However, I have to now take him to back to court because he will not file the final court decree.  It cost money and for him just the fact that we are not together is enough for him.<br><br>Well it is not enough for me.<br><br>We have property together.  They are putting liens on my property as we speak because of him.  Until we are legal divorce I will still get his leins.  He is on my insurance and he is letting his never had a job older brother use my insurance when he need medical care.  Creditors after me because of him.  I have the deepest pockets.   In short, his social security # is intertwined with mine.  <br><br>Many poor people don't understand the legal implication of marriage because they are not in that social/economic class in which transfer or wealth/status is critical with the maintenance of a household.  For many marriage is primary viewed from a religious construct.  <br><br>I think that is the big divide with (white) middle class gay marriage proponent of the gay rights movement and the poor and working poor black community.  Many from our communities do not truly understand the virtue of marriage because they do not immediately benefit from such legal arrangements on a day to day basis.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_20:13:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "ecb8e53ad4dc175b15ab69340dd091f1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605369, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3611651": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "At least it's clear that you're a bigot.  I'll bet you think gay people choose to be gay.  Am I right?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_21:57:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "cbad1b8b1f333121b25e491636868fc2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605799, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3606536": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "It's effing Newsom, my pretty boy Mayor full of fluff and air who thought he was going to ride the Gay Marriage wave to the Governor's office in 2010. I spoke to him in July and told him we had a huge problem with disgruntled Black folk about the rampant greed going on unchecked that was pricing them out of the City and out of work. All he's focused on is building condos and cozying up to the rich.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_20:14:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598836, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3599372": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "But how can you not care that Andrew Sullivan retreated when faced with reasoned and reasonable criticism?<br><br>It takes two sides to fight a war, heartsandflowers.<br><br>I sit at the crossroads of Black and Gay. I've spent most of my adult life educating, in both word and deed, racist white gays and homophobic blacks and Latinos.<br><br>And I'm tired of both \"sides\" taking the bait every time somebody dangles something in front of them and engaging in a fight with the same damn talking points that don't do anything to move us forward. <br><br>I know the reality.<br><br>But I want to change it, not keep feeding the beast.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:43:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 15, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598759, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605517": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Craig, I do not beleive race has anything to do with homosexuality. Nor do I beleive my post implied, suggested or inferrred that there were not a lot of black folks who are gay...so what is your point.<br><br>The issue with the gay agenda is independent of race. Gay white males are some of the most discriminatory people on the basis of race. There are gay places that black gays will not even frequent so I am not sure what your point is.<br><br>Craig I am not hiding behind any dogma, perhaps you are relying on fantasy or irrational narcissim as a basis for your reality when it comes to homsexuality.<br><br>There is no such thing as marriage equality.  It is simply another specious made up gay agenda term like sexual orientation which has no bais in fact either. Both are sheer conjecture and terms made up to spin an argument that lacks any rational basis.<br><br>Any individual who would like can get married to the opposite gender in America. It is their choice not to marry.  All individuals who are single are treated the same under the law.  Marriage equality is a mythical term created from a specious narcissitic dogma to entitle folks on the basis of aberrant sexual behavior.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:48:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604940, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3617298": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "But part of what I wanted to also write here is a side note to Craig, because I posted over at a different blog about this and that I read JJP and they said to speak up as a gay person who actively reads this blog and say he's not alone (though I rarely comment).<br><br>But enough of that - my general statement about this posting and the entry it links to is that I am grateful for this discussion.  I'm a white lesbian and I am utterly horrified at the behavior/writings of white glbt people regarding race/the outcome of this election. <br><br>I got into a giant Twitter war with someone over it.  Which is ridiculous, because how do you explain racism to people in 140 characters??<br><br>I'm really at a loss for what to do about it because the anger is so intense and logic is failing.  It's not like I've seen the leadership in the GLBT community making much of an effort when it comes to ensuring that it is representative of and invested in the needs of our own community of color, much less to the larger world, but I'm scared that what is happening with this scapegoating is going to seriously damage the relationship between the white GLBT community and GLBT communities of color and the larger black community and for the life of me I don't know what to do about it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_00:00:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "saralovesyou", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605523": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "First, I want to congratulate <b>Karl Rove</b> for so successfully stirring the emotions of my people that EVEN IN THE MIDST of the TOTAL ANNIHILATION of the Republican Party, we now find ourselves here DIVIDING ourselves AGAIN and being WEDGED apart once more.<br><br>...that we are even debating an issue which resulted in the ***cking re-election of George Bush stuns me.<br><br>What is the purpose of a debate on gay marriage?  This issue was not born to evaluate the merits of homosexuality, individual freedoms or constitutional rights.  This issue was born to divide black people (particularly black people in Ohio) and help Republicans win future elections.<br><br>Brothers and Sisters...CHECK YOURSELVES!  Lest you be hoodwinked, bamboozled and run amok.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:49:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "Webb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3647509": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "What about LGBT blacks? You obviously missed the point of many of the posters. They are speaking about the marginalization of blacks amongst LGBT groups and in the movement. I have studied this extensively and it is a problem.<br><br>Also, they are talking about the marginalization of black women in feminist organizations...hello!<br><br>Its not LGBT vs. blacks<br><br>or<br><br>Women vs. blacks<br><br>because what happens when the two intersect? Exactly. Your argument just fell apart.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_15:34:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3646894, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3603990": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>Before these white middle class gay men attacks on the Black community, an autopsy is needed to understand what went wrong.</i><br><br>I VERY STRONGLY agree with this.<br><br>Though from what I have seen, the marriage equality movement is extremely un-self-reflective. So I would not hold my breath for the emergence of the kind of critical self-reflection that the movement actually needs. <br><br>Speaking of that lack of critical self-reflection, I had a frustrating experience with a white woman at dkos before the election who diaried about how Prop 8 passing would be like Jim Crow. I and others tried to get her and whoever was supporting her to acknowledge the historical specificity of Jim Crow and stop using arguments supposedly on behalf of my rights that don't really make sense -- arguments that are just supposed to evoke some blurry feeling ungrounded in reality. She just didn't get it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:07:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598808, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605015": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I find your reasoning as a Christian flawed. What ever makes it wrong to accept the choir director because he is gay in the church?  The church accepts all folks no matter what sin they engage in. The church opens it doors and supports folks as they seek redemption for those sins.<br><br>So, based on Christian beliefs it is consistent that Gays would be in church.<br><br>With regard to your other query...would he have wired us to chose the way he wants?<br><br>No, God granted us free will to choose him.  It is our choice to believe in him. It is our choice to engage in sin.  <br><br>More importantly, God 'wired' us to reproduce so we know that he did not 'wire' folks to engage in homosexuality.<br><br>Homosexuality is sexually pleasurable. Like all pleasurable things in life we are free to do them but it does not mean that was God's plans.  That was YOUR plan, YOU chose it and if you want to choose God's plan then you confess and ask for redemption.<br><br>NO one has to have hate or intolerance for individuals who practice behaviors society does not condone, whether they are a drug addict, prostitute, rapist, pedophile or theif..we have the right as a society to pass laws that discriminate against those behaviors and we even get to criminalize them in the interest of a civil society.<br><br>Even if I have a drunk, thief, rapist or pedophile in my own family it does not mean I have to accept or condone that behavior.  Anymore, than I have to accept an arsonist, adulterer or prostitute in the family.<br><br>Homosexuality is not the only behavior discriminated against by society, churches or families.<br><br>Homosexuals are simply the only ones who are brazen enough to beleive that society HAS to conform to their aberrant behavior and  condone and accept it. Homosexuals are the ones who beleive they can be Christians while practicing homosexuality...other groups like addicts, prostitutes and thieves know they need to change that behavior in order to be christian.<br><br>Those folks aren't going around trying to force society and church to condone their actions.<br><br>Guess they just plain  have more sense and are nowhere near as narcissitic.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:10:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 12, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3603871, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3606042": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I certainly could say that you have nothing but your own beliefs to rebut with.<br><br><br><br>Unlike your  non factual vile comments my beleifs are factually based which means they are not only shared by numerous others but they have are facts.<br><br>What you have are opinions without any factual basis that result in a commentary void of logic and reason.<br><br>In short it would help if you believe there is some 'untruth' it would to post the facts to rebut the assertions.<br><br>Otherwise it appears the rhetoric is solely yours and is indeed vile.<br><br>I bet you didn't call A Sullivan's racist rant vile but I suppose when your beleifs have no factual basis tha tis all there is left for you to do.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:33:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605359, "depth": 9, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616798": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "With regards to the parental custodial questions. I suspect we will not agree here.  I could not in good conscious support any child being raised in a family situation where they would have a samegendersex relationship modelled as normative.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:11:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605953, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598367": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>We told y'all Obama's win would not mean a \"post-racial\" America.</i><br><br>I was thinking this SAME thing.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_15:49:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "claudia_m", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3596468, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3611685": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Pwned my ass!  Everyone knows the poll was done afterwards, of people who voted.  That's what an exit poll IS.  It doesn't ask everyone who voted.  That would be logistically impossible.  Everyone knows polls have a margin of error.  But 70%?   There's still no acknowledgment that the black community has entrenched homophobia within its borders and often in its churches.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:01:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "cbad1b8b1f333121b25e491636868fc2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611626, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598374": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Didn't someone also try to blame the passage of Prop 187 (the anti-Mexican initiative) on Black Californians?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_15:50:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "RonnieB", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3597411, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3596839": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "There is some ditzy black host on CNN or Headline News who probably the cause of this mess--The Daily Show showed a clip of her spiel on this very issue, making this very false claim.   I don't know her name or who she is, other than she smiles too much for her caked-on makeup.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_14:29:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "Nate_Wesley", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605039": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Vile.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:12:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604883, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3606576": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well he hasn't helped but he didn't start this mess. When Slick Willie Brown was in office he didn't exactly help his fellow Black people either. It's only gotten worse the past 8 years. My rent has damned near tripled since 2001. Too bad I can't say the same about my salary!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_20:18:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605779, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616776": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Also so I would vociferously argue on your behalf in the employment situation if you needed a community reference or someone to vouch for you and your right.<br><br>I would be happy to take that stand on your behalf.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:09:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616751, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3646863": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>There is no moral high ground for the gay agenda. Thus the concerted and sustained effort to promote the idea that homosexuality is a birth defect. These 2 concepts were used to effectively shift the argument to 'discrimination and bornthatway'....Both of these arguments have been factually and scientifically disproved, right along with the myth that homosexuals comprise 10% of the population. <br></i><br><br>Whoa Nelly!<br><br>And no, I am not going to even try and present a rebuttal to your arguments. Why should anyone make an effort when they rebutt themselves by being  hateful, ignorant, delusional, myopic and un-Christian.<br><br>I doubt seriously that you are happy to ALLOW God to be the judge.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_14:25:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "234324dd017e36ee7c0faf28f81e2182", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598387": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Nice write up.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_15:50:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3597578, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616822": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I go into more detail with my views on morality on the original page .Basically our views on morality are totaly delusional self serving and hypoctitcal usually base on some pseudo spiritual interpretation of religiouis scripture all meant to seperate and enslave. Seemy comments on original page", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:13:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "aaronraul", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616587, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3597578": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I wrote about this over at my spot.<br>This issue is disturbing<br><br><a href=\"http://www.ravingblacklunatic.blogspot.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">www.ravingblacklunatic.blogspot.com</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_15:11:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "708ead3dff706cb871012a39aff847ed", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3597376": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I kinda have to blame John Aravosis - he put the following post out there, and I think the link also has MY response:<br><br><a href=\"http://www.americablog.com/2008/11/on-homophobia-and-racism.html?disqus_reply=3565775#comment-3565775\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.americablog.com/2008/11/on-homophobi...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_15:01:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627360": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Whiterosebuddy, just for accuracy on what I myself am saying, I want to be clear on something I think is important to my intuition.<br><br>I am speaking of the <b>white</b> gay people, and this <b>white-centered</b> movement and perspective that places white gay people at the center.  <br><br>Black gay people also exist.<br><br>So for what I am actually saying, I find it inaccurate to frame this in a way that suggests that all gay people  and Black people are a separate categories altogether.<br><br>At the same time, there is this white-centered movement that <b>incorrectly claims</b> to speak for all gay people, there are white gay people who <b>incorrectly claim</b> that their experiences are universal and should be understood as \"the\" gay experience and used as the basis for movement goals. <br><br>It is this situation that provocateurs have (as Jasmynne Cannick points out in the article posted by heartsandflowers) observed and are exploiting.<br><br>I just want to be clear about what I am actually saying (and not saying) in that comment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_16:01:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3622552, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3599431": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I saw you repeat this lie over at Kos, Yalin.<br><br>It was 70% of 240 Black People POLLED.  Not 70% of Black People who voted in the state of California.<br><br>You're as bad as CNN in distorting the truth.  And you're an African-American man who's doing the distortions.<br><br>GAME OVER and you can take this anti-Black haterade somewhere else, you damned TROLL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:45:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3599023, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3628044": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Whoa, hold up.<br>I responded to a poster CPL who stated that stood for Christian Progressive Liberal. I responded with an argument focused on Christianity principles. <br><br>I have not presented any such church based argument to you nor your posts. So, it is perfectly acceptable to me to leave religion out of the discussion. I only wanted to point out the hypocrisy of Christians who think the church is hypocritical for allowing gays to be in the choir, to CPL.<br><br>I agree with you about folks having numerous religious beliefs and faiths and that folks can follow what they chose. I have not made any religious argument opposing homosexuality .  In response to CPL I rebutted the post on the basis of free will being allowed for folks to chose God. That as with  all human behaivors it is choice.<br><br>I too agree we should all be tolerant of others basic human rights for humanity and not discriminate. Points which Michelle raised and I responded to unequivocally as being anti-discriminatory on the basis of housing, employment and education.<br><br>While there have been a rash of media reports on black females being the face of AIDS the majority of mainstream America is still not truly cognizant of that.<br><br>I disagree with you that it is about 'jezebeloversexed' victimhood being pinned on us.  Rather,  it is a public health issue. It is a public health issue for black females because many of them do not realize how much at risk they are for a highly communicable disease but that most importantly it is the black male who is the vector if the disease ( Or they would have shut down prostitution Decades ago) and it is engaging in anal receptive sex that places them most at risk.<br><br>There is no need for black women to be victims unless we allow homosexuals to own the AIDS issue with their equality of marriage advocacy despite tens of thousands dying in our communities and children and families that are homeless are not prioritized cause folks are talking about some damn marriage 'equality'", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_17:25:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3627491, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605579": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Miranda, yes I will.<br><br>I beleive the only reason folks should be allowed to divorce is for physical or emotional abuse particularly if children are involved.<br><br>If a father is granted a divorce and decided to remarry, he should be unable to unless he can demonstrate the financial capacity to support both families on his income.<br><br>I do not think folks should be allowed to walk away from their adult responsibilities simply because they have 'irreconciably differences' when there are children involved.<br><br>Children need to be protected from the idiotic whims of adults. Their best interests should determine how marital law is guided in this country, not the desires of adults who don't want to be accountable for their actions.<br><br>Maybe folks will think twice before they decide to have children in a marriage and that will be good for society as a whole.<br><br>Only childless couples would be able to divorce if I were the judge.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:53:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605389, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627084": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I couldn't of typed it better myself!  :-) Excellent response :-)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_15:27:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "freespiritbty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616673, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605070": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Vile, hateful, nasty, irresponsible, foul.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:16:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605015, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3628623": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I have no energy to address this issue, I've had my battle with this way back in February on Democratic Underground. I am not a California resident, but I could care less who marries who and who gets benefits.<br><br>I'm just really getting sick and tired of blacks being the scapegoat for every fucking thing under the sun in this country.<br><br>Grow up, America.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_18:36:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "noelani", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3650641": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "No, you are mixing up human interpretation and social ideologies and belief with biblical ones.<br><br>While I support the agenda of the LGBT community 100%, I was raised in the church and I know how many feel about it.<br><br>You cannot equate the two.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_18:10:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3648771, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605074": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "BTW, when I use the term, you in the post, it is universal and not personal", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:17:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605015, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604067": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You sound too much like Yalin to be a coincidence.  In any case, this kind of hatred what was MLK, RFK, JFK, and others gave their lives to overcome, and for you to come here and spout this shyt totally OUT OF CONTEXT makes you no better than the white gays who are spreading this meme and looking for scapegoats because they're in California and thought the whole state would do the right thing.<br><br>I know because I grew up in Northern California (Oakland) and lived there for over thirty years, so I know first hand that Northern California and Southern California are as different as Night and Day.  The Bay Area rejected that proposition; the southland helped Utah to pass it.<br><br>And again, it was 70% of PEOPLE POLLED; not 70% of people who VOTED.  CNN is reporting a major distortion and I, for one, will be happy to see the Fairness Doctrine restored if, for nothing else, to forstall shyt like this half-assed report that does nothing but pit Blacks against any and all others, while the powers that be divide, conquer, and shyts on us ALL.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:12:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 9, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3599493, "depth": 3, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3599454": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "That's what Shanikka pointed out in her diary, and she did a good analysis, too.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:47:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3597494, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605087": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "That's what I'm talking about.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:18:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3603871, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3596898": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Andrew Sullivan unfortunately was pushing this meme. He is really into the whole \"black people hate gays more than the mainstream realizes.\" Yes, we have homophobia in our community. But we were the ones to end marriage equality? Um, no.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_14:33:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "245857794a8d4da90a73fbb64352b916", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3597411": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Here was my response to that shyt:<br><br><b>Sounds like Bryan is a closet bigot to lay the blame for the passage of Prop. 8 solely at the feet of African-Americans.<br><br>We're always getting the blame for shyt out of our control, and just because this nation elected a Black Man as POTUS last night, don't think for one minute that African-Americans get an automatic toehold in ANYTHING.<br><br>Way to stay classy, Bryan. Too much trouble to do some REAL analysis of why Prop. 8 failed, isn't it, like maybe, anything south of Fresno is full of xenophobes and fundie wingnuts - not to mention the millions of dollars that poured into California from Utah - and the activists got caught flat footed and unprepared because of natural assumption that Californians would do the Right Thing?<br><br>I watched Prop. 209 passed twelve years ago - when Californians thought they were voting for a Proposition to strengthen Civil Rights and Affirmative Action, when in fact, the proposition all but eliminated affirmative action in education and contracting.<br><br>Bryan, you're a dipshyt and not worth me ranting at your ignorant ass any longer. You're a damned troll and you are an anomaly; GAY AND INTOLERANT.</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_15:02:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605101": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "When blacks spoke up for their rights whites called them vile too.<br><br>Being candid, direct and truthful is not vile.<br><br>Or maybe you think homosexuality is vile.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:20:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605039, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616367": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I bet you are one of those ignorant cretin smallmindedredneckmindset folks who beleive that there is some DNA folks can inherit that makes them 'involuntarily' gay don't you?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:27:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611651, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616378": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As a community, we can't even get fathers to stay in the homes. I agree that we generally are not as accepting of homosexual relationships, but how much can we really face at once? The problems are too numerous to name.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:28:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "a43f021c11b2e6b394c6c3002f6cece0", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616703": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The whole moral fabric of society argument is delusional.The only morality that should be legislated is laws that protect property or person.Ooutside of that its all in your mind . This same mentality of wanting people to act like we want them to is what leads to slavery wars genocide etc,and its always wrapped up in some pseudo religious perception.How many people who are against gay marriage think nothing of committing adultry or having sex for enjoyment as opposed to just for children", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:00:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "aaronraul", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611522, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3667582": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Agreed!! :-)", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-10_15:10:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "freespiritbty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3647215, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3626111": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You still got pwned!  Facts don't seem to be on your side.  Another thing, take up your \"emotional outrage\" with those who crafted Prop 8, i.e., the MORMON CHURCH.  Is this Yalin from dkos?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_13:43:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "freespiritbty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611685, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3599493": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't read KOS and I'm not Yalin.  Don't know who that is.  I realize that exit polls are not always exactly correct.  But the error would not be large enough to change the fact that a huge majority of African Americans, as a community, have stated that separate but equal is just fine for the gays.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:48:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "cbad1b8b1f333121b25e491636868fc2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3599431, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605185": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Craig, I apologize in advance if my currently obsessive focus on figuring certain things out has led me to make an unwise decision in how to respond to that post.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:26:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604940, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605641": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Not sure if I understand your question here Michelle.<br><br>But unequivocably I support your rights as a human being and citizen, when I say:<br> as human being you are entitled to not be harassed or discriminated against when it comes to housing, employment and education.<br><br>So, your sexual partner choices would not change that.<br><br>Or maybe I am not getting what your question is.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:57:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605503, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3599499": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "And, as USUAL, the Black Woman warns people and gets ignored; then vindicated when it ALL GOES TO HELL.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:49:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3599155, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3648655": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thanks for confirming my suspicions that you are a bigot.  Your ignorance is appalling.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_17:25:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "cbad1b8b1f333121b25e491636868fc2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616367, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605137": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Sounds like you are unable to rebut the argument. Your descriptors are vile, hateful, nasty, irresponsible and foul behavior on your part.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:23:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605070, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605652": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>Far too often, I find Christians are those who want to control someone else</i><br><br>Full Co-Sign Here!  <br><br>There is a special place in (self-censorship) for all of the AA ministers who supported GWBush on the basis of gay marriage.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:58:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "Webb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3603871, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598998": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I liked this response on Ta-Nehisi Coates post <b>Prop. 8 and thinking before we write</b>:<br><br><i>I think the question has to be asked also why was it so believable that black people were the underlying reason that Prop 8 failed in the first place. Until that diary went up on dailykos this morning NOBODY challenged the validity of the statistics in a meaningful way and I include myself in that. So far black people have been blamed for the subrime mortgage crisis, the crisis on Wall Street and now for the passing of Prop 8 with little pushback against those memes. And all the while people are hollering that Obama's election makes us a \"post racial\" nation whatever in the hell that means. Even IF black people had been instrumental to passing Prop 8 where exactly was the LBGT community saying there needs to be out reach to black people or education for black people. All I saw was angry backlash and finger pointing. Just like Coates says Prop 8 is not the presidential election and this isnt some kind of trade off. If somebody is upset that black people didn't vote the way they would like then maybe they should try APPEALING to black people instead of demonizing them. I hear a lot that the fight against Prop 8 was akin to the Civil Rights Movement for black people. Now whether you believe that or not I can tell you unequivically that the Civll Rights Movement succeeded by appealing to white people's better instincts and trying to convince them through non violent means that granting civil rights to black people was the morally right thing to do. Martin Luther King didn't come out brow beating white folks to try to get them to march with him. He didn't come out brow beating white folks when he was arrested for protesting. He didnt come out brow beating white folks when Rosa Parks was arrested for not sitting at the back of the bus. He made the case to white folks that these things were wrong and that they didn't have to and shouldn't go along with it. Barack Obama ran a 50 state strategy that a LOT of people thought was wrong headed but guess what he went into places that people thought wouldnt be receptive to his message and convinced them anyway. Maybe its time for the LGBT to stop assuming that certain sections of the black community ie the black church will not listen to their message and actually try to reach out to them on a personal level. I would bet that doing something like THAT would produce a lot better results than running around pointing the fingers at black folks and blaming everything on their religious leaders.<br><br>Posted by sgwhiteinfla | November 7, 2008 11:10 AM </i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:22:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 29, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616919": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "No Craig you are too insipid to discern that you are blinded by your own narcissitic need for acceptance to understand the truth.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:24:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605898, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3622552": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I would trust your intuition Michelle. I have seen first hand what you are speaking of given that I professional work involved AIDS and HIV therapy from 1988 to 2003. I was on the cutting edge of therapy selling pentamidine initial and moving on from there to HAART.  Because of that I engaged with many of the 'leaders' in the gay community when it came to their socio-political agenda. I can unequivocably state that there is lots of racism which fits because the drivers of the agenda have consistently been affluent white males who 'happen' to be homosexual. I worked with these men as many were lawyers, doctors and corporate executives.  The racism was always there beneath the surface to be used and leverage for any gain.<br><br>Just like Bill Clinton used it tactically, provocatively and strategically.<br><br>So you should certainly trust your intituition...the Gay agenda and it's leaders are very classist as well as racist. Blacks who join with them and their agenda are being used. The entire reason for using blacks was to create the idea that homosexuals were a 'minority' group. Which is completely false yet it has been spun effectively and blacks, including Coretta King and Jesse, have helped to spin that myth.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_10:18:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3620250, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604124": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Craig,<br><br>I hear you. I really do. I can hold him accountable for not taking responsibility for running his mouth when he knows he has influence. He used exit polls and percentages, not actual votes to determine his argument. How many gay and gay friendly people felt personally motivated to take action other than writing a check for No on 8? What work did he personally do to fight for No on 8? What about all the other states' legislation that passed with similar results? Does he even know any Black people in a meaningful way? He still needs to check his racism. <br><br>Where are the standards of accountability? This is the larger argument about those that ran the No on 8 campaign. What research they did. Who they talked to. Why they underestimated the opposition. Why they assumed a few celebrities representing No on 8 was enough to sway the populace. Why are YOU defending him and how does defending him benefit you? He is not HELPING resolve this issue because No on 8 would've still failed if they had removed every Black vote either for or against it. <br><br>The discussion of Black people realizing their potential, taking advantage of opportunities and believing in themselves and not clinging to a narrow definition of religiosity is a much larger issue we are still (not) resolving which impacts so much of our lives and is a whole other interconnecting issue to work through. That's the conversation to have, the strategy to develop and the journey we need to take together.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:16:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 13, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3599372, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605150": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I have two reactions to this, whiterosebuddy.<br><br>One is pain.<br><br>But let me try to get past that and see if there is room for dialogue. This is going to be really hard for me. But I am going to try. Because I vaguely remember agreeing with you in the past on something else, or at least appreciating something you wrote at some point on another topic (I could be misremembering though).<br><br>So. I am in a partnered relationship with a woman. She is the one who knows me better than anyone, the one I share things with that I don't talk with other people about. She knows how I feel about life and death and medical care, for example, at a depth that is way too personal for me to share with anyone else. <br><br>I am afraid that if I am ill, she might be barred from seeing and deciding things for me if I can't decide for myself, even though I am working on a medical power of attorney, I don't know if I am doing it right or if it will stick. I want her to have full rights to act from her deep intimate knowledge of me if I can't advocate for myself. <br><br>This aspect of our relationship is from emotional intimacy, not directly from our sexual intimacy, and it is real and very deep.<br><br>I want to start with that example and ask you if you would oppose making a civil union option available for us that would provide the kinds of relationship protections available to heterosexuals who are intimate with their partners on multiple levels (because our relationships certainly include sex -- yes they do and I have no shame about it -- but the lived reality is they are NOT all about the sex any more than hetero committed relationships are).<br><br>And whiterosebuddy, I've been thinking lately about the collective costs of various kinds of discrimination. If I am part of a collective entity -- this nation, or the global community for example -- and I have extra stress placed on my life, related to my primary relationship, because of my sexual orientation, then that stress takes energy away from what I might be able to contribute to the collective. Because I am having to expend energy dealing with the stress, which if I am going to be accurate includes both fear and pain. I feel that this expenditure of energy is unnecessary -- that causing this pain and stress for some of the members does not really benefit the collective. I'm still thinking this through, and not sure if I am clear enough yet on this particular point. <br><br>I do feel that causing un-necessary pain to members of the collective harms the larger whole overall because it harms and takes energy from members who are tasked, as all are, with contributing to the larger good. Un-necessary harm to some of the parts of the whole seems counterproductive to the larger good, to me. <br><br>I guess from this perspective, then, the question I would have is different from yours. You are saying that we gay people have to prove something in order to not have to experience a certain kind of pain and stress related to our relationships. In contrast, I would say ask for proof in the other direction -- I would ask for proof that this pain and stress (and its impact on the larger collective through harm to us as parts of the whole who should have that energy for contriutions to the whole) is actually necessary.<br><br>I hope my words are making this clear. It may vry well be a mistake for me to initiate this as dialogue, but I am trying to understand the dynamics around this, and have been questioning some of the tenets of the marriage equality movement, partly because it cuts off certain kinds of discussions between human beings. <br><br>(though trying this may prove me wrong in some of what I have been concluding!)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:24:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604415, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3596961": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "They've been pitting blacks against gays forever. For those of us who are both, it's depressing.<br><br>But that doesn't mean we as black people can ignore what we all know happens and what is said in many of our churches and communities because we can't.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_14:36:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 17, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3619493": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "whiterosebuddy, thank you for this discussion (here and below). It's surely contributing information to whatever it is I am trying to figure out/learn. I don't know exactly how or what yet -- but still, I appreciate the discussion.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_02:51:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616798, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3790504": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Everyone on this site had better believe this was a well though out and intentional plan. I first noticed this war beginning on CNN when they broadcasted the report that 70% of blacks voted against prop 8, and they kept lashing this number over and over agin until they evoked a response from the gay community. later I saw FOX committing this act, but they were all of sudden concerned about the rightof gays when we know they are the first to vote in large perecentages against the gay community. Yesterday I heard Bill O reily refer to these hateful behaviors towards blacks as a cultural war. Since Mccain lost he race and cheating or stealing the vote failed to prevail this time, Karl and the Repulicans looked to the gay community to continuewaging their war against blacks.<br>Because Sarah Plain and John Mccain could no longer be utilized to stir black hate, they found a group that would readily pick up the banner. <br><br>I believe the media must be confronted and rebuked along with the right wing conservatives for scapegoating blacks. In fact many right wing churches sent black preachers to the African Amercan communities to speak about prop 8. Blacks were tricked into executing the dirty work of conservatives and later left to bear the blame and blunt of their unsuspecting prey . Clearly this was an devious plan to influence the 2012 race; however, the irony is that 30% of gays voted for Mccain, and although he secured the gay vote, the repulicans had no intention of returning the favor since they voted largely against prop 8.<br>It's an absolute fabrication that the GLBT gave us Obama, for their overall support was very slim and marginal, but their expectations was to depend on our vote for prop 8 because it was convienent for them. Imagine this absurid hypocrisy from a group that supported two individuals who called Barack Obama a terriost which was a tatic utilized to encite fear of white voters, and committed brutally slandered a Black preacher who supported gay rights inorder to destroy Barrack's campaign. <br><br>The fact of the matter is there are two groups to blame. The first is Karl Rove's Republican Party(KKK Right wing members) for organizing this so called culture war, and gays for not campaigning in the black community since their racist views kept them from reaching out.  Furthermore the gay commumity was so busy supporting Mccain that they lost their opportunity to gain support from the black community since Rev. Jermiah Wright's church approves same sex marriages. <br><br>Much to their grave misfortune and chagrin,  they forfeited their greatest opportunity by failing to defend Rev. Wright against the vicious attacks of John mccain and Sarah palin, and ultimately expressing their racist views by voting for them. Ironically Mccain lost a lot of Republican votes due to his vile Karl  Rove swiftboating tactics, yet the gay community remained loyal.<br><br>I applaud everyone who were sensitive enough to pick up on this diabolical trap.<br>Know that we will be victorious in this fight as well, for we have never walked this road alone, for our cries are always heard, our tears wiped, and prayers answered.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-15_11:35:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "bc72f6fd91c27773ebc11485db1d09ff", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3599531": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I can not give a rat's ass when Sully does inflammatory shyt like this and then realizes that he'll lose his honorary Negro card if he doesn't back off.<br><br>And that's what he's doing, unless he read Shanikka's diary, which was a DAMNED GOOD EXPLANATION of the issue, complete with statistics to back it up.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:50:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3599372, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3599023": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Sounds to me like you all are ignoring the fact that 7 out of 10 African Americans voted FOR prop 8.  Blame lies with all people who voted yes on 8.  But the fact is that, per capita, blacks voted far more for it than other ethnic groups.  There is an epidemic of homophobia and bigotry in the black community.  Own up to it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:23:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "cbad1b8b1f333121b25e491636868fc2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 12, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3647155": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The problems are not new problems. However the issue that I have with too many people is this:<br><br>Please give me a reason for why these problems exists?<br><br>I keep getting the personal inadequacies and inferiority of blacks argument which I why I do not even bother to engage in such discussions with some people.<br><br>As I said, these problems are not new and many of them have existed for almost 50 years but they are never properly addressed.<br><br>1. People have yet to properly discuss the causes? I know the causes but its up to other people to stop being intellectually simple and lazy and do the work.<br><br>2. What is the solution?<br><br>Also stop using the word community because not all blacks are in the same predicament and you are using generalizations.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_14:57:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616378, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3596468": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thank goodness the Afrosphere is addressing this. Why Black folk are being blamed for this boggles my mind.<br><br>(Oh, and psst: We told y'all Obama's win would not mean a \"post-racial\" America.)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_14:06:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "JunePearl", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3597494": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Andrew Sullivan and Dan Savage and quite a few Black bloggers are adding to the pile on as well. I live here in San Francisco the alleged \"Gay Mecca\" of America and I saw no outreach from No on 8 but there was a negative Yes on 8 ad running nearly every 10 minutes during daytime tv. Asians and Latinos voted for Yes as well as whites of course but nobody's blaming THEM!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_15:07:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 23, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3596984": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You're right. And I took him to task for it. He has since shifted his rhetoric and he deserves credit for listening.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_14:37:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3596898, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627196": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Actually the President of People for the American way released a press release denouncing the hateful responses. I don't think arguing over nature vs nature is adding to the conversation as it's a divisive issue. What is needed is support between people of color. If you want to throw stats around, the standard of living for Black LGBT increases with a legal marriage. Since my concern is focused on improving the lives of Black women and children who are often thought of last - if at all - I am for mobilizing whatever resources are necessary and toppling all opposition.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_15:42:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3622727, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3641025": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I hope jjp makes this post response a post in and of itself. You put it all together so well, it was like a lightbulb went off. It became much clearer for me, the difference between how we view marriage and the effects of marriage/divorce by class is crucial. I actually felt like I learned something reading this post.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_23:41:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "JunePearl", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3606528, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3650242": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Excellent, that is my position exactly.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_18:07:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598998, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3648719": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You remind me of the southern white racists who compare homosexuality to bestiality, child molestation and other crimes.  Being disorderly or lewd in public directly infringes on others' rights.  Being gay, or being a gay married couple, does not.  It's really quite simple.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_17:32:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "cbad1b8b1f333121b25e491636868fc2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616518, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3611856": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The questions you pose are all emotional. I need not nor am not asserting that gay couples marrying affects the way I live daily. Rather, I am saying that it is not something that benefits the whole of society to the degree that society is obligated to advocate or incentivize the act by granting benefits.<br><br>I do not beleive that homosexuality is a sin...that is however what Christians believes and I was making that argument to the other poster who said that CPL stood for Christian progressive liberal and then went on to infer that the black church was hypocritical because it's parishoners do not support homosexuality even as they have choir directors who are gay. My argument was that having choir directors who are gay in the church is wholly consistent with the principles of the christian faith in terms of welcoming sinners and promising redemption upon renounciation of the sin.<br><br>I am not judging gays at all. My argument is that 'gay marriage' does not fit the frame work for what societys intent was when granting benefits to individuals who create  matrimony under law.<br><br>In short, society gains nothing by promoting gay marriage. <br>I am very happy to allow God to be the judge.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:18:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3607306, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3647699": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Also some are dismissing the role of religion which should not be because it is off-putting. I could turn around and say that your dismissal of Christianity is bigoted. <br><br>While I am a rather liberal and pragmatic Christian who focuses on all of God's teachings and not what I have selected nor do I conjure up my own interpretations of those teachings...I cannot say the same thing for everyone.<br><br>There are those who are strict and conservative about it or are fearing as my mother is. My mother would have voted in support of the prop 8 as my uncle would have but she is far from being bigoted towards gays. She owns five florists and 60 percent of her employees are gay males. <br><br>She is opposed to discrimination and persecution of gays, lesbians, bisexuals whomever. She once pulled her ad from a church up in Westchester because they told one of our gay employees who grew up in the church that he was not allowed back. They even returned his donations. My mother was so upset and immediately phoned the church to pull her and ads and return her money.<br><br>She says that we are all god'c children but here is the issue.<br><br>My mother believes that the definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman. It gets touchy because of her beliefs about marriage that are influenced by her Christian beliefs. This is where much of this stems from. <br><br>If anyone cares to go look, there was another state that had banning gay adoptions on the ballot and the black vote that was polled by exit polls was split almost 50/50 so it was closer there.<br><br>I think that there needs to be a dialogue opened on the topic because many do not understand certain correlations in the same way that some are unable to connect issues that surround class, religion and gender with race or race, class and religion with gender or whatever other combination. Sexual orientation especially for the older generations are new. <br><br>However the nastiness that I am reading on leftist blogs have turned me off even more than I have already been turned off by the rhetoric of white liberals.<br><br>As I have always said, blacks are merely pawns, objects. We are yet to actually become subjects in the minds of white liberals, white conservative whomever. It is like they have failed to understand us as a community. Its pretty sad.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_15:51:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3603805": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Exactly, ljf.  I was wondering what the outreach  and grassroot organization was like, since I don't live in California.<br><br>Did the LGBT reach out to urban/black/hispanic publications, print or online?  Also there needs to be visibility from the GLBT on other civil rights issues.  Show that they stand with others in their need.  It would be effective if they represented themselves during the immigration rallies, become a force in racial profiling and so on. And the outreach needs to be continous.<br><br>When I attended college,the black student organizations and GLBT organizations often partnered for diversity awareness and shared common goals of  encouraging acceptance and coalition building.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:57:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "Monie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598808, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3619544": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "ljf, IMO that's profound what you're saying here  -- thank you.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_02:54:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3606528, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3611364": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Exactly!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_21:27:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sombody_took_my_username", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3596961, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3622950": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I do not mean to hurt anyone. Unfortunately, the intertwining of emotions on this issue vs. the facts has a way of doing that. I cannot discuss this issue with personal anecdotes as that skews into such personal animus typically. I focus on the data and what we know factually and I am sorry that offends you but there is no other way for the views to be discussed rationally and cogently.<br><br>The concept of gaypeople having children is just incongrent with the idea of being gay period. When you prefer samegendersex, no children can be born to that partnership. So, I do not beleive it is me, who confuses sex and relationshiprs but rather homosexuals themselves who want to insist that the gender of their sexual partnership equates to their identity. The only way samegendersex partners have children is that they must violate the very idea of the relationship they claim is the priorty over sex. Yet they themselves are not true to the 'relationship'.  How then is that even a credible posture. Not to mention the rampant promiscuity within the homosexual community?    <br><br>When children are involved we are talking about bisexuality which means if the individual valued either children or relationships they would be able to marry based on the status quo.<br><br>The gay agenda for marriage has since the inception been completely focused on the legal and financial benefits of that society provides to legal marriages. If the idea of passing on assets, designating an emergency contact or decision maker were the issue those matters are more than adequately covered with other legal instruments.<br><br>Gays as a family unit are the antithesis of the idea of samegender sex. It is completely impossible. If people actually were adherent to the 'spiritualsamegenderpartner' there would be no children involved.<br><br>What I see is that we have a group of individuals who choose to place their adult sexual desires over the needs of children and families by perpetuating a wholly aberrant idea of relationships to form a family unit. Worst of all, is that the emotional appeal is always about their sexual needs and never are the interest of children the top priorty only their adult selfishly focused idea of what the samegendersex means to them.<br><br>In a just world you would understand that choosing to be with your GF means you cannot have kids.  So, your emotional appeal falls far short of caring about anything other than your own narrowly focused physical needs.<br><br>Children should not be subjected to that. Children have a right and a need to be raised in homes that have opposite gender parents. They is what creates the most emotionally, spiritually and cognitively well balanced human development.<br><br>Those who deliberately set out to distort and destroy that from the beginning do not truly care about children. They only care about themselves.  No one should even think it is OK to deny a child a mother or father to raise them and set out with a plan to do so. It is a lifetime handicapp. <br><br>A real mother would never even think to handicapp her child from birth willfully and voluntarily because of her own selfish needs.  It is wrong.<br><br>In fact it is the antithesis of motherhood.<br><br>I apologize if these principles hurt your feelings but I beleive as an adult who has made her own choices you can appreciate at least someone standing up for children to be able to make their own choices as well rather than to be subjected to a living situation that warps their social views from birth.<br><br>A society is be judged by how well they protect children and I can stand up for children without you being denied the spiritual samegendersex relationship you believe supercedes everything in life including the right of children to be raised with a male and female parent.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_11:01:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3617248, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3640359": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Interesting take on provacateurs I brought this up on one of nquest post but he dismissed the whole idea(which makesme suspicious of all these sites)the main placement of provacateurs is within a organization thats sympathetic to ones view.The message provacateurs disseminate is to elicit a certain response.This is why Ive repeatedly have tried to engage people on this site to look beyond the perception of race,realizing race is just one layer of your reality.Our biggest danger is continuing to define opposition as racist.Lack of self worth is the cause of racism so when you call a person a racist you reinforce not only their racism but your own,We as Black people have many racist views not only against others but ourselves,however we somehow assume thats okay because we were the subjects of racism.As far as the gay marriage issue it is a cival rights issue because deny them marriage is unconstitutional as are many laws.A persons freedom should not be constrined through legislation unless their actions cause injure to anothers person are property. Unfortunately the U.S, started legislating morality on religious views violating seperation of church and state.We as a people need to stop marginalizing ourselves by limiting our perception to race and uncover the universal ideas inherent in each nargument.By doing this we will not be subject to race baiting and will realize our true power as one people of all colors.This is the one thing the system fears most thus the demise of DR, KING.Thats why Im forever Black a state of mind brought about because of my skin color but transcending all limiting labelsa of gender race nationality creed etc. Our biggest step backwards was calling ourselves AFRO AMERICAN.We have the bloods of many continents coursing through our veins why limit ourselves to only two", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_22:09:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "aaronraul", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3620250, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3622125": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "CPL, once again, a voice of reason in the midst of chaos! Im so in love with you!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_09:25:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "f9aaa8acc43fd7620185ff90cef3c05a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604067, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3647215": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Exactly! This is what I have been discussing for a few years now and it seemed to fall on deaf ears until it all came to a head.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_15:02:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611554, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3651830": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You see Miranda, when I argue about the issue of same sex marriage with strict Christians, I bring that up. I tell them that if they want to protect the \"sanctity\" of marriage then they should outlaw divorce because its technically adultery according the bible.<br><br>That is the very hyprocrisy that I argue and most do not have a decent rebuttal.<br><br>I am Christian and proud of t but I am more liberal than some others and I focus mostly on the New Testament than the old. <br><br>Also there is a seperation of church and state which nullifies any argument that states that same sex marriage should not be legal based on religious belief.<br><br>When I speak to people, I try and get at this.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_18:17:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605389, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605239": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "i'm a califonia native (southern cal), and prop 8's passage really didn't surprise me.  this state definitely has its contradictions.  <br><br>when i first heard the \"61% of blacks voted against marriage equity\" thing, i had a discussion with friends and family about why i thought that sounded iffy.  one conclusion we came to was that there certainly wasn't enough (if any) outreach done in communities of colour.  i live in san diego, and didn't hear anything about resistance to the proposition in a serious way until maybe a couple of  weeks before election day.  the only robocalls i received urging me to vote 'no' happened on election day.   there simply wasn't an organised effort to dispel the 'family and education' myths surrounding the issue.  another problem was timing...  during this historic election year, there really weren't that many people paying attention to the propositions.  the presidential election basically eclipsed everything else.<br><br>and then there's the resentment (which cuts across racial lines)...  <br><br>there was a HUGE, organised effort in northern san diego county supporting prop 8.  this was led primarily by white women.  hmmmmmmm...<br><br>as a heterosexual, i'm tired of hearing from white homosexuals only. the gay rights agenda seems to be primarily framed and articulated by upper-middle class white gay men.  to blame the passage of prop. 8 on black and latino folks seems extremely alienating to homosexuals of colour.   and wrong.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:29:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "99bcec632769e483ead5faa515e84132", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598808, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3790588": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Everyone on this site had better believe this was a well though out and intentional plan. I first noticed this war beginning on CNN when they broadcasted the report that 70% of blacks voted against prop 8, and they kept flashing this number over and over again until they evoked a response from the gay community. Later I saw FOX repeatingg this act, but they were all of sudden concerned about the right of gays when we know they are the first to vote in large percentages against the gay community. Yesterday I heard Bill O reily refer to these hateful behaviors towards blacks as a cultural war. Since Mccain lost the race and cheating or stealing the vote failed to prevail this time, Karl and the Repulicans looked to the gay community to continue waging war against blacks.<br>Because Sarah Plain and John Mccain could no longer be utilized to stir black hate, they found a group that would readily pick up the banner. <br><br>I believe the media must be confronted and rebuked along with the right wing conservatives for scapegoating blacks. In fact many right wing churches sent black preachers to the African Amercan communities to speak about prop 8. Blacks were tricked into executing the dirty work of conservatives and later left to bear the blame and blunt of their unsuspecting prey . Clearly this was an devious plan to influence the 2012 race; however, the irony is that 30% of gays voted for Mccain, and although he secured the gay vote, the repulicans had no intention of returning the favor since they voted largely against prop 8.<br>It's an absolute fabrication that the GLBT gave us Obama, for their overall support was very slim and marginal, but their expectations was to depend on our vote for prop 8 because it was convienent for them. Imagine this absurid hypocrisy from a group that supported two individuals who called Barack Obama a terriost which was a tatic utilized to encite fear of white voters, and brutally smeared a Black preacher who supported gay rights inorder to destroy Barrack's campaign. <br><br>The fact of the matter is there are two groups to blame. The first is Karl Rove's Republican Party(the KKK Right wing members) for organizing this so called culture war, and gays for not campaigning in the black community since their racist views kept them from reaching out.  Furthermore the gay commumity was so busy supporting Mccain that they lost their opportunity to gain support from the black community since Rev. Jermiah Wright's church approves same sex marriages. <br><br>Much to their grave misfortune and chagrin,  they forfeited their greatest opportunity by failing to defend Rev. Wright against the vicious attacks of John mccain and Sarah palin, and ultimately expressing their racist views by voting for them. Also, Mccain lost a lot of Republican votes due to his vile Karl  Rove swiftboating tactics, yet the gay community remained loyal.<br><br>I applaud everyone who were sensitive enough to pick up on this diabolical trap.<br>Know that we will be victorious in this fight as well, for we have never walked this road alone, for our cries are loudly heard, our tears softly wiped, and prayers always answered.<br><br>Sorry, for the second entry, but I thought you might appreciate the corrections.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-15_11:46:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "bc72f6fd91c27773ebc11485db1d09ff", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3621118": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "WhiteRoseBuddy, you have made it very clear how YOU feel about gay marriage.<br><br>I expect you to find my reasoning as a Christian \"flawed\" because I've already said, if my relationship with Christ is not LIKE YOURS, then it's assumed that my relationship with Him is FLAWED.<br><br>You basically proved my point - I consider myself as much of a Christian as you do - only my peace comes from knowing I'm trying to exemplify Christ's character to the best of my ability.  My relationship with Jesus is not like YOURS, and I wouldn't expect it to be, because just as we're created unique, our relationships with Jesus will be JUST AS UNIQUE.<br><br>The issue of Prop 8 is one where we, as African-Americans, KNOW BEST how much it hurts to be discriminated against.  Until it's proven beyond scientific doubt that people can choose their sexuality, I will tend to error on the side that maybe they are BORN THAT WAY, and I also will always believe God places no more on a person than they can bear.<br><br>Just as we don't choose to be discriminated against, I can't believe that gay people choose to BE GAY.  No one would willingly CHOOSE to be excluded from society; to be fired from jobs for what they do behind closed doors; to be considered less than a human being.<br><br>I also have to say this - for every Christian who thought I was a \"screw-up\", who judged me without mercy, and who refused to allow forgiveness for past mistakes - there was an agnostic, atheist or LGBT individual who looked past ALL OF THAT, and not only saw my potential, but encouraged it, and if possible, gave me a second and sometimes a third chance.<br><br>So, according to YOU, my reasoning as a Christian is flawed because I choose to be tolerant and unconditionally accepting - which is how Jesus treated the woman at the well, or the woman about to be stoned for being caught in the very act of adultery, or the blind man restored his sight - Jesus treated them ALL with compassion and unconditional acceptance upon encountering them, and He STILL left them with the will to CHOOSE TO FOLLOW HIM.<br><br>Prop 8 is about controlling someone who's lifestyle and personal choices you don't agree with.  I say live, let live, and LET GOD SORT IT OUT.<br><br>We CHOOSE to disagree on this, and I'm not apologizing because you believe my reasoning as a Christian, to YOUR way of thinking, is FLAWED.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_06:31:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605015, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3617026": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You are the fool for presuming.<br>I made no assertion that the primary reason for marriage was procreation. <br><br>There is an avalanche of data that shows the having opposite gender parenting is the way to maximize the potential of human development.<br><br>Can other parenting models raise children?  sure but none of those maximize the potential...they simply 'do their best'<br><br>Society then has an inherent interest in promoting the very best option for development of human potential, which is the reason for providing marital incentives along with the legal responsibility of financially supporting all children born within a marriage.<br><br>Those are the primary reasons for marital benefits being offered by society. Society does not have the financial burden or supporting offsprings that adults produce and society benefits by having children raised with both both a father and mother in the home as that has proved to be the best for developing their maximimum potential.<br><br>How about you take your foot out your mouth or at least remove that academic from your moniker.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:36:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616765, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3648771": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Miranda's correct.  You are like an American Taliban.  And you are wrong above Loving v. Virginia.  Racist whites felt it was a moral imperative to keep their race \"clean\" of minorities.  If one group's morality is to trump all others, as you would seem to like, then Brown v. Board would not be law, and the Jewish Holocaust would have been arguably moral.  You are a despicable gutter crawling, half-human monster who wears the cloak of religious righteousness to beat down those who are different from you.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_17:38:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "cbad1b8b1f333121b25e491636868fc2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604415, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616518": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You are extremely math challenged aren't you? You also like to make emotional arguments that have no factual basis.  Like slinging phrases such as homophobia, just like the right calls folks flaming liberals as if the very nature of using the label somehow dimishings the credibility of the argument.<br><br>Guess what? It doesn't,  It just makes you sound shallow and stupid.<br><br>Folks in the black churches and communities have no hatred, malice or animosity towards INDIVIDUALS who engage in homosexuality.<br><br>Which is separate from having a desire to promote or condone homosexuality as some type of normative behavior. There is enough dysfunctional behaviors within the black community without creating an atmosphere of acceptance of aberrant sexual behavior.<br><br>That does not mean you hate the person nor that you are afraid of folks that engage in homosexuality. Afterall, as others have mentioned many choir directors in the black church are gay, many hairdressers in the black community are gay and numerous gays are make up artists and entertainers in theatrical fields.  All of whom blacks embrace individually.<br><br>I just want to know what gives you the right to think you can even demand that aberrant sexual behavior be acceptable as some norm?  Who the hell are you to do such. How is your demanding this any different from a drug dealer who insists that he is just making a living and how dare anyone prevent him from doing so?  <br><br>What gives you the temerity and gall to think that you have any moral high ground to insist that such behavior be tolerated and or accepted.<br><br>No one in this society has to be afraid of anythign to clearly decide that homosexuaity is not something that should be modeled as a behavioral norm for children. anymoreso than we want prostitution modelled as a societal norm for children and families.<br><br>No one claims we are afraid of prostitutes when society says no to that.<br><br>You need to go somewhere and sit down and re think why you think you have some right to impose aberrant behavior on society at large.<br><br>Society does not tolerate lewd or disorderly conduct either. Which can be as simply as loud music, profanity or loud talking.<br><br>Are all of these phobias too?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:41:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611685, "depth": 6, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3606381": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Michelle, you have been extremely patient and willing to have a conversation with someone who'd initiate a knee-jerk FU type response from me and I'm a straight woman. You know a more measured conversation between all of us is what it will take to get the adoption and marriage amendments passed. <br><br><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/6nprku\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://tinyurl.com/6nprku</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_20:02:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605877, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3607306": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Let me ask you one simple question, How does a gay couple marrying and living their life affect the way that you live your life everyday? Is it harder to wake up in the morning? Can you just not get through your day? I find the sheer ignorance of hiding behind the veil of the church abominable. If deep down in your heart you believe that homosexuality is a sin then so be it but that is not your place to judge them its God's so let s/he deal with that.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_21:11:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "c3516f06548f7f7e8bde3b59c464793a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605015, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3640592": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>Gay activists are appealing to whites on the basis of racial solidarity.</i><br><br>I would add the word \"white\" (or at least the phrase \"marriage equality movement\" which I agree is white dominated and white centered) in front of the words gay activist there. I know that's what you mean but I feel like I want it clear and specified given the context.<br><br>But anyway, I think you're on to something important here. If I remember right, this dynamic is pretty much exactly what we were talking about on this site with the way white feminism was functioning in the primaries. It was functioning as a form of gendered white supremacy -- invoking racial solidarity among white people using gender as cover. It didn't actually succeed in terms of the actual nomination, though, and I was glad to see that.<br><br>Interesting how you and I disagree on such very basic things as whether or not me having sex with my girlfriend is \"aberrant behavior\" and yet we agree on this (what I quoted above), and on some of the other things we discussed.<br><br>The more I think about it, the more I feel that the Marriage Equality movement's foundational approach to change is something that needs to wither and die. Not because it is gay people (obviously since I am gay) but because of how itapproaches things. Any movement that is so single-issue and exclusive and closed to how issues may connect and coalition can be built ....is in my opinion not functionally useful for change at this time. <br><br>And the fact that this movement now actively and obviously and vociferously joins the dynamic of appealing to white supremacy/solidarity (given what I have seen of where those appeals have come from in the election season) -- puts me, personally, in opposition to that movement. Even though overall I myself would -- of course -- be fine with other gay people who want to get married getting married.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_22:46:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3627931, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605779": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "if that mayor was gavin newsom, he needs to sit down and shut the fuck up.  he was instrumental in pricing TOO MANY black and latino families out of san francisco.  he has helped to make san fran. an elitist, high-priced city where few black and brown people can afford to live comfortably.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:08:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "99bcec632769e483ead5faa515e84132", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598836, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3622170": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I dont remember progressives being this pissed off when three strikes you're out was passed! or when Affirmative action was yanked.  What's going on here?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_09:30:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "f9aaa8acc43fd7620185ff90cef3c05a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605239, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3628443": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You're right. It's a catch-all to try to encapsulate many threads. I really think Jasmynne's piece said it well.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_18:11:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3627410, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3621151": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Now, you're reporting erroneous facts, WhiteRoseBuddy, and you allowed your own perceptions to cloud that response.<br><br>What I SAID was the fact that the Black Church is being hypocritical for denouncing homosexuality, for everyone else, but overlooks and allows the gay choir director up in the church, while refusing to discuss the entire issue of homosexuality and how the Church responds to it.  They would rather say one thing, do another and ignore the ramifications of their silence, condemnation and dogmatic application of the Bible without taking into account the fact that the people they condemn are human beings, too.<br><br>If you're going to quote me, or make reference to my comments, at least be accurate.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_06:42:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611856, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605799": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well stated Webb. The whole 'culture wars' issues are about dividing the electoral so that GOP can win elections and put up folks like Sarah Palin for VP when she does not even know what a continent is and thinks because she can see Russia from Alaska that she knows foreign policy....UGH!!!<br><br>I detest the gay agenda and the culture wars.<br><br>No American citizen should ever be able to proclaim that their 'different' behavior entitles them to special rights and privileges.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:10:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605523, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616554": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Until we as a people stop limiting our minds to perceiving everything in terms of race we will continue to be racist ourselves.Racism is based on lack of self worth so when you attack someone as racist you reinforce their racist attitudes.Many Blacks suffer from racisms due to being subjected to racism.Therefore views that oppose thirs are viwed as racist.This is a perpetual theme of these post and coments,By not lifting our consciosness to the inclusive state of human being and therefore becoming,we diminish the underlying themes of Obamas message.Many Blacks will not vote for their own interest because of their religious views on homosexuality and abotion.I dont even mention race on these issues but point out scripture that we should judge not lest ye be judged and gine unto Caesae what is Caesars,then you have  to point out that this is not a Christian nation and that the common sense moral laws of this nation can be found in Buhdism Confuisnism Mark twain etc. This nation is not a theocracy but a constitutional republic based on democracy.The constitution guarantees rights as long as they dont infringe on the person or property of others/By saying that gays cant get married you are signalling that something is wrong with them.Dont forget that Obama toured wit anti gay gospel singers Donnie Mc curre,Mary Mary. and Byron Cage this helped lend to the perception that Blacks are homophobic, I live in Cali and they had some Black Preachers on TV claiming there moral authority to pass prop 8 etc.We as apeople need to try to educate those with these views on the constitutional hypocrisy of outlawing gay marriage .dont forget slavery was in the constitution even though it was unconstitutional", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:45:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "cf7d11e4205d63b5299e62b974362cff", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611554, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3596590": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I definitely linked this up on my site.<br><br>Personally, I blame this on CNN and the media for pumping out this myth.<br><br>Wonderful breakdown by Shannika", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_14:14:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "2d36e204431c849b183c0c9717f2a3a3", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3599155": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "There's a No on 8 rally tonight at 530pm. Those Yes ads were every effective in promoting fear by using children as the argument. If people don't (think they) know any gay people and think they are protecting kids it would be easy to sway them to support the ban. Just like some women were so drawn to Sarah Palin despite her spewing hatred and intolerance they thought she would address their special needs kid's interests. <br><br>The discussion needed to be about how Mormons (of all people) were trying to tell Californians how to live. We needed to hear from couples. We needed to SEE people of color in love. The No on 8 conducted focus groups instead of talking to people! I also think people are not paying attention to history of these Gay Marriage fights. Less than 10 years ago 61% of the state was opposed and now it's down to less than 52%. It's going to take another 4-8 years of boots to the ground work and building relationships in multiple communities and RECIPROCITY. When the face of Gay Rights are white men it's a little hard to make the case for discrimination when discussing this with Black people. <br><br>I just don't buy a majority of Black people (mostly women) said, \"We hate teh Gay\" and voted Yes. I think people heard one side AND these ballot measures are very confusing, people don't take Voter Education classes and they are thinking about their own single status (and hating it) and have no relationships within the gay community. <br><br>Jasmynne Cannick was very critical about how the campaign was being run and warned that it was in trouble at least 2 months ago.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:31:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598654, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627486": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>The question is will people LEARN from this or keep trying to push an agenda with fractured support against a well organized and cohesive opposition? They already have legislation being drafted for every state as we speak so people had better decide to strategize and recover as quickly as possible.</i><br><br>Two years ago I was excited to see an online statement from a group called \"Beyond Marriage Equality.\" It was an excellent statement in words, but i grew disenchanted with it when I saw that they held up the a campaign here in Arizona (Arizona Together) as a model for their work. <br><br>I had been in an early planning meeting for that group (before it was even called Arizona Together) and I was appalled at how their tone was deeply disrespectful to non-mainstream queer people.<br><br>I contacted one of the people who had crafted/signed on to the Beyond Marriage Equality statement (I think it was Kenyon Farrow but really don't remember for sure)  to ask how they had come to recommend Arizona Together's approach. My sense from the reply is that the Beyond Marriage Equality people were more about words (theory?) than about what was really going on on the ground. Which was extremely disappointing to me, since their statement was just beautiful.<br><br>I think I will cross-post this comment at your place, Faith. I would like to see some real grounded work that isn't just words that deals with this how you're saying it should.<br><br>Then again, as I mentioned in a comment earlier this week I ... don't do movement work anymore. *why won't it leave me alone???!!*", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_16:15:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3627072, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605305": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hope it's ok that I say something. I've been following this blog for the past few months, ans as a white woman, I mostly listen and try to keep my mind and heart open.<br><br>My mom lives in California. We were talking yesterday, and she started w/the the \"it's the blacks who caused 8 to fail.\"<br><br>I immediately called her on it. Use the 6% of the population argument mostly ('cause it doesn't pay to argue too much w/your momma). Talked about the lack of outreach by the LGBT community to POC, the lack of visible POC leaders in the movement.<br><br>A lot of my arguments came from a very eloquent, AA lesbian bloger, Pam Spaulding. Her comments are here:<br><a href=\"http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8013\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diar...</a><br><br>From the same site was this, rather angry, but I thought thoughtful post:<br><a href=\"http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8051\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diar...</a><br> <br>The queer movement has repeated many of the mistakes of the feminist movement as far as its inability to acknowledge and struggle with its own racism. <br><br>All I can say is some of us get it, and are trying to move the dialogue forward<br><br>But", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:34:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "5389c882f73b41a0178868fa361c06a3", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3608970": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "heartsandflowers, that's an EXCELLENT post you linked to!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_21:18:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3606381, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598654": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I live in San Fran as well.  I remember watching a deluge of Yes ads for weeks before I saw a No ad that featured magic Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson.  No doubt we have homophobes in our community.  We have some serious issues to address as a people with respect to gender roles.  Hell yeah, plenty of us voted Yes and that is unacceptable.  However, this \"blame the negro\" meme needs to stop.  <br><br>I was furious when I started reading this shyt.  I voted No and know a crapload of black folk who voted No as well.  Honest and open dialog is a must because there's a shytload of house cleaning that needs to be done.  This is going down a road from which there may be no turning back and we sure as hell don't need to be at each other's throats.  <br><br>There's work to be done and we need to get ot it...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:04:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "db31f0276ac24ac4d7bb797ea36feb8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3597494, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616576": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I asked this below (with other questions) but haven't heard back from you yet on it and this comment opens up the question pretty sharply for me again, so I will ask this one also up here: <br><br>whiterosebuddy, would you now or in the future support laws that would it illegal, just because we're both women, for me and my girlfriend to have sex?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:47:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616518, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616577": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thanks for posting Anovelista. SGWhiteinFla deserves props for such a wonderfully succinct post.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:47:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "freespiritbty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598998, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3622727": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The damage you speak of has been prevalent since the beginning of the movement. Blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV and yet they are not the face of the movement nor are they in leadership roles. The epidemic in the black community is so ignored that even Cheney during the VP debate with Edwards had no clue about how it impacted blacks despite his own child being gay. Ignorance to that degree is intentional not happenstance.<br><br>Blacks who are gays have always known that racism ran as deep within the homosexual community as it does in the backwoods of Mississippi. There have always been 'separate but equal' social venues for homosexuals just as within the larger society. There are few black gays that frequent upper East side dinner parties as well. Blacks and their history were simply a tool for the gay agenda to use as a model. The deeper problem with the civil rights movement is that it WAS a moral issue. There is no moral high ground for the gay agenda. Thus the concerted and sustained effort to promote the idea that homosexuality is a birth defect. These 2 concepts were used to effectively shift the argument to 'discrimination and bornthatway'....Both of these arguments have been factually and scientifically disproved, right along with the myth that homosexuals comprise 10% of the population. <br><br>However, the gay agenda has been able to push their issues effectively because they are disproportionately represented in the media, both broadcast and print. Thus, they run with stories that are biased to promote their agenda quickly before the facts are out there. That creates confusion and when the facts are then available those stories to rebut the initial myths are not given as much emphasis or coverage. The stories that factually rebut the falsehoods are not on CNN or ABC...they are instead printed in professional journals or presented in PBS documentaries.  <br><br>Don't you find it odd that we are not hearing any rebuttal to the 70% of blacks voting for the Prop8 ban.  Yet, it was quickly disputed and refuted with data easily available to anyone who cared to present the truth and had access to census data...which CNN definitely has.  But we will never see anyone rebut this social smear...because the only way gay homosexuals beleive they can triumph is to make their cause a 'black issue' which will galvanize more whites to vote FOR them...just as Clinton tried to polarize on the basis of race to get more WHITE votes for Hillary because he decided blacks were a loss cause but the racial enmity within America could be inflammed to help out Hillary.<br><br>That is the model that white affluent racist gay homosexual political activists are now using as well.<br><br>If welfare is for blacks ...white vote against it...if blacks are voting for affirmative action,...whites vote against it....if blacks won't support gay marriage...well whites will because they want their 'relatives' to be treated humanely unlike those hateful blacks who would deny them.<br><br>The primary reason the AIDS epidemic does not have a black face, despite it disproportionately impacting our community ...is because white gay political activists know that would be the kiss of death for fundraising and grants and government support.<br><br>They would never be able to create the reasearch centers and fast tracking of drugs to treat AIDS ...IF  the majority of Americans KNEW the face of the disease was black.<br><br>So, yes racial is an ugly systemic pervasive issue within the Gay Rights community and any black person who doesn't understand that is in DEEP denial.<br><br>They are not just in the closet but dwelling in a cavernous coal mine.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_10:38:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3617298, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616587": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Yep, Quanli<br><br>Imagine that..folks now what to insist that problems are to be accepted and modelled as norms.<br><br>Isn't this the very concept that has resulted in 70% of black children being born out of wedlock?<br><br>Isn't this the very concept that has resulted in a epidemic of baby momma and baby daddy?<br><br>When any community does not uphold societal norms it destroys the foundation and fabric of families which results in children suffering and not ever reaching their full potential.  We already have children raising children...women who are grandmothers at 30 and we know that teenage motherhood is a virtual recipe for generational poverty.<br><br>But now on top of this mix, of aberrant norms we are suppose to support homosexuality as a modelled norm as well?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:48:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616378, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3622220": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Black lesbian mostly-lurker raising her hand here, and Craig, you are so always on point.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_09:37:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "bittersweet", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604845, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3628514": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yes you were making a religious argument. And as far as Black women and public health we have to take responsibility for our choices and our motivations. It's not as if there's a host of men lying in wait to infect us. We are not victims in the sense that we make decisions and choices. We choose who we allow in our lives and set standards for behavior. There are a lot of older men preying on young women (hello R Kelly) and instead of focusing on holding them responsible we blame the girl and say she was fast. Black women have been running around with this fear of the disappearing Black man often of lower quality and cling to that instead of demanding a quality man of any background. There are a lot of us who are willing to share (and fight over) a man. There are a lot of us who will take no precautions for protection against infection or pregnancy. That's the problem. We have to care more about ourselves. <br><br>I will agree there are other more immediate needs that have to be addressed like jobs, housing, etc. This is also a class issue. But we still have to find common ground.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_18:21:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3628044, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3603793": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah, she made really good points about speaking to people we don't always feel comfortable with. If she had been running the Campaign Yes on 8 would have failed.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:56:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3599499, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3619668": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>There is an avalanche of data that shows the having opposite gender parenting is the way to maximize the potential of human development.</i><br><br>OK I am sticking to my effort to learn whatever it is I am lately trying to learn about all this, rather than argue (so I won't get into asking where the data comes from) and ... this raises my curiosity again because it just may tie into something my girlfriend and I were just talking about a little while ago.<br><br>Question for you: In your view, what is it specifically about opposite gender parenting that maximizes human development/potential? (I hope you're still reading and interested in all this and interested in answering)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_03:02:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3617026, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3656535": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "i think we as black people would empower ourselves much more if we stopped making everything a black and white issue especially when we are accused at racism and start responding  with racism in torn.Prop 8 is unconstitutional period that is why Obama opposes it .Legislating religious moral views is unconstitutional unless your property or person is in harms way.  We as blacks continue to marginalize ourselves and limit our reach by perceiving universal problems as only ours.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_23:33:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "cf7d11e4205d63b5299e62b974362cff", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3647468, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3646811": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Exactly, it is counterproductive and it has already hurt them.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_14:19:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3622799, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605341": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "the continuity piece is definitely lacking.  it seems to ebb and flow...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:36:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "99bcec632769e483ead5faa515e84132", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3603805, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605854": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thank you.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:14:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605523, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3625312": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It didn't directly affect THEM, that's why.<br><br>This proposition affects the \"progressives\" who can't bother to truly be progressive about anyone else's issues except their own.<br><br>Most white, middle-class gay men are deciding the agenda under the aegis of \"progressivism\" but if they were true progressives, then they would get pissed off at ANY attack on progressive issues.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_12:17:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3622170, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3600234": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I saw the 70% number on MSNBC during an interview with Gavin Newson.  I was actually coming her to post about it and found this thread.  I am shocked that the number was so high and  after reading the longer inked post I have a better idea how the info was gathered.  I still think 70% of a 240 person sample is really high.  No matter what community the black people polled live in I find it hard to understand why 70% would be against gay marriage.   I live in California, until recently in San Francisco and prior to that at the beach and in the burbs.  I've never considered any group of black people to be anti-gay or anti-gay marriage. The numbers don't add up", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:52:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3622764": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Where is your front page?<br><br>Or can you just post a link?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_10:41:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616822, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604845": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Why are YOU defending him and how does defending him benefit you? He is not HELPING resolve this issue because No on 8 would've still failed if they had removed every Black vote either for or against it.<br><br>::<br><br>Because I'm changing. He had a knee jerk reaction, he got called out, and he changed his rhetoric.  He made a mistake and promptly corrected himself. I'm defending reality, not him. <br><br>Why are you pillorying him for a position he changed? I wouldn't want anyone to keep making me pay for something I had already backed away from or changed my mind about.<br><br>I totally agree with your last paragraph.<br><br>But let me also say this: <br><br>I've considered myself a member of this family for most of the year. And yet, as far as I'm aware, I'm the only black gay person who posts on this blog. <br><br>Now, I can't believe I'm the only black gay person who posts on this blog and yet, I can't say I know another one.<br><br>We can't educate our communities if we exist in silence.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:54:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604124, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605359": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I think your rhetoric is vile.<br><br>And most of it is not truthful. It's simply what you believe.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:38:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605101, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3625332": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Matt Drudge is in the CLOSET, otherwise he wouldn't have been so quick to light the flames on this issue, for all the negative reasons.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_12:20:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605971, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605877": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "(btw I am writing another comment to post above, with a few more questions that occurred to me as I try to assess the extent to which we are in policy agreement)<br><br>&lt;iNot sure if I understand your question here Michelle.</i><br><br>Anyway, I can try to do this with examples to make sure we're clear on what we are talking about.<br><br>1. Housing: in the last place I rented (it was in CA), I had Mormon landlords and moved in when I was single. When my girlfriend moved in with me, I placed stress on myself and on her by being too afraid to tell them that she was my partner. I just said I wanted a roommate and got their permission to have someone else move in. There was a huge fire in the area where we lived and we had to evacuate. While we were evacuated, the landlords told us thery were plannig to go check the house. I got frightened because they would see we only had one bed. As it turned out they flaked on it and didn't ever go look. But as landlords they could have stopped by with adequate notice for any number of reasons and seen the situation. Protection from harm in that case would be protection from them doing anything bad to us (whether not extending the rental contract the next time it came up or otherwise treating us badly when we needed something from them as landlords, etc). Would you support that kind of protection for us?<br><br>Another example: When I showed up in Tucson looking for a rental, the place I found that was willing to take us despite our shaky financial situation at the time didn't have any space that could reasonably accomodate two adult non-intimate roommates.  The landlord made a point to mention this to me. I had to come out to him or lose the possiblity of renting the place. Fortunately he was ok about it but if he hadn't been, should we have had protection from him not giving us the place bc we are lesbians? Would you stand up for us having that protection?<br><br>2. Employment: I am out to my boss and co-workers because I am fortunate enough to have a workplace right now where I am not the only gay person and where people aren't ugly about sexual orientation. But we do have customers and a few of the male ones have hit on me. In friendly chats, I have had to decide whether to come out or not by, for example, correcting them on their gender pronoun when they talk about my partner as he.<br><br>Let's say I made the wrong decision in some situation, the customer went to the head of the branch or the head of the library district and demanded I be fired because of my sexual orientation. Would you stand up against that?<br><br>I can't think of anything right now with education because I have a sort of block when it comes to formal educational institutions at this point in my life. But hopefully the above examples will help clarify.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:17:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "d29c32fac3f92ff85b982dd8f4e878be", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605641, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605369": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>the gay rights agenda seems to be primarily framed and articulated by upper-middle class white gay men. </i><br><br>I would add upper-middle class white women in there too, actually. <br><br>In any case, the movement incorrectly claims to speak for all, but does have a specific lens and center that IMO needs serious critical attention.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:38:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605239, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605373": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ok you sorta had me but I have to draw the line with the pedophile comparison. Most child molesters are straight.  They are predators hunting for opportunity and victims. I am far more offended if there can be a comparison to the majority white female teachers perpetrating these crimes against their male students and basically getting away with it and having people offer excuses for their violation.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:39:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604883, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627072": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Michelle you are correct. Jasmynne Cannick wrote a great Op-Ed in today's LA Times that you can also read at her blog. <br><br><a href=\"http://www.jasmynecannick.com/blog/?p=2860\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.jasmynecannick.com/blog/?p=2860</a> <br><br>Let the Backlash Be a Warning<br><br><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/5knrxo\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://tinyurl.com/5knrxo</a><br><br>People are not seeing the bigger picture and how easily they're being played. The Rovian tactics are in full effect. They do read all the prominent LGBT blogs and media and study for weakness. The racism is an obvious weakness. The lack of direction and cohesiveness is obvious - even to the allies - but it wasn't deemed important enough to be addressed. <br><br>The question is will people LEARN from this or keep trying to push an agenda with fractured support against a well organized and  cohesive opposition? They already have legislation being drafted for every state as we speak so people had better decide to strategize and recover as quickly as possible. <br><br>**Also this is going to be used as a wedge issue to erode support of an Obama administration amongst Red State voters so another conservative Republican can run in 2012. This is something everyone must recognize whether you know of or support LGBT concerns.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_15:27:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3620250, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3611522": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Melissa broke it down on Rachel Maddow.<br><br>She basically suggested what I said in another thread (or on another forum): the Supreme Court is ultimately going to settle marriage equality for LGBT people.<br><br>Her point that Loving vs. Virgina happened <i>after</i> the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act is well taken.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_21:44:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3625348": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yep.<br><br>And in case y'all wondering, I was a direct eyewitness to that conversation.<br><br>Even then, Newsome talks a good game, but it's not how well you talk your game; it's how well you WALK IT.<br><br>He's flunking on all counts.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_12:22:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3606536, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605898": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Craig I am not hiding behind any dogma,</i><br><br>::<br><br>Yes you are. And you're too stupid to know it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:19:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605517, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605389": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "So I know you'll be the first in line to support Proposition 13 - which will make divorce illegal...afterall, we need to uphold marriage....right?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:40:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604415, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3596686": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "We get criticized for voting too uniformly; <b>and</b> we get criticized for voting like all other groups.<br><br>Damn!  We can't win for losin'.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_14:20:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "RonnieB", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3622799": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I haven't followed the Prop 8 thing that much as I don't live in California, but, after a google search that sent me to a couple of I assume white gay blogs, the racism was SCARY along with the hurling of that vile n-word with gusto. I voted against this type of initiative when it was on the ballot in my state as I don't believe in hate nor discrimination.<br><br>That said, the leaders of the gay community need to nip this hate in the bud, in the end, we all have to stick together and if the black community and other communities for that matter does not understand the issues that the gay community has, they need to do out reach and explain it. Hurling slurs isn't going to help anyone.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_10:45:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "4b258d33d52110994e72d10dca1a9d59", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3620250, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627410": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Wow, heartsandflowers, that is just excellent.<br><br>I think I have a conceptual problem with the use of the word Rivian because it feels imprecise to me. It's almost like it has been overused to the point of being somewhat meaningless, in my perception. But talking specifically about what the provocateurs DO helped ground it for me. <br><br>Last night I was feeling ... responsible or something? .. for saying something about these red flags of mine, for sounding an alarm. But I don't really have the role or the forum to actually do this effectively on a wide scale. <br><br>I am very glad to know that people with more public faces do already know this and it is coming out now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_16:06:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3627072, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604883": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Not only did Sullivan fail to do analysis, like Bill Clinton he felt it was OK to racemonger!!<br><br>That is the bigger issue. You see Sullivan likes to claim as do sooo many homosexuals that they are a 'minority' and they are discriminated against and they are being denied some rights analogous to blacks and the civil rights movement.<br><br>But then he wants to twist the knife and single out black folks to discriminate AGAINST?<br><br>Ain't that just too rich.<br><br>Blacks are not the reason the gay agenda does not hold water.  Folks simply find the behavior unacceptable when it comes to raising children and promoting reproduction in our society.<br><br>Homosexuals have been so successful in distinguishing themselves as not even being pedophiles despite the majority of pedophile cases whether it is the Catholic church or at large stats are same gender cases.<br><br>Sullivan deserves no respect for thinking he can discriminate against a real minority group in this society on the basis of him trying to perpetrate the myth of homosexuals being a minority.<br><br>I say send him to prison and let him find out what it truly feels like to be a minority while the majority engages in the same sexual behavior he claims makes him a minority.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:57:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604124, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605399": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Michelle, I support civil unions. Or any other type of legal partnership that would enable you to rely on the individual you need to in times of duress or health emergencies or to pass on legal assets.<br><br>I beleive that homosexual partnerships need to demonstrate how they contribute to the overall society goal of raising children in a family unit with a mother and father to promote maximum development of their human potential. Families are the cornerstone of society and that was the reason marriage was granted benefits.<br><br>Now, do we have lots of families that do not meet that societal goal. You bet, however society says that is the goal to promote, not a benefit for individuals to claim they have some right to.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:41:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605150, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605912": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You responded in a way that was real for you. Nothing to apologize for.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:20:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605185, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3625370": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Girl, Slick Willie in some instances, helped fling Black San Franciscans under the bus with his policies.  I worked in his administration for five years, and he was about supporting those who brung him to the dance, while depending on the votes of the Black community to keep him at the dance.<br><br>When he got into that run off election a few years back, he played the \"they're trying to run a Black Man from office\" BS big time.  And as I recall, it was a gay member of the Board of Supervisors who was a write-in candidate that forced the run off because that guy had full support of the LGBT community, despite Brown being very gay-friendly.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_12:25:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3606576, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616751": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Michelle,<br>I would not support any law to discriminate against you in the case of housing, employment and education.<br><br>Specifically, I would vote for you in each of your examples  if the legal case was presented to me as juror or judge.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:06:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605877, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3620250": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Also, I just posted this over at Pam's House Blend and decided to post it here as well:<br><br><i>provocateurs<br><br>I don't know if this is the right place to make this comment, but there's something been nagging at me since I read about the incidents with the n-word so I will post it here.<br><br>I think what is going on is a combination of actual racism in the Marriage Equality movement in all sorts of forms (as I have seen in other white-dominated movements and organizations) as well as the work of serious and quite possibly professional provocateurs.<br><br>The credibility and effectiveness of the provocateurs, whoever they are, whoever is paying or otherwise sending them, and wherever they are acting now, is only possible because of the real racism in the movement.  But their job is to escalate things as much as possible, pour gasoline on the fires, encourage as much racism as they can invoke from non-provocateurs, obstruct whatever possibilities might help things move in a better direction and generally push the dynamics toward being as bad as they can possibly be and try to keep them that way.<br><br>With what I have seen in white-dominated movement contexts, I'm usually not inclined to assume the presence of provocateurs just because there's racism because racism is built deeply into these movements at multiple levels and layers. So my sense that there are provocateurs in this situation is unusual for me.<br><br>But whoa my gut is saying provocateurs are involved in the dynamics around all this. And it actually makes sense given everything that came before election day and the links to President-elect Obama etc.<br><br>So. I don't know if this is being discussed anywhere -- maybe it is and either I missed it or it isn't in an arena where I could have access to it. [JJP note: I know Webb implied something like this in the comment in this thread mentioning Karl Rove, but not sure if it was as specific as saying there are actual provocateurs in the movements pushing on this]<br><br>But I have this blaring siren going off inside me on this and decided to post it here in case I am correct and in case saying this would be of use in terms of strategy or something like that.</i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_03:28:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3603871": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As y'all know, my screen name is CPL, which stands for \"Christian Progressive Liberal\".  It reflects my values and my ideology.  Which also means, I part ways with my Christian friends because I'm not out there gay-bashing, and when you ask them how being around gays affect their lives, usually, they can't answer you.<br><br>If it's sexuality they can't understand, I wish they would say so.  And additionally, the Black Church has been at the forefront of gay-bashing, while allowing the gay choir director to fire up the choir on Sundays like he's Kirk Franklin.  It further illustrates how disingenious our churches are being for refusing to discuss what is in front of us and genuflecting on \"How Would Jesus Want Us to Act?\"<br><br>Far too often, I find Christians are those who want to control someone else and not allow that person to develop and cultivate their own relationship with Jesus because to do so might mean one person's relationship with God is not like anyone else's, and they can't HAVE THAT.<br><br>I find that there's more often abuse in the Church rather than saving souls and unconditional acceptance because the Christians are trying to do Jesus' job for HIM and don't trust HIM to do His own work.  If God didn't want gays on this earth, wouldn't He have wired us to chose the way He Wants?  <br><br>I guess that's why it's called 'FREE WILL\".  And I also take the Chris Rock approach - whomever you develop a hatred or intolerance for, there's a better than 90% chance you're going to encounter that person IN YOUR OWN FAMILY.<br><br>Kinda of the lesson to learn tolerance when an \"undesirable\" shows up amongst the kinfolk...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:01:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 15, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3596961, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616673": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Um, your post has several errors<br><br>It is completely false that Obama toured with any anti-gay gospel singers. Those singers toured but Obama was not there. Obama has been a very strong advocate for gay rights. He beleives in civil unions and his campaign sponsored a gospel tour where McClurklin sang but Obama was not on the tour.<br><br>Secondly, gays are not discriminated against as individuals. Society does not accept their behavior and has every right to discriminate against the behaviors just as society does for prostitution, incest, and drunk driving.  It is the behavior that is discriminated against but the individual still has their rights under the constitution, just not to engage in those behaviors. Homosexuality is no longer even criminalized so it has been de-stigmatized in that regard. <br><br>What is happening is that individuals are asking for special rights based on their sexual behavior despite insisting that laws which criminalized the behavior are wrong. If we cannot make laws to discriminate agaisnt the behavior why then should their be laws which advocate or promote a behavior that is not beneficial to society as a whole.<br><br>In short, why should the behavior now be entitled to special rights?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:57:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616554, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3611554": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"The queer movement has repeated many of the mistakes of the feminist movement as far as its inability to acknowledge and struggle with its own racism\".<br><br>That is the crux of the matter!!    There is this sense of entitlement, but no outreach or acknowledgement of their own biasness. Isn't that oxymoronic?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_21:48:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "freespiritbty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605305, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627931": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Michelle,<br>I understand that there is an intersection of gay and black. My assertion is that the movement is white and it is racist independent of the fact that there are blacks who are gay as well. Blacks who are gay are not in any way included in the major organizationts that promote gay rights nor is their black leadership in those organizations.<br><br>Ergo, your intituition about the focus being white-centered and indeed being racist as well is dead on. That folks 'incorrectly claim' their experience as 'universal' is intentional. It makes homosexuality a 'white thang'.  Not a black thang with all the racial inherent problems that ensue with that perception in America.  The leaders and activists of the gay movement intentional portray their issues as NON-black.<br><br>While blacks and gays may not be in separate categories, the gay rights agenda is not inclusive of  black gays and is notorious for exploiting race to serve its ends when it comes to poltical advocacy as well as fundraising, not to mention to driving issues. i.e. No one knows that AIDS is the leading cause of death for black women 18-25.<br><br>Thus, blaming the loss of Prop8 on blacks makes it far more likely that whites who have racial animosity will likely vote for it simply because they will oppose whatever blacks are FOR. i.e. the exploitation of blacks is purposeful and intentional to galvanize whites by polarizing the issue racially....no different than what Bill Clinton did for Hillary. <br><br>Gay activists are appealing to whites on the basis of racial solidarity. Now that they were unsuccessful, blacks are the scapegoat, and everyone knows if you paint an issue as blacks being the cause of some white person being denied some rights...then whites will vote to support the white people!!! That is the entire intent of this whole scapegoating.<br><br>And yes, I understand that there are blacks who are gays as well...but maybe black gays are not understanding they are black first in America even within the gay community.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_17:09:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3627360, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3612580": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As much as I like HarrisLacewell she totally missed this argument all together.<br>She did not address the core issue of why society grants benefits to individuals who marry.<br><br>What HarrisLacewell did was rehash the discriminatory arguments in Loving which are not at all the core issue in the gay agenda.  Loving was not asking for marital benefits.<br><br>The core issue for gays is not marriage. Their issue is benefits specifically financial benefits that society grants.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_22:23:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611522, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598759": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Craig,<br><br>Exit polls are not votes. And I don't care that Andrew Sullivan retreated somewhat when he was so quick to lay blame in the first place. Obama is not the Magic negro litmus test and a privileged white man is still has his privilege AND an audience to pollute whether he is gay or not.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:08:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 16, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598327, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3646894": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Before I say anything else, I should mention I'm a straight white liberal agnostic. Having got that out of the way, I agree that blaming blacks for Prop 8 is ridiculous. Mainly because as I think TNC pointed out, if you normalize by religiosity and education levels you would probably find a much more similar voting pattern to whites. There's lots of homophobia in American society, and blacks are a part of that society, no surprise that it exists among blacks.  <br>But one should also see it in reverse - white gays are part of American society, there's lots of racism, no surprise that it exists among white gays. I also don't get the resentment that gay rights groups don't focus on black issues - that's not their purpose. How much do organizations like the NAACP or other civil rights groups focus on gay issues? And if you're shocked that there are racist gay activists, how sure are you that there aren't homophobic activists in black civil rights groups?  The same goes for similar accusations against feminist organizations.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_14:30:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "2c0e1097d26b64d63ab31ceee52f8b91", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3606004": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thanks, Craig ...  I just know that there is a LOT of pain, real pain, around this.  I am lately in this other weird space about it and may not be as thoughtful about that pain as I might otherwise be. When I am learning something I can get kind of ruthless about it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:29:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605912, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616702": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "No,  I would not advocate for any law that would make homosexuality illegal, although I understand why folks would. I feel no need to do so...because folks are entitled to do whatever they choose in the privacy of their homes.<br><br>Sorry for the delay...I took a break and am now scrolling back down through the thread. I will respond to you.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:00:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3616576, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604415": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Your post is so on target. The entire Civil Rights Movement was grounded in having moral high ground.  Gay folks do not have a moral ground to stand on nor a scientific ground to stand on. The facts about this issue is that as a group blacks are some of the most religious folks in the country which is why they reject most homosexual agendas as they offend them morally.<br><br>I know individuals who make no other argument other than a morals based one against the homosexual agenda.  It is clean cut.<br><br>What I find despicable is that black folks may not support homosexual agendas but they do not support discriminating against gays in terms of housing, education or employment. Which is the most humane action all Americans could take.<br><br>So, before gays start scapgoating blacks it would be best for them to understand that their agenda has no moral basis whether it is due to religion or secular societies goals for communities, families and a civilized society.<br><br>It is extremely presumptious for gays to even be considered a 'group or minority' given that they are not distinguishable in any way from the rest of human beings. That is the first specious argument that must be dispelled. Gays are not a minority and they are not discriminated against on the basis of belonging to any ethnic or religious group.  Homosexuality is a behavior.   Specifically an aberrant sexual behavior.  Behaviors are not entitled to special rights.  In fact, many behaviors are illegal. Such as disorderly conduct, rape, theft, incest, vandalism, prostitution, drunkeness, etc.<br><br>Society has the right to discriminate against any behavior which is not healthy for it, in terms of raising children or maintaining civil order. The behavior can be criminalized as well. Which up until a short time ago, homosexuality was illegal in many states. <br><br>Until homosexuals can demonstrate that their sexual behavior makes a positive contribution to society the agenda they have set forth will not be condoned, in all areas of secular society.  Every human being however has the right not to be harassed or discriminated against when it comes to housing, employment and education.<br><br>I support human rights not a gay rights agenda. Marriage is not essential to living and more importantly it is a rite not a right.<br><br>It is completely absurd that homosexuals have been allowed to dominate the public discourse with the specious argument that they are an ethnic group or minority based on their sexual behavior.  It is a flawed argument and needs to be rebutted.<br><br>People who are homosexual are not discriminated against as human beings. Their sexual behavior is what is discriminated against and guess what...no one knows what sexual behavior consenting adults engage in behind closed doors or in their own home.  <br><br>So, all this discrimination rant and gay agenda is nothing but a bunch of folks looking for special rights based on how they use their genitals.  That is wrong. <br><br>I for one am happy that each and every state voted to uphold marriage as a union between a man and woman. It has nothing to do with race and everything to do with protecting children, communities and families.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:35:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 26, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598998, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605953": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Also, whiterosebuddy, on reflection I have a few more questions for you before I can really understand the extent of our agreement on policy issues.<br><br>My additional questions revolve around this statement from your original comment: <i>Society has the right to discriminate against any behavior which is not healthy for it, in terms of raising children or maintaining civil order. The behavior can be criminalized as well. Which up until a short time ago, homosexuality was illegal in many states.</i><br><br>First question: Would you now or at any time in the future support any type of criminalization of same-gender sex? (another way to ask it, a more affirmative way, would be: would you stand up against me being punished by this society for having sex with my partner in a context where a heterosexual would not be punished for having sex?)<br><br>Second question: Would you support a parent losing custody of her/his child <b>soley</b> because s/he was gay or lesbian in a same-gender relationship?<br><br>And there was another question in my mind (I was thinking about this while scrubbing the bathtub, excellent situation for deep thought .... but forgot for now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:24:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605399, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3625410": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Additionally, the Black Church's silence on issues like these, are helping to facilitate the growing numbers of African-Americans infected by HIV because if they disclose their status, it will automatically be assumed by those in the church that they were \"fornicating\" or are gays/lesbians, because, despite all the evidence and information to the contrary, there are a good number of African-Americans who believe AIDS is still a gay man's disease, and refuse to take into account how many other ways HIV can be contracted.<br><br>That's what I was trying to point out - the hypocrasy, the silence and the dogmatic application of biblical principles to punish, but not to be compassionate and supportive.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_12:29:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3621151, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604940": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You are so far off base, I can't even respond coherently. Your last sentence is pure vitriol.<br><br>But the first thing I will tell you is that there's a lot of  black gay people.<br><br>I know you know that, but your post doesn't show it, so I felt I needed to state the obvious.<br><br>But you certainly have outlined how hiding behind dogma is exactly why so many people don't believe in marriage equality.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:01:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604415, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616718": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'm queer, I'm black, I'm male. I just moved to a new city so I haven't posted much. <br><br>I know I sent Sully some e-mails and at least he's actually looking at other demographics in CA, like the huge surge in Catholic voters.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:02:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "afroacademic", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604845, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605971": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I made my feelings known to Andrew Sullivan and he appears to have responded.<br><br>One of the things in this campaign that drove me up a wall was when folks kept using bittergate against Barack even after he explained what he meant and said that he made a mistake and then acted on it by reaching out even more aggressively to the kinds of people he may have offended.<br><br>Matt Drudge is a racial arsonist. Fox news peddles in racial arson on a daily basis.<br><br>I was livid at Andrew Sullivan's remarks, but since he has backtracked and used far more responsible rhetoric on the matter in his latest posts on the subject, I'm inclined to forgive him and move on.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:25:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604987, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3606996": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Indeed.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_20:56:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605982, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598808": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I am surprised that Proposition 8 did pass.  With what was going politically I thought it would not pass.  However I am not surprised that \"Blame the Black Folk\" tirade began.  As duly noted, just because Obama is the President-Elect does not means that we are  in a \"Post Racial\" era.  I bet you will see  a lot racist folks excuse their racism because they \"voted for Obama'<br><br>Well looks like those racist middle/upper middle white gay men are at it again.  I live in New  York City.  And as a progressive I get tired of those racist crackers hiding behind their homosexuality to spew their racist tirades when \"Negroes\" don't do what they demand when it comes to progressive politics.   I never see the gay rights movement address issues unique to Black/Latinos LGBT communities such as single motherhood   immigrants/immigration, homelessness  and  kinship foster parenting.   As a collective they can be very smug, feel entitled and superior.  It can be very off putting to many to say the least.<br><br>Was any coalition building done amongst the various progressive movements in Cali.  To what extent.  Did various gay/lesbian organizations working together.   What kind of grassroots work did they do.  Did they raise they necessary money to go up against the well oiled financed the machine that initiated Prop 8.   <br><br>Before these white middle class gay men attacks on the Black community,  an autopsy is needed to understand what went wrong.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:11:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "ecb8e53ad4dc175b15ab69340dd091f1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604955": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-signing!!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:03:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605982": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thanks for that clarity. <br><br>People, clearly there are those who think the Taliban isn't so bad afterall, look above for exhibit A.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:27:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605579, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3617248": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Whiterosebuddy, I have to respectfully disagree with you.  The tactic of glbt organizations has been to emphasize the financial disparities (marriage by the state confers benefits that are tangible), and maybe that isn't the best argument.<br><br>I'll be honest, your arguments against gay marriage are incredibly hurtful to me because you're getting sex mixed up with relationships.  Gay people are having/do have children and are establishing/have established solid relationships.  Yes, the financial benefits are real, but so are the social benefits of having a secure family unit.  It's the relationship you're devaluing in all of this, not the act of sex.<br><br>I think the tactic of pushing through equality by pointing out that this is about more than spiritual marriage has been because straight people were worried about change.  I think the thought was that if we pointed out how much practical, mundane, but important protections were legally and secularly involved in marriage that straight people would see the difference between marriage in the church and marriage via the state.<br><br>The problem is that this approach is that it seems to leave people who argue as you do without the frame of reference of the relationship.  I'm not sure it would change your mind to think of gay couples as a family unit because you seem opposed to an institution that has evolved significantly over time continuing to evove, whereas I see it as necessary.  Especially if my gf and I decide to have kids.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:55:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "saralovesyou", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3612580, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604450": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Did you all see my post about this on Wednesday? Yes Lord...I personally will do anything I can to help the LGBT community in terms of community outreach, education, etc., if they think that our community can help them in their journey for marriage equality, but I refuse to stand back and watch the scapegoating that is obviously underway!!!<br><br>T.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:37:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "d6755b31010b50fc47eac9ee8b3bb319", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627491": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well you are opposed to it so I consider that an opposition. Your opinion is not a fact. The same as white people enslaving Blacks and misusing the Bible as an excuse for it. If you want to bring church politics into things this conversation will disintegrate. People are not following God by attending a church. Everyone doesn't share a similar religious tradition. We have free will to make decisions and the only areas we need to evaluate are whether we are motivated by empowering ourselves. Besides Jesus did not speak out against homosexuality. We were commanded to Love One Another and that's how I model my life. Loving people when they are being intolerant, condescending, judgmental, make life choices we may not understand or agree with or being hateful is very difficult but it is what we are supposed to do. If more people did that the world would be a much kinder place.<br><br>And there have been a rash of media reports indicating that Black women are the face of AIDS, just to add to the loudmouth, sexually irresponsible, banshee, she-devil victimhood they wish to pin on us.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_16:16:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3627274, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3939814": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Actually, I'm Yalin. And you have absolutely no idea what an exit poll is if you believe that 70% of people polled is what CNN did. They polled people who left the polling booths.<br><br>In other words, people who actually voted. And quite frankly, you're the kind of numbnut I was referring to in my diary \"Daily Kos Hypocrisy: Prop 8, Blacks, and Party Identity Politics\".<br><br>Until you get over your squeamishness with looking at the black community with an objective eye for all its failings, you'll never get the result you desire.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-21_15:49:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "680c2be354d43f8382b22fd6ac8c2f7c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604067, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605991": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Sounds like you refuse to see how vile, hateful, divisive, nasty, irresponsible, and foul your rhetoric is.<br><br>I'm all done with you. You can have the last word if you need to.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_19:27:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605137, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3611626": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Major PWNED! And I look forward to the return of the Fairness Doctrine.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_21:54:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "freespiritbty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604067, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3640231": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Do NOT Blame me because you're getting tripped up in your argument, please.<br><br>Everyone else read my posts and got EXACTLY what I was saying.  Why didn't YOU?", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_21:55:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3628044, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3647468": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Guys, I must but into this conversation and ask,<br><br>Do you have to vote on a proposition? I skipped voting on the proposition out here in New York. It had something to do with sex offenders I believe.<br><br>I am about to phone all my friends and family who voted in Cali.<br><br>I know off the back that my uncle who is a minister voted in support of the proposition. He also spoke to his church about supporting it. What I am thinking is that those who went to the polls and voted on the proposition went there to vote against it while others simply voted for president and whomever else and came out. Those people were well aware of it and went knowing that they \"had\" to support it.<br><br>My friends are not politcally astute and they probably voted for Barack and did not give a damn about anything else. I should have phoned them ahead of time and told them to vote No but I dropped the ball and did not.<br><br>Many people have brought up much of what I was going to say and I simply wrote \"exactly\" and \"I co-sign\" under there comments.<br><br>This whole debacle has been both hurtful and off-putting.<br><br>I would like to know how many white gays voted down Affirmative Action throughout the years in some states? <br><br>The vile comments coming out of the mouths of my white gay and racist bosses is sad. It was the first thing I heard on Wednesday morning. These are men who have two black employees out of 83 employees. Guess who that one of the black employees are? The other one is a black gay guy who is limited to do remedial jobs even though he is capable of more. Where is the brotherhood? Yet they have the audacity to speak about inequality and hypocrisy.<br><br>It is sad because we need to be uniting and there is all this bad blood now.<br><br>I have been instrumental in trying to enlighten the highly conservative black church community. I would like to know what all the white gays were doing while everyone in the U.S. of A. where tearing down Rev. Jeremiah A Wright whose church is one of the few churches and church denominations accepting and open to the gay community?<br><br>P.S. Wasn't there an ad in California that falsely used Barack Obama. They misconstrued his words and made it seem like he is opposed to gay marriage.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-09_15:30:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605487": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "i agree with you.  i wrote something similar before reading this comment.  andrew sullivan should be ashamed of himself.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:46:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "99bcec632769e483ead5faa515e84132", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604987, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3603953": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The first time I said that (ON THIS VERY BLOG) was the first time I got shouted down for hating on Obama &lt;&lt;&lt;eyebrows raised&gt;&gt;&gt;<br><br>Now, you know.  Pass that meme along, too - that a vote for Obama does not absolve this country of over 500 years of ill treatment and 200 years of feeling guilty about it.<br><br>If anything, we just earned a bulls' eye on our backs because the white fringe lunatics who didn't want Obama to win, are foaming at the mouth like rabid dogs and want to harm him, physically, mentally and emotionally.  <br><br>You know that Hell just froze over a little more when Fox is Reporting Accurate news and CNN is MAKING SHYT UP.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_17:05:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3598367, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598836": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "A Mayor(can't remember his name) was on MSNBC practically crying & blaming blacks for killing Prop 8.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_16:13:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3597411, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3598327": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Actually, Asians and whites in CA voted No by a slim majority according the exit polls I just saw.<br><br>For the umpteenth time, Andrew Sullivan has tamped down his rhetoric after I emailed him. I don't know if he did it because of my email or because of many, but he has. We can't keep repeating only one version of the truth.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_15:47:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 17, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3597494, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3627274": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "There is always a person that supports cohesiveness, that does not change the overall thrust of the gay rights advocate groups. Which as you know there are many far more powerful than the one you chose to cite.<br>I am not arguing a nature vs. nature nor do I beleive it is a divisive issue given that the facts clearly demonstrate there is no such thing as a gay gene, not to mention even the idea of a bisexual gene.  Because, there is disagreement does not mention it is divisive.<br><br>What stats are you referring to? There are too few 'legal marriages' within the LBBT for you to be able to cite anything about a standard of living increasing in any credible context.<br><br>If black women and children are your focus promoting samegendersex does not improve their lives in any manner shape or form.<br><br>There is no opposition to resources for black women and children to any degree that you have with samegendersex 'marriages'.<br><br>Churches and communities have mobilized far more resources to help these groups than they have for 'samesex marriages.<br><br>In short there is nothng to topple for black women and children to get resources. It appears your focus is on creating different demands on those resources which would mean less available for those black women and children.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-08_15:53:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "bf592ce4366b6f179fe40d8422c998a5", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3627196, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3604987": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Craig,<br><br>He performed racial arson. You can put the fire out but you can't save the house after it has burned down. If he actually uses this as a moment to LEARN something and makes every effort at forming a coalition then I will back off. I don't see that happening. If he didn't have bias he wouldn't have been so quick to express it. Saying sorry means little to me when you don't back it up with a fundamental change. I am going to hold them ALL equally accountable. <br><br>I'm not sure if you are in CA right now, but it is NASTY right now. SF isn't quite as incendiary as LA but it's quite...hectic. There's a rally at 530pm here. I'm reading Jasmynne's blog and things are a mess. It's just the latest example of the white gay male choosing his whiteness when it's convenient and the N-word and violence is not far behind. They could care less about the LGBTs of color.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:07:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3604845, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3616765": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Sorry you're a fool. Procreation has never been the primary reason for marriage, except for in a strange American Dream fantasy land. <br><br>Marriage, the the Western sense, was a ceremony to transfer and consolidate wealth. Currently, the most steady benefits of marriage are that it lowers crime, increases investment, and discourages instability in communities. Children, at best, are served by stable multi-person homes, but research has shown that haven't a hetero parenting unit isn't the only way to ensure better child rearing.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_23:07:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "afroacademic", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3611856, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "3605503": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Michelle, I support civil unions. Or any other type of legal partnership that would enable you to rely on the individual you need to in times of duress or health emergencies or to pass on legal assets.</i><br><br>Thank you for this information. Despite our tremendous (!!) difference in perspective about same-gender relationships, we agree on this. <br><br>In your initial comment, you wrote: <i>Every human being however has the right not to be harassed or discriminated against when it comes to housing, employment and education.</i><br><br>So would you also stand up for me not being harmed or less-valued in those arenas because of my sexual orientation and my actual intimate (emotional, physical, spiritual etc) relationship with another woman?<br><br>If your answer is yes, then we may be in very close agreement on policy issues, despite our huge differences in other areas.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-11-07_18:47:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 3605399, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}}, "integration": {"receiver_url": "", "theme": 4, "reply_position": true, "disqus_logo": false}, "timer": {"timer_url": "http://localhost:8005", "thread_id": "6753356", "user_id": "anonymous", "forum_id": "21630", "hash": 2276967246433757340}, "thread": {"days_alive": 0, "slug": "stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8", "paginate": false, "num_pages": 1, "num_posts": 170, "per_page": 0, "total_posts": 0, "realtime_paused": true, "id": 6753356, "queued": false}, "reactions_limit": 10, "context": {"show_reply": true, "use_fb_connect": true, "forum_facebook_key": "bd6a8bc56f8eb204984f34b6fefe228d", "use_yahoo": false, "subscribed": false, "use_twitter_signin": true, "use_openid": false, "realtime_speed": 5000}, "reactions_start": 0, "settings": {"debug": false, "disqus_url": "http://disqus.com", "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"}, "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"};
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	this.curPageId = 'dsq-comments';

	this.frames = {};
};

var disqus_popup_reference = null;

if(typeof DsqLocal == 'undefined') {
	DsqLocal = {};
}



/**
 * Dsq.Strings: UI strings
 */
Dsq.Strings = new function() {
	this.ADD_NEW_COMMENT = "Add New Comment";
	this.LOG_INTO_DISQUS = "Log into DISQUS";
	this.USE_MEDIA = "Use Media";
	this.LOGOUT = "Logout";
	this.SHARING_OPTIONS = "Sharing options";
	this.SHARE_ON = "Share on";
	this.TWEET_THIS_COMMENT = "Tweet this comment";
	this.SHARE_ON_NEWSFEED = "Share on news feed";
	this.SEND_UPDATE_TO_YAHOO = "Send update to Yahoo!";
	this.REBLOG_ON = "Reblog on";
	this.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS = "Configure options";
	this.POST_AS = "Post as";
	this.SORT_BY = "Sort by";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL = "Subscribe by email";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS = "Subscribe by RSS";
	this.POPULAR_NOW = "Popular now";
	this.BEST_RATING = "Best Rating";
	this.NEWEST_FIRST = "Newest first";
	this.OLDEST_FIRST = "Oldest first";
	this.HIGHLIGHTED = "Highlighted";
	this.UNSUBSCRIBE = "Unsubscribe";
	this.REQUIRED = "Required";
	this.OPTIONAL = "Optional";
	this.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A = "You are commenting as a";
	this.LOGIN_BELOW = "Login below";
	this.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT = "Please login below to comment.";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL = "Subscribe to all comments by email";
	this.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS = "Do not subscribe to comments";
	this.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS = "Real-time updating is";
	this.ENABLED = "enabled";
	this.PAUSED = "paused";
	this.PAUSE = "Pause";
	this.RESUME = "Resume";
	this.SHOW = "Show";
	this.JUST_NOW = "Just now";
	this.REPLY = "Reply";
	this.EDIT = "Edit";
	this.FLAG = "Flag";
	this.MODERATE = "Moderate";
	this.CANCEL = "Cancel";
	this.REPLYING_TO = "Replying to";
	this.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS = "Report missing reactions";
	this.POST_A_COMMENT = "Post a comment";
	this.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT = "Flag inappropriate comment";
	this.FLAGGED = "Flagged";
	this.NO = "No";
	this.YES = "Yes";
	this.NEVER_MIND = "Never mind";
	this.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR = "Are you sure you would like to report this comment to a moderator";
	this.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION = "This will flag comments for moderators to take action";
	this.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN = "To rate, please log in";
	this.JUST_A_MOMENT = "Just a moment...";
	this.GUEST = "Guest";
	this.NAME = "Name";
	this.EMAIL = "Email";
  this.WEBSITE = "Website";
  this.SETTINGS = "Settings";
  this.MODERATOR_OPTIONS = "Moderator options: ";
};
// Dsq.Strings

/**
 * Dsq.FmtStrings: functions that return interpolated UI strings
 */
Dsq.FmtStrings = new function() {
	// Seems we have to use named interpolation for Django to translate. Investigate more.
	this.LOGGED_IN_AS = function(username) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate('Logged in as %(username)s', {username:username});
	};

	this.LOGOUT_FROM = function(disqus) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate('Logout from %(disqus)s', {disqus:disqus});
	};

	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL = function(total, num) {
		if (num === 1) {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comment", {num:num, total:total});
		} else {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comments", {num:num, total:total});
		}
	};

	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION = function(num) {
		if (num === 1) {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comment", {num:num});
		} else {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comments", {num:num});
		}
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s comment'
				: '%(num)s comments'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_LIKES = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s like'
				: '%(num)s likes'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_POINTS = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s point'
				: '%(num)s points'
			), {num:num});
	};
};
// Dsq.FmtStrings





Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN = '3a1994e3330279e78957da82fb64f754';
Dsq.COMMENTS_RE = /(<li.*?id="?dsq-comment-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/li>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_RE = /(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-header-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/div>)\s*(<div.*?class="?dsq-comment-body"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_BODY_RE = /\s*(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-message-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
// HACK: Safari ends with "-->" while other browsers end with "--&gt;" as expected.
Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE = /&lt;!--\[(.*?)\]--(?:>|&gt;)/gim;



var FragmentPacket = function(reader, writer, writer_url, is_child, receiveCallback) {
	var that = this;
	this.reader = reader;
	this.writer = writer;
	this.writer_url = writer_url;

	this.is_child = is_child || false;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;

	this._lastHash = null;

	this._accumMsg = '';

	this._lastSeqno = 0;

	this.MAX_DATA_LEN	= 1024;

	this.WAIT_TIME		= 10;

	this.READY		= 0x1;
	this.WRITING	= 0x2;
	this.FIN		= 0x4;
	this.ACK		= 0x8;

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;
	var listener = function() {
		that.recv();
	};
	return window.setInterval(listener, 10);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.log = function(msg) {



};

FragmentPacket.prototype.recv = function() {
	var hash;
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		hash = this.reader.name;
	} else {

		var hashIndex = this.reader.location.href.indexOf('#');
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			return;
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		hash = this.reader.location.href.substring(hashIndex+1);
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	var flags = parseInt(hash.substring(0, 4), 10);
	var seqno = parseInt(hash.substring(4, 24), 10);
	var data  = hash.substring(24);

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		this._lastHash = hash;
		this.log('recv: ' + hash);

		this.log(' flags: ' + flags);
		this.log(' seqno: ' + seqno + ' len: ' + hash.substring(4, 24).length + ' (' + hash.substring(4, 24) + ')');
		this.log(' data: ' + data + ' len: ' + data.length);

		this._lastSeqno = seqno;

		if (flags & this.WRITING) {
			this._accumMsg += data;
			this.sendFlag(this.ACK, seqno);
			if (flags & this.FIN) {
				this.log('recv finished: ' + decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));
				this.receiveCallback(decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));

				this._accumMsg = '';

				this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
			}
		}
	}

	return {
		flags: flags,
		seqno: seqno,
		data: data
	};
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendRawPacket = function(packet) {
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		this.writer.name = packet;
	} else {

		this.writer.location.href = this.writer_url + '#' + packet;
	}

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendFlag = function(flag, seqno) {
	this.sendRawPacket(this._zerofill(flag, 4) + this._zerofill(seqno, 20));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {
	this._send(0, encodeURIComponent(msg));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._send = function(packetNum, msg) {
	var that = this;
	var recvBuf = this.recv();

	if (packetNum === 0) {

		if (!(recvBuf.flags & this.READY)) {
			this.log('client is not ready, waiting...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		}
	} else {

		if (!( (recvBuf.flags & this.ACK) && (recvBuf.seqno === this._lastSeqno) )) {
			this.log('waiting for ack from client...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		} else {
			this.log('received ack: ' + this._lastSeqno + ' ' + recvBuf.seqno);
		}
	}

	var flags = this.WRITING;
	var num_packets = Math.ceil(msg.length / this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	this.log('num_packets: ' + num_packets);

	if (num_packets === packetNum) {

		this.log('message successfully sent!');
		this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
		return true;
	}

	this._lastSeqno++;

	if (packetNum == num_packets-1) {
		flags |= this.FIN;
	}

	var data = msg.substring(packetNum * this.MAX_DATA_LEN, (packetNum+1) * this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	var packet = this._zerofill(flags, 4) + this._zerofill(this._lastSeqno, 20) + data;

	this.log('sending raw packet: ' + packet);
	this.sendRawPacket(packet);

	return this._send(packetNum + 1, msg);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._zerofill = function(num, width) {
	var retval = num.toString();
	var retval_len = retval.length;
	for (var i = 0; i < width - retval_len; i++) {
		retval = '0' + retval;
	}
	return retval;
};

var PostMessagePacket = function(receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId) {
	var that = this;
	this.receiver = receiver;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;
	this.id = id;


	this.receiverId = receiverId;
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;

	var listener = function(e) {

		if (!that.id) {
			that.id = e.data;
			return;
		}


		var id = e.data.split(';')[0];
		if (id !== that.id) {
			return;
		}
		var data = e.data.substring(e.data.indexOf(';') + 1);

		that.receiveCallback(data);
	};

	if (typeof window.attachEvent == 'function') {
		window.attachEvent('onmessage', listener);
	} else if (typeof window.addEventListener == 'function') {
		window.addEventListener('message', listener, false);
	} else {
		throw new Error('No method found to create event listener for PostMessagePacket.');
	}
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {



	var needs_reget = false;
	try {
		if (typeof this.receiver.id == 'undefined' || typeof this.receiver.postMessage == 'undefined') {
			needs_reget = true;
		}
	} catch(e) {


	}
	if (needs_reget && typeof this.receiverId != 'undefined') {
		this.receiver = document.getElementById(this.receiverId).contentWindow;
	}

	var packet;
	if (!msg) {

		packet = this.id;
	} else {
		packet = this.id + ';' + msg;
	}
	this.receiver.postMessage(packet, '*');
};

PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = null;
PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id = function() {
	var id = (new Date()).getTime();
	if (id == PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id) {
		id++;
	}
	PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = id;
	return id.toString();
};

var JsonRpc = function() {

	this.ids = {};

	this.objectToJSON = function(obj) {
		var json = '';
		var results = [];

		if (obj === undefined || obj === null) {
			return 'null';
		}

		switch (obj.constructor) {
			case Object:
				for (var property in obj) {
					if (obj.hasOwnProperty(property)) {
						results.push(this.objectToJSON(property) + ': ' + this.objectToJSON(obj[property]));
					}
				}
				json = '{' + results.join(', ') + '}';
				break;
			case Array:
				for (var i = 0; i < obj.length; i++) {
					results.push(this.objectToJSON(obj[i]));
				}
				json = '[' + results.join(', ') + ']';
				break;
			case Number:
			case Boolean:
				json = obj.toString();
				break;
			case String:

				var specialChars = {'\b': '\\b', '\t': '\\t', '\n': '\\n', '\f': '\\f', '\r': '\\r', '\\': '\\\\'};

				json = obj.replace(/[\x00-\x1f\\]/g, function(match) {
					var ch = specialChars[match];
					return ch ? ch : '\\u00' + match.charCodeAt().toPaddedString(2, 16);
				});

				json = '"' + json.replace(/"/g, '\\"') + '"';
				break;
			default:

				json = 'null';
				break;
		}

		return json;
	};

	this.createHandler = function(send_func, registered_funcs) {
		var that = this;
		var handler = function(message) {

			try {
				var rpc = eval('(' + message + ')');
			} catch(e) {
				alert('bad JSON: ' + message);
				return;
			}
			if (rpc.method) {

				if (!registered_funcs[rpc.method]) {
					return;
				}

				var retval = registered_funcs[rpc.method].apply(null, rpc.params);
				if (rpc.id) {
					var response = {
						result: retval,
						error: null,	// TODO
						id: rpc.id
					};
					send_func(that.objectToJSON(response));
				}
			} else if(rpc.result) {

				if (!that.ids[rpc.id]) {
					return;
				}

				that.ids[rpc.id](rpc.result);
				delete that.ids[rpc.id];
			}
		};
		return handler;
	};

	this.execute = function(send_func, method, params, response_callback) {
		response_callback = response_callback || null;
		var id = (response_callback) ? (new Date()).getTime() : null;

		var request = {
			method: method,
			params: params,
			id: id
		};

		send_func(this.objectToJSON(request));

		if (id) {
			this.ids[id] = response_callback;
		}
	};
};
JsonRpc = new JsonRpc();

var ParentMessenger = function(childUrl, receiverUrl, container, receiveCallback) {


	if (navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Safari') >= 0 && parseInt(navigator.userAgent.substring(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Version/') + 8), 10) == 3) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	} else if (window.opera) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}



	if (!receiverUrl &&
		navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Gecko') >= 0 &&
		parseFloat(navigator.userAgent.slice(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 3, navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 6)) < 1.9) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}


	if (/msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent)) {


		if (document.domain == window.location.hostname) {
			receiverUrl = '';
		}
	}

	var that = this;
	this.childUrl = childUrl;
	this.receiverUrl = receiverUrl;
	this.container = container || document.body;

	this.packetHandler = null;


	this._ready = false;
	this._error = false;


	var _createReceiverForFragmentPacket = function() {

		that.receiver = document.createElement('iframe');
		that.receiver.src = receiverUrl;
		that.receiver.id = 'receiver_' + (new Date()).getTime();
		that.receiver.name = that.receiver.id;

		that.receiver.frameBorder = '0';
		that.receiver.frameSpacing = '0';
		that.receiver.style.borderStyle = 'none';

		var receiver_onload = function() {
			var receiver = document.getElementById(that.receiver.id).contentWindow;

			try {
				receiver.document.body.innerHTML = '';
			} catch(e) {

				that._error = true;
			}
			receiver.document.body.style.padding = '0px';
			receiver.document.body.style.margin = '0px';

			var child = receiver.document.createElement('iframe');
			child.id = 'child';
			child.name = 'child';
			child.src = that.childUrl;

			child.frameBorder = '0';
			child.frameSpacing = '0';
			child.style.borderStyle = 'none';
			child.style.width = '100%';
			child.style.height = '100%';
			receiver.document.body.appendChild(child);

			that.child = receiver.document.getElementById('child').contentWindow;
			that.receiver = receiver;

			that.packetHandler = new FragmentPacket(that.receiver, that.child, that.childUrl, false, receiveCallback);

			that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();

			that.packetHandler.sendFlag(that.packetHandler.READY, 0);

			that._ready = true;
		};

		that.receiver.onreadystatechange = function() {
			if (this.readyState == 'complete') {
				receiver_onload();
			}
		};

		that.receiver.onload = receiver_onload;







		if (Dsq.Utils.ie) {
			if (that.container.clientWidth === 0) {

				var _waitForWidth = function() {
					if (that.container.clientWidth > 0) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					} else {
						window.setTimeout(_waitForWidth, 100);
					}
				};
				_waitForWidth();

				that._once = false;
				that.receiver.onresize = function() {
					if (!that._once) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					}
					that._once = true;
				};
			}
		}

		that.container.appendChild(that.receiver);
	};


	var _createReceiverForPostMessage = function() {

		var receiver_onload = function() {

			that.packetHandler.send();
			that._ready = true;
		};

		var id = PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id();
		var receiverId = 'child_' + id;


		ParentMessenger['_receiver_onload_' + receiverId] = receiver_onload;

		that.container.innerHTML += '<iframe ' +
			'src="' + childUrl + '" ' +
			'id="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'name="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'onload="ParentMessenger._receiver_onload_' + receiverId +'();" ' +
			'></iframe>';

		that.receiver = document.getElementById(receiverId).contentWindow;
		that.packetHandler = new PostMessagePacket(that.receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId);
		that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();
	};

	if (typeof window.postMessage == 'function') {
		_createReceiverForPostMessage();
	} else {
		_createReceiverForFragmentPacket();
	}

};

ParentMessenger.prototype.sendMessage = function(message) {
	var that = this;
	if (!this._ready) {

		window.setTimeout(function() { that.sendMessage(message); }, 10);
		return;
	}
	this.packetHandler.send(message);
	return true;
};

Dsq.NewFrames = function(url) {
	this.url = url;
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype.init = function(onFailure) {
	var that = this;

	try {
		this.messenger = new ParentMessenger(this.url, Dsq.jsonData.integration.receiver_url, this.container, this.receive_callback);
	} catch(e) {
		if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
			onFailure();
		}
	}

	if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
		var iId = window.setInterval(function() {
			if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				return;
			}
			if (that.messenger._ready) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
			} else if (that.messenger._error) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				onFailure();
			}
		}, 10);
	}
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype._execute = function(method, args, callback) {
	var that = this;
	if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
		return false;
	}
	JsonRpc.execute(
		function(msg) { that.messenger.sendMessage(msg); },
		method,
		args || [],
		callback);
	return true;
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame = function(container, parent_post_id) {
	var that = this;
	this.container = container;
	this.parent_post_id = parent_post_id;

	var sendFunc = function(msg) {

		Dsq.Debug.log('Dsq.ReplyFrame.sendFunc');
		that.messenger.sendMessage(msg);
	};


	var postComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		Dsq.jsonData.posts[response.message.id] = response.message.post_meta;
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key]) {
			Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key] = response.message.user_meta;
		}


		var reply_position = (typeof(disqus_insert_wrt_sort) == 'undefined' 
			? (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reply_position ? -1 : null) 
			: (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? null : -1));
		
		if (response.message.post_meta.approved) {
			Dsq.Post.insert(response.message.post_meta.parent_post_id || reply_position, response.message.id, response.message.post_meta.message);
		}

		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onSuccess(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var postComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(response.message, 'Error');
		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onFailure(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var editComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);
		
		message.innerHTML = response.message;
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
	
	var editComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('Sorry, there was an error editing this comment.', 'Edit Error');
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	var getUserByEmail_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var msg = response.message;
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(parent_post_id);

		if (msg.username) {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'login', {
				'username': msg.username,
				'display_name': msg.display_name,
				'avatar_url': msg.avatar_url,
				'verified': msg.verified,
				'email': fields.email.value
			});
		} else {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'register');
		}
	};

	var validateAuth_onSuccess = function(response, auth_choice) {
		Dsq.Templates.postComment(parent_post_id, null, true, auth_choice);
	};

	var validateAuth_onFailure = function(response, auth_choice) {
		var pid = parent_post_id ? '-' + parent_post_id : '';
		var msg = response.message;

		if (auth_choice == 'register') {
			var fields = ['email', 'username', 'password'];

			for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; i++) {
				var field = fields[i];
				var errorDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-' + field + '-errors' + pid);

				if (msg[field]) {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = msg[field];
				} else {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = '';
				}
			}
		} else if (auth_choice == 'login') {
			Dsq.$('dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid).innerHTML = '<p>We couldn\'t log you in. Please verify your login.</p>';
		}
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.receive_callback = JsonRpc.createHandler(sendFunc, {
		'postComment.onSuccess': postComment_onSuccess,
		'postComment.onFailure': postComment_onFailure,
		'editComment.onSuccess': editComment_onSuccess,
		'editComment.onFailure': editComment_onFailure,		
		'getUserByEmail.onSuccess': getUserByEmail_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onSuccess': validateAuth_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onFailure': validateAuth_onFailure,
		'reload': function() { window.location.reload(); }
	});

	this.url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY +
		'?' + (new Date()).getTime() +
		'&f=jackandjillpolitics' +
		'&t=stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8' +
		'&ff=' + Dsq.Thread.ff +
		'&default_text=' + disqus_default_text +
		'&ifrs=' + encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css);
	if (this.parent_post_id) {
		this.url += '&parent_post=' + this.parent_post_id;
	}
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype = new Dsq.NewFrames(Dsq.ReplyFrame.url);

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.post = function(author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe) {
	this._execute('postComment', [author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.edit = function(post_id, message) {
	this._execute('editComment', [post_id, message]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.setState = function(parent_post_id, depth) {
	this._execute('setState', [parent_post_id, depth]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.getUserByEmail = function(email) {
	this._execute('getUserByEmail', [email]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.validateAuth = function(auth_choice, email, username, password) {
	this._execute('validateAuth', [auth_choice, email, username, password]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.authenticateFacebook = function(session, forum_url) {
	this._execute('authenticateFacebook', [session, forum_url]);
};

	Dsq.Facebook = function() {
	var that = this;

	var handleSessionData = function(session) {

		var forum_url = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;




		if (typeof disqus_facebook_forum != 'undefined') {
			forum_url = disqus_facebook_forum;
		}
		Dsq.frames.reply_0.authenticateFacebook(session, forum_url);
	};

	var onLogin = function() {
		FB.Connect.getSignedPublicSessionData(handleSessionData);
	};

	this.login = function() {
		FB.Connect.requireSession(onLogin, true);
	};
};
Dsq.Facebook = new Dsq.Facebook();


	






Dsq.Themes = {};

Dsq.Themes.narcissus = new function() {
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-form-area';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-textarea-wrapper';



	
	this.header = function() {
		var comments_count, total_posts, num_posts;
		var html = '';
		var missing_perm_tmpl;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.missing_perm) {
			missing_perm_tmpl = Dsq.Templates.missingPermissions();
			if (missing_perm_tmpl) {
				html += '<div class="dsq-missing-permissions">' + missing_perm_tmpl + '</div>';
			}
		}

		total_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.total_posts;
		num_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_posts;

		if (total_posts) {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL(total_posts, num_posts);
		} else {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION(num_posts);
		}

		html += ' \
		<div id="dsq-comments-title"> \
			<h3>' + comments_count + '</h3> \
		</div> \
		';

		html += ' \
		<div class="dsq-options"> \
			<span class="dsq-item-sort">'
				+ Dsq.Strings.SORT_BY + ' \
				<select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);"> \
					<option value="hot" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 4 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.POPULAR_NOW + '</option> \
					<option value="best" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 3 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.BEST_RATING + '</option> \
					<option value="newest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.NEWEST_FIRST + '</option> \
					<option value="oldest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 1 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.OLDEST_FIRST + '</option> \
				</select> \
				&nbsp; \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<span id="dsq-subscribe">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.subscribed
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.UNSUBSCRIBE + '</a>'
						: '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL + '</a>')
				+ '</span> \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-rss" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png" alt="" /> \
				<a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8/latest.rss">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS + '</a> \
			</span> \
		</div> \
		';

		
		

		return html;

	};
	
	this.footer = function() {
		var html = '';

		html += Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
		
			html += Dsq.Templates.realtime();
			html += Dsq.Templates.showThreadSettings();
			html += Dsq.Templates.postBox();

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.trackbacks();
		


		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) {
 			html += ' \
				<div class="dsq-global-moderator-extras">'
					+ '<strong>shortname:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url
					+ '<strong>thread id:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.id
					+ '<strong>thread slug:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.slug
				+ '</div> \
			';
		}

		return html;
	};
	
	this.realtime = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			html += '<div id="dsq-realtime-options" class="dsq-options">'
					 + Dsq.Strings.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS + ' <strong id="dsq-realtime-status" style="text-transform: lowercase">' + Dsq.Strings.ENABLED + '</strong>. \
					 <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-toggle" style="text-transform: capitalize"></a> \
					</div>';
		}

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
			html += ' \
				<div style="display: none" id="dsq-realtime-alert" class="dsq-realtime-alert"><span id="dsq-realtime-queued"></span> <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-show"></a></div> \
			';
		}
		
		return html;
	};

	this.showThreadSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '<div id="dsq-thread-settings" class="dsq-thread-settings">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATOR_OPTIONS;
		html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.showSettings(); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.SETTINGS + '</a>';
		if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled && Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.reportMissingReactions(); return false;">'
						+ Dsq.Strings.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS
						+ '</a>';
		}
		html +='</div>';

		return html;
	};

	this.postBox = function(post_id, use_fallback_iframe) {


		var html;
		var display_sharing_options = Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated;

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post) {
			return '';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.hasOwnProperty(Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain)) {
				display_sharing_options = false;
			}
		}
		
		if (post_id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];				
		}
		
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		var _requestUserInfo = function() {
			var html;



			var user_has_email = false;

			html = '<div class="dsq-request-user-info"> <!-- // If authenticated --> \
				<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT + '?ctkn=' + Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN + '" class="dsq-request-user-logout">' + Dsq.Strings.LOGOUT + '</a> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td rowspan="2">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '')
								+ '<img src="' + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR + '" width="48" height="48" class="dsq-request-user-avatar">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-name">'
								+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
									 ? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '">' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '</span>'
									 : (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_verified
											? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span>'
											: '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span>'))
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '') 
								+ Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username 
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
							+  (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && user_has_email ? ' <small>(<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.remoteAccountSettings(); return false;">change settings</a>)</small>' : '')
							+  (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <small>(<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/info/" target="_blank">change name</a> or <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/avatar/" target="_blank">picture</a>)</small>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-stats"> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count == 1 ? 'comment' : 'comments') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count == 1 ? 'like' : 'likes') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.points + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.points == 1 ? 'point' : 'points') + '</span> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		var _loginOptions = function() {
			var html;
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-authenticate"> \
				<p class="dsq-autheneticate-copy">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
					? Dsq.Strings.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A + ' <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. ' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.LOGIN_BELOW + '.'
					: Dsq.Strings.REQUIRED + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT + '.')
				+ '</p> \
				<ul class="dsq-login-buttons">'
					+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-disqus.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Facebook.login(); return false;"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-facebook.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-twitter.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL(); return false" ><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-openid.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_yahoo ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Yahoo.startYahooConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-yahoo.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
				+ '</ul> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {



				return '<div id="dsq-form-area" style="display:none"><div id="dsq-textarea-wrapper"></div></div>' + _loginOptions();
			} else {
				return '';
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<div id="' + (post_id 
			? 'dsq-reply-post-' + post_id
			: 'dsq-new-post')
		 	+ '" class="dsq-post-area"> \
			<div class="dsq-dc-logo"> \
				<a href="http://disqus.com/comments" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/disqus-logo.png"></a> \
			</div>'
			+ (post_id 
				? '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.REPLYING_TO + ' ' + userData.display_name + '</h3>'
				: '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT + '</h3>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated 
				? _requestUserInfo()
				: _loginOptions() )
			+ '<div id="dsq-form-area' + pid + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-textarea"> \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper" id="dsq-textarea-wrapper' + pid + '"></div> \
			</div>'
			+ (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated
			? ' \
			<div class="dsq-post-fields"> \
				<form action="." method="GET" onsubmit="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false); return false;"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-name' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_name ? disqus_def_name : (Dsq.jsonData.session.name ? Dsq.jsonData.session.name : Dsq.Strings.NAME + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-website' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (Dsq.jsonData.session.url ? Dsq.jsonData.session.url : Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')" class="dsq-placeholder') + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" /></div></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-email' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_email ? disqus_def_email : (Dsq.jsonData.session.email ? Dsq.jsonData.session.email : Dsq.Strings.EMAIL + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"> \
							<div class="dsq-subscribe"> \
								<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.chooseSubscribe(' + post_id + '); return false" class="dsq-subscribe-menu"><span id="dsq-subscribe-select' + pid + '">' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post ? Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL : Dsq.Strings.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS) + '</span> <small>&#9660;</small></a> \
								<ul class="dsq-panel" id="dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid + '"> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(2, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Subscribe to all comments by email</a></li> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(0, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Do not subscribe to comments</a></li> \
								</ul> \
								<input id="dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid + '" type="hidden" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post + '" /> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
				</form> \
			</div>'
			: '')
			+ '<div class="dsq-post-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-sharing-options" ' + (!display_sharing_options ? 'style="display:none;"' : '') + '> \
					<button class="dsq-button-small" onfocus="document.getElementById(\'dsq-post-button' + pid + '\').focus();"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.SHARING_OPTIONS + ' <small>&#9660;</small></span></button> \
					<div class="dsq-panel"> '
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '"'
								  + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Twitter</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook
								&& (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.enabled === true ||
										(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'facebook'))
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Facebook</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Yahoo!</label> \
								</div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Tumblr</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Wordpress</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Movable Type</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
								  <label for="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' TypePad</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ '<div><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections/" target="_blank" class="dsq-configure-options">' + Dsq.Strings.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS + '</a></div>'
					+ '</div> \
				</div>'
				+ '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-post-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.POST_AS + ' '
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					? Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					: Dsq.Strings.GUEST)
				+ '</span></button>'
				+ (post_id
					? '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-cancel-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.CANCEL + '</span></button>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
			+ '</div>' // end dsq-form-area
		+ '</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};




	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-append-post-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		html = ' \
		<table> \
			<tr> \
				<td id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-avatar" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
					<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
					? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
					: '')
				+ '</a> \
				</td> \
				<td class="dsq-comment-header-meta"> \
		';

		
		return html;
	};
	
	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var html;
		var parent_display_name = '';
		
		if(_meta.parent_post_id) {

			var _parent_meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[_meta.parent_post_id];

			if (_parent_meta) {
				var parentUserData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_parent_meta.user_key];
				parent_display_name = parentUserData.display_name;
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/moderator.png" class="dsq-moderator-star" title="Moderator" /> \
		<span class="dsq-comment-header-time"><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')" title="Permalink">' + (_meta.is_realtime ? Dsq.Strings.JUST_NOW : _meta.date) + '</a></span> '
		+ (_meta.parent_post_id && parent_display_name
			? '<a href="#comment-' + _meta.parent_post_id + '" title="Jump to comment">in reply to ' + parent_display_name + '</a>'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		<td id="dsq-like-pts-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-comment-header-likes">'
		+ (_meta.points
			? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		</tr> \
		</table> \
		';
		return html;
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		var html = '';
		return html;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed || !_meta.approved) { return ''; }
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
					? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.moderateOptions(' + post_id+ '); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATE + '</a>'
					: '')
				+ '<a href="#" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG + '</a> \
			</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right">'
				+ (_meta.votable 
					? '<span id="dsq-like-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-like">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1)" >Like</button>'
						: 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;')
					+ '</span>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-post-edit" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + ')" >' + Dsq.Strings.EDIT + '</button>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<span class="dsq-comment-footer-reply" id="dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button> \
						<button class="dsq-comment-footer-reply-tab">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button><span></span> \
					</span>'
					: '')
			+ '</div> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};



	
	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		var item = '<li class="dsq-comment dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-header"> \
			<table> \
			<tr> \
			<td class="dsq-header-avatar"> \
			';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'" class="dsq-avatar">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {

			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar92.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== ''
				? '</a>'
				: '')
			+ '</td>'
			+ '<td><cite class="dsq-comment-cite">' + reaction.author_name + '</cite> <span class="dsq-comment-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</span></td>'
			+ '<td class="dsq-comment-header-likes"></td>'
			+ '</tr></table></div>' // end dsq-comment-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header" \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-reaction-header-left">'
							+ '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png" />'
							+ ' From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
							+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
						+ '</td>'
						+ '<td class="dsq-reaction-header-right">';
			
			if(reaction.retweets) {
				var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
				if (num_retweets > 0) {
					if (num_retweets == 1) {
						item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
					} else {
						item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');
						item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
						var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 3) ? 3 : num_retweets;
						item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);
						if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
							item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
								+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
						}
					}
				}
			}	
			item += '</td></tr> \
			</table> \
			</div>' // end dsq-reaction-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-body"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left"> \
				</div>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator 
					? ' \
					<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-hide-reaction" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + ')">Hide</button> \
					</div>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 id="dsq-reactions-title" class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-container"> \
			<table> \
				<tbody> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-tl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-tr"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-body"> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
								<div class="dsq-popup-title"> \
									<button class="dsq-button-small" style="float:right" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)">Close</button>' 
									+ content['header'] 
								+ '</div>'
								+ content['body']
							+ '</div> \
							<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
						</td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-bl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-br"></td> \
					</tr> \
				</tbody> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
	};



	
	this.chooseSubscribe = function(post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		menu.style.display = menu.style.display == 'block' ? 'none' : 'block';
		
	};
	
	this.setSubscribe = function(value, el, post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var input = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid);
		var select = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-select' + pid);
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		select.innerHTML = el.innerHTML;
		input.value = value;
		this.chooseSubscribe(post_id);
	};
	
	this.getFormFields = function(post_id) {

		var fields = {};
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var name = Dsq.$('dsq-field-name' + pid);
		var email = Dsq.$('dsq-field-email' + pid);
		var website = Dsq.$('dsq-field-website' + pid);
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid);
		var password = Dsq.$('dsq-field-password' + pid);

		fields = {
			'name': name,
			'email': email,
			'website': website,
			'username': username,
			'password': password
		}
		
		return fields;
	}
	
	this.validateFields = function(post_id) {
		
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) { return true; }
		
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		
		var nameField = fields.name;
		var websiteField = fields.website;
		var emailField = fields.email;
		
		websiteField.value = (websiteField.value == Dsq.Templates.placeholder['website']) ? '' : websiteField.value;
		
		var v = [{

			validator: Dsq.Validators.name,
			value: nameField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.email,
			value: emailField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.url,
			value: websiteField.value
		}];
		
		return Dsq.Validators.validate(v, function(e) { Dsq.Popup.popModal(e, 'Oops...') } );
	};
	
	this.checkExistingUser = function(post_id) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);		
		Dsq.Popup.loading(post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		}
	};

	this.validateAuth = function(el_clicked, post_id, auth_choice) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		var email = fields.email ? fields.email.value : '';
		var username = fields.username ? fields.username.value : '';
		var password = fields.password ? fields.password.value : '';
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		}
	};

	this.lightboxUpdateEmail = function(post_id, new_email) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		fields.email.value = new_email;
	};

	this.lightboxAuthenticate = function(post_id, auth_choice, auth_data) {
		var title, body;
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		if(typeof(auth_data) == 'undefined') {
			var auth_data = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		}

		d = auth_data;

		switch(auth_choice) {
			case 'register':
				var suggestedUsername = d.name.value.replace(/[^a-zA-Z0-9-]/g,'').toLowerCase();
			
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Register a <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';

				body = ' \
				<ul class="dsq-lightbox-register-reasons"> \
				<li>Verify your comments</li> \
				<li>Edit and delete comments</li> \
				<li>Manage comments and replies</li> \
				</ul> \
				';

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Email</td> \
							<td><input type="text" value="' + d.email.value + '" onchange="Dsq.Templates.lightboxUpdateEmail(' + post_id + ', this.value)" /><div id="dsq-email-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + suggestedUsername + '"/><div id="dsq-username-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /><div id="dsq-password-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'login\'); return false">Login instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Register and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			case 'login':
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Login to your <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';
				body = '';
				
				if(d.avatar_url) {
					body += '<div class="dsq-lightbox-recognized"><table><tr>';
					body += '<td><img src="' + d.avatar_url + '" alt="" /></td>';
					body += '<td><span class="dsq-badge ' + (d.verified ? 'dsq-badge-verified' : 'dsq-badge-registered') + '">' + (d.verified ? 'Verified' : 'Registered') + '</span></td>';
					body += '<td>Hey <strong>' + d.display_name + '</strong>, is that you? Login below to claim this comment.';
					body += '</tr></table></div>';
				}

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username or Email</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (d.avatar_url ? d.username : '') + '" /></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password <a href="http://disqus.com/forgot" target="_blank">(cannot log in?)</a></td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'register\'); return false">Register instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Login and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
		Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid).focus();
	};
	
	this.buttonsToRestore = [];
	this.setLoadingButton = function(btn, post_id) {
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		if (btn) {

			var loadingBtn = document.createElement('button');
			loadingBtn.id = btn.id + '-loading';
			loadingBtn.innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-lite.gif" alt="" /> Just a moment...';
			loadingBtn.className = btn.className + ' dsq-post-loading';
			btn.parentNode.appendChild(loadingBtn);
			btn.style.display = 'none';
			var cancelBtn = Dsq.$('dsq-cancel-button' + pid);
			if(cancelBtn) { cancelBtn.style.display = 'none'; this.buttonsToRestore.push(cancelBtn); }
			this.buttonsToRestore.push(btn);
		} else {

			var buttons = this.buttonsToRestore;
			for(var i = 0; i < buttons.length; i++) {
				buttons[i].style.display = 'inline';
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$(buttons[i].id + '-loading'));
			}
		}
		
	};

	this.postComment = function(post_id, el_clicked, force, auth_choice) {
		var append_id = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);

		if (Dsq.Templates.validateFields(post_id)) {

			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && !force &&
				((!Dsq.Utils.readCookie('skipped_auth') && !disqus_skip_auth && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled) || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post)) {
				Dsq.Templates.checkExistingUser(post_id);
				return false;
			}
			var params = [];
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
				params.push(fields.name.value,
					fields.email.value,
					fields.website.value);

				if (auth_choice == 'login' || auth_choice == 'register') {
					params.push({
						auth_choice: auth_choice,
						username: fields.username.value,
						password: fields.password.value,
						email: fields.email.value
					});
				} else {
					params.push(null);
				}

				params.push(null /* sharing options */, Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + append_id).value);
			} else {
				var service_checked = function(name) {
					var el = Dsq.$('dsq-sharing-' + name + append_id);
					return (el !== null && el.checked === true) ? '1' : '0';
				};
				params.push(null, null, null, null, {
					tw: service_checked('twitter'),
					fb: service_checked('facebook'),
					tr: service_checked('tumblr'),
					wp: service_checked('wordpress'),
					mt: service_checked('movabletype'),
					tp: service_checked('typepad'),
					yh: service_checked('yahoo')
				});
			}

			var frame = Dsq.frames['reply_' + (post_id ? post_id : 0)];
			frame.post.apply(frame, params);

			if (el_clicked) {
				Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
			}
			
			if (force) {
				Dsq.Utils.createCookie('skipped_auth', true);	
			}
			
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	};

	this.editComment = function(el_clicked, post_id) {
		var edited_message = Dsq.$('dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id).value;

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].edit(post_id, edited_message);
	};

	this.toggleEdit = function(post_id) {
		var body = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-body-' + post_id);
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);

		if (!Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id]) {


			message.style.display = 'none';
			if (Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {

				var edit_area = document.createElement('div');
				edit_area.id = 'dsq-edit-' + post_id;
				edit_area.className = 'dsq-edit dsq-textarea';
				edit_area.innerHTML = ' \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper"> \
					<textarea class="dsq-edit-textarea" id="dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id + '">' + message.innerHTML + '</textarea> \
				</div> \
				<div class="dsq-save-edit"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Templates.editComment(this, ' + post_id + ')" class="dsq-button-small">Save Edit</button> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id + '" style="display: none"></div> \
				';

				body.appendChild(edit_area);

				if (!Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id), post_id);
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].init();
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
		} else {

			message.style.display = 'block';
			Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id] = !Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id];
	};
	
	this.edit = function(el, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(post_id, button) {
		
		if(!this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

			if (Dsq.$('dsq-reply-post-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id);
				var container = Dsq.$('dsq-textarea-wrapper-' + post_id);
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] && container) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(container, post_id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].init(function() {

						Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id, true);
						Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id).innerHTML = '';

						var theme = (typeof disqus_frame_theme == 'undefined') ? 'default' : disqus_frame_theme;
						Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id), post_id, {theme: theme});

					});
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-append-post';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply-active';
			
		} else {

			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = '';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply';
		}
		
		this.stateReplyToggled[post_id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[post_id];

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie && this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

		}

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: post_id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]
		});
	};
	
	this.moderateOptions = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		if(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) { return false; }

		var html;
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-moderate-options"> \
		<table>'
		+ (_meta.email ? '<tr><td>Email</td><td>' + _meta.email + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ (_meta.ip ? '<tr><td>IP address</td><td>' + _meta.ip + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ '<tr> \
			<td>Actions</td> \
			<td><ul>'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
				? '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
				: '')
			+ '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Delete Comment</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li> \
			</ul></td> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		html += '<p>Go to the full <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/moderate/" target="_blank">moderate panel</a> for more options.</p>';
		
		return Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Moderate Options', post_id);
	};
	
	this.placeholder = {
		'class': 'dsq-placeholder',
		'name': Dsq.Strings.NAME,
		'email': Dsq.Strings.EMAIL,
		'website': Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')'
	};
	
	this.handlePlaceholder = function(evt, el, key) {
		var placeholder = Dsq.Templates.placeholder[key];
		var className = Dsq.Templates.placeholder['class'];
		
		switch(evt.type) {
			case 'focus':
				if(el.value == placeholder) {
					el.value = '';
					el.className = '';
				}
				break;

			case 'blur':
				if(el.value == '') {
					el.value = placeholder;
					el.className = className;
				}
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
	};
	
	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked) {

		var extra_params = '';

		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked);
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};
	
	
	this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {


		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
			}
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/vote.js'
				+ '?post_id='    + id
				+ '&vote='        + vote);
		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login('To rate, please log in');
		}
	};

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {

		Dsq.$('dsq-like-pts-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.';

		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;';
		}
	};




	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {
		var approved = response.message.post_meta.approved;

		if (parent_post_id) {
			Dsq.Post.toggleReply(parent_post_id);
		}

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
		
		if (approved) {
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		} else {			
			var unapproved_msg = 'Thanks for posting!\
	 Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.\
			';
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(unapproved_msg, 'Comment awaiting approval', post_id);
		}

		var sharing_results = response.message.sharing_results;
		var sharing_errors = '';
		for (var service in sharing_results) {
			if (sharing_results.hasOwnProperty(service) === true) {
				if (sharing_results[service].error === true) {
					sharing_errors += service + ', ';
				}
			}
		}

		if (sharing_results.facebook && sharing_results.facebook.callback) {
			FB.ensureInit(function() {
				FB.Connect.streamPublish('', sharing_results.facebook.attachment);
			});
		}

		if (sharing_errors !== '') {
			var message = 'Your comment was posted, but there were errors sharing with the following connections: ';
			message += sharing_errors.replace(/,\s$/, '');
			message += '<p><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections" target="_blank">Configure your connections here</a></p>'
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sharing options');
		}

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.postComment_onFailure = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
};




// TODO: It might be faster to use string methods to find all <li (...) </li> blocks and pass to Dsq.PostHandler manually.
Dsq.CommentsHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_post = Dsq.Templates.prependPost(post_id);
	var append_post = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(post_id);

	content = content.replace(Dsq.POST_RE, Dsq.PostHandler);
	Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter++;
	head = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContainer(post_id, head);
	return prepend_post + head + content + tail + append_post;
};

Dsq.PostHandler = function(str, h_head, post_id, h_content, h_tail, b_head, b_content, b_tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_header = Dsq.Templates.postPrependHeader(post_id);
	var append_header = Dsq.Templates.postAppendHeader(post_id);
	var prepend_body = Dsq.Templates.preBody(post_id);
	var append_body = Dsq.Templates.postBody(post_id);
	var append_footer = Dsq.Templates.postFooter(post_id);

	b_content = b_content.replace(Dsq.POST_BODY_RE, Dsq.PostBodyHandler);
	return h_head + prepend_header + h_content + append_header + h_tail + b_head + prepend_body + b_content + append_body + b_tail + append_footer;
};

Dsq.PostBodyHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	content = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContent(post_id, content);
	return head + content + tail;
};

Dsq.MediaPostHandler = function(str, args, offset, s) {
	args = args.split(' ');
	if(args[0] == 'seesmic') {
		return '<br />' + Dsq.Templates.mediaSeesmic(args[1], args[2]);
	}
	return '';
};


/**
 * Shorcuts
 */
Dsq.$ = function(element) { return document.getElementById(element); };
Dsq.$b = document.body || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0];


/**
 * Dsq.Debug: Logging functions.
 */

Dsq.Debug = new function() {this.log=function(s){};this.profile=function(f){if(typeof f == 'function')return f();else return eval(f);};};


/**
 * Dsq.Urls: URL paths
 */
Dsq.Urls = new function() {
	this.LOGIN = '/profile/login/';
	this.LOGOUT = '/logout/';
	this.REPLY = 'http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8/reply.html';
	this.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE = '/AnonymousUser/';
	this.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR = 'http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar92.png';
};
// Dsq.Urls

/**
 * Dsq.Validators: Validation for form fields
 */
Dsq.Validators = new function() {
	this.VALID_EMAIL_RE = /^[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*\@(([a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*)+\.[a-z]{2,}|([0-9]+\.){3}[0-9]+)$/i;
	this.name = function(name) {
		var error = false;

		if(typeof Dsq.Templates.placeholder !== 'undefined' &&
		   name == Dsq.Templates.placeholder.name) {
			error = true;
		}
		if(name.length <= 1) {
			error = true;
		}

		if(error) {
			return "Please enter a name to comment.";
		} else {
			return true;
		}
	};
	this.email = function(addr) {
		if(Dsq.Validators.VALID_EMAIL_RE.test(addr)) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please enter a valid email to comment.";
		}
	};
	this.url = function(addr) {
		if(!addr || addr.indexOf('.') != -1) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please check your website URL (this field is optional).";
		}
	};

	this.validate = function(bulk_validation, failure_callback) {
		failure_callback = failure_callback || function(e){ alert(e); };

		for(var i = 0; i < bulk_validation.length; i++) {
			v = bulk_validation[i];
			ret = v.validator(v.value);
			if(ret !== true) {
				failure_callback(ret);
				return false;
			}
		}
		return true;
	};
};

/**
 * Dsq.Utils: Generic utility functions.
 */
Dsq.Utils = new function() {
	this.ie = /msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent);
	this.ie7 = (document.all && !window.opera && window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true : false;
	this.ie6 = (!window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true: false;
	this.webkit = navigator.userAgent.indexOf('AppleWebKit/') >= 0;
	this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache = {};
	this._styleSheet = null;

	this.gebiFromElement = function(el, id, tag) {
		// This only method only helps IE.
		if(!this.ie) {
			return Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var cacheKey = el.id + '-' + tag;
			tag = tag || 'div';
			if(typeof this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] != 'undefined') {
				collection = this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey];
			} else {
				collection = el.getElementsByTagName(tag);
				this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] = collection;
			}

			for(var i = 0; i < collection.length; i++) {
				if(collection[i].id == id) {
					return collection[i];
				}
			}
			return null;
		}
	};

	this.execOnReady = function(func) {
		var node = document.createElement('document:ready');
		try {
			node.doScroll('left');
			func();
			node = null;
		} catch(err) {
			setTimeout(function() { Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(func); }, 10);
		}
	};


	// Courtesy of http://www.quirksmode.org/js/cookies.html
	this.createCookie = function(name,value,days) {
		if (days) {
			var date = new Date();
			date.setTime(date.getTime()+(days*24*60*60*1000));
			var expires = "; expires="+date.toGMTString();
		}
		else var expires = "";
		document.cookie = name+"="+value+expires+"; path=/";
	};

	this.readCookie = function(name) {
		var nameEQ = name + "=";
		var ca = document.cookie.split(';');
		for(var i=0;i < ca.length;i++) {
			var c = ca[i];
			while (c.charAt(0)==' ') c = c.substring(1,c.length);
			if (c.indexOf(nameEQ) == 0) return c.substring(nameEQ.length,c.length);
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.eraseCookie = function(name) {
		Dsq.Utils.createCookie(name,"",-1);
	};

	this.deleteNode = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			this.deleteChildren(node);
			if(typeof node.outerHTML != 'undefined') { node.outerHTML = ''; }
			else if(node.parentNode) { node.parentNode.removeChild(node); }
			delete node;
		}
	};

	this.deleteChildren = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			for(var x = node.childNodes.length-1; x >= 0; x--) {
				var childNode = node.childNodes[x];
				if(childNode.hasChildNodes()) { this.deleteChildren(childNode); }
				if(typeof childNode.outerHTML != 'undefined') { childNode.outerHTML = ''; }
				else node.removeChild(childNode);
				delete childNode;
			}
		}
	};

	this.findPos = function(obj) {
		var curleft = 0;
		var curtop = 0;
		if (obj.offsetParent) {
			do {
				curleft += obj.offsetLeft;
				curtop += obj.offsetTop;
			} while (obj = obj.offsetParent);
		}
		return [curleft,curtop];
	};

	this.getWindowSize = function() {
		var windowWidth = -1;
		var windowHeight = -1;

		if(typeof(window.innerWidth) == 'number') { //Non-IE
			windowWidth = window.innerWidth;
			windowHeight = window.innerHeight;
		} else if(document.documentElement) { // IE 6+ in 'standards compliant mode'
			windowWidth = document.documentElement.clientWidth || document.body.clientWidth;
			windowHeight = document.documentElement.clientHeight || document.body.clientHeight;
		}

		return [windowWidth, windowHeight];
	}

	this.getScrollPos = function() {
		var scrollWidth, scrollTop;

		if(document.documentElement && (document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.documentElement.scrollWidth)) {
			scrollWidth = document.documentElement.scrollWidth;
			// IE is weird here.  If no doctype is provided, document.body.scrollTop is 0,
			// otherwise document.documentElement.scrollTop is 0.
			scrollTop = document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.body.scrollTop;
		} else if(document.body.scrollTop && document.body.scrollWidth) {
			scrollWidth = document.body.scrollWidth;
			scrollTop = document.body.scrollTop;
		}

		return [scrollWidth, scrollTop];
	}

	this.addEventListener = function(instance, eventName, listener) {
		var listenerFn = listener;
		if (instance.addEventListener) {
			instance.addEventListener(eventName, listenerFn, false);
		} else if (instance.attachEvent) {
			listenerFn = function() {
				listener(window.event);
			};
			instance.attachEvent("on" + eventName, listenerFn);
		} else {
			throw new Error("Event registration not supported");
		}
		return {
			instance: instance,
			name: eventName,
			listener: listenerFn
		};
	};

	this.removeEventListener = function(event) {
		var instance = event.instance;
		if (instance.removeEventListener) {
			instance.removeEventListener(event.name, event.listener, false);
		} else if (instance.detachEvent) {
			instance.detachEvent("on" + event.name, event.listener);
		}
	};

	this.fixIframesIE = function(id) {
		var disqusThread = Dsq.$(disqus_container_id);
		var iframes = disqusThread.getElementsByTagName('iframe');

		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-content');
		}

		for(i = 0; i < iframes.length; i++) {
			if (container) {
				iframes[i].style.width = container.offsetWidth;
			}
		}
	};

	this.getElementsByClassName = function(oElm, strTagName, strClassName) {
	/* Credit: Jonathan Snook [http://www.snook.ca/jonathan], Robert Nyman [http://www.robertnyman.com] */
		var arrElements = (strTagName == "*" && oElm.all)? oElm.all : oElm.getElementsByTagName(strTagName);
		var arrReturnElements = new Array();
		strClassName = strClassName.replace(/\-/g, "\\-");
		var oRegExp = new RegExp("(^|\\s)" + strClassName + "(\\s|$)");
		var oElement;
		for(var i = 0; i < arrElements.length; i++) {
			oElement = arrElements[i];
			if(oRegExp.test(oElement.className)) {
				arrReturnElements.push(oElement);
			}
		}
		return (arrReturnElements);
	};

	this.postToUrl = function(url, post_data, opt_redirect) {
		var form = document.createElement('form');
		var iframe_container = document.createElement('div');
		var id = 'dsq-temp-iframe-' + (new Date()).getTime();

		form.method = 'POST';
		form.action = url;
		if (!opt_redirect) {
			form.target = id;
		}
		iframe_container.innerHTML = '<iframe style="display:none" name="' + id + '" id="' + id + '"></iframe>';

		for(var key in post_data) {
			if(post_data.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var input = document.createElement('input');
				input.name = key;
				input.type = 'hidden';
				input.value = post_data[key];

				form.appendChild(input);
			}
		}

		Dsq.$b.appendChild(iframe_container);
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(form);
		form.submit();
	};

	// Strips integer id from id of element in the form ('some-id-###')
	this.extractId = function(e) {
		var chunks = e.id.split('-');
		if(chunks.length <= 1) {
			return 0;
		} else {
			return parseInt(chunks[chunks.length-1]);
		}
	};

	this.getStyle = function(el, styleProp) {
		if(el.currentStyle) {
			var y = el.currentStyle[styleProp];
		} else if(window.getComputedStyle) {
			var y = document.defaultView.getComputedStyle(el, null).getPropertyValue(styleProp);
		}

		if(y == 'transparent' || y == '') {
			this.getStyle(el.parentNode, styleProp);
		} else {
			return y;
		}
	};

	this.execScript = function(url, append_qs, container) {
		var script = document.createElement('script');
		append_qs = typeof append_qs == 'undefined' ? true : append_qs;
		container = container || Dsq.container;

		if(append_qs) {
			var j = (url.indexOf('?') >= 0) ? '&' : '?';
			url += j + (new Date()).getTime();
		}
		script.type = 'text/javascript';
		script.charset = 'UTF-8';
		script.src = url;
		container.appendChild(script);
		return script;
	};

	this.pluralize = function(num, singular, plural) {
		return (num != 1) ? plural || 's' : singular || '';
	};

	this.getRequestParams = function(queryString /* optional */) {
		var pairs, tuple;
		var params = {};

		queryString = queryString || window.location.search.substring(1);
		pairs = queryString.split('&');

		for (var i = 0, pair; pair = pairs[i]; i++) {
			tuple = pair.split('=');
			params[tuple[0]] = (tuple[1] || true);
		}

		return params;
	};

	this.addCssRule = function(selector, styleText, index) {
		var stylesheet;
		index = index || 0;

		if(!this._styleSheet) {
			var styleEl = document.createElement('style');
			document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(styleEl);
			this._styleSheet = styleEl.sheet;
			if(!this._styleSheet) {
				// IE does not like our newly created stylesheet.
				this._styleSheet = document.styleSheets[document.styleSheets.length-1];
			}
		}
		stylesheet = this._styleSheet;

		if(stylesheet.insertRule) {
			var ruleText = selector + ' { ' + styleText + ' }';
			if(index == -1) {
				index = stylesheet.cssRules.length;
			}
			stylesheet.insertRule(ruleText, index);
		} else if(stylesheet.addRule) {
			stylesheet.addRule(selector, styleText, index);
		}
	};

	this.forEachIn = function(obj, callback) {
		for(var key in obj) {
			if(obj.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				callback(key, obj[key]);
			}
		}
	};

	this._interpolateGlobalContext = {
		// values that get used a lot and are global to the request
		'profile_url': Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE,

		'disqus_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url,
		'media_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url,
		'request_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.username,
		'request_display_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username,
		'forum_name': Dsq.jsonData.forum.name
	};

	this.renderFromContextStack = function(key, contexts) {
		// Returns the first instance of `key` in the array of objects `contexts` or else ''
		for (var i=0; i<contexts.length; i++) {
			if (contexts[i][key] !== undefined) {
				return String(contexts[i][key]);
			}
		}
		throw new Error('key ' + key + ' not found in context');
	};

	var that = this;
	this.interpolate = function(fmt, opt_localContext) {
		// Interpolate `fmt` named-format string with an assumed global context.
		// Based on `interpolate` in django.views.i18n
		var contextStack = [opt_localContext || {}, that._interpolateGlobalContext];
		return fmt.replace(/%\(\w+\)s/g, function(match){
			return that.renderFromContextStack(match.slice(2,-2), contextStack);
		});
	};

	this.stripTags = function(s) {
		// Removes HTML tags from `s`
		return s.replace(/(<([^>]+)>)/g,"");

	};

	this.assert = function(b) {
		if (!b) {
			throw new Error('Assertion error.');
		}
	};

};
// Dsq.Utils

/**
 * Dsq.Popup: Popup helper functions.
 */
Dsq.Popup = new function() {
	this.timeHide = new Array();
	this.timeShow = new Array();
	this.activePopup = {};
	this.profileCache = {};
	this.statusCache = {};

	this.showTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the hide timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeHide[post_id]);

		// start the timer
		if(!Dsq.Popup.profileIsOn && !Dsq.Thread.adminIsOn) {
			this.timeShow[post_id] = setTimeout("Dsq.Popup.popProfile(\"" + post_id + "\")", 400);
		}
	};

	this.hideTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the show timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeShow[post_id]);
	};

	this.updateProfile = function(username) {
		// Callback from /embed/profile.js
		if (this.statusCache[username]) {
			var statusEl = Dsq.$('dsq-profile-status-' + username);
			statusEl.innerHTML = this.statusCache[username];
			statusEl.style.display = 'block';
		}

		if (this.profileCache[username]) {
			var _cache = this.profileCache[username];

			var _genhtml = function(text) { return '<span><big>' + text + '</big></span>'; };
			var _no_comments = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS(_cache.comments_count));
			var _no_likes = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_LIKES(_cache.likes_count));
			var _no_points = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_POINTS(_cache.points));

			var statsEl = Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + username);
			statsEl.innerHTML = '';

			if (Dsq.jsonData.users[username].registered) {
				statsEl.innerHTML = _no_comments + _no_likes;
			}
			statsEl.innerHTML += _no_points;

			var activeSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.active_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.active_sites[i];
				activeSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (activeSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = activeSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = 'This site.';
			}

			var moderatedSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.moderated_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.moderated_sites[i];
				moderatedSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (moderatedSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + username).innerHTML = moderatedSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + username).innerHTML = '';
			}
		}

		// Reposition popup after full HTML is rendered
		if(Dsq.Popup.activePopup && Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el) {
			Dsq.Popup.initPopup(Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.type);
		}

	};

	this.showCookieMsgs = function() {
		var title = '';
		var message = '';
		var numAlerts = 0;

		Dsq.Utils.forEachIn(Dsq.jsonData.cookie_messages, function(k, v) {
			if (!v) return;

			switch(k) {
				// Cookie: Twitter
				case 'post_twitter':
					if (v === 'error') {
						title = 'Twitter Error!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-error">Oops, we couldn\'t tweet this comment. Please check your <a href="http://disqus.com/account/services">account settings</a>.</li>';
					} else {
						var _msg = v.split(':');
						title = 'Tweeted!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-success">Your comment was successfully tweeted. <a href="http://twitter.com/' + _msg[0] + '/status/' + _msg[1] + '">Click here to view the tweet</a>.</li>';
					}
					break;
				// Cookie: Unapproved Post
				case 'post_not_approved':
					title = 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-not-approved">Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.</li>';
					break;
				// Cookie: Profile Found
				case 'post_has_profile':
					title = 'Use your existing commenter profile';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-has-profile">You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a></li>';
					break;
				case 'user_created':
					var _data = v.split(':');
					title = 'Profile created!';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-user-created">You have just created a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, the best way to claim, manage, and track your comments all over the web. \
					<br /><br />A confirmation is being sent to <strong>' + _data[1] + '</strong>. Please check for this email in order to verify your profile. \
					<ul class="dsq-list-tick"> \
						<li>Your username is <strong>' + _data[0] +'</strong>. <a href="http://disqus.com/people/' + _data[0] + '/" target="_blank">Click here to view your public profile</a>.</li> \
						<li>Be sure to set your profile picture, as well as connect your <span class="dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> and <span class="dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> accounts. <a href="http://disqus.com/account/" target="_blank">Click here for account settings</a>.</li> \
					</ul> \
					</li>'
					break;
				default:
					break;
			}
			numAlerts++;
		});

		if(numAlerts > 1) {
			message = '<ul class="dsq-list-bluebullet">' + message;
			message += '</ul>';
			title = 'Thanks for posting!';
		}
		if(numAlerts > 0) {
			if(typeof(disqus_cookie_msgs) == 'function') {
				disqus_cookie_msgs(message, title);
			} else {
				Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
			}
		}
	};

	this.helpBadges = function(post_id) {
		var html = ' \
			<ul class="dsq-popup-help"> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile with a confirmed email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, but has not yet confirmed his or her email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span> is not logged in with any account and has not claimed his or her comments.</li> \
				<li class="dsq-help-otheraccts">Other accounts</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> is using his or her Facebook profile via Facebook Connect.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> is using his or her Twitter profile via Twitter Sign-in.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-openid">OpenID</span> is using his or her OpenID.</li> \
			</ul> \
		';

		this.popModal(html, 'Help: Types of Commenters', post_id);
		return;
	};

	this.permalink = function(post_id) {
		var header = 'Link to this comment';
		var body = '<strong>You are anchored to</strong>:<br />' + document.location.protocol + '//' + document.location.host + document.location.pathname + document.location.search + '#comment-' + post_id;

		this.popModal(body, header, post_id);
	};

	this.login = function(header, body) {
		var h = header || 'Login or Register';
		var b = body || '';
		b += Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: 'dsq-popup-login'});
		b += '</iframe>'; // HACK: Sometimes there is something funky with the IFRAME SRC that causes no end tag
		this.popModal(b, h, null, true, 'dsq-popup-login');
	};

	this.blacklist = function(id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		var title = 'Add to Blacklist';
		var message = ' \
		Adding this person to the blacklist will block him or her from commenting on this site. Check the following types that you would like to add to the blacklist:'
		+ (userData['registered'] ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-username" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-username"><strong>Username</strong>: ' + userData['username'] + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ (_meta.email ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-email" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-email"><strong>Email address</strong>: ' + _meta.email + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ '<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
			<input id="dsq-blacklist-ip" type="checkbox" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-blacklist-ip-warning\').style.display=\'block\'"> \
			<label for="dsq-blacklist-ip"><strong>IP address</strong>: ' + _meta.ip + '</label> \
		</div> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p id="dsq-blacklist-ip-warning" style="display:none">	\
				Note: Blocking this person\'s IP address may also unintentionally prevent others, who share his/her IP address, from commenting on this site. \
				This may include people who are sharing the same computer, living in the same house, or using the same Internet provider. Only block an IP address as a last resort. \
			</p> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p style="text-align:center"><button onclick="Dsq.Post.blockUser(' + id + '); this.disabled=true; this.innerHTML=\'Just one moment...\'">Add to Blacklist</button></p> \
		';

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
	};

	this.remoteAccountSettings = function() {
		var body = '';
		// Set up IFrame.
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/_auth/embed/remote_settings/';
		var attributes = {id: 'dsq-popup-account-settings'};
		if (typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}

		body = Dsq.Templates._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
		this.popModal(body, 'Account Settings', null, true, 'dsq-popup-account-settings');
	};

	this.popModal = function(message, title, post_id, use_listener, extra_classes) {
		var container = document.createElement('div');
		var header, body;

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);

		if(typeof(title) == 'undefined') { title = ''; }
		if(typeof(use_listener) == 'undefined') { use_listener = true; }

		if(post_id) {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message-' + post_id;
		} else {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message';
		}

		header = title;
		body = message;

		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupModal(header, body);
		Dsq.Popup.initPopup(container, post_id, 'message', extra_classes);
		if(use_listener) {
			Dsq.Popup.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', Dsq.Popup._closePopup);
		}
	};

	this.popAlert = this.popModal;

	this.loading = function(post_id) {
		var title = Dsq.Strings.JUST_A_MOMENT;
		var body = '<div style="text-align:center; padding: 5px 0 10px 0"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif" alt="" /></div>'
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
	};

	this.lightbox = function(message, title, post_id) {
		// Wraps Dsq.Popup.popModal

		var overlay = document.createElement('div');
		overlay.id = 'dsq-overlay';
		overlay.className = 'dsq-overlay';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(overlay);
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, post_id, false, 'dsq-lightbox');
	};

	this.popProfile = function(post_id, userKey) {
		var post = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id];
		if (post && post.has_been_anonymized) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('This message was anonymized by its previous owner.', 'Anonymized', post_id);
			return;
		}

		if(post_id) {
			userKey = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id].user_key;	
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][userKey];
		var elId = 'dsq-popup-profile-' + userKey;
		var container = document.createElement('div');

		if(this.activePopup.el) {
			this._closePopup(null, true);
			if(this.activePopup.linkClicked) {
				this.activePopup.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		container.id = elId;
		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupProfile(userKey);

		this.initPopup(container, post_id, 'profile');
		this.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._closePopup);

		if(!this.profileCache[userKey]) {
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/embed/profile.js'
				+ '?username=' + userKey
				+ '&anon=' + (userData['registered'] ? 0 : 1)
				+ '&f=' + Dsq.jsonData['request'].forum);
		} else {
			this.updateProfile(userKey);
		}
	};

	this._closePopup = function(e, force) {
		var activePopup = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el;
		var id = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id;
		var link = 'dsq-avatar-' + id; // HACK: Specific to profile toggle target

		// HACK: This event should be gone if there is no active popup.
		if(!activePopup) {
			return;
		}
		if(force || !Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, activePopup.id)) {
			// TODO: This is breaking iE?
			if(Dsq.Popup.popupListener) {
				Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Popup.popupListener);
			}
			
			// Kill overlay
			var overlay = Dsq.$('dsq-overlay');
			if(overlay) { Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(overlay); }
			
			try {
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(activePopup);
			} catch(e) {
				// HACK: IE6 throws an error when using deleteNode() with a node containing a <table> in the html.
				activePopup.parentNode.removeChild(activePopup);
			}
			Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {};
		}

		if(!force && Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Popup.activePopup.linkClicked = true;
		}

	};

	this.initPopup = function(popup, post_id, type, extra_classes) {
		popup.className = 'dsq-popup dsq-popup-' + type + ' ' + (extra_classes ? extra_classes : '');
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6 || Dsq.Utils.ie7) {
			// HACK: We can't modify the body before it's ready, so we need
			//       to use an IE-safe "DOMReady" workaround before loading
			//       our popup.
			Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(function() {Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup); });
		} else {
			Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup);
		}

		popup.style.display = 'block';

		var xPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[0] - popup.offsetWidth) / 2;
		var yPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[1] - popup.offsetHeight) / 2;

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
			yPos += Dsq.Utils.getScrollPos()[1];
		}

		popup.style.left = xPos + 'px';
		popup.style.top = yPos + 'px';

		Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {
			'el' : popup,
			'id' : post_id,
			'type': type,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};
	};

	this.isClicked = function(e, id) {
		var t = e.target || e.srcElement;
		while(t && t.parentNode) {
			if(t.id == id) {
				return true;
			}

			t = t.parentNode;
		}
		return false;
	};
};
// Dsq.Popup

/**
 * Dsq.Templates
 */
Dsq.Templates = new function() {
	/*
	 * Counter keeping track of the number of posts iterated over.
	 */
	this.postLoopCounter = 0;
	this.filters = {};
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-post-add';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-post-add';

	this.registerTemplate = function(name, func) {
		this['$$_' + name] = func;

		if(typeof DsqLocal.Filters != 'undefined'
		&& typeof DsqLocal.Filters[name] == 'function') {
			// Push filters to this.filters to unify code.
			this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
			this.filters[name].push(DsqLocal.Filters[name]);
		}

		this[name] = function() {
			var ret;

			if(typeof DsqLocal.Templates != 'undefined'
			&& typeof DsqLocal.Templates[name] == 'function') {
				ret = DsqLocal.Templates[name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(ret === undefined) {
				ret = this['$$_' + name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(this.filters[name]) {
				var args = [ret];

				args.push.apply(args, arguments);
				for(var i = 0; i < this.filters[name].length; i++) {
					ret = this.filters[name][i].apply(this, args);
				}
			}

			return ret;
		};
	};

	this.registerFilter = function(name, func) {
		this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
		this.filters[name].push(func);
	};

	/**
	 * Dsq.Templates.Filters
	 */
	this.Filters = new function() {
		this.commentContainer = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var classes = [];
			if(Dsq.jsonData.request.page > 1) {
				classes.push('dsq-append');
			}

			//
			// Extra classes used for custom themes
			//

			if(_meta.depth) {
				classes.push('dsq-comment-child', 'dsq-depth-' + _meta.depth, 'dsq-parent-is-' + _meta.parent_post_id);
			}


			//

			if(_meta.author_is_creator) {
				// TODO: We need to deprecate the "special" class since it is not properly prefixed.
				classes.push('special', 'dsq-special');
			}
			if(_meta.author_is_moderator) {
				classes.push('dsq-moderator');
			}
			classes.push(['dsq-odd', 'dsq-even'][Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter % 2]);

			s = s.substring(0, s.lastIndexOf('>'));
			return s + ' class="dsq-comment ' + classes.join(' ') + '" style="margin-left:' + _meta.depth*30 + 'px">';
		};

		this.commentContent = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			if (_meta.killed) {
				return '<em>Comment removed.</em>';
			} else if (!_meta.approved) {
				return '<em>This comment was flagged for review.</em>';
			}

			s = s.replace(Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE, Dsq.MediaPostHandler);
			return s;
		};
	};

	//
	// Thread
	//
	// TODO: These need to be stripped of all Django template tags.

	this.authPost = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			return '';
		}
		var result = [];
		result = result.concat([
				'<div id="dsq-auth"',
						Dsq.jsonData.integration.reply_position ? 'class="dsq-auth-bottom"' : '',
						'>',
					'<div class="dsq-by">',
						'<a href="http://disqus.com" target="_blank">',
							(Dsq.jsonData.integration.disqus_logo ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/by-disqus.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">') :
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/dsq-button-120x19.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">')
							),
						'</a>',
					'</div>',
					'<div class="dsq-auth-header">',
						'<h3 id="dsq-add-new-comment" class="dsq-h3-addcomment">',
								Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT,
						'</h3>',
						'<div id="dsq-login">',
						(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
								? '<p class="dsq-login-message" id="dsq-login-message">You are commenting as a <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. You may select one to log into:</p>'
								: '')
		]);
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			result = result.concat([
							Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
								'<a id="dsq-login-toggle" href="%(disqus_url)s%(login_url)s?next=article:%(thread_id)s" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsq-profile-btn.png" title="%(log_into)s" alt="%(log_into)s"/></a>',
								{login_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGIN, thread_id: Dsq.jsonData.thread.id, log_into: Dsq.Strings.LOG_INTO_DISQUS}
								),
							'&nbsp; ',
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ?
								'<div id="dsq-fbc-login" onlogin="DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin()" size="medium" background="light" length="short" style="display:inline; margin-right:7px"></div>' :
								''
							),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-twitter-login" class="dsq-twitter-login" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect();" style="display:inline; cursor: pointer"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/twitter-signin-short.png" style="margin-right:7px" /></div>', {}) : ''),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-openid-login" class="dsq-openid-login" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL();" style="display:inline; cursor:pointer;"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/openid-login-button.png"/></div>', {}
								) : '')
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
						'</div>', // dsq-login
					'</div>', // dsq-auth-header
					'<div id="dsq-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated" ',
						Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated ? 'style="display:block"' : '',
						'>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-pic">',
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">' +
																			'<img class="dsq-post-avatar" src="%(avatar_url)s" alt="" /></a>',
																			{avatar_url: Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR,
																			url: (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
																					 ? Dsq.jsonData.request.url
																					 : Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE) }),
						'</div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>', {url:Dsq.jsonData.request.url})
										  )
										: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(profile_url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>')
											)
									),
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">',
									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsqicon12.png" alt="%(logged_in_as)s"/>&nbsp',
											{logged_in_as: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username)})
										: ''),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="%(logout_from_disqus)s">',
											{logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN, logout_from_disqus: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('DISQUS')})
										: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'twitter')
												? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using Twitter (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
												 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
												: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'openid')
													 ? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using OpenID (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
													 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
													 : ''
													)
											)
									),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote ? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('<span class="logo-disqus">DISQUS</span>') : ''),
									'</a>',
								'</li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
		]);
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect) {
			result = result.concat([
					'<div id="dsq-fbc-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated">',
						'<div id="dsq-fbc-profilepic" class="dsq-authenticated-pic" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.ProfilePic" size="square" facebook-logo="true"></div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									'Logged in as <span id="dsq-fbc-name" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.Name" linked="true" useyou="false"></span>',
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">using Facebook Connect <a href="#" onclick="javascript:DisqusFbcParentController.logout();return false;">(Logout)</a></li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
				'</div>', // dsq-auth
				'<div id="dsq-toolbar-items">',
				'</div>'
		]);
		result = result.concat([
					//
					//
					//
				((!Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) ?
					// Needs to be translated:
					('<p id="dsq-no-anon-msg">Required: Please log into <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> ' +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? 'or connect with Facebook ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? 'or sign in with Twitter ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? 'or sign in using OpenID ' : '') +
					Dsq.Utils.interpolate('to comment on <strong>%(forum_name)s</strong>.</p>')) :
					''
				),
				'<div id="dsq-post-add"></div>',
				'<div style="margin:10px 0">',
				((Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media) ?
						'<a href="#" id="dsq-media-link" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, false, \'media\'); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.USE_MEDIA + ' <small>&#9660;</small></a>' :
						''),
				'</div>'
		]);
		return result.join('');
	};


	this.header = function() {

		var html = '\<h3 id="dsq-comments-count" class="dsq-h3-commentcount">\
	 <span id="dsq-num-posts">170</span> Comments\
	 &nbsp;\
	 <span class="dsq-item-feed">\
	 <a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8/latest.rss"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png"></a>\
	 </span>\
	 </h3>\
	 <div id="dsq-options" style="margin:15px 0">\
	 <span class="dsq-item-sort">\
	 Sort by\
	 <select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);">\
	 <option value="hot" selected="selected">Popular now</option>\
	 <option value="best" >Best Rating</option>\
	 <option value="newest" >Newest first</option>\
	 <option value="oldest" >Oldest first</option>\
	 </select>\
	 &nbsp;\
	 </span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-cp"><a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8/">Community Page</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-subscribe">\
	 <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle">\
	 <span id="dsq-subscribe">\
	 <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a>\
	 </span>\
	 </span>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-alerts">\
	 <p><a href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:6753356" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">You must log into your Disqus Profile in order to post comments.</a></p>\
	 </div>\
		';

		

		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) { 
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-alert-message dsq-upgrade-message"> \
				<strong>Disqus upgrade available.</strong> Hi ' + Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username + ', this message is being displayed to you because you are a moderator of this site. <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-upgrade-message\').style.display=\'block\';this.style.display=\'none\';return false">Click here for details.</a> \
				<div style="display:none; margin-top:10px;" id="dsq-upgrade-message"> \
					A new theme is available with added features. <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/settings/' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url + '/?p=customize">To change your theme, click here</a> and choose the theme Narcissus. \
					If you do not upgrade, you are missing out on features such as: real-time commenting, new sign-in integrations, and an upgrade interface. \
					<strong>This message will automatically go away in one week.</strong> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			' + html; 
		}
		return html;
	};

	this.footer = function() {
		var html = Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.authPost();
		

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.trackbacks();
		

		return html;
	};

	this.pagination = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) { Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = ''; }
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.thread.paginate) { return ''; }

		//
		// TODO: num_paginator still uses the template tag for pagination, 
		// 		while append_paginator does it all in JavaScript.
		//		This should all be in JavaScript.
		//

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages > 1 && Dsq.jsonData.request.page < Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages) {
			html = ' \<a class="dsq-paginate-append-text" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this); return false">Show more comments...</a>\
	 <button class="dsq-button-small dsq-paginate-append-button" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this);">Load more comments</button>\
			';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = html;
			return '';
		} else {
			return '<div id="dsq-pagination" class="dsq-pagination">' + html + '</div>';
		}
	};

	this.trackbacks = function() {
		var html = '';

		if(typeof DsqLocal != 'undefined' && DsqLocal.trackback_url && DsqLocal.trackbacks) {
			var trackbacks = DsqLocal.trackbacks;
			var trackback_url = DsqLocal.trackback_url;
		} else {
			var trackbacks = [
			
			
			];
			var trackback_url = 'http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8/trackback/';
		}

		html += '<div class="dsq-item-trackback">Trackback URL&nbsp;&nbsp;<input class="dsq-trackback-url" onclick="this.select()" readonly="true" value="' + trackback_url + '"></div>';

		if(trackbacks.length) {
			html += '<ul id="dsq-references">'
			for(var i = 0; i < trackbacks.length; i++) {
				var trackback = trackbacks[i];
				html += '<li><cite><a href="' + trackback.author_url + '" rel="nofollow">' + trackback.author_name + '</a></cite> \
						<p class="dsq-meta">' + trackback.date + '</p> \
						<p class="dsq-content">' + trackback.excerpt + '</p></li>';
			}
			html += '</ul>';
			html = '<h3 class="dsq-h3-trackbacks">Trackbacks</h3>' + html;
		}

		return html;
	}

	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		/* Reaction HTML begins */
		var item = '<li class="dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-header-avatar">';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'">';
		} else {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="#" onclick="return false;">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {
			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar32.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png"/>'
			+ '</a></div>'
			+ '<cite><span>' + reaction.author_name + '</span></cite>'
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"><a class="dsq-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</a></span>'
			+ '</div><div class="dsq-reaction-body">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-footer">From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
			+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator ? '&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;<a class="dsq-hide-reaction" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + '); return false;">Hide</a>' : '') + '</div></div>';

		if(reaction.retweets) {
			var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
			if (num_retweets > 0) {
				item += '<div class="dsq-reaction-retweets">';
				if (num_retweets == 1) {
					item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
				} else {
					item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');

					item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
					var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 15) ? 15 : num_retweets;
					item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);

					if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
						item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
							+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
					}
				}
				item += '</div>';
			}
		}

		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this.missingPermissions = function() {
		return '	<p><a href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:6753356" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">You must log into your Disqus Profile in order to post comments.</a></p> \n';
	};

	//
	// Post
	//

	this.prependPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="comment-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-comment-reply-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-header-avatar" id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
				<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
				? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '</a>'
			+ '</div> \
		';
	};

	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];

		return ''
			+ (_meta.author_is_moderator
				? '<img class="dsq-mod-star" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/bullet-star.png" title="Moderator" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"> \
				<a id="dsq-time-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-time" href="#comment-' + post_id + '" title="Permalink">' + _meta.date + '</a> \
			</span>';
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		return '';
	}

	this.postBody = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Deprecate flagging conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		return ''
			+ (_meta.edited
				? '<p class="dsq-editedtxt">(Edited by a moderator)</p>'
				: '')
			;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Use media should be conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed) { return ''; }

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
				<div id="dsq-points-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-likedtxt">'
				+ (_meta.points
					? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.'
					: '')
				+ '</div>'
				+ '<ul class="dsq-comment-options dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.votable
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first dsq-rate" id="dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id + '">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Like</a>'
						: 'You liked this.') + '</li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-report' + (!_meta.votable ? ' dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '"><a href="#" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">Report</a></li> \
				</ul> \
				<ul class="dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first"><a href="#" id="dsq-reply-link-' + post_id +'" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(this, ' + post_id +'); return false;">Reply</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<li id="dsq-edit-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-edit-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="' + (!_meta.can_reply ? 'dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-more-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-more-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'more\'); return false">More <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media
					? '<li id="dsq-media-el-' + post_id +'" style="display:none"><a id="dsq-media-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'media\'); return false">Use Media <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '</ul>'
				+ '<div id="dsq-reply-bar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar" style="display:none"> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-items-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-items"> \
						</div> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-auth-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-auth"> \
							 \
								 \
									<a href="#" class="dsq-help dsq-reply-req-opt" title="You must log into an account in order to comment on Jack and Jill Politics" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Required:</a> \
								 \
								<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/dsq-favicon-16x16.png" alt="" /> \
								<a id="dsq-reply-login-' + post_id + '" href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:6753356" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">Login</a> \
								 \
									&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img class="fb_login_image" src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/images/fbconnect/login-buttons/connect_light_small_short.gif" alt="Facebook Connect"/> \
									<a href="#" onclick="FB.Connect.requireSession(DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin); return false;">Connect</a> \
								 \
								&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/twitter-signin-icon.png" alt="" /> \
									<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false">Sign-in</a> \
								 \
								 \
							 \
						</div> \
					</div> \
					<div id="dsq-reply-' + post_id + '"></div> \
			</div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Iframes
	//

	this._makeAttributes = function(attributes) {
		// Makes a tag attributes string out of an object.
		// Caller is responsible for making sure nothing needs to be escaped.
		var result = [];
		for (key in attributes) {
			result.push(' ' + key + '="' + attributes[key] + '"');
		}
		result = result.join('');
		return result;
	};

	this._frameGeneric = function(base_url, params, attributes) {
		if(typeof(disqus_callback_params) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_callback_params = '';
		}

		var default_params = {
			// TODO: These should be moved to Dsq.jsonData.
			'f'				: 'jackandjillpolitics',
			't'				: 'stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8',
			// Do we need encodeURIComponent here?
			'ifrs'			: encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css),
			'to_redirect'	: encodeURIComponent(window.location),
			'cbp'			: disqus_callback_params,
			'ff'			: Dsq.Thread.ff,
			'fc'			: Dsq.Thread.fc,
			'ac'			: Dsq.Thread.ac,
			'default_text'	: disqus_default_text
		};

		base_url += '?' + (new Date()).getTime();
		// Add params to default_params.
		if(params) {
			for(var key in params) {
				if(params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					default_params[key] = encodeURIComponent(params[key]);
				}
			}
		}
		// Build querystring.
		for(var key in default_params) {
			if(default_params[key] && default_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				base_url += '&' + key + '=' + default_params[key];
			}
		}

		return [
			'<iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" frameborder="0"',
			(' allowtransparency="true" src="' + base_url + '"'),
			this._makeAttributes(attributes),
			'</iframe>'].join('');
	};

	this.frameLogin = function(opt_attributes) {
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/login.html';
		var attributes = opt_attributes || {};
		attributes['class'] = 'dsq-post-login';

		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameReply = function(post_id, extra_params, attributes) {
		// Returns the HTML for a reply iframe. Called by Dsq.Iframes.setReplyIframeToContainer
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY;
		var params = {
			'def_email'		: disqus_def_email,
			'def_name'		: disqus_def_name
		};
		if(extra_params) {
			for(var key in extra_params) {
				if(extra_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					params[key] = extra_params[key];
				}
			}
		}
		if(_meta) {
			params['parent_post'] = post_id;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			params['per_page'] = disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			attributes['class'] += '-authenticated';
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameEdit = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/edit.html';
		var params = {
			'p' : post_id
		};
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, {'class': 'dsq-post-edit', 'name': 'dsq-edit_' + post_id + '-frame'});
	};

	//
	// Menus
	//

	this.menuMore = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: "Remove post" button should hide menu.
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')">Link</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Profile</a></li>'
	+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
		? '	<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>' + (_meta.email ? '<li class="dsq-admin-email">' + _meta.email + '</li>' : '')
		+ '	<li class="dsq-admin-ip">' + _meta.ip + '</li> \
			<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>'
		+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
			? ' <li class="dsq-admin-edit"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
			: '')
		+ ' <li class="dsq-remove"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Remove Comment</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-report-spam"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-block-user"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li>'
		: '');
	};

	this.menuMedia = function(post_id) {
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(this, ' + post_id + ', \'seesmic\'); return false;">Record video</a></li> \
		';
	};

	this.dropProfile = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};


		var menu = '<li class="dsq-drop-showlnk"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Expand &#8663;</a></li>';
		var pointsMessage = '';
		if (userData['registered']) {
			pointsMessage = 'with ' + userData['points'] + ' points (more points are better).';
		}

		if (userData['is_remote']) {
			var domain = userData['remote_domain_name'];
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' is a ' + domain + ' user ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
			menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-' + domain.toLowerCase() + '">' + domain + '</span></li>';
		} else if (userData['registered']) {
			if (userData['verified']) {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a verified commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span></li>';
			} else {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a registered, but unverified, commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span></li>';
			}
		} else {
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has not claimed this commenter profile." onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()"><span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span></li>';
		}

		menu += _includeServices();
		return menu;
	};

	//
	// Popups
	//

	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-top"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-body" class="clearfix"> \
				<div class="dsq-popup-body-padding"> \
					<div class="dsq-popup-header"> \
						<a class="dsq-close-link" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/modal-close.png" alt="" /></a>'
						+ content['header']
					+ '</div>'
					+ content['body']
					+ '<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
				</div> <!-- padding --> \
			</div> <!-- body --> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-bottom"></div> \
		</div> \
		';
	};

	this.popupProfile = function(user_key) {
		var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(user_key, null);
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var html = '';
			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == 0
					? '<h4>Connections</h4><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li> \
					<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" title="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" /> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>'
				+ (i+1 == userServices.length ? '</ul>' : '');
			}
			return html;
		};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<table> \
				<tr> \
					<td> \
						<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><img class="dsq-popup-profile-avatar" src="' + userData['avatar'] + '" alt="" /></a> \
					</td> \
					<td> \
						<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user"> \
							<h3>' + userData['display_name'] + '</h3> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats" id="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + user_key + '">Loading...</div> \
						</div> \
					</td> \
				</tr> \
			</table> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-state"> \
				This is a&nbsp;<span class="'
					+ (userData['registered']
						? (userData['verified']
							? ' dsq-badge-verified'
							: (userData['is_remote']
								? ' dsq-badge-' + userData['remote_domain_name'].toLowerCase()
								: ' dsq-badge-registered')
							)
							: ' dsq-badge-guest') + '">'
			+ (userData['registered']
				? (userData['verified']
					? 'Verified'
					: (userData['is_remote']
						 ? userData['remote_domain_name']
						 : 'Registered')
					)
				: 'Guest')
			+ '</span>&nbsp;commenter profile.'
			+ '&nbsp;<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><strong>View more comments </strong></a>'
			+ (!userData['points']
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice">If this is you, <a href="http://disqus.com/profile" target="_blank">claim it now</a> to manage your comments.</p>'
				: '')
			+ ((userData['registered'] && !userData['verified'] && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username == userData['username'])) && !userData['is_remote'])
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice"><strong>Alert</strong>: You have not verified this account. <a href="http://disqus.com/verify">Verify it now.</a></p>'
				: '')
			+ '</div> \
			<div id="dsq-profile-status-' + user_key + '" class="dsq-popup-profile-status" style="display:none"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-snapshot"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td> \
							<div id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Most active sites</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
						<td>'
							+ _includeServices()
							+ '<div id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Moderator of</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupReblog = function() {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<cite><span>Reblog this comment</span></cite> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div id="dsq-reblog-form" class="dsq-reblog-form"> \
			</div> \
		';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupModal = function(title, message) {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<h3>' + title + '</h3> \
		';

		bodyHtml = message;

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.alertContent = function(name, post_id) {
		var alert = {
			'post_not_approved': {
				'title': 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator',
				'message': 'Thanks for posting. Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.'
			},
			'post_has_profile': {
				'title': 'Use your existing commenter profile',
				'message': 'You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> commenter profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a>'
			}
		};
		return alert[name] || false;
	};

	//
	// Actions
	//

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {
		// Update number of points
		Dsq.$('dsq-points-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.';

		// Update link text
		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.';
		}
	};

	this.subscribed = function(status) {
		var title, message;

		if(status) {
			title = 'Subscribed!';
			message = 'You have subscribed to this comment thread. New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox, where you may read and respond by email.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">Unsubscribe</a> \
			';
		} else {
			title = 'Unsubscribed';
			message = 'You have unsubscribed to this comment thread. New comments will no longer be sent to your email inbox.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a> \
			';
		}

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);

	};
	
	this.highlighted = function() {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('This comment has been highlighted.', 'Highlighted comment');
	};

	//
	// Media
	//

	this.mediaSeesmic = function(id, thumb) {
		return ' \
			<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_preview" class="dsq-seesmic-preview"><a href="http://www.seesmic.com/video/' + id + '" target="_blank" class="see_link">&nbsp;</a> \
				<div style="display:block;width:160px; height:120px; border:none; background-image:url(http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/' + thumb + ')"> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_hide" class="seePlayOverlay" style="display:none;"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',false)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/stopOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_show" class="seePlayOverlay"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',true)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/playOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; border:none; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			<div id="' + id + '_content" style="display:block; width:100%; padding-top:5px"></div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Callbacks
	//

	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(parent_post_id) {
		// Increment post count
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');
		
		if (num_posts) { 
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) { 
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
	};
};
// Dsq.Templates


/**
 * Dsq.Post
 */
Dsq.Post = new function() {
	this.openedMenu = {};
	this.menuEventListener = null;
	this.stateReplyToggled = {};
	this.stateEditToggled = {};
	this.stateRecordLink = {};

	/**
	 * Inserts a new post into the document.
	 *
	 * @param after_id {Number}	Insert a post before specified id.  If after_id
	 *							evaluates to false, then post in the front.  If
	 *							after_id is -1, post at the end.
	 */
	this.insert = function(after_id, id, message, author) {
		// Skeleton template from thread_posts.html.
		var skeleton = ' \
			<li id="dsq-comment-%(id)s"> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-header-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-header"> \
					<cite id="dsq-cite-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-cite"> \
						<a id="dsq-author-user-%(id)s" href="%(author_url)s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">%(author_name)s</a> \
					</cite> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-body-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-body"> \
					<div id="dsq-comment-message-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-message">%(message)s</div> \
				</div> \
			</li> \
		';
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var _user_meta = Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key];
		var markup = Dsq.Utils.interpolate(skeleton, {
			id: id,
			message: message,
			author_url: _user_meta.blog,
			author_name: _user_meta.display_name
		});
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		markup = markup.replace(Dsq.COMMENTS_RE, Dsq.CommentsHandler);
		div.innerHTML = markup;

		if (after_id === -1) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').appendChild(div);
		} else if (!after_id) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').insertBefore(div, Dsq.$('dsq-comments').firstChild);
		} else if (Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + after_id)) {
			// Get next node after "after_id", so we can insert before it.
			// If "after_id" is the last comment, the target node is the
			// last node.
			
			// var append_post_id = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(after_id).replace('<div id="','').replace('"></div>', '');
			var append_post_id = 'dsq-append-post-' + after_id;
			var node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			while (node = node.nextSibling) {
				if (!node || node.nodeType == 1) { // 1 == Node.ELEMENT_NODE
					break;
				}
			}
			if (!node) {
				node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			}
			node.parentNode.insertBefore(div, node);
		}
	};

	this.incrementPostCount = function() {
		
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');

		if (num_posts) {
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) {
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
	}
	
	this.outlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className += ' dsq-comment-outline';
		setTimeout("(function () { Dsq.Post.clearOutlineComment(" + post_id + ") })()", 3000);
	};
	
	this.clearOutlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className.replace('dsq-comment-outline', '');
	};

	this.showMenu = function(el, id, name) {
		var anchorPos = Dsq.Utils.findPos(el);
		var menu = document.createElement('ul');

		if(this.openedMenu) {
			if(this.openedMenu.linkClicked) {
				this.openedMenu.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		switch(name) {
			case 'more':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMore(id);
				break;
			case 'media':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMedia(id);
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}

		// Add menu to document body
		menu.id = 'dsq-menu-' + id;
		menu.className = 'dsq-menu';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(menu);

		// Position and show
		anchorPos[1] += 15;
		menu.style.left = anchorPos[0] + 'px';
		menu.style.top = anchorPos[1] + 'px';
		menu.style.display = 'block';

		// Set global reference
		this.openedMenu = {
			'el' : menu,
			'id' : id,
			'name' : name,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};

		// Set listener
		this.menuEventListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._hideMenu);
	};

	this._hideMenu = function(e) {
		var el = e.target || e.srcElement;
		var openedMenu = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el;
		var id = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.id;

		if(!id) {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link';
		} else {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link-' + id;
		}

		if(!openedMenu) {
			return;
		}

		if(!Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, openedMenu.id)) {
			openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Post.menuEventListener);
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(openedMenu);

		} else {
			// Hide the menu if a link was clicked inside the menu.  We can't
			// completely remove the menu until the onclick event on the link
			// fires, but the menuEventListener will prevent multiple menus
			// from polluting the DOM.
			if(el && typeof el.href != 'undefined') {
				openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el = null;
			}
		}

		if(Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Post.openedMenu.linkClicked = true;
		}
	};


	this.getUserServices = function(user_key, id) {
		if(!user_key && id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
			user_key = _meta.user_key;
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var userServices = [];

		// Keep a full list of supported services. This is the order they will display in the drop-profile.
		// Each service must have a corresponding case in _buildServiceUrl()
		var supportedServices = ['blog', 'twitter', 'facebook', 'tumblr'];

		function _buildServiceUrl(serviceName) {
			var data = userData[serviceName];
			var services = {
				blog:		function(d) { return d; },
				twitter:	function(d) { return d; },
				facebook:	function(d) { return d; },
				tumblr:		function(d) { return 'http://' + d + '.tumblr.com'; }
			};
			return services[serviceName](data);
		}

		for(var i = 0; i < supportedServices.length; i++) {
			if(userData[supportedServices[i]]) {
				var serviceUrl = _buildServiceUrl(supportedServices[i]);
				userServices.push({'name' : supportedServices[i], 'url' : serviceUrl});
			}
		}
		return userServices;
	}

	this.dropProfile = function(id) {
		var dp = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-profile-' + id);

		// IE6 needs JS to display/hide. All other browsers use CSS.
		if(dp) {
			if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) dp.style.display = (dp.style.display == 'inline') ? 'none' : 'inline';
			return false;
		} else {
			dp = document.createElement('ul');
		}

		dp.id = 'dsq-drop-profile-' + id;
		dp.className = 'dsq-drop-profile';

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) { dp.style.display = 'inline'; }

		var container = Dsq.$('dsq-header-avatar-' + id);
		dp.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.dropProfile(id);
		container.appendChild(dp);
	};

	this.dropProfileMore = function(el, id) {
		var hiddenItems = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-hidden-' + id);

		hiddenItems.style.display = 'inline';
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
	};

	this._updateReplyLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "reply / cancel" links based on state.
		var displayDict = {};

		if(id) {
			if(this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				el.innerHTML = 'Cancel';
				displayDict['media'] = 'inline';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'none';
			} else {
				el.innerHTML = 'Reply';
				displayDict['media'] = 'none';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'inline';
			}
		}

		for(var key in displayDict) {
			if(displayDict.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var	linkEl = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-el-' + id),
					spacer = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-spacer-' + id);

				if(linkEl) {
					linkEl.style.display = displayDict[key];
					if(spacer) spacer.style.display = displayDict[key];
				}
			}
		}
	};

	this._updateMediaLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "use media / cancel" links based on state.
		var appendId = (id) ? ('-' + id) : '';
		var link = Dsq.$('dsq-media-link' + appendId);

		if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			link.innerHTML = 'Cancel Media';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(link, id); return false; };
		} else {
			link.innerHTML = 'Use Media <small>&#9660;</small>';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.showMenu(link, id, 'media'); return false; };
		}
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(el, id) {
		// Create reply IFrame
		if (window.disqus_use_postmessage) {
			if (!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				// Create IFrame if it doesn't exist.
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-frame-' + id), id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].init();
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].setState(id, _meta.depth);
				}
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
			}
		} else {
			// DEPRECATED
			if(!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				// Reply toolbar
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id), id);
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Iframes.hideAllInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id));
				if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
					// HACK: Cancel media before canceling self.
					this.toggleMediaReply(Dsq.$('dsq-media-link-' + id), id);
				}
			}
		}

		this.stateReplyToggled[id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[id];
		this._updateReplyLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-reply-' + id); }

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[id]
		});
	};

	this.toggleMediaReply = function(el, id, xtype) {
		id = id || 0;
		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(!this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id, {xtype:xtype}, 'dsq-post-video');
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id);
		}
		this.stateRecordLink[id] = !this.stateRecordLink[id];
		this._updateMediaLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};

	this.edit = function(el, id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.frameEdit(id);
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-comment-message-' + id); }
	};

    this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
                Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
            }

            Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/vote.js'
                + '?post_id='    + id
                + '&vote='        + vote);

		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login(Dsq.Strings.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN);
		}
    };

	this.report = function(id, confirmed) {
		if(confirmed) {
			Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8/post_report/', {'post_id': id});
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Thank you. This comment has been flagged for moderator attention.', 'Successfully flagged');
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$('dsq-post-report-' + id));
		} else {
			var title = Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT;
			var message = Dsq.Strings.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR + '? \
			<br /><br /> \
			<button onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.NO + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.NEVER_MIND + '</button>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<button onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + id + ', true);"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.YES + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT + '</button><br /><br />'
			+ Dsq.Strings.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION + '. \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, id);
		}
	};



	this.showAlert = function(id, msg) {
		var msgEl = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id);
		var alert = '<div class="dsq-comment-alert">' + msg + '</div>';

		msgEl.innerHTML = alert + msgEl.innerHTML;
	};

};
// Dsq.Post


/**
 * Dsq.Thread
 */
Dsq.Thread = new function() {
	this.fc = null;
	this.ff = null;
	this.ac = null;

	
	this.adminIsOn = false;

	
	
	

	this.hlComment = null;
	this.hlCommentClass = null;

	this.getNextComment = function(el) {
		var start_id = el.id;
		while(el = el.nextSibling) {
			if(el.id && el.id.indexOf('dsq-comment-') != -1 && el.id != start_id) {
				return el;
			}
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.getActiveCommentId = function() {
		if (document.URL.indexOf('#comment-') >= 0) {
			var anchor = document.URL.slice(document.URL.indexOf('#') + 1);
			return anchor.replace('comment-', '');
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.highlightAnchor = function() {
		var i = this.getActiveCommentId();
		if (i == null) return false;
		var id = 'dsq-comment-' + i;
		var hash = window.location.hash;

		// Toggle the hash incase the comment isn't available when the page loads
		// for WebKit-based browsers.
		if (Dsq.Utils.webkit) {
			window.location.hash = '';
			window.location.hash = hash;
		}

		this.hlComment = Dsq.$(id);
		// Adding this conditional guard pending #289
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlCommentClass = this.hlComment.className;
		this.hlComment.className += ' dsq-hl-anchor';

		setTimeout("Dsq.Thread.highlightClear()", 3000);
	};

	this.highlightClear = function() {
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlComment.className = this.hlCommentClass;
	};

	this.login = function(toggle) {
		// toggle id is #dsq-reply-login-[id]
		var postId;
		if(toggle.id.indexOf('dsq-reply-login') != -1) {
			postId = toggle.id.slice(16);
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + postId);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(toggle) {
			if(toggle.className == 'dsq-login-active') {
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(container, postId);
				toggle.className = '';
			} else {
				Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
				toggle.className = 'dsq-login-active';
			}
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
		}

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};


	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked, per_page) {
		// Use extra_params to pass any override parameters that we need to persist.
		var extra_params = '';

		// "Per page" can either be overriden by providing it as an argument
		// (per-call) or setting the disqus_per_page override variable (global).
		if(typeof per_page == 'undefined') {
			per_page = null;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined' && per_page === null) {
			per_page = disqus_per_page;
		}

		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}
		if(per_page !== null) {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + per_page;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			el_clicked.style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};

	this.sortBy = function(sort) {
		var disqus_script = document.createElement('script');
		var disqus_date = new Date();

		if (location.hash != '') {
			location.hash = '#disqus_thread';
		}

		if(typeof(disqus_url) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_url = disqus_href;
		}
		disqus_script.type = 'text/javascript';
		disqus_script.src = 'http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8'
			+ '&sort='	+ sort
			+ '&title='
			+ '&'		+ disqus_date.getTime();

		Dsq.$('dsq-comments').innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif">';
		Dsq.container.appendChild(disqus_script);
	};

	this.subscribe = function(status, email) {
		// `status` is an int -- 1 to subscribe, 0 to unsubscribe
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || email) {
			// If authenticated user OR anonymous email provided

			if(email) {
				Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
			}

			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/subscribe.js'
				+'?status=' 	+ status
				+ '&slug='		+ 'stop_blaming_black_folk_for_california8217s_prop_8'
				+ '&email=' 	+ encodeURIComponent(email));

		} else if(!email) {
			// If anonymous user and no email has been provided yet, prompt for email

			var title = 'Subscribe to this comment thread';
			var message = ' \
				New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox! \
				<div class="dsq-subscribe-submit"> \
					<p><strong>Enter your email address below.</strong></p> \
					<input type="text" id="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1, Dsq.$(\'dsq-subscribe-email\').value)">Subscribe</button> \
				</div> \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
		}
	};

	this.showSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return;
		}

		/* The form has to be re-designed when more options will come out. */
		var html = 'Automatically close comments after <input size="3" id="dsq-thread-days-alive" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.days_alive + '" type="text" /> days. Existing comments will still be displayed.<br /><br />(Using 0 days will disable this feature)<br /><br />'
								 + '<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.updateDaysAlive();" class="dsq-button-small"><span>Save</span></button>'
								 + '<span id="dsq-thread-settings-status" class="dsq-options-status"></span>';
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Settings');
	};

	this.updateDaysAlive = function() {
		var days = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-days-alive').value;
		var status = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-settings-status');
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/update_days_alive.js', {days:days,thread:Dsq.jsonData.thread.id});
		status.innerHTML = 'Saved!';
		window.setTimeout(function() { status.innerHTML = ''; }, 1000);
	};
};
// Dsq.Thread

Dsq.Events = function() {
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var handlers = {};
	var getHandlers = function(event) {
		if (handlers[event] === undefined) {
			handlers[event] = [];
		}
		return handlers[event];
	};

	// Public
	// Value keys : postId, node, xtype
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED = 1;
	// Value keys : postId, opened
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED = 2;
	obj.fire = function(event, opt_value) {
		if (!event) {
			throw new Error('Unknown event');
		}
		var value = opt_value || {};
		for (var i=0; i<getHandlers(event).length; i++) {
			getHandlers(event)[i](value);
		}
	};
	obj.addHandler = function(event, callback) {
		getHandlers(event).push(callback);
	};

	return obj;
}();

/**
 * Dsq.Realtime
 */
Dsq.Realtime = new function() {
	var initialized = false;
	var interval = null;
	var last_checked = Dsq.jsonData.request.timestamp;
	var new_posts = [];
	var ongoing_request = false;
	var prev_script = null;

	function updateNewPostCount() {
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-alert').style.display = new_posts.length ? 'block' : 'none';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-queued').innerHTML = new_posts.length
		+ ' new '
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, 'comment', 'comments')
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, ' was', ' were')
		+ ' just posted.';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.SHOW + ')';
	}

	function insertNewPosts() {
		var post_id = null;
		var after_id = Dsq.$('dsq-sort-select').value === 'oldest' ? -1 : null;

		for (var i=0; i<new_posts.length; i++) {
			post_id = new_posts[i];
			Dsq.Post.insert(after_id, post_id, Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id].message);
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		}
		new_posts = [];
	}

	this.enableInterval = function() {
		interval = setInterval(Dsq.Realtime.check, Dsq.jsonData.context.realtime_speed);
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.ENABLED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.PAUSE + ')';
	}

	this.disableInterval = function() {
		if (interval) {
			clearInterval(interval);
			interval = null;
		}
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.PAUSED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.RESUME + ')';
	}

	this.toggleInterval = function() {
		if (!interval) {
			Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
		} else {
			Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
		}
		return false;
	}

	this.initialize = function() {
		if (!initialized) {
			initialized = true;
			Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').onclick = this.toggleInterval;
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').onclick = this.show;
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
			if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.realtime_paused) {
				Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
			} else {
				Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
			}
		}
	}

	this.show = function() {
		insertNewPosts();
		updateNewPostCount();
		return false;
	}

	this.check = function() {
		if (!ongoing_request && Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			if (prev_script) {
				prev_script.parentNode.removeChild(prev_script);
			}
			ongoing_request = true;
			prev_script = Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/6753356/realtime.js?timestamp=' + last_checked);
		}
	};

	this.update = function(timestamp, posts, users) {
		ongoing_request = false;
		last_checked = timestamp;

		if (users) {
			for (var user_id in users) {
				if (users.hasOwnProperty(user_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id] = users[user_id];
					}
				}
			}
		}

		if (posts) {
			for (var post_id in posts) {
				if (posts.hasOwnProperty(post_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] = posts[post_id];
						new_posts.push(post_id);
					}
				}
			}

			if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				insertNewPosts();
			} else {
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
		}
	};

}();

// DEPRECATED
Dsq.Iframes = function() {
	// Different style of object from the above. Hoping to switch to this for some reason.
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var showIframeInContainer = function(container, id, markup) {
		// Look through container for iframes, hiding them, except show one that matches id
		// If none of them matched id, create a new iframe using markup and insert it.
		// Returns the iframe node if and only if it was newly created.
		var found = false;
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				if (child.id == id) {
					child.style.display = 'block';
					found = true;
				} else {
					child.style.display = 'none';
				}
			}
		}
		if (found) {
			return;
		}
		// The iframe wasn't found, so construct it and add it to the container.
		// Don't use innerHTML because it might reload iframes
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		div.innerHTML = markup;
		var iframe = div.childNodes[0];
		div.removeChild(iframe);
		container.appendChild(iframe);
		return iframe;
	};

	// Public
	obj.makeReplyIframeId = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var id = 'dsq-post-add-iframe';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			id += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			id += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return id;
	};
	obj.makeLoginIframeId = function(opt_postId) {
		if (!opt_postId) {
			return 'dsq-login-iframe';
		}
		return 'dsq-login-iframe-' + opt_postId;
	};
	obj.makeReplyIframeName = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var name = 'dsq-reply-frame';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			name += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			name += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return name;
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId, opt_extraParams, opt_className) {
		// Construct the id so we can check if it's already present.
		// Hide any other iframes we find, and show this one if it's found.
		var params = opt_extraParams || {};
		// use xtype in the id and name so we can distinguish media replies from text replies:
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeId(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var name = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeName(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var attributes = {
			'id': id,
			'name': name,
			'class': opt_className || 'dsq-post-reply'
			};
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameReply(opt_postId, opt_extraParams, attributes);
		var iframe = showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
		// It was newly created
		if (iframe) {
			Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED, {
				postId: opt_postId,
				node: iframe,
				xtype: params.xtype
			});
		}
	};
	obj.showLoginIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId) {
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeLoginIframeId(opt_postId);
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: id});
		showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed = function(container, opt_postId) {
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			obj.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, opt_postId);
		} else {
			obj.hideAllInContainer(container);
		}
	};
	obj.hideAllInContainer = function(container) {
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				child.style.display = 'none';
			}
		}
	};

	return obj;
}();

Dsq.Twitter = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startTwitterConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._twitterWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/twitter/begin/', 'twitterWindow', popupParams);
		that._twitterInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeTwitterConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeTwitterConnect = function() {
		if (that._twitterWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._twitterInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Yahoo = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startYahooConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._yahooWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/yahoo/begin/', 'yahooWindow', popupParams);
		that._yahooInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeYahooConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeYahooConnect = function() {
		if (that._yahooWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._yahooInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.OpenID = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.requestURL = function() {
		var message = '<table class="dsq-openid-form"><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="2"><img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url + '/images/openid-icon-100x100.png" /></td>';
		message += '<td><label for="dsq-openid-url">OpenID URL:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-url" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td><label for="dsq-openid-username">Display name:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-username" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td class="dsq-openid-submit" colspan="3"><input type="button" value="Sign in" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.startConnect();" /></td></tr>';
		message += "</table>";

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sign in using OpenID');
	};

	this.startConnect = function() {
		var isblank = function(str) {
			return /^\s*$/.test(str);
		};

		var openid_url = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-url').value;
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-username').value;

		if (isblank(openid_url)) {
			return;
		}

		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=500';
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/openid/begin/' + '?url=' + encodeURIComponent(openid_url) + '&username=' + encodeURIComponent(username);
		that._openidWindow = window.open(url, 'openidWindow', popupParams);
		that._openidInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeConnect = function() {
		if (that._openidWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._openidInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Reaction = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.hide = function(id) {
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/hidereaction.js?' + 'reaction_id=' + id);
	};

	this.reportMissingReactions = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled) {
			return;
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.queued) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Your report has been received. The system will automatically search for new reactions; if any are found, they will be displayed on this comment thread.<br/><br/>Thank&nbsp;you.',
												 'Reported missing reactions');
			return;
		}

		Dsq.Utils.execScript(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/forums/jackandjillpolitics/queueurl.js');
	};
};

Dsq.CNN = function() {
	var obj = {};

	obj.authenticate = function() {
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + "/saml/cnn/try/";
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl(url, {'target': document.location}, true);
	};

	return obj;
}();


if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
	(function() {
		DSQ_HEADER_AVATAR_RE = /<div class="dsq-header-avatar"(.*?)>/gim;
		Dsq.Templates.registerFilter('postPrependHeader', function(html, post_id) {
			// Add "onmouseout" for dsq-header-avatar for dropProfile
			// functionality since IE6 cannot use :hover.
			function _headerAvatarReplace(content, inner, _unused, html) {
				return '<div class="dsq-header-avatar" '
					+ inner
					+ ' onmouseout="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')">';
			}
			html = html.replace(DSQ_HEADER_AVATAR_RE, _headerAvatarReplace);
			return html;
		});
	})();
}





	// TODO: Move Seesmic code outside of the main script.  Don't let this script clobber the global namespace.
	if(typeof seesmic == 'undefined') { var seesmic = {}; }
	seesmic.widget = new function () {
		this.callback = function (data) {
			playerVersion = data.disqusplayer;
		};
	};

	
	var scriptEl = document.createElement('script');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript');
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<ul id="dsq-comments">\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3647699">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3647699" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3647699" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3647699" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3647699" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3647699" class="dsq-comment-message">Also some are dismissing the role of religion which should not be because it is off-putting. I could turn around and say that your dismissal of Christianity is bigoted. <br><br>While I am a rather liberal and pragmatic Christian who focuses on all of God\'s teachings and not what I have selected nor do I conjure up my own interpretations of those teachings...I cannot say the same thing for everyone.<br><br>There are those who are strict and conservative about it or are fearing as my mother is. My mother would have voted in support of the prop 8 as my uncle would have but she is far from being bigoted towards gays. She owns five florists and 60 percent of her employees are gay males. <br><br>She is opposed to discrimination and persecution of gays, lesbians, bisexuals whomever. She once pulled her ad from a church up in Westchester because they told one of our gay employees who grew up in the church that he was not allowed back. They even returned his donations. My mother was so upset and immediately phoned the church to pull her and ads and return her money.<br><br>She says that we are all god\'c children but here is the issue.<br><br>My mother believes that the definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman. It gets touchy because of her beliefs about marriage that are influenced by her Christian beliefs. This is where much of this stems from. <br><br>If anyone cares to go look, there was another state that had banning gay adoptions on the ballot and the black vote that was polled by exit polls was split almost 50/50 so it was closer there.<br><br>I think that there needs to be a dialogue opened on the topic because many do not understand certain correlations in the same way that some are unable to connect issues that surround class, religion and gender with race or race, class and religion with gender or whatever other combination. Sexual orientation especially for the older generations are new. <br><br>However the nastiness that I am reading on leftist blogs have turned me off even more than I have already been turned off by the rhetoric of white liberals.<br><br>As I have always said, blacks are merely pawns, objects. We are yet to actually become subjects in the minds of white liberals, white conservative whomever. It is like they have failed to understand us as a community. Its pretty sad.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3647468">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3647468" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3647468" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3647468" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3647468" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3647468" class="dsq-comment-message">Guys, I must but into this conversation and ask,<br><br>Do you have to vote on a proposition? I skipped voting on the proposition out here in New York. It had something to do with sex offenders I believe.<br><br>I am about to phone all my friends and family who voted in Cali.<br><br>I know off the back that my uncle who is a minister voted in support of the proposition. He also spoke to his church about supporting it. What I am thinking is that those who went to the polls and voted on the proposition went there to vote against it while others simply voted for president and whomever else and came out. Those people were well aware of it and went knowing that they "had" to support it.<br><br>My friends are not politcally astute and they probably voted for Barack and did not give a damn about anything else. I should have phoned them ahead of time and told them to vote No but I dropped the ball and did not.<br><br>Many people have brought up much of what I was going to say and I simply wrote "exactly" and "I co-sign" under there comments.<br><br>This whole debacle has been both hurtful and off-putting.<br><br>I would like to know how many white gays voted down Affirmative Action throughout the years in some states? <br><br>The vile comments coming out of the mouths of my white gay and racist bosses is sad. It was the first thing I heard on Wednesday morning. These are men who have two black employees out of 83 employees. Guess who that one of the black employees are? The other one is a black gay guy who is limited to do remedial jobs even though he is capable of more. Where is the brotherhood? Yet they have the audacity to speak about inequality and hypocrisy.<br><br>It is sad because we need to be uniting and there is all this bad blood now.<br><br>I have been instrumental in trying to enlighten the highly conservative black church community. I would like to know what all the white gays were doing while everyone in the U.S. of A. where tearing down Rev. Jeremiah A Wright whose church is one of the few churches and church denominations accepting and open to the gay community?<br><br>P.S. Wasn\'t there an ad in California that falsely used Barack Obama. They misconstrued his words and made it seem like he is opposed to gay marriage.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3656535">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3656535" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3656535" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3656535">Aaron/Raul</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3656535" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3656535" class="dsq-comment-message">i think we as black people would empower ourselves much more if we stopped making everything a black and white issue especially when we are accused at racism and start responding  with racism in torn.Prop 8 is unconstitutional period that is why Obama opposes it .Legislating religious moral views is unconstitutional unless your property or person is in harms way.  We as blacks continue to marginalize ourselves and limit our reach by perceiving universal problems as only ours.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3628623">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3628623" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3628623" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3628623" href="http://getbad.net/blog" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Noelani</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3628623" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3628623" class="dsq-comment-message">I have no energy to address this issue, I\'ve had my battle with this way back in February on Democratic Underground. I am not a California resident, but I could care less who marries who and who gets benefits.<br><br>I\'m just really getting sick and tired of blacks being the scapegoat for every fucking thing under the sun in this country.<br><br>Grow up, America.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605523">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605523" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605523" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605523" href="http://www.WEESeeYou.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Webb</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605523" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605523" class="dsq-comment-message">First, I want to congratulate <b>Karl Rove</b> for so successfully stirring the emotions of my people that EVEN IN THE MIDST of the TOTAL ANNIHILATION of the Republican Party, we now find ourselves here DIVIDING ourselves AGAIN and being WEDGED apart once more.<br><br>...that we are even debating an issue which resulted in the ***cking re-election of George Bush stuns me.<br><br>What is the purpose of a debate on gay marriage?  This issue was not born to evaluate the merits of homosexuality, individual freedoms or constitutional rights.  This issue was born to divide black people (particularly black people in Ohio) and help Republicans win future elections.<br><br>Brothers and Sisters...CHECK YOURSELVES!  Lest you be hoodwinked, bamboozled and run amok.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605799">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605799" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605799" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605799">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605799" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605799" class="dsq-comment-message">Well stated Webb. The whole \'culture wars\' issues are about dividing the electoral so that GOP can win elections and put up folks like Sarah Palin for VP when she does not even know what a continent is and thinks because she can see Russia from Alaska that she knows foreign policy....UGH!!!<br><br>I detest the gay agenda and the culture wars.<br><br>No American citizen should ever be able to proclaim that their \'different\' behavior entitles them to special rights and privileges.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3611651">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3611651" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3611651" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3611651">George S.</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3611651" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3611651" class="dsq-comment-message">At least it\'s clear that you\'re a bigot.  I\'ll bet you think gay people choose to be gay.  Am I right?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616367">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616367" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616367" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616367">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616367" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616367" class="dsq-comment-message">I bet you are one of those ignorant cretin smallmindedredneckmindset folks who beleive that there is some DNA folks can inherit that makes them \'involuntarily\' gay don\'t you?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3648655">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3648655" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3648655" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3648655">George S.</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3648655" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3648655" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks for confirming my suspicions that you are a bigot.  Your ignorance is appalling.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605854">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605854" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605854" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605854" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605854" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605854" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank you.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3600234">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3600234" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3600234" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3600234">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3600234" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3600234" class="dsq-comment-message">I saw the 70% number on MSNBC during an interview with Gavin Newson.  I was actually coming her to post about it and found this thread.  I am shocked that the number was so high and  after reading the longer inked post I have a better idea how the info was gathered.  I still think 70% of a 240 person sample is really high.  No matter what community the black people polled live in I find it hard to understand why 70% would be against gay marriage.   I live in California, until recently in San Francisco and prior to that at the beach and in the burbs.  I\'ve never considered any group of black people to be anti-gay or anti-gay marriage. The numbers don\'t add up</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3596468">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3596468" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3596468" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3596468" href="http://sooncome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">JunePearl</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3596468" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3596468" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank goodness the Afrosphere is addressing this. Why Black folk are being blamed for this boggles my mind.<br><br>(Oh, and psst: We told y\'all Obama\'s win would not mean a "post-racial" America.)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598367">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598367" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598367" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3598367" href="http://www.thebottomofheaven.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">claudia_m</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598367" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598367" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>We told y\'all Obama\'s win would not mean a "post-racial" America.</i><br><br>I was thinking this SAME thing.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3603953">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3603953" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3603953" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3603953" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3603953" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3603953" class="dsq-comment-message">The first time I said that (ON THIS VERY BLOG) was the first time I got shouted down for hating on Obama &lt;&lt;&lt;eyebrows raised&gt;&gt;&gt;<br><br>Now, you know.  Pass that meme along, too - that a vote for Obama does not absolve this country of over 500 years of ill treatment and 200 years of feeling guilty about it.<br><br>If anything, we just earned a bulls\' eye on our backs because the white fringe lunatics who didn\'t want Obama to win, are foaming at the mouth like rabid dogs and want to harm him, physically, mentally and emotionally.  <br><br>You know that Hell just froze over a little more when Fox is Reporting Accurate news and CNN is MAKING SHYT UP.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3596590">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3596590" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3596590" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3596590" href="http://esquiresworld.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Esquire</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3596590" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3596590" class="dsq-comment-message">I definitely linked this up on my site.<br><br>Personally, I blame this on CNN and the media for pumping out this myth.<br><br>Wonderful breakdown by Shannika</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3596686">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3596686" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3596686" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3596686">RonnieB</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3596686" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3596686" class="dsq-comment-message">We get criticized for voting too uniformly; <b>and</b> we get criticized for voting like all other groups.<br><br>Damn!  We can\'t win for losin\'.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3596839">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3596839" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3596839" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3596839">Nate_Wesley</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3596839" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3596839" class="dsq-comment-message">There is some ditzy black host on CNN or Headline News who probably the cause of this mess--The Daily Show showed a clip of her spiel on this very issue, making this very false claim.   I don\'t know her name or who she is, other than she smiles too much for her caked-on makeup.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3596898">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3596898" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3596898" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3596898">Miss- Opinion </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3596898" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3596898" class="dsq-comment-message">Andrew Sullivan unfortunately was pushing this meme. He is really into the whole "black people hate gays more than the mainstream realizes." Yes, we have homophobia in our community. But we were the ones to end marriage equality? Um, no.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3596984">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3596984" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3596984" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3596984" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3596984" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3596984" class="dsq-comment-message">You\'re right. And I took him to task for it. He has since shifted his rhetoric and he deserves credit for listening.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3596961">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3596961" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3596961" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3596961" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3596961" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3596961" class="dsq-comment-message">They\'ve been pitting blacks against gays forever. For those of us who are both, it\'s depressing.<br><br>But that doesn\'t mean we as black people can ignore what we all know happens and what is said in many of our churches and communities because we can\'t.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3603871">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3603871" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3603871" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3603871" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3603871" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3603871" class="dsq-comment-message">As y\'all know, my screen name is CPL, which stands for "Christian Progressive Liberal".  It reflects my values and my ideology.  Which also means, I part ways with my Christian friends because I\'m not out there gay-bashing, and when you ask them how being around gays affect their lives, usually, they can\'t answer you.<br><br>If it\'s sexuality they can\'t understand, I wish they would say so.  And additionally, the Black Church has been at the forefront of gay-bashing, while allowing the gay choir director to fire up the choir on Sundays like he\'s Kirk Franklin.  It further illustrates how disingenious our churches are being for refusing to discuss what is in front of us and genuflecting on "How Would Jesus Want Us to Act?"<br><br>Far too often, I find Christians are those who want to control someone else and not allow that person to develop and cultivate their own relationship with Jesus because to do so might mean one person\'s relationship with God is not like anyone else\'s, and they can\'t HAVE THAT.<br><br>I find that there\'s more often abuse in the Church rather than saving souls and unconditional acceptance because the Christians are trying to do Jesus\' job for HIM and don\'t trust HIM to do His own work.  If God didn\'t want gays on this earth, wouldn\'t He have wired us to chose the way He Wants?  <br><br>I guess that\'s why it\'s called \'FREE WILL".  And I also take the Chris Rock approach - whomever you develop a hatred or intolerance for, there\'s a better than 90% chance you\'re going to encounter that person IN YOUR OWN FAMILY.<br><br>Kinda of the lesson to learn tolerance when an "undesirable" shows up amongst the kinfolk...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605015">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605015" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605015" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605015">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605015" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605015" class="dsq-comment-message">I find your reasoning as a Christian flawed. What ever makes it wrong to accept the choir director because he is gay in the church?  The church accepts all folks no matter what sin they engage in. The church opens it doors and supports folks as they seek redemption for those sins.<br><br>So, based on Christian beliefs it is consistent that Gays would be in church.<br><br>With regard to your other query...would he have wired us to chose the way he wants?<br><br>No, God granted us free will to choose him.  It is our choice to believe in him. It is our choice to engage in sin.  <br><br>More importantly, God \'wired\' us to reproduce so we know that he did not \'wire\' folks to engage in homosexuality.<br><br>Homosexuality is sexually pleasurable. Like all pleasurable things in life we are free to do them but it does not mean that was God\'s plans.  That was YOUR plan, YOU chose it and if you want to choose God\'s plan then you confess and ask for redemption.<br><br>NO one has to have hate or intolerance for individuals who practice behaviors society does not condone, whether they are a drug addict, prostitute, rapist, pedophile or theif..we have the right as a society to pass laws that discriminate against those behaviors and we even get to criminalize them in the interest of a civil society.<br><br>Even if I have a drunk, thief, rapist or pedophile in my own family it does not mean I have to accept or condone that behavior.  Anymore, than I have to accept an arsonist, adulterer or prostitute in the family.<br><br>Homosexuality is not the only behavior discriminated against by society, churches or families.<br><br>Homosexuals are simply the only ones who are brazen enough to beleive that society HAS to conform to their aberrant behavior and  condone and accept it. Homosexuals are the ones who beleive they can be Christians while practicing homosexuality...other groups like addicts, prostitutes and thieves know they need to change that behavior in order to be christian.<br><br>Those folks aren\'t going around trying to force society and church to condone their actions.<br><br>Guess they just plain  have more sense and are nowhere near as narcissitic.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605070">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605070" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605070" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605070" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605070" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605070" class="dsq-comment-message">Vile, hateful, nasty, irresponsible, foul.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605137">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605137" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605137" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605137">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605137" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605137" class="dsq-comment-message">Sounds like you are unable to rebut the argument. Your descriptors are vile, hateful, nasty, irresponsible and foul behavior on your part.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605991">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605991" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605991" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605991" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605991" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605991" class="dsq-comment-message">Sounds like you refuse to see how vile, hateful, divisive, nasty, irresponsible, and foul your rhetoric is.<br><br>I\'m all done with you. You can have the last word if you need to.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605074">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605074" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605074" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605074">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605074" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605074" class="dsq-comment-message">BTW, when I use the term, you in the post, it is universal and not personal</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3607306">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3607306" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3607306" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3607306">legaldiva</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3607306" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3607306" class="dsq-comment-message">Let me ask you one simple question, How does a gay couple marrying and living their life affect the way that you live your life everyday? Is it harder to wake up in the morning? Can you just not get through your day? I find the sheer ignorance of hiding behind the veil of the church abominable. If deep down in your heart you believe that homosexuality is a sin then so be it but that is not your place to judge them its God\'s so let s/he deal with that.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3611856">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3611856" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3611856" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3611856">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3611856" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3611856" class="dsq-comment-message">The questions you pose are all emotional. I need not nor am not asserting that gay couples marrying affects the way I live daily. Rather, I am saying that it is not something that benefits the whole of society to the degree that society is obligated to advocate or incentivize the act by granting benefits.<br><br>I do not beleive that homosexuality is a sin...that is however what Christians believes and I was making that argument to the other poster who said that CPL stood for Christian progressive liberal and then went on to infer that the black church was hypocritical because it\'s parishoners do not support homosexuality even as they have choir directors who are gay. My argument was that having choir directors who are gay in the church is wholly consistent with the principles of the christian faith in terms of welcoming sinners and promising redemption upon renounciation of the sin.<br><br>I am not judging gays at all. My argument is that \'gay marriage\' does not fit the frame work for what societys intent was when granting benefits to individuals who create  matrimony under law.<br><br>In short, society gains nothing by promoting gay marriage. <br>I am very happy to allow God to be the judge.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616765">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616765" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616765" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616765">afroacademic</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616765" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616765" class="dsq-comment-message">Sorry you\'re a fool. Procreation has never been the primary reason for marriage, except for in a strange American Dream fantasy land. <br><br>Marriage, the the Western sense, was a ceremony to transfer and consolidate wealth. Currently, the most steady benefits of marriage are that it lowers crime, increases investment, and discourages instability in communities. Children, at best, are served by stable multi-person homes, but research has shown that haven\'t a hetero parenting unit isn\'t the only way to ensure better child rearing.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3617026">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3617026" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3617026" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3617026">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3617026" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3617026" class="dsq-comment-message">You are the fool for presuming.<br>I made no assertion that the primary reason for marriage was procreation. <br><br>There is an avalanche of data that shows the having opposite gender parenting is the way to maximize the potential of human development.<br><br>Can other parenting models raise children?  sure but none of those maximize the potential...they simply \'do their best\'<br><br>Society then has an inherent interest in promoting the very best option for development of human potential, which is the reason for providing marital incentives along with the legal responsibility of financially supporting all children born within a marriage.<br><br>Those are the primary reasons for marital benefits being offered by society. Society does not have the financial burden or supporting offsprings that adults produce and society benefits by having children raised with both both a father and mother in the home as that has proved to be the best for developing their maximimum potential.<br><br>How about you take your foot out your mouth or at least remove that academic from your moniker.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3619668">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3619668" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3619668" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3619668">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3619668" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3619668" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>There is an avalanche of data that shows the having opposite gender parenting is the way to maximize the potential of human development.</i><br><br>OK I am sticking to my effort to learn whatever it is I am lately trying to learn about all this, rather than argue (so I won\'t get into asking where the data comes from) and ... this raises my curiosity again because it just may tie into something my girlfriend and I were just talking about a little while ago.<br><br>Question for you: In your view, what is it specifically about opposite gender parenting that maximizes human development/potential? (I hope you\'re still reading and interested in all this and interested in answering)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3621151">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3621151" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3621151" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3621151" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3621151" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3621151" class="dsq-comment-message">Now, you\'re reporting erroneous facts, WhiteRoseBuddy, and you allowed your own perceptions to cloud that response.<br><br>What I SAID was the fact that the Black Church is being hypocritical for denouncing homosexuality, for everyone else, but overlooks and allows the gay choir director up in the church, while refusing to discuss the entire issue of homosexuality and how the Church responds to it.  They would rather say one thing, do another and ignore the ramifications of their silence, condemnation and dogmatic application of the Bible without taking into account the fact that the people they condemn are human beings, too.<br><br>If you\'re going to quote me, or make reference to my comments, at least be accurate.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3625410">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3625410" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3625410" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3625410" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3625410" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3625410" class="dsq-comment-message">Additionally, the Black Church\'s silence on issues like these, are helping to facilitate the growing numbers of African-Americans infected by HIV because if they disclose their status, it will automatically be assumed by those in the church that they were "fornicating" or are gays/lesbians, because, despite all the evidence and information to the contrary, there are a good number of African-Americans who believe AIDS is still a gay man\'s disease, and refuse to take into account how many other ways HIV can be contracted.<br><br>That\'s what I was trying to point out - the hypocrasy, the silence and the dogmatic application of biblical principles to punish, but not to be compassionate and supportive.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3621118">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3621118" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3621118" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3621118" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3621118" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3621118" class="dsq-comment-message">WhiteRoseBuddy, you have made it very clear how YOU feel about gay marriage.<br><br>I expect you to find my reasoning as a Christian "flawed" because I\'ve already said, if my relationship with Christ is not LIKE YOURS, then it\'s assumed that my relationship with Him is FLAWED.<br><br>You basically proved my point - I consider myself as much of a Christian as you do - only my peace comes from knowing I\'m trying to exemplify Christ\'s character to the best of my ability.  My relationship with Jesus is not like YOURS, and I wouldn\'t expect it to be, because just as we\'re created unique, our relationships with Jesus will be JUST AS UNIQUE.<br><br>The issue of Prop 8 is one where we, as African-Americans, KNOW BEST how much it hurts to be discriminated against.  Until it\'s proven beyond scientific doubt that people can choose their sexuality, I will tend to error on the side that maybe they are BORN THAT WAY, and I also will always believe God places no more on a person than they can bear.<br><br>Just as we don\'t choose to be discriminated against, I can\'t believe that gay people choose to BE GAY.  No one would willingly CHOOSE to be excluded from society; to be fired from jobs for what they do behind closed doors; to be considered less than a human being.<br><br>I also have to say this - for every Christian who thought I was a "screw-up", who judged me without mercy, and who refused to allow forgiveness for past mistakes - there was an agnostic, atheist or LGBT individual who looked past ALL OF THAT, and not only saw my potential, but encouraged it, and if possible, gave me a second and sometimes a third chance.<br><br>So, according to YOU, my reasoning as a Christian is flawed because I choose to be tolerant and unconditionally accepting - which is how Jesus treated the woman at the well, or the woman about to be stoned for being caught in the very act of adultery, or the blind man restored his sight - Jesus treated them ALL with compassion and unconditional acceptance upon encountering them, and He STILL left them with the will to CHOOSE TO FOLLOW HIM.<br><br>Prop 8 is about controlling someone who\'s lifestyle and personal choices you don\'t agree with.  I say live, let live, and LET GOD SORT IT OUT.<br><br>We CHOOSE to disagree on this, and I\'m not apologizing because you believe my reasoning as a Christian, to YOUR way of thinking, is FLAWED.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605087">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605087" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605087" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605087" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605087" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605087" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s what I\'m talking about.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605652">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605652" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605652" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605652" href="http://www.WEESeeYou.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Webb</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605652" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605652" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Far too often, I find Christians are those who want to control someone else</i><br><br>Full Co-Sign Here!  <br><br>There is a special place in (self-censorship) for all of the AA ministers who supported GWBush on the basis of gay marriage.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3611364">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3611364" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3611364" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3611364">TruthSeeker</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3611364" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3611364" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3597376">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3597376" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3597376" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3597376" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3597376" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3597376" class="dsq-comment-message">I kinda have to blame John Aravosis - he put the following post out there, and I think the link also has MY response:<br><br><a href="http://www.americablog.com/2008/11/on-homophobia-and-racism.html?disqus_reply=3565775#comment-3565775" rel="nofollow">http://www.americablog.com/2008/11/on-homophobi...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3597411">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3597411" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3597411" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3597411" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3597411" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3597411" class="dsq-comment-message">Here was my response to that shyt:<br><br><b>Sounds like Bryan is a closet bigot to lay the blame for the passage of Prop. 8 solely at the feet of African-Americans.<br><br>We\'re always getting the blame for shyt out of our control, and just because this nation elected a Black Man as POTUS last night, don\'t think for one minute that African-Americans get an automatic toehold in ANYTHING.<br><br>Way to stay classy, Bryan. Too much trouble to do some REAL analysis of why Prop. 8 failed, isn\'t it, like maybe, anything south of Fresno is full of xenophobes and fundie wingnuts - not to mention the millions of dollars that poured into California from Utah - and the activists got caught flat footed and unprepared because of natural assumption that Californians would do the Right Thing?<br><br>I watched Prop. 209 passed twelve years ago - when Californians thought they were voting for a Proposition to strengthen Civil Rights and Affirmative Action, when in fact, the proposition all but eliminated affirmative action in education and contracting.<br><br>Bryan, you\'re a dipshyt and not worth me ranting at your ignorant ass any longer. You\'re a damned troll and you are an anomaly; GAY AND INTOLERANT.</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598374">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598374" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598374" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3598374">RonnieB</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598374" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598374" class="dsq-comment-message">Didn\'t someone also try to blame the passage of Prop 187 (the anti-Mexican initiative) on Black Californians?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598836">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598836" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598836" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3598836">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598836" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598836" class="dsq-comment-message">A Mayor(can\'t remember his name) was on MSNBC practically crying & blaming blacks for killing Prop 8.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605779">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605779" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605779" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605779">caligirl</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605779" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605779" class="dsq-comment-message">if that mayor was gavin newsom, he needs to sit down and shut the fuck up.  he was instrumental in pricing TOO MANY black and latino families out of san francisco.  he has helped to make san fran. an elitist, high-priced city where few black and brown people can afford to live comfortably.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3606576">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3606576" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3606576" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3606576" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3606576" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3606576" class="dsq-comment-message">Well he hasn\'t helped but he didn\'t start this mess. When Slick Willie Brown was in office he didn\'t exactly help his fellow Black people either. It\'s only gotten worse the past 8 years. My rent has damned near tripled since 2001. Too bad I can\'t say the same about my salary!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3625370">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3625370" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3625370" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3625370" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3625370" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3625370" class="dsq-comment-message">Girl, Slick Willie in some instances, helped fling Black San Franciscans under the bus with his policies.  I worked in his administration for five years, and he was about supporting those who brung him to the dance, while depending on the votes of the Black community to keep him at the dance.<br><br>When he got into that run off election a few years back, he played the "they\'re trying to run a Black Man from office" BS big time.  And as I recall, it was a gay member of the Board of Supervisors who was a write-in candidate that forced the run off because that guy had full support of the LGBT community, despite Brown being very gay-friendly.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3606536">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3606536" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3606536" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3606536" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3606536" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3606536" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s effing Newsom, my pretty boy Mayor full of fluff and air who thought he was going to ride the Gay Marriage wave to the Governor\'s office in 2010. I spoke to him in July and told him we had a huge problem with disgruntled Black folk about the rampant greed going on unchecked that was pricing them out of the City and out of work. All he\'s focused on is building condos and cozying up to the rich.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3625348">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3625348" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3625348" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3625348" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3625348" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3625348" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep.<br><br>And in case y\'all wondering, I was a direct eyewitness to that conversation.<br><br>Even then, Newsome talks a good game, but it\'s not how well you talk your game; it\'s how well you WALK IT.<br><br>He\'s flunking on all counts.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3597494">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3597494" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3597494" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3597494" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3597494" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3597494" class="dsq-comment-message">Andrew Sullivan and Dan Savage and quite a few Black bloggers are adding to the pile on as well. I live here in San Francisco the alleged "Gay Mecca" of America and I saw no outreach from No on 8 but there was a negative Yes on 8 ad running nearly every 10 minutes during daytime tv. Asians and Latinos voted for Yes as well as whites of course but nobody\'s blaming THEM!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598327">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598327" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598327" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3598327" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598327" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598327" class="dsq-comment-message">Actually, Asians and whites in CA voted No by a slim majority according the exit polls I just saw.<br><br>For the umpteenth time, Andrew Sullivan has tamped down his rhetoric after I emailed him. I don\'t know if he did it because of my email or because of many, but he has. We can\'t keep repeating only one version of the truth.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598759">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598759" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598759" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3598759" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598759" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598759" class="dsq-comment-message">Craig,<br><br>Exit polls are not votes. And I don\'t care that Andrew Sullivan retreated somewhat when he was so quick to lay blame in the first place. Obama is not the Magic negro litmus test and a privileged white man is still has his privilege AND an audience to pollute whether he is gay or not.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3599372">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3599372" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3599372" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3599372" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3599372" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3599372" class="dsq-comment-message">But how can you not care that Andrew Sullivan retreated when faced with reasoned and reasonable criticism?<br><br>It takes two sides to fight a war, heartsandflowers.<br><br>I sit at the crossroads of Black and Gay. I\'ve spent most of my adult life educating, in both word and deed, racist white gays and homophobic blacks and Latinos.<br><br>And I\'m tired of both "sides" taking the bait every time somebody dangles something in front of them and engaging in a fight with the same damn talking points that don\'t do anything to move us forward. <br><br>I know the reality.<br><br>But I want to change it, not keep feeding the beast.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3599531">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3599531" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3599531" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3599531" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3599531" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3599531" class="dsq-comment-message">I can not give a rat\'s ass when Sully does inflammatory shyt like this and then realizes that he\'ll lose his honorary Negro card if he doesn\'t back off.<br><br>And that\'s what he\'s doing, unless he read Shanikka\'s diary, which was a DAMNED GOOD EXPLANATION of the issue, complete with statistics to back it up.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604124">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604124" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604124" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3604124" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604124" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604124" class="dsq-comment-message">Craig,<br><br>I hear you. I really do. I can hold him accountable for not taking responsibility for running his mouth when he knows he has influence. He used exit polls and percentages, not actual votes to determine his argument. How many gay and gay friendly people felt personally motivated to take action other than writing a check for No on 8? What work did he personally do to fight for No on 8? What about all the other states\' legislation that passed with similar results? Does he even know any Black people in a meaningful way? He still needs to check his racism. <br><br>Where are the standards of accountability? This is the larger argument about those that ran the No on 8 campaign. What research they did. Who they talked to. Why they underestimated the opposition. Why they assumed a few celebrities representing No on 8 was enough to sway the populace. Why are YOU defending him and how does defending him benefit you? He is not HELPING resolve this issue because No on 8 would\'ve still failed if they had removed every Black vote either for or against it. <br><br>The discussion of Black people realizing their potential, taking advantage of opportunities and believing in themselves and not clinging to a narrow definition of religiosity is a much larger issue we are still (not) resolving which impacts so much of our lives and is a whole other interconnecting issue to work through. That\'s the conversation to have, the strategy to develop and the journey we need to take together.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604845">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604845" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604845" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3604845" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604845" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604845" class="dsq-comment-message">Why are YOU defending him and how does defending him benefit you? He is not HELPING resolve this issue because No on 8 would\'ve still failed if they had removed every Black vote either for or against it.<br><br>::<br><br>Because I\'m changing. He had a knee jerk reaction, he got called out, and he changed his rhetoric.  He made a mistake and promptly corrected himself. I\'m defending reality, not him. <br><br>Why are you pillorying him for a position he changed? I wouldn\'t want anyone to keep making me pay for something I had already backed away from or changed my mind about.<br><br>I totally agree with your last paragraph.<br><br>But let me also say this: <br><br>I\'ve considered myself a member of this family for most of the year. And yet, as far as I\'m aware, I\'m the only black gay person who posts on this blog. <br><br>Now, I can\'t believe I\'m the only black gay person who posts on this blog and yet, I can\'t say I know another one.<br><br>We can\'t educate our communities if we exist in silence.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604987">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604987" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604987" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3604987" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604987" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604987" class="dsq-comment-message">Craig,<br><br>He performed racial arson. You can put the fire out but you can\'t save the house after it has burned down. If he actually uses this as a moment to LEARN something and makes every effort at forming a coalition then I will back off. I don\'t see that happening. If he didn\'t have bias he wouldn\'t have been so quick to express it. Saying sorry means little to me when you don\'t back it up with a fundamental change. I am going to hold them ALL equally accountable. <br><br>I\'m not sure if you are in CA right now, but it is NASTY right now. SF isn\'t quite as incendiary as LA but it\'s quite...hectic. There\'s a rally at 530pm here. I\'m reading Jasmynne\'s blog and things are a mess. It\'s just the latest example of the white gay male choosing his whiteness when it\'s convenient and the N-word and violence is not far behind. They could care less about the LGBTs of color.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605487">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605487" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605487" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605487">caligirl</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605487" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605487" class="dsq-comment-message">i agree with you.  i wrote something similar before reading this comment.  andrew sullivan should be ashamed of himself.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605971">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605971" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605971" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605971" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605971" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605971" class="dsq-comment-message">I made my feelings known to Andrew Sullivan and he appears to have responded.<br><br>One of the things in this campaign that drove me up a wall was when folks kept using bittergate against Barack even after he explained what he meant and said that he made a mistake and then acted on it by reaching out even more aggressively to the kinds of people he may have offended.<br><br>Matt Drudge is a racial arsonist. Fox news peddles in racial arson on a daily basis.<br><br>I was livid at Andrew Sullivan\'s remarks, but since he has backtracked and used far more responsible rhetoric on the matter in his latest posts on the subject, I\'m inclined to forgive him and move on.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3625332">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3625332" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3625332" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3625332" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3625332" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3625332" class="dsq-comment-message">Matt Drudge is in the CLOSET, otherwise he wouldn\'t have been so quick to light the flames on this issue, for all the negative reasons.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616718">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616718" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616718" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616718">afroacademic</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616718" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616718" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m queer, I\'m black, I\'m male. I just moved to a new city so I haven\'t posted much. <br><br>I know I sent Sully some e-mails and at least he\'s actually looking at other demographics in CA, like the huge surge in Catholic voters.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3622220">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3622220" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3622220" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3622220">bittersweet</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3622220" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3622220" class="dsq-comment-message">Black lesbian mostly-lurker raising her hand here, and Craig, you are so always on point.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604883">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604883" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604883" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3604883">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604883" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604883" class="dsq-comment-message">Not only did Sullivan fail to do analysis, like Bill Clinton he felt it was OK to racemonger!!<br><br>That is the bigger issue. You see Sullivan likes to claim as do sooo many homosexuals that they are a \'minority\' and they are discriminated against and they are being denied some rights analogous to blacks and the civil rights movement.<br><br>But then he wants to twist the knife and single out black folks to discriminate AGAINST?<br><br>Ain\'t that just too rich.<br><br>Blacks are not the reason the gay agenda does not hold water.  Folks simply find the behavior unacceptable when it comes to raising children and promoting reproduction in our society.<br><br>Homosexuals have been so successful in distinguishing themselves as not even being pedophiles despite the majority of pedophile cases whether it is the Catholic church or at large stats are same gender cases.<br><br>Sullivan deserves no respect for thinking he can discriminate against a real minority group in this society on the basis of him trying to perpetrate the myth of homosexuals being a minority.<br><br>I say send him to prison and let him find out what it truly feels like to be a minority while the majority engages in the same sexual behavior he claims makes him a minority.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605039">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605039" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605039" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605039" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605039" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605039" class="dsq-comment-message">Vile.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605101">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605101" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605101" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605101">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605101" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605101" class="dsq-comment-message">When blacks spoke up for their rights whites called them vile too.<br><br>Being candid, direct and truthful is not vile.<br><br>Or maybe you think homosexuality is vile.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605359">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605359" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605359" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605359" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605359" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605359" class="dsq-comment-message">I think your rhetoric is vile.<br><br>And most of it is not truthful. It\'s simply what you believe.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3606042">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3606042" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3606042" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3606042">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3606042" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3606042" class="dsq-comment-message">I certainly could say that you have nothing but your own beliefs to rebut with.<br><br><br><br>Unlike your  non factual vile comments my beleifs are factually based which means they are not only shared by numerous others but they have are facts.<br><br>What you have are opinions without any factual basis that result in a commentary void of logic and reason.<br><br>In short it would help if you believe there is some \'untruth\' it would to post the facts to rebut the assertions.<br><br>Otherwise it appears the rhetoric is solely yours and is indeed vile.<br><br>I bet you didn\'t call A Sullivan\'s racist rant vile but I suppose when your beleifs have no factual basis tha tis all there is left for you to do.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605373">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605373" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605373" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605373" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605373" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605373" class="dsq-comment-message">Ok you sorta had me but I have to draw the line with the pedophile comparison. Most child molesters are straight.  They are predators hunting for opportunity and victims. I am far more offended if there can be a comparison to the majority white female teachers perpetrating these crimes against their male students and basically getting away with it and having people offer excuses for their violation.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598654">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598654" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598654" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3598654">sdg1844</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598654" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598654" class="dsq-comment-message">I live in San Fran as well.  I remember watching a deluge of Yes ads for weeks before I saw a No ad that featured magic Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson.  No doubt we have homophobes in our community.  We have some serious issues to address as a people with respect to gender roles.  Hell yeah, plenty of us voted Yes and that is unacceptable.  However, this "blame the negro" meme needs to stop.  <br><br>I was furious when I started reading this shyt.  I voted No and know a crapload of black folk who voted No as well.  Honest and open dialog is a must because there\'s a shytload of house cleaning that needs to be done.  This is going down a road from which there may be no turning back and we sure as hell don\'t need to be at each other\'s throats.  <br><br>There\'s work to be done and we need to get ot it...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3599155">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3599155" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3599155" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3599155" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3599155" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3599155" class="dsq-comment-message">There\'s a No on 8 rally tonight at 530pm. Those Yes ads were every effective in promoting fear by using children as the argument. If people don\'t (think they) know any gay people and think they are protecting kids it would be easy to sway them to support the ban. Just like some women were so drawn to Sarah Palin despite her spewing hatred and intolerance they thought she would address their special needs kid\'s interests. <br><br>The discussion needed to be about how Mormons (of all people) were trying to tell Californians how to live. We needed to hear from couples. We needed to SEE people of color in love. The No on 8 conducted focus groups instead of talking to people! I also think people are not paying attention to history of these Gay Marriage fights. Less than 10 years ago 61% of the state was opposed and now it\'s down to less than 52%. It\'s going to take another 4-8 years of boots to the ground work and building relationships in multiple communities and RECIPROCITY. When the face of Gay Rights are white men it\'s a little hard to make the case for discrimination when discussing this with Black people. <br><br>I just don\'t buy a majority of Black people (mostly women) said, "We hate teh Gay" and voted Yes. I think people heard one side AND these ballot measures are very confusing, people don\'t take Voter Education classes and they are thinking about their own single status (and hating it) and have no relationships within the gay community. <br><br>Jasmynne Cannick was very critical about how the campaign was being run and warned that it was in trouble at least 2 months ago.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3599499">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3599499" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3599499" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3599499" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3599499" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3599499" class="dsq-comment-message">And, as USUAL, the Black Woman warns people and gets ignored; then vindicated when it ALL GOES TO HELL.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3603793">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3603793" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3603793" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3603793" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3603793" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3603793" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah, she made really good points about speaking to people we don\'t always feel comfortable with. If she had been running the Campaign Yes on 8 would have failed.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3599454">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3599454" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3599454" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3599454" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3599454" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3599454" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s what Shanikka pointed out in her diary, and she did a good analysis, too.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3597578">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3597578" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3597578" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3597578" href="http://www.ravingblacklunatic.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Man</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3597578" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3597578" class="dsq-comment-message">I wrote about this over at my spot.<br>This issue is disturbing<br><br><a href="http://www.ravingblacklunatic.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">www.ravingblacklunatic.blogspot.com</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598387">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598387" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598387" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3598387" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598387" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598387" class="dsq-comment-message">Nice write up.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598808">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598808" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598808" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3598808">ljf</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598808" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598808" class="dsq-comment-message">I am surprised that Proposition 8 did pass.  With what was going politically I thought it would not pass.  However I am not surprised that "Blame the Black Folk" tirade began.  As duly noted, just because Obama is the President-Elect does not means that we are  in a "Post Racial" era.  I bet you will see  a lot racist folks excuse their racism because they "voted for Obama\'<br><br>Well looks like those racist middle/upper middle white gay men are at it again.  I live in New  York City.  And as a progressive I get tired of those racist crackers hiding behind their homosexuality to spew their racist tirades when "Negroes" don\'t do what they demand when it comes to progressive politics.   I never see the gay rights movement address issues unique to Black/Latinos LGBT communities such as single motherhood   immigrants/immigration, homelessness  and  kinship foster parenting.   As a collective they can be very smug, feel entitled and superior.  It can be very off putting to many to say the least.<br><br>Was any coalition building done amongst the various progressive movements in Cali.  To what extent.  Did various gay/lesbian organizations working together.   What kind of grassroots work did they do.  Did they raise they necessary money to go up against the well oiled financed the machine that initiated Prop 8.   <br><br>Before these white middle class gay men attacks on the Black community,  an autopsy is needed to understand what went wrong.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3603805">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3603805" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3603805" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3603805">Monie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3603805" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3603805" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly, ljf.  I was wondering what the outreach  and grassroot organization was like, since I don\'t live in California.<br><br>Did the LGBT reach out to urban/black/hispanic publications, print or online?  Also there needs to be visibility from the GLBT on other civil rights issues.  Show that they stand with others in their need.  It would be effective if they represented themselves during the immigration rallies, become a force in racial profiling and so on. And the outreach needs to be continous.<br><br>When I attended college,the black student organizations and GLBT organizations often partnered for diversity awareness and shared common goals of  encouraging acceptance and coalition building.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605341">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605341" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605341" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605341">caligirl</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605341" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605341" class="dsq-comment-message">the continuity piece is definitely lacking.  it seems to ebb and flow...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3603990">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3603990" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3603990" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3603990">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3603990" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3603990" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Before these white middle class gay men attacks on the Black community, an autopsy is needed to understand what went wrong.</i><br><br>I VERY STRONGLY agree with this.<br><br>Though from what I have seen, the marriage equality movement is extremely un-self-reflective. So I would not hold my breath for the emergence of the kind of critical self-reflection that the movement actually needs. <br><br>Speaking of that lack of critical self-reflection, I had a frustrating experience with a white woman at dkos before the election who diaried about how Prop 8 passing would be like Jim Crow. I and others tried to get her and whoever was supporting her to acknowledge the historical specificity of Jim Crow and stop using arguments supposedly on behalf of my rights that don\'t really make sense -- arguments that are just supposed to evoke some blurry feeling ungrounded in reality. She just didn\'t get it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605239">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605239" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605239" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605239">caligirl</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605239" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605239" class="dsq-comment-message">i\'m a califonia native (southern cal), and prop 8\'s passage really didn\'t surprise me.  this state definitely has its contradictions.  <br><br>when i first heard the "61% of blacks voted against marriage equity" thing, i had a discussion with friends and family about why i thought that sounded iffy.  one conclusion we came to was that there certainly wasn\'t enough (if any) outreach done in communities of colour.  i live in san diego, and didn\'t hear anything about resistance to the proposition in a serious way until maybe a couple of  weeks before election day.  the only robocalls i received urging me to vote \'no\' happened on election day.   there simply wasn\'t an organised effort to dispel the \'family and education\' myths surrounding the issue.  another problem was timing...  during this historic election year, there really weren\'t that many people paying attention to the propositions.  the presidential election basically eclipsed everything else.<br><br>and then there\'s the resentment (which cuts across racial lines)...  <br><br>there was a HUGE, organised effort in northern san diego county supporting prop 8.  this was led primarily by white women.  hmmmmmmm...<br><br>as a heterosexual, i\'m tired of hearing from white homosexuals only. the gay rights agenda seems to be primarily framed and articulated by upper-middle class white gay men.  to blame the passage of prop. 8 on black and latino folks seems extremely alienating to homosexuals of colour.   and wrong.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605369">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605369" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605369" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605369">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605369" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605369" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>the gay rights agenda seems to be primarily framed and articulated by upper-middle class white gay men. </i><br><br>I would add upper-middle class white women in there too, actually. <br><br>In any case, the movement incorrectly claims to speak for all, but does have a specific lens and center that IMO needs serious critical attention.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3606528">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3606528" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3606528" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3606528">ljf</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3606528" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3606528" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign<br><br>Yes IMO that is the the achilles heels of the present  the gay rights movement.  As a feminist I see that the gay rights movement has modelled themselves after the (white) feminist movements of the 70\'s and 80\'s   I can go on forever about the problems with the (white) feminist movement.   As a black feminist I do not identify with the middle class (white) feminist movement.  I don\'t give a rat\'s ass about them or their causes.  <br><br>Also I have been thinking about the whole marriage issues.  Many  working poor  and blacks do not see marriage in a legal way that working class, middle class and upper income people do.  Let me give you the reasons why.<br><br>I am in midst of a divorce.  When I first started the divorce procedure, I had to go to Family court.  The court  waiting area was overflowing with black and latino folks dealing with child support, custody and visitation issues.  When I went to divorce court I was usually one of two black women waiting to see the judge. The waiting area was populated with whites.  Most poor were not married so the crux of their legal problems were the rights of the children. For me and my ex at was the transference of wealth (property, income, health care benefits, etc. )<br><br> I have not lived with my ex-husband for almost 2 years.  He does not want to move back with me and I don\'t want him back.  However, I have to now take him to back to court because he will not file the final court decree.  It cost money and for him just the fact that we are not together is enough for him.<br><br>Well it is not enough for me.<br><br>We have property together.  They are putting liens on my property as we speak because of him.  Until we are legal divorce I will still get his leins.  He is on my insurance and he is letting his never had a job older brother use my insurance when he need medical care.  Creditors after me because of him.  I have the deepest pockets.   In short, his social security # is intertwined with mine.  <br><br>Many poor people don\'t understand the legal implication of marriage because they are not in that social/economic class in which transfer or wealth/status is critical with the maintenance of a household.  For many marriage is primary viewed from a religious construct.  <br><br>I think that is the big divide with (white) middle class gay marriage proponent of the gay rights movement and the poor and working poor black community.  Many from our communities do not truly understand the virtue of marriage because they do not immediately benefit from such legal arrangements on a day to day basis.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3619544">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3619544" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3619544" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3619544">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3619544" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3619544" class="dsq-comment-message">ljf, IMO that\'s profound what you\'re saying here  -- thank you.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3641025">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3641025" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3641025" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3641025" href="http://sooncome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">JunePearl</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3641025" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3641025" class="dsq-comment-message">I hope jjp makes this post response a post in and of itself. You put it all together so well, it was like a lightbulb went off. It became much clearer for me, the difference between how we view marriage and the effects of marriage/divorce by class is crucial. I actually felt like I learned something reading this post.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3622170">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3622170" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3622170" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3622170">AM2k6</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3622170" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3622170" class="dsq-comment-message">I dont remember progressives being this pissed off when three strikes you\'re out was passed! or when Affirmative action was yanked.  What\'s going on here?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3625312">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3625312" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3625312" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3625312" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3625312" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3625312" class="dsq-comment-message">It didn\'t directly affect THEM, that\'s why.<br><br>This proposition affects the "progressives" who can\'t bother to truly be progressive about anyone else\'s issues except their own.<br><br>Most white, middle-class gay men are deciding the agenda under the aegis of "progressivism" but if they were true progressives, then they would get pissed off at ANY attack on progressive issues.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3598998">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3598998" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3598998" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3598998" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3598998" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3598998" class="dsq-comment-message">I liked this response on Ta-Nehisi Coates post <b>Prop. 8 and thinking before we write</b>:<br><br><i>I think the question has to be asked also why was it so believable that black people were the underlying reason that Prop 8 failed in the first place. Until that diary went up on dailykos this morning NOBODY challenged the validity of the statistics in a meaningful way and I include myself in that. So far black people have been blamed for the subrime mortgage crisis, the crisis on Wall Street and now for the passing of Prop 8 with little pushback against those memes. And all the while people are hollering that Obama\'s election makes us a "post racial" nation whatever in the hell that means. Even IF black people had been instrumental to passing Prop 8 where exactly was the LBGT community saying there needs to be out reach to black people or education for black people. All I saw was angry backlash and finger pointing. Just like Coates says Prop 8 is not the presidential election and this isnt some kind of trade off. If somebody is upset that black people didn\'t vote the way they would like then maybe they should try APPEALING to black people instead of demonizing them. I hear a lot that the fight against Prop 8 was akin to the Civil Rights Movement for black people. Now whether you believe that or not I can tell you unequivically that the Civll Rights Movement succeeded by appealing to white people\'s better instincts and trying to convince them through non violent means that granting civil rights to black people was the morally right thing to do. Martin Luther King didn\'t come out brow beating white folks to try to get them to march with him. He didn\'t come out brow beating white folks when he was arrested for protesting. He didnt come out brow beating white folks when Rosa Parks was arrested for not sitting at the back of the bus. He made the case to white folks that these things were wrong and that they didn\'t have to and shouldn\'t go along with it. Barack Obama ran a 50 state strategy that a LOT of people thought was wrong headed but guess what he went into places that people thought wouldnt be receptive to his message and convinced them anyway. Maybe its time for the LGBT to stop assuming that certain sections of the black community ie the black church will not listen to their message and actually try to reach out to them on a personal level. I would bet that doing something like THAT would produce a lot better results than running around pointing the fingers at black folks and blaming everything on their religious leaders.<br><br>Posted by sgwhiteinfla | November 7, 2008 11:10 AM </i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616577">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616577" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616577" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616577">freespiritbty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616577" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616577" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks for posting Anovelista. SGWhiteinFla deserves props for such a wonderfully succinct post.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3650242">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3650242" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3650242" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3650242" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3650242" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3650242" class="dsq-comment-message">Excellent, that is my position exactly.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604415">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604415" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604415" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3604415">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604415" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604415" class="dsq-comment-message">Your post is so on target. The entire Civil Rights Movement was grounded in having moral high ground.  Gay folks do not have a moral ground to stand on nor a scientific ground to stand on. The facts about this issue is that as a group blacks are some of the most religious folks in the country which is why they reject most homosexual agendas as they offend them morally.<br><br>I know individuals who make no other argument other than a morals based one against the homosexual agenda.  It is clean cut.<br><br>What I find despicable is that black folks may not support homosexual agendas but they do not support discriminating against gays in terms of housing, education or employment. Which is the most humane action all Americans could take.<br><br>So, before gays start scapgoating blacks it would be best for them to understand that their agenda has no moral basis whether it is due to religion or secular societies goals for communities, families and a civilized society.<br><br>It is extremely presumptious for gays to even be considered a \'group or minority\' given that they are not distinguishable in any way from the rest of human beings. That is the first specious argument that must be dispelled. Gays are not a minority and they are not discriminated against on the basis of belonging to any ethnic or religious group.  Homosexuality is a behavior.   Specifically an aberrant sexual behavior.  Behaviors are not entitled to special rights.  In fact, many behaviors are illegal. Such as disorderly conduct, rape, theft, incest, vandalism, prostitution, drunkeness, etc.<br><br>Society has the right to discriminate against any behavior which is not healthy for it, in terms of raising children or maintaining civil order. The behavior can be criminalized as well. Which up until a short time ago, homosexuality was illegal in many states. <br><br>Until homosexuals can demonstrate that their sexual behavior makes a positive contribution to society the agenda they have set forth will not be condoned, in all areas of secular society.  Every human being however has the right not to be harassed or discriminated against when it comes to housing, employment and education.<br><br>I support human rights not a gay rights agenda. Marriage is not essential to living and more importantly it is a rite not a right.<br><br>It is completely absurd that homosexuals have been allowed to dominate the public discourse with the specious argument that they are an ethnic group or minority based on their sexual behavior.  It is a flawed argument and needs to be rebutted.<br><br>People who are homosexual are not discriminated against as human beings. Their sexual behavior is what is discriminated against and guess what...no one knows what sexual behavior consenting adults engage in behind closed doors or in their own home.  <br><br>So, all this discrimination rant and gay agenda is nothing but a bunch of folks looking for special rights based on how they use their genitals.  That is wrong. <br><br>I for one am happy that each and every state voted to uphold marriage as a union between a man and woman. It has nothing to do with race and everything to do with protecting children, communities and families.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604940">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604940" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604940" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3604940" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604940" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604940" class="dsq-comment-message">You are so far off base, I can\'t even respond coherently. Your last sentence is pure vitriol.<br><br>But the first thing I will tell you is that there\'s a lot of  black gay people.<br><br>I know you know that, but your post doesn\'t show it, so I felt I needed to state the obvious.<br><br>But you certainly have outlined how hiding behind dogma is exactly why so many people don\'t believe in marriage equality.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605185">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605185" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605185" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605185">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605185" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605185" class="dsq-comment-message">Craig, I apologize in advance if my currently obsessive focus on figuring certain things out has led me to make an unwise decision in how to respond to that post.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605912">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605912" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605912" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605912" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605912" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605912" class="dsq-comment-message">You responded in a way that was real for you. Nothing to apologize for.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3606004">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3606004" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3606004" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3606004">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3606004" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3606004" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks, Craig ...  I just know that there is a LOT of pain, real pain, around this.  I am lately in this other weird space about it and may not be as thoughtful about that pain as I might otherwise be. When I am learning something I can get kind of ruthless about it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605517">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605517" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605517" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605517">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605517" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605517" class="dsq-comment-message">Craig, I do not beleive race has anything to do with homosexuality. Nor do I beleive my post implied, suggested or inferrred that there were not a lot of black folks who are gay...so what is your point.<br><br>The issue with the gay agenda is independent of race. Gay white males are some of the most discriminatory people on the basis of race. There are gay places that black gays will not even frequent so I am not sure what your point is.<br><br>Craig I am not hiding behind any dogma, perhaps you are relying on fantasy or irrational narcissim as a basis for your reality when it comes to homsexuality.<br><br>There is no such thing as marriage equality.  It is simply another specious made up gay agenda term like sexual orientation which has no bais in fact either. Both are sheer conjecture and terms made up to spin an argument that lacks any rational basis.<br><br>Any individual who would like can get married to the opposite gender in America. It is their choice not to marry.  All individuals who are single are treated the same under the law.  Marriage equality is a mythical term created from a specious narcissitic dogma to entitle folks on the basis of aberrant sexual behavior.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605898">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605898" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605898" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605898" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605898" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605898" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Craig I am not hiding behind any dogma,</i><br><br>::<br><br>Yes you are. And you\'re too stupid to know it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616919">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616919" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616919" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616919">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616919" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616919" class="dsq-comment-message">No Craig you are too insipid to discern that you are blinded by your own narcissitic need for acceptance to understand the truth.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605150">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605150" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605150" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605150">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605150" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605150" class="dsq-comment-message">I have two reactions to this, whiterosebuddy.<br><br>One is pain.<br><br>But let me try to get past that and see if there is room for dialogue. This is going to be really hard for me. But I am going to try. Because I vaguely remember agreeing with you in the past on something else, or at least appreciating something you wrote at some point on another topic (I could be misremembering though).<br><br>So. I am in a partnered relationship with a woman. She is the one who knows me better than anyone, the one I share things with that I don\'t talk with other people about. She knows how I feel about life and death and medical care, for example, at a depth that is way too personal for me to share with anyone else. <br><br>I am afraid that if I am ill, she might be barred from seeing and deciding things for me if I can\'t decide for myself, even though I am working on a medical power of attorney, I don\'t know if I am doing it right or if it will stick. I want her to have full rights to act from her deep intimate knowledge of me if I can\'t advocate for myself. <br><br>This aspect of our relationship is from emotional intimacy, not directly from our sexual intimacy, and it is real and very deep.<br><br>I want to start with that example and ask you if you would oppose making a civil union option available for us that would provide the kinds of relationship protections available to heterosexuals who are intimate with their partners on multiple levels (because our relationships certainly include sex -- yes they do and I have no shame about it -- but the lived reality is they are NOT all about the sex any more than hetero committed relationships are).<br><br>And whiterosebuddy, I\'ve been thinking lately about the collective costs of various kinds of discrimination. If I am part of a collective entity -- this nation, or the global community for example -- and I have extra stress placed on my life, related to my primary relationship, because of my sexual orientation, then that stress takes energy away from what I might be able to contribute to the collective. Because I am having to expend energy dealing with the stress, which if I am going to be accurate includes both fear and pain. I feel that this expenditure of energy is unnecessary -- that causing this pain and stress for some of the members does not really benefit the collective. I\'m still thinking this through, and not sure if I am clear enough yet on this particular point. <br><br>I do feel that causing un-necessary pain to members of the collective harms the larger whole overall because it harms and takes energy from members who are tasked, as all are, with contributing to the larger good. Un-necessary harm to some of the parts of the whole seems counterproductive to the larger good, to me. <br><br>I guess from this perspective, then, the question I would have is different from yours. You are saying that we gay people have to prove something in order to not have to experience a certain kind of pain and stress related to our relationships. In contrast, I would say ask for proof in the other direction -- I would ask for proof that this pain and stress (and its impact on the larger collective through harm to us as parts of the whole who should have that energy for contriutions to the whole) is actually necessary.<br><br>I hope my words are making this clear. It may vry well be a mistake for me to initiate this as dialogue, but I am trying to understand the dynamics around this, and have been questioning some of the tenets of the marriage equality movement, partly because it cuts off certain kinds of discussions between human beings. <br><br>(though trying this may prove me wrong in some of what I have been concluding!)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605399">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605399" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605399" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605399">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605399" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605399" class="dsq-comment-message">Michelle, I support civil unions. Or any other type of legal partnership that would enable you to rely on the individual you need to in times of duress or health emergencies or to pass on legal assets.<br><br>I beleive that homosexual partnerships need to demonstrate how they contribute to the overall society goal of raising children in a family unit with a mother and father to promote maximum development of their human potential. Families are the cornerstone of society and that was the reason marriage was granted benefits.<br><br>Now, do we have lots of families that do not meet that societal goal. You bet, however society says that is the goal to promote, not a benefit for individuals to claim they have some right to.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605503">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605503" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605503" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605503">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605503" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605503" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Michelle, I support civil unions. Or any other type of legal partnership that would enable you to rely on the individual you need to in times of duress or health emergencies or to pass on legal assets.</i><br><br>Thank you for this information. Despite our tremendous (!!) difference in perspective about same-gender relationships, we agree on this. <br><br>In your initial comment, you wrote: <i>Every human being however has the right not to be harassed or discriminated against when it comes to housing, employment and education.</i><br><br>So would you also stand up for me not being harmed or less-valued in those arenas because of my sexual orientation and my actual intimate (emotional, physical, spiritual etc) relationship with another woman?<br><br>If your answer is yes, then we may be in very close agreement on policy issues, despite our huge differences in other areas.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605641">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605641" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605641" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605641">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605641" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605641" class="dsq-comment-message">Not sure if I understand your question here Michelle.<br><br>But unequivocably I support your rights as a human being and citizen, when I say:<br> as human being you are entitled to not be harassed or discriminated against when it comes to housing, employment and education.<br><br>So, your sexual partner choices would not change that.<br><br>Or maybe I am not getting what your question is.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605877">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605877" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605877" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605877">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605877" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605877" class="dsq-comment-message">(btw I am writing another comment to post above, with a few more questions that occurred to me as I try to assess the extent to which we are in policy agreement)<br><br>&lt;iNot sure if I understand your question here Michelle.</i><br><br>Anyway, I can try to do this with examples to make sure we\'re clear on what we are talking about.<br><br>1. Housing: in the last place I rented (it was in CA), I had Mormon landlords and moved in when I was single. When my girlfriend moved in with me, I placed stress on myself and on her by being too afraid to tell them that she was my partner. I just said I wanted a roommate and got their permission to have someone else move in. There was a huge fire in the area where we lived and we had to evacuate. While we were evacuated, the landlords told us thery were plannig to go check the house. I got frightened because they would see we only had one bed. As it turned out they flaked on it and didn\'t ever go look. But as landlords they could have stopped by with adequate notice for any number of reasons and seen the situation. Protection from harm in that case would be protection from them doing anything bad to us (whether not extending the rental contract the next time it came up or otherwise treating us badly when we needed something from them as landlords, etc). Would you support that kind of protection for us?<br><br>Another example: When I showed up in Tucson looking for a rental, the place I found that was willing to take us despite our shaky financial situation at the time didn\'t have any space that could reasonably accomodate two adult non-intimate roommates.  The landlord made a point to mention this to me. I had to come out to him or lose the possiblity of renting the place. Fortunately he was ok about it but if he hadn\'t been, should we have had protection from him not giving us the place bc we are lesbians? Would you stand up for us having that protection?<br><br>2. Employment: I am out to my boss and co-workers because I am fortunate enough to have a workplace right now where I am not the only gay person and where people aren\'t ugly about sexual orientation. But we do have customers and a few of the male ones have hit on me. In friendly chats, I have had to decide whether to come out or not by, for example, correcting them on their gender pronoun when they talk about my partner as he.<br><br>Let\'s say I made the wrong decision in some situation, the customer went to the head of the branch or the head of the library district and demanded I be fired because of my sexual orientation. Would you stand up against that?<br><br>I can\'t think of anything right now with education because I have a sort of block when it comes to formal educational institutions at this point in my life. But hopefully the above examples will help clarify.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3606381">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3606381" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3606381" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3606381" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3606381" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3606381" class="dsq-comment-message">Michelle, you have been extremely patient and willing to have a conversation with someone who\'d initiate a knee-jerk FU type response from me and I\'m a straight woman. You know a more measured conversation between all of us is what it will take to get the adoption and marriage amendments passed. <br><br><a href="http://tinyurl.com/6nprku" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/6nprku</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3608970">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3608970" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3608970" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3608970">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3608970" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3608970" class="dsq-comment-message">heartsandflowers, that\'s an EXCELLENT post you linked to!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616751">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616751" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616751" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616751">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616751" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616751" class="dsq-comment-message">Michelle,<br>I would not support any law to discriminate against you in the case of housing, employment and education.<br><br>Specifically, I would vote for you in each of your examples  if the legal case was presented to me as juror or judge.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616776">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616776" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616776" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616776">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616776" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616776" class="dsq-comment-message">Also so I would vociferously argue on your behalf in the employment situation if you needed a community reference or someone to vouch for you and your right.<br><br>I would be happy to take that stand on your behalf.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605953">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605953" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605953" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605953">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605953" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605953" class="dsq-comment-message">Also, whiterosebuddy, on reflection I have a few more questions for you before I can really understand the extent of our agreement on policy issues.<br><br>My additional questions revolve around this statement from your original comment: <i>Society has the right to discriminate against any behavior which is not healthy for it, in terms of raising children or maintaining civil order. The behavior can be criminalized as well. Which up until a short time ago, homosexuality was illegal in many states.</i><br><br>First question: Would you now or at any time in the future support any type of criminalization of same-gender sex? (another way to ask it, a more affirmative way, would be: would you stand up against me being punished by this society for having sex with my partner in a context where a heterosexual would not be punished for having sex?)<br><br>Second question: Would you support a parent losing custody of her/his child <b>soley</b> because s/he was gay or lesbian in a same-gender relationship?<br><br>And there was another question in my mind (I was thinking about this while scrubbing the bathtub, excellent situation for deep thought .... but forgot for now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616798">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616798" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616798" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616798">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616798" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616798" class="dsq-comment-message">With regards to the parental custodial questions. I suspect we will not agree here.  I could not in good conscious support any child being raised in a family situation where they would have a samegendersex relationship modelled as normative.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3619493">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3619493" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3619493" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3619493">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3619493" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3619493" class="dsq-comment-message">whiterosebuddy, thank you for this discussion (here and below). It\'s surely contributing information to whatever it is I am trying to figure out/learn. I don\'t know exactly how or what yet -- but still, I appreciate the discussion.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605389">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605389" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605389" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605389">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605389" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605389" class="dsq-comment-message">So I know you\'ll be the first in line to support Proposition 13 - which will make divorce illegal...afterall, we need to uphold marriage....right?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605579">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605579" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605579" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605579">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605579" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605579" class="dsq-comment-message">Miranda, yes I will.<br><br>I beleive the only reason folks should be allowed to divorce is for physical or emotional abuse particularly if children are involved.<br><br>If a father is granted a divorce and decided to remarry, he should be unable to unless he can demonstrate the financial capacity to support both families on his income.<br><br>I do not think folks should be allowed to walk away from their adult responsibilities simply because they have \'irreconciably differences\' when there are children involved.<br><br>Children need to be protected from the idiotic whims of adults. Their best interests should determine how marital law is guided in this country, not the desires of adults who don\'t want to be accountable for their actions.<br><br>Maybe folks will think twice before they decide to have children in a marriage and that will be good for society as a whole.<br><br>Only childless couples would be able to divorce if I were the judge.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605982">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605982" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605982" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3605982">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605982" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605982" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks for that clarity. <br><br>People, clearly there are those who think the Taliban isn\'t so bad afterall, look above for exhibit A.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3606996">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3606996" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3606996" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3606996" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3606996" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3606996" class="dsq-comment-message">Indeed.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3651830">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3651830" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3651830" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3651830" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3651830" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3651830" class="dsq-comment-message">You see Miranda, when I argue about the issue of same sex marriage with strict Christians, I bring that up. I tell them that if they want to protect the "sanctity" of marriage then they should outlaw divorce because its technically adultery according the bible.<br><br>That is the very hyprocrisy that I argue and most do not have a decent rebuttal.<br><br>I am Christian and proud of t but I am more liberal than some others and I focus mostly on the New Testament than the old. <br><br>Also there is a seperation of church and state which nullifies any argument that states that same sex marriage should not be legal based on religious belief.<br><br>When I speak to people, I try and get at this.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3648771">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3648771" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3648771" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3648771">George S.</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3648771" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3648771" class="dsq-comment-message">Miranda\'s correct.  You are like an American Taliban.  And you are wrong above Loving v. Virginia.  Racist whites felt it was a moral imperative to keep their race "clean" of minorities.  If one group\'s morality is to trump all others, as you would seem to like, then Brown v. Board would not be law, and the Jewish Holocaust would have been arguably moral.  You are a despicable gutter crawling, half-human monster who wears the cloak of religious righteousness to beat down those who are different from you.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3650641">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3650641" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3650641" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3650641" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3650641" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3650641" class="dsq-comment-message">No, you are mixing up human interpretation and social ideologies and belief with biblical ones.<br><br>While I support the agenda of the LGBT community 100%, I was raised in the church and I know how many feel about it.<br><br>You cannot equate the two.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604450">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604450" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604450" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3604450">T.</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604450" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604450" class="dsq-comment-message">Did you all see my post about this on Wednesday? Yes Lord...I personally will do anything I can to help the LGBT community in terms of community outreach, education, etc., if they think that our community can help them in their journey for marriage equality, but I refuse to stand back and watch the scapegoating that is obviously underway!!!<br><br>T.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604955">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604955" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604955" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3604955">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604955" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604955" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-signing!!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3605305">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3605305" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3605305" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3605305" href="http://www.awfyh.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">marachne</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3605305" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3605305" class="dsq-comment-message">Hope it\'s ok that I say something. I\'ve been following this blog for the past few months, ans as a white woman, I mostly listen and try to keep my mind and heart open.<br><br>My mom lives in California. We were talking yesterday, and she started w/the the "it\'s the blacks who caused 8 to fail."<br><br>I immediately called her on it. Use the 6% of the population argument mostly (\'cause it doesn\'t pay to argue too much w/your momma). Talked about the lack of outreach by the LGBT community to POC, the lack of visible POC leaders in the movement.<br><br>A lot of my arguments came from a very eloquent, AA lesbian bloger, Pam Spaulding. Her comments are here:<br><a href="http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8013" rel="nofollow">http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diar...</a><br><br>From the same site was this, rather angry, but I thought thoughtful post:<br><a href="http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8051" rel="nofollow">http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diar...</a><br> <br>The queer movement has repeated many of the mistakes of the feminist movement as far as its inability to acknowledge and struggle with its own racism. <br><br>All I can say is some of us get it, and are trying to move the dialogue forward<br><br>But</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3611554">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3611554" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3611554" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3611554">freespiritbty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3611554" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3611554" class="dsq-comment-message">"The queer movement has repeated many of the mistakes of the feminist movement as far as its inability to acknowledge and struggle with its own racism".<br><br>That is the crux of the matter!!    There is this sense of entitlement, but no outreach or acknowledgement of their own biasness. Isn\'t that oxymoronic?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616554">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616554" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616554" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616554">Aaron Raul</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616554" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616554" class="dsq-comment-message">Until we as a people stop limiting our minds to perceiving everything in terms of race we will continue to be racist ourselves.Racism is based on lack of self worth so when you attack someone as racist you reinforce their racist attitudes.Many Blacks suffer from racisms due to being subjected to racism.Therefore views that oppose thirs are viwed as racist.This is a perpetual theme of these post and coments,By not lifting our consciosness to the inclusive state of human being and therefore becoming,we diminish the underlying themes of Obamas message.Many Blacks will not vote for their own interest because of their religious views on homosexuality and abotion.I dont even mention race on these issues but point out scripture that we should judge not lest ye be judged and gine unto Caesae what is Caesars,then you have  to point out that this is not a Christian nation and that the common sense moral laws of this nation can be found in Buhdism Confuisnism Mark twain etc. This nation is not a theocracy but a constitutional republic based on democracy.The constitution guarantees rights as long as they dont infringe on the person or property of others/By saying that gays cant get married you are signalling that something is wrong with them.Dont forget that Obama toured wit anti gay gospel singers Donnie Mc curre,Mary Mary. and Byron Cage this helped lend to the perception that Blacks are homophobic, I live in Cali and they had some Black Preachers on TV claiming there moral authority to pass prop 8 etc.We as apeople need to try to educate those with these views on the constitutional hypocrisy of outlawing gay marriage .dont forget slavery was in the constitution even though it was unconstitutional</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616673">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616673" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616673" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616673">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616673" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616673" class="dsq-comment-message">Um, your post has several errors<br><br>It is completely false that Obama toured with any anti-gay gospel singers. Those singers toured but Obama was not there. Obama has been a very strong advocate for gay rights. He beleives in civil unions and his campaign sponsored a gospel tour where McClurklin sang but Obama was not on the tour.<br><br>Secondly, gays are not discriminated against as individuals. Society does not accept their behavior and has every right to discriminate against the behaviors just as society does for prostitution, incest, and drunk driving.  It is the behavior that is discriminated against but the individual still has their rights under the constitution, just not to engage in those behaviors. Homosexuality is no longer even criminalized so it has been de-stigmatized in that regard. <br><br>What is happening is that individuals are asking for special rights based on their sexual behavior despite insisting that laws which criminalized the behavior are wrong. If we cannot make laws to discriminate agaisnt the behavior why then should their be laws which advocate or promote a behavior that is not beneficial to society as a whole.<br><br>In short, why should the behavior now be entitled to special rights?</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627084">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627084" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627084" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3627084">freespiritbty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627084" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627084" class="dsq-comment-message">I couldn\'t of typed it better myself!  :-) Excellent response :-)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3647215">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3647215" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3647215" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3647215" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3647215" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3647215" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly! This is what I have been discussing for a few years now and it seemed to fall on deaf ears until it all came to a head.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3667582">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3667582" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3667582" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3667582">freespiritbty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3667582" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3667582" class="dsq-comment-message">Agreed!! :-)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3611522">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3611522" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3611522" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3611522" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3611522" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3611522" class="dsq-comment-message">Melissa broke it down on Rachel Maddow.<br><br>She basically suggested what I said in another thread (or on another forum): the Supreme Court is ultimately going to settle marriage equality for LGBT people.<br><br>Her point that Loving vs. Virgina happened <i>after</i> the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act is well taken.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3612580">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3612580" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3612580" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3612580">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3612580" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3612580" class="dsq-comment-message">As much as I like HarrisLacewell she totally missed this argument all together.<br>She did not address the core issue of why society grants benefits to individuals who marry.<br><br>What HarrisLacewell did was rehash the discriminatory arguments in Loving which are not at all the core issue in the gay agenda.  Loving was not asking for marital benefits.<br><br>The core issue for gays is not marriage. Their issue is benefits specifically financial benefits that society grants.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3617248">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3617248" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3617248" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3617248">thisisatest</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3617248" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3617248" class="dsq-comment-message">Whiterosebuddy, I have to respectfully disagree with you.  The tactic of glbt organizations has been to emphasize the financial disparities (marriage by the state confers benefits that are tangible), and maybe that isn\'t the best argument.<br><br>I\'ll be honest, your arguments against gay marriage are incredibly hurtful to me because you\'re getting sex mixed up with relationships.  Gay people are having/do have children and are establishing/have established solid relationships.  Yes, the financial benefits are real, but so are the social benefits of having a secure family unit.  It\'s the relationship you\'re devaluing in all of this, not the act of sex.<br><br>I think the tactic of pushing through equality by pointing out that this is about more than spiritual marriage has been because straight people were worried about change.  I think the thought was that if we pointed out how much practical, mundane, but important protections were legally and secularly involved in marriage that straight people would see the difference between marriage in the church and marriage via the state.<br><br>The problem is that this approach is that it seems to leave people who argue as you do without the frame of reference of the relationship.  I\'m not sure it would change your mind to think of gay couples as a family unit because you seem opposed to an institution that has evolved significantly over time continuing to evove, whereas I see it as necessary.  Especially if my gf and I decide to have kids.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3622950">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3622950" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3622950" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3622950">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3622950" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3622950" class="dsq-comment-message">I do not mean to hurt anyone. Unfortunately, the intertwining of emotions on this issue vs. the facts has a way of doing that. I cannot discuss this issue with personal anecdotes as that skews into such personal animus typically. I focus on the data and what we know factually and I am sorry that offends you but there is no other way for the views to be discussed rationally and cogently.<br><br>The concept of gaypeople having children is just incongrent with the idea of being gay period. When you prefer samegendersex, no children can be born to that partnership. So, I do not beleive it is me, who confuses sex and relationshiprs but rather homosexuals themselves who want to insist that the gender of their sexual partnership equates to their identity. The only way samegendersex partners have children is that they must violate the very idea of the relationship they claim is the priorty over sex. Yet they themselves are not true to the \'relationship\'.  How then is that even a credible posture. Not to mention the rampant promiscuity within the homosexual community?    <br><br>When children are involved we are talking about bisexuality which means if the individual valued either children or relationships they would be able to marry based on the status quo.<br><br>The gay agenda for marriage has since the inception been completely focused on the legal and financial benefits of that society provides to legal marriages. If the idea of passing on assets, designating an emergency contact or decision maker were the issue those matters are more than adequately covered with other legal instruments.<br><br>Gays as a family unit are the antithesis of the idea of samegender sex. It is completely impossible. If people actually were adherent to the \'spiritualsamegenderpartner\' there would be no children involved.<br><br>What I see is that we have a group of individuals who choose to place their adult sexual desires over the needs of children and families by perpetuating a wholly aberrant idea of relationships to form a family unit. Worst of all, is that the emotional appeal is always about their sexual needs and never are the interest of children the top priorty only their adult selfishly focused idea of what the samegendersex means to them.<br><br>In a just world you would understand that choosing to be with your GF means you cannot have kids.  So, your emotional appeal falls far short of caring about anything other than your own narrowly focused physical needs.<br><br>Children should not be subjected to that. Children have a right and a need to be raised in homes that have opposite gender parents. They is what creates the most emotionally, spiritually and cognitively well balanced human development.<br><br>Those who deliberately set out to distort and destroy that from the beginning do not truly care about children. They only care about themselves.  No one should even think it is OK to deny a child a mother or father to raise them and set out with a plan to do so. It is a lifetime handicapp. <br><br>A real mother would never even think to handicapp her child from birth willfully and voluntarily because of her own selfish needs.  It is wrong.<br><br>In fact it is the antithesis of motherhood.<br><br>I apologize if these principles hurt your feelings but I beleive as an adult who has made her own choices you can appreciate at least someone standing up for children to be able to make their own choices as well rather than to be subjected to a living situation that warps their social views from birth.<br><br>A society is be judged by how well they protect children and I can stand up for children without you being denied the spiritual samegendersex relationship you believe supercedes everything in life including the right of children to be raised with a male and female parent.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616703">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616703" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616703" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616703">aaronraul</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616703" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616703" class="dsq-comment-message">The whole moral fabric of society argument is delusional.The only morality that should be legislated is laws that protect property or person.Ooutside of that its all in your mind . This same mentality of wanting people to act like we want them to is what leads to slavery wars genocide etc,and its always wrapped up in some pseudo religious perception.How many people who are against gay marriage think nothing of committing adultry or having sex for enjoyment as opposed to just for children</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616378">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616378" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616378" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616378">Quanli</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616378" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616378" class="dsq-comment-message">As a community, we can\'t even get fathers to stay in the homes. I agree that we generally are not as accepting of homosexual relationships, but how much can we really face at once? The problems are too numerous to name.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616587">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616587" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616587" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616587">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616587" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616587" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep, Quanli<br><br>Imagine that..folks now what to insist that problems are to be accepted and modelled as norms.<br><br>Isn\'t this the very concept that has resulted in 70% of black children being born out of wedlock?<br><br>Isn\'t this the very concept that has resulted in a epidemic of baby momma and baby daddy?<br><br>When any community does not uphold societal norms it destroys the foundation and fabric of families which results in children suffering and not ever reaching their full potential.  We already have children raising children...women who are grandmothers at 30 and we know that teenage motherhood is a virtual recipe for generational poverty.<br><br>But now on top of this mix, of aberrant norms we are suppose to support homosexuality as a modelled norm as well?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616822">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616822" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616822" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616822">aaronraul</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616822" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616822" class="dsq-comment-message">I go into more detail with my views on morality on the original page .Basically our views on morality are totaly delusional self serving and hypoctitcal usually base on some pseudo spiritual interpretation of religiouis scripture all meant to seperate and enslave. Seemy comments on original page</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3622764">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3622764" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3622764" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3622764">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3622764" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3622764" class="dsq-comment-message">Where is your front page?<br><br>Or can you just post a link?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3647155">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3647155" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3647155" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3647155" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3647155" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3647155" class="dsq-comment-message">The problems are not new problems. However the issue that I have with too many people is this:<br><br>Please give me a reason for why these problems exists?<br><br>I keep getting the personal inadequacies and inferiority of blacks argument which I why I do not even bother to engage in such discussions with some people.<br><br>As I said, these problems are not new and many of them have existed for almost 50 years but they are never properly addressed.<br><br>1. People have yet to properly discuss the causes? I know the causes but its up to other people to stop being intellectually simple and lazy and do the work.<br><br>2. What is the solution?<br><br>Also stop using the word community because not all blacks are in the same predicament and you are using generalizations.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3617298">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3617298" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3617298" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3617298">thisisatest</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3617298" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3617298" class="dsq-comment-message">But part of what I wanted to also write here is a side note to Craig, because I posted over at a different blog about this and that I read JJP and they said to speak up as a gay person who actively reads this blog and say he\'s not alone (though I rarely comment).<br><br>But enough of that - my general statement about this posting and the entry it links to is that I am grateful for this discussion.  I\'m a white lesbian and I am utterly horrified at the behavior/writings of white glbt people regarding race/the outcome of this election. <br><br>I got into a giant Twitter war with someone over it.  Which is ridiculous, because how do you explain racism to people in 140 characters??<br><br>I\'m really at a loss for what to do about it because the anger is so intense and logic is failing.  It\'s not like I\'ve seen the leadership in the GLBT community making much of an effort when it comes to ensuring that it is representative of and invested in the needs of our own community of color, much less to the larger world, but I\'m scared that what is happening with this scapegoating is going to seriously damage the relationship between the white GLBT community and GLBT communities of color and the larger black community and for the life of me I don\'t know what to do about it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3622727">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3622727" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3622727" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3622727">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3622727" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3622727" class="dsq-comment-message">The damage you speak of has been prevalent since the beginning of the movement. Blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV and yet they are not the face of the movement nor are they in leadership roles. The epidemic in the black community is so ignored that even Cheney during the VP debate with Edwards had no clue about how it impacted blacks despite his own child being gay. Ignorance to that degree is intentional not happenstance.<br><br>Blacks who are gays have always known that racism ran as deep within the homosexual community as it does in the backwoods of Mississippi. There have always been \'separate but equal\' social venues for homosexuals just as within the larger society. There are few black gays that frequent upper East side dinner parties as well. Blacks and their history were simply a tool for the gay agenda to use as a model. The deeper problem with the civil rights movement is that it WAS a moral issue. There is no moral high ground for the gay agenda. Thus the concerted and sustained effort to promote the idea that homosexuality is a birth defect. These 2 concepts were used to effectively shift the argument to \'discrimination and bornthatway\'....Both of these arguments have been factually and scientifically disproved, right along with the myth that homosexuals comprise 10% of the population. <br><br>However, the gay agenda has been able to push their issues effectively because they are disproportionately represented in the media, both broadcast and print. Thus, they run with stories that are biased to promote their agenda quickly before the facts are out there. That creates confusion and when the facts are then available those stories to rebut the initial myths are not given as much emphasis or coverage. The stories that factually rebut the falsehoods are not on CNN or ABC...they are instead printed in professional journals or presented in PBS documentaries.  <br><br>Don\'t you find it odd that we are not hearing any rebuttal to the 70% of blacks voting for the Prop8 ban.  Yet, it was quickly disputed and refuted with data easily available to anyone who cared to present the truth and had access to census data...which CNN definitely has.  But we will never see anyone rebut this social smear...because the only way gay homosexuals beleive they can triumph is to make their cause a \'black issue\' which will galvanize more whites to vote FOR them...just as Clinton tried to polarize on the basis of race to get more WHITE votes for Hillary because he decided blacks were a loss cause but the racial enmity within America could be inflammed to help out Hillary.<br><br>That is the model that white affluent racist gay homosexual political activists are now using as well.<br><br>If welfare is for blacks ...white vote against it...if blacks are voting for affirmative action,...whites vote against it....if blacks won\'t support gay marriage...well whites will because they want their \'relatives\' to be treated humanely unlike those hateful blacks who would deny them.<br><br>The primary reason the AIDS epidemic does not have a black face, despite it disproportionately impacting our community ...is because white gay political activists know that would be the kiss of death for fundraising and grants and government support.<br><br>They would never be able to create the reasearch centers and fast tracking of drugs to treat AIDS ...IF  the majority of Americans KNEW the face of the disease was black.<br><br>So, yes racial is an ugly systemic pervasive issue within the Gay Rights community and any black person who doesn\'t understand that is in DEEP denial.<br><br>They are not just in the closet but dwelling in a cavernous coal mine.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627196">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627196" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627196" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3627196" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627196" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627196" class="dsq-comment-message">Actually the President of People for the American way released a press release denouncing the hateful responses. I don\'t think arguing over nature vs nature is adding to the conversation as it\'s a divisive issue. What is needed is support between people of color. If you want to throw stats around, the standard of living for Black LGBT increases with a legal marriage. Since my concern is focused on improving the lives of Black women and children who are often thought of last - if at all - I am for mobilizing whatever resources are necessary and toppling all opposition.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627274">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627274" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627274" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3627274">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627274" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627274" class="dsq-comment-message">There is always a person that supports cohesiveness, that does not change the overall thrust of the gay rights advocate groups. Which as you know there are many far more powerful than the one you chose to cite.<br>I am not arguing a nature vs. nature nor do I beleive it is a divisive issue given that the facts clearly demonstrate there is no such thing as a gay gene, not to mention even the idea of a bisexual gene.  Because, there is disagreement does not mention it is divisive.<br><br>What stats are you referring to? There are too few \'legal marriages\' within the LBBT for you to be able to cite anything about a standard of living increasing in any credible context.<br><br>If black women and children are your focus promoting samegendersex does not improve their lives in any manner shape or form.<br><br>There is no opposition to resources for black women and children to any degree that you have with samegendersex \'marriages\'.<br><br>Churches and communities have mobilized far more resources to help these groups than they have for \'samesex marriages.<br><br>In short there is nothng to topple for black women and children to get resources. It appears your focus is on creating different demands on those resources which would mean less available for those black women and children.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627491">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627491" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627491" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3627491" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627491" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627491" class="dsq-comment-message">Well you are opposed to it so I consider that an opposition. Your opinion is not a fact. The same as white people enslaving Blacks and misusing the Bible as an excuse for it. If you want to bring church politics into things this conversation will disintegrate. People are not following God by attending a church. Everyone doesn\'t share a similar religious tradition. We have free will to make decisions and the only areas we need to evaluate are whether we are motivated by empowering ourselves. Besides Jesus did not speak out against homosexuality. We were commanded to Love One Another and that\'s how I model my life. Loving people when they are being intolerant, condescending, judgmental, make life choices we may not understand or agree with or being hateful is very difficult but it is what we are supposed to do. If more people did that the world would be a much kinder place.<br><br>And there have been a rash of media reports indicating that Black women are the face of AIDS, just to add to the loudmouth, sexually irresponsible, banshee, she-devil victimhood they wish to pin on us.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3628044">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3628044" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3628044" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3628044">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3628044" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3628044" class="dsq-comment-message">Whoa, hold up.<br>I responded to a poster CPL who stated that stood for Christian Progressive Liberal. I responded with an argument focused on Christianity principles. <br><br>I have not presented any such church based argument to you nor your posts. So, it is perfectly acceptable to me to leave religion out of the discussion. I only wanted to point out the hypocrisy of Christians who think the church is hypocritical for allowing gays to be in the choir, to CPL.<br><br>I agree with you about folks having numerous religious beliefs and faiths and that folks can follow what they chose. I have not made any religious argument opposing homosexuality .  In response to CPL I rebutted the post on the basis of free will being allowed for folks to chose God. That as with  all human behaivors it is choice.<br><br>I too agree we should all be tolerant of others basic human rights for humanity and not discriminate. Points which Michelle raised and I responded to unequivocally as being anti-discriminatory on the basis of housing, employment and education.<br><br>While there have been a rash of media reports on black females being the face of AIDS the majority of mainstream America is still not truly cognizant of that.<br><br>I disagree with you that it is about \'jezebeloversexed\' victimhood being pinned on us.  Rather,  it is a public health issue. It is a public health issue for black females because many of them do not realize how much at risk they are for a highly communicable disease but that most importantly it is the black male who is the vector if the disease ( Or they would have shut down prostitution Decades ago) and it is engaging in anal receptive sex that places them most at risk.<br><br>There is no need for black women to be victims unless we allow homosexuals to own the AIDS issue with their equality of marriage advocacy despite tens of thousands dying in our communities and children and families that are homeless are not prioritized cause folks are talking about some damn marriage \'equality\'</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3628514">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3628514" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3628514" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3628514" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3628514" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3628514" class="dsq-comment-message">Yes you were making a religious argument. And as far as Black women and public health we have to take responsibility for our choices and our motivations. It\'s not as if there\'s a host of men lying in wait to infect us. We are not victims in the sense that we make decisions and choices. We choose who we allow in our lives and set standards for behavior. There are a lot of older men preying on young women (hello R Kelly) and instead of focusing on holding them responsible we blame the girl and say she was fast. Black women have been running around with this fear of the disappearing Black man often of lower quality and cling to that instead of demanding a quality man of any background. There are a lot of us who are willing to share (and fight over) a man. There are a lot of us who will take no precautions for protection against infection or pregnancy. That\'s the problem. We have to care more about ourselves. <br><br>I will agree there are other more immediate needs that have to be addressed like jobs, housing, etc. This is also a class issue. But we still have to find common ground.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3640231">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3640231" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3640231" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3640231" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3640231" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3640231" class="dsq-comment-message">Do NOT Blame me because you\'re getting tripped up in your argument, please.<br><br>Everyone else read my posts and got EXACTLY what I was saying.  Why didn\'t YOU?</div>\
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	 <li id="dsq-comment-3620250">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3620250" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3620250" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3620250">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
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	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3620250" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3620250" class="dsq-comment-message">Also, I just posted this over at Pam\'s House Blend and decided to post it here as well:<br><br><i>provocateurs<br><br>I don\'t know if this is the right place to make this comment, but there\'s something been nagging at me since I read about the incidents with the n-word so I will post it here.<br><br>I think what is going on is a combination of actual racism in the Marriage Equality movement in all sorts of forms (as I have seen in other white-dominated movements and organizations) as well as the work of serious and quite possibly professional provocateurs.<br><br>The credibility and effectiveness of the provocateurs, whoever they are, whoever is paying or otherwise sending them, and wherever they are acting now, is only possible because of the real racism in the movement.  But their job is to escalate things as much as possible, pour gasoline on the fires, encourage as much racism as they can invoke from non-provocateurs, obstruct whatever possibilities might help things move in a better direction and generally push the dynamics toward being as bad as they can possibly be and try to keep them that way.<br><br>With what I have seen in white-dominated movement contexts, I\'m usually not inclined to assume the presence of provocateurs just because there\'s racism because racism is built deeply into these movements at multiple levels and layers. So my sense that there are provocateurs in this situation is unusual for me.<br><br>But whoa my gut is saying provocateurs are involved in the dynamics around all this. And it actually makes sense given everything that came before election day and the links to President-elect Obama etc.<br><br>So. I don\'t know if this is being discussed anywhere -- maybe it is and either I missed it or it isn\'t in an arena where I could have access to it. [JJP note: I know Webb implied something like this in the comment in this thread mentioning Karl Rove, but not sure if it was as specific as saying there are actual provocateurs in the movements pushing on this]<br><br>But I have this blaring siren going off inside me on this and decided to post it here in case I am correct and in case saying this would be of use in terms of strategy or something like that.</i></div>\
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	 <li id="dsq-comment-3622552">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3622552" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3622552" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3622552">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3622552" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3622552" class="dsq-comment-message">I would trust your intuition Michelle. I have seen first hand what you are speaking of given that I professional work involved AIDS and HIV therapy from 1988 to 2003. I was on the cutting edge of therapy selling pentamidine initial and moving on from there to HAART.  Because of that I engaged with many of the \'leaders\' in the gay community when it came to their socio-political agenda. I can unequivocably state that there is lots of racism which fits because the drivers of the agenda have consistently been affluent white males who \'happen\' to be homosexual. I worked with these men as many were lawyers, doctors and corporate executives.  The racism was always there beneath the surface to be used and leverage for any gain.<br><br>Just like Bill Clinton used it tactically, provocatively and strategically.<br><br>So you should certainly trust your intituition...the Gay agenda and it\'s leaders are very classist as well as racist. Blacks who join with them and their agenda are being used. The entire reason for using blacks was to create the idea that homosexuals were a \'minority\' group. Which is completely false yet it has been spun effectively and blacks, including Coretta King and Jesse, have helped to spin that myth.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627360">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627360" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627360" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3627360">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627360" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627360" class="dsq-comment-message">Whiterosebuddy, just for accuracy on what I myself am saying, I want to be clear on something I think is important to my intuition.<br><br>I am speaking of the <b>white</b> gay people, and this <b>white-centered</b> movement and perspective that places white gay people at the center.  <br><br>Black gay people also exist.<br><br>So for what I am actually saying, I find it inaccurate to frame this in a way that suggests that all gay people  and Black people are a separate categories altogether.<br><br>At the same time, there is this white-centered movement that <b>incorrectly claims</b> to speak for all gay people, there are white gay people who <b>incorrectly claim</b> that their experiences are universal and should be understood as "the" gay experience and used as the basis for movement goals. <br><br>It is this situation that provocateurs have (as Jasmynne Cannick points out in the article posted by heartsandflowers) observed and are exploiting.<br><br>I just want to be clear about what I am actually saying (and not saying) in that comment.</div>\
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	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627931">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627931" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627931" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3627931">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627931" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627931" class="dsq-comment-message">Michelle,<br>I understand that there is an intersection of gay and black. My assertion is that the movement is white and it is racist independent of the fact that there are blacks who are gay as well. Blacks who are gay are not in any way included in the major organizationts that promote gay rights nor is their black leadership in those organizations.<br><br>Ergo, your intituition about the focus being white-centered and indeed being racist as well is dead on. That folks \'incorrectly claim\' their experience as \'universal\' is intentional. It makes homosexuality a \'white thang\'.  Not a black thang with all the racial inherent problems that ensue with that perception in America.  The leaders and activists of the gay movement intentional portray their issues as NON-black.<br><br>While blacks and gays may not be in separate categories, the gay rights agenda is not inclusive of  black gays and is notorious for exploiting race to serve its ends when it comes to poltical advocacy as well as fundraising, not to mention to driving issues. i.e. No one knows that AIDS is the leading cause of death for black women 18-25.<br><br>Thus, blaming the loss of Prop8 on blacks makes it far more likely that whites who have racial animosity will likely vote for it simply because they will oppose whatever blacks are FOR. i.e. the exploitation of blacks is purposeful and intentional to galvanize whites by polarizing the issue racially....no different than what Bill Clinton did for Hillary. <br><br>Gay activists are appealing to whites on the basis of racial solidarity. Now that they were unsuccessful, blacks are the scapegoat, and everyone knows if you paint an issue as blacks being the cause of some white person being denied some rights...then whites will vote to support the white people!!! That is the entire intent of this whole scapegoating.<br><br>And yes, I understand that there are blacks who are gays as well...but maybe black gays are not understanding they are black first in America even within the gay community.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3640592">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3640592" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3640592" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3640592">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3640592" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3640592" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Gay activists are appealing to whites on the basis of racial solidarity.</i><br><br>I would add the word "white" (or at least the phrase "marriage equality movement" which I agree is white dominated and white centered) in front of the words gay activist there. I know that\'s what you mean but I feel like I want it clear and specified given the context.<br><br>But anyway, I think you\'re on to something important here. If I remember right, this dynamic is pretty much exactly what we were talking about on this site with the way white feminism was functioning in the primaries. It was functioning as a form of gendered white supremacy -- invoking racial solidarity among white people using gender as cover. It didn\'t actually succeed in terms of the actual nomination, though, and I was glad to see that.<br><br>Interesting how you and I disagree on such very basic things as whether or not me having sex with my girlfriend is "aberrant behavior" and yet we agree on this (what I quoted above), and on some of the other things we discussed.<br><br>The more I think about it, the more I feel that the Marriage Equality movement\'s foundational approach to change is something that needs to wither and die. Not because it is gay people (obviously since I am gay) but because of how itapproaches things. Any movement that is so single-issue and exclusive and closed to how issues may connect and coalition can be built ....is in my opinion not functionally useful for change at this time. <br><br>And the fact that this movement now actively and obviously and vociferously joins the dynamic of appealing to white supremacy/solidarity (given what I have seen of where those appeals have come from in the election season) -- puts me, personally, in opposition to that movement. Even though overall I myself would -- of course -- be fine with other gay people who want to get married getting married.</div>\
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	 <li id="dsq-comment-3622799">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3622799" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3622799" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3622799">Constance</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3622799" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3622799" class="dsq-comment-message">I haven\'t followed the Prop 8 thing that much as I don\'t live in California, but, after a google search that sent me to a couple of I assume white gay blogs, the racism was SCARY along with the hurling of that vile n-word with gusto. I voted against this type of initiative when it was on the ballot in my state as I don\'t believe in hate nor discrimination.<br><br>That said, the leaders of the gay community need to nip this hate in the bud, in the end, we all have to stick together and if the black community and other communities for that matter does not understand the issues that the gay community has, they need to do out reach and explain it. Hurling slurs isn\'t going to help anyone.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3646811">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3646811" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3646811" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3646811" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3646811" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3646811" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly, it is counterproductive and it has already hurt them.</div>\
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	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627072">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627072" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627072" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3627072" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627072" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627072" class="dsq-comment-message">Michelle you are correct. Jasmynne Cannick wrote a great Op-Ed in today\'s LA Times that you can also read at her blog. <br><br><a href="http://www.jasmynecannick.com/blog/?p=2860" rel="nofollow">http://www.jasmynecannick.com/blog/?p=2860</a> <br><br>Let the Backlash Be a Warning<br><br><a href="http://tinyurl.com/5knrxo" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/5knrxo</a><br><br>People are not seeing the bigger picture and how easily they\'re being played. The Rovian tactics are in full effect. They do read all the prominent LGBT blogs and media and study for weakness. The racism is an obvious weakness. The lack of direction and cohesiveness is obvious - even to the allies - but it wasn\'t deemed important enough to be addressed. <br><br>The question is will people LEARN from this or keep trying to push an agenda with fractured support against a well organized and  cohesive opposition? They already have legislation being drafted for every state as we speak so people had better decide to strategize and recover as quickly as possible. <br><br>**Also this is going to be used as a wedge issue to erode support of an Obama administration amongst Red State voters so another conservative Republican can run in 2012. This is something everyone must recognize whether you know of or support LGBT concerns.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627410">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627410" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627410" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3627410">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627410" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627410" class="dsq-comment-message">Wow, heartsandflowers, that is just excellent.<br><br>I think I have a conceptual problem with the use of the word Rivian because it feels imprecise to me. It\'s almost like it has been overused to the point of being somewhat meaningless, in my perception. But talking specifically about what the provocateurs DO helped ground it for me. <br><br>Last night I was feeling ... responsible or something? .. for saying something about these red flags of mine, for sounding an alarm. But I don\'t really have the role or the forum to actually do this effectively on a wide scale. <br><br>I am very glad to know that people with more public faces do already know this and it is coming out now.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3628443">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3628443" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3628443" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3628443" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3628443" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3628443" class="dsq-comment-message">You\'re right. It\'s a catch-all to try to encapsulate many threads. I really think Jasmynne\'s piece said it well.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3627486">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3627486" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3627486" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3627486">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3627486" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3627486" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>The question is will people LEARN from this or keep trying to push an agenda with fractured support against a well organized and cohesive opposition? They already have legislation being drafted for every state as we speak so people had better decide to strategize and recover as quickly as possible.</i><br><br>Two years ago I was excited to see an online statement from a group called "Beyond Marriage Equality." It was an excellent statement in words, but i grew disenchanted with it when I saw that they held up the a campaign here in Arizona (Arizona Together) as a model for their work. <br><br>I had been in an early planning meeting for that group (before it was even called Arizona Together) and I was appalled at how their tone was deeply disrespectful to non-mainstream queer people.<br><br>I contacted one of the people who had crafted/signed on to the Beyond Marriage Equality statement (I think it was Kenyon Farrow but really don\'t remember for sure)  to ask how they had come to recommend Arizona Together\'s approach. My sense from the reply is that the Beyond Marriage Equality people were more about words (theory?) than about what was really going on on the ground. Which was extremely disappointing to me, since their statement was just beautiful.<br><br>I think I will cross-post this comment at your place, Faith. I would like to see some real grounded work that isn\'t just words that deals with this how you\'re saying it should.<br><br>Then again, as I mentioned in a comment earlier this week I ... don\'t do movement work anymore. *why won\'t it leave me alone???!!*</div>\
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	 <li id="dsq-comment-3640359">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3640359" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3640359" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3640359">aaronraul</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3640359" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3640359" class="dsq-comment-message">Interesting take on provacateurs I brought this up on one of nquest post but he dismissed the whole idea(which makesme suspicious of all these sites)the main placement of provacateurs is within a organization thats sympathetic to ones view.The message provacateurs disseminate is to elicit a certain response.This is why Ive repeatedly have tried to engage people on this site to look beyond the perception of race,realizing race is just one layer of your reality.Our biggest danger is continuing to define opposition as racist.Lack of self worth is the cause of racism so when you call a person a racist you reinforce not only their racism but your own,We as Black people have many racist views not only against others but ourselves,however we somehow assume thats okay because we were the subjects of racism.As far as the gay marriage issue it is a cival rights issue because deny them marriage is unconstitutional as are many laws.A persons freedom should not be constrined through legislation unless their actions cause injure to anothers person are property. Unfortunately the U.S, started legislating morality on religious views violating seperation of church and state.We as a people need to stop marginalizing ourselves by limiting our perception to race and uncover the universal ideas inherent in each nargument.By doing this we will not be subject to race baiting and will realize our true power as one people of all colors.This is the one thing the system fears most thus the demise of DR, KING.Thats why Im forever Black a state of mind brought about because of my skin color but transcending all limiting labelsa of gender race nationality creed etc. Our biggest step backwards was calling ourselves AFRO AMERICAN.We have the bloods of many continents coursing through our veins why limit ourselves to only two</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3646894">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3646894" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3646894" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3646894">Marek</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3646894" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3646894" class="dsq-comment-message">Before I say anything else, I should mention I\'m a straight white liberal agnostic. Having got that out of the way, I agree that blaming blacks for Prop 8 is ridiculous. Mainly because as I think TNC pointed out, if you normalize by religiosity and education levels you would probably find a much more similar voting pattern to whites. There\'s lots of homophobia in American society, and blacks are a part of that society, no surprise that it exists among blacks.  <br>But one should also see it in reverse - white gays are part of American society, there\'s lots of racism, no surprise that it exists among white gays. I also don\'t get the resentment that gay rights groups don\'t focus on black issues - that\'s not their purpose. How much do organizations like the NAACP or other civil rights groups focus on gay issues? And if you\'re shocked that there are racist gay activists, how sure are you that there aren\'t homophobic activists in black civil rights groups?  The same goes for similar accusations against feminist organizations.</div>\
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	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3647509">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3647509" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3647509" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3647509" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3647509" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3647509" class="dsq-comment-message">What about LGBT blacks? You obviously missed the point of many of the posters. They are speaking about the marginalization of blacks amongst LGBT groups and in the movement. I have studied this extensively and it is a problem.<br><br>Also, they are talking about the marginalization of black women in feminist organizations...hello!<br><br>Its not LGBT vs. blacks<br><br>or<br><br>Women vs. blacks<br><br>because what happens when the two intersect? Exactly. Your argument just fell apart.</div>\
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	 <li id="dsq-comment-3790504">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3790504" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3790504" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3790504">CLAM</span>\
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	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3790504" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3790504" class="dsq-comment-message">Everyone on this site had better believe this was a well though out and intentional plan. I first noticed this war beginning on CNN when they broadcasted the report that 70% of blacks voted against prop 8, and they kept lashing this number over and over agin until they evoked a response from the gay community. later I saw FOX committing this act, but they were all of sudden concerned about the rightof gays when we know they are the first to vote in large perecentages against the gay community. Yesterday I heard Bill O reily refer to these hateful behaviors towards blacks as a cultural war. Since Mccain lost he race and cheating or stealing the vote failed to prevail this time, Karl and the Repulicans looked to the gay community to continuewaging their war against blacks.<br>Because Sarah Plain and John Mccain could no longer be utilized to stir black hate, they found a group that would readily pick up the banner. <br><br>I believe the media must be confronted and rebuked along with the right wing conservatives for scapegoating blacks. In fact many right wing churches sent black preachers to the African Amercan communities to speak about prop 8. Blacks were tricked into executing the dirty work of conservatives and later left to bear the blame and blunt of their unsuspecting prey . Clearly this was an devious plan to influence the 2012 race; however, the irony is that 30% of gays voted for Mccain, and although he secured the gay vote, the repulicans had no intention of returning the favor since they voted largely against prop 8.<br>It\'s an absolute fabrication that the GLBT gave us Obama, for their overall support was very slim and marginal, but their expectations was to depend on our vote for prop 8 because it was convienent for them. Imagine this absurid hypocrisy from a group that supported two individuals who called Barack Obama a terriost which was a tatic utilized to encite fear of white voters, and committed brutally slandered a Black preacher who supported gay rights inorder to destroy Barrack\'s campaign. <br><br>The fact of the matter is there are two groups to blame. The first is Karl Rove\'s Republican Party(KKK Right wing members) for organizing this so called culture war, and gays for not campaigning in the black community since their racist views kept them from reaching out.  Furthermore the gay commumity was so busy supporting Mccain that they lost their opportunity to gain support from the black community since Rev. Jermiah Wright\'s church approves same sex marriages. <br><br>Much to their grave misfortune and chagrin,  they forfeited their greatest opportunity by failing to defend Rev. Wright against the vicious attacks of John mccain and Sarah palin, and ultimately expressing their racist views by voting for them. Ironically Mccain lost a lot of Republican votes due to his vile Karl  Rove swiftboating tactics, yet the gay community remained loyal.<br><br>I applaud everyone who were sensitive enough to pick up on this diabolical trap.<br>Know that we will be victorious in this fight as well, for we have never walked this road alone, for our cries are always heard, our tears wiped, and prayers answered.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3790588">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3790588" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3790588" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3790588">CLAM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3790588" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3790588" class="dsq-comment-message">Everyone on this site had better believe this was a well though out and intentional plan. I first noticed this war beginning on CNN when they broadcasted the report that 70% of blacks voted against prop 8, and they kept flashing this number over and over again until they evoked a response from the gay community. Later I saw FOX repeatingg this act, but they were all of sudden concerned about the right of gays when we know they are the first to vote in large percentages against the gay community. Yesterday I heard Bill O reily refer to these hateful behaviors towards blacks as a cultural war. Since Mccain lost the race and cheating or stealing the vote failed to prevail this time, Karl and the Repulicans looked to the gay community to continue waging war against blacks.<br>Because Sarah Plain and John Mccain could no longer be utilized to stir black hate, they found a group that would readily pick up the banner. <br><br>I believe the media must be confronted and rebuked along with the right wing conservatives for scapegoating blacks. In fact many right wing churches sent black preachers to the African Amercan communities to speak about prop 8. Blacks were tricked into executing the dirty work of conservatives and later left to bear the blame and blunt of their unsuspecting prey . Clearly this was an devious plan to influence the 2012 race; however, the irony is that 30% of gays voted for Mccain, and although he secured the gay vote, the repulicans had no intention of returning the favor since they voted largely against prop 8.<br>It\'s an absolute fabrication that the GLBT gave us Obama, for their overall support was very slim and marginal, but their expectations was to depend on our vote for prop 8 because it was convienent for them. Imagine this absurid hypocrisy from a group that supported two individuals who called Barack Obama a terriost which was a tatic utilized to encite fear of white voters, and brutally smeared a Black preacher who supported gay rights inorder to destroy Barrack\'s campaign. <br><br>The fact of the matter is there are two groups to blame. The first is Karl Rove\'s Republican Party(the KKK Right wing members) for organizing this so called culture war, and gays for not campaigning in the black community since their racist views kept them from reaching out.  Furthermore the gay commumity was so busy supporting Mccain that they lost their opportunity to gain support from the black community since Rev. Jermiah Wright\'s church approves same sex marriages. <br><br>Much to their grave misfortune and chagrin,  they forfeited their greatest opportunity by failing to defend Rev. Wright against the vicious attacks of John mccain and Sarah palin, and ultimately expressing their racist views by voting for them. Also, Mccain lost a lot of Republican votes due to his vile Karl  Rove swiftboating tactics, yet the gay community remained loyal.<br><br>I applaud everyone who were sensitive enough to pick up on this diabolical trap.<br>Know that we will be victorious in this fight as well, for we have never walked this road alone, for our cries are loudly heard, our tears softly wiped, and prayers always answered.<br><br>Sorry, for the second entry, but I thought you might appreciate the corrections.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3599023">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3599023" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3599023" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3599023">George S.</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3599023" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3599023" class="dsq-comment-message">Sounds to me like you all are ignoring the fact that 7 out of 10 African Americans voted FOR prop 8.  Blame lies with all people who voted yes on 8.  But the fact is that, per capita, blacks voted far more for it than other ethnic groups.  There is an epidemic of homophobia and bigotry in the black community.  Own up to it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3599431">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3599431" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3599431" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3599431" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3599431" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3599431" class="dsq-comment-message">I saw you repeat this lie over at Kos, Yalin.<br><br>It was 70% of 240 Black People POLLED.  Not 70% of Black People who voted in the state of California.<br><br>You\'re as bad as CNN in distorting the truth.  And you\'re an African-American man who\'s doing the distortions.<br><br>GAME OVER and you can take this anti-Black haterade somewhere else, you damned TROLL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3599493">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3599493" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3599493" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3599493">George S.</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3599493" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3599493" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t read KOS and I\'m not Yalin.  Don\'t know who that is.  I realize that exit polls are not always exactly correct.  But the error would not be large enough to change the fact that a huge majority of African Americans, as a community, have stated that separate but equal is just fine for the gays.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3604067">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3604067" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3604067" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-3604067" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3604067" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3604067" class="dsq-comment-message">You sound too much like Yalin to be a coincidence.  In any case, this kind of hatred what was MLK, RFK, JFK, and others gave their lives to overcome, and for you to come here and spout this shyt totally OUT OF CONTEXT makes you no better than the white gays who are spreading this meme and looking for scapegoats because they\'re in California and thought the whole state would do the right thing.<br><br>I know because I grew up in Northern California (Oakland) and lived there for over thirty years, so I know first hand that Northern California and Southern California are as different as Night and Day.  The Bay Area rejected that proposition; the southland helped Utah to pass it.<br><br>And again, it was 70% of PEOPLE POLLED; not 70% of people who VOTED.  CNN is reporting a major distortion and I, for one, will be happy to see the Fairness Doctrine restored if, for nothing else, to forstall shyt like this half-assed report that does nothing but pit Blacks against any and all others, while the powers that be divide, conquer, and shyts on us ALL.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3611626">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3611626" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3611626" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3611626">freespiritbty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3611626" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3611626" class="dsq-comment-message">Major PWNED! And I look forward to the return of the Fairness Doctrine.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3611685">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3611685" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3611685" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3611685">George S.</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3611685" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3611685" class="dsq-comment-message">Pwned my ass!  Everyone knows the poll was done afterwards, of people who voted.  That\'s what an exit poll IS.  It doesn\'t ask everyone who voted.  That would be logistically impossible.  Everyone knows polls have a margin of error.  But 70%?   There\'s still no acknowledgment that the black community has entrenched homophobia within its borders and often in its churches.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616518">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616518" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616518" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616518">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616518" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616518" class="dsq-comment-message">You are extremely math challenged aren\'t you? You also like to make emotional arguments that have no factual basis.  Like slinging phrases such as homophobia, just like the right calls folks flaming liberals as if the very nature of using the label somehow dimishings the credibility of the argument.<br><br>Guess what? It doesn\'t,  It just makes you sound shallow and stupid.<br><br>Folks in the black churches and communities have no hatred, malice or animosity towards INDIVIDUALS who engage in homosexuality.<br><br>Which is separate from having a desire to promote or condone homosexuality as some type of normative behavior. There is enough dysfunctional behaviors within the black community without creating an atmosphere of acceptance of aberrant sexual behavior.<br><br>That does not mean you hate the person nor that you are afraid of folks that engage in homosexuality. Afterall, as others have mentioned many choir directors in the black church are gay, many hairdressers in the black community are gay and numerous gays are make up artists and entertainers in theatrical fields.  All of whom blacks embrace individually.<br><br>I just want to know what gives you the right to think you can even demand that aberrant sexual behavior be acceptable as some norm?  Who the hell are you to do such. How is your demanding this any different from a drug dealer who insists that he is just making a living and how dare anyone prevent him from doing so?  <br><br>What gives you the temerity and gall to think that you have any moral high ground to insist that such behavior be tolerated and or accepted.<br><br>No one in this society has to be afraid of anythign to clearly decide that homosexuaity is not something that should be modeled as a behavioral norm for children. anymoreso than we want prostitution modelled as a societal norm for children and families.<br><br>No one claims we are afraid of prostitutes when society says no to that.<br><br>You need to go somewhere and sit down and re think why you think you have some right to impose aberrant behavior on society at large.<br><br>Society does not tolerate lewd or disorderly conduct either. Which can be as simply as loud music, profanity or loud talking.<br><br>Are all of these phobias too?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616576">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616576" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616576" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616576">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616576" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616576" class="dsq-comment-message">I asked this below (with other questions) but haven\'t heard back from you yet on it and this comment opens up the question pretty sharply for me again, so I will ask this one also up here: <br><br>whiterosebuddy, would you now or in the future support laws that would it illegal, just because we\'re both women, for me and my girlfriend to have sex?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3616702">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3616702" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3616702" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3616702">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3616702" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3616702" class="dsq-comment-message">No,  I would not advocate for any law that would make homosexuality illegal, although I understand why folks would. I feel no need to do so...because folks are entitled to do whatever they choose in the privacy of their homes.<br><br>Sorry for the delay...I took a break and am now scrolling back down through the thread. I will respond to you.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3648719">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3648719" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3648719" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3648719">George S.</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3648719" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3648719" class="dsq-comment-message">You remind me of the southern white racists who compare homosexuality to bestiality, child molestation and other crimes.  Being disorderly or lewd in public directly infringes on others\' rights.  Being gay, or being a gay married couple, does not.  It\'s really quite simple.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3626111">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3626111" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3626111" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3626111">freespiritbty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3626111" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3626111" class="dsq-comment-message">You still got pwned!  Facts don\'t seem to be on your side.  Another thing, take up your "emotional outrage" with those who crafted Prop 8, i.e., the MORMON CHURCH.  Is this Yalin from dkos?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3622125">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3622125" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3622125" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3622125">AM2k6</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3622125" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3622125" class="dsq-comment-message">CPL, once again, a voice of reason in the midst of chaos! Im so in love with you!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3939814">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3939814" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3939814" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3939814">Yalin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3939814" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3939814" class="dsq-comment-message">Actually, I\'m Yalin. And you have absolutely no idea what an exit poll is if you believe that 70% of people polled is what CNN did. They polled people who left the polling booths.<br><br>In other words, people who actually voted. And quite frankly, you\'re the kind of numbnut I was referring to in my diary "Daily Kos Hypocrisy: Prop 8, Blacks, and Party Identity Politics".<br><br>Until you get over your squeamishness with looking at the black community with an objective eye for all its failings, you\'ll never get the result you desire.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-3646863">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-3646863" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-3646863" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-3646863">allheavens</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-3646863" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-3646863" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>There is no moral high ground for the gay agenda. Thus the concerted and sustained effort to promote the idea that homosexuality is a birth defect. These 2 concepts were used to effectively shift the argument to \'discrimination and bornthatway\'....Both of these arguments have been factually and scientifically disproved, right along with the myth that homosexuals comprise 10% of the population. <br></i><br><br>Whoa Nelly!<br><br>And no, I am not going to even try and present a rebuttal to your arguments. Why should anyone make an effort when they rebutt themselves by being  hateful, ignorant, delusional, myopic and un-Christian.<br><br>I doubt seriously that you are happy to ALLOW God to be the judge.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 </ul>\
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	// HACK: We don't know if the callback wraps our container, which may
	// possibly result in a new DOM element.
	Dsq.container = document.getElementById('dsq-content');
}

})();




