Author: Randy Slovacek

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Gov. Rick Perry flip flops on gay marriage

Texas Governor Rick Perry, one of the country’s most prominent defenders of the 10th Amendment, is making an exception when it comes to gay marriage.

After initially telling reporters that it’s “fine with me” if states like New York legalize same-sex unions through their own legislature, Perry is pulling a 180 and calling for a Federal Marriage Amendment.

Perry, who is flirting with a presidential bid, clarified his position to Family Research Council president Tony Perkins in an interview.

“I probably needed to add a few words after that ‘it’s fine with me’ and that it’s fine with me that a state is using their sovereign rights to decide an issue,” he said. “Obviously gay marriage is not fine with me. My stance hasn’t changed.”

Perry said he supported changing the Constitution in order to ban gay marriage, a position that he characterized as supportive of states’ rights even as it would overrule New York’s own decision on the matter.

His latest statement represents a major about-face and may be a preview of how he might court social conservatives should he run for president. At a fundraiser in Colorado last week, Perry was extremely clear in his support for New York’s right to determine their own definition of marriage.

“Our friends in New York six weeks ago passed a statute that said marriage can be between two people of the same sex. And you know what? That’s New York, and that’s their business, and that’s fine with me,” he said at the time. “That is their call. If you believe in the 10th Amendment, stay out of their business.”

I’m a little confused by Perry here. If you believe states have the right to decide marriage laws, then why pass a Federal Marriage Amendment?

(via TalkingPointsMemo)

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“Wild” Miami Remixed – from Tinatin

From Young Pals Records we get the terrific release of its 10th studio project, summer dancefloor anthem “Wild,” Miami Remixed, by Tinatin.

With socially conscious lyrics that speak to the issue of climate change, Young Pals is donating 10% of the song’s proceeds to Al Gore’s Alliance for Climate Protection.

The collection comprises five re-rubs of the song from prominent DJs, plus the music video, lensed in New York City and South Beach, Miami.

In addition to the Ayhan Sahin Crystal Ball Remix, versions of “Wild” include the Jason Jayma & DJ Scorpio Club Mix, Luke Savant Club Mix, Tom Noize Remix, Orly Productions Remix and Jay Moore Synth Mix.

The video clip showcases Tinatin as a tightly wound Wall Street executive fantasizing about letting loose in a sexually charged fantasy sequence shot throughout posh clubs and hotels and along the sandy beaches of South Beach. It was lensed by Christopher Holmes/ Holmeswood Features, as was the music video for the original EP version of “Wild.”

An acclaimed vocalist, songwriter and writer, Billboard magazine named Tinatin an “Artist To Watch” in 2008. Her composition “Connected” was a Pop finalist in the John Lennon Song Contest.

In 2009, “Is It True,” sung by Yohanna and co-written by Tinatin, was runner-up among 42 global entries at the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest held in Moscow. She was also named Lyricist of the Year by the ESC European Music Awards.

Producer Ayhan Sahin has worked with Olivia Newton-John, Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Turkish superstar Sezen Aksu, Sandra Bernhard and a half-dozen “American Idol” finalists, including the 2010 debut single for “AI” season eight finalist/comedian Norman Gentle, “Bitch Slap!” Sahin is associate producer of the award-winning music documentary “Lift Humanitarian Relief Songs Initiative,” which features Tinatin as one of 35 vocalists from around the world.

I think the song sounds perfect for summer dancing, especially when you watch the video which captures the international Euro-cuban glamour of Miami Beach, with gorgeous people everywhere you look.

For more info about the release, click here.

Download “Wild” Miami Remixed on iTunes – click here.

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Americans support mix of revenue and cuts for debt crisis

Americans overwhelmingly are concerned about the U.S. debt crisis and a majority backs the type of compromise pushed by President Barack Obama, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found on Tuesday.  I’m not making this up kids – this is Reuters, which is non-partisan.

Showing an intensity of interest among Americans who often ignore the intricacies of policy in Washington, 83 percent of those polled said they were either very or somewhat concerned about the potential for a U.S. debt default on August 2.

The poll found that 56 percent of Americans want to see a combination of government spending cuts and tax increases included in a deal to bring down the U.S. budget deficit and permit a vote to raise the country’s $14.3 trillion debt ceiling.

This is the approach favored by Obama and his fellow Democrats to begin to put America’s fiscal house in order.

Republicans oppose tax increases and instead want to cut back deeply on spending, saying the federal budget has gotten out of control.

“It does seem to be that the popular narrative is falling on the side of the president on this one,” said Ipsos pollster Julia Clark.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 31 percent of respondents held Republican lawmakers responsible for the debt impasse, 21 percent blamed Obama and 9 percent blamed Democratic lawmakers.

The United States will lose its top-notch AAA credit rating from at least one major ratings agency, according to another Reuters poll on Tuesday.

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Santorum wants to repeal NY state marriage equality

Big surprise. GOP presidential contender Rick Santorum says he will go to NY state and help repeal marriage equality.

Notice the ‘thunderous’ applause of the dozen or so people listening to him.

In the recording, Santorum asks “for what purpose?” do gays want the right to marry?

Rick – one word. Equality.