Salt Lake Tribune endorses President Obama

From the Salt Lake Tribune:

From his embrace of the party’s radical right wing, to subsequent portrayals of himself as a moderate champion of the middle class, Romney has raised the most frequently asked question of the campaign: “Who is this guy, really, and what in the world does he truly believe?” The evidence suggests no clear answer, or at least one that would survive Romney’s next speech or sound bite. Politicians routinely tailor their words to suit an audience. Romney, though, is shameless, lavishing vastly diverse audiences with words, any words, they would trade their votes to hear.[snip]

In considering which candidate to endorse, The Salt Lake Tribune editorial board had hoped that Romney would exhibit the same talents for organization, pragmatic problem-solving and inspired leadership that he displayed here more than a decade ago. Instead, we have watched him morph into a friend of the far right, then tack toward the center with breathtaking aplomb. Through a pair of presidential debates, Romney’s domestic agenda remains bereft of detail and worthy of mistrust.

Therefore, our endorsement must go to the incumbent, a competent leader who, against tough odds, has guided the country through catastrophe and set a course that, while rocky, is pointing toward a brighter day. The president has earned a second term. Romney, in whatever guise, does not deserve a first.

(via JoeMyGod)

Minnesota Vikings Chris Kluwe to debate marriage equality with an empty chair

Vikings punter and marriage equality advocate plans to debate an empty chair on the subject of marriage equality this evening if nobody materializes to sit in it, Gannett reports:

Billed as “Chris Kluwe vs. The Chair,” Kluwe will take the stage at downtown Minneapolis’ The Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre to share his views against Minnesota’s Same Sex Marriage Amendment, Amendment 1, which if passed, would limit legal marriage in that state between a man and a woman.

In addition to Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann and numerous other politicians who support the amendment, organizers also invited Kluwe’s former teammate Matt Birk to discuss the amendment. Since none of those people agreed to come to the event, Kluwe decided to appear with the chair and a local radio host serving as moderator.

The debate is being streamed live at The Uptake starting at 5 pm (CT, we presume, since it’s in Minneapolis).

(via Towleroad.com)

Michael Jeffries of Abercrombie & Fitch has rules on the A&F corp jet

Michael Jeffries, CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has his own $50 million corporate jet, and very clear rules for the crew when he flies.

From the flight handbook:

* Male staffers are to be clean-shaven and wear a uniform of Abercrombie polo shirts, flip-flops and a “spritz” of the firm’s cologne — and boxer briefs. All staffers must wear sunglasses.

* When Jeffries, 68, or boyfriend Matthew Smith make a request, the reply must be, “No problem” — not, “Just a minute,” or “Sure.”

* Stewards must wear black gloves to handle silverware — but white gloves to set the table.

* Toilet paper must not be “exposed” and its “end square” should not be folded. “Washclothes are to be tri-folded.”

The staffers, described as actors and models, were also instructed to check for fingerprints on the Gulfstream G550 jet, arrange fresh flowers, center salt and pepper on meal trays, properly fold seat-belt buckles — and make sure the Phil Collins song “Take Me Home” is playing when passengers board.

Having that kind of money is a WHOLE different life….

(via NYPost)

Team Chippendales – Jaymes & James – show support for Spirit Day

Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis - Team Chippendales currently on The Amazing Race - show their support for Spirit Day when millions of Americans wear purple to speak out against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.

Jaymes and James “Team Chippendales” from the Rio (currently featured on The Amazing Race), show their support for Spirit Day, in Las Vegas with custom-designed purple cuffs and collars.

Spirit Day is an annual day when millions of Americans wear purple to speak out against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. Click here to learn more.

Photo: Arlene Richie

NYC Mayor Bloomberg to create new Independence PAC

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg today announced the formation of a new super PAC, Independence PAC. He will support candidates from any party with the caveat that they support three issues: marriage equality, stricter gun laws and education reform.  Word is he’s prepared to spend up to $15 million between now and election day.

An anonymous Bloomberg official said, “This spending sends a clear message that the mayor intends to keep his wallet open after he leaves office to influence national policy around issues like guns, education and marriage equality.” And according to the New York Times, Bloomberg’s already supporting a number of candidates.

Among those whom Mr. Bloomberg will support are former Gov. Angus King, an independent running for the United States Senate in Maine; State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod, who is challenging a fellow Democrat, Representative Joe Baca of California, who the mayor believes has been weak on gun-control; and Representative Bob Dold, a Republican from Illinois who has backed gun-control measures.

Bloomberg is “likely” to support the Washington and Maine gay marriage ballot battles, according to the paper.

Knights of Columbus waste $15.8 million fighting equal rights

Since 2005, the Knights of Columbus has spent $15.8 million to keep gays and lesbians from having equal rights.

The excellent graphic above from Freedom to Marry gives us just a few options of how that many could have been better spent.

In related news, Speaker of the House John Boehner’s “defend DOMA” account” – originally budgeted at $1.5 million – is almost empty. Another bad use of funds that could have helped Americans.

The trend and truth of marriage equality is clear. The question remains: how much and for how long will anti-gay political forces oppose equal rights for all?

Nevada jobless claims drop to lowest level in 5 years

The number of Nevadans filing initial claims for jobless benefits fell in September to the lowest level in five years.

The state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation says the 13,932 initial claims filed last month are the lowest since before the recession began in 2007. September’s filings compare with 16,693 initial claims filed in the same month last year.

Initial claims peaked in December 2008 at 34,414.

The agency will release its full report on September unemployment numbers for Nevada on Friday.

Nevada has had the nation’s highest jobless rate since May 2010.

(source)