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GOP Lawmaker Candice Keller Blames Gays, Drag Queens, Marijuana & Video Games For Mass Shootings

Ohio state Rep. Candice Keller (image via government site)

In the aftermath of two deadly mass shootings over the weekend, one conservative Ohio state lawmaker put the blame for the tragic events on same-sex marriage, video games, transgender people, drag queens, President Obama and more.

On Saturday, a lone gunman killed 20 people at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas. That was followed by another shooting in Dayton, Ohio, which left 10 dead and at least 27 more wounded.

State Rep. Candice Keller (R), who represents a district near Dayton, wrote on her Facebook page, “After every mass shooting, the liberals start the blame game. Why not place the blame where it belongs?”

She went on to list who she feels are the real culprits for so many mass shootings beginning with, “The breakdown of the traditional American family (thank you, transgender, homosexual marriage and drag queen advocates).”

Also on her list of folks to blame for the two mass shooting events were:

  • Fatherlessness
  • Video games (although other countries have video games as well and not nearly the gun violence that is seen in the U.S.)
  • Open borders
  • Recreational marijuana
  • Students in school who misbehave
  • Disrespect for the police (she gave a shoutout to Obama for some reason)
  • Hatred of our veterans (athletes are to blame for that one)
  • The Democratic Congress (although Democrats only control one chamber of Congress)
  • Culture (in general we guess) for ignoring the importance of God and the church
  • State officeholders and something about the 2nd Amendment
  • And, of course, ‘snowflakes’ who “can’t accept a duly-elected president

I’m not sure how Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny managed to avoid the list, but maybe she was in a hurry.

When the Dayton Daily News contacted Keller about the post, she told a reporter she had posted something “to her private, personal Facebook page.”

And when the post was read to her over the phone, she said “it sounded like part of her posting but she couldn’t be sure if it had been altered,” introducing the idea that she had been possibly hacked.

The post was promptly deleted, but screengrabs have gone viral on the internet.

Brian Hester, Chairman for the Butler County Democratic Party, responded to the post telling the Daily News, “She loves to fan the flames and play the role of victim here, not the nine people who were killed….She is fundamentally unfit for office.”

Hester added, “She is an embarrassment to her party, to conservatives, to Butler County, and to the state Legislature.”

(source: Dayton Daily News)

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Kevin Spacey Emerges From Exile For Impromptu Poem Reading In Italy

Academy Award winner and accused sexual assaulter Kevin Spacey made a rare public appearance this past Friday after a lengthy period of self-imposed exile.
Kevin Spacey (via screen capture)

Academy Award winner and accused sexual assaulter Kevin Spacey made a rare public appearance this past Friday after a lengthy period of self-imposed exile.

This is the first appearance since sexual assault charges against him by a young man in Nantucket were dropped in July after his accuser refused to waive his 5th Amendment rights.

The odd appearance included a dramatic recitation of Gabriele Tinti’s poem “The Boxer” at Rome’s Palazzo Massimo alle Terme museum.

Spacey read the poem to a gathering of nearly 150 museum attendees in front of the bronze nude statue known as “Boxer at Rest.”

Via The Telegraph:

“Spacey appeared in front of the Greek statue Boxer at Rest in Rome, to read Gabriele Tinti’s poem The Boxer, about an exhausted fighter used for entertainment then left bleeding by the ringside. … Standing beside the Greek bronze cast of the ravaged fighter, which dates from around 316 BC, Spacey, dressed in a tobacco-coloured suit, intoned the poem to a startled audience at the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.”

According to reports, journalists were tipped off in advance of the appearance. It would appear that Spacey chose the poem for subtext.

From the poem:

“The more you’re wounded the greater you are. And the more empty you are. I have endured no end of sleepless nights. They used me for their entertainment, fed on shoddy stuff. Life was over in a moment.”

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White House Acting Chief Of Staff: Trump Rhetoric ‘Not To Blame’ For White Nationalist Shootings

Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney told ABC News reporter Jon Karl that Donald Trump’s heated racial rhetoric is not to blame for the rash of recent mass shootings by white nationalist terrorists.

“This is a serious problem … but they are sick, sick people and the president knows that … I don’t think it’s fair to try and lay this at the feet of the president.”

Mulvaney’s title is ‘Acting’ Chief of Staff for a reason. He’s merely an actor in Trump’s reality show, saying the lines he’s given.

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With Twin Mass Shootings, Playing for Change Asks “What’s Going On?”


 Guest post by Lawrence Pfeil, Jr.

This year in America, there have been 251 mass shootings as of day 215; three of them in the past week.

While the motive of the Dayton shooter is still TBD, the shooters in Gilroy, CA and El Paso, TX were both motivated by racist hate with the goal of slaughtering men, women, and children of color.

This is the sickening truth that Americans woke up to today and must live with.

How do any of us cope with the ceaseless crisis of gun violence and our leader’s complacency and willful inaction? How do we stem the growing tide of racism, xenophobia, and public displays of hate? How did we get here? What’s going on?

Nearly fifty years ago, the great Marvin Gaye asked the same question after an act of police brutality. His chart-topping, “What’s Going On?” is a ballad of grief, yearning, and most of all hope.

It became an instant classic and has brought people together in the darkest of times reminding us of common humanity when we are in most need of healing.

Playing For Change, an artist collective created to inspire and connect the world through music recently released a cover of Gaye’s hit that shines a special light of hope today.

From their official website:

“Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.

“Our primary focus is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combine their talents and cultural power in innovative videos we call Songs Around The World.

“Through these efforts, we aim to create hope and inspiration for the future of our planet.”

(screen capture)

Founded in 2002, Playing For Change released its first album in 2009, “Songs from Around the World,” featuring 100 musicians from 21 countries.

From its liner notes:

“For seven years our small film crew traveled the world with recording equipment and cameras in search of inspiration — we traveled from streets and subways to native Indian reservations, through African towns and villages, up to the Himalayan Mountains and beyond.

“Throughout the journey, we created a movement connecting the world through music. This album is a collective statement from over 100 musicians spanning five countries. Many of them have never met in person, but through their different cultures, these songs demonstrate a profound human connection and willingness to unite.

“Through music, we can understand our differences and create a better world.”

Playing For Change’s debut music video, a cover of the Ben E. King classic, “Stand By Me,” showcases their inspirational and remarkable journey.

Their latest music video of Imagine Dragon’s “Love” was recently released and its message could not be more relevant or important. Featuring musicians from across six continents, “Love” reminds us we are all one in the human choir inviting us to share in the song,

“All around the world, we are one …” and let’s share the love with everyone we meet.”

More about Playing For Change:

Support their work by becoming a member HERE.

Follow their inspirational work on social media:

Facebook: @PlayingForChange
Instagram: @playing4changefoundation
Twitter: @playing4change

You can follow guest contributor Lawrence Pfeil Jr. at his website, TheOUTFront.com

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Favorites From Billy Porter’s Fab & Fierce Recording Career

Looking back at Billy Porter's extensive recording career.
Billy Porter (photo: John Ganun)

As we’re enjoying season 2 of the acclaimed FX series POSE, I see many on social media living for the musical performances on the show, especially by Tony Award winner Billy Porter as ‘Pray Tell.’

But some may not realize how extensive Porter’s recording career is.

After winning the television talent show Star Search back in 1992 (while performing on Broadway), Porter began making his mark in the recording studio.

One of his most well-known pop music tracks (even if folks didn’t know it was the future Golden Globe/Emmy Award nominee) was “Love Is On The Way,” the lead single from the soundtrack of the 1996 Bette Midler / Goldie Hawn / Diane Keaton film, The First Wives Club.

Porter also had a #1 hit on the Billboard AC chart collaborating with pianist Jim Brickman and Jordan Hill on the title track to Brickman’s 1999 album, Destiny.

Porter’s own albums offer his own distinct musical style which combines R&B, pop, and soul.

His latest single, “Love Yourself,” an upbeat paean to looking to ourselves first for approval.

The song “Time,” from his spectacular live one-man show, At the Corner of Broadway + Soul, was written by Porter and grabbed national attention when it was featured on the reality dance competition, So You Think You Can Dance.

He also recently teamed up with his longtime friend, two-time OutMusic Award winner Matt Zarley, on a cover of the 1994 Des’ree hit, “You Gotta Be.” Again, the theme of self-love and empowerment weaves its way through the Porter catalog. Note – all proceeds of the new recording go to the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

And Porter has also returned to his Broadway roots bringing his unique musical sensibilities to two studio albums – the 2014 Billy’s Back on Broadway, and his 2017 release, Billy Porter Presents: The Soul of Richard Rodgers.

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Buttigieg: U.S. Is “Under Attack From Homegrown White Nationalist Terrorism”

Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaking in Las Vegas, NV

Mayor Pete Buttigieg told attendees at a labor union forum in Las Vegas Saturday that the United States is “under attack” by white nationalists carrying out deadly mass shootings across the country, and those white nationalists have become emboldened by Donald Trump.

Buttigieg was speaking at a forum in Las Vegas sponsored by the public-sector labor union AFSCME.

News of the recent mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart broke during the event.

Eschewing his prepared introductory remarks, Buttigieg addressed the tragedy head-on.

“America is under attack from homegrown white nationalist terrorism,” Buttigieg said in his opening remarks. “White nationalism is evil. And it is inspiring people to commit murder, and it is being condoned at the highest levels of the American government, and that has to end.”

When asked his thoughts on Trump’s position on white nationalists, Buttigieg said the president “at best condones and encourages white nationalism.”

Buttigieg also called for stricter gun control laws across the country.

“We are the only country in the world with more guns than people,” said the 37-year-old White House contender. “It has not made us safer. We can respect the Second Amendment (on gun rights), and not allow it to be a death sentence for thousands of Americans.”

Among several policies he shared that would help stem the tide of gun violence were:

• Implementing universal background checks for firearm purchases

• Banning the sale of high capacity magazines

• Allowing the Centers for Disease Control to research gun violence

• Passing “red flag” laws that remove firearms from at-risk people, such as those convicted of domestic violence

Buttigieg also said there should be stricter regulations for military-style firearms often used in mass shootings.

“Weapons of war have no place in American neighborhoods,” said the Afghanistan war veteran.

Buttigieg addressed the lack of leadership on gun violence by the president today.

“Will the President of the United States leave his golf resort, go back to Washington, address the nation, condemn—in no uncertain terms—white nationalism, and call for the Senate to convene tomorrow to enact at least the most basic gun safety reforms that most Americans want?”

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Biden Leads By Double-Digits In New National Poll

New polling continues to show former Vice President Joe Biden holds a significant lead over other Democratic presidential contenders.
Donald Trump (L), Joe Biden (R)

New polling shows former Vice President Joe Biden continues to hold a significant lead over other Democratic presidential contenders.

From The Hill:

Former Vice President Joe Biden has a 2-to-1 lead nationally over the next closest Democratic presidential contender after the second round of debates, according to the latest Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll.

The new survey finds Biden with 34 percent support among Democrats, followed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at 17 percent.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) is in third place with 9 percent support, followed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) at 8 percent, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg at 4 percent, former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke at 3 percent and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) at 2 percent.

“Biden has been steady despite some rocky performances at the debates,” said Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll. “The Democratic voters are far more in sync with Biden’s views than any of the other candidates running. He maintains his front-runner status.”

The poll also showed 46 percent of Democrats view Biden as best choice to beat Trump, followed by Sanders at 34 percent.

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Minister Stiffs Waiter ("If He Wasn't Gay") Then Arrested For Assaulting Female Manager

Frederic Sterry Smith, 62, of St. Augustine, Florida, was arrested and charged with simple battery after ripping up his restaurant bill and shoving it down the female manager's blouse.
Mug shot of Frederic Sterry Smith (St. Johns County Sheriff Office)

Frederic Sterry Smith, 62, of St. Augustine, Florida, was arrested and charged with simple battery after ripping up his restaurant bill and shoving it down the female manager’s blouse.

According to the Naples Daily News, Smith and his female companion had finished eating at the restaurant when he wrote on the receipt “if he wasn’t gay,” with a zero-dollar tip.

Upon seeing the homophobic message the male server took it to the manager on duty, who went outside to confront Smith.

When asked if he had written the message on his check, Smith said yes. He then grabbed the bill, and ripped it up. He grabbed the manager’s shirt collar, pulled it open and shoved “the torn check down her shirt, touching her breast with his hand,” according to the police report.

Police quickly tracked the man down, and when questioned about the incident Smith reportedly became “verbally abusive and angry,” denying the stunt.

“I can say whatever I want, to whoever I want!” he told the officers. 

His female companion told the police, “We didn’t touch her.”
Apparently, the couple’s denials were not convincing.
Smith was booked into the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office jail on a charge of simple battery, and released on $500 bail.
Fox News reports that Smith “works as a minister and president at Servant’s Heart Disaster Relief, a St. Augustine-based nonprofit and evangelical ministry ‘devoted to helping hurricane victims in North America and the Caribbean.'”

This is a “man of God?”

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Gay Son Of ‘Straight Pride’ Organizer Puts The Hate Rally On Blast

In addition to the upcoming 'Straight Pride Parade' in Boston on August 31, homophobic folks on the other side of the country in California are attempting to hold their own faux 'Pride' event.

In addition to the upcoming ‘Straight Pride Parade’ in Boston on August 31, homophobic folks on the other side of the country in California are attempting to hold their own faux ‘Pride’ event.

Working under the name “National Straight Pride Coalition,” the organizers say they plan to “celebrate heterosexuality, masculinity-femininity, babies-born and unborn, Western civilization, our wonderful country, Christianity.”

These kinds of events are generally viewed as mocking the annual LGBTQ Pride events held across the country.

Organizers have applied for a permit to hold their ‘Straight Pride’ rally on August 24th in Modesto’s Graceada Park.

But the gay son of one of the organizers told the Modesto Bee he will ask City Council members to not issue the permit for the event.

Matthew Mason is the adopted and estranged son of one of the organizers of the event. He told the Modesto Bee, “We don’t want hate in Modesto. I am making sure Modesto is not a place for hate speech.”

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“They believe Western Civilization should be straight, white and Christian with a very specific gender binary,” explained Matthew. “They believe this should be a culture war. It’s rhetoric I’ve heard my whole life.”

The 28-year-old adds that he has no problem with people celebrating ‘straight pride’ in earnest. But adds,  “You don’t have to say that means (LGBTQ+ community members) are deviants. You can be Christians, but you don’t have to dictate that people in the LGBTQ+ community are not Christians. You can celebrate Western Civilization without saying, ‘West is best.’”

Matthew is currently planning a candlelight vigil to protest the ‘Straight Pride’ event. He also plans on addressing the Modesto City Council to urge it not to allow the event “because it has the potential for violence.”

Matthew’s biological mother, Kristi Ah You, is a Modesto City Council member. She told the local CBS News affiliate that the city will probably not grant a permit to the event because the event would constitute hate speech.