They can run, but they can't hide. Ever since primary season concluded, State Senate Republican Leader Michael Roberson has been trying hard to convince everyone that he and his hand-picked running mates are "not your typical Republicans"... By hiding from public view. We're trying to remember the last time Senator Roberson spent this much time away from the media spotlight.
But why are he and his hand-picked running mates staying so far away from the media spotlight? Last week, we took a closer look at Becky Harris (R). And today, we're taking a closer look at Patricia Farley (R).
At first glance, Farley actually looks like "not your typical Republican". After all, she did preside over the board of AFAN (or Aid for AIDS in Nevada). How many Republican candidates have a record like this?
But wait, what really happened during Farley's tenure at AFAN? ProgressNow Nevada and Progressive Kick are back with a very well sourced report on Patricia Farley's history at AFAN (when she was known as Patricia Saavedra), as well as her positions on other key issues.
We distinctly remember this period of turmoil at AFAN. It ultimately led to painful fissures in Southern Nevada's LGBTQ community as people began asking questions on where the money was going, who was being treated (& who wasn't), and why so many staffers were being thrown out.
Back then, Patricia Farley spoke out and defended her organization. Why won't she do the same now? She occasionally issues press releases alluding to her service at AFAN, but she hasn't answered any questions on AFAN's finances and human resources policy since she announced her campaign for State Senate. Why is that? She now wants to have authority over the State of Nevada's budget. Shouldn't voters have the opportunity to know more about Farley's oversight of AFAN's budget?
No wonder why it seems like Michael Roberson is keeping himself, along with Patricia Farley & Becky Harris, hidden in some secret closet at some undisclosed location.
Showing posts with label HIV/AIDS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HIV/AIDS. Show all posts
Monday, October 27, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Notice Anything Different?
Gotta love that "Republican rebranding". Late last month, G-O-TEA media personalities were rushing to defend embattled racist billionaire slumlord Donald Sterling soon after they finished their worship ceremony for embattled racist "welfare cowboy" Cliven Bundy.
But now, Donald Sterling is trying to defend himself. So he went on CNN yesterday. And he declared Magic Johnson is not "a good example for the children"...
Because he is HIV positive. Oh, yes. That's right. He went there. (/facepalm)
After all, abusing one's tenants is far more honorable than someone who actually puts his money where his mouth is. How dare that Magic Johnson give back to his community! What kind of example is he setting up for the children?
Oh, but he's HIV positive! Yes... So? A number of Americans are. And they go on to live their lives. HIV is not a crime.
Harrassing tenants, however, is. And being a negligent landlord most certainly is. And Donald Sterling is most certainly guilty on both counts.
And speaking of negligent, let's return to our favorite negligent "welfare cowboy".
As we mentioned yesterday, the BLM is pursuing another court challenge to make Cliven Bundy pay up. Yet somehow, not even this is stopping his fan club from making a pilgrimage to Salt Lake City tomorrow to demand the feds give up land that has been federal land ever since The West became US territory. After all, Cliven Bundy knows a thing or two about "proper stewardship"...
And about [redacted]. And now, Ann Coulter & Rush Limbaugh want to tell us something they know about First Lady Michelle Obama. Because she dared to go to Twitter to demand Boko Haram release the 300+ Nigerian school girls they kidnapped.
Apparently, screaming at Michael Sam and HGTV wasn't enough. So G-O-TEA Culture Warriors are now throwing shade at Michelle Obama for demanding the safe return of the kidnapped Nigerian school girls. And they're reading Magic Johnson to filth for giving back to his community. And of course, they're still lusting after that "Range War" Cliven Bundy promised them.
So how's that "Republican rebranding" coming along? We're still wondering what's changed. Has the "brand" even been changed? We don't notice anything different.
But now, Donald Sterling is trying to defend himself. So he went on CNN yesterday. And he declared Magic Johnson is not "a good example for the children"...
Because he is HIV positive. Oh, yes. That's right. He went there. (/facepalm)
After all, abusing one's tenants is far more honorable than someone who actually puts his money where his mouth is. How dare that Magic Johnson give back to his community! What kind of example is he setting up for the children?
Oh, but he's HIV positive! Yes... So? A number of Americans are. And they go on to live their lives. HIV is not a crime.
Harrassing tenants, however, is. And being a negligent landlord most certainly is. And Donald Sterling is most certainly guilty on both counts.
And speaking of negligent, let's return to our favorite negligent "welfare cowboy".
As we mentioned yesterday, the BLM is pursuing another court challenge to make Cliven Bundy pay up. Yet somehow, not even this is stopping his fan club from making a pilgrimage to Salt Lake City tomorrow to demand the feds give up land that has been federal land ever since The West became US territory. After all, Cliven Bundy knows a thing or two about "proper stewardship"...
And about [redacted]. And now, Ann Coulter & Rush Limbaugh want to tell us something they know about First Lady Michelle Obama. Because she dared to go to Twitter to demand Boko Haram release the 300+ Nigerian school girls they kidnapped.
Apparently, screaming at Michael Sam and HGTV wasn't enough. So G-O-TEA Culture Warriors are now throwing shade at Michelle Obama for demanding the safe return of the kidnapped Nigerian school girls. And they're reading Magic Johnson to filth for giving back to his community. And of course, they're still lusting after that "Range War" Cliven Bundy promised them.
So how's that "Republican rebranding" coming along? We're still wondering what's changed. Has the "brand" even been changed? We don't notice anything different.
Monday, December 2, 2013
The Cost of Silence
Today marks a major milestone. And no, we're not talking about Cyber Monday.
Today marks 25 years of the world commemorating World AIDS Day. And yes, this also means we can celebrate 25 years of progress. Since the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, more people have been surviving as detection and treatment have improved.
However, today is also a day to note what still must be done to save more lives. Just here in the US, over 1.1 million people are living with HIV... And 18% of them don't even know it. And while the plurality of these people are gay and bisexual men, women, communities of color, and even heterosexuals are far from immune from HIV. And to make matters worse, infection rates are rising rapidly among Americans aged 13-24.
So what can we do about this? Clearly, we can't forget that AIDS is still around... And still hurting people. In recent years, far too many of us have been lulled into a false sense of complacency. After all, "it's not a big deal any more" since "it can be treated".
Yes, it can be treated... If it's detected early enough. And even then, life as one knows it forever changes upon contracting HIV. We can't forget that more people have been able to survive HIV contraction due to the "cocktail" drugs now available. And let's just say that those "cocktails" are neither cheap nor easy.
That won't be changing any time soon. Sadly, the current austerity regime has forced budget cuts upon federal HIV/AIDS assistance & prevention programs. This has only led to further pressure on private AIDS charities that were already being greatly pressured by the aftermath of the Great Recession.
We have seen progress in the last 25 years, but that progress only materialized after we as a society realized we could no longer allow our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to suffer in silence. We can't afford to let people fall back into that trap of silence 25 years later. We can't afford to undo the past 25 years of progress simply because it's "too inconvenient" and/or "too expensive" to save lives.
Today, we need to think about the cost of silence. And then, we need to speak up and take action. Oh, and we need to educate. The last thing we need now is silence.
Today marks 25 years of the world commemorating World AIDS Day. And yes, this also means we can celebrate 25 years of progress. Since the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, more people have been surviving as detection and treatment have improved.
However, today is also a day to note what still must be done to save more lives. Just here in the US, over 1.1 million people are living with HIV... And 18% of them don't even know it. And while the plurality of these people are gay and bisexual men, women, communities of color, and even heterosexuals are far from immune from HIV. And to make matters worse, infection rates are rising rapidly among Americans aged 13-24.
So what can we do about this? Clearly, we can't forget that AIDS is still around... And still hurting people. In recent years, far too many of us have been lulled into a false sense of complacency. After all, "it's not a big deal any more" since "it can be treated".
Yes, it can be treated... If it's detected early enough. And even then, life as one knows it forever changes upon contracting HIV. We can't forget that more people have been able to survive HIV contraction due to the "cocktail" drugs now available. And let's just say that those "cocktails" are neither cheap nor easy.
That won't be changing any time soon. Sadly, the current austerity regime has forced budget cuts upon federal HIV/AIDS assistance & prevention programs. This has only led to further pressure on private AIDS charities that were already being greatly pressured by the aftermath of the Great Recession.
We have seen progress in the last 25 years, but that progress only materialized after we as a society realized we could no longer allow our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to suffer in silence. We can't afford to let people fall back into that trap of silence 25 years later. We can't afford to undo the past 25 years of progress simply because it's "too inconvenient" and/or "too expensive" to save lives.
Today, we need to think about the cost of silence. And then, we need to speak up and take action. Oh, and we need to educate. The last thing we need now is silence.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Scenes from the Campaign Trail: AIDS Walk Las Vegas
It was a hot Sunday morning in Las Vegas, and over 8,000 people showed up to walk... To raise awareness, and raise money, to help Nevadans fighting HIV/AIDS. AFAN puts together the walk every year, and this time was simply amazing. There were a number of high-profile celebrities helping the cause, such as Penn & Teller (who show up every year!), Holly Madison, and 8 News Now's Chris Saldana.
And of course, we also had some fabulous elected officials join the party (and the cause) as well. State Senators David Parks (D-Paradise) & Ruben Kihuen (D-North Las Vegas), Assembly Member Elliot Anderson (D-Paradise), and Clark County Commissioner (and Las Vegas Mayoral Candidate!) Chris Giunchigliani (D-Las Vegas) all showed up, and they all had their walking shoes ready to go the distance with us!
And of course, our favorite Congresswoman was also there! And now that she's also running for US Senate, I'll suspect we'll be seeing plenty more of Shelley Berkley throughout the state in the weeks and months to come.
We even enjoyed some live entertainment... In addition to all the politicians' speeches. ;-)
The Jersey Boys came to perform (even a capella!)...
And so did Jabbawockeez!
All in all, we had a great time yesterday. And even better, we made a difference. I have quite a few dear friends living with HIV/AIDS, so I know they don't have easy lives. Trying to stay alive certainly isn't cheap. And while we've come a long way in the last 30 years, we still have to fight the stigma, the discrimination, and now the state & federal budget cuts threatening the lives of many thousands here in Nevada and millions more throughout the country.
That's why I walked yesterday.
And that's why I was so delighted to see so many other folks throughout the community walk as well. Together, we really can make a difference.
And of course, we also had some fabulous elected officials join the party (and the cause) as well. State Senators David Parks (D-Paradise) & Ruben Kihuen (D-North Las Vegas), Assembly Member Elliot Anderson (D-Paradise), and Clark County Commissioner (and Las Vegas Mayoral Candidate!) Chris Giunchigliani (D-Las Vegas) all showed up, and they all had their walking shoes ready to go the distance with us!
And of course, our favorite Congresswoman was also there! And now that she's also running for US Senate, I'll suspect we'll be seeing plenty more of Shelley Berkley throughout the state in the weeks and months to come.
We even enjoyed some live entertainment... In addition to all the politicians' speeches. ;-)
The Jersey Boys came to perform (even a capella!)...
And so did Jabbawockeez!
All in all, we had a great time yesterday. And even better, we made a difference. I have quite a few dear friends living with HIV/AIDS, so I know they don't have easy lives. Trying to stay alive certainly isn't cheap. And while we've come a long way in the last 30 years, we still have to fight the stigma, the discrimination, and now the state & federal budget cuts threatening the lives of many thousands here in Nevada and millions more throughout the country.
That's why I walked yesterday.
And that's why I was so delighted to see so many other folks throughout the community walk as well. Together, we really can make a difference.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thoughts on Las Vegas AIDS Walk & HRC Family Picnic
(Also at Stonewall)
In the almost year since I've been living in Las Vegas (actually Henderson, but close enough!), I've been trying to get more involved in the community and be of good use. That's why I joined Stonewall. That's why I'm more than happy to help out with voter registration. But hey, it's not always all political for me. Sometimes, it's good just to go out, walk, and help raise awareness (and some cash... Seriously, chickens don't work here) for AFAN and what they're doing here in Las Vegas to help people living with HIV/AIDS and help prevent new cases of HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is still a major problem in our state and in our country, and it affects everyone. That's why it's important not to forget what we're facing and why we need to stay aware and keep fighting it. There may be new and better treatments available to help people live with HIV/AIDS, but it's not an easy life and it's still a powerful, incurable virus that leads to painful diseases.
However, it is preventable. And that's what AFAN is also doing, in addition to caring for people in our community with HIV/AIDS. That's why I was glad to walk with our Stonewall Team and Harry Reid's Team yesterday. OK, OK, I guess we did make it just a little political... And fun, too. The walk in Downtown Las Vegas was great, as we had live bands, street performers, and much more!
And afterward, the fun continued. HRC Las Vegas did its second annual Family Picnic right after AIDS Walk so we could all eat, drink (water, that is... It was HOT!), and be merry. And for all of us in the LGBTQ community, it was also nice to mingle and celebrate our "pre-PRIDE warm-up". We also saw some great friends of Stonewall visit, like Clark County Democratic Party Chair Roberta Lange, Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Fabulous) and Secretary of State Ross Miller (D-Awesome). We've seen plenty of progress on the state level, like SB 283 domestic partnerships, and hopefully we'll see more progress on the national level, like passing ENDA and repealing DADT.
And of course, this is why we all need to reach out to our family, friends, and neighbors to GET OUT THE VOTE! We can't expect any progress if we don't have allies in Congress, so it's imperative that we make sure progressives turn out and vote for the Democrats who will keep making change happens. That's why I was so glad to see people come to our Stonewall/Harry Reid (I bugged them yesterday about starting an "LGBTQ for Reid" group, and hopefully we'll see one soon!) booth and register or re-register (which is necessary when one moves) to vote. And as you can see in our photos, we did a pretty good job with voter registration!
So thanks to all our friends for coming over, joining us in the walk and in the picnic, and really making yesterday a big success! And if you want to join us again this next weekend for PRIDE, there's still time to sign up to volunteer for Friday's parade and/or Saturday's festival. Hey, why would you want to miss out on the next great fabulous party in town! :-D
In the almost year since I've been living in Las Vegas (actually Henderson, but close enough!), I've been trying to get more involved in the community and be of good use. That's why I joined Stonewall. That's why I'm more than happy to help out with voter registration. But hey, it's not always all political for me. Sometimes, it's good just to go out, walk, and help raise awareness (and some cash... Seriously, chickens don't work here) for AFAN and what they're doing here in Las Vegas to help people living with HIV/AIDS and help prevent new cases of HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is still a major problem in our state and in our country, and it affects everyone. That's why it's important not to forget what we're facing and why we need to stay aware and keep fighting it. There may be new and better treatments available to help people live with HIV/AIDS, but it's not an easy life and it's still a powerful, incurable virus that leads to painful diseases.
However, it is preventable. And that's what AFAN is also doing, in addition to caring for people in our community with HIV/AIDS. That's why I was glad to walk with our Stonewall Team and Harry Reid's Team yesterday. OK, OK, I guess we did make it just a little political... And fun, too. The walk in Downtown Las Vegas was great, as we had live bands, street performers, and much more!
And afterward, the fun continued. HRC Las Vegas did its second annual Family Picnic right after AIDS Walk so we could all eat, drink (water, that is... It was HOT!), and be merry. And for all of us in the LGBTQ community, it was also nice to mingle and celebrate our "pre-PRIDE warm-up". We also saw some great friends of Stonewall visit, like Clark County Democratic Party Chair Roberta Lange, Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Fabulous) and Secretary of State Ross Miller (D-Awesome). We've seen plenty of progress on the state level, like SB 283 domestic partnerships, and hopefully we'll see more progress on the national level, like passing ENDA and repealing DADT.
And of course, this is why we all need to reach out to our family, friends, and neighbors to GET OUT THE VOTE! We can't expect any progress if we don't have allies in Congress, so it's imperative that we make sure progressives turn out and vote for the Democrats who will keep making change happens. That's why I was so glad to see people come to our Stonewall/Harry Reid (I bugged them yesterday about starting an "LGBTQ for Reid" group, and hopefully we'll see one soon!) booth and register or re-register (which is necessary when one moves) to vote. And as you can see in our photos, we did a pretty good job with voter registration!
So thanks to all our friends for coming over, joining us in the walk and in the picnic, and really making yesterday a big success! And if you want to join us again this next weekend for PRIDE, there's still time to sign up to volunteer for Friday's parade and/or Saturday's festival. Hey, why would you want to miss out on the next great fabulous party in town! :-D
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