Reckless Abandon

Late last week, the usual G-O-TEA suspects feigned the usual "OUTRAGE!!!" at their usual political foe. And why was that? Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) decided to speak the truth about the clear & present danger that Cliven Bundy has imported into the Virgin Valley.



It's important for us to place #BundyRanch in its proper historical context. This hasn't happened in a vacuum. And #BundyRanch has brought back to the national stage the same extremist elements who challenged the federal government's authority to the point of violence.

Yet even now, even with the #BundyRanch instigators' bats**t crazy exposed, a number of prominent Nevada Republicans continue to endorse their crazy conspiracy theories and dangerous views on "nullifying" federal authority.

Last Friday, Senator Dean Heller (R) proclaimed them as "patriots". Throughout this ordeal, outgoing Assembly Member & current NV-04 candidate Cresent Hardy has endorsed Cliven Bundy's brazen violation of the law. And last Friday, Assembly Member Michele Fiore (R-Las Vegas) took to national TV to applaud the Bundy Gang's lawlessness.



What these and other G-O-TEA politicians have been saying this month is embarrassing. They've been using incredibly reckless language to endorse reckless behavior with complete reckless abandon. And yet, they want us to express "OUTRAGE!!!" over Senator Reid speaking the truth about the Bundy Gang and their reckless & lawless behavior?

We are a nation of laws. We all elect a government to serve us. And we agree to a set of laws to ensure fairness and equal opportunity in the public sphere.

What would happen if we were to attack our nation of laws with reckless abandon? What would happen if we were to recklessly abandon our nation of laws? How could we survive such lawlessness?

This is what Cliven Bundy is advocating. This is what his "TEA" powered allies want to force upon us at gunpoint. And we're supposed to be " OUTRAGED!!!" over Senator Reid calling it what it is?

Clear & Present Danger

We could definitely see this coming. Ever since they caught wind of Cliven Bundy's attempt to subvert federal law at Gold Butte, G-O-TEA media personalities have been sharing their wet dreams of "Second Amendment Remedies". And a number of G-O-TEA politicians have gone out of their way to celebrate the extreme right "Patriot Movement" Militia's "victory" over the rule of law.

Apparently, we're not the only ones who have been thinking about the frightening consequences of the lawlessness that's been infecting Bunkerville in recent days. MSNBC's Rachel Maddow took a closer look last night at what's really at stake at #BundyRanch. And she gave her audience a history lesson regarding the shady forces and extreme ideology fueling the #BundyRanch conflict in the Mesquite area.





Not only are Cliven Bundy and his "TEA" fueled allies completely wrong on the facts and wrong on the law, but they're also sending out a dangerously wrong message. That message is the same one we heard 19 years ago this week in Oklahoma City.



Before 9/11, this was the worst terrorist attack on US soil. And it was no hidden secret that Timothy McVeigh was motivated by the kind of extreme "Patriot" ideology that we've been catching glimpses of at #BundyRanch.

This is why we've been urging G-O-TEA politicians who have all too eagerly endorsed this lawless "uprising" to reconsider what they're advocating. Cresent Hardy & Michele Fiore may think it's cute to grandstand alongside the Bundy Gang and their new extreme right militia BFFs, but it's not. Rather, they're cozying up to what all the rest of us see as a clear & present danger.



What's happened at #BundyRanch this past week has gone far beyond "protest". It's not a mere "uprising". And it's anything but legal.

This is dangerous. There's really no way to candy-coat it. The extreme fringe of the far right who have once again gained national prominence thanks to Cliven Bundy's nationally televised temper tantrum are not interested in mere protest. And it's time for all the rest of us to recognize the clear & present danger of legitimizing this kind of behavior.

Take This Seriously.

Just when we thought we could enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday last week, the Nevada G-O-TEA Circus of Batsh*t Crazy had to interrupt our plans. Oh, yes. That's right. They went there... Again!

So what happened this time? Oh, Assembly Member Michelle Fiore (R-Las Vegas) just decided to "spice up" a local "talk radio" show with veiled threats of violence. After all, she just loves her weapons... And her NRA Seal of Approval.

So what exactly happened? Assembly Member Fiore was a guest on a KNXT show on Tuesday. So were Culinary 226's Yvanna Cancela and ProgressNow's Annette Magnus. When Fiore confronted Cancela over Culinary's aggressive organizing, she dropped this verbal bomb.

"The behavior that you did in front of the Cosmo would get you a bullet in your head in Brooklyn, because that is not the behavior that we want here in Nevada."

While many (even some on the left) have disagreed with Culinary's more controversial battle plans in its ongoing war against anti-union casinos, no one can say Culinary organizers aren't protected by the First Amendment. And no one can say they deserve "Second Amendment Remedies" for exercising their First Amendment rights.

Of course, the usual G-O-TEA spin doctors tried to change the subject as soon as this news hit Twitter. AFP Nevada even tried to start a flame war over Assembly Member Fiore's Twitter handle! But of course, it didn't work.

Instead, we were reminded of what happens when such violent rhetoric is injected into our political dialogue. When does this ever demonstrate "responsible behavior"? (Hint: Never.) And really, elected officials should know better.

Haven't we experienced more than enough bloodshed this year? Hell, we've even seen gun violence hit awfully close to home here in Nevada. Seriously, this isn't something to blithely dismiss and/or ignore.

So why aren't we taking this seriously? Why are some of our elected "leaders" threatening bullets in others' heads? What will it take for us to finally learn? Gun violence needs to be taken seriously.

The Journey Continues.

Yesterday, we saw history made. Even though the US Supreme Court did not "go full throttle" to endorse nationwide LGBTQ equality, civil rights did advance in a big way with the scrapping of DOMA Section 3 and invalidation of California's Prop 8 marriage ban. And even though the rulings don't directly (legally) affect most Nevada families, Southern Nevada's LGBTQ community nonetheless found reason to celebrate the historic occasion at The Center.





And there were a number of special guests stopping by to celebrate with the community. Several Nevada legislators spoke, including State Senator Justin Jones (D-Enterprise). He came with his brother-in-law, and reminded the audience of the many reasons why today's rulings and the ongoing effort for SJR 13 matter.



And that wasn't all. Several other legislators spoke, including the sole Assembly Republican to cross the aisle to support SJR 13. And not only that, but Assembly Member Michele Fiore (R-Las Vegas) took to the stage with her mother! Now that's what I call real family values.



We saw many poignant moments at The Center yesterday. It was particularly moving to see longtime community advocates take the stage to take in what had just occurred. After all, they remember the (not so) long ago days when queer folk had to fight like hell just for the right to exist.





Long before Assembly Member James Healey (D-Enterprise) and State Senator David Parks (D-Paradise) were elected to serve in Carson City, they were fighting for equality. Obviously, they've never stopped doing so. And they certainly had something to say about it yesterday.





And so did Senator Pat Spearman (D-North Las Vegas), as she's also been working on this for some time.



As we discussed yesterday, this was a long time coming. Yet with that being said, we still have a long way to go to reach full equality in Nevada and nationwide.

There were many reasons to celebrate yesterday. Overall, the nation inched ever so closer in the direction of full equality. And for LGBTQ families in California, the long and harrowing nightmare of Prop 8 finally began coming to a close.

I should know. After Prop 8 first passed, I fell into incredibly deep depression. It took days for me to leave the house again. But ultimately, I had to pick myself up and realize what needed to be done next.

In many ways, what happened yesterday felt like closure to me. Finally, that horrifying nightmare was over. Finally, I felt more human again. Finally, I felt more equal again.

However, this journey is still far from over. There's still more to be done here in Nevada, and all the speakers at The Center yesterday reinforced that message. Relief and jubilation were quite palpable in that very hot parking lot, but so was the drive to continue the journey to full equality.

Some on that stage yesterday had to fight a number of political obstacles to advance LGBTQ civil rights in Carson City. Many in the crowd have had to overcome intense bigotry and discrimination to reach The Center and its very hot parking lot. There's been plenty of progress over the years, and yesterday marked another promising milestone of progress. Yet today, the journey continues. This story isn't finished just yet for us.

Finally, High Times?

Earlier today, we saw plenty of confusion over the messy rejection of SB 374... Until it suddenly wasn't a rejection. It turned out to be a procedural hiccup. And now, it's back on track.

The Democratic majority had delayed the vote in the Assembly until Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce, D-Las Vegas, who is being treated for cancer, was well enough to participate.

The surprise apparent defeat of the measure sent lawmakers scurrying to figure out why the vote went wrong.

It was quickly determined that the original vote was correct, but the board displayed it improperly.

A second vote was taken and the measure passed without issue.

"I've seen how medical marijuana has touched many people's lives," Assemblyman Andy Martin, D-Las Vegas, said. "I urge its passage."

Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, R-Las Vegas, was the lone Republican to back the measure.

SB 374 passed 28-14. As mentioned above, Fiore was the lone Republican to side with all Assembly Democrats to pass the bill. The bill fixes a glitch in current Nevada law that allows overzealous police officers to conduct raids and arrest patients seeking medical marijuana and providers offering the medicine. It sets up dispensaries to safely sell medical marijuana.

Of course, this can't solve the matter of federal marijuana laws. But so far, other states are moving forward with their own respective regimes regardless of the federal definition of cannabis. And even though Nevada voters approved of medical marijuana in 2000, the spirit of that voter approved law will finally be honored and be given the chance to move forward this year.

The bill now heads to Governor Brian Sandoval's (R) desk. He's been playing coy about it so far. But considering the overwhelming support this bill has received in the Legislature and the legal trouble the state will run into if this bill doesn't become law, does he really want to play another silly veto game here?

A New, Fabulous Beginning

Today has been quite the day. Right on the heels of the Minnesota House of Representatives passing marriage equality legislation, the Nevada Assembly took on SJR 13. And already, its committee hearing rivals the Senate committee meeting in its historic value.

And yet again tonight, I'm thinking of wise words from my favorite philosopher.



Original SJR 13 Assembly sponsor Elliot Anderson (D-Paradise) kicked it off with a real zinger.

PLANevada: "More important than rights, is love" -- Assm Anderson #SJR13 #nvleg

Out Assembly Member James Healey (D-Enterprise) was also on hand to give an impressive encore

MackWarrenTV: @james4assembly"We have a right to change our minds-that's the beauty of this country" Healy's pushing for repeal of gay marriage ban #SJR13

Yet so far, the biggest surprise tonight has been... Another out of the closet moment. And yes, this one was another big surprise. Here's the bomb Assembly Member Michelle Fiore (R-Las Vegas) dropped on the Assembly Legislative Operations & Elections Committee yesterday.

MackWarrenTV: @VoteFiore "My mom is gay." Fiore wants to give her mother the gift of marriage in return for her upbringing. #SJR13 #nvleg

Was any one expecting this? It wasn't even until last night when I heard someone suggest Assembly Member Fiore was a "potential swing vote" on SJR 13. It turns out that she's not a swing vote... She's already planning to vote for marriage equality. And she wants to give her mom something special in time for Mother's Day.

And then, there was this. When was the last time labor and management showed this much solidarity?

bobfulkerson: Great to see @ydc226, MGM Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment speaking out in favor of Marriage Equality. @SEIU1107 also in support! #NVLeg

I can't help but think of what Bob Coffin said at Stonewall last night. We've reached the tipping point. Conservatives, business minded folks, labor activists, immigrant rights activists, faith leaders, progressive leaders, queer families, straight allies, and many more all recognize it. This is the beginning... Of something absolutely fabulous.

Oh, and speaking of absolutely fabulous.

PPSouthernNV: RT @PLANevada: Shout out to @DREAMBigVegas for being here w/their parents to support #SJR13 #TimeIsNow #nvleg

Indeed, this is the beginning.

No Change on Gun Safety @ #NVLeg?

I know the Senate has been getting plenty of attention in the last 36 hours, but there's also been plenty of action in the Assembly lately. Here is an example of what's happening on the other side of the Nevada Legislature. Apparently, this is what Carson City thinks of gun safety reform.

A bill allowing people with concealed weapon permits to carry guns on Nevada college campuses appears doomed to the same fate two years ago, going down in defeat without a committee vote.

Another major gun bill sponsored by Democratic Majority Leader William Horne of Las Vegas also appeared dead Friday without a vote in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Horne's bill would have created civil liability for a seller of a gun that was used to harm someone else if no background check was performed. It also taxed sales of firearms and ammunition.

Friday is the deadline for most bills to pass out of committee.

Assembly Member Michelle Fiore (R-Las Vegas) was championing AB 143, which would have allowed for unchecked concealed carry of firearms on college campuses. Many students and public safety officials testified against it because of the security concerns of having so many guns on campus. Apparently, that had an effect on Assembly Judiciary Committee Chair Jason Frierson (D-Spring Valley). He decided to table the bill, which effectively kills it today.

However, there was also a gun safety bill that met the same fate. Assembly Member William Horne was championing AB 234, a bill that called for expanded background checks, bans on certain ammunition, and a firearms transaction tax. The bill also essentially died today, as no action was taken in committee.

So far, there no signs yet of progress on gun safety reform in Carson City. However, pro-NRA bills don't seem to be moving, either. So we may end up seeing the status quo hold.

And we may very soon return our eyes to Washington for action on gun safety.

In the Shadow of the NRA

While the nation has been debating gun safety reform in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut, elementary school massacre, the NRA has staged a "seminar for elected officials" here in Nevada. Despite the growing demand for reform, NRA officials and a group of state legislators (plus a handful of local electeds) met behind closed doors in the "Battlefield Vegas" assault weapons playground shooting range in the shadow of Circus Circus and the northern reach of the Las Vegas Strip. No really, this happened... And ProgressNow Nevada was on hand to speak up for the voices the NRA is trying to silence.





Surprisingly, not too many legislators showed up. Among the ones who still did were Senator David Parks (D-Paradise) and Assembly Members Ellen Spiegel (D-Henderson), Michelle Fiore (R-Las Vegas), Heidi Swank (D-Paradise), and Andy Eisen (D-Paradise). In addition, Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins (D) and Las Vegas City Council Member Steve Ross attended. Yet while they arrived to meet with the NRA, Nevada Legislature leaders of both parties were notably absent. What's also fascinating is that none of the other legislators who accepted NRA campaign contributions (save Parks & Fiore) were spotted at Battlefield Vegas.

So all the elected officials who did attend today were greeted by ProgressNow, PLAN, Culinary Union, and other progressive protesters. Yet while most just drove in, two came out... For a few minutes. Ellen Spiegel briefly came out to talk to protesters, and she brought Heidi Swank with her. Spiegel plead her case of "wanting to listen to all sides and talk to everyone". ProgressNow's Brian Fadie responded by noting the closed door nature of this event, that the NRA doesn't seem to want to allow all sides a chance to have their say. And no mention was made by Spiegel or Swank of considering Senator Tick Segerblom's (D-Las Vegas) proposed gun safety legislation.

After providing a "peace offering" of donuts, defending their intent to "listen to all sides", and exchanging business cards, Spiegel and Swank returned inside the Battlefield Vegas compound. Again, no other elected official (who attended) came outside.







What happened today is very much a reflection of Nevada political history. Typically, the gun lobby has enjoyed immense "juice" in Carson City while gun safety advocates have been pushed into the shadows. Even despite the evidence showing the dangers of allowing so many high capacity military grade weapons in civilian communities, it's been incredibly difficult to convince Nevada lawmakers take this problem seriously.

Yet something also felt different about today. This happened just before President Obama's Second Inauguration & Martin Luther King Day, and shortly after the Newtown massacre & renewed calls for gun safety reform. The timing couldn't possibly be worse. And perhaps that's why so many legislators and local elected officials decided not to attend this NRA event.

So perhaps there's still the potential for change here in Nevada, but it certainly won't be easy.

Please, No Guns in the Classroom.

In Washington right now, there's renewed hope for meaningful progress on gun safety reform. Yet while that's happening there, some G-O-TEA stalwarts here are still pushing more of the same insanity. In fact, one of them even wants weapons in classrooms!



This really is not helpful. We don't need for more classrooms to turn into war zones. And no, this would not make anyone safer. Rather, the opposite is likely far closer to the truth.

When Brian Fadie of Progress Now Nevada questioned Fiore’s logic —the claim that everyone must be carrying a gun at all times to be safe —the assemblywoman asked him if he had ever shot a gun and upon learning that he hadn’t, accused the [advocate] of “talking out of school.” [...]

A Mother Jones analysis of 61 mass murders over the last 30 years found that “in not a single case was the killing stopped by a civilian using a gun.” As one leading expert explained, “given that civilian shooters are less likely to hit their targets than police in these circumstances,” arming civilians could often lead to more chaos and deaths.

Incidentally, The Nevada System of Higher Education and several law enforcement groups opposedan earlier bill permitting concealed weapons on college campuses, citing safety concerns.

This is the simply the wrong bill advocating the wrong policy at the wrong time. It was frightening when John Lee proposed it. And it's just as frightening now. The very last thing Nevada needs is schools full of weapons. We can't afford to have Newtown or Virginia Tech happen here.

NV-01: Another Scandalicious Repuke

Ah, that Nevada GOoP: home of such glorious luminaries as "Luv-Guv" Gibbons, Johnny Casino, Suzy Lowdown, Batsh*t Crazy Angle... And now, Michelle Fiore! Yes, my dears, Shelley Berkley must really be shaking in her boots (more like laughing her boots off!) over this. I mean, she's armed and dangerous... And even has a $47,351.26 lien against one of her properties for not paying taxes on it!

Now kids, that's what I really consider good ol' fashioned GOoPer family values! They may not like out of work Nevadans getting help while they look for new jobs, and they don't like elected officials like Dina Titus who actually use their positions to help constituents facing serious problems like home foreclosure. But oh yes, these GOoPers always love them some tax evaders and law breakers!

Oh, and by the way, speaking of my Congresscritter... She may be running in District 1, but she actually lives with me and Dina Titus in District 3. I guess she was concerned she couldn't compete well against the professional GOoPer campaign switcher Joe Heck? And she doesn't fear Craig Lake, a candidate so formidable he's afraid to call himself a Republican?

Well, obviously her campaign is off to a great start...



And best of luck to Michelle Fiore... She's obviously into my kind of GOoPer crazy! (Just don't expect Shelley Berkley to be easy on this latest GOoPer buffoon.)