Gordon Martines finished in 7th place last Tuesday. He ran for Clark County Sheriff, and he finished behind 6 other candidates. He clearly failed to advance to the November runoff.
Still, Gordon Martines netted 2,124 votes this month. Those votes came from somewhere.
Over the past week, we've learned that Gordon Martines had 2 fans who would later become infamous. One of them even wore his campaign t-shirt for a TV interview.
Jerad & Amanda Miller were attracted to Martines' radical right, "Patriot Movement" friendly campaign platform. That's also why they were drawn to David VanDerBeek and Cliven Bundy. They were all drawn to the "Patriot Movement" ideology of taking down the federal government however possible...
Except for this one thing. VanDerBeek claims he wants a "nonviolent restoration". And when Martines conducted a background check on Jerad Miller, he uncovered Miller's criminal record. He then asked the Millers to step away from his campaign.
Think about this. Gordon Martines conducted a background check on Jerad Miller before he allowed Jerad & Amanda to become further involved in his campaign. Why wasn't a background check conducted before Jerad & Amanda Miller obtained the weapons they needed for their June 8 shooting spree that ultimately left themselves and 3 innocent people dead?
Oh, yes. That's right. Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) wanted to be "what stood in the way" between us and legislation that could have prevented the June 8 tragedy. Meanwhile in Washington, Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) & Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) only had excuses on hand when asked why they opposed similar background checks legislation in Congress.
But now, those excuses and political calculations can't bring back the 3 innocent people who passed away earlier this month. Universal background checks, however, may help in preventing future senseless tragedies.
Gordon Martines prevented what could have been a horrific political scandal by conducting a background check before proceeding. Why can't we do the same to prevent senseless gun violence? Think about that.
Monday, June 16, 2014
"Political Issue"
Again? He's going there again? He just doesn't seem to know when to quit before he falls even further behind.
Even as Governor Brian Sandoval (R) agreed to drop his fight against the plaintiffs in Sevcik v. Sandoval, Attorney General candidate Adam Laxalt (R) vowed to continue fighting against marriage equality. And he's still doing so today. Even though he's been "softening" his language (a la Pat Hickey) as of late, Adam Laxalt is still hard set against equality.
Actually, Mr. Laxalt, this was "made a political issue" by Richard Ziser and Janine Hansen when they placed the Question 2 marriage ban on the 2000 & 2002 general election ballots. They launched a campaign to ban marriage equality in Nevada. And they ultimately succeeded in 2002.
However since then, two things have changed. One is public opinion, both here in Nevada and nationally. The other is federal courts stepping in to remind states that these little marriage bans just happen to violate a little something called the US Constitution.
And then, there's something that hasn't changed: family values. And by family values, we mean true values. Love. Honor. Cherish. Commitment. These are values that be taken away by ballot initiative. Richard Ziser and Janine Hansen tried, but they couldn't succeed at this.
Remember, this "has been made a political issue" by Ziser, Hansen, and their anti-equality allies. This "has been made a political issue" by Adam Laxalt's ideological soulmates whenever they started political campaigns to take away people's civil rights. And this "has been made a political issue" by these same G-O-TEA politicians who are now attacking the courts for acknowledging Constitutional law.
As usual, Adam Laxalt is wrong. Marriage equality "has been made a political issue" by those in his political party who sought political advantage by demonizing LGBTQ people and our Constitutional rights. But now that case law and public opinion are no longer swinging in their direction, they're trying to "play victim" by claiming that those who are now undoing the damage of the past 14 years are somehow making this into "a political issue". Nice try, Mr. Laxalt, but we're onto you and your "political issues".
Even as Governor Brian Sandoval (R) agreed to drop his fight against the plaintiffs in Sevcik v. Sandoval, Attorney General candidate Adam Laxalt (R) vowed to continue fighting against marriage equality. And he's still doing so today. Even though he's been "softening" his language (a la Pat Hickey) as of late, Adam Laxalt is still hard set against equality.
“(The ban) is in the (state) constitution. That’s the thing that has been bothersome. It has been made a political issue. If we allow these to become political issues in the attorney general’s office, everyone will lose faith in the attorney general.”
Actually, Mr. Laxalt, this was "made a political issue" by Richard Ziser and Janine Hansen when they placed the Question 2 marriage ban on the 2000 & 2002 general election ballots. They launched a campaign to ban marriage equality in Nevada. And they ultimately succeeded in 2002.
However since then, two things have changed. One is public opinion, both here in Nevada and nationally. The other is federal courts stepping in to remind states that these little marriage bans just happen to violate a little something called the US Constitution.
And then, there's something that hasn't changed: family values. And by family values, we mean true values. Love. Honor. Cherish. Commitment. These are values that be taken away by ballot initiative. Richard Ziser and Janine Hansen tried, but they couldn't succeed at this.
Remember, this "has been made a political issue" by Ziser, Hansen, and their anti-equality allies. This "has been made a political issue" by Adam Laxalt's ideological soulmates whenever they started political campaigns to take away people's civil rights. And this "has been made a political issue" by these same G-O-TEA politicians who are now attacking the courts for acknowledging Constitutional law.
As usual, Adam Laxalt is wrong. Marriage equality "has been made a political issue" by those in his political party who sought political advantage by demonizing LGBTQ people and our Constitutional rights. But now that case law and public opinion are no longer swinging in their direction, they're trying to "play victim" by claiming that those who are now undoing the damage of the past 14 years are somehow making this into "a political issue". Nice try, Mr. Laxalt, but we're onto you and your "political issues".
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Personal Responsibility
All this year, we've heard nothing but excuses from House Republican "leaders" when asked about comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Even though they've been the ones blocking a floor vote, they've always tried to blame someone else for their own inaction.
Once again, they're passing the buck on CIR. Once again, they're trying to blame President Obama instead to take any personal responsibility. (Didn't they use to preach that?) But this time, they're stooping to the new low of blaming both President Obama and returning Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for their failure to advance CIR.
Oh, yes. That's right. They're going there. Not only are they claiming that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is some sort of "double agent TERRORIST!!!" (way to "support the troops", jack@$$es), but they're now also claiming he's some legendary political mastermind who somehow killed CIR all the way from a US Military hospital in Germany.
Never mind that the very Congressional Republicans trying to turn #Bergdahl into the new DC scandal du jour were the same ones who were demanding that the President do everything possible to #BringBoweHome before President Obama accomplished just that. They're craving a new haute faux scandal to "investigate" to death. And in their twisted, demented minds, they actually believe they've found it in the return of a prisoner of war who suffered 5 years of Taliban captivity.
And not only that, but House G-O-TEA "leaders" now want to use #Bergdahl as their latest excuse for dropping the ball on CIR. Again, whatever happened to that time honored "conservative value" of "personal responsibility"? When did "The Buck Stops Here" become "Not My Fault, Mommy!"?
For the past year, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) has become notorious here in Nevada for his excuses and flip-flops on immigration reform. Who knew he was just setting an example for the rest of the Republican Party? (Or is it the other way around?) He and his House G-O-TEA colleagues still refuse to take any personal responsibility for their own inaction. And ultimately, millions of American families will continue to pay the price for this latest bout of irresponsible immaturity inaction from the usual G-O-TEA suspects.
Once again, they're passing the buck on CIR. Once again, they're trying to blame President Obama instead to take any personal responsibility. (Didn't they use to preach that?) But this time, they're stooping to the new low of blaming both President Obama and returning Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for their failure to advance CIR.
Oh, yes. That's right. They're going there. Not only are they claiming that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is some sort of "double agent TERRORIST!!!" (way to "support the troops", jack@$$es), but they're now also claiming he's some legendary political mastermind who somehow killed CIR all the way from a US Military hospital in Germany.
Never mind that the very Congressional Republicans trying to turn #Bergdahl into the new DC scandal du jour were the same ones who were demanding that the President do everything possible to #BringBoweHome before President Obama accomplished just that. They're craving a new haute faux scandal to "investigate" to death. And in their twisted, demented minds, they actually believe they've found it in the return of a prisoner of war who suffered 5 years of Taliban captivity.
And not only that, but House G-O-TEA "leaders" now want to use #Bergdahl as their latest excuse for dropping the ball on CIR. Again, whatever happened to that time honored "conservative value" of "personal responsibility"? When did "The Buck Stops Here" become "Not My Fault, Mommy!"?
For the past year, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) has become notorious here in Nevada for his excuses and flip-flops on immigration reform. Who knew he was just setting an example for the rest of the Republican Party? (Or is it the other way around?) He and his House G-O-TEA colleagues still refuse to take any personal responsibility for their own inaction. And ultimately, millions of American families will continue to pay the price for this latest bout of irresponsible immaturity inaction from the usual G-O-TEA suspects.
Can't They Just Say, "Happy PRIDE Month"?
On Tuesday, we learned who would advance to the November general election. In NV-04, Rep. Steven Horsford (D-North Las Vegas) will be up against outgoing Assembly Member Cresent Hardy.
Remember Cresent Hardy? He's a self-proclaimed expert in "segregation laws". He doesn't want to "create classes" and "separation"... Unless that separation is called for by his "religious beliefs".
When he and Adam Laxalt launched their puzzling campaign against LGBTQ civil rights just as other Nevada Republicans were trying to "rebrand" their way out of the Stone Age, we could sense that "Republican rebranding" wouldn't accomplish much of anything. After all, it's not just a Nevada problem. It's a nationwide problem for their party.
Scott Esk is a Republican running for a Oklahoma State Legislature seat. Normally, a candidate running for state legislature doesn't attract national headlines. However, this is a special case. In this case, Scott Esk supports the death penalty (stoning, specifically) for "homosexuality".
But wait, there's more. Remember Rick Perry (R)? He's the future ex-Governor of Texas. He made a total @ssclown of himself when he tried running for President in 2011/12. And he's still making a total @ssclown of himself now. Just this week, he compared being queer to alcoholism... Because he's such a "compassionate conservative".
Wouldn't it just be easier for the Republican Party to send out a nice press release wishing everyone a happy PRIDE Month? Couldn't they just follow Katie Couric's lead and learn from their past mistakes? Why are they so hell-bent on repeating their mistakes over and over and over again?
Republicans in Nevada and elsewhere have been trying so hard to "rebrand" when they simply need to reevaluate their Stone Age era platform. Seriously, there's no way to "rebrand" "the right side of the Bible". Perhaps instead of constantly trying to sell us on "Republican rebranding", they can try treating us with some respect & dignity for a change? Oh, and they can start by simply wishing us a happy PRIDE Month.
Remember Cresent Hardy? He's a self-proclaimed expert in "segregation laws". He doesn't want to "create classes" and "separation"... Unless that separation is called for by his "religious beliefs".
When he and Adam Laxalt launched their puzzling campaign against LGBTQ civil rights just as other Nevada Republicans were trying to "rebrand" their way out of the Stone Age, we could sense that "Republican rebranding" wouldn't accomplish much of anything. After all, it's not just a Nevada problem. It's a nationwide problem for their party.
Scott Esk is a Republican running for a Oklahoma State Legislature seat. Normally, a candidate running for state legislature doesn't attract national headlines. However, this is a special case. In this case, Scott Esk supports the death penalty (stoning, specifically) for "homosexuality".
But wait, there's more. Remember Rick Perry (R)? He's the future ex-Governor of Texas. He made a total @ssclown of himself when he tried running for President in 2011/12. And he's still making a total @ssclown of himself now. Just this week, he compared being queer to alcoholism... Because he's such a "compassionate conservative".
Wouldn't it just be easier for the Republican Party to send out a nice press release wishing everyone a happy PRIDE Month? Couldn't they just follow Katie Couric's lead and learn from their past mistakes? Why are they so hell-bent on repeating their mistakes over and over and over again?
Republicans in Nevada and elsewhere have been trying so hard to "rebrand" when they simply need to reevaluate their Stone Age era platform. Seriously, there's no way to "rebrand" "the right side of the Bible". Perhaps instead of constantly trying to sell us on "Republican rebranding", they can try treating us with some respect & dignity for a change? Oh, and they can start by simply wishing us a happy PRIDE Month.
Real. Life. Tragedy.
In the last few days, we've been hearing plenty of moving stories... Of certain political careers ending while others are just beginning. Who's in? Who's out? Who's up? Who's down?
Yet while certain politicians and pundits are obsessing over some supposed political tragedy, millions of American families are living our real life tragedies.
Rep. Steven Horsford (D-North Las Vegas) seems to understand this. While the usual suspects on Capitol Hill are debating how much more gridlock they want to inflict on the nation, Rep. Horsford wants to remind them of the real life consequences of all the inaction they've already taken.
For about 5.5 months, federal unemployment insurance has lapsed for just over 3 million Americans (including about 37,000 Nevadans). As the former number grows, so does the latter. And the longer this drags on, the more economic pain we'll all feel.
Over 3 million Americans are now enduring immense unnecessary hardship because the usual G-O-TEA suspects refuse to #RenewUI. Even Senator Dean Heller (R) and a few other Congressional Republicans have asked their colleagues to allow some justice for the over 3 million Americans who are falling into poverty simply because the usual G-O-TEA suspects in Congress don't want to play nice with others.
This week, many on Capitol Hill are mourning some alleged political tragedy. They're wailing and moaning and gnashing their teeth because they'll miss some "hot cocktail parties" and "networking opportunities". They're crying because their "climb up the political ladder" may have been interrupted.
Yet while they're mourning this supposed political tragedy, America is enduring a horrific real life tragedy. And this tragedy is entirely unnecessary.
Perhaps instead of obsessing over some alleged political tragedy, more of our elected "leaders" need to remember the real life tragedy that they can end today. No really, they can end it today. They can end the unnecessary hardship. They can help over 3 million Americans get back on their feet. All they have to do is #RenewUI. Hey, it may even help them avoid their own political tragedy this November.
Yet while certain politicians and pundits are obsessing over some supposed political tragedy, millions of American families are living our real life tragedies.
Rep. Steven Horsford (D-North Las Vegas) seems to understand this. While the usual suspects on Capitol Hill are debating how much more gridlock they want to inflict on the nation, Rep. Horsford wants to remind them of the real life consequences of all the inaction they've already taken.
For about 5.5 months, federal unemployment insurance has lapsed for just over 3 million Americans (including about 37,000 Nevadans). As the former number grows, so does the latter. And the longer this drags on, the more economic pain we'll all feel.
Over 3 million Americans are now enduring immense unnecessary hardship because the usual G-O-TEA suspects refuse to #RenewUI. Even Senator Dean Heller (R) and a few other Congressional Republicans have asked their colleagues to allow some justice for the over 3 million Americans who are falling into poverty simply because the usual G-O-TEA suspects in Congress don't want to play nice with others.
This week, many on Capitol Hill are mourning some alleged political tragedy. They're wailing and moaning and gnashing their teeth because they'll miss some "hot cocktail parties" and "networking opportunities". They're crying because their "climb up the political ladder" may have been interrupted.
Yet while they're mourning this supposed political tragedy, America is enduring a horrific real life tragedy. And this tragedy is entirely unnecessary.
Perhaps instead of obsessing over some alleged political tragedy, more of our elected "leaders" need to remember the real life tragedy that they can end today. No really, they can end it today. They can end the unnecessary hardship. They can help over 3 million Americans get back on their feet. All they have to do is #RenewUI. Hey, it may even help them avoid their own political tragedy this November.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Troublesome "TEA"
Welcome to the newest G-O-TEA sensation. Seemingly out of nowhere, Dave Brat emerged to make national headlines. And House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-Virginia) political career is suddenly over.
Already, the G-O-TEA's finest talking heads are proclaiming today as "The Death of #Shamnesty". Are they correct?
Not really. And here's why. Comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) was already going nowhere fast before yesterday. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has already made that clear. So has Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin). And so has their dear loyal local lackey, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson). They don't actually cherish family values. They just want to remain on good terms with the 21st Century Know Nothings.
House Republican "leaders" never had any real intention of giving CIR a proper floor vote. HR 15 has been sitting there, just waiting for action. Yet every chance Republican "leaders" have been given to act on CIR, they've instead tried to blame someone else for their own inaction.
Yet even as House Republican "leaders" (such as Cantor) were obstructing CIR to death, they were rallying around the "imagery of reform". They were using "softer language". They were "rebranding"...
And even that was too much for the 21st Century Know Nothings. So they rallied around Dave Brat. And they propelled him to victory yesterday.
And now, they're dancing around the corpse of #Shamnesty. There's just one problem with their disgusting happy dance: It's revolting to everyone else. CIR polls well nationwide, even in Virginia's 7th Congressional District. Dave Brat may have capitalized on the 21st Century Know Nothings' unbridled xenophobia in the primary, but his hard line against CIR may hurt him in November.
Rep. Joe Heck should take note of this. Emulating Dave Brat may win him more hard core G-O-TEA fans, but it will lose him general election votes. There truly are consequences to drinking too much of that troublesome "TEA".
Already, the G-O-TEA's finest talking heads are proclaiming today as "The Death of #Shamnesty". Are they correct?
Not really. And here's why. Comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) was already going nowhere fast before yesterday. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has already made that clear. So has Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin). And so has their dear loyal local lackey, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson). They don't actually cherish family values. They just want to remain on good terms with the 21st Century Know Nothings.
House Republican "leaders" never had any real intention of giving CIR a proper floor vote. HR 15 has been sitting there, just waiting for action. Yet every chance Republican "leaders" have been given to act on CIR, they've instead tried to blame someone else for their own inaction.
Yet even as House Republican "leaders" (such as Cantor) were obstructing CIR to death, they were rallying around the "imagery of reform". They were using "softer language". They were "rebranding"...
And even that was too much for the 21st Century Know Nothings. So they rallied around Dave Brat. And they propelled him to victory yesterday.
And now, they're dancing around the corpse of #Shamnesty. There's just one problem with their disgusting happy dance: It's revolting to everyone else. CIR polls well nationwide, even in Virginia's 7th Congressional District. Dave Brat may have capitalized on the 21st Century Know Nothings' unbridled xenophobia in the primary, but his hard line against CIR may hurt him in November.
Rep. Joe Heck should take note of this. Emulating Dave Brat may win him more hard core G-O-TEA fans, but it will lose him general election votes. There truly are consequences to drinking too much of that troublesome "TEA".
Upset
Ah, so now it makes sense. Nice to see that cleared up...
Actually, not really. Actually, this is pretty scary. No, scratch that. This is awfully scary.
Last Wednesday, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) flip-flopped (again) on comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). After a year of him refuting the 21st Century Know Nothings on CIR, he parrot ed their talking points. And even worse, his staff called the police on CIR advocates.
Now we understand why this happened. For the past week, we were scratching our heads. Even though Rep. Joe Heck never actually voted for CIR, he had seemed to play nice with activists... Until last week.
Like Heck, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Virginia) never actually voted for CIR. He just occasionally hinted that he may one day allow some bits & pieces of it. And that was still too much for the G-O-TEA base in his district.
By the time Rep. Eric Cantor's supporters lashed out at CIR advocates, it was too late. Eric Cantor just lost his own primary. It wasn't even close. He barely scored over 44% in his district.
Dave Brat was not supposed to win last night. Republicans were not supposed to deliver this message on immigration reform. This simply wasn't supposed to be the big headline news today.
But now, it is. Dave Brat is "hot". Eric Cantor is not. And the "TEA Party" is far from over.
Today, Republican establishment "leaders" were planning to celebrate "victory" in Nevada and elsewhere. That's not happening. A little upset in Virginia just upset that narrative. That's because it reminds us of that inconvenient truth about "the establishment" becoming more "TEA Party" in order to survive. And if any "establishment" figures even stray a millimeter too far from the "TEA Party" line, they'll be the ones upset come Election Night.
So now, it makes sense. Still, one thing confuses us: How did Rep. Joe Heck oobtain accurate VA-07 poll numbers that Rep. Eric Cantor himself couldn't? Well, at least someone could smell this upset from a few thousand miles away.
Actually, not really. Actually, this is pretty scary. No, scratch that. This is awfully scary.
Last Wednesday, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) flip-flopped (again) on comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). After a year of him refuting the 21st Century Know Nothings on CIR, he parrot ed their talking points. And even worse, his staff called the police on CIR advocates.
Now we understand why this happened. For the past week, we were scratching our heads. Even though Rep. Joe Heck never actually voted for CIR, he had seemed to play nice with activists... Until last week.
Like Heck, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Virginia) never actually voted for CIR. He just occasionally hinted that he may one day allow some bits & pieces of it. And that was still too much for the G-O-TEA base in his district.
By the time Rep. Eric Cantor's supporters lashed out at CIR advocates, it was too late. Eric Cantor just lost his own primary. It wasn't even close. He barely scored over 44% in his district.
Dave Brat was not supposed to win last night. Republicans were not supposed to deliver this message on immigration reform. This simply wasn't supposed to be the big headline news today.
But now, it is. Dave Brat is "hot". Eric Cantor is not. And the "TEA Party" is far from over.
Today, Republican establishment "leaders" were planning to celebrate "victory" in Nevada and elsewhere. That's not happening. A little upset in Virginia just upset that narrative. That's because it reminds us of that inconvenient truth about "the establishment" becoming more "TEA Party" in order to survive. And if any "establishment" figures even stray a millimeter too far from the "TEA Party" line, they'll be the ones upset come Election Night.
So now, it makes sense. Still, one thing confuses us: How did Rep. Joe Heck oobtain accurate VA-07 poll numbers that Rep. Eric Cantor himself couldn't? Well, at least someone could smell this upset from a few thousand miles away.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Do Over
Last year, he had been considered the Democrat least likely to vote for any gun safety legislation. But then, Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) eventually backed a very modest background checks package. And the NRA still conspired to kill it.
But now, he's back. He wants to try expanding background checks again. And he's not alone.
After all, Senator Manchin wasn't the only Senate Democrat who evolved on gun violence. So did Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. In fact, he went further, way beyond a mere milquetoast background checks compromise. But now, he may be ready to try for those mere milquetoast background checks again.
So what's happened since then? Sunday, for one. Jerad Miller was able to access firearms despite his felony convictions. And now, three innocent people are dead.
What's also happened since then? Well, we've just experienced 74 more school shootings since Newtown. Troutdale just happened to be #74. We don't remember which number Sparks Middle School is.
What else has happened since then? More extremism. More senseless tragedies. More family losses. And even more blood shed.
Now, the only question is: What's changed on Capitol Hill since then? Has Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) grown a spine yet? Hell, has he sorted out his relationship with Cliven Bundy yet?
We shall find out soon. Last year, Congress put on one of the worst sh*tshows in American history (actually, one of several). Now, they have a chance at a do-over. Will they take it? Or will we have to endure 74 more unnecessary and horrifically bloody tragedies?
But now, he's back. He wants to try expanding background checks again. And he's not alone.
After all, Senator Manchin wasn't the only Senate Democrat who evolved on gun violence. So did Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. In fact, he went further, way beyond a mere milquetoast background checks compromise. But now, he may be ready to try for those mere milquetoast background checks again.
So what's happened since then? Sunday, for one. Jerad Miller was able to access firearms despite his felony convictions. And now, three innocent people are dead.
What's also happened since then? Well, we've just experienced 74 more school shootings since Newtown. Troutdale just happened to be #74. We don't remember which number Sparks Middle School is.
What else has happened since then? More extremism. More senseless tragedies. More family losses. And even more blood shed.
Now, the only question is: What's changed on Capitol Hill since then? Has Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) grown a spine yet? Hell, has he sorted out his relationship with Cliven Bundy yet?
We shall find out soon. Last year, Congress put on one of the worst sh*tshows in American history (actually, one of several). Now, they have a chance at a do-over. Will they take it? Or will we have to endure 74 more unnecessary and horrifically bloody tragedies?
Another Bloody Tragedy
Another one? Already? Another one is happening? Already? How can this be so?
But alas, it's happening. Again. This time, it's at Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon.
Just outside Portland, Troutdale has typically been known as a quiet and peaceful suburb. But today, that's no longer the case. Today, Troutdale became the latest in a string of armed battles on what was supposed to be civilian territory. Today, Troutdale became another notorious gun violence statistic.
It probably won't be long before we see the usual tweets of condolence from the usual politicians. It probably won't be long before the usual suspects in the "mainstream media" start bloviating on whether the shooter "had enough dates" and/or video games. And it probably won't be long before the NRA tries to "redefine" this latest "unfortunate accident".
In Troutdale, the shooter killed a student before killing oneself. And when the first flurry of media reports surfaced, parents throughout Greater Portland were scrambling to figure out whether it was their kids' school. For some unfortunate parents, it was.
Less than 48 hours ago, Metro Police Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were murdered. Shortly after they shot these officers dead at CiCi's Pizza in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley, Jerad & Amanda Miller moved to the nearby Walmart, where they shot Joseph Robert Wilcox dead before killing themselves.
Jerad Miller had felony convictions on his record. He had also made it clear for some time that he wanted "the start of the revolution". Yet somehow, he was able to obtain firearms anyway. All he had to do was rant on Facebook.
Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA), Rep. Joe Heck, and other G-O-TEA politicians have boasted about being "what stood in the way" of better gun safety laws. Just as the NRA has allowed the likes of Open Carry Texas to call the shots at its headquarters, far too many politicians have allowed the NRA to call the shots on Capitol Hill and in state capitols across the nation (including ours).
It's only a matter of time before someone else who obtained military grade weapons under suspicious circumstances opens fire in another public place and leaves a bloody trail behind. It's only a matter of time before the next tragedy occurs.
How many more of these must occur? What else must happen before our elected "leaders" stop being cowards and start taking action? When will we finally reach the day when we wake up without experiencing yet another bloody tragedy?
But alas, it's happening. Again. This time, it's at Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon.
Just outside Portland, Troutdale has typically been known as a quiet and peaceful suburb. But today, that's no longer the case. Today, Troutdale became the latest in a string of armed battles on what was supposed to be civilian territory. Today, Troutdale became another notorious gun violence statistic.
It probably won't be long before we see the usual tweets of condolence from the usual politicians. It probably won't be long before the usual suspects in the "mainstream media" start bloviating on whether the shooter "had enough dates" and/or video games. And it probably won't be long before the NRA tries to "redefine" this latest "unfortunate accident".
In Troutdale, the shooter killed a student before killing oneself. And when the first flurry of media reports surfaced, parents throughout Greater Portland were scrambling to figure out whether it was their kids' school. For some unfortunate parents, it was.
Less than 48 hours ago, Metro Police Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were murdered. Shortly after they shot these officers dead at CiCi's Pizza in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley, Jerad & Amanda Miller moved to the nearby Walmart, where they shot Joseph Robert Wilcox dead before killing themselves.
Jerad Miller had felony convictions on his record. He had also made it clear for some time that he wanted "the start of the revolution". Yet somehow, he was able to obtain firearms anyway. All he had to do was rant on Facebook.
Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA), Rep. Joe Heck, and other G-O-TEA politicians have boasted about being "what stood in the way" of better gun safety laws. Just as the NRA has allowed the likes of Open Carry Texas to call the shots at its headquarters, far too many politicians have allowed the NRA to call the shots on Capitol Hill and in state capitols across the nation (including ours).
It's only a matter of time before someone else who obtained military grade weapons under suspicious circumstances opens fire in another public place and leaves a bloody trail behind. It's only a matter of time before the next tragedy occurs.
How many more of these must occur? What else must happen before our elected "leaders" stop being cowards and start taking action? When will we finally reach the day when we wake up without experiencing yet another bloody tragedy?
How Should a Patriot Act?
Remember this? Back in April, both of Nevada's US Senators appeared on KSNV/News 3's "What's Your Point?". Both were asked about #BundyRanch. Yet while Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) refused to mince words regarding the Cliven Bundy fiasco. Senator Dean Heller (R), on the other hand, celebrated the Bundy Gang as "patriots".
Senator Heller was partially correct. They're anything but real patriots, since they seek to undermine the very foundation of this nation. However, many of the Bundy Crew happen to be part of the radical right, xenophobic, anti-government "Patriot Movement". We suspect this wasn't what Senator Heller intended to say...
But he ultimately, though accidentally, gave more credence to what Senator Reid was saying. We, Senator Reid, Rachel Maddow, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a few others tried to warn the #BundyRanch cheerleaders of what they were so eagerly jumping into. The "Patriot Movement" is anything but patriotic, and it's certainly anything but nonviolent and well-intentioned.
On Sunday, Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were taking their lunch break at the CiCi's Pizza at Nellis & Stewart. It was supposed to be a normal Sunday on the beat. They didn't know this would be their last day on earth. They didn't know they were being targeted by "Patriot Movement" followers Jerad & Amanda Miller. They didn't know they were about to become bloody "sacrifices" for "the start of the revolution".
The Millers proclaimed their act of terror as "the start of the revolution". It's not as if they just thought this up on their own. It's not as if this originated from a vacuum. It's not as if no one noticed what they were saying on Facebook. And it's not as if they were the only "Patriot Movement" figures to threaten violence. (The Millers just happened to follow through on their threats.)
In April, Senator Heller proudly proclaimed all the #BundyRanch agitators to be "patriots". Even though his own staff had briefed him on the severity of what was going down in Bunkerville, he nonetheless endorsed their actions.
And now, two Metro officers and another victim are dead. They're dead because two "Patriot Movement" fans wanted "the start of the revolution". They're dead because Jerad & Amanda Miller had a very disgusting, distorted, and disturbing definition of "patriot". And they're dead because Jerad Miller was able to obtain firearms despite his felony convictions.
In April, the usual G-O-TEA suspects lambasted Senator Reid for daring to speak the truth about the dangerous characters swirling around #BundyRanch. And they cheered Senator Heller when he called them "patriots". What a difference two months can make.
Senator Heller was partially correct. They're anything but real patriots, since they seek to undermine the very foundation of this nation. However, many of the Bundy Crew happen to be part of the radical right, xenophobic, anti-government "Patriot Movement". We suspect this wasn't what Senator Heller intended to say...
But he ultimately, though accidentally, gave more credence to what Senator Reid was saying. We, Senator Reid, Rachel Maddow, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a few others tried to warn the #BundyRanch cheerleaders of what they were so eagerly jumping into. The "Patriot Movement" is anything but patriotic, and it's certainly anything but nonviolent and well-intentioned.
On Sunday, Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were taking their lunch break at the CiCi's Pizza at Nellis & Stewart. It was supposed to be a normal Sunday on the beat. They didn't know this would be their last day on earth. They didn't know they were being targeted by "Patriot Movement" followers Jerad & Amanda Miller. They didn't know they were about to become bloody "sacrifices" for "the start of the revolution".
The Millers proclaimed their act of terror as "the start of the revolution". It's not as if they just thought this up on their own. It's not as if this originated from a vacuum. It's not as if no one noticed what they were saying on Facebook. And it's not as if they were the only "Patriot Movement" figures to threaten violence. (The Millers just happened to follow through on their threats.)
In April, Senator Heller proudly proclaimed all the #BundyRanch agitators to be "patriots". Even though his own staff had briefed him on the severity of what was going down in Bunkerville, he nonetheless endorsed their actions.
And now, two Metro officers and another victim are dead. They're dead because two "Patriot Movement" fans wanted "the start of the revolution". They're dead because Jerad & Amanda Miller had a very disgusting, distorted, and disturbing definition of "patriot". And they're dead because Jerad Miller was able to obtain firearms despite his felony convictions.
In April, the usual G-O-TEA suspects lambasted Senator Reid for daring to speak the truth about the dangerous characters swirling around #BundyRanch. And they cheered Senator Heller when he called them "patriots". What a difference two months can make.
Monday, June 9, 2014
This Isn't Child's Play
Target is a big store. One can now find clothing, electronics, home appliances, fast food, a pharmacy, and even a grocery store there. For some, it's all about convenience. However, we suspect most of those shoppers wouldn't want to find a certain item lying around at Target...
Especially in the children's department, lying around with toys. Yet in March, Open Carry Texas began posting photos to its Facebook wall of members packing heat in Target. And yes, they were even carrying AR-15 assault weapons in the children's department.
Then last week, a loaded gun was found in the toy aisle of a Target in South Carolina. Think about that. What if that gun had fallen into a child's hand? Then we certainly wouldn't be talking about "child's play" any longer.
Students and faculty at Seattle Pacific University had to endure everything but "child's play" last Thursday. A gunman opened fire and shot one person dead.
The shooter wanted to kill even more people last Thursday, but he was thwarted by two things. One was the limited magazine capacity of his handgun. The other was the pepper spray that SPU student Jon Meis used to subdue the shooter.
Jerad Miller had an extensive criminal record. Both he & his wife, Amanda Miller, had openly boasted about their plan to "start a revolution", overthrow President Obama, and kill police officers. How was he then able to purchase firearms?
Joseph Robert Wilcox attempted to thwart the Millers at Walmart yesterday. He didn't realize that Amanda Miller was right behind him. Just as Wilcox was taking out his concealed pistol, Miller shot him dead from behind.
The NRA's theoretical "good guy with a gun" became a reality yesterday. He also passed away. Sometimes, just being that "good guy with a gun" isn't enough to stop the "bad guy with a gun".
This isn't child's play. Guns are not meant to be toys. And gun violence is an issue we sorely need to take seriously.
Target & Walmart are big stores. We can find many things there. We shouldn't be finding the end of our lives there. Target & Walmart may carry plenty of toys, but this isn't child's play. We can't ignore this bloody reality any longer.
Especially in the children's department, lying around with toys. Yet in March, Open Carry Texas began posting photos to its Facebook wall of members packing heat in Target. And yes, they were even carrying AR-15 assault weapons in the children's department.
Then last week, a loaded gun was found in the toy aisle of a Target in South Carolina. Think about that. What if that gun had fallen into a child's hand? Then we certainly wouldn't be talking about "child's play" any longer.
Students and faculty at Seattle Pacific University had to endure everything but "child's play" last Thursday. A gunman opened fire and shot one person dead.
The shooter wanted to kill even more people last Thursday, but he was thwarted by two things. One was the limited magazine capacity of his handgun. The other was the pepper spray that SPU student Jon Meis used to subdue the shooter.
Jerad Miller had an extensive criminal record. Both he & his wife, Amanda Miller, had openly boasted about their plan to "start a revolution", overthrow President Obama, and kill police officers. How was he then able to purchase firearms?
Joseph Robert Wilcox attempted to thwart the Millers at Walmart yesterday. He didn't realize that Amanda Miller was right behind him. Just as Wilcox was taking out his concealed pistol, Miller shot him dead from behind.
The NRA's theoretical "good guy with a gun" became a reality yesterday. He also passed away. Sometimes, just being that "good guy with a gun" isn't enough to stop the "bad guy with a gun".
This isn't child's play. Guns are not meant to be toys. And gun violence is an issue we sorely need to take seriously.
Target & Walmart are big stores. We can find many things there. We shouldn't be finding the end of our lives there. Target & Walmart may carry plenty of toys, but this isn't child's play. We can't ignore this bloody reality any longer.
Full Circle
Last Friday, a normally sleepy Georgia town on the outskirts of Greater Atlanta was rocked by shocking violence. In Cumming, Georgia, a shootout occurred when a man tried to carry an AR-15 assault weapon and explosives into the Forsyth County Courthouse.
Dennis Marx was due to appear in the Forsyth County Courthouse last Friday to answer to his marijuana and weapons charges. He also had a running law suit against Forsyth County, as he claimed the county violated his civil rights. Dennis Marx was also part of the "Sovereign Citizen/Patriot Movement".
Remember them? They're the ones who rushed to the aid of Cliven Bundy when he declared a "Range War" against the federal government. And they're the ones with a storied history of breeding terrorists who have committed some of the worst crimes this nation has ever seen.
Jerad & Amanda Miller were also part of the "Patriot Movement". White supremacist paraphernalia were found at their apartment yesterday. Jerad & Amanda Miller opened fire at the CiCi's Pizza and Walmart in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley yesterday. They shot two Metro officers dead before shooting someone else dead in Walmart and ultimately killing themselves.
Jerad & Amanda Miller had boasted to their neighbors about their involvement in #BundyRanch. Reno area NBC affiliate KRNV even interviewed Miller in Bunkerville back in April.
We can't help but wonder what Senator Dean Heller (R), Governor Brian Sandoval (R), Assembly Member & NV-04 candidate Cresent Hardy (R), Assembly Member Michele Fiore (R), and other G-O-TEA politicians who had so merrily jumped on the #BundyRanch bandwagon nearly two months ago are thinking now. Do they regret what they said then? Are they embarrassed over their endorsement of what's turned out to be a collection of fringe extremists, some of whom haven't hesitated to resort to violence?
Of course, these are also the same G-O-TEA politicians who have boasted of being "what stood in the way" of legislation that could have prevented criminals like Jerad Miller & Dennis Marx from obtaining firearms. Might they be rethinking this as well? Is that "A rating" from the NRA truly worth more than actual human lives?
Sadly, the #BundyRanch saga has come full circle. Two months ago, a ragtag group of fringe extremists threatened violence against the federal government for daring to enforce the law. A month ago, they began fighting each other and scaring an entire community. And now, some of those threats have actually materialized here in the Las Vegas Valley. Why didn't our "leaders" take these threats seriously before yesterday?
Dennis Marx was due to appear in the Forsyth County Courthouse last Friday to answer to his marijuana and weapons charges. He also had a running law suit against Forsyth County, as he claimed the county violated his civil rights. Dennis Marx was also part of the "Sovereign Citizen/Patriot Movement".
Remember them? They're the ones who rushed to the aid of Cliven Bundy when he declared a "Range War" against the federal government. And they're the ones with a storied history of breeding terrorists who have committed some of the worst crimes this nation has ever seen.
Jerad & Amanda Miller were also part of the "Patriot Movement". White supremacist paraphernalia were found at their apartment yesterday. Jerad & Amanda Miller opened fire at the CiCi's Pizza and Walmart in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley yesterday. They shot two Metro officers dead before shooting someone else dead in Walmart and ultimately killing themselves.
Jerad & Amanda Miller had boasted to their neighbors about their involvement in #BundyRanch. Reno area NBC affiliate KRNV even interviewed Miller in Bunkerville back in April.
We can't help but wonder what Senator Dean Heller (R), Governor Brian Sandoval (R), Assembly Member & NV-04 candidate Cresent Hardy (R), Assembly Member Michele Fiore (R), and other G-O-TEA politicians who had so merrily jumped on the #BundyRanch bandwagon nearly two months ago are thinking now. Do they regret what they said then? Are they embarrassed over their endorsement of what's turned out to be a collection of fringe extremists, some of whom haven't hesitated to resort to violence?
Of course, these are also the same G-O-TEA politicians who have boasted of being "what stood in the way" of legislation that could have prevented criminals like Jerad Miller & Dennis Marx from obtaining firearms. Might they be rethinking this as well? Is that "A rating" from the NRA truly worth more than actual human lives?
Sadly, the #BundyRanch saga has come full circle. Two months ago, a ragtag group of fringe extremists threatened violence against the federal government for daring to enforce the law. A month ago, they began fighting each other and scaring an entire community. And now, some of those threats have actually materialized here in the Las Vegas Valley. Why didn't our "leaders" take these threats seriously before yesterday?
Too Close to Home
It happened. Again. And this time, it happened awfully close to home. And in fact, for those who live in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley, it did hit home.
It was supposed to be a normal Sunday at the CiCi's Pizza at Nellis & Stewart. Two Metro Police officers just happened to be eating lunch there. Then around 11:30 AM, everything changed.
Metro officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo were shot dead execution style. The two shooters then removed the officers' weapons & badges, covered their corpses with the Gadsden Flag (the yellow flag with a coiled snake that's become a "TEA Party" icon in recent years), and moved to a nearby Walmart. They then shot a customer dead near the front of the store. After causing quite the bloody scene at that Walmart, the shooters then turned the guns on themselves.
According to neighbors, the shooters often talked about their racist & anti-government ideology. They actually claimed they wanted to commit "the next Columbine". And they claimed they spent time with Cliven Bundy's crew earlier this year.
Five people are now dead, including the shooters. And once again, we're reminded that gun violence can indeed come too close to home. And once it hits home, tragedy all too often follows.
We've often heard certain Nevada Republicans boast about Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA), and Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) being "what stood in the way" of better gun safety laws that could have prevented tragedies like this one. Are they ready to resume this boast today? Are they ready to join the NRA's fight to redefine "shooting"? Are they ready to join the NRA in singing the praises of Open Carry Texas' heat packing and Cliven Bundy's armed madness?
Already, they and other politicians are tweeting out condolences and making other somber gestures. That's what's to be expected. It would just be nice if we didn't have to constantly repeat this cycle, this perpetual "Groundhog Day" of gun violence.
We've said this before, yet we must say this again today: We need more than just words. We need more than just the usual "sympathetic" platitudes. We need more than just the usual 48 hours of somber social media messages followed by the "return to normal".
This hit too close to home. We should all take notice. And not only that, but we should take real action as well. Why must we relive this kind of tragedy yet again?
It was supposed to be a normal Sunday at the CiCi's Pizza at Nellis & Stewart. Two Metro Police officers just happened to be eating lunch there. Then around 11:30 AM, everything changed.
Metro officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo were shot dead execution style. The two shooters then removed the officers' weapons & badges, covered their corpses with the Gadsden Flag (the yellow flag with a coiled snake that's become a "TEA Party" icon in recent years), and moved to a nearby Walmart. They then shot a customer dead near the front of the store. After causing quite the bloody scene at that Walmart, the shooters then turned the guns on themselves.
According to neighbors, the shooters often talked about their racist & anti-government ideology. They actually claimed they wanted to commit "the next Columbine". And they claimed they spent time with Cliven Bundy's crew earlier this year.
Five people are now dead, including the shooters. And once again, we're reminded that gun violence can indeed come too close to home. And once it hits home, tragedy all too often follows.
We've often heard certain Nevada Republicans boast about Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA), and Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) being "what stood in the way" of better gun safety laws that could have prevented tragedies like this one. Are they ready to resume this boast today? Are they ready to join the NRA's fight to redefine "shooting"? Are they ready to join the NRA in singing the praises of Open Carry Texas' heat packing and Cliven Bundy's armed madness?
Already, they and other politicians are tweeting out condolences and making other somber gestures. That's what's to be expected. It would just be nice if we didn't have to constantly repeat this cycle, this perpetual "Groundhog Day" of gun violence.
We've said this before, yet we must say this again today: We need more than just words. We need more than just the usual "sympathetic" platitudes. We need more than just the usual 48 hours of somber social media messages followed by the "return to normal".
This hit too close to home. We should all take notice. And not only that, but we should take real action as well. Why must we relive this kind of tragedy yet again?
Friday, June 6, 2014
Heck, No
We've tried to explain this for some time. Perhaps we weren't direct enough? So we'll just leave it to OG ("Original Gleaner") Hugh Jackson to break it down.
Well, maybe we do have some more to say about this.
But first, let's head up north. We've heard Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Carson City) claim he's "tired of the drama". But this time, he really seemed to mean it.
While Rep. Joe Heck's (R-Henderson) staff called the police on #OccupyCIR protesters outside his Henderson area district office, Rep. Mark Amodei invited #OccupyCIR protesters into his Reno district office to wait while he was finishing another meeting. He then personally met with them, and then he even promised to ask House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to allow some sort of CIR floor vote.
Now of course, we must keep in mind that talk is cheap. Both Reps. Amodei & Heck have "spoken in support" of CIR (comprehensive immigration reform) without ever providing the votes to back up their talk. So we don't know yet how sincere Rep. Amodei is this time about pushing CIR forward.
But hey, at least he showed some decent etiquette. At least he was willing to open his door to constituents. And at least he personally met with them. Once upon a time, this was expected of Members of Congress.
Rep. Joe Heck often seems to forget this. Not only has he voted against the wishes of his constituents, but he has occasionally even tried to shut them out. Here's a helpful hint for Rep. Heck and his like minded colleagues: This is a major reason why Congress' approval rating continues to hover near record lows.
Already, Heck and his allies are parsing over what's common practice for any major protest. And of course, they're already trying to blame someone else for their own actions. In other words, we're witnessing standard operating procedure for the G-O-TEA.
We've tried to explain this for some time. But now, Rep. Heck and his staff made it crystal clear themselves: Their answer is NO.
Well, maybe we do have some more to say about this.
But first, let's head up north. We've heard Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Carson City) claim he's "tired of the drama". But this time, he really seemed to mean it.
While Rep. Joe Heck's (R-Henderson) staff called the police on #OccupyCIR protesters outside his Henderson area district office, Rep. Mark Amodei invited #OccupyCIR protesters into his Reno district office to wait while he was finishing another meeting. He then personally met with them, and then he even promised to ask House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to allow some sort of CIR floor vote.
Now of course, we must keep in mind that talk is cheap. Both Reps. Amodei & Heck have "spoken in support" of CIR (comprehensive immigration reform) without ever providing the votes to back up their talk. So we don't know yet how sincere Rep. Amodei is this time about pushing CIR forward.
But hey, at least he showed some decent etiquette. At least he was willing to open his door to constituents. And at least he personally met with them. Once upon a time, this was expected of Members of Congress.
Rep. Joe Heck often seems to forget this. Not only has he voted against the wishes of his constituents, but he has occasionally even tried to shut them out. Here's a helpful hint for Rep. Heck and his like minded colleagues: This is a major reason why Congress' approval rating continues to hover near record lows.
Already, Heck and his allies are parsing over what's common practice for any major protest. And of course, they're already trying to blame someone else for their own actions. In other words, we're witnessing standard operating procedure for the G-O-TEA.
We've tried to explain this for some time. But now, Rep. Heck and his staff made it crystal clear themselves: Their answer is NO.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Maybe It Truly Does Get Better?
Long Beach is the seventh most populous city in California. It's a city that's near & dear to us because it's adjacent to our original homeland "Behind the Orange Curtain". And pretty soon, Long Beach will have a new Mayor.
His name is Robert Garcia. He came to America with his parents from Peru when he was five. He's an adjunct professor at USC, and he's already been serving as Vice Mayor on the Long Beach City Council.
Robert Garcia will be Long Beach's youngest Mayor. He will be Long Beach's first Latin@ Mayor. Oh, and he will also be Long Beach's first openly gay Mayor.
Once upon a time, prominent and proud LGBTQ elected leaders were unimaginable. Now, they're all across the nation. And yes, that even includes Nevada. Assembly Member Andrew Martin (D-Enterprise) is running for Nevada State Controller. Assembly Member James Healey (D-Enterprise) is running for reelection. And State Senators David Parks (D-Paradise), Pat Spearman (D-North Las Vegas), and Kelvin Atkinson (D-North Las Vegas) will be returning to the Nevada Legislature (as they were all elected in 2012).
Once upon a time, the closet was the only acceptable place for LGBTQ Americans. Marriage equality was "radical". "The Gay Plague" was "just punishment". And pride parades were revolutionary acts.
Oh, how times have changed. Now, high school principals come out to their students. Out soccer, football, and basketball players are welcomed into the league. And Time Magazine is beginning to show our entire community the respect we deserve.
And of course, Long Beach will soon have an out Mayor. And Nevada will likely have several out legislators in Carson City next year. Maybe we'll even soon have our first out statewide elected official?
As we documented earlier this week, there are still more challenges ahead of us. We don't yet have full equality. We still have further to go.
But at least now, we're on our way. At least now, we know that it truly does get better. And that's something we can all celebrate with pride this month.
His name is Robert Garcia. He came to America with his parents from Peru when he was five. He's an adjunct professor at USC, and he's already been serving as Vice Mayor on the Long Beach City Council.
Robert Garcia will be Long Beach's youngest Mayor. He will be Long Beach's first Latin@ Mayor. Oh, and he will also be Long Beach's first openly gay Mayor.
Once upon a time, prominent and proud LGBTQ elected leaders were unimaginable. Now, they're all across the nation. And yes, that even includes Nevada. Assembly Member Andrew Martin (D-Enterprise) is running for Nevada State Controller. Assembly Member James Healey (D-Enterprise) is running for reelection. And State Senators David Parks (D-Paradise), Pat Spearman (D-North Las Vegas), and Kelvin Atkinson (D-North Las Vegas) will be returning to the Nevada Legislature (as they were all elected in 2012).
Once upon a time, the closet was the only acceptable place for LGBTQ Americans. Marriage equality was "radical". "The Gay Plague" was "just punishment". And pride parades were revolutionary acts.
Oh, how times have changed. Now, high school principals come out to their students. Out soccer, football, and basketball players are welcomed into the league. And Time Magazine is beginning to show our entire community the respect we deserve.
And of course, Long Beach will soon have an out Mayor. And Nevada will likely have several out legislators in Carson City next year. Maybe we'll even soon have our first out statewide elected official?
As we documented earlier this week, there are still more challenges ahead of us. We don't yet have full equality. We still have further to go.
But at least now, we're on our way. At least now, we know that it truly does get better. And that's something we can all celebrate with pride this month.
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