Tweedledee and Tweedledum Go to Quantico

Image:  Facebook

In a highly unusual move and on short notice, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summoned hundreds of senior military officers from posts around the world to gather today in Virginia.

The price tag alone makes me blanch.

NBC News reports that what Hegseth told the assembled in Quantico wasn't "a showcase of major changes to the military but a recitation of familiar talking points from him and his boss, President Donald Trump."

These points boiled down to wokeness is weakness, no beards or long hair, and basic-training drill sergeants will again swear the air blue and put their hands on recruits.

Hegseth is the epitome of toxic masculinity, and he's shaping the military in his image. Those famous recruiting posters of old would now feature a pointing Uncle Sam saying, "I Want You To Be a Total Dick."

Following Hegseth's tromp through the culture wars, the admirals and generals had to listen to Trump meander. Talk about tough duty.

Most notably, Trump spoke of "the enemy from within." He said, "Inner cities are a big part of war," and compared Portland to a "war zone."

Trump said he told Hegseth that the U.S. "should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military."

Jesus H. Christ on a raft. The American president said American troops should use other Americans for target practice. 

We're getting ever further away from decency, sense, and precedent. I can only hope those stuck in that room today believe their duty is to defend the Constitution and the American people, not to follow blindly a couple of unstable "leaders" like Trump and Hegseth.

If not, here in Democratic-led Seattle, I could be under siege by Thanksgiving. And that'll do nothing for my digestion.

To Sum Up

 

Invading the City of Roses

Image:  Facebook

Donald Trump said today that he's directing the Defense Department to send U.S. troops to Portland, Ore.

What will they do, scrimmage the Blazers?

It's Jeff Not So

 

Birthday Blues

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

I turned 62 today, but thanks to Donald Trump I feel 162.

I should follow his litigious example and sue him for gross emotional distress.

He's gross, and it makes me emotional.

This Week's Quote

Image by Cécile Lecaux from Pixabay

Trump praised his own record constantly in what at times resembled more of a State of the Union speech than a U.N. speech. He rambled about how the U.S. had become the “hottest country anywhere in the world” — and trashed countries that don’t share his worldview. He trumpeted his extreme right-wing crackdown on immigration as a model for the world and warned that other countries that didn’t do the same were facing extinction: “I’m really good at this stuff; your countries are going to hell.”

Zeeshan Aleem

Source:  MSNBC

Turnabout Is Fair Play

Image:  Facebook

As a Seattle Storm season-ticket holder, I went to a lot of games at Climate Pledge Arena this summer. A young lesbian couple usually sat in front of me. They were a physically affectionate duo, free to be their gay selves in the lesbian-positive WNBA atmosphere.

They must've sold their tickets for a game at the end of the season, because that night a straight couple occupied those seats, also busily caressing and kissing.

A heterosexual display at a WNBA game. I thought DEI was dead.

What Coulda Shoulda Been

 

This Week's Quote

Image:  Facebook

If you see anyone not mourning the death of Robert Redford the way you would like them to please call their employer and get them fired!

Covie

Source:  X

Righteous and Wrong-eous Indignation

Image:  Kevin Payravi at Wikipedia

Author Stephen King caught hell for posting that the late conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk "advocated stoning gays to death." King apologized. I don't understand why. He was right.

Last year, children's You Tuber Ms. Rachel had the audacity to claim that the biblical admonition to "love thy neighbor" should apply to gay people. On a podcast, Kirk reacted by saying "by the way, Ms. Rachel, you might want to crack open that Bible of yours. In a lesser reference, part of the same part of scripture, is in Leviticus 18, is that 'thou shall lay with another man shall be stoned to death.' Just saying."

He concluded that ol' 18 "affirms God's perfect law when it comes to sexual matters."

So Kirk didn't say gay folks should be stoned. He said God did. He passed the buck.

That people like Sen. Ted Cruz reacted to King with indignation and insults baffles me. It certainly sounds like Kirk was all in on the stoning notion.

What a case of splitting hairs. I bet King's next horror novel will be titled "Splitting Hares," and be about a Bugs Bunny impersonator who loses control whenever someone splits an infinitive.

It's What Makes a Subaru, a Subaru

 

Not Remotely Groovy

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

I've long felt that America never got over the turbulence of the 1960s. Now it seems like we're headed right back there.

In that decade, political violence famously took the lives of two Kennedys and a King. Yesterday conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk was assassinated, and a few months ago Minnesota Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were both murdered.

If folks are so hot to return to the '60s, may I suggest lava lamps instead?

This Week's Quote

                                                 Image:  Facebook

Whoever that guy was who forged Trump’s name on the Epstein card in 1995 and patiently waited 30 years for a leak was a next-level strategist. It’s almost unbelievable.

Kyle Keegan

Source:  X

Blast From the Past

Image by PDPics from Pixabay

I learned a new word today that has roots in the 1840s. A snollygoster is "a shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a politician."

Such a cool word. What a shame I can't think of anyone to whom it applies in 2025.

He Actually Posted This

 

Tucker and Pete

Image:  Gage Skidmore at Wikipedia

It's news to me that assorted far-right pundits believe Pete Buttigieg isn't gay.

On Tucker Carlson's podcast this week, guest Michael Knowles claimed that in progressive politics some identities are advantageous. "I give you Pete Buttigieg," he said, and Carlson responded, "The fake gay guy?"

Carlson said "my gay producer" always claimed Buttigieg was a fraud, and added that should he interview the former presidential candidate, "I’m gonna ask him very specific questions about gay sex and see if he can even answer. I doubt he even knows. You’re not gay, dude. Stop."

I don't know where to start. Yes I do.

The idea of Carlson asking Buttigieg sexual questions to authenticate his orientation is presumptuous and prurient.

(Though if he asks them too convincingly, gay rumors will start about Carlson, and I'm good with that.)

Nobody has the right to decide another person's orientation. Least of all a former Fox News personality known for bringing fringe conspiracy theories to the masses.

(Though part of me wants to believe in the racist great replacement theory, as long as Carlson would be among the first to be replaced.)

But what's most ludicrous about Carlson and Knowles claiming Buttigieg isn't gay is the reason for his alleged lying: Choosing gayness is a shrewd political move.

Sure. Just as shrewd as picking Sarah Palin for your running mate.

In 2025, being gay is still an impediment to political office, even in liberal areas. For one thing, people might be willing to vote for you, but they worry whether others will.

If he runs for president again, Buttigieg will be defying the odds. I can see him consenting to join Carlson's podcast. If Carlson asks him about what he likes in bed, Buttigieg should say only, "Chasten. And sheets that don't ride up."

This Week's Quote

Image:  Wikipedia

May you put your dentures in upside down and chew your head off.

Sophia Petrillo on "The Golden Girls"

Source:  Southern Living

True For Both Lesbians and Gay Men

 

Seven Months In

Image:  Wikipedia

Donald Trump spent last week seizing yet more control over the federal government.

A man fond of grabbing women by the pussy now grabs the government in similar fashion.

Trump was busy purging dissent at the CDC and FEMA; firing a member of the Federal Reserve Board; threatening to send troops to Chicago; and generally behaving as though the government is his Tinkertoy set.

In a three-hour televised Cabinet meeting, Trump claimed more victories than Bear Bryant, while his subordinates' praise of him was so over the top the gathering could've been in Moscow or Pyongyang.

If this power grab is allowed to continue, our three branches of government will be the executive, the anemic, and the pathetic.

Can We Muster That?

 

This Week's Quote

Image by Jim Cooper from Pixabay

On a podcast Snoop Dog said LGBTQ characters shouldn't be allowed in movies because they confuse him and he can't explain them to kids. Unlike wizards, dinosaurs and spaceships.

Paul Rudnick

Source:  X

Another One Gone

Image:  Facebook

In case you missed it, one of the fiercest opponents of gay rights died last week. James Dobson was 563 years old.

Okay, he was actually 89. Not a preacher but a child psychologist, Dobson was without doubt one of the most powerful figures in the Christian right. He founded Focus on the Family, which pushed an ex-gay ministry, and the Family Research Council, which the Southern Poverty Law Center classified as an anti-LGBT hate group.

Dobson claimed the Sandy Hook mass shooting was God's judgement on a nation that accepted abortion and gay marriage.

Now God has called him home. I'd like to think He's having a word with him.

Understandable

 

Today's Lesson

Image:  Facebook

Children, today we're going to learn about the letter "D."

A lot of words begin with that letter. Like the word "desecration." Ooh, that's a long one, isn't it? Let's all say it together: "des-e-cra-tion."

Desecration is when a sacred place or thing is treated with—and here comes another "D" word—disrespect.

Let me give you an example of how to use the word desecration:  "Last night, in a clear act of desecration, the state of Florida sent workers to the Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando to paint over the rainbow crosswalk."

You see, kids, that crosswalk had been a symbol of grief and resilience to LGBTQ people in Florida and around the nation after almost 50 people were murdered for being in a gay club. By sunrise this morning the rainbow was gone, and now there's just a boring old black and white crosswalk. And a lot of people feel like their hearts have broken all over again.

Now here's another "D" word: "defiance." It means a bold resistance to authority, and children, I really, really hope we see a lot of defiance from angry queer people in the days ahead. I don't want to see violence, and I don't want to see—another "D" word—destruction, though they feel tempting right now, a normal reaction to desecration.

No, I want to see and hear the anger we feel—get ready for more "D" words—directed in dazzling displays at the doofuses who demanded this desecration. From Donald to Duffy to DeSantis. These discriminatory dirtbags deserve daily derision. Doubtlessly. Definitely.

Dismissed.

This Week's Quote

Image:  Facebook

MAGAs are getting upset that the Vikings have two male cheerleaders. It ruins their enjoyment of watching 22 men in tight pants jump on each other.

Steve Hofstetter

Source:  Facebook

Horsey Hope

Strong Feelings About This

 

Birds of a Feather

Image:  Facebook

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting in Alaska right now.

In other words, we sent a felon and sexual abuser, and they sent a murderer and war criminal.

Cream isn't the only thing that rises.

Occupation

Image:  Pixabay

Against the backdrop of recently taking control of the Washington, D.C., police department and deploying the National Guard to our nation's capital, Donald Trump yesterday announced his choices for Kennedy Center honorees, and added that he'll be hosting the broadcast. The day before, the White House ordered a review of the Smithsonian Institution to make sure what it exhibits is in accord with Trump's wishes.

It's been a long time since an enemy of America overran Washington, D.C. Where's Dolley Madison when you need her?

This Week's Quote

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Trump to host Kennedy Center Honors ceremony

today's headline

Source:  Reuters

Beware

 

Moneymaking Marriages

Image by Welcome to All ! ツ from Pixabay

A study released this summer found that, in the ten years since the Obergefell decision legalized marriage equality, gay couples and their out-of-state wedding guests have poured about $5.9 billion into state and local economies.

I not only had a same-sex wedding, I also had a same-sex divorce, so I was doubly helpful to the local economy. Yet not a word of thanks from the chamber of commerce.

This Week's Quote

Image:  Facebook

In announcing her gubernatorial run in SC, Nancy Mace says she'll be "Trump in high heels." So which bathroom will she let herself use?

Paul Rudnick

Source:  X

Teaching Numbers

 

Shooting the Messenger

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

The government's Bureau of Labor Statistics released a decidedly weak jobs report on Friday. Hours later, Donald Trump fired the bureau's commissioner.

Had I known decades ago that sacking the person in charge is a viable option when you get news you don't like, the boss of the SAT wouldn't have lasted another minute.

You Need More Gay In Your Life

 

This Week's Quote

Image:  Wikipedia

We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.

Bayard Rustin

Source: Goodreads

The Warrior's Achilles' Heel

Image:  Wikipedia

It feels like this was inevitable.

Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is in hot water. Two members of the state's education board accuse him of having porn on a screen during a meeting.

Why do I bring this to your attention? Hang on.

Walters has been described as Oklahoma's "top culture warrior." A MAGA Christian nationalist, Walters last year directed all public schools to incorporate the Bible and Ten Commandments into their curriculum. He denies the very existence of transgender and non-binary people, and when non-binary student Nex Benedict died after a fight at school, advocates accused Walters of creating a dangerously intolerant atmosphere.

Walters was on Donald Trump's shortlist to be education secretary. Last fall, he wanted to require schools to show students a video of him praying for Trump.

In short, Walters is such an extreme Christian he'd even piss off Jesus.

Walters often railed against "sexual material," and now it's gone and turned up in his office. There can't be a single gay person anywhere in the country who's surprised, since we're so accustomed to this sort of screaming hypocrisy on the part of religious zealots.

I guess I'm a little surprised that it was naked women on his screen and not naked men, given his vocal anti-queerness. But Walters isn't a closet case. He's just an asshole.

Fancy That

 

Day One

Image:  Facebook

George Santos, the less-than-fabulous serial fabulist, begins his seven-year prison stretch today for identity theft, wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of public funds.

The openly gay Santos couldn't tell the truth if his Ferragamo loafers depended on it.

The Advocate reports that the former congressman "has spent the week descending into a digital rampage, accusing prosecutors of conspiracy, threatening federal officials and journalists, and invoking far-right grievances against former President Barack Obama and the justice system, while praising President Donald Trump."

Santos has been holding out hope for a pardon from Trump. After all, they're so alike. Both are self-obsessed New York Republicans, both have used political power to enrich themselves, and both lie at a pace that breaks the land speed record.

In a final twist, Santos says he hopes to teach civics in prison. That would be like Jeffrey Dahmer teaching culinary arts.

Oh No

 

This Week's Quote

Image:  Facebook

Republicans Look to Rename Kennedy Center Opera House After Melania Trump

Headline that I thought was a joke

Source:  The New York Times

Baby Boomer

 

Terminated

Image:  Facebook

Since the nation's Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988, launched three years ago, it's fielded over 16 million calls, texts, and chats. Gay and transgender youth accounted for nearly 10% of those contacts.

The system is working. So . . . let's shut it down!

Last week the Trump administration pulled the plug on the "press 3" option, which connected queer young people with a counselor trained in their specific challenges, like discrimination, violence, and heightened suicidality.

I see this as a twofer for Trump and his suckerfish. First they actively vilify our community, especially transgender folks, and now they get to shutter a primary resource for coping with that vilification. So neat and tidy.

More and more I sense the need for a national Trump Crisis Lifeline so people can get emotional support dealing with the almost daily calamities he creates. Since 911 is taken, we need a different number. Funny, where Trump is concerned, all I can think of is 666.

Not Buying It

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

I'm not given to conspiracy theories. But I just can't swallow the White House claim that Donald Trump is experiencing a circulatory condition.

That requires a heart.

MAGA Distress

 

This Week's Quote

Image:  Facebook

Who better to re-investigate the Epstein case for the Trump administration than another alleged sex trafficker?

Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling on Lauren Boebert's suggestion that Matt Gaetz serve as special counsel

Source:  The New Republic

Another Day At the Office

Image:  Facebook

I couldn't make this up if I tried.

Here's what Donald Trump actually posted on Saturday:  "Because of the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

Trump and O'Donnell have feuded for years, two loud New York celebrities swiping at each other. Now free of restraints, Trump believes if he as president loathes someone then that person is "a threat to humanity." Come on. Vladimir Putin is a threat to humanity. Rosie O'Donnell isn't even a threat to Brooklyn.

I don't know which is scariest, Trump's thin skin, his ego, or his willful disregard of what a president can legally do. All of them add up to a person you wouldn't want serving as a crossing guard, let alone as leader of the free world.

O'Donnell responded by posting. "I'm everything you fear. A loud woman,
a queer woman,
a mother who tells the truth,
an American who got out of the country before you set it ablaze. You are everything that is wrong with America—and I’m everything you hate about what’s still right with it."

She also posted a picture of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein, and I wonder whether the imbroglio Trump is in concerning Epstein is why he posted about O'Donnell, an attempt to divert his MAGA followers. So far, they're proving surprisingly undivertable.

O'Donnell concluded, "You want to revoke my citizenship?
Go ahead and try, King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan." I've never seen "Game of Thrones," but I know Joffrey is described as a "villainous child-king," and that perfectly sums up Trump in 2025.

I'd argue, though, that his hue has morphed from tangerine to burnt umber.

The King Thing

Image:  Wikipedia

A few days ago I treated you to the story of Sure Foundation Baptist Church in Indianapolis, whose members are calling for gay people to commit suicide or be executed by the government.

No doubt they preach the love of Jesus in between.

Something has been niggling at me about these Westboro-wannabes, and I realized what around 10:30 last night when my historical gaydar finally kicked in.

While researching this delightful bunch, I'd read that they base their beliefs entirely on the King James Bible, which is called that because it was King James I of England who commissioned this translation.

Most recent historians believe King James was either gay or bisexual. 

Please, please, please, may I be the one to tell them?