Special Report: Bad Medicine - Doctors of Intolerance

Posted on June 2, 2008

It’s surprising how many high-profile physicians have latched onto the Right-wing political agenda. Honestly, they’re like leeches - sucking the lifeblood from civilized discourse on the fair treatment for LGBT Americans or women’s health issues. Below are some nauseating examples:

Longtime LGBT foe Dr. Steven Hotze of Houston, who helped Mike Huckabee raise money for his presidential bid, signed off on the Coalition on Revival’s Manifesto for the Christian Church that included the following proclamations:

• A wife may work outside the home only with her husband’s consent.
• “Biblical spanking” that results in “temporary or superficial bruises or welts” should not be considered a crime.
• No doctor shall provide medical service on the Sabbath.
• All disease and disability is caused by the sin of Adam and Eve.
• People receiving medical treatment are not immune from divine intervention or demonic forces.
• Physicians should preach to their patients because salvation is the key to their health.
• Treatment of the “physical body” is not a doctor’s highest priority.

NC state Senator Dr James Forrester certainly has his priorities straight. (If you’ll pardon the pun.) From News&Observer: In Raleigh, just one day into the 2008 legislative session, state Sen. Jim Forrester, R-Gaston, filed an anti-gay marriage state constitutional amendment, and a similar bill is expected to be introduced into the state House. This is the fourth consecutive session such an amendment has been filed in Raleigh.’ (Forrester’s bill would outlaw any recognition of civil unions - so don’t deceived by conservative Christians who tell you they’re only interested in ‘protecting’ marriage.)

Focus on the Family’s Dr. James Dobson lathers his hate like ultrasound gel on an expectant mother’s stomach. “Homosexuals are not monogamous. They want to destroy the institution of marriage. It will destroy marriage. It will destroy the Earth.” (Take 100 aspirin and call us in the morning.) PFAW has more: ‘While Dobson made a name for himself as an avuncular purveyor of parenting advice, he now uses that power to promote a range of troubling views and candidates who share those views. He says the gay rights movement is seeking the “utter destruction of the family” and likens proponents of marriage equality to the Nazis. He has backed candidates who call for the execution of abortion providers…’

Dr. Bill Frist, the former Senate Majority Leader and Tennessee surgeon who famously diagnosed Terri Schiavo without having met her, supports torture (in the form of waterboarding) and in 2006 considered gay marriage and flag burning to be the nation’s most pressing issues. The New York Observer observes: ‘Cultivating his image as a kindly and caring physician, he never failed to mention his pious concern for patients while casting his vote against their interests. He is the most reliable Senate ally of the pharmaceutical and insurance lobbyists.’

It’s probably a good idea to know if (or how fervently) your personal physician embraces Right-wing politics.  Woe betide the gay man who undergoes prostate surgery from a conservative hack that puts his religious principles before the sexual health of his patients. (Good luck with those nerves being spared.) And lesbian couples seeking fertility treatments? Fuggedaboutit. 

 

Top Opinions of the Week

Posted on May 31, 2008

Mark Medford at The San Francisco Chronicle reflects on the success of Barack Obama’s campaign: ‘This is a cultural marker, a harbinger of something worthy to take deep into your awareness. You should take note, because Obama has accomplished his rise without the normal weaponry of American politics… He has not employed any of the disgusting tactics Karl Rove’s Republican Party used on Al Gore and John Kerry to secure a deceptive and brutal and failed chokehold on power…’

Eugene Robinson at The Washington Post writes: ‘For nearly five decades, the United States has pursued a policy toward Cuba that could be described as incredibly stupid. It could also be called childish and counterproductive — and, since the demise of the Soviet Union, even insane. Absent the threat of communist expansionism, the refusal by successive American presidents to engage with Cuba has not even a fig leaf’s worth of rationale to cover its naked illogic.’ (McCain, predictably, embraces Bush’s current Cuban policy.)

Carol Hoenig at The Huffington Post examines the White House disconnect: ‘It’s true, too, that 9/11 bode well for President Bush, since the horrid events from that day helped him take advantage of an anesthetized people. It suddenly became more important to don a flag pin than press the president about those nonexistent weapons of mass destruction. It’s also true that anyone who questions this administration is dismissed one way or another. No one in the administration is saying that (former press secretary) McClellan is lying, but instead they are puzzled that he is, well, telling the truth.’ (Bush is frequently puzzled by truth. And compassion. And cleaning product labels.)

As noted in the New York Times, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, has written an open letter to U.S. military personnel exhorting them to ‘remain apolitical at all times and in all ways… It is and must always be a neutral instrument of the state, no matter which party holds sway. As the nation prepares to elect a new president, we would all do well to remember the promises we made. What I am suggesting — indeed, what the nation expects — is that military personnel will, in the execution of the mission assigned to them, put aside their partisan leanings.’ (Well said, Admiral Mullen!  Mullen has also indicated that the military is now prepared to accept gay service members if Congress appeals DADT.) 

G! Update: California Gay Marriage, Brazil Pride

Posted on May 28, 2008

- Gay marriage is coming to California soon: “Barring a stay of a historic California Supreme Court ruling, same-sex couples will be able to wed in the state beginning June 17, according to a state directive issued Wednesday.”

- A poll says majority of Californians support gay marriage: “The results mark the first time in over three decades of polling that more California voters have approved of extending marriage to gay couples than have disapproved, said Field Poll director Mark DiCamillo. The survey of 1,052 registered voters was conducted over the phone.”

- Brazil had a huge turn out for gay pride: “Organizers said about 5 million people attended the 12th annual Sao Paulo Gay Pride Parade, traditionally one of the world’s biggest.”

The New and Improved Andromeda Strain

Posted on May 23, 2008

Early reviews for A&E’s updated version of Michael Crichton’s Sci-Fi thriller The Andromeda Strain have been mixed - but the Los Angeles Times reports that there’s some buzz about possible Emmy nominations.

The decades-old bestseller was made into an intriguing 1971 film by Oscar winner Robert Wise. The new mini-series, stretched to four hours, is produced by Hollywood heavies Ridley and Tony Scott, and stars Benjamin Bratt (Law & Order), Eric McCormack (Will and Grace) and Rick Schroder (NYPD Blue). In this re-telling of the story Schroder portrays a gay soldier, a character that wasn’t included in the 1969 novel. The main stream media hasn’t given that aspect of the production much play, but there’s an interesting write-up about it on AfterElton.com, complete with comments by scriptwriter Robert Schenkkan. Rumor has it that Crichton’s original ending, which left some readers scratching their heads, has been clarified. The storyline involves deadly pathogens unleashed on a small town in Utah, after the satellite carrying them falls to earth. The mini-series airs on A&E May 26 and 27, from 9-11PM ET.

We’ll be watching.

Ellen DeGeneres To Marry Portia De Rossi

Posted on May 17, 2008

Here’s the video of Ellen announcing her intention to marry long-time companion, Portia de Rossi. The announcement comes after the California Supreme Court overturned the states ban on same-sex marriage.

P! Update: Bush Tears, McCain Flip Flop, Gay Marriage

Posted on May 16, 2008

- Dan Froomkin writes, “Bush has cried many times during his presidency — when he’s met with the families of dead soldiers, after 9/11, at disaster scenes. But this was different. In this case, it seems his tears were for himself.” (We’re crying too, Mr. President.) Think Progress has the story, with video.

- The Huffington Post nails John McCain’s latest flip flop, with exclusive video: ‘McCain Was For Talking To Hamas Before He Was Against It.’

- Pam’s House Blend has compiled an extensive list of outraged reactions to the California Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage.

- From Talking Points Memo: McCain Blasts Obama As Unfit To Defend America: ‘On a conference call with conservative bloggers this afternoon, John McCain launched what may be his most direct attack yet on Barack Obama’s national security credentials, saying flat out that Obama is incapable of protecting America and lacks the necessary traits to keep it secure from foreign threats.’ (Pardon my French, but this is absolute horseshit. McCain should be ashamed.)

Same-Sex Marriage in California Possible

Posted on May 15, 2008

In overturning the state’s marriage ban today, the California Supreme Court has rejected Proposition 22, which previously defined marriage as between a man and a woman. But opponents of same-sex marriage aren’t going down without a fight. They’ve been busy circulating petitions for a constitutional amendment which would nullify the court’s ruling. The California Legislature has twice passed bills allowing same-sex marriage. Both were vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who now promises to uphold the court’s decision.

From the L.A. Times: ‘Today’s ruling by the Republican dominated court affects more than 100,000 same-sex couples in the state, about a quarter of whom have children, according to U.S. census figures. It came after high courts in New York, Washington and New Jersey refused to extend marriage rights to gay couples. Before today, only Massachusetts’ top court has ruled in favor of permitting gays to wed. Paul Drugan, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, said the county was not immediately granting same-sex marriage licenses, noting that the court’s decision would take effect in 30 days.’

G! Update: Gay Playboy, Bullying, Friendly Companies

Posted on May 14, 2008

- Financially troubled Playboy Enterprises is going after gay money: “Playboy plans to initially offer Time Warner Cable subscribers 20 hours of gay male programming. The service is slated to begin operating next month.”

- Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley signed a new bill protecting lgbt students against bullying: “Maryland becomes the seventh state to protect students on the basis of gender identity or expression and the 11th state to do so based on sexual orientation, according to a news release from the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network and Equality Maryland.”

- Prime Access and Planet Out have released their 2008 consumer study of gay-friendly companies. Topping the list were Bravo, Apple, Showtime, HBO, Absolut, and Levi’s. At the bottom were WalMart, Dunkin Donuts, Cracker Barrel, Exxon Mobil, and Frito-Lay.

Levi’s Gay Ad:

E! Update: Jodie Foster Break Up

Posted on May 14, 2008

- Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard have ended their 14-year relationship: “The split comes just four months after Miss Foster broke her silence about the relationship, which was long an open secret in movie circles.”

- Angelina Jolie is pregnant again with twins.

- Britney Spears hit another car: “Spears, 26, was at the wheel of her white Mercedes-Benz SL65 when she left her Studio City home for an afternoon drive. Shortly thereafter, she rear-ended the SUV.”

- Madonna is opening a girls’ school in Malawi. It will be similar in size and scale to a similar project by Oprah Winfrey. What about the boys?

Brothers & Sisters: Kevin and Scotty’s Wedding

Posted on May 12, 2008

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