Ted Kennedy Returns to Senate for First Time Since Surgery

Ted Kennedy returned to the Senate today for the first time since his brain cancer surgery and received an extended standing ovation from his colleagues. Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

And by the way, the Senate passed FISA today by a vote of 69 to 28, granting telecom immunity from warrantless wiretapping. Obama voted yes, Clinton voted no. McCain didn't bother voting.

Sphere: Related Content

Ted Kennedy Undergoing Brain Surgery for Tumor

Senator Ted Kennedy, seen here last week on a sailboat near the Kennedy's Hyannisport compound, entered Duke University Medical Center to undergo a six-hour operation today for a malignant brain tumor, to be followed by weeks of chemo and radiation therapy:

The AP reports: "Experts said surgeons will likely try to remove as much of the tumor as possible while balancing the risk of harming healthy brain tissue that affects movement and speech. 'Almost no malignant gliomas are cured by surgery, but many of us believe that the more you get out, the next treatments, whether they be radiation or chemotherapy, have a better chance of working because there's less tumor there to fight,' said Dr. Matthew Ewend, neurosurgery chief at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The surgery was scheduled to begin around 9 a.m., said Anthony Coley, a Kennedy spokesman. The hospital had given no updates by late morning."

UPDATE: Kennedy treatment said to be successful.

Sphere: Related Content

Senator Robert Byrd Weeps for Ted Kennedy

West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd broke down on the Senate floor yesterday, sobbing through an emotional tribute to Ted Kennedy who, of course, was discovered to have a malignant brain tumor after suffering a seizure over the weekend.

Reactions to Kennedy's conditions prompted an outpouring of reaction across the nation in admiration of his service.

There were also some extremely distasteful reactions from the far right.

Said Byrd: "I want to take a moment to say how distraught and terribly shaken I am over the news of my dear friend, my dear, dear friend, Ted Kennedy...Ted, Ted, my dear friend, I love you, and I miss you."

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

Byrd, the longest-serving member of the Senate and a former member of the KKK, announced his support for Barack Obama on Monday.

Sphere: Related Content

News: Ted Kennedy, Bacon, Jason Giambi, Gloria Gaynor, HIV

Senator Ted Kennedy diagnosed with malignant brain tumor: "Doctors for the Massachusetts Democrat say tests conducted after Kennedy suffered a seizure this weekend show a tumor in his left parietal lobe. Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma, they said. His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy."

New York Daily News provides New York Yankees with shipment of gold lamé thongs after revelation that Jason Giambi wears one when he is in a batting slump.

Jean-Claude van Damme holds flexing show on balcony at Cannes.

25 years ago today, the HIV virus was identified in France.

David Archuleta took Brooke White to his fake prom, but he also had other offers: "[David] Cook also asked if he could dance with me — that was a little awkward. So I said no."

Judge reopens Okeechobee High School lawsuit over gay-straight alliance: "U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore dismissed the case last month, saying the club's founder, Yasmin Gonzalez, no longer was affected by the school's decision because she has graduated. But Moore reversed the decision Friday, saying Gonzalez still has a stake in the case because she seeks nominal monetary damages. The judge also allowed current student Brittany Martin to become a plaintiff in the case against the school board of Okeechobee County. 'We are absolutely elated,' said Rob Rosenwald, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the students. 'I know that the students at Okeechobee High School are very excited that their rights will be vindicated.'"

Dina Matos McGreevey says Jim McGreevey didn't whore himself out enough after becoming famous: "The nation's first openly gay governor could have become a talk show host, pursued a movie deal or otherwise cashed in on his fame after a sex scandal forced him from office, a lawyer for his estranged wife argued Monday."

Gloria Gaynor on being born again: "I had a backlash from gay fans for a tiny period. Because they didn't understand where I was coming from. Now they recognise that my beliefs are my beliefs and that I have no opinions separate from the Bible. There are areas that we agree to disagree on. It's as simple as that. I don't have a problem with them having their beliefs, because my feeling is that God gives each and every one of us the right to not even believe in him. So who am I to try to take that away from somebody? I will always try to share my faith with any person who is willing to listen. When I feel a wall go up, we can talk about something else ... and I will pray for you."

Apparently the only thing good about The Happening coming out are the Mark Wahlberg Men's Health photos that come with it, and even those leave a bit of skin to be desired.

The California Assembly passes bill 45-23 marking May 22 as Harvey Milk day. It now moves on to the senate.

Chocolate-covered bacon, anyone?

Newly appointed Italian minister for equal opportunities and former Miss Italy contestant and television showgirl Mara Carfagna refuses to back a gay pride march because, according to her, it's pointless and gays no longer face discrimination: "Homosexuality is no longer a problem, at least not the way the organizers of these demonstrations would have us believe. Gay pride's only aim is official recognition for homosexual couples, on the same level with marriage. I cannot agree to that. Gone are the times when homosexuals were declared mentally ill...Today there is such a thing as integration into society."

Is 90210 really America's favorite zip code?

Sphere: Related Content

Senator Edward Kennedy Steps into ENDA Battle

Despite vocal objections from Roberta Sklar of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, Senator Ted Kennedy has begun a push in the Senate to bring the trans-exclusive ENDA bill, which was approved by the House in early November, to the floor for a vote:

"Kennedy said Senate approval of the bill could pave the way for extending protections to transgender workers next year, when he hopes Democrats will increase their numbers in Congress and a Democratic president supporting gay rights will be in the White House. 'The fact is that the House of Representatives has taken action,' Kennedy said in an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. 'The best opportunity for progress is ... to follow along on the action of the House of Representatives, and then look down the road to a new day after we have a good Democratic Congress and a Democratic president.' Kennedy expects an 'uphill fight' in the narrowly divided Senate, where 60 votes rather than a simple majority would be needed to overcome expected GOP stalling tactics. Kennedy and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who supports the bill, are working on the timing for bringing the bill to the floor."

Said Keisling: "We've expressed to Senator Kennedy's office our disappointment and opposition to his idea to move forward. We're always working and talking with his office and we'll see what happens."

A Bush veto is expected if the bill does pass the Senate.

Kennedy Targets Job Bias Against Gays [ap]

You may have missed... HRC Defends Position on ENDA as Trans Groups Picket Outside [tr]
Advocate Reveals New Findings from HRC ENDA Poll [tr]
House Passes Employment Non-Discrimination Act 235-184 [tr]
Barney Frank to Speak on ENDA Controversy [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Posted by Andy in Barney Frank, Discrimination, ENDA, News, Ted Kennedy | Permalink | Comments (3)

01/28/2008

Senator Edward Kennedy Endorses Obama at American University

At American University in Washington, Senator Ted Kennedy joined his niece Caroline and son, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.), in endorsing Barack Obama for president.

The Washington Post reports: "The three Kennedys, taking turns speaking at a lectern bearing the slogan, "Change We Can Believe In," invoked the inspiration of former president John F. Kennedy in supporting the candidacy of Obama, a first-term senator who seeks to become the nation's first African American president. Addressing a cheering, overflow crowd in the university's Bender Arena, Sen. Kennedy hailed Obama as a candidate who 'has lit a spark of hope amid the fierce urgency of now.' Calling on Americans to 'have the courage to choose change,' he declared, 'It time again for a new generation of leadership! It is time now for Barack Obama!' In accepting the endorsements, Obama told the crowd: 'We will change the course of history. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.' The endorsement by the senior senator from Massachusetts was widely seen as important for Obama because it gives him the imprimatur of a major leader of the Democratic establishment."

The endorsement, courted by the Clinton camp for months, may have solidified in Obama's favor after last week's angry campaigning by Bill Clinton in South Carolina. The NYT reports: "Mr. Kennedy, who associates said had grown furious at the tone of the presidential campaign, including the words and actions of former President Bill Clinton, said Mr. Obama would usher in a new era of politics. His speech was filled with references to his distaste for the bitterness and lack of bipartisanship that has infiltrated Washington."

The broader Kennedy clan is not unanimous on the endorsement, however, the paper notes: "Another of Kennedy's nieces, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, a former Democratic lieutenant governor of Maryland, is supporting Clinton. So is a nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading environmental activist."

Kennedy Calls Obama ‘New Generation of Leadership’ [nyt]
Kennedy Endorsement Gives Obama Key Boost [washington post]

Sphere: Related Content

Posted by Andy in Barack Obama, Democratic Party, Election 2008, News, Ted Kennedy | Permalink | Comments (98)

Obama Wins South Carolina Primary, Gets Kennedy Endorsement

As you probably know by now, Barack Obama handily won the South Carolina primary on Saturday, beating Senator Hillary Clinton with 55% of the vote to Clinton's 27%. John Edwards received 18% of the vote.

Above, Obama's acceptance speech, which has winning plenty of praise over the weekend.

Obama got a symbolic Democratic endorsement over the weekend from Caroline Kennedy, in an op-ed piece in the
New York Times, to be followed today in a one-two punch to Clinton by an endorsement from Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy.

Said Caroline: "My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals. Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible. We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama."

An associate of Ted Kennedy told the Boston Globe the reasoning behind the Senator's move to Obama: "Kennedy believes Obama can 'transcend race' and bring unity to the country, a Kennedy associate told the Globe. Kennedy was also impressed by Obama's deep involvement last year in the bipartisan effort to craft legislation on immigration reform, a politically touchy subject the other presidential candidates avoided, [Kennedy's] associate said. The coveted endorsement is a huge blow to New York Senator Hillary Clinton, who is both a senatorial colleague and a friend of the Kennedy family. In a campaign where Clinton has trumpeted her experience over Obama's call for hope and change, the endorsement by one of the most experienced and respected Democrats in the Senate is a particularly dramatic coup for Obama."

Senator Kennedy will reportedly make his endorsement at a rally today. Kennedy's endorsement comes despite "a last-ditch effort over the last few days" from the Clinton campaign, according to Politico.

Meanwhile, Bill Clinton, who campaigned heavily for his wife in South Carolina, seemed to ignore calls to leave race out of the contest on Saturday when he declared "Jesse Jackson won South Carolina in '84 and '88. Jackson ran a good campaign. And Obama ran a good campaign here." (clip below)

The Clinton campaign was said on Sunday to be "reeling in" the former President: "Campaign officials, without acknowledging any faults on Mr. Clinton's part, have said they will change tactics and try to shift Mr. Clinton back into the role he played before her loss in the Iowa caucuses, emphasizing her record and experience and steering clear of criticizing Mr. Obama."

Sphere: Related Content

Posted by Andy in Barack Obama, Bill clinton, Democratic Party, Election 2008, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, News, South Carolina, Ted Kennedy | Permalink | Comments (28)

11/28/2007

News: The Joker, Ted Kennedy, Iran, Brendan Fraser, Sheep

Another kind of gay panic? UK woman may have been killed because she discovered boyfriend's gay identity on his mobile phone.

A look at Brazil's new gay magazine, Junior.

Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad offers to be an observer at U.S. presidential election: "The proposal came in a speech to volunteers with the Basij, a pro-regime militia. He said he was prompted by a belief that Americans would vote against the current administration in a truly free poll. However, the terms of Ahmadinejad's offer appeared to betray some confusion about the potential candidates. 'If the White House officials allow us to be present as an observer in their presidential election we will see whether people in their country are going to vote for them again or not,' he said."

British traffic warden spat on by homophobe.

Online bookie writes €100,000 check to sponsor the Bingham Cup gay rugby tournament: "He said the event was highly appropriate for their brand, before adding this was not the type of company that does what people might expect a bookmaker to do. 'This might raise a few eyebrows when it comes to town, but we're not scared of that.' Richie Whyte, the Bingham Cup's tournament director, said he was delighted at the deal. 'Paddy Power has an innovative and risk taking approach to the market.'"

Mitt Romney's anti-gay marriage message hitting Iowa mailboxes.

Heath Ledger as the Joker - revealed...yay or nay?

Missoula, Montana holds rally against anti-gay hate crimes: "Two recent instances of alleged anti-gay violence in Missoula provided the impetus for the rally. Earlier this month, [Jess] Keith was beaten by a group of four women who she said verbally assaulted her with homophobic remarks. That same weekend, a 22-year-old University of Montana student was attacked by four unknown men while crossing the campus footbridge. The victim was shoved to the ground and kicked repeatedly in the chest and back, police said, and his assailants screamed anti-gay epithets during the attack. Sgt. Casey Richardson and Capt. Dick Lewis of the Missoula Police Department were on hand to visit with audience members and show their support at the rally. 'We want everyone to know that we’re available,' Richardson said."

Madonna in deep shit for dyed sheep.

Brendan Fraser's hair makes a comeback.

Ted Kennedy signs multi-million book deal to write memoirs: "Neither Kennedy's office nor the publishing house would reveal the size of the package, but a publishing figure familiar with the deal said Kennedy's payment was one of the largest in history, eclipsing the $8 million given to New York Senator Hillary Clinton. Former President Clinton and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair each got a reported $10 million for their memoirs."

Rainbow flag, hung in honor of visit by openly gay legislator Sen. Scott McCoy, snatched from flagpole at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah. McCoy: "Obviously someone had a problem with the fact gay people were on campus. I find it hard to believe this person just coincidentally took it."

Sphere: Related Content

Posted by Andy in Brazil, Crime, Election 2008, Great Britain, Heath Ledger, Iran, Madonna, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mitt Romney, Montana, News, Rugby, Ted Kennedy | Permalink | Comments (5)

10/03/2007

Mystery Surrounds Shooting Death of Lesbian Soldier

Mystery surrounds the shooting death of Ciara Durkin, a lesbian serving in Afghanistan with troops from the Massachusetts National Guard.

The Boston Globe reports: "The Defense Department says it is investigating Durkin's death, which it described as a 'non-combat-related incident.' Durkin's family says Army officials have told them she was found with a single bullet in her head, lying near the church where she worshipped on the secure Bagram Airfield. The Army has not publicly disclosed whether a weapon was found near her body. The Massachusetts National Guard initially reported that Durkin was killed in action, though a Guard spokesman later said the term meant only that Durkin was serving in Afghanistan at the time."

US Senators John F. Kerry and Edward M. Kennedy and US Representative William D. Delahunt have made special requests to the Defense Department for answers about Durkin, a resident of Quincy, Massachusetts.

Durkin's sister, Fiona Canavan, one of nine siblings in the family, has concerns that the shooting could have been related to Durkin's sexuality: "Ciara was a lesbian, and that's bound to come out. It is possible that someone over there found that out, and, you know, maybe they were very homophobic."

Canavan added: "She did say to us that she had concerns about things she was seeing when she was over there. She told us if anything happened to her, that we were to investigate it."

Sphere: Related Content

Posted by Andy in Afghanistan, Boston, Ciara Durkin, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, John Kerry, Massachusetts, Military, News, Ted Kennedy | Permalink | Comments (3)

07/12/2007

Surgeon General Nominee Holsinger Says He's Not Anti-Gay

Surgeon General nominee Dr. James Holsinger was questioned at a Senate confirmation hearing today about the 1991 paper he wrote on health and homosexuality in which he warned of "the dangers of 'anal eroticism'".

Wrote Holsinger in the paper: "In fact, the logical complementarity of the human sexes has been so recognized in our culture that it has entered our vocabulary in the form of naming various pipe fittings either the male fitting or the female fitting depending upon which one interlocks within the other. When the complementarity of the sexes is breached, injuries and diseases may occur..." (The full document is available here)

Senator Edward Kennedy told the panel: "Dr. Holsinger's paper is ideological and decidedly not an accurate analysis of the science then available on homosexuality. Dr. Holsinger's paper cherry picks and misuses data to support his thesis that homosexuality is unhealthy and unnatural."

According to the Associated Press, Holsinger said the paper was non-scientific and "relied on the information available to him at the time." Said the candidate: "First of all, the paper does not represent where I am today. It does not represent who I am today. I've worked diligently to provide quality health care to everyone regardless of personal characteristics including sexual orientation."

He added: I don't think there is a place in my life as a physician to do anything inimical [to a person based on their personal or sexual characteristics]...Let me be clear: I have profound respect for the essential human dignity of all people, regardless of background or sexual orientation. I pledge to you to continue that commitment especially if I am confirmed as surgeon general.''

Following claims this week by Dr. Richard Carmona, the former surgeon general, that the Bush administration muzzled him on key issues in which his statements might affect policy, Holsinger told the panel that he would not allow politics to trump science.

Said Holsinger: "I think I have a clear response to that. I would resign."

you may have missed...
Surgeon General Nominee Holsinger Has Broad Anti-gay Bias [tr]
As Holsinger is Scrutinized, Former Top Doc Says White House Muzzled Him [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Posted by Andy in Health, James Holsinger, News, Ted Kennedy | Permalink | Comments (21)

04/13/2007

Hate Crimes Bill Introduced, Named for Matthew Shepard

Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore, introduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act in the Senate yesterday, renaming the Senate version of the legislation in honor of hate crime victim Matthew Shepard, brutally slain in Wyoming in 1998.

According to the Associated Press, "The measure would add protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity to existing laws that target violence because of race and religion."

By attaching a name to the legislation, Smith noted, they hope to put a face on victims of hate that will finally get the bill passed. Said Smith: "By putting Shepard's name on the bill, I believe we'll be more successful."

Shepard's mother Judy, an outspoken advocate for gay rights and against hate crimes since her son's death, appeared at yesterday's news conference. Said Shepard: "Dennis and I are deeply honored that Senators Smith and Kennedy have renamed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act the ‘Matthew Shepard Act.’ This is a beautiful tribute to our son and his memory...I can't think of a better way to honor Matthew's memory. He was a 21-year-old college student just living his life."

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese spoke of the grave importance of passing the bill: "After eight and a half years since Matthew’s death, his memory continues to be a ringing reminder, even at the highest levels of our government, about the need for this legislation. It is our hope that Congress will finally pass the Matthew Shepard Act and Judy Shepard will have stood at her last press conference on Capitol Hill pleading with our elected leaders to pass this critical piece of legislation."

Supporters are hopeful the bill will pass Congress. For ten years, similar pieces of legislation have gone through the House or Senate but have never gone so far as to reach the President's desk.

Lawmakers name hate crimes bill after Matthew Shepard [ap - boston globe]
Senators Kennedy and Smith introduce hate crimes bill, rename it 'Matthew Shepard Act' [hrc] (photo: hrc)

Sphere: Related Content

Posted by Andy in Crime, Judy Shepard, Matthew Shepard, News, Ted Kennedy | Permalink | Comments (5)