The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society conducted an "e" cyling event to recycle electronic goods.  They partnered with a company called EarthEcycle. 

I was perplexed as to how ecycling could be a fundraiser given that most companies charge consumers to dispose of electronic goods. I asked a few question and was promptly attacked by staff, volunteers and the EarthEcycle owner for essentially hating dogs and those who want to help them. Oh and I was "possibly" engaged in corporate espionage.  All because I wanted to make sure my television wasn't being dumped in a remote Thai village. 

It was an ugly, ugly exchange. 

Tonight WDUQ and WTAE ran stories about allegations that the company is shipping a portion of the materials overseas.  The Humane Society is backtracking.  $150,000 funds raised might do that.

I wonder if any of those proceeds will be used to help the animals whose welfare is irreparably damaged by the ewaste dumping?

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/19571634/detail.html

Stay tuned for a Post-Gazette investigation.

Today I received word that the movie Outrage will be showing at the Harris Theater, starting on June 19, 2009!

From fearless documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick (This Film is Not Yet Rated) comes a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who actively campaign against the lesbian and gay community to which they covertly belong. Outrage reveals the hidden lives of some of the most powerful policymakers in the US, and the damage done by keeping secrets. It presents analysis from many prominent members of the gay community, such as Congressman Barney Frank, former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey, activist Larry Kramer, and controversial blogger Mike Rogers ? whose blog has spearheaded the movement to out closeted, anti-gay-rights politicians. This bold film is sure to stir debate, and perhaps make an impact on the continuing same-sex civil rights battle. (Kirby Dick; USA; 2009; 87 min)

This movie is sure to outrage you as the depth of hypocrisy comes to light.  Southwestern Pennsylvania has three individuals alone connected to this outrageous conduct --- none are politicians so stop speculating about that.  Go to http://www.blogactive.com/ and see for yourself.

Kudos to the Pittsburgh Filmmakers for making this happen.  I think this is an important film and hope you will make plans to see it.

Mike Rogers, btw, will be in Pittsburgh for the NetRoots Nation Conference in August.  If you want to meet him, stayed tuned for the opportunity. 

You probably heard this.  The California Supreme Court upheld Prop 8, but also said that existing same sex marriages are valid.

Tune in here for the latest responses from the LGBTQ community and leaders. 

Here are photos from the protest. 

Simply outrageous that voters can strip minority groups of their rights.  Have we learned nothing from history?  Seriously!

What to do?  Pick up your phone and call your elected officials to remind them that equality in Pennsylvania is non-negotiable. 

The Post-Gazette editors remind you that recycling the "marriage amendment" is getting tiresome.

Conservative lawmakers in the General Assembly are always trying to save the institution of marriage from an imagined horror. This year is no different. Although marriage suffers its greatest damage when heterosexuals divorce, the threat is always identified as gays wanting to marry.

Further, the remedial action sought is always a reaction to no discernible state problem. Pennsylvania has had the Defense of Marriage Act since 1996 and that defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. To be sure, courts in other states have found a constitutional right for gays to marry, but that seems unlikely in this socially conservative commonwealth.

Ya got the social conservative part right.  Other states are surging ahead in creating equal societies and eliminating second-class citizenship, but Pennsylvania has looped back around to scapegoat our community for society's ills. 

It isn't like the loss of a job or wiped out savings might put some stress on a marriage, is it?  Sigh.

Remember our recommendations to stand up to the ongoing "separate but equal" mentality: join Steel City Stonewall Democrats and/or make a donation to the Women's Law Project. 

ps:  There's also a letter from Bill Huber of Moon mocking Carrie Prejean.  It is a little bit funny, but could have been more witty about Prejean (one of my Facebook friends) using Jesus wanting his religion back. 

This will also allow Carrie to continue her fight against Satan and all his followers. Watch out for Carrie and The Donald! They've got Jesus on their side ... and they're coming to a church near you!

sdf