Wyomingite's, You will have to vote on this in 2012!

I'm excited to introduce you to SJ2. This is a proposed amendment to the Wyoming Constitution. You can read the entire bill here.  It goes a little something like this;

"The adoption of this amendment will provide that the right to make health care decisions is reserved to the citizens of the state of Wyoming. It permits any person to pay and any health care provider to receive direct payment for services.  The amendment permits the legislature to place reasonable and necessary restrictions on health care consistent with the purposes of the Wyoming Constitution and provides that this state shall act to preserve these rights from undue government infringement."

I went to a meeting yesterday and we talked extensively about this amendment and what it means.  The first reason I really liked it; we had two attorneys in the meeting,  and they couldn't say exactly what it meant. They said it was confusing and poorly written.  My response... GOOD! I can't stand attorneys, and if they're confused then I would say this amendment is off to an "excellent start!"

One of my favorite things about this bill is that the primary sponsor is Senator Leslie Nutting from Cheyenne.

I think if you will read the entire bill you'll agree with me that there is nothing "Nutty" about it! In fact I think it is crystal clear and even though my lawyer friends say the language could keep this in front of the courts for years and years, I say, "You did good Senator Nutting!"

While I remember you sitting in the conference committee talking about how to nullify gay marriages and civil unions performed legally in other jurisdictions and you proclaimed "marriage is hard!" I'm so glad health care isn't, and that you were able to nail this one on the head!

In fact I'm inclined to agree with your colleague on the house side Representative Amy Edmonds who said something to the effect that the wording was sheer poetry! I agree!! And who doesn't love a good poem? Here's my favorite.... "roses is red. violets is purple. sugar is sweet and so is maple surple." I'll bet that's one of your favorites too!

Some in our group said your proposed constitutional amendment was a little contradictory in the way you summarize by saying you are protecting us from "undue government infringement." but just above that you say, "the legislature (can) place reasonable and necessary restrictions on health care."  Well I don't care about that either. The amazing insight, direction, and leadership the Wyoming Legislature showed over this last session just reaffirms to me that if my health were in jeopardy, you all are exactly who I would want to be calling the shots on whether I live or die!! After all, you're a retired nurse for God's sake, and I assume if you were in over your head you could call on John Barrasso for guidance.

I agree that health care should be left up to individuals and I sure hate the idea that the new Affordable Care Act would impact Wyoming by;

• giving coverage to 49,000 Wyoming citizens who currently don't have anything, 
• would eliminate preexisting coverage riders and exclusions on kids, 
• would allow adult children to remain on their parent's policies, 
• end life time maximums and phase out annual limits, 
• give us the right to appeal decisions we don't agree with, 
• no copays on preventative services, 
• and would close the donut hole in Medicare

After all, none of those things affect me personally, so I don't really care! I'm just glad to know that if I screw things up to badly, you'll be there to look after me!

You can count on me being a "YES" vote!

Jeran

Governator is a fraud!

I didn't want to do it! I didn't want to pick on Arnold but I can't let his inexcusable behavior slide. The Governator has, for the most part, been a good friend of the LGTB community as he has spoken out on marriage equality numerous times; but what a piece of work! In light of everything that has happened I don't think he should be commenting on anyone's marriage ever again!!

Maria... soon to be ex-wife

His mistress..

Really??


I feel sorry for the kids. His son changed his last name on his twitter account from Schwarzenegger to Shriver. Divorce is so hard under "normal" circumstances.  I can't imagine playing out a divorce in front of the paparazzi.

What a charade! What a con man! The two women were pregnant at the same time and living under the same roof? How did he keep this hidden from everyone for so long? Residents of California should be furious! How could some one in the public spotlight live such an incredible lie!  I've seen polls that many Californians considered him the worst governor of all time before these shenanigans.  These new revelations should seal the deal!

Yeah!  Thumbs up buddy! You're a friggin' winner!

What a week for high profile Republicans. The Donald isn't running, Newt's in hot water with the GOP, and Arnold turns out to be a slut.  Oh my!

Jeran

What's up Newt?

Boy has this been a rough week for Newt, and it's only Wednesday!

Tuesday night Newt was "glitter bombed" by a gay rights protester. While personally I think pulling these kinds of stunts does more harm than good, I did have to chuckle at this video, especially listening to what Newt's security detail told these buffoon's at the end of the clip.

On Monday a voter from Iowa gave the former speaker a piece of his mind for criticizing the Paul Ryan Budget, luckily it was caught on camera! ;)  Newt apologized Tuesday for calling the budget proposal "radical" and a piece of "right-wing engineering." Sorry to see you back pedal Newt, I actually agree with you on that one!

Tuesday also brought revelations that at one time Newt was indebted to Tiffany's for at least $250k. Apparently Newt is a bit of bling bling man. I certainly can't fault him for that! Hmmm.. I wonder if he actually liked the "glitter bombing?"

Wow... is she real or is she plastic??  Anyway, hang in there Newt! Like you said, "It's early in the campaign, a lot can happen!"

And remember, Glitter is the Herpes of craft supplies!

Jeran

Gay or Straight?

Well this might be a fun little game to play. See the gentleman standing on the right with the white jeans, in the fuschia and white checkered shirt, and the fabulous teal belt? What would you guess.... gay or straight? 

Perhaps a young man and his parents getting ready to head to Chicago's Gay Pride Festival?..... Nope!

This is U.S. House Representative Freshmen Aaron Schock, a Republican, from Peoria, Illinois.  Now before you go gettin all up in my face about stereotypes and judging, let me give you a little background. He is the youngest member of the U.S. House, elected at age 27. He started his political career at age 19 with a run for the local school board (he won!)

And now he is on the cover of Men's Health Magazine. What an inspirational young man!

In February of this year he publicly criticized Obama after he announced that the Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA. He also voted no on domestic partner benefits, he voted no on the repeal of DADT, and he voted no on  enforcement against anti-gay hate crimes. Bottom line, this guy is no friend of the LGTB community!

He's not married or in an admitted relationship, however, according to credible Washington insiders he frequently brings his boyfriend to D.C. functions and events.

So is he or isn't he. I could really give a flip!  If he is, then he's the stereotypical hypocrite of a politician that talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk!

 If he isn't gay then he's the typical homophobic, bigot, hater!!! Whatever the case....(as cute as he may be) I don't like this guy!

Jeran

Breakin up is hard to do!

After seven months of dating, Landon and I have decided to call it quits.

I'm a big believer in opposites attract... but.....we are so different!  The long term dynamics just aren't there! Our long term goals, turns out, have become a deal breaker.

Landon, I will miss you so much! I hope you find someone that will make you very happy; and I hope you find someone that wants all the same things in life that you want. I know that special someone is out there waiting for you! I want you to know that you will always have a special place in my heart, and I will think back on the time we spent together with much joy and warmth.

I've always loved the innocence you've had about you. You're smile was what first attracted me to you, and that laugh will always make my heart melt.  I think we could all learn something from the way you look at life and how the simplest things are often the best things. Whether it is walking into a beautiful hotel room, looking at a full moon with awe, gazing at pretty packages under the Christmas tree, eating food that delighted your taste buds, or going through model homes in Denver, I loved looking at the delight in your eyes.  You’ve shown me how much beauty the world has to offer if only we open our eyes and participate.

So it's funny, you probably wont read this since you stopped reading my blog because it wasn't about you every day, but I wanted you to know what was in my heart.

To everyone else.... I will get back to politics shortly, but I just needed to pour my heart into this blog today. Landon was my first “serious” boyfriend after coming out. I've learned so much from this relationship and hopefully I can take what I've learned and become a better person.

 

Jeran

Whackadoodles!

So does everyone know who Wywatch is? If not, please check out their website here.

These are the whackadoodles that filled the Wyoming Capital with prayer vigils during the last legislative session. I would sit by them in committee meetings and in the house and senate chambers as they would read their bibles,  bow their heads in prayer, cling to their rosary beads, and lecture me about how I could convert to a moral straight life style thus avoiding an eternity of burning in hell.  They blocked the tunnel between the capital and the Herschler Building for an anti abortion rally, and filled committee rooms with people to testify on the perils of sin.

These are the people that called  the LGTB community a bunch of diseased, drug using, unhealthy, unnatural, perverted, deviant, dry rotting, evil, pushy, sinners.. and believe me that list only scratches the surface. They would preach to and lecture law makers while citing such well renowned publications as the "Journal of Anti-Homosexuality." I know I'm a big fan!

Anyway, they all view themselves as "Honorable Republicans," Luckily, many Republicans stood against them but these Republicans are now targets for replacement because they weren't conservative enough.

Here's a letter WyWatch just sent out to the Republican Central Committee Members and all Wyoming Republican Legislators;

May 10, 2011 



Dear Honorable Republican: 


The purpose of this correspondence is to assess the strength of the conservative movement in the Wyoming Republican Party. We believe it is desirable and possible to create a Wyoming where Republicans stand united behind the conservative platform passed at the 2010 GOP State Convention in Sheridan. Many believe that this is the most conservative platform passed in many years and conclude that the Republican Party in Wyoming is becoming more conservative. This is supported by the fact we have a Republican Governor and many more Republican legislators than we have had in the past. Granted, some of these Republicans are more conservative than others. 


If we are to continue to move the state away from the many progressive trends that we see, we must elect people who support this conservative movement. In fact, our party platform states in the Preamble, “We remind our elected and appointed officials that these are the terms under which they exercise power which we have lent them.” 


The conclusion of the 2010 party platform makes this statement: “Upon these principals, the Wyoming Republican Party stands. These are the Principals of morality, liberty, law, society, education, free enterprise, justice and decency upon which this Nation has prospered and to which this Wyoming Republican Party is committed.” 


Do you agree that the Party Platform establishes the terms under which elected and appointed officials exercise their power? 


Do you agree with the principles enumerated in the Party Platform? 


COMMENTS: 


If you do not respond within 30 days of the date of this correspondence, you will be counted as answering NO to both of the above questions. 

We will use the information we gather from this correspondence to communicate the importance of electing Republicans to office that adhere to the principles that the conservative movement has set in motion in the great state of Wyoming.  As the conservative movement grows and progresses, not only across the state of Wyoming, but the country as well, we hope to continue to encourage Republicans to unite and stand together behind candidates that will uphold the 2010 Republican Party Platforms.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

WyWatch PAC

Board of Directors

AH HA!!! I knew it! If you've followed my blog posts the last few days (aside from a break up) you know I was questioning the WY Republican Platform and in particular who wrote all those things about Republicans.  Sure doesn't sound like the Republicans I know.

Bottom line, I don't care what your religious beliefs are, but whatever you believe, it doesn't belong in politics! We need to be reminded of the1st Amendment and separation of church and state! The only thing that these folks have as a basis for their case is the bible. Why are lawmakers even giving them the time of day? Could you imagine if a Muslim were up at the Wyoming Capital lobbying for legislation based on the teachings of the Koran?? How far do you think they'd get?

So are these extreme right wing groups taking over the WYGOP? Whatever happened to the ideals of small unobtrusive government? Once again I asked my Republican friends, does WyWatch represent you? They think they do, and if you push back against them, they want you gone!

Jeran

They're on to us!

Damn it! How in the hell did the Republicans sneak a mole into our meeting? Well, they nailed it! That's exactly what we are all doing, pretending 2010 didn't happen, and just hoping things turn out a little better in 2012. My fingers are crossed so I guess I'll just sit back and see what happens...

How did they get so smart? This is just like their public website that shows how Republicans are different from Democrats. I sure wish I had access to their crystal ball and amazing insight!

OK...Enough sarcasm for today. I know this is a big time red state and I know many of my Facebook friends, blog reading friends and friends is general are Republican, so I want to know what makes you align with the Republican party? Do you see yourselves as Tea Party Republicans or more of the Ronald Regan/Alan Simpson type Republicans? I would bet my last two cents that a big time Tea Party Republican wrote the 2010 Party Platform, please click on the link and view it... it says ALL Republicans think marriage should be between one man and one woman; and Wyoming shouldn't recognize same sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.  Please read the entire document and let me know if they hit the nail on the head with this platform??

Oh, and be sure to check out the first part where the Declaration of Independence is cited, something about all men being created equal, blah blah...but apparently that only applies if you're a Christian who believes in, "a just and merciful God that is the creator of the universe." Other wise you can pretty much go to hell, cause they don't want you!

If your reading this blog because your my Facebook friend, you and I probably already agree on social issues, but I want to know about your other views, views that make you see yourself as a Republican. How do you think the U.S. should be handling the deficit crisis? Do you agree with Cynthia Lummis that we need to cut Medicare and give the wealthy a tax break? If you do, please explain why this makes sense to you, because I don't understand it unless your one of the multi-millionaires that would personally benefit from such a plan.

Do you think Cynthia Lummis is doing a good job of representing Wyoming in Washington? Does it concern you that she didn't even win in her own home county (These are the people that know her best!) the first time she ran for the U.S. House?

My Republican friends please help me understand, I don't think your party is doing a good job of labeling who you are and what you represent???

Jeran

He Aint Got Nuthin' To Do With It!!!

If I see one more post on Facebook or online about how Obama had nothing to do with Bin Laden's death I will probably throw a chair through my window! I can't believe how anti-Obama one would have to be to post something like that!

Here's a Facebook post that is making the rounds (I pulled this directly off a friends page;)

"Let's be clear on this: OBAMA DID NOT kill Bin Laden. An American soldier, who Obama just a few weeks ago was debating on whether or not to PAY, did. Obama just happened to be the one in office when OUR soldiers finally found OBL and took him out. This is NOT an Obama victory, but an AMERICAN victory!! REPOST IF YOU AGREE!!"

These people say they don't want to play politics!  They say this an American thing not a political thing! They say Obama just happened to be the one in office.  They say Obama was debating about paying the troops (just an FYI, you might want to fact check that one folks!)

So... I hate to tell everyone when you post something like that you are indeed playing politics and making a very big statement about how you view our President!

I'm not saying he pulled the trigger. I'm not saying he engaged in hand to hand combat, but...Obama did have a little something to do with this.  He is the Commander in Chief! You don't have to take my word for it, this little document called the U.S. Constitution backs my theory up. When it comes to the United States Military Obama is ultimately in charge, he's the boss, the head prick, a numero uno. I think it's pretty easy to understand. All credible news agencies are reporting that it was Obama who made the final decision on when, where, and how this deal was to ultimately go down. Like it or not that's a fact!

Can someone help me recollect back to the "weapons of mass destruction" debacle, when they pulled Sadam Hussein out of the rat hole, was there an immediate race to Facebook for everyone to proclaim, "George W. didn't do it, he was just in the right place at the right time.. It was the military and only the military that deserve any credit?"

Anyway.. bottom line for me... Charlton Heston is my president!!

If you agree with me share this on your Facebook page!

Jeran

Stop Making Sh!t Up About Me!!

If there is one thing I really hate, it's people saying stuff about me that isn't true. Growing up in Wheatland WY I've been gossiped about my entire life, and while I do find myself in precarious situations from time to time, nothing makes me angrier than people saying things that are downright deceitful, hurtful, malicious and untruthful!


Please check out this website Republican vs. Democrat this is what the Wyoming Republican Party posted on their public website! After reading this I am happy to announce I am switching parties, because who in their right mind, would subscribe to all the things that they claim Democrats represent and are standing for.

On party vs party;
Democrats believe each person's rights can be sacrificed to the assumed needs of the group. Democrats place less emphasis on individual enterprise and initiative and prefer government "programs," such as the failed forty-year "War on Poverty."


On government and being governed;
Democrats believe a centralized power in Washington should control and direct our lives, with secondary consideration for the rights of individual citizens and communities. This has led to increasingly more federal controls and regimentation, often in the hands of un-elected bureaucrats, causing a severe erosion of local government power across the country


on foreign policy;
Democrats vacillate between extreme isolationism, intervention and confrontation tactics in relation to countries such as Vietnam, Cuba and Korea. Such inconsistent foreign policy confuses our allies and encourages our potential enemies. 


on the economy
Democrats believe the economy is too complicated to be left to free enterprise alone, and therefore must be subjected to ever-increasing controls by the federal government. Democrats say we are "entering an era of limitations" and therefore must lower our individual economic expectations. Democrats see the economy as a fixed pie to be sliced up for special interests, rather than as a pie than can be made bigger by the industriousness and innovation of Americans unfettered by ill-conceived government regulations.


on govn't spending and taxes;
Democrats believe the federal government knows how and where to spend money for local needs better than elected community leaders, and federal bureaucrats should continue to control the flow of funds to the states and localities and dictate how the taxpayer s money will be spent.


on the future;
Democrats believe in a powerful, centralized bureaucracy aimed at solving local and nation problems from the top down—a method that has failed everywhere it has been tried throughout history.


So Democrats.... does that accurately describe you?  I want to know if this makes you as angry as it did me? I want all my Republican friends to read this next paragraph and let me know if it accurately describes your entire party.....


"All Republicans want to keep the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. They also would make every abortion in this country illegal. Republicans stand for big corporations that have complete disregard for the environment; they all want to give Exxon Mobile a $400 billion subsidy even after they reported record profits. All Republicans refuse to acknowledge global warming! They view our role in the world as one of a bully, and push for constant war as the "world cop." They would like a free for all on Wall Street with no regulations at all for the financial industry. Finally, they aim to drive down incomes of the middle class and would ultimately like to see America with two classes of people, high and low!"


Look, I'm not anti Republican. Browse through my Facebook pictures and you'll see me standing arm and arm with some great Republican Legislators. However when they try and paint me into a corner with a bunch of negative B.S. then I'm going to push back! I don't stand for all the view points cited on their website and that doesn't accurately describe my Democratic friends mentalities either! I think both parties have more than their fair share of wingnuts, but trying to paint us all with that brush is wrong and deceitful!!


I'm not done talking about this!!


Jeran

Stuff that made me smile, chuckle, or mad!