Michele Bachmann's Real Retirement Video

Leave it to Funny or Die to make a parody of Michele Bachmann's retirement video.  It actually isn't too far off.  LOL.  Make sure to catch a special cameo by her "behind the candelabra" husband, Marcus.

10 Members of Congress Pose for NOH8 Campaign

The NOH8 Campaign focused its camera on the nation’s capitol earlier this month, with 10 members of Congress donning white to pose for “NOH8 on the Hill."

The members of Congress who participated represent the District of Columbia, California, Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts and Ohio, including Rep. Dennis Kucinich, the former Democratic presidential candidate who encouraged the photo campaign's venture to Capitol Hill and was the first to sit for the shoot.

"Our nation was founded upon the principle of equality,” he said in a statement released with his photo. “It is imperative that we work for equal rights for all in order to make that principle a reality. Love isn't gay or straight, tall or short, black or white; it is for everyone."

All of the 10 lawmakers photographed were Democrats, and although the shoot was open to any member of Congress, no Republicans chose to participate. Among the pictures is one member of the LGBT caucus. On the following pages, see all of the photos and the lawmakers' accompanying statements about why they chose to pose.  [The Advocate, NOH8 Campaign]

"On the same week that Maryland and Washington stepped up for marriage equality, I stood with NOH8 in solidarity with those who are fighting Prop 8 in California. Gay and lesbian Americans are part of the fabric that makes this country strong. The notion that we could ask these men and women to do everything from paying taxes to serving our country in uniform while denying them the right to marry is offensive to everything I believe in as a public servant. I won’t stop working for equal rights in Congress until they have been extended to every American."
- Rep. Earl Blumenauer

"The reason why I support the NOH8 Campaign is simple: our country rests on the principle that all people are equal, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. If we deny that fact then we are no longer the Land of the Free. The most important freedom is the freedom to be the person you truly are and embrace the life you want to live. It’s my hope that LGBT youth across the country and in Massachusetts feel our encouragement and support. They are not alone. I stand firmly behind them, and the important message that NOH8 is spreading."  
- Rep. William Keating

"I’m proud to join over 20,000 participants who’ve posed in NOH8 photos depicting the silencing of equality by California’s Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world.   These pictures speak volumes about the will of the American people to be treated the same, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation." 
- Rep. Judy Chu

"Hate does not belong in our communities, families, schools, the workplace and certainly not in our government.” 
- Rep. Barbara Lee

Check out the other five members and their statements after the jump.

One State - Two Party Difference

I honestly wish this wasn't the case, but this is pretty much the way it is around the country.  When the country is divided this is what you get.  Only difference is, one party is a little more respectful.  These two women represent Arizona...

...I rest my case.

Gabby, It Does Get Better - You Will Get Better

On Sunday afternoon, Gabrielle Giffords released a video statement to her constituents, Congress and to America.  I have finally come around to blogging about it today.

To think that a year ago this week, this lovely woman was shot down in front of hundreds of people, along with the killing of innocent bystanders and supporters of her campaign.  And to know she managed to survive a gunshot to the head is a miracle in itself.

Our city of Houston played a major role in her recovery, and continues to play a part in her rehabilitation.  We've watched her recover month after month, releasing pictures in June and attending a joint session of congress in the fall.  But it's this video that will make your heart melt.  In it she says, "I don't remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice," Giffords said. "I will return, and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."

Congresswoman Giffords resigned yesterday afternoon.