The Lovely 29 States That Can Fire You For Being Gay

Yep, and my lovely state of Texas if one of them.  I look at this sea of red and can't figure out why these state legislatures would allow this to happen.  I have my theories, but there are not enough curse words in the English or Spanish language to voice my frustration.

Thankfully, employers make their own decisions in our state.  And while M.D. Anderson doesn't provide health insurance for our spouses, they do support the GLBT community.  Now, Ryan's bank, on the other hand, provides domestic partner benefits, and this is across the board - all over the U.S. 

I honestly believe that if conservatives and republicans could find a way, they would make it illegal to be Gay.  I honestly believe that. They hate us that much.

via upworthy

True Texans With Big Hearts Do Exist... (Video)

I'm honestly going to say this video brought me to tears.  As you all know by now, my partner and I are from Texas - the reddest of the Red States, one of the most conservative states in our union.  This is a state which has the strictest laws against gays in this country, a state where any business can refuse service to my partner and I.  But if ever a statement were right, this is the right time to say it; The majority of Texans DO have a big heart.

On Friday, May 20th, ABC Primetime’s “What Would You Do?” covered an important, and controversial topic in the small, conservative Texas town of Farmer's Branch. The clip below took place inside Norma's Cafe.  The purpose of the segment was to see what customers would do if a waitress started to vocalize her feelings towards a gay couple raising children.  The waitress, who's an actress, begins to belittle and berate the gay couple (who are also actresses) for being gay, and raising children. What comes next, is what's surprising.  Keep in mind, this town is home to a 4 year Bible College - Dallas Christian College.

Yes, the people who make our state laws, and the people who vote for them reflect the same beliefs the waitress portrayed in this video - hateful, judgemental, and vengeful people.  Do these type of people reside in our families? Yes, they do.  Do we work with them? Yes, we do.  Do we love them? Yes, we do.  But will we grow to be like them? No, we wont!

Is Sodomy Illegal In Your State?

In Texas, Republicans are blocking a bill that would repeal the state’s unconstitutional ban on “homosexual conduct.” Eight years after Lawrence v. Texas, here are the 14 states that still have anti-sodomy laws on the books.

A Huge Shuttle Show Down - It's Texas vs. New York

Things are getting ugly between Houston, Texas lawmakers and their counterparts in New York City, New York.  The War of Words started Friday when Texas lawmakers introduced a bill that would strip New York City of the Space Shuttle Enterprise and give it to Houston, Texas.

New York city Congressman Charles Schumer released a snarly statement by saying, "When people from Paris, Beijing, Tokyo and Amsterdam start saying they want to go to Houston, maybe then they'll get a shuttle. I'd say to Texas, don't mess with New York,"  knowing full well Texas is famous for their quote, "Don't Mess With Texas," the slogan used during the 1990's to keep people from littering our Texas highways with trash, or garbage.

Texas Congressman Ted Poe then fired back, "whether Senator Schumer likes it or not, the Big Apple had nothing to do with NASA or the space shuttle program until Tuesday."  Which is true, New York never had anything to do with the space shuttle program, Houston has long been involved since the beginning of space exploration.

Seventeen congressmen and congresswomen wrote and signed the letter which reads in part, "We can find no logical explanation for this decision."

 

I'm really curious to see how far this issue will go.  Are we heading towards a huge Texas Showdown?  Because if it's one thing Republicans in Texas are good at, is sticking it to others.  So Democrat, Schumer better be prepared.

Speed Limit Increasing to 85 in TEXAS!

Mine and Ryan's home state of Texas currently has 520 miles of interstate highway where one can drive as fast as 80 mph, not sure how many Texans are aware of that.  

Well... The Texas legislature, which consists of a billion Republicans, are wanting to increase the limit to 85 mph on certain highways and rural roads.  Throw in your "free 10," and you'll be able to drive 95 mph in Texas without much chance of getting pulled over.  Maybe even 100, depending on how much speeding ticket revenue is needed to fill local budgetary gaps. You know what? Just floor the goddamn thing and forget the limit altogether. It'll catch up to you in a few more legislatures.

Yet, here they are, wanting to strip me of my longevity pay.  For those who have know idea what longevity pay is, it's where a company gives you a little extra on your paycheck for staying with them year after year.  In my case, since I'm a government employee and work for the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, I get 20 dollars extra a month for being with them 2 years.  In addition, I get 20 more a month for every subsequent 2 years of employment.  In October, I'll be with them 4 years, so this would give me 40 dollars a month on top of my salary.  And this goes for the thousands of state employees, not just mine.

The point of the story is...

Drive faster, kill yourself, and you'll spare the state some money with or without your longevity pay.  You gotta love our RED state.