. . . for contacting me regarding hate crimes legislation. I share your support for this important legislation.
I am pleased to inform you that I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was introduced on April 12, 2007, by Senator Edward Kennedy. This legislation will provide important resources for state and local officials to investigate and prosecute anyone who causes death or bodily injury to another based on prejudice, including prejudice based on disability, sexual orientation, and gender. It also directs the Office of Justice Programs to provide grants and assistance to state and local programs designed to prevent hate crimes.
This bill is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which I am not a member. You can count on my continued support for this bill as it moves through the legislative process.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues important to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator
“Crimes of hate and crimes of violence cannot be tolerated in our country. In our shock and grief, one thing must remain clear: Hate and prejudice are not American values.” -Bill Clinton, upon the death of Matthew Shepard.
The people at work got me this delicious “cupcake cake” for my birthday. I always thought cupcakes made into a cake where cool, but never had occasion to get one until today. Of course Jenni picked out the gayest one she could possibly find. Thanks everyone for making my birthday at work a happy one!!!
Man is this ever the best… “The Big Lebowski: The Short Version”
(this video uses the eff word profusely, so if that offends you don’t watch it… my friend brad who works for the pediatric clinic at university of michigan send it to me from his work email, so it must be SWF! lol not)
I meant to post this a long time ago but I must have forgotten. It’s no longer timely, but it’s still a nice quote.
“The Reverend Jerry Falwell and I were arch enemies for fifteen years. We became involved in a lawsuit concerning First Amendment rights and Hustler magazine. Without question, this was my most important battle – the l988 Hustler Magazine, Inc., v. Jerry Falwell case, where after millions of dollars and much deliberation, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in my favor.
My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became good friends. He would visit me in California and we would debate together on college campuses. I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling.
The most important result of our relationship was the landmark decision from the Supreme Court that made parody protected speech, and the fact that much of what we see on television and hear on the radio today is a direct result of my having won that now famous case which Falwell played such an important role in.” —Larry Flynt, 15 May 2007
Thanks, Larry.
ps I watched The People vs. Larry Flynt tonight, which reminded me. Great movie! My first porno magazine ever was a Hustler, which my brother and I dug out of our neighbor’s trash and clandestinely shared with our friends. Hustler of course gave me a knowledge of the female anatomy that I’ve never cared to use… but thanks again, Larry.
About
This blog is a chronicle of my life for the past seven years, so at times it's pretty interesting to dig back on.
I don't have one particular focus here, it's not a blog specifically about anything in particular as my interests are fairly broad. I post a lot about space, books, progressive politics, and little tidbits of my life.
If you have a comment about something, send me a tweet @paulpellerito.
