France Tales

A gay Holocost Monument has just been unveiled in Berlin. Apparently it met with considerable opposition. Gay activist groups were disappointed that no very high ranking officials came to the opening ceremony. Some people questioned whether or not a separate monument was needed for gay victims and some lesbian groups lamented that it focused on men rather than women. While I’m sure there are valid arguments all around, I think it is a huge step in the right direction against hiding history’s truths. A gay holocost monument is not and will not be the final word on the subject, rather it will further the discussion. You can read more in this article.

I just tried to legally apply for the right to post this article on my blog, I think it works fine. Here it is. I am very jaded about such law because it feel like we have seen it all before. Is this truly historic? Other states don’t have to recognize it, other states that do recognize marriages in other states can change their laws, now Jerry Brown and the governator will have to figure out what to do, do they act like they follow the law or do they follow special interests, or do they actually jsut do what they think is right. Please tell me why this matters any more than the previous marriages in SF and all the other cities, and marriage in MA. I want it to, but I don’t feel it.

Associated Press
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May 16, 2008
California’s top court legalizes gay marriage
By LISA LEFF
Associated Press Writer

California’s Supreme Court declared that gay couples in the nation’s most populous state can marry — a monumental but perhaps short-lived victory for the gay rights movement Thursday that was greeted with tears, hugs, kisses and at least one instant proposal of matrimony.

Same-sex couples could tie the knot in as little as a month. But the window could close soon after — religious and social conservatives are pressing to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would undo the Supreme Court ruling and ban gay marriage. (more…)

International Labor Day is May 1st for most of the world. Here in France May 1st/Labor Day is celebrated by what else, manif’s. How can you tell the difference from regular days? I’m not quite sure but the trash strewn along the side of Rue de Metz was more than normal. So I guess International Labor Day strikes are bigger than your general ones. I was surprised by how many places were open today. I thought everything was going to be closed.

I wrote a brief history of May 1st for Hub Pages, you can read it here.

I know I should be over these types of videos but it is really not as outrageous as it sounds. He appears on Letterman not a clip from the Daily Show. He is just talking with Letterman and goes in and out of Bush’s character. Funny but interesting at the same time.

I like Obama more and more each day. Living in France makes it hard to have a more on the ground feel for the sentiments and sympathies of American voters, all 7 of them. This video starts with this inane question but lets him go on to dismiss the question gracefully and demonstrate the idiocy of the accusation while not looking defensive or on the counter offensive. Does Hillary ever sound this normal and down to earth? While he sounds down to earth he doesn’t sound as asinine as our current presidents version of “regular guy”. It will be interesting to see what happens.