-Now this political charge really takes the cake: According to Political Wire, Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) who just switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party accused his primary opponent, Congressman Joe Sestak of not being a loyal party member? Excuse me?

-Also on Taegan Goddard was the poll from Minnesota that showed Obama running 11% ahead of Minnesota's Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty in his own home state! Pawlenty has been considering a run in 2012 and this should put a damper on it!

-Photographer extraordinaire Tom Bianchi has a runaway hit show in St. Louis. His "Memories of Fire Island" opened up at the PHD Gallery to rave reviews and huge crowds. Tom Bianchi has not only continued his artistic genius with his photography but is telling an important history of a time and place. The dunes, house and male form transport all back in time.

-The Rockstar boycott appears to be over with the company agreeing to give $100,000 over two years to organizations helping LGBT youth and start internal training programs.

-Have known Michael Keegan for over two decades and think he is one of the finest human beings around. People for the American Way just announced that Keegan will be their new leader in the fight to protect the civil rights and human rights of all Americans. Keegan, who is openly gay, has served on the PFAW Board of Directors for over 15 years. Television giant Norman Lear said of Keegan,

"I have known and worked with Michael for more than 20 years. I could not be happier that he is leading People For at this moment of great possibility. Our staff and membership have already been energized by his creativity, passion for progressive change, and thoughtful leadership.”

-Want to be brought to tears on the Internet? Take time to watch a half hour episode of "In their Boots" produced by the Brave New World Foundation about the spouses of military personnel that have to live under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". There won't be a dry eye in the house. Please don't let the 30 minute running time of this brilliantly done documentary deter you from watching this moving and impressionable piece of the price that everyone is paying for DADT.

-With hardly a peep, the nation of Namibia started on July 1st a wholesale slaughter of seals. Over 90,000 seals are expected to be clubbed to death before the season is over on November 15. The outcry over this horror is where?

-Boy, Texas seems to be having fun these days bashing gays. First there was the horrific bar raid in Fort Worth. Now the same Texas agents entered the Eagle in Dallas and closed it down for the night. Meanwhile, in El Paso, they arrested two guys for kissing in public.

-Not to be outdone by the Lone Star state, police in Salt Lake City arrested two gay men for kissing too near the Mormon Temple. Wonder if they thought the walls would come tumbling down if they kissed too close to the hollow ground of the Temple?

-Could Republican Congresswomen Mary Bono Mack be in trouble in Southern California? Openly gay mayor of Palm Spring Steve Pougnet is running for her seat. You can support him by clicking here.

-Not a good day for progressives in Germany. Agnus-Reid reports that the Conservative alliance would receive 49% of the vote in future elections. That is the highest level yet for the alliance.

-Say what? The Justice Department might actually hold people accountable for torturing people against the Geneva Accords? What a novel idea!

-Was only a matter of time I guess before this item appeared. LaToya Jackson is claiming her brother Michael was murdered. If I had to classify it, to me it would be more of a suicide.

-Would have felt better if while in Africa, President Obama would have dwelled more on ending the endless wars, flows of refugees and epidemic of rape from the numerous African wars instead of corruption.

-Really good news out of Illinois: Appointed US Senator Roland Burris (D-II) will not seek election for his U.S. Senate Seat. The whole world is relieved we won't have to watch that travesty.

-Why is everyone shocked that Vice President Dick Cheney kept information from Congress? Duh!!!

-Finally, speaking of "Cheney Talk", this wonderful youtube.com piece on "How to Talk Political" by the Full Ginsburg is just delightful. My favorite part is when they get to Rahm! Enjoy!

The Cumberland County Fair was a big deal. It covered acres and acres and no one in the surrounding farming areas would dream of missing it. People came from three counties and prepared for it all summer long. Those special secret recipes would be snuck out of hiding to compete in the pie and cake contests. Winning first place for a pie would not only bring a blue ribbon but also bragging rights to the winner who usually strutted her victory with outlandish pride. The loser would gather in the corner of the fair tent and gossip about how ungracious the winner was acting and maybe that she even bent the rules to win. It was a hard loss for many to swallow!

Not sure if this is true, but it seemed as though no one else won first place as long as Mrs. Woodruff entered her pies. If you have never had a slice of her glorious confection then you really haven't eaten pie. Don't know what the elderly Grande Dame of pies did, but one bite sent you on an unbelievable trip of pleasure. Today, I have suspicions that very proper lady secretly snuck hallucinating mushrooms into her dessert and made us lose control! Despite the sore losers, we all would line up to taste her winning entry and she would brush away comments by demurely responding, "Oh, thank you, but it was nothing. I just whipped something up quickly in the kitchen to make the County Fair on time." Of course that comment would send the losers into fits of rage!

Continuing on a high from the sugary pie, I would head over to the area housing all the animals. Tents would be filled with cows, pigs, horses, sheep and dogs all competing for that ribbon. Many of the fine animals were raised as 4-H projects by young kids. They spent days preparing their animals for the judging. A blue ribbon often meant a fair bit of money for the winner and often a death sentence for the animal. Never could quite get my head around how you could build that special relationship with the animal who rewards you with nobility by winning and then go and send it off to slaughter. Where was PETA when we needed them? But I loved at a young age touching and petting the cream of the crop of our surrounding area's animals. Even the pigs were at their best, cleaned from the mud, a "Pretty in Pink" look and snorting for attention.

Heading to the rides and stopping for that cotton candy and corn dog, we had to pass the 'sideshow'. For years I was not allowed to go inside to see what seemed to be the great wonders for the world brought directly to us: The "Bearded Lady", the "Shortest Person in the World" and "The Man Who Could Eat Fire". Several of us kids attempted to sneak into the back of the sideshow but got caught before we could even catch a glimpse of these amazing individuals. My father would go in and eagerly I would await his exit to question him endlessly about what was inside that mysterious tent of the world's greatest. He would only laugh and say it was too 'scary' to tell me which made it even more desirable.

No fair would be complete without winning a stuffed animal, a Cutie Doll or some silly prize in the game tents. No PAC Man machine in these tents. You had to throw a ball, shoot a rifle or toss the rings just right to win the coveted prizes. My parents would swear the games were rigged but how come I always won a prize after spending tens of dollars to win something worth about two dollars? Rigged? I don't think so! I won on pure unadulterated skill.

As we ended our visit to the fair, we were exhausted and filled with junk food. The walk to the car seemed like an endless journey when it seemed so close in the morning. Falling asleep in the backseat of our old 1946 DeSoto (photograph), I would dream of seeing the Bearded Lady and she looked simply beautiful in her mystery!

Those were indeed the days.

No one should confuse my strongly voiced concerns over his failure to provide leadership on LGBT rights as making me anti-Obama on everything. I refuse to be painted into the corner that if he is seriously wrong on one issue, he is wrong on every issue. That is nonsense. Here is very quick summary of some of the key areas that we all care about and how I feel he has done. In each we can find areas that need improvement or on which we disagree. The following is simply more of an overview of the President's performance on a few key issues.

The Economy:

There is no question in my mind that this nation came very close to a full-fledged depression. Obama's economic policies, while needing to be tweaked, helped this nation end its slide and we are slowly working our way back to economic solvency. In a very short time span, he has restored confidence in our government's ability to govern and helped us begin recovery from the crash of last September. While we still need to see better oversight on stimulus projects, the markets have risen, the housing slide has almost stopped, businesses that were prepared to close are now surviving and in a month or two I believe we will hit the crest of unemployment. There has been a huge economic readjustment in a historically short period of time. What was critical was to avoid a depression while such an adjustment took place. President Obama has created the tough policies needed and the calm leadership to see us through it. In recent weeks, even in the Turkey Hollow area we have started to see people go back to work on construction projects from the stimulus money. Where there was nothing but despair last September up here, people are now believing it will slowly get better. The president should get high grades for stopping the slide, overseeing a major economic adjustment and putting us back on track. We still face a major hurdle with states on the verge of going under financially, such as California. Overall, though, he done an amazing job when an amazing job was urgently needed.

Foreign Policy:

In another remarkable turnabout, President Obama has restored America's reputation to the world. This is no small achievement. By the end of the Bush years, it was almost impossible for us to even have a foreign policy because we were so disliked even by longtime allies. With his aggressive personal diplomacy and trips, he has gone a long way to restoring our image enabling us once again to become part of the world community. For me, there have been two outstanding achievements: The first is the recent agreement in Russia to continue to dramatically reduce nuclear weapons - a feat which can't be underestimated in its historic significance. The second is that the president is keeping his word and has met the deadline to withdraw from Iraq's cities and to start bringing our troops home. These are major victories. By appointing Secretary Clinton, he has elevated foreign policy to a new level in America not seen in recent years. Progress had been made on climate change, in the Muslim world and Iran. However, there is one real area of concern that it is important to question and that is Afghanistan and Pakistan. All of us have a responsibility to be very vigilant in regards to America's efforts in these troubled nations.

Healthcare:

Healthcare seems to be the quicksand of American politics. Every time we attempt true reform we keep sinking in lower and lower. The failure of healthcare reform so far has led to a true national health crisis. Even people who believe they have full and adequate coverage are discovering that the insurance companies will use any loophole to avoid their contractual obligations. President Obama dove into this complex mess and is attempting to surface with some significant reform. He seems to be doing better than any other president so far but it all is still very much in a perilous position. He really must save the public option in order for this to be real reform. Obama gets big points for keeping his promise to make this a priority issue and tackling it head on. The results at this moment are still very unclear. The president also deserves praise for responding to the Swine Flu epidemic so quickly and decisively. Increasingly these type of health scares are going to become more prevalent and Obama has set a new level of excellence.

LGBT Rights:

Without a doubt this is one of the biggest disappointments in his administration. The sadness comes from not only his failure to act on key issues such as DADT and DOMA, but also from a general lack of vision, leadership and understanding of what is needed to help end oppression against the LGBT community. So far, the actions have been hesitant, somewhat fumbling and tiny steps. This is the great civil rights movement of this generation and the president so far has failed to understand that fact. What he has shown us is that leadership is not innately going to come from him. This administration, friendly as it claims to be, appears to respond only to pressure so it is essential that the movement removes any options that would give the president reasons not to act. To me, this is one of the great failures of his first six months.

Opening this week is a marvelous new show of a collection of photographers exploring "Sexy and the City" at Yossi Milo Gallery. The collective has captured that liberating side of New York where sexuality is celebrated, explored and, yes, sometimes hidden. This is the city for fetishes and fantasies to come true. Doesn't make any difference if you are homosexual, straight, bisexual or transgendered, there is a welcoming place for you in the bright city lights or the dark hidden rooms. You can find it all in one room on the walls of Yossi Milo's Gallery until August 28th.

Among the photographers in this exhibit are Diane Arbus, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Nan Godin and many others stars of the photography world. Two of my favorites would be the Alvin Baltrop photograph of an audacious couple making out in public. Is it two men? A man and a woman? Two women? In the end, it really doesn't make any difference. It is just New York.

The other one would be the Frank Paulin photograph of the young woman posing for a man with an amateur camera while a small crowd gathers - a gathering which arguably most likely will be the largest audience that our model ever attracts. And she is savoring every moment of it.

So head down to Yossi Milo Gallery at 525 West 25th Street in New York. Treat yourself to some of the finest photographers ever sharing their version of a "Sexy New York." You won't want to miss it

In the 1960's, in the great epic tragedy of Vietnam, McNamara was the leading villain. Even his book written years later which was, in essence, a public apology for his mistaken policies in the war, enflamed his critics more than assuaging them. With over 50,000 young soldiers already dead and a memorial built, his admission that he failed to speak out even though he knew the war to be a lost cause did not sit well. Given the country's still-festering psychic wound, it hardly seemed appropriate to go: "Oops, I was wrong."

Most of my youth was spent fighting this war and his policies which is why many of you will be amazed that I have fond memories personally of Robert and Margaret McNamara. Washington in 1969 was torn by the Vietnam War and many sons and daughters of the power brokers were in the demonstrations against the polarizing conflict. Despite the anger, people within the Beltway conducted business and friendship in a very civilized manner with respect for differing ideas. Of course that was way before Newt Gingrich and his ilk arrived in the city and ended civilized discourse forever.

When I arrived in Washington to work against the war, I was really wet behind the ears. Coming from a very rural and somewhat poor America, I knew little about social graces. My mother worked hard to teach us about manners - to this day I still write hand written thank you notes. However, I had no experience of going to fancy dinners or social events of the magnitude found in Washington. Despite his policies, I shall always be grateful to Mr. McNamara and his wife for their generosity and understanding of my background and their gracious patience in helping me through the maze of Washington etiquette.

While doing some work for the Urban Coalition, I had met his daughter, Kathy. Most likely if I were straight she would have been someone I would have actively sought as a companion. She was bright, full of life and filled with compassion. The McNamaras were famous for their Sunday brunches and everyone in the city coveted an invitation. Each Sunday morning, a virtual who's who of American politics and journalism gathered around the table. Because of my friendship with their daughter, Robert and Margaret McNamara invited me to the brunch. My first reaction was to turn it down. My fear was at not knowing how to behave, how to use the table settings and the belief that I just didn't belong with that level of people. After all, I was only 23 and the son of a man who worked on someone else's farm. I decided I could decline just by saying I couldn't be in the room with McNamara because of his policies. Yet I was also aware that others who opposed the war were going to be at the brunch as well. I was trapped. So I accepted.

Arriving at their house in Kalorama, they both greeted me with great warmth and special attention. My mother had insisted that I had to have a new suit for the event and sent money. Despite being a closeted gay, I had not developed the 'taste gene' yet. The suit looked out of date and out of place; both McNamaras immediately intuited my supreme discomfort. One or the other never left my side and constantly built me up with others in the room so I would not inadvertently feel their guests' judgment. With his arm firmly around my shoulder, Mr. McNamara had to feel my shaking. Mrs. McNamara would walk arm and arm with me around the room and with great graciousness made sure I was integrated into the gathering.

As we sat down for brunch, they gave me the most coveted seat at the table. My dining partner was none other than Alice Roosevelt Longworth. In her 80's, the feisty grande dame of Washington social circles was a much sought-after guest. She was the daughter of President Teddy Roosevelt and the widow of former Speaker of the House Longworth. She was known for her sharp wit and long history within the capital. As I sat next to her, the frail icon leaned into me and said, " I hear you are new to all this roo-ha!" Fortunately, I was honest and said, "Mrs. Longworth, I have no idea what fork to use, why I am here and am scared to death." She took an instant liking to me and replied, "Just follow me, honey. Anyhow most of the fools around this table are too self-absorbed to even notice us!" She loved gossip and wanted to hear all the dirt on the anti-war movement.

Then, suddenly out of nowhere this vegetable 'thing' was placed before me. I froze in horror. Never in my life had I even seen an artichoke. Didn't even know what it was let alone that civilized people would eat something so ugly. Mrs. Longworth leaned again into me and laughed, "I know honey, why do we eat them? Just follow me. I will go slow because this one is a challenge!" In slow motion the daughter of the former President taught me to eat an artichoke at the table of Robert and Margaret McNamara. We became good friends until her death.

So as Robert McNamara finally finds real peace, I don't think of the war. I think of two gracious people, Alice Longworth Roosevelt and an artichoke.

New Republic: In a tough opinion piece, "Ask for Gay Rights", the magazine takes Obama to task for his lack of action. Here is an excerpt:

And so, the Pentagon continues to expel gay troops. The Defense of Marriage Act continues to wreak havoc on the lives of gay families. And we fail to perceive "equality" or "dignity" or "respect" in any of this.

Karen Ocamb: Writing an article for Bilerico.com entitled: "DNC's Rufus Gifford Confirms $1M for DNC Fundraiser," Ocamb sat down with Rufus Gifford, the openly gay Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee. In an exclusive, in-depth interview Ocamb pushes him about the evening's total and Gifford is empathic that the event raised one million dollars. However, am not sure but it appears that they counted every LGBT check that came in to the DNC the last year toward the event even though they might have attended other events. Ocamb writes,

Gifford said it was akin to bundling checks over a period of time, credited to the LGBT Leadership Council event. "The million dollar figure is the money that we have raised from the LGBT community this year - 90% of it coming in the second quarter of 2009," Gifford said.

Rex Wockner: Out of San Diego, longtime journalist, Rex Wockner, captured essentially the first interview with Obama's former Deputy Campaign Manager, Steve Hildebrand (photograph). He has clearly has become Obama's 'go-to' guy on LBGT rights. "Steve Hildebrand: The Guy Obama Listens to on Gay Issues" makes for very interesting reading. Here is an excerpt explaining what Hildebrand believes has to be in place before the repeal of the odious DADT policy:

".... (Obama has) to get the ducks in a row in order to get the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell done in a successful way that isn't just going to happen overnight. He has to move the minds of the public, he has to move the minds of Congress and he has to move the minds of military leaders. And once that happens, and the ducks are in a row, I believe he can successfully move forward for repeal, something that he feels very strongly about and something that he spoke very passionately about."