Sunday, January 22, 2012

Re: [Peckers_Pics] Male/Gay Health-Discussion-PICS Model Wars-Jan 23, 2012-NJ lawmakers big push on gay-marriage



Gay Popes, Papal Sodomites

For the month of Gay Pride (in church), it would be great if we we could simply celebrate a list of unambiguously gay popes - but we can't. This is not because they don't exist (there were undoubtedly several popes whom we know had physical relationships with men), but because of the inadequacies of language, and the weakness of the historical record over something so deeply personal, especially among the clergy. Both of these difficulties are exemplified by Mark Jordan's use of the phrase, "Papal Sodomites".  In medieval terms, a "sodomite" was one of utmost abuse, which meant far more than just the modern "homosexual". It could also include, bestiality, or heresy, or withcraft, and (in England, after the Reformation) "popery", which is deeply ironic, and hence treason.



So in the years before libel laws and carefully controlled democratic institutions, accusations of "sodomy" were a useful slander for the powerful to throw at their political enemies.
Some at least of the charges against the popes will have been without foundation. We just don't know, and probably never will, which of these charges were simply malicious. On the other hand, the historical facts around some of the others are clear.

In the modern world, the problem is somewhat different. There have been clear reports and claims that at least two modern popes have had male lovers, but in the deeply closeted world of the Vatican, these claims remain as yet not conclusively proven (not have they been clearly refuted).

Still, it is worth considering both those are definitely known to have had male lovers, as well as those who may have done, and also those who did not, but tolerated or protected others.

About Paul II (1464 - 1471) Sixtus IV ( 1471-84), Julius II (1503-1513), Leo X ( 1513-1521), and Julius III (1550-1555) there is little room for doubt: the historical record is clear.

About Boniface, Alexander VI (r. 1492-1503),  Benedict IX and John XII (r. 955-964) the evidence is less certain.
Among the early popes who notable tolerated or protected people accused of homosexual practices, we should remember Pope Callistus, who was harshly criticized by Tertullian for his failure to condemn sex between men; Pope Leo IX, who implemented many of St Peter Damian' s proposals for church reform, but rejected the appeals for harsh penalties against clerical "sodomites", and also rejected appeals to prevent the consecration as bishop of the promiscuous John (or Jean) of Orleans. Later, ,Paul III (1534 -49) is said to have protected and bestowed honours on his son, Pier Luigi Farnese, who surrounded himself with male lovers, used Roman police to track down a young man who had spurned his advances, and was accused of raping a bishop and other clerics.
A passage from the glbtq.com is fascinating for the very different picture it paints to that prevailing elsewhere, at a time when the inquisition and secular powers were burning between them thousans of men across Europe and in the New World:

The papacy generally revealed in practice a relatively tolerant attitude to sexual "deviation." Within the Papal States, penalties against sodomy were enforced less rigorously than in many other territories. By the fifteenth century, Rome had developed a vibrant subculture of men who enjoyed sexual relationships with other men. (The situation of women in Rome is less well documented.)
Thus, throughout the early modern era, men found refuge in Rome from the harsh punishment of sodomy, which was more "routine" in northern Europe and which was also vigorously prosecuted in Spain and Portugal during the Inquisition of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Although popes at least acquiesced in the prosecutions under the Inquisition, the persecution of sodomites probably resulted from local animus and zeal rather than from directives from Rome. Protestant reformers consistently condemned papal toleration of homosexual acts.
In the modern period, there have been claims that Pope John XXIII was preparing a gentler  teaching on same sex relationships before his death, that John Paul I in his brief papacy promoted a gentler approach and may have had some gay experience in his past, and that Pope Paul VI had an extensive history of homosexual affairs in his early career.

Vatican apologists will no doubt acknowledge that there have been times when appallingly inappropriate men occupied the papacy, especially in the scandalous centuries before the Counter-Reformation. However, Leo IX at least is regarded as one of a great wave of reforming popes from the 11th and 12th centuries. More importantly, it is central to Vatican claims of supremacy and authority that by apostolic succession, they are the direct representatives of Christ on earth. If this argument is valid, what possible reason can there be for assuming that the harsh arguments espoused by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI should carry any more weight than the example of their predecessors?


On Sun, Jan 22, 2012 at 10:46 PM, Lynn Schornick <lschornick@yahoo.com> wrote:
 

For everyone who's a member here, please read this:
Then contact your politician, and maybe the Vatican too!
Lynn S.

From: Willie Williams <diksagev@gmail.com>
To: Peckers_Pics@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 8:24 PM
Subject: Re: [Peckers_Pics] Male/Gay Health-Discussion-PICS Model Wars-Jan 23, 2012-NJ lawmakers big push on gay-marriage

 
Six Democrats voted against gay marriage in 2010, including Sen. Jeff Van Drew of Cape May. His vote won't change, he said.
"I sincerely believe that we do need to protect every individual's civil liberties, but I also believe that marriage, throughout all recorded history, has been between a man and a woman," Van Drew said. Four of the others who voted no did not return calls for comment. The fifth is no longer in the Senate.

Now there is "political double talk" at it's finest. NJ voters need to let this idiot know that they're not as stupid as he apparently thinks they are and tell him he can't have it both ways. If a man really believes in protecting the civil liberties of every individaul as Drew claims he does, he wouldn't let something as ridiculous as "well that's just the way it's always been" stand in his way of voting for what is right. My mother didn't let me get away with stupid excuses like that even when I was a little kid. Of course no one, at least no politician, is going to tell the truth and say that he's against civil liberties.
On Sun, Jan 22, 2012 at 5:50 PM, sam son <greensurf132@yahoo.com> wrote:
 
Not to take anything away from the models, but the photography of Bleu is fantastic and makes the model's body ... art in and of itself.

From: Jake West <jakewest_tn@yahoo.com>
To: Peckers_Pics@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 2:08 PM
Subject: [Peckers_Pics] Male/Gay Health-Discussion-PICS Model Wars-Jan 23, 2012-NJ lawmakers big push on gay-marriage

 
Model Wars-Jan 23, 2012- / Health-News-PICS
Safe PICS For All Ages / "NO" Religious Discussion
Boycott Salvation Army-TARGET-Trump-FOX NEWS/Murdoch


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Get Fit with Meditation

By Jorge Cruise / January 22, 2012

I'm sure you know that the age-old practice of meditation has many wellness benefits: It can improve heart rate, ward off illness and reduce stress, depression and even insomnia. Surprising as this may be, it can also increase your ability to burn calories throughout the day! Studies show that meditation slows down the release of cortisol, a steroid in the body that slows your metabolism. Meditation also stabilizes your mental state and helps control eating binges.

So how do you meditate? It's simple. Just sit comfortably for 10-15 minutes and close your eyes. Silently repeat a mantra - a sound, word or phrase - to calm the mind and body.
Take Action:
  • Boycott Target, Best Buy, Gold's Gym - for donating money towards anti-gay political candidates/organizations.Update: (12/26/2010): Target is continuing to donate to anti-gay groups/causes/politicians. Update 03/08/11 - Lady Gaga Ends Target Partnership, Reportedly Over Target's Poor LGBT Stance. Update 3/25/2010 - Target displays their hypocrisy and Sues California Gay Rights Group for Lobbying Outside Stores. Target is attempting to block the LGBT right of free speech! STOP SHOPPING AT TARGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Update 4/8/2011: Target lost its case to stop the LGBT from canvassing in front of their stores. A huge PR Disaster for TARGET! Perhaps Target should go out of business as they betrayed their investers and customer base. Target contributed massive funds to a politician who would like to exterminate gays. Now, Target can not stop us from Boycotting them, nor picketing, nor talking to customers near their stores; although, Target allows a anti-gay company such as the Salvation Army to stand outside their door and speak with customers and raise money. Isn't this a double standard?
  • End DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). Prevents Federal employees and Gays in the Military from gaining equal benefits. Prevents Gay Partners from gaining equal benefits.
  • Pass a LGBT friendly ENDA (Employee Non-Discrimination Act). ENDA would prevent employment discrimination of LGBT workforce.
  • Boycott Salvation Army as they will not hire Gays! "DO NOT DONATE TO THEM."
  • BOYCOTT "Chick-fil-a" for donating money to anti-gay groups.
  • BOYCOTT KOCH INDUSTRIES PRODUCTS- to include their products: Angel Soft toilet paper / Brawny paper towels / Dixie plates, bowls, napkins & cups / Mardi Gras napkins and towels / Quilted Northern toilet paper / Soft 'n Gentle toilet paper / Sparkle napkins / Vanity fair napkins / Zee napkins / Georgia-Pacific paper products & envelopes / All Georgia-Pacific lumber & building products (INVISTA Products) / Lycra / Stainmaster Carpet. The billionaire - Koch brothers are ultra republican - tea bag founders/supporters that do not support causes of the LGBT community.
  • Boycott WALMART - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force criticized Wal-Mart for denying employee benefits to same-s-x partners and for failing to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. By comparison, the group said two other chain stores with a strong presence in New York, Costco and Walgreens, did much better.
  • "Tune Out Trump", Boycott all Trump Hotel, casinos, holdings, The Apprentice and NBC Network! At CPAC, Trump said he is considering a run for president as a Republican. In a interview with the Des Moines Register, Trump added that he opposes all forms of legal recognition for gay couples, not just marriage. "They should not be able to marry," he said. So why does NBC keep the Apprentice when Donald Trump has stated he may run for president? After making racist remarks about Obama and recv'g public backlash, Trump decided not to run for president after NBC renewed his awful TV Show. How can NBC re-new the clown's show after he pulled such hateful shenanigans?
  • Boycott Georgia for Execution of Troy Davis @ 11:08 EST, Sep 21, 2011:
    Former US President and Former GA Gov. Jimmy Carter felt that TROY DAVIS should not be executed and deserved a re-trial. The Former Director of the FBI felt that TROY DAVIS Was Not Guilty! Do not drive through Goergia as it is dangerous. Do not fly via Atlanta. For your safety -Do not travel to GA. TELL YOUR COMPANY NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CONVENTION IN GA! "Georgia Executes Innocent People!"
And Now, Our War of the Fittest!
This group is called "Peckers Pics." The English - slang definition of "pecker" is to pluck at the truth. Therefore, we peck at items such as Gay Men's Health, Male Fitness, Gay (LGBT) Politics & Issues. In this section you may peck at each photo in order to decide the winner of the "war of the fittest!" Whereas, you should select the "Male Model" that may inspire you to exercise and "get fit!" Warning: This may stoke you!
Your participation in discussion of health / news articles - appearing in this message is greatly appreciated.
 
DANIEL MACEDO 
 
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BRIAN SHIMANSKY
 
You Decide!
Atlanta Pride; Oct 9, 2011
Stoked?
Atlanta Pride; Oct 9, 2011
New Jersey lawmakers get ready for big push on gay-marriage bill
By Joelle Farrell - Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer - Jan. 22, 2012

Legalizing same-sex marriage is the first priority for legislative leaders in Trenton this session, which they made clear by numbering the bill "1" in both the Assembly and the Senate.

A majority of New Jersey residents support gay marriage, but residents are far more concerned about the sluggish economy and unemployment, polls show.

So why is the Democratic-led Legislature pushing the issue now, when Republican Gov. Christie has said he opposes same-sex marriage and could veto the bill?

Some say it's a political ploy to try to trip up Christie while he's basking in the national limelight as a prominent campaigner for presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Others say Democrats are waving the gay-marriage flag to draw campaign cash and enthuse supporters for 2012.

"There's one reason why they're putting this bill forward: They want to raise money on it," said Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, which opposes same-sex marriage and has an office in Princeton. "They want to energize their base. That's why they're doing it."

Leading the debate is Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester), a recent convert to legislative action for same-sex marriage. He says he regrets not supporting the measure when it went before the Senate in 2010. It failed by a vote of 20-14, with five senators, including Sweeney, abstaining.

Sweeney is considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2014, leading some pundits to question whether his change of heart is politically motivated.

But Steven Goldstein, chairman of the gay-rights organization Garden State Equality, takes Sweeney at his word.

"I understand cynicism in politics, but my God, can't anyone do the good and correct thing without being second-guessed?" he said.
 
Goldstein called Sweeney a civil rights leader and a new friend. He said he would be honored to have Sweeney in his wedding party if the state legalized gay marriage. Sweeney did not immediately respond to the invitation.

New Jersey may simply be following a national trend. Last summer New York became the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage, and two more states have said they would consider doing so this year.

"I think New Jersey is being shamed by current events," said Hayley Gorenberg, deputy legal director of Lambda Legal, established in 1973 to fight for gay rights.

Pennsylvania does not allow civil unions or gay marriage.

As far as political fund-raising goes, it seems Republicans also can benefit from courting the gay community.

Four Republican New York state senators who broke with their party to help pass that state's bill in July have raised as much as $447,000 in the six months since, much of it from gay-rights advocates across the nation, according to the New York Times.

In 2009, Garden State Equality's political action committee contributed $24,575 to legislative candidates, according to state campaign-finance filings. But it spent only $500 last year, according to reports.

Goldstein said the group was saving for 2012. He took Brown's comment about using the issue to energize the base as a compliment.
 
"He's acknowledging the power of the community," Goldstein said, adding that his organization had 85,000 members. "Without question, donors on our side of the issue would be motivated."

Nationally, gay-rights advocates have won significant policy changes under President Obama's administration, including Obama's decision last February to stop enforcing the Defense of Marriage Act, a 1996 federal law banning same-sex marriage.

Still, some have chastised Obama for not publicly backing same-sex marriage.

Instead, Obama has allowed surrogates to take the lead. Former Rep. Patrick Murphy (D., Pa.) spearheaded a push in Congress in 2009 to repeal a policy that forbade openly gay service members from military duty. The "don't ask, don't tell" policy was abolished last September.
 
"It's obvious to most people inside politics where he stands," Goldstein said. "It's just a matter of the timing. My impression of the president is that he does everything in a very methodical matter, step by step by step."

When Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D., Essex) announced that they would introduce same-sex marriage bills in both chambers, the state's seven Democratic U.S. House members and two Democratic senators immediately voiced support. Back in 1996, both senators, Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez (then a member of the House), voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Democrats could be raising the issue to excite young voters, who favored Obama in droves in 2008, said David Redlawsk, a political science professor at Rutgers University and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling.

In New Jersey, 7 of 10 of those under 30 support gay marriage, according to an Eagleton poll conducted in October. A Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday said 52 percent of all state residents supported gay marriage, while 42 percent opposed it.

Democrats say they want to move quickly on the bill, and the Senate Judiciary Committee is to take it up Tuesday. The bill is expected to pass the Assembly, and Sweeney says he is confident he has enough support in the Senate.
 
"It's a civil rights issue," he said.

Democrats hold a 23-16 majority in the Senate, with one seat open. Sweeney said he was confident he had 24 or 25 votes, enough to pass the bill.

But that would be short of the two-thirds vote needed to override a gubernatorial veto.

Sen. Jim Beach (D., Camden), who abstained last time, has said he will support the bill. Republican Sen. Jennifer Beck of Monmouth, who voted no in 2010, said she had changed her mind, and Sen. Diane Allen (R., Burlington), who missed the vote in 2010 during cancer treatment, said she was "leaning towards it."

But Sweeney won't have every Democratic vote.

Six Democrats voted against gay marriage in 2010, including Sen. Jeff Van Drew of Cape May. His vote won't change, he said.

"I sincerely believe that we do need to protect every individual's civil liberties, but I also believe that marriage, throughout all recorded history, has been between a man and a woman," Van Drew said. Four of the others who voted no did not return calls for comment. The fifth is no longer in the Senate.

Van Drew would put the issue to voters, a suggestion Sweeney rejected. "You don't put civil rights on the ballot," he said. "If that was the case, half of the American minority communities would never have the rights that they have today."

Brown says he thinks Sweeney is bluffing.

"In the 2009 attempt, they said the same thing: 'We have the votes!' " Brown said. "They've picked up Sweeney, but they don't have the votes right now. And and if they do vote on this, we fully expect Gov. Christie to veto it."

In a radio interview on New Jersey 101.5 Thursday, Christie said he would not "prejudge" the measure and indicated he would support strengthening the civil-union law.

Sweeney hopes the governor, who typically holds great sway over how Republican lawmakers vote, will tell members to "vote their conscience," which Sweeney says he believes could give him the votes needed.

The governor "doesn't have to sign it; he can let it come into law," Sweeney said.

The Republican Senate caucus has not taken a position. "It's a personal decision for every member of the caucus," spokesman Adam Bauer said.

Goldstein says he trusts Sweeney is shrewd enough to pick a winning battle: "Timing is everything. I think Sen. Sweeney sees an injustice and he believes he has the votes."
Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges."
....Jake
 
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