-----------"We don't need to go like supplicants to the political parties. We say, consider what our agenda is and join us." So much for the respectful discussion and compromise which is at the root of representative democracy."----------

Wha!!!???

To me, that statement means that evangelicals hold and embrace their agenda as the governing force in their lives, instead of pledging blind allegiance to the GOP. Therefore, the GOP made a grave mistake to think that they could depend on the support of every evangelical, in perpetuity. ("Not a cheap date" - brilliant metaphor)

The last statement is an invitation to politicians to meet the evangelicals on their terms, and if they do not, then they shouldn't expect to get their vote. Nothing wrong with that, especially if the evangelical aversion to corruption and greed is as strong as claimed in the article. Looking at the '06 election, signs are certainly pointing in that direction.

(This is NOT the same as Christianist Wolves in Sheeps clothing lobbying the federal government for advantage in matters somewhat less than spiritual.)

I found the tone of this particular evangelical reasoned and respectful. One of my dearest friends is an evangelical Christian, and even though I am a committed Unitarian Universalist theist with Buddhist leanings, we delight in discussing our respective faiths in rich detail. This is possible because A. He is a Christian, not a Christianist, B. We are both secure in our own faith, and C. We love and respect each other. He is a wise and compassionate man who has taught me a great deal.

We should not, however, expect anyone to compromise their beliefs and values. I am certainly not about to compromise mine. Our beliefs and values make us who we are, and are the guiding force behind everything we do. I can still be open-minded, and as I learn and grow my values will naturally adapt, but never through persuasion by others.

Like the more reasoned evangelicals, I will not support any candidate who's values are at odds with my own, despite their insistance to the contrary. Good for anyone who is open-minded enough to see the BS, empty rhetoric and abhorrent behavior of our elected officials for what it is, instead of following their particular herd of sheep.

Progressives will only prevail if they can somehow find a way to also welcome people of faith who embrace progressive values. To tar all Christians as frothing right-wing nutjobs is every bit as foolish as how the GOP assumed that they not only OWNED the Evangelical Well, but could ever draw from it's bottomless depths. Look where it got them. We must not make the same mistake.

I call all progressives who are secure in their own faith and beliefs to seek out and embrace everyone who is willing to committ to the advancement of the human condition and life on earth. That includes the apparantly formidable population of Progressive Christians.

[Frothing Right-Wing Nutjobs need not apply, of course!]

Do be well, all!

-Daniel

...And the children of privelege

Begging me for my spare change

Do they need my assistance

To purchase their intoxicants?

Or would they best be served a swift-kick?

(Excerpted from "California" Quasi 1998 {Portland, OR)

I recently "switched teams" (I'm in my mid 40's) having lived my entire life as a gay man who has always been (and continues to be) perfectly at peace with every facet of his sexuality.

What happened is that I met a magnificent human being. I never had the good fortune of meeting someone who was so perfectly suited to me before, and the fact that she's female really doesn't matter, nor has my history to her.

Sex? Well, that doesn't need a study. Our sex life is awesome, which I attribute to excellent mutual chemistry transcending the physical and mental planes. We are also mature, considerate and gentle with one another.

She is a very lucky woman, because she had already been blessed with excellent health and a very healthy attitude towards sex. (she's my age, too) To her, sex is something to be celebrated (responsibly, to avoid messy broken hearts and icky diseases) with abandon. Her energy, desire and joy in the act are admirable.

From my perspective, the entire experience from how we first met, to how we fit together has been a perfect manifestation of Awe and Wonder. No further studies matter to me. Some things simply cannot be improved by assigning a scientific explanation to why they work.

In principle, I have no difficulty with understanding actual sexual dysfunction pathologies, in the hope that effective and safe treatments will be developed, but unfortunately, Big Pharma often creates solutions looking for problems. I personally believe that poor sexual response is overwhelmingly caused by failing to be true to oneself or an unsuitable partner.

(Standard disclaimer for militant Gays: No, I do NOT aspire to be a poster child for the EX-GAY movement. My girlfriend and I believe in Marriage Equality, and you can count on our support.)

Go out and have fun, kids, and if it ain't fun, get to know yourself better and/or find another partner!