California ruling puts President Obama on the spot
A judge’s ruling overturning the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage in California puts U.S. president Barack Obama on the spot.
Obama drew the ire of many in the LGBT community when he stated publicly that he opposed gay marriage but he also opposed “any measure singling out a group for adverse treatment by amending the U.S. Constitution or a state constitution, as Prop 8. did.” [link]
As gay and lesbian activists celebrate what they hope is the leading edge of a wave of momentous court rulings and legislative successes, they remain uneasy with Obama’s nuanced position on gay marriage.
During the 2008 campaign, Obama took what many on both sides of the gay marriage debate viewed as a straddle. He publicly announced his opposition to same-sex marriage, but he also said that he opposed the California ballot measure seeking to ban it, Prop. 8— the same ban Walker ruled unconstitutional Wednesday. Read more…
While gay rights activists called for Obama to “show his cards” following yesterday’s landmark ruling, the White House issued a tersely worded statement that reiterated Obama’s previous stance on the issue:
“The President has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory. He will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans,” spokesman Ben LaBolt said.
But that wasn’t enough for some in the LGBT community:
“His position on Prop. 8 has always been clear. What has not been clear is how he squares his position for equality with his refusal to embrace actual equality in marriage. That is unclear, increasingly unclear, and there’s no good reason to explain it,” said Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry. “That’s an unsatisfying position that does nothing but frustrate those of us who look to him as the champion he promised to be…He’s not gaining anything and Judge Walker just made that crystal clear.”
Source: Politico
Appeal of Gay Marriage Ruling Could Delay Weddings in CA
The 9th district court of appeals will decide whether yesterday’s ruling overturning a ban against gay marriage will stand.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who is gay, overturned the controversial Proposition 8 measure that banned gay marriages in the state of California.
The pending appeal could prevent gay weddings from taking place in California for an indefinite period of time.
“Rather than being different, same-sex and opposite-sex unions are, for all purposes relevant to California law, exactly the same,” Walker wrote in an unequivocal and strongly worded 136-page ruling. “The evidence shows conclusively that moral and religious views form the only basis for a belief that same-sex couples are different from opposite-sex couples.”
Currently, same-sex couples can legally wed only in Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C.
Source: AP News
Haitian presidential candidate Wyclef Jean hit with $2.5 million in tax liens
According to The Smoking Gun, musician Wyclef Jean was recently hit with $2.5 million in tax liens by the IRS.
Wyclef is one of those shady individuals who hides his dirt behind benevolent-sounding causes, when he actually is a liar and a thief who doesn’t lift a finger for anyone unless there’s something in it for him.
Well, the IRS aren’t fooled by him:
Wyclef Jean, who appears ready to announce his candidacy for Haiti’s presidency, owes the Internal Revenue Service more than $2.1 million, according to federal tax liens filed against the musician, The Smoking Gun has learned.
In May, the IRS filed a $724,332 tax lien against Jean. Last July, the agency filed a $599,167 lien against the performer. And a $792,269 lien was lodged against Jean in July 2007. The liens cover taxes due on Jean’s individual 1040 returns for 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Following the Haitian earthquake, TSG reported on Jean’s questionable handling of the finances of his charitable foundation. Along with filing tax returns years late, Jean used his foundation to pay himself and a business partner more than $410,000 for rent, production services, and Jean’s appearance at a benefit concert.
If Jean wins his bid for the presidency of Haiti, he will be in charge of collecting currency in the form of foreign aid payments from countries like the U.S. He will also have control over the island nation’s limited financial resources.
And there will be no one to stop him from looting the island’s coffers.
PICS: TAKERS Red Carpet Hollywood Premiere & Concert Pt. 2
One more look at chris brown’s disappointment when he arrived to the sound of Crickets on the red carpet last night. *chirp chirp*
chris brown, right, and Snoop D-O-double-G at the after party. When host Terrence J asked Snoop what acting advice he would give T.I., Snoop answered, “I wouldn’t give him any advice. He’s already on top of his game! I just stand back and admire him.”
Later, T.I. changed into more appropriate attire to perform live with Keri Hilson at the private after party at Arclight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood.
PICS: TAKERS Hollywood Red Carpet Premiere & Concert
Actor/rapper “T.I.” Harris created pandemonium when he arrived at the World Premiere of Screen Gems’ “TAKERS” last night at Arclight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, California.
T.I. looked so handsome dressed in head to toe Prada.
Singer Keri Hilson cut a fine figure on the red carpet. Ciara should take notes.
Troubled singer/actor Chris Brown arrived at the “Takers” Los Angeles Premiere at ArcLight Cinemas last night in Hollywood, California. The event was streamed live on Ustream by Sony Screen Gems. Viewers at home were stunned by the silence that greeted CB when he stepped on the red carpet. Prior to his arrival, the fans lining the street squealed at everything that moved. But when the convicted woman beater arrived, there was stone silence… until one woman yelled out “booo!” So much for his comeback.
LIVE STREAM: TAKERS Hollywood Premiere After Party & Concert ft. T.I., Chris Brown and Keri Hilson
In case you missed it, the TAKERS Hollywood red carpet premiere was live on Ustream tonight. I grabbed some screen shots for you guys to hold you over until the real pics are uploaded to the Internet in the morning.
Troubled singer chris brown was dissed hard by the fans at the Hollywood premiere of TAKERS. As you know, he’s one of the stars in the movie.
When cb arrived on the red carpet, the normally boisterous fans fell silent. At first I thought something was wrong with my monitor!
Don’t forget, the party continues at 1 AM right here with another LIVE Ustream broadcast from inside the VIP after party! Keri Hilson will be performing, as well as T.I. and chris brown.
But I’ll be knocked out by then.
More screen grabs after the break!
Family and Friends Remember Lorenzen Wright
Three of Lorenzen Wright’s six children (from left): Lamar, Sofia and Lawson, grieve during his memorial service at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. today, Aug. 4, 2010. Wright’s body was found July 28 in woods outside Memphis after he had been missing for 10 days. He was shot to death in what police are calling a homicide.
Surrounded by her five siblings (wearing ball caps), Sofia Wright, 4, touches the casket of her late father Lorenzen Wright, who was found murdered last week, during a Memorial Service at The FedEx Forum. At far left is 15-year-old Lorenzen Jr., Shamar, Lawson, Sofia, Lamar and Loren, 13. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)
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