Archive for the 'Politics' Category

Message received

Friday, June 6th, 2008

In U.S. politics, unlike most first world nations, there are two major parties (with minor parties –so far– unable to enter the contest) dominating our state mechanics. This may explain why some Americans seem so “black and white” on issues which may have a measure of gray, let alone a rainbow of colors. However, the professionals of corruption have been ignoring their Senatorial duties in favor of the greatest horse race around: the Presidential election.

It’s no small endeavor, to say the least.

While the Republic Party has chosen its supreme leader some time ago, the Democratic Party has been plagued by a person unable to let go of the prize they felt they (somehow) deserved. For some months, a large percentage of civically-minded individuals have been caught up in the media pingpong of “who’s going to win” celebrity nonsense. In reality, the outcome was decided quite a while ago: it’s just that one person could not stop themselves from a selfish desire to pretend they might win when all realists knew they could not.

Just the other day, it became official. Any experienced person knew the nomination had already been locked, but the media kept selling advertisements by convincing the public a viable contest was underway. Ah, ratings. In this case, even the candidate in question mistakenly believed there was a chance. What, with all the hype.

Nonetheless, I think Hillary finally heard the message which has been ensconced in the experienced political observer’s mind these past couple dozen weeks. It was always there, but she refused to listen. At long last, the spoilt child has been spanked and the arrow found it’s mark.

While I think many of you might laugh along with me at the crude representation of the message, I do trust the more gullible of you will make an effort to refrain from misunderstanding the general sentiment. And, if I erringly ascribe to you respect you’re too immature to wield, then I’ll be amused should you opt to quioxtically attack the messenger.

The message? Quite old.

Sighet

Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

If you have not yet been to Sighetu Marmatiei, then you simply must put a visit on your next vacation itinerary. Formerly home to a notorious communist prison, it now hosts a memorial museum about horrible things Romanians had to endure.

It is easily the best museum in all of Romania, on any topic, with an enormous body of materials, remnants, photos, letters, raw original documents, and detailed historiography of the events before and during those years.

It would be difficult to think of any other museum throughout all of central and eastern Europe which matches the depth and quality of this facility. You owe yourself a visit.

Don’t worry about getting upset. You’ll find others inside the museum who are unable to stop the tears from streaming down their cheeks as they come face-to-face with the harsh reality and the real people.

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Summertime along the Olt River

Sunday, July 22nd, 2007

It’s that yummy time of year when the fruit ripens naturally in the mountains of Oltenia. Unlike an entrepreneurial American child who might make a lemonade stand, these Roma children are forced into child labor by their parents (under penalty of a beating).

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GayFest 2007

Thursday, June 14th, 2007

As the remaining sun worshippers ran for cover, the joke on the street was God didn’t want a gay parade that day. For nearly two hours before GayFest 2007, a bitter storm had broken out over Bucureşti throwing torrents of rain to scour the dusty cityscape. Sewers threatened to backup. Dogs were silent.

Just before the witching hour, the irony of the heavens played its’ final card and lifted inclimate sanctions. Beneath the nimbostratus patchwork, Romanians were beginning to assemble to express their call for full acceptance of homosexuality.

Gathering for the gay pride march in Bucharest, Romania

Temporary fencing had been erected in a bid to keep things orderly as well as act as a barrier to any early antics by playerhaters. Perhaps a statement of solidarity, the Romanian Jandarmeria had stationed a large number of attractive men in uniform alongside the gay paraders.

Politia pentru parada GayFest 2007 la Bucuresti, Romania

Due to Romania’s recent shameful displays of violent intolerance and 1940s-like hatred, the anti-riot brigade of law enforcement professionals were not only armed to the teeth but had a massive caravan of paddy wagons on hand to deal with most any size crowd of hooligans.

Crowd control paddy wagons in Bucharest, Romania

The rain had delayed a number of participants from joining up in a timely fashion, so event organizers waited a little longer than advisable to get things underway. To pass the time, all one had to do was check out the cops to play Spot the Closetcase.

Romanian gendarmes

There was an ecclectic collection of gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals, bi-curious, straight well-wishers, people in denial, men in drag, and black-hooded “anarchists” replete with cliché Alternative Tentacles garb. All in all, it was a diverse bunch of fairly reasonable size given the bad weather and expectation of violence.

Support for lesbians

Marching in drag

Pastel rainbow colors

Zany feathered punk at GayFest

It’s the zany headwear like rainbow feathered punk wigs that attracted a plethora of low-brow journalists whose sole objective was to advance their leeching careers by the salient chronicling of exclusive shockjock highlights for the talking heads on your boob tube. And, believe me, the shallow whores of media were everywhere, eagerly constructing sensationalism for the ad revenue.

Media at GayFest

Yes, the Prince of the Parade was in attendance.

Gay activist in Romania

As were the fashion confused and afro-Elvis type gonzo revelers.

Costumes at GayFest 2007

Nope, it wasn’t only men in the march who worked on maintaining a smooth complexion and precision goatee trimjob set below some George Michael eyes.

Romanian police protecting gay parade

Not that his jock comrades took notice. Most of them weren’t the questionable sort. And all of them, irrespective of my speculative pandering, played the part of consummate professionals once the parade got underway. Although, at this point, it looks as if Mr. Bean had a touch of narcolepsy.

Politia standing guard in Bucuresti

Some churchly folk came by to represent the invisible man in the sky.

God at GayFest

Then, we got under way.

Parada GayFest 2007 la Bucuresti, Romania

Jandarmeria riot squads protect gay march in Romania

Photographers at GayFest

Romanian drag queen at GayFest

GayFest 2007 heading toward Casa Poporului

Police protection for civil rights march at GayFest 2007

Romanian gays and lesbians

It was the hip thing to do: call your scared friends at home, “Oh my god, you should so totally be here. Everything’s fine and we’re having a blast. There’s some great music for dance marching and we’ve got beefcake bodyguards. I told you to come out, sweetie. Watch for me on TV, mmmkay? Ciao.”

Calling scared friends from GayFest

Festive balloons

Gay rights banners

More banners at GayFest 2007

In the midst of all the parading, the television crews were especially interested in the new spokesgay for Rothman’s cigarettes since they’ve introduced an innovative line of designer smokables for the queer in you.

TV interview of gay activist in Bucuresti, Romania at GayFest 2007

Happily, anti-fascist representatives pointed out the monstrosity of Gigi Becali.

Anti-fascist, anti-Becali sentiment

Proud gay Romanians out of the closet

International support for gay Romania

Someone needs a new stylist.

Strange wig at GayFest

This tall drink of water was one of the better sights to see. Charming, fun, and very friendly, this gentleman was a master of eye liner and had the kind of plush eyelashes both gays and women dream of. Plus his sidekick was a cutie, too.

Activist chanting

Gay Decebal

Some people tried to remain anonymous…

Quasi anonymous at GayFest

…while others were proud to be seen.

Excited woman at GayFest

Jokes and laughter abounded.

Romanian man having fun at GayFest

This little, masked dance machine had a motor in his trunk that just wouldn’t quit. His back bumper was a non-stop hypnotic party incessantly swishing and swirling to the beat. “When the rumba rhythm starts to play…”

Masked gay dancer at GayFest 2007

As hundreds of dedicated police officers carried out their duty of protecting the parade, the flotilla of paddy wagons rumbled past as they moved from the starting point to the march destination where they would wait to pick up any malcontents. Each truck spewed forth noxious clouds of dark fumes into the lungs of GayFest participants.

Security tightens for GayFest 2007

Colorful and bizarre costumes at GayFest

Gay protestor in Romania

Gays in drag at GayFest 2007 in Bucuresti, Romania

Radios came abuzz with urgent warnings. Commanders rapidly barked orders at the well-disciplined troops. And our line of protection began the ominous process of donning their riot gear en route.

Riot police in Bucharest, Romania

Riot gear at GayFest 2007

A mobile crowd control unit armed with a water cannon was strategically placed toward the end of the march trail.

Mobile water cannon unit for crowd control

Romanian lesbian activist at GayFest 2007 in Bucharest

Eating balloons

K-9 units rushed past growing crowds along side the road who watched us march. They were headed farther ahead of the parade to where trouble was looming. A little tension began to build.

Canine anti-riot crowd control units of the Romanian police

GayFest parade approaches the Romanian Parliament building

The further we went the thicker the clusters of disapproving onlookers got. Glaring and frowning or jeering and taunting, you could see a deeply burning hatred in the eyes of a large number of people claiming to be followers of Christ’s philosophy of animosity toward your fellow man.

Unhappy onlookers watch at the gay rights parade passes by

None of this stopped the dancing, of course.

More dancing at GayFest 2007 in Bucuresti

Equestrian police from the anti-riot crowd control units trotted past at a fast clip toward the problem areas just ahead of us. And the tension built just a little higher.

Equestrian riot police units

The police seemed to become increasingly wary of the stream of onlookers who followed us down the last street, but I personally thought it quite obvious that most of these pretty boy teenagers must have been curious about if not attracted to gay men. The waifs hardly left our side, just keeping pace while gawking and smiling from ear to ear.

Teenage pretty boys at GayFest 2007

In an interesting twist on symbolic historicism, these two guys were calling for cultural comparisons to classical Rome. Is it wrong to admit I just loved the sandals?

Gay Romans symbolize historical links

Frankly, not all the drag queens deserved to rank very high on the royalty-o-meter, but there were at least one or two transvestites who rather fetching. Just behind this blond bombshell, the guy in the sunglasses was hiding his powder blue eyes that looked right out of a Hollywood set.

Sexy Romanian transvestite at GayFest 2007 in Bucharest

Is it really that much of a stretch to say I feel some kind of David Gahan vibe happening here?

Gay Romanian activist

Gay Roman emperor

Playing spot the hooligan

Romanian police watch for golani at GayFest 2007

Not everyone loves a shutterbug. Just ask this disgruntled photography subject.

Disgruntled photography subject

An anxious police force sprung into action immediately upon arrival at our destination. They ushered people into awaiting vans and taxis in an effort to make sure everyone got out safely before the troubles got out of hand. Our little band of merrymakers made a mad dash for the exits on foot.

On the way out, public safety officials yelled instructions at us to hide rainbow flags, banners, or any other evidence that we had been part of the march because the golani were surely on the prowl to bash a few gays. I became visibly excited by the prospects of such an encounter.

Sadistically longing even.

I suppose it might be a form of sickness to actually look forward to a confrontation, but I’d been planning on it for days on end. Just to imagine some nutjob in a sports jersey making the error of swinging a fist in the direction of anyone in my crew… well, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine to think about neonazi’s getting a little bonk on the bean.

Sadly, I’ll cut to the chase here because there wasn’t any action. The riot police did a great job of instilling respect into the would-be attackers. Our posse safely landed in a nearby cafe to grab a drink to celebrate our successful completion of a human rights march.

Recuperating after surviving GayFest intact

There was plenty of chocolate and laughter to go around.

Chocolate laughter

On big, flat-screen television, we watched a bit of the live news coverage as ignorant cavemen stupidly attacked trained riot police even though the parade had already dissipated into the pulsating capillaries of Bucureşti.

Watching police arrest hooligans after GayFest

There was a brief reprise when a platoon of jandarmeria scrambled by the large glass windows of our cafe. Not wanting to miss any throwdown, I snatched my camera bag and slipped out the door to follow them down the block. Shocked and nervous Romanian pedestrians were lined up against the buildings unwilling to move until some authority declared the hostilities over.

Not I.

I zipped around the corner and tumbled myself right into the thick of the action, nearly earning myself a little rough treatment from the highly aggressive police force. Surrounded on all sides, I thought I might get my clock cleaned but apparently my holding a camera seemed to clue them into the idea I wasn’t an accomplice of the golani they were tossing around like ragdolls.

While it was a beautiful thing to witness, I’ll admit I flubbed up the chance to snag photos. My first reaction was to avoid getting beat by nightsticks, but a few second later I snapped away some shots. They turned out blurry and worthless. Sorry.

Police arrest anti-gay attackers

After five or six little snots had been hauled off by the men in black, things calmed down a little. Law enforcement stuck around a wee bit longer to make sure the attackers had been found. I couldn’t help but notice they had a Boba Fett thing going on.

Arresting golani after the GayFest parade

After that, I returned to the cafe where my adoptive friends welcomed me back to the cold lemonade, chocolate, and surprising television coverage of out-of-control Becali followers who continued to attack police despite the fact that there were no gay people around.

Eating chocolate and watching the violence on TV after GayFest

And that’s how it went down, y’all. We marched. Tensions rose, but the police handled the whackos. The teargas, flying rocks, mass arrests, and bits of rioting stuff on TV was mostly just some fools attacking law enforcement officers after GayFest was well over.

Imi pare bine to mischievous Dezordinea Ordonata, civilized Adevaratul Mitzy, gentle Ştefan, suave Jorge, and charming Andressa.

Thanks to lively Bunissima.  Extra special thanks (with whip cream and nuts) to the irrepressible Top Dog.

Prelude: Un Prost Gramada

Tuesday, June 12th, 2007

If you’ve managed to receive at least a ninth grade education in most any part of the world, you may have — at some point — already been introduced the concept that homosexuality is not a bacterial infection.

For example, if you happened to stand really close to a gay person, you might notice their sexual preference is not contagious. Or, if you were forced to talk to one, you just won’t get coodies.

In the course of scientific observation, many lucid people have famously recorded that gay men generally trend toward non-violent social habits. They’re not particularly dangerous and do not customarily attack small children unprovoked.

A great majority tend to be capable of rational thought when engaged in human dialogue with heterosexuals. And quite a few of them demonstrate a proclivity toward fashionable attire, in a deliberate effort to not offend the sensibilities of their straight counterparts.

Other than that, the learned mind reaches the inescapable and bluntly obvious conclusion that gay people are pretty much the same as the rest of the population. They laugh, they cry, they work, and, yeah, they try to bust the occasional nut.

Unfortunately, there still remains a small percentage of uneducated cretins on this planet who cling to the irrational fear that gay men represent a conspiratorial threat against the ability of straight men to get laid because queers fiendishly commiserate in a plot to steal all the hot chicks away from breeders.

Not only that, my brothers, but keep in mind the Uninea Poponari is bent on seducing, corrupting, and raping our wives and daughters. Or was it our fathers and sons? You never know because gays are mysterious and shifty!

When a noble gentlemen and intellectual giant of the stature and wisdom of Gigi Becali proclaims homosexuals are immoral, then we should harken unto his warning. Afterall, everyone knows Becali has read the Bible and repairs his own car.

Any good Christian who has even vague familiarity with the very book they claim to believe in knows the Scriptures are unequivocal about Jesus’ sermons on homosexuality. Christ himself is famously very specific on the subject of gay orientation.

Actually, if you claim to be a Romanian Orthodox Christian but are not explicitly familiar with what your Lord and Saviour has expounded upon with respect to men who have sex with other men, then improve your chances for eternal life: go read the exact Biblical passages that reveal what Jesus Christ had to say about homosexuality.

Your very soul hangs in the balance by a thread in the eye of a needle…

Of course, if you don’t take your religion seriously or couldn’t care less what the Son of God said, then by all means continue in your complacency.

Leave issues of moral turpitude to your betters such as the flamingly effeminate Patriarhia Teoctist and his ensemble of unmarried, co-habitating men who wear dresses and pretty little hats. Trust in theologians who accessorize.

As for myself, I am sadly burdened by time wasted in university on a predilection for intellectualism which is to say I’m fairly imbued with a halcyon outlook on homosexuality. In fact, I even go so far as to view gays as equal.

Shocking, I know.

As a big fan of sodomy myself, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join up with the recent gay pride civil rights march in Romania in hopes of seeing a nice ass or two. In my continuing service to you, dear reader, I’m thrilled to report I was wildly successful in doing precisely that.

Stay tuned. Details to follow shortly…