The Dirty Martini Lounge
The Dirty Martini Lounge
Welcome to
With Rob and Craig as Your Hosts
It is always Happy Hour at the Dirty Martini Lounge
Contact your hosts at LevisRob@yahoo.com
Though highly recommended, the consumption of alcohol is not required to peruse this site.
Cocktail Hour
at the DML
National Equality March
Washington DC
October 10 - 11, 2009
A grassroots effort started by Cleve Jones has called for a march on Washington.
With the election of Obama to the White House, as well as Democratic control of both houses, the LGBT communities were giddy with anticipation of the changes that were promised. OK, we all heard the speeches and envisioned the pictures of equality for the community. We opened up our wallets, pocket books and change purses with the hope that true change is a coming.
What have we received so far on our investments?
Let's see, as of today, some federal employees may receive some partner benefits - sometime in the future.
The Dirty Martini Lounge doesn't expect our world to change overnight. We realize that is impossible. But what we do expect to change, at least, is the ugly rhetoric that justifies the ongoing inequality for the LGBT community. In defense of DOMA, the administration stated that it needs be neutral in its treatment of same-sex couples in order to ensure that the fedral tax money collected from across the country not be used to assist same-sex couples duly married by their home states.
In addition, the administration stated that, "The fact that States have long had the authority to decline to give effect to marriages performed in other States based on the forum State's public policy strongly supports the constitutionality of Congress's exercise of its authority in DOMA." The types of marriage listed as qualifiers of this statement included: uncle to niece, underage children and first cousins. Of course, this was the same excuse that was used, at one time, which could have prevented Obama's parents from getting married - the irony. How quickly we forget!
So, it's OK to continue DOMA because #1 -we save federal money and #2 -states don't allow certain types of marriage - equating same-sex marriage to incest relationships and those involving children. Really, now.
DOMA is not the only injustice we are living with. That list never ends:
- National hate crime laws do not include the LGBT community.
- Workplace discimination against our community continues.
- Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Over 250 uniformed men and women have been booted since the Obama administration took over.
- Immigration laws continue to wreck havoc on our relationships. It literally takes an act of Congress to save 'em - one by one.
It appears that Congress is waiting for direction from Obama, while the administration states that our legislators need to take action. Which branch is going to make the first move? And how long are we supposed to wait? We are constantly being told that the President has big fish to fry right now with the economy, health care, the Middle East, etc. We are tired of being told to wait in line while they are the ones with their hands out.
So there is a call out to all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters. It's time that we spend a little bit of money again. No, we aren't going to feed the coffers of the Democratic National Party, nor are we going to contribute to Obama's 2012 campaign. Right now, let's spend our money elsewhere. Let's go on a mini-vacation. We hear there is a big party planned at Washington, DC on October 10th and 11th. We hear that alot of money is not going to be spent on lights and music. It's going to be like an Easter parade - we'll walk the streets of the Capitol with our Sunday finest on. And we'll hear some speeches that encourage us to make a difference in our hometowns.
We know that misery loves company - but we also know that the timing is right for us make a difference. We've always been told that we have an agenda - let us prove the beyotches right for once. And if the powers that be start to make a difference, we can resume feeding the kitty.
See you at the Mall.
Rob and Craig are considering their options for October 10th and 11th. They are taking their angst national. Watch out DC - keep your liquor cabinets locked up and your hair products behind the counter.
Rob and Craig Return from Alaska - Governor Palin Immediately Resigns
In what has been described as pure coincidence, Sarah Palin has announced her intention to step down as governor of Alaska. This is on the same day that Rob and Craig returned from visiting the state - which included a stop in its capitol, Juneau.
The Dirty Martini Lounge has made several attempts to contact the governor. Rob and Craig say there is no connection between her announcement and their visit.
Sarah Palin is pictured at Mendenhall Glacier after meeting with Rob and Craig
In Memorium
Rob and Craig's Cruise to Alaska - the Pictorial
The Sea Princess Returns to San Francisco
Rob and Craig arrived on July 3rd, 2009, at San Francisco's Pier 35 from a ten day cruise to Alaska. Our duo enjoyed a relaxing and exciting adventure to the 49th state.
For a full description of their trek, Click Here.
The Dirty Martini Lounge wishes to acknowledge the following individuals who made the trip just a little more enjoyable: Melanie and Danielle for minding the apartment and the ride to the pier, Paola for assisting with travel arrangements, Nerissa for great cruise preparation suggestions, Clarence for pick up service, Sally for her support and to all the friends who were just as excited as Rob and Craig on taking this trip.
Read more about the Great Alaska Adventure by Clicking Here