Yes; at times, I have to use a cane to get around. I also sometimes use a broomstick to fly around. Any more endless questions I can answer for you, my darlings?
Police and movie: End of Watch
Everyone should see the movie, End of Watch. That’s not because last week it was the No. 1 film at the box office, but because it is the most outstanding police movie based on reality ever made. Trust me, you will laugh, cry and get very angry and give deserved appreciation to our police forces more – especially those who patrol dangerous neighborhoods.
I think most of us don’t really think about police and their families. Yes, there are some “bad apples.” And, I am not too happy about how an SDPD captain’s son was to be given special treatment, but looking at things from the perspective of someone who lived through the times of hostile police forces during the 1970s, we now have the best police chief in Bill Landsdowne and police force in our city’s history. They deserve higher salaries. Carl DeMaio has a long record of not supporting our police force. In fact, the president of the Police Officers Association blasted DeMaio for Tweeting during a slain officer’s funeral service.
During the primary, Carl DeMaio would not commit to rehire Chief Landsdowne (even D.A. Bonnie Dumanis did). That was just another slap at our communities.
The GLBT community raised money for the police memorial downtown, and has given to the Police Widows Fund. See the movie End of Watch and you will understand why.
This is our 27th, not 23rd AIDS Walk
When AIDS first came about, people thought you could get it by touching and kissing; that it was in the air as there was even talk about putting AIDS patients in special camps (like Cuba). It was in this dark and fearful atmosphere that Susan Jester founded our city’s first AIDS Walk, “Walk for Life!” No community in the U.S. would use the word AIDS within the title. People were too afraid. Some would not even write the word AIDS on their donation checks. I know this as the founder of AIDS Assistance Fund and from my experience sitting on the Regional Task Force on AIDS (appointed by Mayor Susan Golding).
Why does not AIDS Walk San Diego at least acknowledge this history and early “Walk” executive directors, Gary Reese and Albert Bell (both of whom died of AIDS)?
Last year, Dr. Delores Jacobs and The Center honored, for the first time, AIDS Walk founder, Susan Jester, an act that touched many of our hearts. But let us not forget or change our history. Let’s remember those upon whose shoulders we stand … Put an article in your annual program.
People, politics and opinions
Well, I’m glad I spent about a week in Washington, D.C. And I would like to sincerely thank the so many of you who let the Victory Fund hear your voices. The refusal of this highly respected civil rights GLBT organization to endorse Carl DeMaio for mayor is a huge setback, especially since DeMaio and his lover, Johnathan Hale heavily lobbied for the Victory Fund’s endorsement.
Meanwhile, the local Log Cabin Republican Club, which endorsed Nathan Fletcher in the primary, has also refused to endorse DeMaio.
Military veteran and current San Diego Pride co-chair, Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, who lives in the new 9th Council District, is on a short list of future candidates in this heavily Latino district. Stephen Whitburn continues to gain more financial support and endorsements for his for the 3rd District council seat.
Allan Spyere is the new interim president of the Imperial Court de San Diego. Word is that Commissioner Stampp Corbin (publisher of San Diego LGBT Weekly) could become the next chair of the city’s Equal Opportunity Commission.
I will be heading to our state capitol and among conversations I’ll be having is one about the governor appointing a GLBT judge. I was disappointed to see the big U-T commentary by Bonnie Dumanis against Prop. 34. I say yes on Prop. 34, which would end the death penalty.
Remember, DNA evidence has released hundreds of innocent “murderers” from death row. Besides, it costs more to keep prisoners on death row than it does in the general population.
Social justice activist and popular military veteran, Joseph Rocha is moving to Michigan to become director of a grassroots nonprofit agency.
Stuart Milk will be in San Diego Friday, Sept. 28 to endorse Congressman Bob Filner for mayor.
World Alzheimer’s Day passed last week. My father died of this horrific and crippling disease … we never came to an understanding and acceptance of my homosexuality.
Well, you read it here first. I do agree with Carl DeMaio’s recent stand on compassionate medical marijuana use, as it has gotten out of hand. Let’s help those with cancer, AIDS, etc., who really need it. But I also stick to my position that the voters should make a decision and support the legalization of marijuana – period.
I attended the reception of the League of California Cities’ GLBT Local Officials Caucus. It was great to see that my long-time friend, Councilman Greg Pettis is still chair. It was good to see the cofounder, our very own former Coronado City Councilman Frank Tierney rightfully honored. We love you Frank!
Bourbon St. and Lei co-owner, Michael Weiss recently received a big civic appointment from the district attorney of Philadelphia. Congratulations.
About John Travolta
Well girlfriends, I was recently at a posh party in Beverly Hills with some “A-list” gays and power brokers. I’m so poor; I should have been hired to be some of the help! Anyway, I met this guy who I would say definitely dated John Travolta … These rumors started decades ago and have endlessly been printed in many magazines, (starting with that infamous masseur call boy and his pictures). When these rumors started in the late 1970s, Travolta immediately got married and joined Scientology. Allegedly, Travolta is a bad bedmate and pretty kinky – this according to the guy, who I believe, who told me he dated the actor. Well, I believe Travolta may be bisexual. When will he stand up and help his GLBT community?
Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com
