It has been a sad month for childhood friends. May 22, Tony the Tiger (aka Thurl Ravenscroft) died. June 24, Tigger (aka Paul Winchell) went on, followed a day later by Piglet (aka John Fiedler).
So long old friends. We'll catch up with you eventually. Until then, save us a spot in the Hundred Acre Woods.
I know it'll be "Grrrrrreat!"
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Saturday, June 18, 2005
An Open Response to Dr. Jerry Falwell and The Moral Majority
The following is a very long post. The first part is an email from Dr. Jerry Falwell to the faithful. (Don't ask how I got on the mailing list, though I appreciate having ready access to Dr. Falwell's viewpoints every bit as much as I enjoy the foibles of the hit summer comedy series "Dr. Dean of the DNC" currently running on all media outlets nationwide). Following Dr. Falwell's email is my resulting message to Mr. Roger K. Deromedi, CEO, Kraft Foods.
___________________________________________________________________________________
From: "Dr. Jerry Falwell"
Subject: KRAFT'S GAY DAY PR DEBACLE
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2005 15:56:57 -0400
To: fc@list.falwell.com
Falwell Confidential
Insider weekly newsletter to The Moral Majority Coalition and The Liberty Alliance
http://www.moralmajority.us
From: Jerry Falwell
Date: June 17, 2005
KRAFTÂ’S GAY DAY PR DEBACLE
Kraft Foods, the maker of “the world’s favorite foods,” has found itself in the middle of a public relations nightmare after its corporate leadership decided to sponsor the Gay Games VII, which will take place in Chicago in July. The Gay Games is an Olympic-style series of events where homosexuals from around the world compete.
But the Gay Games are not just about athletic competition. Today I visited the American Family AssociationÂ’s website that illustrates some of the after-hours activities that go on during the Gay Games. These photos can be seen at this AFA website: www.afa.net/activism/gaygamesproof.html
PLEASE BE WARNED — these photos contain partial nudity and lewd depictions. But I feel it is important that consumers who purchase Kraft products see what goes on at these Gay Games (billed as “athletic and cultural” events) in order to understand what types of activities Kraft Foods is actually sponsoring.
If one visits the Gay Games website, he will discover more than 70 sponsors of the event. These sponsors are almost exclusively homosexual companies, including PlanetOut.com, Q Television, Pink magazine, Girlfriends magazine, Boi magazine, ChicagoPride.com and a variety of others.
Kraft Foods, owners of Maxwell House coffee, Kool-Aid and Capri Sun drinks, Oscar Mayer meats, Jell-O snacks, Oreo cookies, Nabisco Foods, and many other well-known products, has placed its reputation on the line by choosing to sponsor the Gay Games.
In an interview with PlanetOut, Kevin G. Boyer, a spokesman for Gay Games VII, said that, despite the growing protest, Kraft is “behind us 100 percent.”
That might change if enough people voice their concern and opposition to KraftÂ’s decision to sponsor the Gay Games.
Join the Nationwide Protest
A nationwide protest is presently erupting with scores of Americans calling and e-mailing Kraft, urging the company to withdraw its sponsorship of the Gay Games. Many individuals on my staff have already joined in the protest by sending e-mails to Kraft. They are waiting to see if the company will reply.
Critics of this protest say that it is motivated by “hate,” but that’s far from true. That’s the typical whiny mantra of homosexual-rights activists when people raise objections to their activities.
“If you disagree with us, you are hate-mongers!” Give me a break.
The fact is that multiple millions of Americans who loyally purchase Kraft products have a right to express their opinion on the company’s decision to link itself with the Gay Games. These people have a right to say, “If Kraft insists on sponsoring the Gay Games, I will be compelled to seek alternative brands at the grocery store.”
I am urging all readers to take a moment right now to write to Kraft Foods CEO Roger K. Deromedi to express your disappointment with Kraft Foods. Contact information is below.
Please considerately express to him your desire that Kraft Foods withdraw its corporate sponsorship of Gay Games VII.
I donÂ’t think moral-minded Americans understand the potential power that we wield. I believe we can make a real impact on Kraft over the course of the next few days if everyone reading this column will take a couple of minutes to urge the company to cut off its support of Gay Games VII.
I urge everyone to take a stand for decency by participating in this national effort to defend traditional family values. In addition, I am calling on pastors across the country to urge their congregations this Sunday to get involved in this action. We must let Kraft (and other big companies that are watching this situation) know that we are holding them accountable for their actions.
Contact Information:
Roger K. Deromedi, CEO
Kraft Foods
3 Lakes Dr.
Northfield, IL 60093
E-mail: rderomedi23@kraft.com
Primary Phone: 847-646-2000 (When calling, you will likely be transferred to a customer service representative who will record your personal information with the promise that your message will be passed on to Mr. Deromedi. Again, please be considerate when calling and simply express that you wish Kraft to withdraw support for the Gay Games.)
Fax: 847-646-6005
MY RESPONSE:
From: Jay Vreeland
To: rderomedi23@kraft.com
Cc: webmaster-reply@falwell.com
Date: Jun 18, 2005 7:59 AM
Subject: A Vote of Confidence - Fwd: KRAFT'S GAY DAY PR DEBACLE
Mr. Deromedi,
Though I have no doubt you've seen the document
more times than you care to so far, I decided to
forward Dr. Falwell's rant in its entirety, "just in
case".
Willing to accept the risk of offending the
sensibilities of Dr. Falwell, I applaud the decision
of Kraft Foods to provide corporate sponsorship for
Gay Games VII. It is my fervent hope that Kraft does
not feel obligated to succumb to the pressure of a
sincere but ill informed protest spearheaded by the
Moral Majority.
I have no interest in becoming a hairstylist,
interior decorator, or even a preacher. I do,
however, recognize the great importance of these
occupations and the tremendous contributions made to
society by practitioners both straight and gay. It is
not necessary to embrace a lifestyle in order to
respect its place in this world.
I do not feel that my heterosexuality or the well
being of my family are threatened by the existence of
homosexuality in this world. I can recognize
opposition to that way of life as a legitimate moral
stance that one might take, and gladly accept efforts
of moral suasion as a means of deterring others from
walking that path. What I cannot accept is Dr.
Falwell's practice here of taking three pictures, that
could easily be considered by many to be soft core
pornography, completely out of context and insinuating
those pictures are exclusively representative of the
Gay Games as a means of inciting his troops to action.
This type of mental gymnastic and misrepresentation
is beneath Dr. Falwell, as is economic warfare in an
effort to win a proclaimed moral victory.
Ultimately, any morality can only be taught and
persuaded. It cannot be legislated or imposed from
without. Respect earned through fear of potential
consequences rather than reasoned determination is no
respect at all, and lacks any real value.
Keep up the good fight, Mr. Deromedi. Kraft
Foods enjoys my support and patronage, and will
continue to do so even, or perhaps especially, if
sponsorship of Gay Games VII is continued.
Jacob D. Vreeland, Jr.
Bunker Hill, West Virginia
NOTE: A copy of Dr. Falwell's email and my resulting
communication with Kraft Foods is being posted to my
personal Blog, purely to forestall any charges that I
lack the courage to state my convictions publicly.
___________________________________________________________________________________
From: "Dr. Jerry Falwell"
Subject: KRAFT'S GAY DAY PR DEBACLE
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2005 15:56:57 -0400
To: fc@list.falwell.com
Falwell Confidential
Insider weekly newsletter to The Moral Majority Coalition and The Liberty Alliance
http://www.moralmajority.us
From: Jerry Falwell
Date: June 17, 2005
KRAFTÂ’S GAY DAY PR DEBACLE
Kraft Foods, the maker of “the world’s favorite foods,” has found itself in the middle of a public relations nightmare after its corporate leadership decided to sponsor the Gay Games VII, which will take place in Chicago in July. The Gay Games is an Olympic-style series of events where homosexuals from around the world compete.
But the Gay Games are not just about athletic competition. Today I visited the American Family AssociationÂ’s website that illustrates some of the after-hours activities that go on during the Gay Games. These photos can be seen at this AFA website: www.afa.net/activism/gaygamesproof.html
PLEASE BE WARNED — these photos contain partial nudity and lewd depictions. But I feel it is important that consumers who purchase Kraft products see what goes on at these Gay Games (billed as “athletic and cultural” events) in order to understand what types of activities Kraft Foods is actually sponsoring.
If one visits the Gay Games website, he will discover more than 70 sponsors of the event. These sponsors are almost exclusively homosexual companies, including PlanetOut.com, Q Television, Pink magazine, Girlfriends magazine, Boi magazine, ChicagoPride.com and a variety of others.
Kraft Foods, owners of Maxwell House coffee, Kool-Aid and Capri Sun drinks, Oscar Mayer meats, Jell-O snacks, Oreo cookies, Nabisco Foods, and many other well-known products, has placed its reputation on the line by choosing to sponsor the Gay Games.
In an interview with PlanetOut, Kevin G. Boyer, a spokesman for Gay Games VII, said that, despite the growing protest, Kraft is “behind us 100 percent.”
That might change if enough people voice their concern and opposition to KraftÂ’s decision to sponsor the Gay Games.
Join the Nationwide Protest
A nationwide protest is presently erupting with scores of Americans calling and e-mailing Kraft, urging the company to withdraw its sponsorship of the Gay Games. Many individuals on my staff have already joined in the protest by sending e-mails to Kraft. They are waiting to see if the company will reply.
Critics of this protest say that it is motivated by “hate,” but that’s far from true. That’s the typical whiny mantra of homosexual-rights activists when people raise objections to their activities.
“If you disagree with us, you are hate-mongers!” Give me a break.
The fact is that multiple millions of Americans who loyally purchase Kraft products have a right to express their opinion on the company’s decision to link itself with the Gay Games. These people have a right to say, “If Kraft insists on sponsoring the Gay Games, I will be compelled to seek alternative brands at the grocery store.”
I am urging all readers to take a moment right now to write to Kraft Foods CEO Roger K. Deromedi to express your disappointment with Kraft Foods. Contact information is below.
Please considerately express to him your desire that Kraft Foods withdraw its corporate sponsorship of Gay Games VII.
I donÂ’t think moral-minded Americans understand the potential power that we wield. I believe we can make a real impact on Kraft over the course of the next few days if everyone reading this column will take a couple of minutes to urge the company to cut off its support of Gay Games VII.
I urge everyone to take a stand for decency by participating in this national effort to defend traditional family values. In addition, I am calling on pastors across the country to urge their congregations this Sunday to get involved in this action. We must let Kraft (and other big companies that are watching this situation) know that we are holding them accountable for their actions.
Contact Information:
Roger K. Deromedi, CEO
Kraft Foods
3 Lakes Dr.
Northfield, IL 60093
E-mail: rderomedi23@kraft.com
Primary Phone: 847-646-2000 (When calling, you will likely be transferred to a customer service representative who will record your personal information with the promise that your message will be passed on to Mr. Deromedi. Again, please be considerate when calling and simply express that you wish Kraft to withdraw support for the Gay Games.)
Fax: 847-646-6005
MY RESPONSE:
From: Jay Vreeland
To: rderomedi23@kraft.com
Cc: webmaster-reply@falwell.com
Date: Jun 18, 2005 7:59 AM
Subject: A Vote of Confidence - Fwd: KRAFT'S GAY DAY PR DEBACLE
Mr. Deromedi,
Though I have no doubt you've seen the document
more times than you care to so far, I decided to
forward Dr. Falwell's rant in its entirety, "just in
case".
Willing to accept the risk of offending the
sensibilities of Dr. Falwell, I applaud the decision
of Kraft Foods to provide corporate sponsorship for
Gay Games VII. It is my fervent hope that Kraft does
not feel obligated to succumb to the pressure of a
sincere but ill informed protest spearheaded by the
Moral Majority.
I have no interest in becoming a hairstylist,
interior decorator, or even a preacher. I do,
however, recognize the great importance of these
occupations and the tremendous contributions made to
society by practitioners both straight and gay. It is
not necessary to embrace a lifestyle in order to
respect its place in this world.
I do not feel that my heterosexuality or the well
being of my family are threatened by the existence of
homosexuality in this world. I can recognize
opposition to that way of life as a legitimate moral
stance that one might take, and gladly accept efforts
of moral suasion as a means of deterring others from
walking that path. What I cannot accept is Dr.
Falwell's practice here of taking three pictures, that
could easily be considered by many to be soft core
pornography, completely out of context and insinuating
those pictures are exclusively representative of the
Gay Games as a means of inciting his troops to action.
This type of mental gymnastic and misrepresentation
is beneath Dr. Falwell, as is economic warfare in an
effort to win a proclaimed moral victory.
Ultimately, any morality can only be taught and
persuaded. It cannot be legislated or imposed from
without. Respect earned through fear of potential
consequences rather than reasoned determination is no
respect at all, and lacks any real value.
Keep up the good fight, Mr. Deromedi. Kraft
Foods enjoys my support and patronage, and will
continue to do so even, or perhaps especially, if
sponsorship of Gay Games VII is continued.
Jacob D. Vreeland, Jr.
Bunker Hill, West Virginia
NOTE: A copy of Dr. Falwell's email and my resulting
communication with Kraft Foods is being posted to my
personal Blog, purely to forestall any charges that I
lack the courage to state my convictions publicly.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Perfect Phrases
Shamelessly lifted from the Jonathan Carroll website, http://www.jonathancarroll.com, June 11, 2005 Blog entry:
In a recent email, my friend Olga said,
"A man without a sense of humor is like a woman without breasts."
Hats off to Olga! Every so often you come across one of these perfect phrases that stand completely on their own, neither needing nor accepting further explanation. You either get it or you don't, immeditiately. And if you don't you never properly will, since any attempt at explanation can only make it more murky or meaninglessly trite.
Thank you, Olga.
In a recent email, my friend Olga said,
"A man without a sense of humor is like a woman without breasts."
Hats off to Olga! Every so often you come across one of these perfect phrases that stand completely on their own, neither needing nor accepting further explanation. You either get it or you don't, immeditiately. And if you don't you never properly will, since any attempt at explanation can only make it more murky or meaninglessly trite.
Thank you, Olga.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
When Common Sense Fails, There's Always the Judiciary
I first noticed reports of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling regarding the applicability of the ADA to foreign cruise ships operating in U.S. waters in an online version of a June 7 USA Today article, though I'm certain the case enjoyed much wider reporting than that.
A quote from the article, presumably the words of article author Joan Biskupic: The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 Monday that foreign cruise ships sailing in U.S. waters can be sued under a landmark anti-bias law if they discriminate against disabled passengers.
Another quote from the article, attributed to Justice Anthony Kennedy: "To hold that there is no protection for disabled persons who seek to use the amenities of foreign cruise ships would be a harsh and unexpected interpretation of a statute designed to provide broad protection for the disabled,".
The first quote is annoying because it assumes a false premise. The second is an absurdly arrogant assumption that U.S. law blankets the world (while at the same time we feel free to pick and chose among those foreign statutes that are convenient to us.)
The false premise is that not outfitting a cruise ship to accommodate the needs of disabled passengers is discrimination. "Discrimination" is an active, not passive, event. By not doing something one has not discriminated. Not actively seeking out someone or something is completely different from striving to thwart the interests or desires of that thing.
Justice Kennedy's writing assumes that cruise lines who do not retrofit to suit the whims and dictates of ADA are making a considered business decision to alienate the hordes of cripples desperate to cruise but prevented from doing so by the evil and insensitive operators. Never mind that there are accessible cruise accommodations available for those passengers in need. And from where does the boundless arrogance spring that suggests we have the right to impose our laws and values on the world - and no doubt the universe once we get that warp drive perfected - when at the same time we get our collective national panties in a wad when any other country presumes to attempt to impose their laws upon us? Why not demand the locals build a handicap accessible transportation service to the summit of Mt. Everest so that all my share in the breathtaking glory of this natural planetary asset? That would certainly be more "fair" than limiting Everest to those with the physical and financial wherewithal to manage the ascent.
All men are created equal. All have the right to pursue happiness. However, after the point of creation circumstances change. Decisions are made and consequences realized. Not all outcomes are equal, nor is that eventuality anywhere hinted at as a reasonable or indeed even desirable expectation. The pursuit of happiness does not guarantee that all will succeed in that venture. This is life, defined by free will and unexpected results. If one wants predictable, defined outcomes then one should play a computer game. No surprises there.
And definitely no living going on.
A quote from the article, presumably the words of article author Joan Biskupic: The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 Monday that foreign cruise ships sailing in U.S. waters can be sued under a landmark anti-bias law if they discriminate against disabled passengers.
Another quote from the article, attributed to Justice Anthony Kennedy: "To hold that there is no protection for disabled persons who seek to use the amenities of foreign cruise ships would be a harsh and unexpected interpretation of a statute designed to provide broad protection for the disabled,".
The first quote is annoying because it assumes a false premise. The second is an absurdly arrogant assumption that U.S. law blankets the world (while at the same time we feel free to pick and chose among those foreign statutes that are convenient to us.)
The false premise is that not outfitting a cruise ship to accommodate the needs of disabled passengers is discrimination. "Discrimination" is an active, not passive, event. By not doing something one has not discriminated. Not actively seeking out someone or something is completely different from striving to thwart the interests or desires of that thing.
Justice Kennedy's writing assumes that cruise lines who do not retrofit to suit the whims and dictates of ADA are making a considered business decision to alienate the hordes of cripples desperate to cruise but prevented from doing so by the evil and insensitive operators. Never mind that there are accessible cruise accommodations available for those passengers in need. And from where does the boundless arrogance spring that suggests we have the right to impose our laws and values on the world - and no doubt the universe once we get that warp drive perfected - when at the same time we get our collective national panties in a wad when any other country presumes to attempt to impose their laws upon us? Why not demand the locals build a handicap accessible transportation service to the summit of Mt. Everest so that all my share in the breathtaking glory of this natural planetary asset? That would certainly be more "fair" than limiting Everest to those with the physical and financial wherewithal to manage the ascent.
All men are created equal. All have the right to pursue happiness. However, after the point of creation circumstances change. Decisions are made and consequences realized. Not all outcomes are equal, nor is that eventuality anywhere hinted at as a reasonable or indeed even desirable expectation. The pursuit of happiness does not guarantee that all will succeed in that venture. This is life, defined by free will and unexpected results. If one wants predictable, defined outcomes then one should play a computer game. No surprises there.
And definitely no living going on.
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