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Asshat Smackdown! for June 17, 2009
You might be familiar with our regular Friday feature, Battle of the Network Gays, where we ask you to crown the Gay of the Week. You folks seem to enjoy crowning people a lot. Hence our new feature: Asshat Smackdown! Every Wednesday we'll ask you to select from a current crop of schmucks, jerks, demagogues and harpies to see who is most deserving of the week's coveted Asshat Crown! We'll announce the results right here on the blog on Friday, and that asshat will reign supreme until a new challenger is crowned the following week. Curious to know more about the challengers this week!? Check them out after the break, and vote for your favorite! This week's contenders: 1. Gene Simmons of KISS.
The man who 1) claims to have slept with over 1000 women; 2) once told Terry Gross of Fresh Air; "If you want to welcome me with open arms, I'm afraid you have to welcome me with open legs.", 3) Had a VH1 reality show called Gene Simmons' Family Jewels, and 4) appeared in a sex tape released in 2008 .... actually had the nerve last week to say this of Adam Lambert:
2. The Obama Administration and the DOJ.
Attorney General Eric Holder (left) with Pres. Obama Last Friday the Department of Justice filed a brief in a federal lawsuit contesting the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as unconstitutional. The required answer brief could have weakly defended the suit on procedural grounds. But instead the government's reply brief went virulently anti-gay, raising factually incorrect arguments that, if accepted by the court hearing the case, would very likely damage future attempts to secure gay rights. The cruel irony is that Obama promised during the Presidential campaign that he would work to repeal DOMA. Instead, his administration is very actively defending it. 3. Carrie Prejean. Last week emails were leaked of correspondence between the beauty queen and her former boss, the director of Miss California, Keith Lewis. In the emails, Lewis comes off as the consummate professional, while Prejean reveals herself to be even more obnoxious, megalomaniacal and dimwitted than we imagined.
Carrie Prejean (left) and Levi Johnston on The Tyra Banks Show 4. Levi Johnston. The "Thrillah from Wasilla" is hellbent on making it in Hollywood and has hired himself a bodyguard-slash-manager named Tank Jones to help him navigate tinseltown's shark infested (i.e. gay) waters...
Hilariously, to help Levi cope with all these "strange people" together they've developed a sort of alter ego for Levi called "Ricky Hollywood." (Me, I'm imagining something like Garth Brook's glam rocker persona, Chris Gaines) Unlike good old boy Levi, this Ricky Hollywood character will be perfectly comfortable wearing sequined jackets, pink fedoras, and bedazzled t-shirts that read "Go Girl!" Vote for your favorite asshat by 8 AM EDT on Friday, June 20. And be sure to check back Friday afternoon to see which asshat our readers have carried to glory! Note: Write-in candidates (other than AfterElton.com staff!) are encouraged. Submitted by on Wed, 2009-06-17 15:22. |
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Obama fan
I'm still a huge Obama fan but I voted for him for this poll. Like Obama said himself while he campaigned, its our job to hold his feet to the fire and pressure him if we want to get our way.
So that's what we should do. He needs to see us as a priority so I encourage all gays to stay on top of him without giving up on him in his first 5 months.
Congress deserves just as much pressure though. If they don't send things to Obama's desk to sign, there is little he can substantially do for us.
How the might have fallen
I remember during the primary I often fought for Hillary Clinton on this site. Many had fallen in love with Obama even though I kept pointing out he was very sketchy on what exactly he was going to do for gay people once in the White House.
While Hillary gave detailed and honest answers to what she as President could do to fight for gay rights, Obama spoke more in broad and empty terms. I cannot tell you how many here defended those answers as superior to Hillary's since Obama was not making promises he could not keep.
Apparently it was because he had not intention of doing much of anything for gay civil rights, and in fact could end up being our enemy as well. Good to know many here at AfterElton have finally come to their senses. A little late, but at least now we can be stronger as a united front to hold him accountable.
Meh
Hillary has already outdone Obama...
...by issuing a departmental policy to treat the domestic partners of foreign service officers posted overseas the same as spouses for purposes of training, travel, and protection against violence.
Quite the opposite of "exactly the same", especially if you read the language that was used in the DOMA brief (which we're now told the President totally stands behind).
At the risk of deflating a Hillary lovefest
Keep in mind that she does not reign as Queen of her little realm in the State Department. She couldn't really have done what she did without the approval of her boss (Obama).
Also, as we sit here pondering the consequences of DADT and DOMA, we must keep in mind that she couldn't even face down her own husband when he signed off on them!
Do you seriously believe that, were she president now rather than Obama, she'd be putting more effort into butting heads with Congress over us than she did with the man she was (at least nominally) sleeping with? Somehow I don't think so.
Now, all of that said: Obama is an asshat.
He's lying when he says he has to defend DADT and DOMA because they're the law. Previous president have resisted doing so when they didn't like the law in question. Dubya made a veritable career out resisting compliance with laws he didn't like!
Obama is basically just playing the "It's not my fault, go talk to Congress" game. Never mind that he has no problem sending them reams of legislative demands on everything from car emissions to war funding. And he has been spending a lot of time in his mere six months of presidency quickly backtracking on campaign promises.
In our case I don't think he really wants to fight DADT and DOMA because they're politically convenient for him. While they're in place he has an excuse to not wade into the "Culture Wars" and get into a brawl with people opposed to gays in the military or getting married. He's spending a lot of time and effort on reaching out to socially-conservative but economically-liberal voting blocks like Latinos. He already has enough trouble with the Catholic Church over abortion. So instead he's throwing us under the bus and pointing the finger at Pelosi to assign blame.
This latest round of "benefits" is a joke in poor taste, as it really only includes the merest crumbs of the benefits pie. Furthermore, he has only taken action on it after outrage began to creep into the news over his backing the legitimacy of DADT and DOMA.
Obama, Hillary, Pelosi and Reid are taking us for a ride. We need to a) boycott any fundraising for the Dems and b) convince our straight allies to do likewise. Let the Dems win the midterms without our votes or money! If they're so confident in their policies then they shouldn't have to worry about losing the Left.
Really?!!
She couldn't really have done what she did without the approval of her boss (Obama).
Do you seriously believe that, were she president now rather than Obama, she'd be putting more effort into butting heads with Congress over us than she did with the man she was (at least nominally) sleeping with? Somehow I don't think so.
Ah, the old 'a woman is only as good as her husband and boss' arguement. Nice.
It wouldn't make a difference if she were a man
Other than the fact that if Bill Clinton had been married to a man then politics would certainly have been even more different!
However, your misguided gender outrage neglects my actual point. At a time when Hillary was one of the closest influencers of the man who signed off on DADT and DOMA she clearly wasn't a strong voice in restraining him.
So in all honesty Dave, what makes you think that she would do better now?
At the time DADT and DOMA were concessions on Bill Clinton's part to try and deflect conservative ire. Not that they succeeded, but he did it anyway. So on what basis do you suppose that Hillary would become some heroic advocate willing to face down Congress today?
Because despite your attempt to spin my statement into a misogynist remark, the reality is that the Secretary of State is not a supreme power in government. Male or female they work for the president. They are not their own boss!
Hmmm
This one brief, by dint of the language used has given fuel to the courts to further the actions against us! the wording is VERY VERY damaging and could come back to haunt us in the future. I mean, here is a man who says he is an advocate for us. A man who claims we deserve the same rights as everyone else, yet he compares our love to incest and pedophilia? I am sorry. There are other ways to have refuted the lawsuit (and btw, he DID NOT HAVE TO DEFEND THIS LAW)
Gay and lesbian rights are not special rights in any way. It isn't "special" to be free from discrimination. It is an ordinary, universal entitlement of citizenship."
'Make me'
During the campaign, Obama was asked about repealing DADT and his answer was along the lines of 'this will come about as the result of grass-roots effort' which I translated as 'I'll do it if you make me'.
Once you get past his headline sound-bites - 'Fierce advocate' et al - he didn't actually promise to do much for gays and lesbians and the transgendered. His philosophy seemed to be crystalised in the idea that if the bills could be got to his desk he'd back them - but the work would have to be done by gays and lesbians and the transgendered themselves.
Of course, what he's said and what he's done are entirely different when it comes to that vile, abhorrent brief written by the DOJ in support of DOMA. There's no way that piece of pablum can be seen as anything other than a direct attack on gay and lesbian rights. Not just now, but in future gay/lesbian/transgender legal cases that might come forward - if the judges accept the brief. It's insultingly comprehensive in stopping - andpotentially reversing - gay and lesbian rights.
One of the problems the gays and lesbians in the US seem to face is a lack of proper leadership. While the HRC is the most visible, part of their policy seems to be ensuring that the lines of communication are kept open no matter what. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be a more angry and active gay/lesbian movement to whom the HRC can point at say to the administration: 'if you don't work with us, then your only option is those nutters'.
Unless that happens, Psionycx's idea of withholding money and support at a grass-roots level seems the most sensible. The ruckus over the DNC LGBT fundraiser and the withdrawal of donors seems to have prompted Obama's crumb on federal employee benefits. The only positive thing there was seeing 83-year-old Frank Kameny at the signing ceremony (and if you don't know who he is, you should check him out).
As Obama has said all along, if you want him to do something, you're going to have to force him at a grass-roots level.
Good for Hillary
Sorry. Double post.
Sorry. Double post.
Obama
I was a Hillary supporter, and still am. When Obama won the nomination, I wholeheartedly backed him as my candidate. I was fine with waiting for him to fulfill promises--- I am NOT fine with the deplorable and derogatory language stated in the brief filed last week. I am appalled and angry. Fierce advocate my ass.
And throwing crumbs at hungry dogs will not satisfy us. No healthcare benefit? No pension? No inheritence? The MEAGER and LOUSY attempt at reconciliation that was hastily thrown together for this afternoon is a joke. a flat out farce. He should be ashamed of himself.
oh, but he already had our money and support and he won, so why the hell should he care about us now?
Gay and lesbian rights are not special rights in any way. It isn't "special" to be free from discrimination. It is an ordinary, universal entitlement of citizenship."
Gene Simmons
I hesitated with Obama but Gene Simmons really pisses me off..
He's such a show-off O_o How many women already? He accepts to sing with Adam, then trashes him? He only did AI to have some attention.
I was rooting for Obama (most of French were) and I still think that he's better than McCain but he's a disappointment and not only with Gay rights.
Holding my vote
I'll hold my vote until after 5:45 EDT.
If Obama doesn't vigorously walk back the DOMA brief, he's the man.
If he does, I'm not sure who I'm gonna vote for, probably Gene Simmons. Hasn't poor Levi been punished enough?
Obama it is!
Agreed...
Ass
Surely you meant...
President Obama in the same category as these tools?
Levi the ignorant, reckless impregnator and the Pissy Kiss manwhore?
Because 6 months in we don't have everything we want?
Veruca Salt Much?
I agree with what was said above. It is our job as citizens to be activists and advocates for our best interests. It it not just our right to do so, it is our responsibility.
We have a lot of power in the gay community and a much broader base because we are literally everywhere and everbody. We also, as a group, have a lot of money.
We have to hold the president accountable for those things he's promised to do but we also have to have reasonable expectations about how quickly things can or more importantly should be done.
It doesn't mean we don't complain loudly and often (thank you Rachel Maddow!) but we can be measured in our response.
Just like every other minority or discriminated against group in this country, no one is going to hand Gays and Lesbians anything just cause we want it or just because it is the right thing to do.
We have to make Obama and more importantly the legislature take us seriously and do our bidding. We have to drown out the very powerful and influential voices of those who oppose our best interests.
Real social change only comes in this country through constant vigilence, constructive, persistent struggle and speaking out against injustiice every single time it occurs and sometimes violent upheaval.
HRC, LAMDA, et al need to be like MOVE ON on crack! His worse nightmare, his ever-present shadow. On him like the stink from a skunk!Barack Obama repesents an opportunity for change. I'm not ready to call The President an Ass Hat.
I think it's a little soon to call permanent fail when this administration is just barely getting started.
I voted for Gene.
"That's our job today: to control the extent to which people can publicly manifest antigay sentiment." (Bayard Rustin) ** "Heterosexuality is not normal, it's just common" (Dorothy Parker)
Asshat of the week award is not a permanent fail
It only means that that particular person was being an asshat that week. I think that DOMA brief qualifies the Obama administration as a candidate this week, and that's why I cast my vote for him.
That is not to say that he can't redeem himself. Here's hoping. But this week? Yeah, he's an asshat.
Gonna go with Dennis on this one...
Asshat of the Week is based on the actions the person took - just like the FAIL in BGWE is based on actions - it's not permanent. Just like AE didn't give themselves a permanent FAIL last week when they manned up on SYTYCD, this is about the DOMA brief.
As to whether it rises to the standard set forth by the other candidates? Only one person here suggested I was a pedophile or equivalent to wanting to marry my sister. He (refreshingly) said when he got elected, "The buck stops here." - Well, at this point, the check is due.
It's not that I don't care about the DOMA Brief
It's just that I really, really can not stand Gene Simmons this week or any week but this week was like even more so.
I just want to smack the crap out of him every time I see him. I can't really abide Obama and him being on any list together.
I still feel like if Obama never did another good things for gays he would not be as much of an Ass Hat (why does saying that phrase make me feel like a frat boy) as Gene Simmons.
I don't know what Obama's longer term game plan is and yeah, I assume he has one given how he seems to do things in this very poco a poco manner that might make me want to slap him too but he's not stupid so I still think this brief is just one move in the chess game of gay equality.
I just REALLY REALLY cannot stand Gene Simmons equating Adam answering questions that every body and their Aunt Tilly asked him to Adam talking about his sexuality all the time.
And the crap about FARM ANIMALS? Did folks not hear that part? He just gets quoted over and over and over in the press and it sickens me.
Farm Animal Ed. Seriously. And guess who gets quoted more, father and wider. Simmons, not Obama.
It's not really just about Adam, if he'd said it about Neil Patrick Harris or any other out gay guy I'd still want to beat him down with his on platform boot and have his evil forked tongue clipped!
If I could figure out a way to boycott him from every speaking in or being seen in public or being let near a woman ever again, I would devote my entire life to it.
That's how much he makes my stomach turn.
But I respect where you guys are coming from and I'm certainly no apologist for Obama this week or any other. I just think the DOMA statement is a temporary situation akin to what Bloomberg did in NYC.
And I'm blinded by my rage and I wanted the gay boys to beat Simmons down in some way that would make me feel better!!!!!
Maybe we could have two lists "Political Ass Hat of the Week" and "A Blight On The Face of Humanity In Perpetuity"
"That's our job today: to control the extent to which people can publicly manifest antigay sentiment." (Bayard Rustin) ** "Heterosexuality is not normal, it's just common" (Dorothy Parker)
Write-In Vote
Gene pissed me off, but I had to go with...
Rush LimBAAAWWW
obama...
ok, i am NOT happy. i want to rant. you know, i'm just gonna do it
i am up to HERE - hell, i can't even see where "here" is anymore. it's that bad.
i am sooooo damn sick of hearing "obama is against gay marrige and thats why he defends DOMA"
ok, so....i call this Rick Warren 2.0 because HE compared the notion of gay marriage/relationships to incest, did he not? yeah. Obama said he had different views, blah blah, fierce advocate, blah blah blah
so here we are now....DOMA basically has us in the category with incestual relationships. now, I don't know who the friggin hell is defending this. Either it's Obama or someone that works for him. i keep hearing he doesn't know the full details, yadda yadda.....but with all the outrage, you would think he would say "i dont agree with the language, i will work to change this..."
instead, we just get that they're behind it, which says to us, "well, it says this, so that is just how it is...sorry guys, deal with it"
UM.....NO.
it's obvious his administration knows about the outrage. hell, HE knows it....yet, nothing. nothiiiiing. no "now, about DOMA...it's come to my attention that it says xyz...and i want to reassure you that..." and so on.
...and like i said.....i'm sick of hearing about "oh gay marriage, he's against it, so stop getting mad"
it's not about gay marriage. it's not about gay marriage. nobody seems to be saying that. why are people missing the bigger picture? it's making me want to jump out of a window.
I GET IT. OBAMA IS AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE. STOP TELLING ME THAT. I. FREAKING. GET. IT
THIS. IS. NOT. ABOUT. GAY. MARRIAGE
*rant over* felt good to get that out.
Crap. I voted for Carrie...
And effectively threw my vote away b/c I should have checked the results so far and seen that its clearly a split race between Obama and Gene. Well, actually, if I had seen who the race was against I probably wouldn't have voted. I don't want to vote for Gene b/c he was such a vital part of Adam's watercooler conversation after the Idol finale (and Adam always seems so happy talking about how he got to perform with KISS).
On the other hand, like Taste_the_Rainbow, its only been 6 months (though I have to disagree on the fighting thing, we've been doing that for decades, and Obama has the power to at least stop, much less reverse, the firing of people due to DADT). So my hands are in the air for the Asshats this week.
Kitty
Boycott Perez Hilton!
He's a fucking leech for what he did to Dustin Lance Black!
And what's with the assumption that Obama is going to do right by the gays the second he takes office? He's in for the next 3 and a half years,cut him some slack.
Gene Simmons...who cares? Even Carlos Santana thinks he's a twat.
Carrie Prejean:She's so 5 minutes ago. Move on.
Levi Whatshisname...again,who cares? The idiot knocked Sarah Palin's kid,so?
There are better AssHat candidates out there.