Stop Making an Ass(umption) of Yourself

I am sure that many of you are familiar with the cliché “assumptions makes an ass out of you and me.” Well that is particularly the case when it comes to the idea that lesbianism (homosexuality) is somehow responsible for the rapid growth of HIV and AIDS globally. Of course, this theory is perpetuated through religion and has survived the test of time evidenced by the overwhelming hatred and discrimination that resides in the hearts of many "so-called" authoritative religious dictators. While religion is not the only force in this equation of inequality, it is a major player. The International AIDS Conference in Mexico City (http://www.aids2008.org/) provides a platform to address this blatant injustice. This week long event offers the global world an opportunity to assess its role in awareness, education and tolerance. According to VOA reporter Greg Flakus, public health officials and non-governmental organizations understands that tolerance influences healthier societies. Furthermore, it allows open dialogue between families who are plagued with religious rhetoric, while empowering individuals to remove their veils and come out of the closet. We understand how religion helps perpetuate homophobia globally. Now, the true irony will be how religion saves us from this massive global problem. I remain optimistic, what about you?

Uganda and the Global World’s Shame

What a chilling reality about who we are as "people of color." In my opinion, homophobia is a universal disease. Prossy and others like her are a true testament that homosexuality is not just about choice but rather a true innate existence for many. Despite the danger of being found out, she and her partner's love was so strong that they took the ultimate risk of being exposed. I say shame on the global world for its indoctrination of hatred, brutality and inhumane acts of torture and violence. I just signed the petition and made a contribution and encourage others to do the same. Why? Because it's not enough to just get emotional, this time take action!

http://www.youtube.com/v/H3doJs98PD0

http://www.mccmanchester.co.uk/prossy.htm

Identical Twins, Identical Crimes, Identical Prison Sentences

Twin sisters Marisa Readus and Alisha Readus have partnered together as co-authors in their debut novel entitled "Where Does Peace Come In? Breaking Through The Bars," to discuss their lives behind bars, while delivering a message of hope, forgiveness and restoration.

Birmingham, AL (PRWEB) May 25, 2007 -- Identical twins Marisa Readus and Alisha Readus announce their new book entitled "Where Does Peace Come In? Breaking Through The Bars," scheduled for release on June 10, 2007, and available online at http://www.breakingthroughthebars.com. "Where Does Peace Come In" is an autobiography about the twins' lives behind bars and addresses the issues of homelessness, domestic violence, and incarceration. This book chronicles their rough early start, their life of incarceration, and their ultimate triumph.

According to the Readus sisters, "people often view freedom as a physical thing, but we don't think so. We know how it feels to be bound by depression, material possession, sex . . . " This book will change the lives of many people, note the Readus sisters. "It is truly inspirational, and it speaks to women who are headed down the same path that we took. However, the book is not pointing fingers or blaming anyone."

While many inmates returning home from prison bring their negative prison experiences with them, the Readus sisters discover that exposing their lives before, during and after their incarceration through writing is an outlet for deliverance, healing and forgiveness.

For more information about Marisa and Alisa Readus, and to pre-order a copy of their debut novel, "Where Does Peace Come In? Breaking Through The Bars," visit their website at http://www.breakingthroughthebars.com

About Marisa Readus and Alisha Readus:

Marisa Readus and Alisha Readus are authors, inspirational speakers and mothers. They are a part of an Aglow International Ministry and have made many guest radio appearances. Marisa Readus and Alisha Readus were born to Linda Readus and the late Roosevelt Readus on August 1, 1976 in Huntsville, AL. Marisa is the author of "You Are What You Speak" What Are You Confessing Over Your Life? She has also written "Priceless: What Is Your Self-Worth?" Marisa uses her personal testimonies of an abusive marriage, sleeping around, running the streets, and low self-esteem to help other women cope with life. In addition, Alisha Readus is currently working on her first independent book entitled, "God's Perfect Timing."

Contact: Alisha Readus Marisa Reauds P.O. Box 1863 Alabaster, AL 35007 Phone: 205-789-0799 http://www.breakingthroughthebars.com

Senior Reporter: Janet Thomson Website: www.janet-thomson.blogspot.com

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Mississippi Queen Documentary -- Homosexuality and Religion

Mississippi Queen, a new documentary, addresses the issue of homosexuality from a religious analysis. This ground breaking film provides both sides of the debate and ultimately deals with the question of who's right or wrong. Missoula, MT (PRWEB) April 24, 2007 -- Mississippi Queen, a new documentary by filmmaker and producer Paige Williams, will begin production in Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Memphis and Louisiana May 14 - 31st. The film explores the complex and unique relationship between the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community and the ex-gay ministry in the South. Mississippi Queen provides two compelling views of this controversy topic of homosexuality and Christianity. According to Williams, "The time is prevalent and immediate. All over the country, but specifically in the South, there is a need for a discussion and a personal look into Southern homosexuality and Christianity. I desire to produce a documentary that is even keeled and two sided - one that does not sway the viewer in one direction or another. A documentary that looks at both sides of the coin -- homosexuality is a sin and homosexuality is not a sin." Mississippi Queen shares real stories about real people, while challenging stereotypes, homophobia and collective shared beliefs about sexuality and religion. Ultimately, says Williams, Mississippi Queen "is about dealing and loving those in our lives who we don't see eye to eye on and through that, revealing a bit of the true nature of God." Paige Williams is originally from Clinton, Mississippi and currently resides in Missoula, Montana. She received a Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts, a Master of Arts in Theatre from the University of Montana, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Millsaps College. The filmmaker/producer is seeking investors to help fund this project. For more information and to donate visit: http://www.myspace.com/msqueendocumentary. MEDIA CONTACT: Paige Williams Porch Productions P.O. Box 1476 Missoula, MT 59806-1476 website: http://www.myspace.com/msqueendocumentary Source: Reporter: Janet Thomson website: http://janet-thomson.blogspot.com ###

An Independent Thinker

While watching Real Time With Bill Maher last night, his guest Dan Rather, former anchor of the CBS Evening News for over twenty years, made an interesting statement that resonated with me. When asked whether journalist have become too chummy with politicians in order to gain access to stories is problematic, Rather concurred that this is true. Although this is nothing ground breaking to say the least, however, he went on to say that the best news reporting is that of independent journalism. I must agree that he is definitely on to something here--a philosophy that I have been following most of my adult life. Independent thinking that is. This was very prevalent in my early childhood. If my family went right, I went left. They are pro-life, and I am pro-choice. As a future attorney with interest in public policy and political journalism, it is important that I remain true to who I am and what I believe in. I live my life as an "out lesbian", I make no apology that my politics are very liberal, and I don't entertain or patronize establishments and/or people who find offense to my lifestyle. It doesn't bother me whether I am popular because popularity is not winning the war against homophobia, child exploitation and violations against humanity. When you are persuaded by the masses you are nothing more than a puppet--"I am a soul that beats to her own drum (me)." However, like most people, I just want to be understood but not to the point that I compromise who I am and what I believe. To me that's real independent thinking. 2007, Janet Thomson [All Rights Reserved]

Cassandra Wilson A True Vocalist

Jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson's latest album entitled Thunderbird continues her trend of performing older and more eclectic (diverse) music. She brilliantly showcases her talent of incorporating hip-hop and post components harmoniously to the mix. This album exudes a more aggressive instrumental layering, which is not typical of some of her earlier work. The opening song "Go to Mexico" is the most poignant example of Wilson's innovative experimentation. This is evident in the synthetic sound and her voice, which is the greatest asset. The selection "Closer to You" is my favorite song on the Thunderbird album. Wilson melodically sings these beautiful lyrics "how soft a whisper can get, when you're walking through a crowded space, I hear every word that you say I remember that everyday I get a little bit closer to you" as if her next breath is inconceivable without the connectedness of her love interest. When she holds the note "you," I find myself mesmerized clinging in anticipation of her next words that releases me from her sultry musical trance.

Wilson sings the blues the way it should be regurgitated. In the selection "Easy Ride," she begins with a low moan and builds this piece into an explosive weapon. Wilson manages to connect with her listeners by exposing her heart and giving of her soul. When she sings "Lost," she personifies the fundamental nature of a true ballardster. Wilson's sultry melodic voice accompanied by the guitar reverberate the essence of sexuality but in a tasteful seductive way. One only has to close one's eyes and drift into her hypnotic musical allure. In contrast to her traditional blues style, Wilson introduces a more contemporary blues form in her rendition of "I Want to be Loved." The guitar solo helps Wilson deliver her passionate connection between traditional and contemporary blues. The licks from this beautiful instrument were absolutely amazing. There is an obvious connection between these two instruments—Wilson's vocals and the guitar—an unexplainable phenomena without one experiencing this music personally. Overall, I was extremely impressed with this dynamic artist and the beautiful music she shares with the world in her new album Thunderbird.

© 2007, Janet Thomson [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED]

Don't Believe the Corporate Hype

An article in Investor's Business Daily suggests that CEO pay control and minimum wage hike will spiral a slippery slope. What an interesting concept to think that CEO's like former Bob Nardelli of Home Depot would some how find it difficult to live off $2 million vs. $210 million (which is what he took home when he left). Many economists and big corporations believe that the most productive among us should earn the most. While I follow the philosophy that an "honest day's work deserves an honest days pay", I don't subscribe to the propaganda used in determining the worth of ones labor. For example, what school you went to or what family you belong to. Unfortunately, each individual does not have access to the right connections and opportunities. Capitalism is structured like that. It operates under the assumption that there will be winners and losers. This is problematic because the wealth distribution in America is unbalanced and the playing field is polluted with corporate bureaucracy. I understand this all so well because I have worked for major legal corporations for over twenty years.

You may be asking yourself "if you are aware of these short comings, why practice law"? As I near the completion of my undergraduate studies, I have pondered that question often. But the reality is that I don't plan to practice in a major corporate structure like I am in now. Attending the right schools and making the right grades would easily put me over the $150,000 mark coming right out of law school. However, my passion is not to defend major corporations and have millions in stock options. I lend more towards the nonprofit sector (advocacy work) and public policy. Since I don't plan to work in a major law firm does this suggest that nonprofit work is not productive? Because America relies on a market economy to pay CEO's $210 million a year, society has let teaching and advocacy jobs suffer, causing the future of our children to deteriorate. Markets don't determine salaries people do. So don't believe the hype!

© 2007, Janet Thomson [All Rights Reserved.]