In the wake of the upcoming Republican National Convention, emotions continue to rise regarding the GOP nominee, Mitt Romney.

Outside of a campaign event at Mirror Lake Lyceum on Wednesday where Romney was set to discuss his economic philosophy with his supporters, the “ninety-nine percent” rallied against the big business ideals he hopes to employ if he gains the presidency.

During the peaceful protest of about 30 people, activist groups such as Awake Pinellas and Florida Consumer Action Network invited Romney to walk across their red carpet with, “we are the 99 percent” painted the dripping soggy fabric. A few of the protesters laid down on the wet pavement underneath the cloth signifying a red carpet event, which was a sort of metaphor for the way Romney gained significant wealth—by stepping on the back of the working class.

Before Romney arrived at Mirror Lake Lyceum, garbage cans and fire hydrants in the area were painted to beautify the area in preparation for Romney and his supporters. The entire homeless population, that arrived to denounce the falsehoods in Romney’s belief that his lengthy business experience makes him a forerunner in the election for president, was cleared from the area.

Under a downpour of heavy rains, Romney’s supporters entered the building to hear what they felt were words of wisdom, though due to limited space, some were left out in the rain and watched through pair of glass doors.

Inside Romney told his supporters of his time as a business man and how it will help him boost the economy, create jobs and reduce deficit. Outside the conversation went a slightly different direction. Activist groups chanted and asked those in attendance to take a look at the real story behind Romney’s economic record.

According to critics, Romney’s claim to fame came from buying and selling companies despite the affect it would have on working employees and their families, all to make sure he profited and investors were not let down.

Throughout his run for the GOP nominee, his platform has remained the same, to lower taxes, reduce government spending and balance the budget. Bill Hurley, a St. Petersburg native, said he doesn’t believe Romney’s lip service for a moment. As a student he says tuition alone is unbearable, and buying books made by the Pearson book publisher is another headache.

“We want them to understand that there are people that need help—and not just walk all over us to get to where you want to be. It seems like he doesn’t care about the little people. He will step on who ever he can to get to the presidency and we can’t have a president like that.”

In a state where the unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country at nine percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one of the main concerns is the proposed tax breaks for those making over $1 million.

“They talk about trickle down economics, that’s not working and it never worked with Reagan and it’s not going to work now. What they do is they take their money and they keep their money—while we’re out here struggling to get jobs and to feed our families, they’re living rich and trying to figure out how many houses they can buy, or how many yachts, and an elevator for our cars to get it up to the next garage level because they’ve got so many cars.”

Though he claimed to be an Obama supporter, Hurley said voting in this election would be tough. Hurley also said he didn’t agree with the fact that Obama takes money from Wall Street.

“I hope he does away with that and goes back to his grass roots like he did when he was elected. That’s why I voted for him, and I think there’s still a chance for hope and change,” said Hurley.

For one woman, Julie Steiner, hope lied with Romney alone. She called the experience inside the Mirror Lake building wonderful and said she heard what she wanted to hear.

“I head that someone’s got a plan to get us out of the problems that we’re in,” said Steiner.

She blamed Obama for her own personal problems, which consisted of a depleted 401K, and a nephew who recently graduated law school and hasn’t been able to find work due to the grim job market.

“I think Romney’s gonna change it. He has the business experience that we need—Barack Obama’s in over his head, he doesn’t know what he’s doing,” said Steiner.

Rallies are expected to continue in the days leading up to the RNC in August, when Romney will formally accept the Republican presidential nomination.

This article was originally published on www.cltampa.com and can be viewed here.

If Dali were alive today, he may have celebrated his 107th birthday at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

The all day party began at 11 a.m. with children’s activities like arts and crafts, moustache painting, tarot and palm readings, and pin the moustache on the Dali. The museum also put up a large mural for children and their parents to finish.

In the evening, the Dali Museum hosted the live band Gentlemen Please. On the ground floor, guests were treated to more moustache face painting, and a photo booth with costumes and props. There were several look-alike contests including best moustache and best costume.

If you didn’t make it to the birthday, fear not! The Dali hosts weekly events for children and parents including Kids…Dillydally with Dali, which takes place weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the education classroom. It includes puzzles, games, and creative Dali-approved activities. Tuesday through Thursday at 11:15 a.m., guests can attend storytelling hour featuring selected books from the Dali library and store.

For a more relaxing Dali experience visitors can join a Sunday waterfront yoga class from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Avant-Garden. Cost of admission is $10 for members and students, and $15 for non-members.

For a full list of events, please visit  http://thedali.org/events/calendar.html.

Mainly a counter service operation, Preacher’s has been in business for about two years with a following of regulars that enter and exit briskly, knowing exactly what they want. For those who aren’t aware of this holy hog heaven, it would be nice to see a greater storefront presence, as it’s easy to pass.

The quaint place features an open-air kitchen with a simple counter. You can also dine-in at the cozy cafe style tables, but most people take-out, as meals are served in to-go fashion with disposable ware. Glance at the jazz décor on the wall while you’re waiting, or for spiritual guidance, browse through the open Bible displayed near the counter.

Upon entry, scents from the flaming grill emerge from the kitchen, luring me in like a siren of the sea. I’m helped with friendly service by the preacher’s sweet daughter. I ask her what most people like to order, and without hesitation she tells me the pulled-pork. The meats on the menu consist of ribs, chicken, brisket and pulled-pork, with regular sides like coleslaw and fried okra, or premium sides like sweet potato fries or mac and cheese. However, the premium sides aren’t always available every day of the week.

I order the ½ chicken platter for $7.99, which comes with a choice of two sides. I opt for sweet potato fries and collard greens, but the greens are only available on Friday and Saturday, and it’s a Wednesday. After conferring with the young lady behind the counter, I decide that the baked beans are worth a try, even though they’ve never been a favorite of mine.

The sections of chicken are juicy throughout, smoking fresh with an unmistakable grill flavor. The sweet potato fries are cut thick, requiring no heavy coating to enhance the natural flavor. However,  the beans – although good – are nondescript.

Although the chicken is the main event, the barbecue sauce is the kicker. The earthy condiment comes sweet, mild or hot. I choose the hot, which is spicy and hearty with red pepper corns. When referring to the sauce, the preacher comments, “Most people that don’t like it hot, like this!”

I splurge on a slice of homemade sweet potato pie for dessert. The consistency is soft, and flavors of sweet sugar and spice, with a hint of citrus, explode in my mouth – a new favorite, and a perfect ending to the meal.

Preacher’s is closed on Sunday and Monday, but open for soul-deep goodness every other day of the week. Catch the turkey leg special for $4.99 on Saturdays, or ask them to cater your next special event. Prices range from $6 for a sandwich up to $20 for a meal.

Check out the full menu at www.preachersbbq.com.

Preacher’s BBQ: 1040 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, FL (727)-388-7224

In one word: polished.

In an era and music genre that is often overrun with a litany of discontent egocentrics, misogynists, and materialists that the 1990s era of rap ushered in – whether intentional or merely as a latent function of the underground movement – bona fide hip-hop endures.

In hip-hop’s genesis, which revolved around a culture of protest and freedom of expression in the wake of oppression suffered by the Bronx’s proletariats during the 1970s, Tampa Bay Area voices give hope to a hip-hop generation and culture that has struggled in recent times.

In a decade that saw the death of Michael Jackson (and the media circus attached to his name), the shooting of Jam Master Jay, and the overdose of Ol’ Dirty Bastard; as well as last weekend’s boxing match where Justin Bieber helped carry the belts of the troubled Floyd Mayweather, Jr., the signs of the times are there for us to decode.

And the metronome of hip-hop ticks.

Perhaps the most foremost in people’s hip-hop musical memory is the recent and unfortunate passing of the legendary Beastie Boys’ MCA, Adam Yauch?

And the metronome of hip-hop tocks.

Tampa’s Joseph Correa – whose artist name is Soul Purpose – working with friend and colleague, Sean Burris – who is affectionately called Half Pint – find courage and talent in the Tampa Bay Area.

The title of their upcoming St. Pete event is The Movement, which is part of The Fusion Series because “we are fusing art and hip-hop together,” avers Correa. The Movement is being put together with the propitious help of local artist Loy Khambay, who offers the aid, guidance, and precision that only a good woman can provide.

With their succor, a DJ, a dance troop, seven artists, and ten musicians are set to perform Memorial Day Weekend on a multimedia platform at the Sake Bomb, with food and drinks provided.

***

The Movement started back in 2003 by Correa, Burris, and the late DJ Clips, who was the original DJ and an integral part of its birth. Correa admits to Burris’s admission of being the Simon Cowell of hip-hop.

“I am the Simon Cowell of hip hop. I am real, real hardcore about hip-hop, about the culture of hip-hop. I don’t like Lil’ Wayne. I am very honest,” Correa sincerely states.

Burris, who laughs a lot, seems to balance out Correa’s seriousness. Burris, who Correa half-jokingly calls “The Utilities,” for his renaissance-like ability to do it all, produces music and works with Correa in their business, Front Proof Media, which specializes in photography.

But the music side of them, of The Movement, began around 2000. And it has organically grown since.

“We’ve been making music for over ten 10 years,” Correa says. “And it just progressed from there … we started [The Movement] to create an avenue for people who are bored, just like us, who have talent, and don’t really know where to put that energy. We wanted to create a positive experience and atmosphere so that people would come and get to see what they do, to help build their confidence.”

“To get their stuff out there,” Burris interjects. “There’s so much talent, and nobody’s doing anything with it. What inspired me is that there is so much talent in the [Bay] area. Even with me, it was being lazy. It’s good to get something nice going.”

However, the start was rough and in 2003, they didn’t find much support.

“There wasn’t as much going on. It was new to everyone, so we started on a Tuesday night. We chose that night on purpose,” Correa says.

The purpose?

“To go against the grain,” Correa replies. “It started like that … and it kind of just kept growing. It just built a community.”

The Movement has helped pave the way for the Tampa Bay Area music scene and in particular, the hip-hop scene as a whole. It’s termed a “Movement” because their revolutionary route.

“We are on to some revolutionary stuff. We’re different,” Correa explains. “We don’t consider ourselves people who are in a box. We are of the people, and a movement starts with the people. It’s going against the grain. We wanted to do something different. We wanted everyone to come out. We wanted comedians, poets, breakers, hip-hop artists, acoustic acts, a lot of people.”

“It’s great because it’s like a four course meal. When you got there, you could get a little taste of everything because it wasn’t just like one thing … you could walk in and here a little bit of DJing, somebody doing slam poetry, then some comedy, then [get] hit with [some] hip-hop,” Burris adds.

From the time when the seeds of their talent were sowed in the gardens of trial and error, come the fruits of their labor. These artists have not just begun a movement in the Bay Area, but have also helped local talent become national recording artists. As such, celebrities have also been noted to appear at their events, such as actor and comedian, Bill Bellamy.

Now, after a hiatus for the birth of Correa’s daughter, both he and Burris are back on the scene and on the front lines.

“Now, bringing the series back, it’s about the next level of artists,” Correa asserts.

The Movement is currently looking for both professional and amateur artists who are polished, who want to get to that next level, and who really believe in themselves.

Burris says that polished means “the talent speaks for itself.”

“Someone who works on their stage show constantly, to have a following, and to take it very serious. Let’s make it positive,” Correa affirms.

In short, polished means focused.

“That’s what I wanna do now. Put together shows where they’re headline acts with people who are known, people who’ve built a name. I plan to do one show quarterly,” Correa says.

***

In addition to helping other artists and local businesses, as well as setting up this event, one their goals is to get The Movement moving – literally – and to give back to the community in the process.

“We want to move the series around. We want to turn it into a tour… Everywhere we go, we want locals on the bill, so we reach out to everyone everywhere we go. It’s not just we’re bringing our people. We show love. We want to connect to multiple people because that keeps the network broad,” Correa says. “We want to make sure it’s high quality, so when you come out you know it’s gonna be good. You know there’s no question. You know that it’s gonna be worth your time and your money.”

But just as the music and the event is important to Correa, Burris, and other contributing individuals, so too is community involvement.

“We also want to be responsible to the community. We wanna give back. Some of the proceeds we take in go to feeding the homeless and things like that. It’s important to me. It’s like the number one thing,” Correa exclaims. “We embrace the barter system. Again, it’s going against the grain. I think it’s very important in building a community and that trust.”

And that’s another reason why it is called The Movement. It is a movement that isn’t just about music, art, or self, but rather it is a social movement. These are socially responsible artists.

“We can’t just put shows on. I’m from Tampa. This is St. Pete. I give love back to St. Pete in order to get love back,” Correa says.

Even outside the realm of their music, they raise money and give it to the homeless, personally.

“It helps them eat and it helps me … to me, that’s beautiful,” Correa says.

Within the realm of music, they are offering food to the homeless at the event, and to those of us who also attend.

“We are trying to build this together. This is how it expands. Tampa/St. Pete will never be on the map in hip-hop or in any major music because everybody hates everybody. Now, everyone is working with everyone in Tampa,” Correa says.

As for St. Pete, Correa looks at Burris scratching his famous and prominent espresso colored beard and says, “I’m feeling my way around.”

Because this movement and series is coming across the bay from Tampa, let’s show Correa and Burris, along with the rest of the hip-hop culture and art community how loving and supportive we are in Da Burg. Let’s show them why our art district never closed down during one of the worst economic crisis in American history. Let’s show them that we are about family, community, and being positive by attending this event with an open mind and heart. And while there, as you interact with the many talented artists, drink your drink and eat some food somebody took the time to prepare for you, you can ask yourself: What’s my soul purpose?

Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; $5 with free drink; Food provided at event; Sake Bomb, 548 Central Ave. St. Pete.

For more information about The Movement, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/events/200041136781519/#!/OriginalMovement

https://www.facebook.com/events/200041136781519/

Cause for these headlines is not the average conservative politician, but the religiously conservative person.

As a Christian pastor and religiously hopeful person, I sadly think that the Evangelical and Fundamentalist churches are to blame for the tumultuous discrimination expressed in the current conservative rhetoric in the news media, in Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, and in the average politically savvy republican.

The influence religion has on society is possibly even more powerful than that of the news media – when God is used as justification for ideology, there is a dangerous power that follows.

Religion is literally defined as a way in which people are “tied” or “bound” together through sacramental rituals and belief systems. That which ties and binds isn’t always healthy, beautiful, or beneficial for the greater whole. This is visible in the hate speech and hateful acts of many religiously devout. From the blowing up of buildings (most notably, Timothy McVeigh and 9/11) to the current “War on Women” as titled by progressive groups fighting the Religious Right for the re-productive rights of women in North America. Much of this bigotry is often the reason people end up quoting Gandhi as he once said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

In the Christian community, many popular brands of Christianity deny women the right to leadership, they deny women their right as humans to have equal and loving relationships with their male partners, and they deny women the right to have relationships with those of the same gender. It’s common, from my experience in the conservative Christian community, for women to be bad mouthed in various ways as well – jokes about making sandwiches, working in the kitchen, and not having leadership roles outside children programs.

When God is considered a man both linguistically and figuratively, the patriarchy-problem thrives – ironically the language with which men worship this deity has many homosexual tendencies “Oh, How He loves us,” “He reigns in me,” “He is all I want” etc. This hyper-masculine culture in North American churches is strange because statistically, most churches are made up of women. Even still, the church leaders, marriage leaders, and general relational leaders are male. In this belief system the male person (a highly socially constructed entity) is the leader of relationships of every kind.

This convoluted relational “headship” is most recently visible in Real Marriage, Mark Driscoll’s (a conservative mega-church pastor) new book. He argues that wives should sexually submit to their husbands at the man’s every need. In a sermon from 2007 he said (and further unravels in his book),

“Men, I am glad to report to you that oral sex is biblical…The wife performing oral sex on the husband is biblical…Ladies, your husbands appreciate oral sex. They do. So, serve them, love them well. It’s biblical.”

With the doctrine and lifestyles of mega-church pastors, conservative laypersons, and religious political leaders, I argue that the male-oriented culture in Evangelical and Fundamentalist churches is cause for acts of legislative sexual assault, marriage discrimination, and the lack of change in the larger sociological situation we find ourselves within.

Christian radio stations, T.V. stations, bloggers, newspapers, magazines, websites, and the various other media outlets of the Religious Right have hijacked the notion of female inferiority and capitalized on it to “save” people, to raise financial support, and to promote homophobic legislation.

Speech to and about the mystery that surrounds human lives, the mystery we’ve called “God,” is a window into the activity of a community of faith. When we peek into the window of Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christianity, we see a vengeful God of hyper-masculinity and of domineering and coercive power. We, too, see a community created in this God’s image.

It’s this image that creates the androcentric system we must stand up against, for it’s this system that is created by a religious people giving in to sexism, racism, classism, militarism, and human-centrism.

The store recently launched its first of several clothing lines slated for release this year.

According to owner Sara Stonecipher, the MISRED Reconstructed Line is “taking vintage and altering it to reflect the current trends of the day.”

She was kind enough to talk to New Roots News about the new line.

Q. Has starting a clothing line always been a goal of MISRED or did this happen organically after opening the store?
A. I have always wanted to have my own line. I have been in the fashion industry for 20 years and in turn seen millions of articles of clothing. So, needless to say, I have a very refined idea of what I expect out of a garment. Unfortunately, to get quality as well as style today, you end up paying crazy prices. This, as well as all our MISRED lines, have a reasonable price point, won’t fall apart in the wash, and are designed to look like high end yet wearable.

Q. What does “Reconstructed” mean?
A. Reconstructed means we are re-configuring the original design in some way. Whether it’s creating a different hem line, adding vintage fabric, or simply adding elastic, we are constantly researching the current trends and finding ways to update our vintage to reflect them.

Q. Where do your materials come from?
A. The same places we get the vintage that fills MISRED Outfitters. We source vintage from estates and auctions all over the state of Florida.

Q. How many pieces are currently in the line? Will there be more?
A. Right now we have 15 different designs, but because each design is implemented to a unique vintage garment, we are truly providing one of kind pieces. We have new design ideas everyday so there will be much more to come!

Q. Has the line been successful? Is there any talk of expansion?
A. The line launch took me by surprise! The turnout was huge and we ended up selling 30% of the entire line in two hours! I have had to hire on more seamstresses and a production coordinator to keep it all running at full steam.  Right now we are focusing on the launch (date still to come) of the official MISRED line before we talk about expanding. While the reconstructed line will be exclusive to MISRED Outfitters, the official MISRED line will be sold at boutiques all over the country.

Q. What is the average price scale?
A. The reconstructed prices are about $25 to $40 and the MISRED line will be $50 to $75.

Q. Is there a congruous theme or style to the collection? If so, what is it and where did you get the inspiration?
A. The theme is Florida bohemian. Our pieces drape and flow and have lots of color and texture. I was never the flip flop and shorts kind of girl and as I am finding out, there are lots of people looking for a beautiful and effortless alternative; so MISRED is here to help!

Q. I’m sure all the pieces are amazing, but do you have any particular favorites?
A. The jean cut off shorts with the vintage fabric pockets and the vintage fabric cross tees have been super popular, but the favorite of the MISRED staff are the crochet fringe vests. They come to a point in the back and some even touch the ground they are so long! They have become a staple in all our wardrobes.

MISRED Outfitters is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. http://bemisred.com/

This Friday, the Burg is hosting “Save Bill” a fundraising party for Bill Georgiou, Owner of The Burg Bar & Grill, for a $25,000 life-saving operation for his recently diagnosed Achalasia.

Also happening tonight, the Dali Museum is celebrating the birthday of the Museum’s namesake with Dali’s Birthday Bash and Look Alike Contest from 7-10.

The day holds family friendly activities including mustache face painting and tarot readers while evening festivities will include live music from Gentlemen Please, a mustache contest, craft beer and a photo booth.

The Second Saturday Art Walk is back. Visitors can head to http://www.artwalkstpete.com/ to see participating galleries and events.

Trek Bicycle Store on 4th Street North is hosting St Pete’s Bike N’ Eat; a bicycle tour on Saturday at 3pm. The party will stop at four local restaurants and end the evening with pizza and beer at the Trek Bicycle Store.

FreeFall Theatre’s running play entitled The Room Next Door or The Vibrator Play takes place in the Victorian era, and a time when doctors used vibrators on women to cure them of “Hysteria.”

On Sunday FreeFall will host a Mom’s Night Out for Mother’s Day with “mom-tinis” and a talk back with the director and the cast.

The Craftsman’s House Gallery will host a Mother’s Day Brunch with seating’s at 10:30 and noon. The brunch will include special menu items. Afterward guests may browse the 6th Annual Invitational Teapot Show.

Originally a Parisian delicacy, these sweet pastries made their way to St. Petersburg via Le Macaron. Located downtown on First Street Northeast, this French pastry shop/café is a chain that offers handmade macarons for any occasion – whether you’re on your way to a movie at Baywalk, having a special event, or just stopping by to sooth your sweet tooth. Open since January 2012, the store already has a loyal following, including fans from the original location in Sarasota.

So why delight in these little French treats?

Originating in Paris, macarons are a meringue-based confectionery filled with either jam or cream. Not only is the taste extraordinary, but it’s hard not to feel like you’re biting into something exclusive. Maybe it’s their versatility.

“You can do whatever you want. It’s not just a pastry, it’s a box of macarons!” says Anthony Capoccello, owner and franchiser of St. Pete’s Le Macaron. “They can be presented as a gift for parties, weddings, or any other events.”

Not to mention they are a satisfying, light alternative to bring to the table, as opposed to a heavyweight dessert.

Le Macaron’s treats are slightly different than the ones found in Paris. For example, the size of macarons in France are sometimes smaller with sweeter flavors that are caused by the amount of sugar added. Different types of meringue, and the crunchiness of the exterior shell are also varying elements. Capoccello, who hails from Versailles City, France, informs me that there are currently 18 flavors of macarons at the shop.

“We had seventeen, but recently added the coconut,” he explains.

These pastries are periodically shipped to St. Pete’s Le Macaron from the original shop and bakery in Sarasota, where each one is handmade to perfection by two French bakers. When discussing why some flavors are chosen, Capoccello says, “You need to know what people want to have. It’s like cake, you can experiment with whatever flavors imagined.”

This creative process allows for experimentation with mixing herbs and sweets with basil white chocolate, or classic fruits like raspberry and lemon. Deciding which flavors to taste may be the hardest part of the experience, but regardless, you’re going to take something special home.

Many customers are particular with their choices.

“One woman comes in and chooses two pistachios on her way to the movie theater every time,” Capoccello says.

The assortment can be overwhelming at first, but if you know what you like, it’s easy to catch on. My first taste is the temptress black currant with a blueberry colored coating and rich jam like filling. Narrowing it down, I also choose the pistachio, raspberry, passion fruit dark chocolate, caramel, lemon, coconut, and white chocolate mint.

The first bite is like an airy egg shell, cracking and crumbling apart. Then, my teeth sink to the middle, reaching the delicate gooey – and sometimes creamy – filling I call heaven. Pistachio is a popular flavor with its cool, pastel green shell and visible specks of nuts. The center is as smooth as butter. Some macarons are reminiscent of a fortune cookie with a mild, sweet shell coating; the flavor develops once the palate meets the filling. Others are immediately bold, like the white chocolate mint that tastes like a shamrock shake.

When I ask Capoccello what his favorite flavor is, he can only answer, “All of them are my favorite, of course.” Later on, I get the feeling that caramel may in fact be it.

You can order one macaron for $1.80, or select box collections that contain 6 to thirty pieces and range from $10 to $48. The shop’s cases also contain designer chocolates, gelatos, and pastries like the delicious pain au chocolat – a baked croissant filled with chocolate (recommended with coffee).

Later this year, Le Macaron spreads the love with a new location opening up at the International Mall in Tampa. I have a feeling that anyone who visits a Le Macaron will soon have a favorite flavor, frequently returning for more … and more!

Visit Le Macaron’s website at www.lemacaron-us.com. (Note: Currently you can only order online through the Sarasota store.)

Le Macaron: 203 First St. NE, St. Petersburg, FL (727)-498-6481

Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-10p.m.

In 2012, Mitt’s a changed man. His foreign policy spokesman, Richard Grenell, resigned after only two weeks on the job. Grenell, a gay man, was tired of being badgered for being open about his sexuality.

Grenell is a passionate conservative and outspoken social media guru – he once deleted more than 800 tweets for political rants that could give just about anyone in public office trouble. He slammed President Obama in an article written for a gay online news site saying, “Could the first African-American president not be for total equality for everyone?” He noted that the democrats lead the way in gay-rights, but Obama has sluggishly tagged along.

However, with the pressure of gay rights activists, the recent vote for Amendment One in North Carolina, and Grenell’s scathing comments, the President has since come out and declared his full support of marriage equality.

Amidst Grenell’s conservative political career, he still managed to be happily gay. That is, until he resigned from the Romney campaign.

In a statement featured in The Washington Post’s “Right Turn” column, Grenell said:

“I have decided to resign from the Romney campaign as the Foreign Policy and National Security Spokesman. While I welcomed the challenge to confront President Obama’s foreign policy failures and weak leadership on the world stage, my ability to speak clearly and forcefully on the issues has been greatly diminished by the hyper-partisan discussion of personal issues that sometimes comes from a presidential campaign.”

It’s a sad day, yet a common one, when a gay person has to step down simply because of their sexual orientation. It’s strange to me that enlightened 21^st century people, who have a strong scientific sense, still reduce our lesbian and gay sisters and brothers to filthy nobodies.

Many news sites have reported on the issue of Romney’s team and the pressures it put on Grenell, questioning Romney’s ability to lead and choose effective team members. I see where they’re coming from, but I think they’re missing the bigger picture. Another gay person has quit their job because of office politics around their sexuality.

When a healthy committed relationship with a person of the same gender is enough to get you ridiculed to the point of resignation, more people should be getting angry.

Sexuality is not grounds for office discrimination and should be stopped. We must speak up, we must speak out.