Morning Edition - 10/3/05

Meet Me In The Parking Lot At 5
It’s not enough to carry a concealed weapon legally and have the ability to use it if you have any disagreement that has you feeling threatened, now Florida has some seeking legislation that would allow them to bring their guns to work and stash them in their locked vehicles. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is, of course, a big supporter of this new sought-after legislation. There are already 353,000 folks in Florida with concealed weapons permits. Under the new law, employers who attempt to stop workers from bringing their guns to work would be committing a third degree felony and be liable for up to $5,000 in fines and five years in prison.

The One Shouting the Loudest
Usually the person shouting homophobic rants the loudest has engaged or is tempted to engage in some funny business. It’s my experience that a homophobe’s desire to deflect attention from their wants or behaviors serves to make them suspect of the same. Now, writer Keith Boykin, former President Clinton aide and writer of Beyond the Down Low, is taking a controversial approach to stifling the, sometimes hypocritical, tirades of ministers across the U.S. Boykin says that black gay men and women tend to visit black churches, rather than gay churches and it’s time that the hate spewed from these ministers toward the gay community stops. Boykin has taken a very controversial approach – he will simply research the various homophobic ministers and OUT anyone who is discovered to have had any homosexual interaction in their lifetime. The project has drawn criticism from both straight and gay groups, but ultimately, Boykin has said it is necessary to stop the hate. “I am not a fan of outing for the sake of outing,” Boykin said. “But I do believe in targeting homophobic ministers. We knew a lot of people — gay and straight — would be upset. But we have been too nice for far too long. In the 10 years I’ve been an activist, I’ve yet to see one minister change.” Presently Boykin’s website has put to question such ministers as T.D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long and even the Rev. Willie Wilson of DC, to name a few. To visit some of the profiles, go to http://www.keithboykin.com/

The Sky Is Falling!
Residents of Washington DC and as far reaching as Falls Church, Virginia were frantic on Saturday night when the Kennedy Center decided to launch their month-long Festival of China using a seven-minute fireworks display that sounded like a bombing or terrorist attack to area residents who had no knowledge of the event. The Washington Post reported hundreds of calls to area 911 operators who said folks were frantic. The show started at 9:50 p.m. Saturday night. "We are certainly sorry that people had that experience," said Adams, vice president for international programming at the Kennedy Center. "For the people who were here and read about it, it was on the banks of the Potomac, and it was a wonderful celebration."

Happy birthday Bobby!
The Cocoa Rican’s long-time friend and partner in crime, Bobby S., turns 41 today. The funny old-timer is spending his birthday with loved ones in Long Island, but will be making his way to the the Big Apple Saturday where we will celebrate the BIG day by catching The Gospel and throwing a few highly flammable spirits back for OLD time’s sake. Enjoy your day sunshine!

On Blast
Birthdays are something to celebrate – just look at the alternative. What person (deceased) do you wish could celebrate one more birthday? What would you write in the blank card you purchased to be read at their birthday party?

Keep passin’ the open windows…