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Frontiers in LA
News Editor at Frontiers in LA, a gay-lifestyle magazine, and blogger at LGBT POV, the Huffington Post and Bilerico.com
PROFILE
Karen Ocamb
Guest
FROM Karen Ocamb
Which Way, L.A.?
Obama's Second Inaugural: From DC to Southern California Today, President Obama made his second inaugural address to the nation. In his address, he linked Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall… respectively landmarks for women's rights, civil right and the rights of gays and lesbians. Environmentalists and other Obama supporters have been critical of what they perceive as the President's failure to address what they think is the most important issue facing the planet Earth. Today, he addressed the threat of climate change. How did it all sound in Southern California, the nation's most diverse region, often said to embody America's future? What was the impact of inaugural poet Richard Blanco and the benediction given by Rev. Luis Leon.
Which Way, L.A.?
A Rumble in West Hollywood Since it was incorporated 27 years ago, West Hollywood has been known worldwide as a "gay destination." Some 37% of its residents are gay or lesbian. Now its reputation for enlightened self-government is under challenge. In next month’s city council election, veteran incumbents are accused of selling out to developers. Would term limits make for a healthier democracy? Or does their institutional memory make them more valuable than ever?
Which Way, L.A.?
Ninth Circuit Delays Gay Marriage until December Same-sex marriage in California has been put on hold once again, this time by a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. District judge Vaughn Walker, the one who found California’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional , ordered marriages to begin day after tomorrow. Today the Ninth Circuit, without explanation, said arguments about a possible appeal will begin the week of December 6. Karen Ocamb, editor of Frontiers in LA, blogs at LGBT POV .
Which Way, L.A.?
Same-Sex Marriage in California? Not Yet Federal judge Vaughn Walker gave gay and lesbian couples what they wanted today, but then snatched it back for the next six days. Last week, he declared that Proposition 8's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional , but delayed the effect of his ruling until today. Couples lined up at some courthouses in hopes his decision would go their way, and it did, but the judge created still more uncertainty.
To the Point
Same-Sex Marriage in California Same-sex marriage is legal in California, at least until November, when voters are likely to get the chance to overturn last week's ruling by the state supreme court. The Massachusetts Supreme Court was first, back in 2003, the only other state that's legalized same-sex marriage . But the ruling in California went further, saying that discrimination against homosexuals is the same as racial discrimination. Many gays and lesbians are celebrating the opinion by Chief Justice Ron George, a former prosecutor appointed by a Republican Governor. Does the decision nullify "the will of the people," since a statewide same-sex marriage ban passed overwhelmingly eight years ago? Can the people nullify the court that nullified them? What's the likely impact on other states and the presidential campaign?
Recommended
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?