Is it possible that you can be overreacting just a tad bit here? I saw the email and I didn't even think that from this flyer the Moe part, Larry, Curly and MOE (not "Mo", different spelling) could even be referring to Foley's sexual orientation. I don't think that's the way it's meant, still. It's just it fits with Larry, Curly and Moe, especially with Foley's screen name, Maf54, which also starts with an M.

Seriously, I think it's a bit of a stretch to think that DFA is referring to Foley's sexual orientation here.

David,

Please accept my apology. You took a completely different meaning from our e-mail image then we intended. The Larry, Curly and Moe reference was 100% about the three stooges. The photo was of Michael Brown who led FEMA during Katrina, President Bush who led America into Iraq, and Mark Foley who chaired the Missing and Exploited Children Caucus while instant messaging underage children about sex from his government desk. These guys are completely incompetent stooges. Attempting to be clever, we substituted Foley’s IM screen name, MAF54 with Moe.

None of any of part of it had to do with Foley being gay. None of us were even aware of that term or it’s derogatory meaning. I am disappointed that you could think it is possible that we could have meant that. DFA stands on three basic principles of social justice, fiscal responsibility, and grassroots activism. Social justice and GLBT issues go hand and hand. Equality, civil rights, human rights, freedom from discrimination, there is no left or right on these issues, there is only right and wrong. We stand together.

If you would like to have a dialogue with me on GLBT issues or discuss anything else, please don’t hesitate to write me at Field@DemocracyforAmerica.com or call me at (802) 651-3200.

Charles Chamberlain
Political/Field Director
Democracy for America

I don't make the same connection of Larry, Curly, Moe - the three stooges - as referring to what's his face as a homosexual. Maybe I didn't have the experience of folks using the term "Mo" to describe gay men ... they just called us queers and faggots (fags for short) in Michigan when I was growing up.

Anyhoo... I think you may be reading too much into this. DFA should know damn well that a lot of their organizers are of the fabulous variety, and they'd be idiots to try to piss us off.

It also didn't occur to me as a reference to the infrequently used expression "'mo." Some quick background, "mo" is short for "homo," which is obviously short for "homosexual." To 10 of eleven people in this office the reference was not merely obscure, it was unknown.

And the 11th person? That's me. The gay staffer.

But I'm not going to say "oh no! I should have known." I did know about the term, and I did see the poster. But even I didn't make the connection. I've had my fair share of dergatory comments made at my expense (I grew up in North Dakota. Vivid experiences. Enough said), but I honestly only saw the Three Stooges reference. In the poster, we did not call Foley a '"mo," nor did we intentionally imply it.

It's a fairly obscure term, even for me. In all honestly, The only times I or my friends use the term is when we (queer people) are wondering about or referring to someone and we don't want straight people in earshot to know what we're talking about.

I do a pretty good job making everyone in the office aware of overt and underlying issues of prejudice around LGBT issues. And issues which affect people of color. And issues surrounding bias against muslims. And issues reflecting blue-state bias, and northeastern elitism. I embrace my minority identities and advocate for them in the office and in life.

I am lucky to work in an office that not only promotes diversity in hiring, but also in understanding diversity while working. I wouldn't work here otherwise. Hell, when i travel around for trainings, I often look up nearby gay bars and take the staff, trainers, and sometimes the trainees out with me.

Incidently, did anyone see the "Daily Show" a couple days ago? Jon Stewart was making fun of the Republicans attempting to pin this as a gay issue. He pulled up an absurd chart outlining the "conspiracy" of gay republicans and made fictional titles. My favorite was the "Secretary of Fagriculture."

I laughed. I laughed hard. In fact, I printed it out, put it on my desk with the name "Arshad Hasan" on it. It was either that, or the "Deputy Director of Fabulousness."

We like to have fun at the DFA office. We never do it at the expense of any minority groups. In this case we took the three stooges, and seeing an opportunity to riff off a known cultural icon, we replaced "Moe" (not 'mo) with Maf54. Why? Because they both start with the letter 'M.' And it's funny. And because a lot of us wish we were as funny as Jon Stewart.

I can see how someone could have taken the photo the wrong way. But, I really appreciate Charlie and Arshad for clearing it up. Thanks to both of you!

(and thanks very much to Charlie for your clear statement of DFA's principles - I'm going to steal that if you don't mind)

:)
-JG

Charles:

You write "I am disappointed that you could think it is possible that we could have meant that."

Honestly, what would be the basis for me thinking something else? I have repeatedly asked what role the LGBT Community has to play in DFA, and I have been politely pushed to the side for several years now.

Sure, if it was someone I knew and trusted and had a relationship with, I would definitely give them the benefit of the doubt.

But we've never met. We've never talked. And I have no reason to believe LGBT issues are any part of the DFA agenda, after much effort on my part.

David Mariner

Oh Goddess, don't try the DC shuffle with us, we're not that stupid.

It's simply impossible to believe any other intent was meant.