MLK Service at Temple Emanuel, Friday evening, Jan. 12 at 7:30pm

Implementing Dr. King's Vision: What We Have Done in Montgomery County, and What We Need To Do in the Future. 

COUNTY EXECUTIVE IKE LEGGETT TO SPEAK AT THE ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., SHABBAT SERVICE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 12

The Temple is honored this year to have Montgomery County Executive Isiah (Ike) Leggett as the guest speaker for our annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Shabbat Service, to be held Friday, January 12.  The Service will begin at 7:30 pm.

     Ike Leggett last spoke at our MLK Service in 2004.  Elected as County Executive in 2006 and re-elected in 2010 and 2014, he is now completing his last year in office.  This will be an appropriate time to both look back and look forward.  His topic will be Implementing Dr. King's Vision: What We Have Done in Montgomery County, and What We Need To Do in the Future. 

    Growing up as the seventh of 12 children in a four-room house without indoor plumbing, Ike worked his way through Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was elected student body president and commanded the school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps, while at the same time organizing for civil rights.  Following his 1967 graduation, he served as a Captain in the United States Army, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal in Viet Nam.  Finishing first in his class at Howard University Law School in 1974, he worked as an attorney for the Department of the Navy and later joined the Howard Law faculty, where he served until 2006, taking time out in 1978 and 1979 to serve as a White House Fellow.  In 1981, Ike was appointed to the Montgomery County Human Relations Commission, becoming its chair in 1983, and serving on the Commission until his election to the County Council in 1986. He served on the County Council through 2002, including three years as Council President, and then was chair of the Maryland State Democratic Party from 2002 through 2004.

    The breadth of his commitment to social justice and the ideals of Dr. King are further illustrated by his participation on the boards of directors of the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes of Maryland, Metro DC PFLAG, the African American Business Council of Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Washington Area Housing Partnership, and the Montgomery County Boys and Girls Club. In 2007, he was the recipient of the first King-Heschel award from the Jewish Community Relations Council.

    There is no one better in our community than County Executive Leggett to help us celebrate the life and work of Dr. King, and to discuss the challenges ahead as we work to create a better country and world.  Please join us on January 12.

    We ask that people bring to the service non-perishable food for Manna Food Center.  As always a box for contributions is outside HaMakom.

     THE TEMPLE IS LOCATED AT 10101 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, KENSINGTON MD, ABOUT A MILE NORTH OF THE BELTWAY.

When the phony "War on Christmas" starts to become an actual War on 30% of the American Population.

A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that the percentage of Americans who identify as Christian dropped to about 70% in 2015. What happens when a demagogic President decides he can gain advantage by telling the 70% that they are under siege from the "others"?

As a Jew, when I was growing up in Silver Spring MD in the 1950s and early 1960s, I had the feeling that when people said "Merry Christmas," it was never out of malice, but just out of the sense that virtually everyone in their communities was Christian, and it was just a way of being friendly. This felt true even though a significant percentage of the people in my neighborhoods were also Jewish.

I never experienced anti-semitism that I could not easily shrug it off. And on the rare occasions when I was older and out in the world, those rare instances when something came up that could be deemed serious anti-semitism never really bothered me because, in late 20th Century America, being Jewish never was something that disadvantaged me. Indeed, I felt "culturally advantaged" because the Jewish culture in which I grew up fostered education, which turned out to be a very useful tool in navigating and progressing in America. And, in truth, this was the era in which, as with other immigrants before us, "Jews became White" in the view of the majority cultures. When Presidents said "Merry Christmas," it did not seem like an attack; and when they also said "Happy Holidays," they were affirmatively recognizing that we ALL belonged.

As American society became less overwhelmingly Christian, it became more polite to say "Happy Holidays," which encompassed not only Christmas and Chanukah, but also Kwanza and the totally secular and universal New Year's Day. It was not "politically correct." Rather, it was simply a matter of being inclusive.

But as people like the very un-Christian Bill O'Reilly at Fox sought to play on fears of White people (most of whom identified as Christian), they attacked the use of "Happy Holidays" as somehow an attack on Christians. This became a key factor in the culture of victimization, in which some politicians and right-wing groups sought to convince members of the dominant White culture (particularly those whose economic prospects declined as America lost its post-World War II economic advantages once other countries recovered from the War and were able to begin catching up with us) that they were under attack from "elites" (aka, Jews and "intellectuals") who looked down on them.

Still, this phony "War on Christmas" was more a joke than a threat until the leadership of the "defenders" of Christmas devolved to someone with true demagogic skills and a huge platform: Donald Trump.

When Donald Trump says "Merry Christmas," he seemingly always follows up with a comment like, "Isn't it great that now we can say 'Merry Christmas.'" The tone of voice and, most significantly, the snide remarks, turn the benign "Merry Christmas" into a weapon. He is not simply wishing the 70% of Americans who identify as Christian a joyous Christian holiday, but he is telling them that the Jews and the Muslims and the "intellectual elites" have been oppressing them, and that now he -- Donald Trump -- has saved them from these people who, in fact, only reside here by the sufferance of the "real" Americans (aka, White Christians).

As a Jew born in this country shortly after the Holocaust, my view of America included the sense of good fortune that I was born here, in this time and place. I never felt that anyone in the White House was out to marginalize me, or to turn my fellow citizens against me. But now, in the Age of Trump, I am beginning to experience what other minority groups have been exposed to for years (albeit not as overtly in the last half century as before): the potential danger posed by fellow citizens who are told that I am not truly or fully American and that I am their enemy.

In truth, I do not have fear about this deep in my bones. My optimism about America is too pervasive for that. But it is hard to watch what is happening now and not be very concerned that my faith in my fellow citizens may be in jeopardy if Trumpism deepens its hold.

Rich Madaleno for Governor of Maryland!

 Last night, Bobbi and I held a Meet & Greet for Maryland Gubernatorial Candidate, and long-standing State Senator, Rich Madaleno.  We have known and admired Rich for many years and believe he would be an outstanding governor for our state.  Watching him discuss a wide range of issues with a group of our friends last night reinforced this belief.  The best intentions in the world are not sufficient if you do not have an in-depth knowledge of the state and state government.  Rich has that knowledge. You can get a flavor of this by listening to a recent podcast he did with The Baltimore Sun.

And you can get a sense of Rich as a person, family man, and a great dad by watching this video: video . Also, please visit Rich's website .

Rich’s tireless and effective advocacy for LGBTQ rights, including Civil Marriage Equality and the Fairness for All Marylanders Act, led us to get to know him.  But that is not the only reason we endorse his candidacy to be Governor of Maryland. We are supporting him not just because he has done so much for the LGBTQ community, or because he is gay, or because he comes from Montgomery County, where we live.  We are supporting him because he is extraordinarily knowledgeable about state government, is a true progressive, and is a fundamentally good and decent person. For example, he led the successful effort in the last session of the General Assembly to insure that our State will provide funding to Planned Parenthood in the event that the Trump Administration and Congress cuts off Planned Parenthood from federal funding, cuts that would catastrophically deprive thousands of Marylanders of essential health services.   

In the next years, we will need a governor who can navigate through the enormous challenges we will face, including how to make and keep state government effective in the era of Trump.  We need a governor who knows how to do the job and we need a governor of whom we can be proud.  The primary election will be held this coming June 26.  We appear to be blessed with a number of good Democratic candidates for governor.  Our challenge is to pick the best one.  Rich has demonstrated that he is that person. His knowledge of state government, his effectiveness in the General Assembly, and his consistently progressive values -- not to mention the fact that he is a genuine mensch -- all make him a great choice.  

He also is the only gubernatorial candidate who is taking public financing for the primary election.  That means that individual donations are of the utmost importance at this juncture.  People may donate  here.

So please consider joining Bobbi and me in supporting Rich Madaleno for Governor.  He would be the governor we need, and the governor who would make us proud to be Marylanders.

Al Franken: Falling on his sword for the cause. Today, he is a hero.

If politics were fair, the allegations of inappropriate behavior by Senator Al Franken would have simply gone to the Ethics Committee. But politics is, sadly, not fair. Whether or not Franken should have resigned is now a moot point.

Everyone should be sure to take a few minutes to watch his statement on the floor of the Senate. Franken showed the grace, wisdom, and patriotism he has consistently displayed during his time in office. He clearly is not going to participate in any Democratic Circular Firing Squad. Nor should we. By falling on his sword, Franken has cleared the way to highlight the hypocrisy of the Republican political class.

Whatever the actual extent of his inappropriate behavior, Al Franken is a hero today. There are no "What abouts?" left for the Republicans to use, unless they want to go back to the last Century with Bill Clinton. Of course, they will try that, but it will ring much less true. (The Clintons should try to disappear from public view; their presence now creates more harm than good.)

Incipient Fascism: "If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die."

President Trump attacks various "non-white/non-Christian" groups, the free press, and the very concept of actual facts.  

He seeks to stack the judiciary with unqualified right wingers who have little, if any, appreciation for constitutional government.  And he supports a candidate for the Senate who has twice been removed from the Alabama Supreme Court for flouting the rule of law.

He happily embraces policies that disenfranchise the poor and minorities and perpetuate gerrymandering.

He gleefully brings back the concept of private prisons, to be filled, often, with people who should not be imprisoned.

He appoints people to his Cabinet who are acting to push LGBT people back into the shadows, if not the closet.

He  enthusiastically embraces almost every authoritarian ruler he can find.  

He repeatedly lies about his tax policies, asserting that they are for the working and middle classes when, in fact, they will only provide meaningful benefits for the super-rich.  

All of this smacks of incipient Fascism.   

In the middle the 1940s, the scourge of Fascism was turned back because the United States had the economic and military strength to destroy it. Had we failed then, the world would be in a new Dark Age. But we succeeded, and progress continued (as bumpy as that progress has been.)

Today, there are three remaining big powers in the world: The United States, Russia, and China. The latter two are essentially Fascist states. If the United States becomes a Fascist state, as well, then all the world's social progress since the Enlightenment will be in dire jeopardy.  Which means that those of us in America who recognize the threat have an enormous responsibility to resist this creeping (and perhaps galloping) Fascism and protect Democracy. 

To quote Victor Lazlo in Casablanca, "If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die."  The years 2018 and 2020 may be as significant as the fictional Lazlo’s 1941.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Service and the Spiritual Journey of a Fine Woman.

Last night I attended the Montgomery County Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance Service at the United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley in Germantown MD.  I came representing my synagogue, Temple Emanuel of Kensington MD, and the Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG.  Speaking were people from many denominations, including Jewish (three rabbis!) and Muslim.  It was a moving, somber in remembering the people who had been murdered because of their gender identity, and ultimately uplifting evening.  The readings pictured here show the best of religion.

"Draw the circle wide."

"There is room for all, there is room for all." 

One of the speakers was L J Ingram, a transgender woman who recently has become a good friend.  After the service, I told her how much I was moved by her remarks and asked if she had published them.  L J, a deeply spiritual and humble person who has gone about the quiet work of helping other transgender people, said she had not, and was reluctant to do so because of her feeling that she had left her story in God's hands.  I responded by noting that President Kennedy had said that in this world, "God's work must truly be our own," and that Dr. King always reminded us that "human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of [people] willing to be co-workers with God." I offered to publish her remarks on my blog, if it was ok with her, with or without mentioning her name.  This morning  L J emailed me the text of her presentation for such publication, adding, "Yes, you may reference me as you make use of my spiritual journey,"  Thank you, L J, for not hiding your light under a bushel.  I believe that her testimony can help others, whether cisgender or transgender on their spiritual journeys. 

Here is L J's presentation from last night:

I seek your prayers. These prayers are not for me. These prayers are for all who have been and are victims of hatred and ignorance. So often, I shout out to the Great Divine... “WHY? Why must so many be oppressed?”

I now offer some words on my experiences and the source of my Faith to keep walking. 

My experiences are my own. I suggest the experience of each transgender person is their own. Furthermore, no matter the individual, whether they identify with a gender, two genders, or no gender... for me... we are all in this life together as One. 

My transgender journey began when I was three years old... You can guess by my grey hair... this was a few years ago. 

Here are some highlights of my journey experience which my God tells me can benefit others. It is because of these experiences and my Faith, I can keep walking in Faith and be present for others.

• In the 1980s, I shared my inner self with members of my family and church.
• Within a year of my sharing this truth, I found myself being sent to reparative therapy. 
• Next, I was in divorce court. 
• Members of my church’s leadership were in court speaking against me.
• The legal authorization for divorce? “Emotional and Mental Abuse.”
• I lost custody of my son.
• As my son became an adult... for 10 years he chose to be estranged from me. I did not know where he lived.
• Having been rejected by my church, I became an active alcoholic. I began to pray to the “black cloud of death” to come and take me. 
• One day, I felt the cloud come before me. Not being prayerful to God at that time, I now know, the following words were a prayer as I called out, “Oh God, I’m killing myself. I need help.”
• Help came. I learned from a good psychologist I had what was referred to as Gender Identity Dysphoria.
• After I transitioned, a significant weight fell away from me. 
• In time, I found a church home which accepted people no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• My son came back into my life and I'm married to a very special woman.
• In Life, my prayers have changed. I now pray for my God to have me and do with me as God wills. I am walking in Faith.

Even with my Faith, anti-transgender acts of hate in society weigh upon me and my family. 

In response, as I walk in Faith, I raise these questions up to God:

• “Why did a family reject their transgender child and push them out of their home?”

• “Why were two young transgender women accosted in Wheaton, Maryland by two men while they walked into a 7-Eleven?”

• “Why was a young transgender women killed while she was walking in her apartment’s parking lot in the middle of the day?”

• “God! What will bring understanding and acceptance between all people?”

Without answers, I keep walking in the Light. 

List of LGBT/DSF related links

October  7 , 2017 Communities United Against Hate program brochure

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58b4706fa5790ad8fdf51689/t/59d7aaa12aeba55aaa05168b/1507306145558/CUAH+Program+v6+FINAL.pdf

February 23, 2017 on Cronkite News (Arizona PBS): Report on Trump withdrawal of federal school gender identity guidelines

https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2017/02/23/state-officials-welcome-feds-reversal-of-transgender-students-rule/

November 17, 2015 on presentation at PFLAG National Convention
http://davidfishback.blogspot.com/2015/11/successful-public-school-lgbt.html

October 25, 2015 Heschel Vision Award

http://davidfishback.blogspot.com/2015/12/heschel-vision-award-jews-united-for.html

January 15 , 2015 on Truth Wins Out report on Randy Thomas recantation, including my comment

https://truthwinsout.org/opinion/2015/01/40517/

September 25, 2014 on Comcast Newsmakers discussing LGBT youth and safe schools

https://comcastnewsmakers.com/2014/09/25/lgbt-youth-safer-schools-2/

November 1, 2013 Metro Weekly reporting on my interview on Fox 5 News on the Dexter Manley comments

http://www.metroweekly.com/2013/11/metro-pflag-dcs-david-fishback/

May 24, 2012 PFOX FOIA Receipts from MCPS on “secret” emails, including several from me

http://pfox.org/secret-emails-montgomery-public-schools.pdf

May 9, 2012 on WUSA 9 debate with Chris Plante on Obama announcement in favor of civil marriage equality.  Beginning at 5:28.  Only the first minute.
https://archive.org/details/WUSA_20120509_210000_9News_Now_at_5pm/start/1740/end/1800

March 22, 2011 on Fox News 5: Debate on Exodus International App with Peter Sprigg

https://www.facebook.com/mikefishback/videos/817021819561/

February 17, 2011 on Fox News 5: Debate on Maryland Civil Marriage Equality with Peter Sprigg

https://www.facebook.com/mikefishback/videos/803047389431/

May 2007 on NewsTalk, News Channel 28: Debate on MCPS Curriculum with John Garza of Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum

http://vigilance.teachthefacts.org/2007/05/newstalk-transcript-first-part.html

 http://vigilance.teachthefacts.org/2007/05/newstalk-transcript-second-part.html

President Trump speaks to hate group

It is often hard to focus on one particular outrage by President Trump, when he commits so many every day. So I will just stay in my particular lane of particular experience and discuss for a moment the significance of today’s first-ever presidential address today to the Family Research Council's Value Voters Summit. The Southern Poverty Law Center has long-identified the Family Research Council as a hate group, based principally on its vicious hostility to LGBT people.  SPLC definitively lays out the case here:  https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/family-research-council 

For a President of the United States to address the most visible convocation of a national hate group is frightening.  In my heart of hearts, I do not believe that the progress made on LGBT rights and acceptance in our society will be reversed.  Still, when the President embraces without qualification a Senate candidate, Roy Moore, who affirmatively states that “homosexual activity” should be criminalized and that same-gender marriages should be abolished, and further removes federal protections of LGBT people , it sends a chill up my spine.  In a Trump World, my sons and their husbands and my grandchildren are at risk. 

I know from my own direct experience how anti-gay the Family Research Council is.  Between 2005 and 2014, during the ultimately successful struggles to secure sensible LGBT-related health education curriculum and anti-discrimination policies in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools, see here, I worked to fend off bogus claims and frivolous lawsuits brought by groups including PFOX (“Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays"), whose representative in these disputes was Family Research Senior Fellow for Policy Studies Peter Sprigg.  I debated Mr. Sprigg many times, on paper and in public testimony before the Board of Education and on television on MPT’s State Circle, Fox News 5, and Bruce DePuyt’s NewsTalk program on News Channel 8, as well as in the newspapers.  See here and here.  However gently Peter may speak, he repeatedly makes erroneous statements about LGBT people, consistently presses the discredited notions of “reparative therapy” to make gay people straight, and takes the position that "homosexual activity" should be "criminalized."   See, also, for example here, here, and here..

Lately, Donald Trump has been touting the campaign promises he is fulfilling, like destroying the Affordable Care Act, ending the nuclear deal with Iran, and killing environmental regulations.  He conveniently ignores his campaign statement that he would be "much better for the gays" than Hillary Clinton, and his  promise “to do everything” to protect LGBTQ people.  See video here.  Well, I suppose that I should present the full quote, as it is in the video.  In the wake of the Pulse Nightclub killings, he promised to protect LGBTQ citizens from the “oppression of a hateful foreign ideology.” But he did not promise to protect them from the oppression of a hateful domestic ideology.

NOTE:  In Montgomery County, we are not putting up with the Trump/Pence/Sessions/DeVos/Family Research Council homophobic/transphobic agenda.  See  http://davidfishback.blogspot.com/2017/03/recap-and-resources-sexual-orientation.html

ADDITIONAL NOTE:  The departure of Bruce DePuyt from News Channel 8 is most likely part of the fallout from the purchase of the station by https://www.washingtonian.com/2017/01/11/bruce-depuyt-out-at-newschannel-8-and-wjla/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvtNyOzGogc.  There is a concerted effort by Trump and his allies to stamp out fair reporting and discussion.