california supreme court upholds gay marriage ban

The Supreme Court of California voted 6-1 today to uphold a law which can only be described as one thing: discriminatory. The continuation of the ban on gay marriage in California is a sad example of the legal system being used to strip American citizens of the basic rights the Constitution is supposed to protect.

The court backed its decision by saying that it doesn't have the authority to overturn the majority of voters who supported Proposition 8 back in November. However, opponents of the ban argue that the state constitution was altered in order to make the final decision, which resulted in the restriction of fundamental rights protected by the California state charter.

Interestingly enough, the court decided that the nearly 18,000 marriages which took place in California prior to Prop 8 would remain recognized by the state. Frankly, this apparent attempt at appeasing the gay community will do little to nothing to address the concerns of the gay rights movement. Protests are already planned in over 100 cities, and I have no doubt that new legislation aimed at overturning the ban will be speeding its way towards the ballots.

While I have no doubt that in time, gay marriage will be available nationwide, it is disturbing to see that people are still being influenced by ridiculous and offensive arguments against the gay community. Perhaps most pathetic are the "pro-family" arguments spearheaded by leaders of the anti-gay movement, including the Church of Latter Day Saints, which donated millions of dollars towards the Prop 8 initiative. It's no wonder that being gay continues to be a dangerous social taboo in so many parts of the country.

It's time that the discriminatory and cowardly influence of the anti-gay movement is wiped away from American politics so that we can begin to move towards a truly free and equal nation.

One love,
Jeet

oddworld: a tribute to the odd

"Hello."
"Hello."
"Follow me."
"Ok."

Thus was the standard interaction in what has been and always will be my favorite gaming series ever: Oddworld.

While most parents in the late 90's were concerned that video games would turn their children into gun-hungry, sex-crazed maniacs, the Oddworld series was busy at work inspiring a new, and highly odd, generation of revolutionaries.

On the surface, Oddworld's virtual experience allowed me to destroy meat packaging plants, possess terrifying native wildlife, and save entire races from extinction. However, Oddworld wasn't all fun and games, as it exposed its fans, both young and old, to major social and political issues. From environmentalism and industrial exploitation to human rights and political oppression, I have no doubt that Oddworld's weird approach towards such topics had a major impact on my fledgling mind.

But when all is said and done, what continues to be an inspiration to me are the mind-blowing creative aspects of the Oddworld series. The artistic elements of the game along with the extremely tight and thought inspiring plot progressions continue to bring me back for more.

Now, years after the series had been cancelled, it seems like there is hope for diehard fans like myself: last May, Jeff Braun, co-founder of gaming giant Maxis, announced that a new Oddworld game is in production last. Lorne Lanning, president of Oddworld Inhabitants, confirmed the statements. Unfortunately that is about all we know, and since this announcement was made over a year ago we have yet to find out any new details.

Until we do I'll continue to fire up the old school games on the PlayStation, sticking it to the man Oddworld style.

In Odd we trust,
Jeet

beinArt: a truly surreal experience

For those of you who have spent endless nights contemplating the state of Picasso's mind during his waning years or devoted entire weeks towards deciphering the true meanings of Dali's most bizzare of works, have I found the artistic collection for you.


beinArt.org is a truly surreal experience filled with Darwinian mishaps, transcendent visions, and general insanity. The site features paintings, sculptures, drawings, and digital masterpieces from over 500 artists from around the world, more than enough to make the average person's brain implode. From the pioneering works of visionary Alex Grey to the brilliant and colorful masterpieces of Luke Brown, beingArt provides up and coming surrealist artists an outlet to showcase their talents to the general public, whether or not this public is prepared for the mental onslaught.

Of course, each artist has his or her own distinct style and personality. While some aim to inspire, others aim to shock, while still others seem to have no particular aim at all. Regardless, it is clear that beinArt provides a look into a totally different world, one that the majority of people are unaware of, or even scared to approach. Spend even a few minutes looking through the collection, and I guarantee your third eye will be stirred, however slightly.

Push the envelope, watch it bend,
Jeet

pawlenty plans to veto medicinal marijuana bill

After major bipartisan efforts by lawmakers, the Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill yesterday which would be the first step in legalizing medicinal marijuana in the state. Sadly, Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has made it clear that he will veto the bill, effectively shattering the hopes of thousands of patients suffering from chronic illnesses in the state. Pawlenty's promise to veto the bill is another jarring example of a politician who is more concerned with his image than with the people he supposedly serves.

Unfortunately the final version of the bill which was passed would have done little to truly help suffering patients. In fact, the bill limits the use of medicinal marijuana to terminally ill patients, effectively preventing its use by thousands of patients suffering from other chronic illnesses. Furthermore, cancer patients wishing to treat chemotherapy-related nausea would be denied access to medicinal marijuana. Finally, the bill prevents terminally ill patients from growing their own marijuana, making accessibility a major issue.

Regardless of these drawbacks, the enactment of the bill would be a major step towards real marijuana policy reform in Minnesota. Hundreds of studies have made it clear: marijuana has medicinal uses. For this reason 13 states in the U.S. have already legalized medicinal marijuana. Pawlenty's promise to veto the bipartisan bill not only goes against the demands of progressive Minnesotans, but once again shows the Republican party's inability to see through the social taboos which have led to their continuous failures in recent years.

Free up the herb,
Jeet

the biblets have arrived

Welcome to Biblet Nation.

Our goals here are simple: question, understand, criticize, and inform.

Live amongst the biblets, and perhaps you too will be enlightened in time.

Best,
Jeet