Posted on 01/05/2006 6:28:55 PM PST by writer33
New YorkIn a brash, yet diverse move, New York has declared itself the first gay city in the United States, electing Wednesday, its first woman and first openly gay leader, a position widely regarded as the second-most powerful seat in city government.
Christine Quinn wept several times during a passionate speech to the 51-member council, thanking her father and her partner, Kim Catullo, who looked on from the audience, making New York the most diverse city in America.
Let me say that I am incredibly proud that in the most diverse city in the world, diversity is seen as a strength, and not an impediment, Quinn said. You wont find a gayer city in America. Say what you will about San Francisco, but they just marry them, we elect them here in New York. So start spreading the news!
Quinn, 39, a Democrat, was elected by a vote of 50 to 0, with one member abstaining in protest of what he said is an openly gay process of electing the speaker. Other council members had sought the job, but Quinn became a virtual lock because she was gay and fit the perfect image for New York City.
Quinn is reportedly one of 350 openly gay politicians serving in all levels of government nationwide, according to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, an organization that advocates for gay candidates.
That number of gays in public office was just 41 in 1991, group spokesman Dave DeCicco said. Before that, all politicians remained in the closet. Youve got to hand it to New York. Only this city could step up and set the standard in diversity. Thats the reason everyone loves New York!
The post is powerful mostly because of its influence over budget matters. Term limits and heterosexual behavior forced out her predecessor, Gifford Miller, whose run for mayor fell flat last year.
Historically, the City Council speaker seat has been used as a place to publicly slam Republican mayors. Long before Miller prepared to run against Mayor Michael Bloomberg last spring, he clashed with the Republican billionaire over just being Republican.
Reportedly among them was Bloombergs quest to build a new football stadium on Manhattans West Side, a venture that Quinn also opposed. But when asked this week how she would get along with the mayor, Quinn noted only that they have also worked together on various projects, for instance, to ban smoking in bars and restaurants.
Getting rid of smokers is a top priority, stated Quinn. In New York, were saying no to smokers and yes to gays and lesbians. Were truly the top of the heap when it comes to the welfare of New Yorkers.
Even though she wasnt specific, Ms. Quinn pledged to promote an aggressive leftist agenda, including efforts to extend term limits for council members from 8 to 12 yearsespecially since she is now electedto also develop a waste disposal plan, and to create new housing for gays and lesbians, desperate for places to stay under the Bloomberg regime.
Ms. Quinn noted that she envisioned her role as that of superior and elite to Mr. Bloomberg, adding that their relationship was headed for the rocks. During her speech on Wednesday, Quinn went a step further, saying that too often the City Council hasnt taken enough steps to rid themselves of conservative social policies.
Even though Bloomberg isnt what you would call a social conservative, hes still got the Republican behind his name, crowed Quinn. Were going to do something about that with this City Council.
Councilman James S. Oddo of Staten Island, the liberal Republican minority leader, said he has watched with admiration as Ms. Quinn has evolved into a skilled leader with a laserlike concentration since they both started out as Council aides in the early 1990s.
Shes tough, stated Oddo. Remember, shes a lesbian woman and shes going to be in Mr. Bloombergs face!
I just think this is wonderful, shouted Rep. Barney Frank, D-MA. My only wish is that she wouldve done something special with her hair. It looked terrible.
This is so good to hear that New York has decided to come out of the 19th century, said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. Electing a woman is a step in the right direction. Women have been victims in America too long. And best of all shes a lesbian. Now thats a gift that just keeps on giving.
Im so excited, said James Hanger, a tear-soaked, 46-year old openly gay Bronx resident and petroleum jelly salesman. This means more to me than you could possibly imagine. I just dont have the words to describe how I truly feel. I just love New York!
In electing Christine Quinn, New York has climbed the pinnacle of the diversity ladder, proclaiming their status as the first gay city and setting an example for other city councils to climb out of the 19th century. The move demonstrates in the end that New York is still king of the diversity hill after all.
Thanks for reading, Vision. Glad you enjoyed it.
She got full support from Queens.
:)
I am twisted, b.
What the H*** is "heterosexual behavior?"
Good eye, bts.
But I'm bent!!
So tired.................
Have a great new year, Chris.
Yep. New York has reached the top of the heap.
I thought that was decided when Bloomberg was re-elected.
Start spreading the news, indeed.
Heterosexual behavior is a man that likes a woman, meaning other than homosexual behavior.
You are bent.
:)
Same to you bts.
Or the bottom...as it were.
It was, but this makes it official. New York is now out of the closet.
:)
Definitely on bottom.
His "The Summer Wind" just takes me to another world.
******
The summer wind, came blowin' in from across the sea
It lingered there to touch your hair and walk with me
All summer long we sang a song and then we strolled that golden sand
Two sweethearts and the summer wind
Like painted kites, those days and nights, they went flyin' by
The world was new beneath a blue umbrella sky
Then softer than a piper man one day it called to you
I lost you, I lost you to the summer wind
The autumn wind and the winter winds, they have come and gone
And still the days, those lonely days, they go on and on
And guess who sighs his lullabies through nights that never end
My fickle friend, the summer wind
*******
Lord .........
Yeah. You seem like the type to like "The Summer Wind." That doesn't surprise me at all.
:)
Yeah yeah yeah........."Gee, I'm gay.....celebrate me. If I'm female, I hate the fact and love unnatural sex with other women. If I'm male, I hate the fact and love it up the ***. Aren't you ALL just soooooooooo proud of me???"
Note to gays: We don't like your lifetstyle. We find what you do disgusting. We don't care to have you flaunting it. We want you back in the closet. We don't "celebrate" you. You're a far smaller percentage of the population than you want everyone to know.
STFU and keep it quiet, damn you all.
Billy Jeff Clintoon is 'bentweenie'.
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