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Would He, Or Wouldn't He?

President Trump Apparently Uplifts the Kremlin at US' Expense

Over the past two years or so, we have been subject to a President-elect and now President who erodes our confidence in our institutions, at least when they are run by a former reality star. In a recent press conference, when asked if the Russians are actively interfering in our elections, Donald Trump said what most of us are thinking: "No, thank you." But alas, the Trump Administration is here to stay (for now), and the LGBTQ Community, plus all of Tulare and the United States, are jeopardized by a seemingly misguided President.

President Trump may not want to comment on Russian intereference, but he is thereby ignoring ample evidence to the contrary. In particular, the countless intelligence agencies of our country act as a chorus of support for this notion. The recent meeting in Helsinki between Putin and Trump showed many of us that our Commander-in-Chief is not vigilant, let alone deterrant, of Russia, opening us up to bad actors.

This matters to Tulare organizations like this LGBT Organization, especially because Tulare's Rep. Devin Nunes has created numerous documents and memos that support the agenda of the President in this matter. Tulare's interests are contringent upon the success of the federal government, just like everywhere in our country, and Tulare needs attentive electeds, like any city.

The LGBTQ Community is also watching the Russia investigation closely, but for different reasons. In this community, folks are curious whether or not the current administration will be held to account for their transgressions and allegations. This, rather than allowing them to apparently create distractions and inflict harm on minority communities, such as through the failed 'Transgender Ban' in the military. 

As a result of this urgency and relevance to communities, all our collective jaws dropped when the President of the United States went on-air to distinguish between "would" and "wouldn't". Clearly, this administration was reluctant to admit there was even a problem, as Trump tweeted and made comments supporting his press conference with Putin, during which he made it clear who he trusted and whose advice he was willing to believe. Hence, the President gave frustrated and impeachment-minded citizens yet another reason -- if not treason.

Blaine M.L.

Devin Nunes Vs Andrew Janz

Rep. Devin Nunes Faces Strong Challenger in Andrew Janz

by Blaine M. Leal

               In the upcoming November election, for Tulare’s House of Rep's 22nd District, Devin Nunes -- the incumbent Republican -- faces a closer-than-usual race against the Democratic candidate: Andrew Janz. On one side, Rep. Nunes has represented South Fresno, Visalia and Tulare since 2003, with an internationally-known persona; Challenger Andrew Janz, a Democrat, offers a totally different but a more compelling and impressive professional resume and leadership portfolio.

               Representative Devin Nunes is a larger-than-life figure, both known anecdotally, as well as in his social media and news-show presence. A quick glance at his Twitter page, for instance, shows him in-action on various Fox News (good for corporate profits, does nothing about the pot-holes) programs and other television and radio shows -- thanks, Dev. Rarely does he reference the Central Valley, let alone his hometown of Tulare (Go Tribe?). In this regard, Rep. Nunes appears disconnected, or at least very distant, from his constituents in the city of Tulare.

               Andrew Janz, on the other hand, indicates on social media that he is focued on and cares about Tulare and is invested in the region's success, at least enough to address these issues publicly. On the Janz Campaign Instagram, for example, numerous posts reference the business development and environmental health of Tulare, important issues for potential voters, in the opinion of this Chapter Leader.

               Since Donald Trump took office, Rep. Devin Nunes has caused well-publicized rifts within the House Intelligence Committee because, according to his Democratic counterpart on the Committee, Adam Schiff, Nunes has breached protocol and ignored his colleagues, showing that the current representative seems preoccupied with the Trump-Russia issue. His dealing with the Nunes Memo, taking place within shady circumstances in the White House garden, further illustrates his many distractions. 

               In contrast the Janz website outlines about twenty (yes folks, two-zero) specific issues and how he plans to address them. In them, he takes the EPA to task for water quality and delivery, and he emphasizes his support of the LGBTQ Community: “I will fight any attack on same-sex marriage and…bills that threaten the dignity and safety of transgender Americans," in addition to promising to protect Dreamers.

                Moreover, Ballotopedia indicates that Nunes’ campaign received over $1.3 million, much more than the $278,000 that Janz received through June, showing that Nunes has a clear advantage, if only money-wise. 

Chapter Leader's Poetry

The Chapter Leader of LGBT Tulare, Blaine Leal, has recently released his first book of poetry, having earned a B.A. in English from Cal Poly. Many of the themes discussed are LGBTQ-related, and several narrative scenes take place in and around Tulare.

This 'chapbook' of poetry has been in-the-works for about five years, or since 2013. Along the way, Blaine has gained new ideas and a different perspective, providing an excellent background for a booklet of thoughtful and imaginative poems.

Several of the poems allude to contemporary social issues, such as climate change and the criminal justice system. Others are more personal, including those about the author's artistic process, inner dialogue and motivations. 

Within these poems, which include 'Wells', 'Eclipse', and 'Fashion Show', the reader is taken on a rhythmic journey of learning, self-discovery and imagination. As the chapbook unfolds, the topics become increasingly potent and relevant; hence, the final two poems are 'Complex Sentences' and 'War, On The Rocks', two poems about important contemporary social and political issues. This poetry collection gradually unveils different pieces of the puzzle that make this author, Blaine Leal, an 'America(n)'.

Blaine's poetry chapbook is available on Amazon Direct Publishing for five dollars, and can be found by clicking here.

 All content by Blaine Leal