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Marlin Bynum
Irving, TX
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Marlin commented on the article |
Subject: Joint Statement from Sen. Wendy Davis and Rep Lon Burnam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bernie Scheffler
July 1, 2009 http://www.facebook.com/l/;512.463.0110
Today State Senator Wendy R. Davis and State Representative Lon Burnam issued the following joint statement.
From: State Senator Wendy Davis and State Representative Lon Burnam
Re: Incident at Rainbow Lounge, 651 Jennings Ave., Fort Worth on June 28, 2009
We want to provide you with an update of our response to concerns raised about the actions taken by City of Fort Worth Police officers and Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission agents on the early morning of June 28, 2009 at the Rainbow Lounge, which is located in the Fort Worth portion of the districts that we represent. We are deeply concerned about eye witness accounts of the events that occurred that morning and intend to activate all possible investigatory methods to learn the truth about those events.
As part of learning as much information as possible about the incident at issue, we requested a meeting with Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission. As a consequence of that request, today we met with TABC representatives Joel Moreno, Chief of Field Operations, and Carolyn Beck, Public Information Officer. In that meeting, we made a very detailed request for information regarding the factual events that occurred at the Rainbow Lounge on both June 25, 2009, when TABC agents first conducted investigation activity at that location, and on June 28, 2009, when TABC agents returned to that location. Additionally, we requested detailed information with regard to the TABC agents' compliance or non-compliance with procedures and policies of TABC as those are expressed in the TABC Enforcement Division Policy, Procedures & Forms manual.
It is our hope that through a thorough investigation and analysis of the events that occurred at the Rainbow Lounge, particularly in the early morning hours of June 28, our community and those outside our community who have raised concerns, will be able to get the answers they need to their valid questions. Most importantly, Chad Gibson and his family, for whom we are deeply concerned, deserve answers.
To that end, we intend to make a written request to TABC for answers to the questions raised in the meeting that we held today. Tomorrow, we will issue a joint letter detailing that request.
Additionally, in order to assure that we and the community at large receive the answers deserved regarding the events of that morning, it is our hope that an objective, outside investigation be made which would examine internal investigation reports of both the Fort Worth Police Department and the TABC, as well as eye witness accounts. Through such an independent review, truth will be best assured. Our community deserves to know whether unacceptable actions were taken at the Rainbow Lounge, and, to the extent they did, that the persons responsible for those actions will be held accountable.
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We appreciate their work and concern on this issue, and we continue to ask for an immediate independent and public investigation of the raid on Rainbow Lounge. -
Marlin commented on the article |
The TABC Press Release.
For Immediate Release
July 1, 2009
TABC and FWPD Joint Inspections Result in Multiple Arrests
In the early morning hours of Sunday, June 29, 2009, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) agents and officers from the Fort Worth Police Department, conducted joint inspections of three TABC-licensed locations in Fort Worth to ensure compliance with state alcoholic beverage laws and local ordinances: The Rosedale Saloon located at 150 W. Rosedale, Cowboy Palace located at 160 W. Rosedale, and the Rainbow Lounge located at 651 S. Jennings.
The Fort Worth Police Department arrested 15 individuals for public intoxication, including nine males at the Rosedale Saloon and the adjacent Cowboy Palace, one male at an unlicensed location, and four males and one female at the Rainbow Lounge.
At the Rainbow Lounge, TABC agents placed one individual under arrest, Chad Gibson who was injured while in the agents’ custody. Mr. Gibson was released to paramedics for treatment of alcohol poisoning and a head injury and transported to a local hospital.
“We are saddened that this incident occurred and extend our sincere hope that Mr. Gibson recovers quickly,” said TABC Administrator Alan Steen. “I have initiated an internal affairs investigation to answer questions about how these locations were chosen, to review the agents’ actions, and specifically to establish the facts surrounding Mr. Gibson’s injury."
Anyone who witnessed employee misconduct is asked to contact Lt. Andy Pena, Acting Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility, at opr@tabc.state.tx.us or call 512-206-3405. Information about how to file a complaint against a TABC employee, and about agency policy on employee investigations, can be found on TABC’s website at www.tabc.state.tx.us.
“I take seriously all allegations concerning inappropriate or illegal behavior by our employees. We have in the past, and we will in the future, take action against any employee found to have violated agency policy or the law,” continued Steen.
TABC conducts approximately 128,000 inspections of approximately 40,000 licensed locations statewide each year, looking for violations of the law. One of the agency’s key performance measures is to inspect at least 78.5% of licensed locations each year. During a 12-month period, typically about 96% of licensed locations in Texas are inspected at least once. Licensed locations that have complaints filed against them or previous public safety violations may be visited more frequently.
Contact: Carolyn Beck, Public Information Officer, 512-206-3347
Carolyn Beck Public Information Officer Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission www.tabc.state.tx.us 512-206-3347 carolyn.beck@tabc.state.tx.us
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Marlin commented on the article |
I was able to drive over from Irving to attend a community forum that was already scheduled in Fort Worth by the Police Deparment there. It was a very interesting evening to say the least.
It is my belief that Chief Halstead is wanting to find out what happened that night. During the meeting he recieved news from the TABC office that says they will also be conducting an internal investigation, with the Fort Worth PD is already doing. I looked on the TABC website for the press release and could not find it. I wrote an email and recieved the following email back.
The Chief of Police read an excerpt from a draft of a press release that should be finalized and distributed tomorrow, and posted on our website. I will add your e-mail address to our distribution list, and make sure you receive a copy as soon as it is released. Carolyn Beck Public Information Officer
He also said that a GLBTQ liason was needed, but feared after the uproar of the last few days no one on his staff would volunteer for the job. Here are some excerpts from the evening that were recorded by a freind who was at the meeting.
It is imperative that we let the police know what happend. If you were at Rainbow Lounge they need to hear from you. Please call them at 817-392-4270.
Here is the latest from the Dallas Voice which is our logal gay news source: http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2009/06/30/tabc-announcement-and-a-request-from-chief-halstead/#comment-11758
Please continue to pressure local officials to bring changes that are needed and that will bring forth the fight for our rights.
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Marlin commented on the article |And we thought we were moving forward. Did everyone hear about the raid on the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth, Texas on the anniversary of Stonewall?
Please read these links.
http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1458523.html
http://dym-sum.com/2009/06/28/no166/
http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2009/06/28/youve-gotta-be-shtting-me/
http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2009/06/28/an-eye-witness-account-from-the-rainbow-lounge-raid/Haven't we progressed a great deal.
Later,
Marlin
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Marlin commented on the article |
Also here is her rebuttal of this event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9oIuBNx-3A
Later,
Marlin
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Marlin commented on the article |
This is probably one of the most difficult things about overcoming homosexual persecution from the Christian church. Unlike past prejudices (racism and sexism), which they are still overcoming, this is considered a sin.
It is still very much misunderstood by the Christian community and this type of action comes out of their fear. The damage done to youth and adults is beyond belief, and their holding on to their ignorance is no different than racists that still use the Christian faith so support their superiority over others.
This is also the reason that the Christians fear hate crimes legislation. They know that in the end it will kill one of their most cherished fear tactics. Remember it wasn't that long ago that women were very much oppressed by the church. Some churches still place women as second class citizens in the Christian kingdom.
We must continually work not only to stop this kind of horrible action, but also educate people about the reality of what it means to be GLBTQ. We must continue to come out and be present in their world. I myself allowed myself to be oppressed by this fear for over twenty years before I came out of the closet as a middle aged man. I hope this young man doesn't wait as long.
Later,
Marlin
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Marlin commented on the article |Ron,
You said, " We know of many gay people that have honestly sought out help and become heterosexual and realized normal life."
Unless you are listening to only Focus on the Family, and Exodus, you should know that this is not a true statement. Even the founders of Exodus have stepped back and apologized for believing that. Most of them have come back out as gay people. Also, the "success" rate is less than 1%. Most people who go through reparative therapy will tell you that the don't ever change.
As a person who tried this method, I promise you it has not real effect. I can promise you that many GLBTQ people would change if they could. We don't choose to be hated and oppressed.
If you truly are the compassionate person that you seem to imply you are please visit with people who have gone through this. Investigate the hypocrisy of programs that promise "healing."
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Marlin commented on the article |
Ron,
You said, " We know of many gay people that have honestly sought out help and become heterosexual and realized normal life."
Unless you are listening to only Focus on the Family, and Exodus, you should know that this is not a true statement. Even the founders of Exodus have stepped back and apologized for believing that. Most of them have come back out as gay people. Also, the "success" rate is less than 1%. Most people who go through reparative therapy will tell you that the don't ever change.
As a person who tried this method, I promise you it has not real effect. I can promise you that many GLBTQ people would change if they could. We don't choose to be hated and oppressed.
If you truly are the compassionate person that you seem to imply you are please visit with people who have gone through this. Investigate the hypocrisy of programs that promise "healing."
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Marlin commented on the article |Also Bob Barr, who was the author of DOMA, switched on this position on this. This was in his being the presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party. Which supports the gay marriage, from a different position than the progressives.
Here is there postion from their platform: "Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the rights of individuals by government, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships."
When he joined them and became their candidate he publicly repudiated his past positon.
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Marlin commented on the article |
Michael,
I need not say more. Your own words show your prejudice. May whatever god(dess) you believe in have mercy on you.
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