Nice analysis, fucker

Brenden Kelley down the street at the Anchorage Press wrote this thoughtful and much-needed analysis of this summer's equal rights debate. The Stranger's Dan Savage asked him to do it for the ever-popular Slog, and I think Brenden nailed it.

Before the jump, here's the short version, in case you're not familiar with the story:

1. Gays aren't protected in Anchorage against discrimination from employment, housing and educational opportunities, among many others.

2. Proposition to correct such discrimination is introduced.

3. Bible-thumping, pitch fork- and torch-waving ensue. Pro-rights people protest in support of the ordinance.

4. Assembly passes it 7-4 after hours and hours of public testimony from both sides.

5. Newly elected Mayor Dan Sullivan -- whom Brenden correctly notes is trying to stay close to his conservative base, likely for a future run at a higher office -- vetoes the amendment.

6. Amendment looks dead when the only likely veto-busting vote says she'll still vote "no."

Here's the long version:

Meanwhile in Alaska: Anchorage's Summer of Hate

by Brenden Joel Kelley

Beginning: On Monday, August 17, our newly elected mayor—conservative Dan Sullivan (it's a non-partisan office, so D and R don't apply)—vetoed a gay rights ordinance that the Anchorage Assembly had voted 7-4 to approve on Tuesday, August 11. Although the veto expected from Sullivan, it came as a blow to those committed to making Anchorage a progressive city like many of its West Coast counterparts.

End: As I type this, friends of mine are rallying outside of City Hall in downtown Anchorage expressing their disdain for the mayor's veto; a gay friend on his way to work at one of our few gay bars in town just called, upset, and asked me what he could do. I had to honestly answer that I have no idea.

Everything in between