links for 2010-05-23

Money quote: "The practical effect of the Rekers scandal on the legal movement to restrict gay rights is unclear. He is not the only expert espousing such views. Another Arkansas case concerning restrictions on gay adoption is under way, for example, and Dr. Rekers is not part of that case.

The universe of such experts, however, may not be large. In describing Dr. Rekers’s selection in the Florida case, Mr. McCollum told reporters last week, “There were only two willing to step forward and testify, and we searched a long time.”

"I urge all of the Tea Partyers to follow Reagan, not Carter. If they want their movement to be more than a wave that crashes on the beach and then recedes back into the ocean, leaving nothing behind but empty sand, they should stop the "gloom talk." These are not the worst times we have ever faced, nor is the Constitution under serious threat.

Our economy is still the strongest and most resilient in the world. Our government is still capable of responding to the leadership of men and women who believe our problems can be solved. We must not follow the siren song of those who are in a frenzy of despair."

Watch for "From Academy Award® nominated filmmaker, Charles Ferguson, comes INSIDE JOB, the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008. The global financial meltdown, at a cost of over $20 trillion, resulted in millions of people losing their homes and jobs. Through extensive research and interviews with major financial insiders, politicians and journalists, INSIDE JOB traces the rise of a rogue industry and unveils the corrosive relationships which have corrupted politics, regulation and academia. Narrated by Academy Award® winner Matt Damon, INSIDE JOB was made on location in the United States, Iceland, England, France, Singapore, and China."

the young escort at the center of the scandal spoke with CNN correspondent Randi Kaye for Anderson Cooper's prime-time show.

Jo-vanni Roman -- a k a Geo and Lucien -- told Kaye that psychologist George A. Rekers, an officer of the conservative National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) and a retired University of South Carolina professor, paid him $75 a day plus expenses to travel with him for two weeks in April to London and Madrid.

Included for the money: Roman, 20, would give nude ``sexual'' massages to Rekers, 61, every day during their trip, the younger man told Kaye.