The Political Grapevine - August 10, 2001

And now some fresh pickings from Special Report's "Political Grapevine."  

Two men, a mayor and their dog

Now that New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has left his soon-to-be-ex-wife and kids at the official mayoral residence Gracie Mansion, he has moved into a Manhattan apartment and has two roommates.  The New York Times reported  recently that Giuliani is living with one of his biggest fund-raisers and the man's domestic partner, plus the couple's dog Bonnie. 

In happier times, Giuliani and his wife Donna Hanover used to double date with the men.  On issues of interest to gays, Mr. Giuliani opposes same-sex marriage, but marches in New York's annual gay pride parade.  The mayor recently told reporters he focuses on people as people and that they all fit into different categories. 

Introducing socially-responsible java

The political correctness movement has spread to a compound near and dear to my heart, caffeine.  Democratic Congressman Sherrod Brown of Ohio wants Capitol Hill cafeterias to sell only fair trade certified coffee.  Brown says the certified coffee is socially responsible because it's produced without exploiting workers or the environment.  Plus, he says the  caffeine with a conscience costs only a penny a cup more. 

Yield!

Drivers in Illinois better take heed next time they pass the scene of an accident.  Republican Governor George Ryan has just signed into law a measure that would fine drivers up to $10,000 if they don't proceed cautiously around parked police cruisers and emergency vehicles that have their lights on.  The Chicago Sun Times reports that drivers can lose their licenses for up to a year if their failure to yield causes a property damage accident and two years if somebody gets hurt. 

Not giving birth to a new era of sexuality

And, California Governor Gray Davis has vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for people who have had sex change operations to obtain new birth certificates.  The Sacramento Bee reports Davis found no compelling reason to change existing law.

The measure would have permitted anyone born in California to petition for new birth certificates in their hometowns.  Opponents said the measure would have advanced transsexuality.

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