Off From Show Monday

I forgot to post here that I was off on Friday, and will be on Monday too. Am up in P-town, relaxing. I may post some thoughts on things later. Sorry I've been posting so little lately but the show's been in overdrive, with Prop 8 and Sotomayor and everything else, that it's been tough. Back on the show on Tuesday.

Today's Show: NPR Responds on Censorship

3:30 ET. Alicia Shepard, ombudsman of National Public Radio, joins me to talk about the controversy over the removal of names in critic Nathan Lee's review of Outrage.Shepard wrote a piece defending NPR's position.

Hell Has Frozen Over

It’s true! Ted Olson, George W. Bush’s former solicitor general and the man who successfully argued before the Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore in 2000, ushering in the most destructive presidency in history now supports marriage equality for gays and lesbians, taking a marriage case to federal court. The idea that I'm in bed with this loathsome character has me wanting to take lots of baths. And gay activists are quick to point out that a federal case now, in this conservative judicial climate, could result in a ruling that is a setback. Still, barring a conspiracy theory in which Olson is actually trying to thwart us on behalf of conservatives, you have to see this as another example of how far things have come and how we are winning big time. And if a Bush ideologue is now on board, what does that say about how far behind a certain Democratic president -- and constitutional attorney himself -- is. How pathetic does this make Obama look?

Prop 8 Decision Today

Am back on the air today, just in time for the California Supreme Court's decision on Prop 8, which will come down shortly before we go on the air. I'm not optimistic that they will overturn Prop 8, though they will likely say the existing marriages are legal. There will be protests tonight all across the country, and then this will go back to a ballot in California.

My Fox News Debate

Here is the clip from the end of last week in which I appeared on The O'Reilly Factor, with Laura Ingraham sitting in for O'Reilly.

I think it shows an interesting dynamic in which some right-wing commentators, perhaps realizing they're only going to lose the marriage equality debate, don't have the passion any longer to fight so hard against us. I already commented on how the segment was actually positively received by a few Fox News viewers who'd written me.

Regarding Ingraham, she was her usual hard-edged self through the entire show, but when it came to this segment toward the end she seemed like she didn't want to really engage on the issue of marriage. Let me know your thoughts.

The Fox Crowd: They Write Letters

I hadn't been on Fox News in a while -- I think it was O'Reilly over a year ago -- but I went on O'Reilly Factor tonight, with Laura Ingraham substituting. (The topic was a National Organization for Marriage ad which features children saying they're "confused" about men marrying men, or some such nonsense, and Ingraham actually didn't go in attack mode, which was interesting in and of itself, and I will comment more at that later. I will post the clip as soon as I get it.)

I'm struck by how much response I get from Fox viewers via email after I've been on, much more than on the other networks. Most of it this time, as all of it before (excluding gay or pro-gay people who just happened to be flipping dials or who knew I'd be on), was crazy wingnut stuff in which the writers engage in slurs, make threats or quote Leviticus. But in this batch there were actually some rather positive ones and I've never seen that. This one below is representative of several. And I think that it shows that, even to Fox viewers, we're perhaps making some progress.

Subject: I am a straight mail who wanted to thank you

I saw you on with Laura Ingram and felt for the first time that I had heard a rational voice as a proponent of gay marriage (gay rights). I sit on the fence on this issue because while I believe that someone should not be discriminated against for any reason, I feel that no one says that you can not get married. In other words, nothing stops a gay man from getting married to a woman (I know this sounds stupid but bare with me here), but creating a NEW definition for marriage is what is actually being requested, or in a sense a subset of marriage. But despite this technicality, I do believe that I lean towards allowing gay men (people) to marry.

The point to this letter is that gay men and women need to come off as more acceptable, or as more agreeable...Defending Miss California's right to her opinion instead of having angry gay males trashing her all over TV would have been a good start.

I'm not sure what I expected to say to you other than you are an excellent spokesman for the gay community. I think you need to express to others that the debate needs to be civil. Even if you think those rubes who are homophobic are driving the debate on the other side, the truth is that most of the people who oppose gay marriage at this point are reasonable people that have a need to experience mature rational homosexual people...


I am sure I've said nothing here worth a response...but I again just wanted you to know that when presented as respectfully as you did tonight with Laura, the gay movement will make progress.

Thank you for your time.

I think this shows, as much as I'm sometimes ambivalent about going on Fox, it is in fact important for us to engage on their air.

On Show: The Revolution Continues

3:30 ET Bloggers on the Bus: How the Internet Changed Politics and the Press

On Show: Another Gay Discharge

4:30 ET Lieutenant Colonel Victor Fehrenbach, 18-year Air Force pilot, now being dumped under "don't ask, don't tell."

Prop 8 Decision Today?

Rumors are circulating that the California Supreme Court will hand down its decision on Prop 8 today. Protests are plannedwhich will occur all across the country, organized Day of Decision. Here is the facebook page for the New York protest.

On Show: History Through Islamic Eyes

4:30 ET: Tamin Ansary, author of Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Trhough Islamic Eyes

On Show: Marriage Equality and the Black Community

3:30 ET I'll speaking with Pam Spaulding of PamsHouseBlend about the growing concern over Obama's rhetoric and how some antigay black politicians see him as backing them.

R.I.P. Rodger McFarlane

Activist Rodger McFarlane, most recently executive director of the Gill Foundation and someone I worked with in ACT UP back in the 80s, took his own life in the New Mexico desert on Friday.

Rodger's death is a huge loss for the LGBT movement, as he was a leader who'd done so many great things, from writing books to running successful organizations. I was just on a panel discussion he moderated for the documentary Outrage (this photo is from that night; the panel also included Larry Kramer and director Kirby Dick). Rodger made a crucial contribution to the film, lucidly describing the closet and the right-wing self-loathing politicians in power who have done much damage -- and with all the humor for which Rodger was always known.

I hadn't seen him in a long time when we did the panel at the Director's Guild Theater just two weeks ago in New York after the Outrage screening. He was warm, friendly and gave me a big bear hug, as he always did. In recent years he suffered from chronic back pain and was recently also worried about heart problems, as the statement from friends and family explains, noting a letter he wrote putting forth the reasons why he'd taken his life. He will be greatly missed.

Huge Marriage Rally in New York

Governor Patterson decided to attend the massive Broadway rally for marriage equality just a few hours before, after thousands of evangelicals, led by the Pentecostal minister and gay rights foe, state senator Reuben Diaz, converged on the governor's mansion. Governor Paterson talked about the stakes in the tough battle for the marriage equality bill in the senate, after passing the assembly last week:

“We’re in a race right now in New York,” the governor told a crowd of several hundred people who gathered along Avenue of the Americas. “The time for justice, the time for equality, the time for equal rights can never be any more urgent than right now.”

JoeMyGod has some great coverage, including a slide show the star-studded event.We'll be discussing it on the show today.

Saturday Back Talk

These are some of the listener survey comments I read on the show this week. If you haven't taken the listener survey, please do so by scrolling down and clicking through on the right. Thanks!

Port Richey, Fl (XM)
You made me realize I can't be true to myself and vote Republican. Thank you so much. I found a new peace.

Las Vegas, NV (Sirius)
I have sort of gone through most of my life sleepily when it comes to gay issues, in that I have been supremely lucky in life never to have been discriminated against. Listening to your show the last couple of years has gotten me to shake off my lethargy, get involved and endeavor to help people not as lucky. Thanks for the wake up call!

Hoboken, NJ (Sirius)
I've often heard Michelangelo read listener surveys that comment re: his listening abilities - which he then usually dismisses through a variety of rationalizations. It's unfortunate this feedback doesn't seem to make a difference. Sometimes I want to reach into my radio, up to the satellite, and down to the studio, grab Michelangelo by the lapels and say "Shut the fuck up and listen!" Other times, Michelangelo is clearly bored by a caller and distractedly paraphrases what the caller says in a way that shows he's completely checked out. If Michelangelo could improve in these areas, he could be more than an interesting diversion and more of a compelling host.

Hartford, CT (Sirius)
The Michelangelo Signorile Show is by far the best talk radio political show on all of satellite radio. Michelangelo runs a very diverse program and does not play around. He cuts to the chase and allows nobody to call up and b.s. without backing up one's claims. I like that he challenges the dimwits who know nothing and just call thinking they can repeat mindless chatter (usually right wing crap). Mr. Signorile lets these jokers have their say before showing them what idiots they are. The other hosts on the left like to boast how great they are and self-promote, but Michelangelo does not do such stunts. Although I am a true leftist, I do not care for most of the liberal talkers. Yet, I cannot say this about Michelangelo Signorile--who is the best out there today if one is both a thinker and a true leftist who does not waver in one's views such as being for gay marriage and full equality without flinching one bit.

Northborough, MA (Sirius)
I love the show. Absolutely love the show. I'm kind of hooked. I listen in the car on the way home, then race in the house to turn it on via the Internet. I like how forceful Michelangelo is, he’s excellent at reigning in callers. I love how he explains the issues, he really fleshes them out and gives all the nuances, which is my favorite part of the show. He picks great guests, and he's very good at interviewing them. He doesn't shy away from the questions we all want to hear. Okay, one more time, can I tell you how much I love this show?

Newburgh, NY (Sirius)
Yes, you are an elitist.

Clarion, PA (Sirius)
You can always tell when Mike's argument is the most tentative, that's when he grabs on like a pit bull. (Like what's her name, Preejean). He is at his best when he is excited but lets the conversation flow.

Mobile, AL (XM)
I'd like you to have more debates on the show with people who have very strong views other than yours. You are a great debater and you need to use that skill on the show more.

New Castle, PA (XM)
I loved your recent coverage of the Angie Zapata trial and the interviews with Autumn Sandeen. I felt like I had a scoop when I was able to post a blog within an hour of hearing the verdict on your show!

Long Beach, CA (XM)
Thank you for your thought provoking show. You provide a well balanced, logical look at the issues. When you first came on XM, I became instantly hooked. I only wish your show existed years ago as it would have helped me come out earlier.

Clips of the Week: “Unauthorized and Inappropriate Image”

Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “Unauthorized and Inappropriate Image”

On Show: Merv's Life in the Closet

4:30 ET: Darwin Porter, author: Merv Griffin: A Life in the Closet.

Sorry, No Posting Today

Had a problem with the blog and wasn't able to post the guests today on the show or anything else. Sorry about that, should be fine for tomorrow.

On Show: NPR's Censorship

3:35 ET: Nathan Lee, whose review of Outrage was scrubbed of all the names.

On Show: The Psyche of the Economy

4:40 ET, George Akerlof, author of Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy, and Why it Matters.

On Show: Can Obama Stop the Discharges?

3:30 ET, Aaron Belkin, director of the Michael D. Palm Center at UCSB on a new study that shows that President Obama does in fact have the power to stop discharges under "don't ask, don't tell" without overturning the law.

NPR Censors Review of Outrage

The opening of Outrage put much of the media into its usual "outing" conundrum simply because they've had their heads up their asses for years when it comes to reporting on the homosexuality of public figures. Some of the media finally got it, at least to a point, while others were hopelessly lost. The New York Times named the names, while the Washington Post refused and gave some ridiculous and brutally arrogant reasoning in an otherwise bizarrely laudatory review by Dan Zak:

"Outrage" comes down hardest on another prominent politician whose name we won't print here. Why? He has denied repeatedly that he is gay, and there has been no substantiated reports in mainstream media about any homosexual relationships or transgressions.

In other words: "Because the subject has claimed it's not true and because we in the mainstream media have refused to investigate this legitimate story -- even though all the sourcing might be out there and has been reported in that less-than-mainstream-new-media-thing-that-is-increasingly-read-by-more-people-than-our-dead-tree-news-which-is-losing-circulation-and-we-haven't-a-clue-why --- we're not going to report it now, even though this film is pretty damn good and makes a case for why we should!"

I honestly think the reviewer Dan Zak probably wanted to name the names, but his dinosaur editors said no, using the "privacy" argument. Don't you love how our media ushers in "privacy" these days only when it's about reporting on the very serious issue of duplicity of politicians regarding homosexuality? Or will a search not reveal that The Washington Post has reported every sordid detail about Britney Spears and what will happen if she "flakes out" again, or Lindsay Lohan's "liquid diet" rumors, not to mention Madonna's adoption problems and various other public figures' divorces, fights, weddings, pregnancies, boozing, lying, private celebrations, fighting, baby births, cheating, plastic surgeries, tax issues, designer duds, lavish parties and on and on? Surely many of the subjects of these stories would deny the reports over and over (and have) and would not want such invasions, even about their happier events, printed. Why, though, are they printable if "privacy" is such a virtue of the Washington Post?

Now NPR, haughtily defending its supposed loyalty to "privacy," has censored a review about Outrage that was already written. The writer, Nathan Lee, took his name off the review in protest, and a note was added at the end. He later posted a comment to the column to clear up any confusion among readers and that comment was removed.

This is the same idiotic behavior we've seen coming from many in the media for 20 years on this issue. It's encouraging that some news outlets have moved on it -- the LA Times, Philly Inquirer and others reported on those discussed in the film -- but it's pathetic that some just can't seem to break out of their rigid and ultimately biased thinking.

By not discussing the names of those in the film, NPR is most certainly passing judgment on homosexuality, on the filmmaker and on the public figures involved -- deeming that, if they have secret gay lives, it is the most horrible thing imaginable. They are also deciding to suppress legitimate news because of that distaste and bias.

The gay rumors about Gov. Charlie Crist, for example, have surfaced in the media before in Florida -- so NPR would not in this or any other case in the film be reporting anything new -- and Crist has denied them. The film notes that, and NPR could note that too. NPR certainly had no problem reporting the news today that Crist is going to run for the Senate in Florida. Isn't this film and its claims going to factor into that story, whatever the reality of Crist's sexual orientation (which the film is pretty convincing about)? Why is bringing it up -- reporting the facts about a film getting a lot of attention -- deemed as wrong, unless NPR believes the mere mention of someone as gay is a horrible taint, even if it's been reported elsewhere? These are the questions that need to be answered, and they are indeed the very questions this Outrage raises. Let's hope that more of the media, having come far on this issue, takes up the debate.

Back Live Tomorrow

Took a day off from the show today but will be back live on Tuesday.

Saturday Back Talk

Some of the listener survey comments I read on the show this week. If you're a listener to the show and haven't taken the survey please do so by clicking on the right. Thanks!


Baltimore, MD, (Sirius)
I purchased Sirius Internet Radio so I could catch your show more often. I like your analysis even if I don't always agree with it. I also enjoy your non-gay news and issue analysis. And even if the people on the blog I read the most think you are too elitist and assimilationist I think you're pretty cool.

Woodstock, NB Canada (Sirius)
I'm a Canadian truck driver with a US partner and I enjoy the show every day that I am able to listen. By listening to your show, I know and understand much of the US political scene, especially when it relates to the GLBT scene. Like other Canadians, I would like to hear a little more Canadian content, but I totally understand that our friends south of the border are fighting for the rights we already enjoy, so it is of more importance to get out the information that relates to you're battle with religious extremists. Maybe as side topics on slow days, you can grab some current topics from a Canadian GLBT blog that I follow called "Slap Upside the Head.com". Keep up the political pressure.

Washoe Valley, NV (XM)
I really enjoy your show. It opens my straight mind and allows me to accept the views of others without the borders that major news organizations (ABC, etc) and religions put on what we hear and see. Once I was in the folds of major religion and swallowed everything they would spew out. Now I believe in a God but can't believe that only one religion has it right. I also think that that God created all creatures and made each one special. That includes people with different color skin and different sexual orientations. Being a straight man, I hope nothing I just wrote offends. It is not meant to, but just sometimes comes out that way. I attribute that to my past experiences mentioned before. One question I have for you... I hear you called ... Mike, Michael and Michelangelo. Which do you prefer ... just in case I call the show someday.

Jonesboro, AR (Sirius)
I prefer the hot topics on the show. When I am able to listen to all 4 hours it seems like some of the hours get boring. But all in all I love the show.

Orlando, FL (Sirius)
I love listening to your take on the current news. You bring a fresh approach to today's events and I always come away learning a lot more. thanks! ps: I saw you on CNN.. you HOG! ha ha

Hanover, PA (XM)
I am so happy to have found you, I learn alot from your show about LGBT and/or political happenings I wouldn't hear about on my network news. Thanks so much for keeping me informed and in the loop!

Plattsburgh, NY (Sirius)
I like the show but I do feel that sometimes too much time is given to a particular subject. One day recently I was listening for what seemed an eternity about that bitch Miss California, only to hear all about it again the next day. She is getting way too much attention. That ignorant young woman is nothing compared to the likes of Virginia Foxx, who should be kicked out of office.

Charlotte, NC (Sirius)
I just enjoy listening to you, Michael. You're objective and will listen to both sides of an issue. I always look forward to hearing you during my afternoon commute.

Ft Lauderdale, FL (Sirius)
I appreciate the knowledge Micheal has given me on gay issues however I do not appreciate his dislike towards TSA agents... Michael simply put you are a TSA hater... but I do appreciate your knowledge on everyday gay issues and the discussion you put forward.

Long Beach, CA (XM)
Thank you for your thought provoking show. You provide a well balanced, logical look at the issues. When you first came on XM, I became instantly hooked. I only wish your show existed years ago as it would have helped me come out earlier. It is so important for youth to know they are not alone in their thoughts and feelings. Not only is your show entertaining, you provide a public service to a minority, as well as a minority perspective on issues that is completely missed in mainstream media.

Clips of the Week: “Elephant in the Room”

Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “Elephant in the Room”

On Show: Grey Gardens and the Gays

4:30 ET: Walter Newkirk, author of Memorabealeeia: A Private Scrapbook About Edie Beale of Grey Gardens.

On Show: Outrageous Behavior

3:30 ET Blogger Mike Rogers joins me to talk about Outrage, the film that opens today (and opens many closets) and the DC newscaster who threatened to punch him in the face over the film.

Comments Back Up

But you have to authenticate, signing in via a profile you create here or from another approved place (Google, facebook, twitter, etc.) I'm going to switch to a whole other comments system in time, but it will be similar and all will transfer over. So, create a profile and comment away.

Newscaster Threatens Mike Rogers

A DC newscaster threatened to punch outing blogger Mike Rogers in the face: This is how passionate responses are to the film Outrage. We were going through it all on the show yesterday. Reviews of the film out today, opening day, and most are pretty great. (Second clip is the guy saying he won't apologize.)

Outrage LA Times Review

Great review of Outrage in LA Times, and it names the names. For the LA Times to name the names of people like David Dreier and Charlie Christ, it's pretty big:

All the law and policymakers identified have previously been "outed" in print or online, but most either deny being gay or simply decline to comment on privacy grounds. Among those named in "Outrage" are veteran California Rep. David Dreier, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman, ex-Louisiana Congressman Jim McCrery, former New York City Mayor Ed Koch and ex-Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, whose notorious 2007 arrest on suspicion of lewd conduct in a Minneapolis airport men's room effectively ended his political career.

No Comments Temporarily

Had a problem with the comments, and am going to switch to a new system where you will need to pre-register but where we will be able to keep out the spammers and wingnuts. Until then, post on my facebook page or follow me on twitter. Or send me an mail. Hope to get this commenting system up in a day or two.

Maine Does it

Gov. Baldacci signed the marriage equality bill, making Maine the fifth state to make marriage legal for gays and lesbians. It's likely to go to a ballot, as Maine has a referendum process, but for now savor the moment. Congrats to all in Maine.

On Show: Billy Graham and the Republican South

4:35 ET: Steven P. Miller, author of Billy Graham and the Rise of the Republican South

On Show: The Torture Enablers

3:30 ET Dr. Sheri Fink will talk to me about her her article The Torture Enablers, about psychologists who consulted the military on its harsh interrogation tactics.

Prejean: "I am a Christian, and I am a model..."

"...I am not perfect." Yes, that's what Carie Prejean says in response to the nude photos tht are surfacing. You gotta love it.

From the Outrage Panel

On the show today I played some clips from Outrage panel with Larry Kramer, Rodger McFarlane and director Kirby Dick at the Director's Guild Theater in New York, including the clip where Larry -- gotta love him -- yelled at the audience, admonishing people for laughing he said George Washington was gay. I found these photos from the event online and thought you might want to check them out.

Hate Radio's Amputee Stump Fetish

Last week on the show we sampled some right-wing hate radio discussions on the hate crimes bill, which of course passed in the House. If passed by the Senate and signed by the president (as promised) it will include gays and lesbians and transgender people under the existing federal hate crimes statute.

One place where we always turn is Faith2Action, Janet Folger Porter's radio program (scroll down to the show and the "introduction by Janet). We can always count on Janet (who made a name for herself in the 90s pushing crackpot "ex-gay" therapies) to force our listeners to pull off the road, laughing hysterically.

Janet, as we affectionately call her, didn't disappoint last week. She opens the show announcing that the world had changed as we know it.

Then her Capitol Hill "reporter," Andrea Lafferty -- daughter of Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition -- tells Janet that if the hate crimes bill is passed it will mean amputee stump fetishists would be able to sexually assault her brother and if she tried to stop them she'd be charged with a hate crime! That of course is insane: first and foremost the supposed fetishist would be charged with sexual assault, and sorry, but this person would not be covered under the hate crimes bill even if attacked because the bill has nothing to do with sexual fetishes or protection of them. But that is what wingnuts try to conflate with homosexuality. Anyway, listen in (there was, unfortunately, a problem with their audio, so it gets garbled at some point, but you get the general idea).

When Will Media Catch Up?

John King allows Eric Cantor in this clip to claim that the majority of Americans are opposed to marriage for gays and lesbians. But in fact, in the past two weeks, we've seen the first polls showing a majority in favor. An ABC News poll last week became the first, without civil unions as a choice, to show a majority (49%-46%). Just a few days before that a CBS poll, which included civil unions as an option, had the highest number we've seen when three choices are given and was the choice of most Americans: 42% for marriage, 25% for civil unions and 28% saying no recognition at all for gay and lesbian couples. Would be nice if the media pundits would correct the lies of right-wingers, including Miss California, Carrie Prejean, who continues to say she represents most Americans.

MY CNN Discussion Re: Outrage

This is my discussion last night of the film Outrage with CNN's Don Lemon and Charles Moran of the Log Cabin Republicans. Some of you were commenting in last night's post, but continue the discussion here. (Interesting, one of the two "hogging" references is missing here; Don says he was just joking btw).

On CNN Tonight

Should be on at about 10:30 ET to discuss the film Outrage. Don Lemon did a taped interview director Kirby Dick about the film, set to open next Friday, May 8. And I'm going to discuss it with him -- and the politics and ethics of revealing the truth about closeted Republican politicians who vote antigay -- along with a member of the Log Cabin Republicans who will no doubt be opposed to such reporting.

Saturday Back Talk

As usual, some of the listener survey responses I read on the show this week, edited for space. If you're a listener to the show and haven't taken the survey please do so by scrolling down and clicking on the right. Thanks!

Salt Lake City, UT (XM)
The real value of your show to me comes from 2 angles. The first is that there is very little GLBT news/talk/commentary out there at all and of course none on local radio/television. The second and more importantly is the current issues that you present. Both the presentation and discussion are valuable, since in Utah there is very little commentary or news that isn't right filtered. I am also pleased that while you don't cut the right a break, you often don't cut the left a break. I like that you call bull shit when you see it. I can take or leave the shows before and after you, but always feel a lot more intelligent after listening to your show. Thanks!

Colati, CA (Sirius)
I don't watch TV much. The Signorile show is mostly boring, but sometimes not, so I listen. I wish Signorile would be less "Nancy Grace" and cover more Gay topics.

LaPorte, IN (XM)
I love the show and wish I had XM at the office and at home.

Austin, TX (Sirius)
So very happy that there is a show like this to listen to a gay opinion. Though I may not always agree with Michael, he is very intelligent and informed and I appreciate the discussion. 3 cheers for Michael and Rachel Maddow!

Toronto, ON, Canada (Sirius)
I am so amazed by the current crap being listed by the so called Christian groups against gay marriage. We had the same rhetoric here in Canada, and so far the country has yet to collapse nor has marriage as an institution. I know of no other country where it has taken place crumbly yet either. Pardon me but what makes the United States of America so special that it is going to collapse from the passing of a gay marriage act? I am really tired of the other side getting so much play on your show as if they should be paid attention to. Lets discuss issues which are affecting us from our perspective and not give any credence to these idiots by acknowledging they might even have a point.

Ottawa, ON, Canada (Sirius)
Michelangelo, I am finding myself a bit frustrated by your lack of Canadian content. If you add the population of our two countries together, Canada equals 10% of your listener base. Your Canadian content coverage is significantly less. Sounding whiny, am I? You actually took your show to the Republican and Democratic conventions, where were you at the Liberal Party's convention? Did it cross your mind to go to it? Who is the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada now? Sorry to sound rough, but this is a common problem in Canada, Americans who pay token attention to us, appreciate when we help them out, but really pat us on the head and say "Thank you little Canadians, we appreciate you" and then walk away. Still though - great show Michelangelo... just a few small improvements.

Sydney, NS, Canada (Sirius)
My boyfriend and I discovered the station on a long road trip and we were instantly hooked! I especially enjoy listening to your show. Living on a relatively isolated island on the east coast of Canada it's nice to hear a sensible voice from the greater LGBT community. I love catching a new topic, or piece of news, from your show, and then racing home to explore it further on the Internet. Keep on talking, and I'll keep on listening.

Pouch Cove , NL, Canada (XM)
keep up the great work!

Syracuse, NY (Sirius)
Michelangelo - excellent show! I most enjoy your analysis of news topics. I also enjoy your commentary about religion, and when you have guests on around the topic of religion vs. atheism.

Austin TX (Sirius)
Your show, and your channel's, appearance on XM was nothing short of a godsend, especially with the disappearance of Randi Rhodes from the airwaves. I even have my straight co-worker who also has XM listening to you from time to time, especially your political interviews where you essentially expose the subject to be an emperor with no clothes.

Denver, CO (Sirius)
I never was interested in politics or what happened to my kind. I am so happy I have been listening to you for 3 years now. The insight that you give is great. You really make me think about what is going on in the world. I really don’t have any comments about the shows contents only that I can’t wait for Noon my time to come each day. I really like following you on Twitter as well it gives me another medium to follow what is going on. Thanks for all you and your staff do. I really need it.

Concord, CA (XM)
Dear Michael, I find your show and the voice that you bring to it, one of the most enlightened of those appearing anywhere. Your grasp of the news and your take on it, are so refreshing that I could listen to you all day. My gay husband and I both think you are the best. And there are so many times I want to call in, but never get to.

Baltimore, MD (XM)
I love Michael's political analysis and his ability to remain calm -- regardless of how ridiculously stupid a caller (or guest) may be. Your coverage of the Warren fiasco was wonderful. You keep me thinking & laughing. Keep up the great work! Teabag Rush!

Houston, TX (Sirius)
I love watching your clips on CNN when you appear there, but can you please wear a nicer tie? The ties you wear look like you borrowed them from you father! I'd be happy to mail you one! Love the show....Thanks Michelangelo!

Monroe, MI (Sirius)
I really enjoy your insight into all things regarding the LGBT community. It is refreshing that as an older gay man, I am still learning new things about our family. That being said, I find it very irritating sometimes when someone disagrees with you, you just shut them off and try to force your opinion on them. We are all entitled to our opinions, and we don't all have to agree. I will still listen to you and continue to learn more insights about things happening in our world.

Houston, TX (XM)
Mike, I think your show is great. I often find myself cheering you on while you are sticking it to some right wing, christen, moron who can only say "can i finish" when you try to get them to explain their bullshit views and stop them from spreading their venomous hate.

Clips of the Week: “Wash Your Hands a Lot”

Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “Wash Your Hands a Lot”

On Show: Stealing Myspace

3:30 ET Julia Angwin, author of Stealing Myspace: The Battle to Control the Most Popular Website in America.