Gay Today: World

Winners: Defenders of Democracy & Horse's Patootie

Compiled By GayToday

Washington, D.C.--People For the American Way Thursday bestowed its annual "Defenders of Democracy" award on Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., and the musical group Peter, Paul and Mary.

PFAW also honored 11 Americans from coast to coast for their work at the grassroots level in strengthening democratic institutions. And finally, in an announcement that marked the end of a spirited competition, Rep. Bob Barr, R-Ga., galloped away with the 1999 Equine Posterior Achievement Award.

Rep. John Lewis was honored by People for the American Way as a 'Defender of Democracy' while fellow Georgia congressman Bob Barr got the Horse's Patootie Award

"John Lewis teaches us that we must never accept injustice as the way things are, but must struggle every day to make justice a reality for every American," said PFAW President Carole Shields. "We honor Lewis today for his role as a leader in the fight for liberty and justice for all."

"Peter, Paul and Mary have used their talent to give voice to the American conscience," Shields continued. "For more than three decades they have given us music that unites us and shown us that harmony can trump division and despair."

Shields also announced the recipients of the American People's awards. These awards were given to ordinary people who have done extraordinary things, giving their time and energy to defending our liberties and our democracy.

"Our democracy is stronger and more vibrant because of the people we are honoring this year," Shields said. "The American people who step forward every day to address the needs of their communities make our nation a fairer, better, stronger place and make our democracy work."

Finally, presenting the second annual Equine Posterior Achievement Award was Washington wit Paul Begala.

"A number of Washington politicians competed for the award, but Barr was flank and shoulders below the competition," Shields said. "He has tried to subvert the U.S. Constitution and the will of the American people. He has misused his political power to attack women, minorities and gays. He has voted against good, proven programs like Head Start and Aid to Families with Dependent Children. He is, in other words, a genuine horse's patootie."

Last year's winner was Rep. Ernest Istook, R-OK, for his sponsorship of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow captive- audience prayer in the public school classroom. The Equine Posterior Achievement Award is given to a "leader" whose abilities to misrepresent an issue and pander to our baser instincts have reached ridiculous levels.