After a reign of right-wing terror, which went on for more than a decade in Washington, D.C., Congress is now not in complete control by right-wing nuts and some closet-case radicals.

Hopefully we will change the course of this war and in time bring our troops home, as well as stop spending billions of dollars on this war and start providing health care for Americans in need.

The state initiatives seeking to ban same-sex marriage have passed in almost every state. Only one has been defeated, but it has always been an albatross around the neck of our political allies and candidates. I believe it’s time for us to start supporting “gay unions,” as the time for same-sex marriage is not now and these court battles will continue to tear states apart.

I believe same-sex marriage will come in time, but not now, and the reality is that the Democratic Party will now move more to the center and start embracing “family values.” This is called “political reality” and being politically pragmatic, and if we don’t realize that politics and winning is all about giving and taking, we as GLBT citizens will never see one of our supporters once again reach the White House.

The Republican presidential front runner, Senator John McCain, is a decent man who is extremely popular. If you look at most of the Democrats elected this past Tuesday, almost all of them are centrists, not liberals.

Yes, our national nightmare is over, but now we GLBT activists and organizations must reassess our political priorities. And, while not putting our fight for equal rights on the back burner, we must choose our political battles and causes carefully.

I want to make it very clear that I love my community and have fought for GLBT rights for more than 40 years, but I believe we must become more politically smart and involved in both the Democratic and Republican parties. At the same time, I want to acknowledge and thank the San Diego Democratic Club, Equality California, the Gay & Lesbian Times, Log Cabin Republicans and GLBT Vote 2006 for their hard work and leadwership during this last election.

While we will never agree on every issue, let us please agree to disagree. Thank you.

The beautiful estate of Tom Felkner and Bob Lehman was the site of what many have called one of the classiest and most elegant political lunches ever held, at which “Top Chef” television star Stephen Asprinio catered a fabulous meal. Parker Rose Designs also did a fabulous job decorating Tom and Bob’s home.

This was one of the most successful campaign fund-raisers this election year. As its chair and organizer, I must give my sincere thanks and acknowledgement to Tom Felkner and Bob Lehman for all their support.

Among those in attendance: Ben Dillingham, City Commissioner Jess San Roque, Nick Moede, attorney Bill Hargreaves, Gene Heytow, Craig Silverman, City Commissioner Julia Legaspi, Alberto Cortés, Ron Ferrero, Kevin Choate, Asuncion Henry, Fred Sainz, state Commissioner Michael Weiss and Johnathan Hale.

The huge support that Propositions B and C received from San Diegans shows the continuing trust and support our Mayor Jerry Sanders has earned.

By the way, the mayor’s beautiful daughter Liza also attended the event.

Police officials, Stonewall Citizens Patrol leaders and Councilmember Toni Atkins met this past Monday at The Center to discuss the organizing and training of the new Stonewall Citizens Patrol.

The meeting was very productive, and the first volunteer training dates will be announced next week.

For further information, phone Sgt. Bob Lehman at (619) 850-8698.

Coming up this Sunday, Nov. 12, at Lei Lounge will be a fun “Pink Party” to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of San Diego and local GLBT cancer patients.

Produced by Johnathan Hale and Pix magazine, there will also be a special fashion showcase.

It all begins at 6:00 p.m. Just follow the crowds. I’ll be your pinky hostess.

For more information, call (800) 228-6949.

There has recently been some talk about the changing of the restaurant named Hamburger Mary’s to Urban Mo’s.

The fact is, this outstanding restaurant still serves the best food, has the friendliest staff and owners, and still gives back to our community, just as it has for decades.

No, I would not have selected Mo’s for a name, nor do I like the word “queer,” but I’m an old queen and times change. No one ever complained about the term ’mos being used on “Will & Grace,” so what’s the fuss? Get over it, already!

One of San Diego’s most handsome, nicest and most popular guys, Steve Pena, will be celebrating his birthday this Saturday, Nov. 11, at Bourbon Street, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The special guest will be super-handsome author Reichen Lehmkuhl, winner of “The Amazing Race,” and there will be all kinds of surprises.

Just follow the crowds to Bourbon Street this Saturday night.

Happy birthday, Steve!

Hey, have you seen all the remodeling at Bacchus House? It’s looking better than ever, and their afterhours are more popular than ever.

Coming up on Saturday, Nov. 18, is Bacchus House’s fifth anniversary blowout, with special guest entertainer Flava!

Hope to see you all there, and a special thank you to Robi and Greg for all they do for our community.