Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Thursday

What happens when you mix GoProud, a gay republican group, with CPAC, the annual conservative neanderthal convention? You get to see the true colors of conservative groups like the Family Research Council, Concerned Women of America, and the National Organization for Marriage. These groups, along with several others, are opting not to participate in next years convention simply due to the presence of GoProud. What's the matter with these goons?  The Party of No remains the Party of Hate (but we always knew that, right?). Speaking of Hate; the Southern Poverty Law Center recently dropped the HATE GROUP bomb on the Family Research Council . The FRC now can count itself in the close company of other stupid groups like the KKK, the Neo-Nazis, The New Black Panthers, The Neo-Confederates and almost 900 other organizations that make up the SPLC Watchlist.

One strong indicator that the US economy is on the rebound is the amount of cargo passing through our ports. Great news! Cargo flow at the Port of Los Angeles is actually surging, with a 20% increase over 2009. Damn Obama! Next thing you know, he'll be giving the US back to the Native Americans.

More big Port of Los Angeles news; Heavy Duty Hydrogen Fuel Cell trucks will soon be making an appearance at the docks. An 18 month trial run is set to begin in early spring.

Governor-Elect Brown plans to live up to his cheap ass frugal reputation and will only be serving hot dogs and potato chips at his Inauguration next week. Alas, we'll probably never know what a tremendous, over the top, invitation only, fit for a queen feast, Meg would have served had Nicky and Gloria not screwed up her attempted purchase of the California governorship.

Finally, meet Perry. After suffering through a financial collapse, Perry decided to go off the grid, cash/barter only, DIY, pay as you go. He bought a small bit of land (that seems to always be partially underwater), and a motor home (that really needs some work done) and he's started posting about his daily challenges and accomplishments. Good reading from a very determined and intelligent man.