The Good! *Alabama State Rep. Patricia Todd (D)* Todd - a Democrat and Alabama's first openly gay legislator - has introduced a bill that would repeal the state's existing sex education law - which requires teachers to teach that homosexuality is illegal and that "abstinence from sexual intercourse outside of lawful marriage is the expected social standard." The bill would strike requirements that teachers emphasize "homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense." It's time for the LGBT community to be embraced by society - not vilified by it. Let's hope Ms. Todd's bill gets passed in Alabama - and that it's just the beginning of a larger movement. ----------------- The Bad! *Michael Savage* On Sunday - the conservative radio host told fellow radio show host Aaron Kleine that, quote, "We need a nationalist party in the United States of America" Savage went on to argue that the Tea Party isn't strong enough, and that, quote, "They need to restructure their party. They need a charismatic leader, which they don't have." In the interview - Savage also attacked the Republican Party - calling it quote "an appendage of the Democrat machine." Sorry Michael - but I don't think that "an appendage of the Democrat machine" would hold critical legislation hostage - time after time - hurting the livelihoods of millions of Americans in process. -------------------- and the Very Very Ugly! *Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX ...

Kurt Walters, Public Campaign Action Fund & Bob Edgar, Common Cause & Shane Larson, Communication Workers of America (CWA) all join Thom Hartmann. Imagine how productive Congress would be if the filibuster were a thing of the past. Things would actually get done on Capitol Hill for the benefit of ALL Americans. But is saying goodbye to the filibuster even realistic? For tonight's Bigger Picture discussion we're going to tackle the issue of the filibuster: what it is, it's history, how it's been used, and what are the current political dynamics shaping filibuster reform.

Stewart Acuff, Utility Workers Union of America & Marc Harrold, Libertarian Commentator & Vince Coglianese, Daily Caller all join Thom Hartmann.

Let's say you're in your twenties, and just starting out in life. And one day an insurance salesman walks up to your doorstep, toting his briefcase and wearing a cheap suit and a tie. He rings the door bell, smiles like a televangelist, and says, "Have I got a deal for you!" He's pushing a brand new insurance plan. He calls it "Lifetime Disaster Insurance." And he says..."For the rest of your life, you'll be covered whether you're a teenager, in your twenties, thirties, whatever age." He goes on to say...."This insurance protects you against anything. If you're disabled in a car accident, a mugging, or any other sort of horror, this insurance policy will kick in and cover all of your medical expenses, your rent, food, and pretty much everything else from the time you're injured until the day you die, even if you live to 100!" You look at him skeptically, but, unfazed, he continues. "Not only will this insurance plan cover you, but it also covers your spouse and kids, if something terrible happens to you, then your spouse and your children will be covered and cared for as a part of this insurance plan. And if something happens to any of them, their medical bills and the cost of feeding, clothing, and housing them will be covered, too. Forever! "Not only that," he continues, "If you have a child with a birth-defect that requires lifelong care, this insurance plan will cover all the medical expenses - and all the cost of living expenses - for your child from birth to death ...