reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Please Mr. President No Mere Nods; we have our Vehicle to Repeal DOMA Now!

I wrote this for LGR BLOG today:                                              

In your acknowledgment herein-below of our de facto existence is it not time to equate with more than a mere nod, with our de jure rights?lezgetreal.com, Please Mr. President No Mere Nods – we have our Vehicle to Repeal DOMA Now!, Sep 2009

You should read the whole article by Melanie Nathan on blog LGR.

I predict more will come forward and if one looks at the tally, and I can report more later, it is apparent that some who have already in this short spate of time signed on RMA were not signed on to Uniting American Families Act, the immigration legislation. this is the uplift we need. Imagine if our in fact marriages were in fact recognized by the law – hence our relationships – at this level. DADT -ENDA-HATE CRIMES-UAFA- all will be psychologically rolled into this one BIG ENDORSEMENT! President Clinton’s Redemption -RMA-DADT-ENDA-UAFA-RFA-CIR-DOMA – you choose

Breaking – President Clinton retracts on DOMA and its Impact on Immigration Equality

 09/26/09-by Melanie Nathan

It was just several months ago that White House officials were promising that President Obama would address immigration reform before the end of the year. It seems as if the LGBT immigration equality leadership has continued to hang its top hat on the passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, as being the only way the LGBT community can earn recognition in the immigration system, through the incorporation of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in the larger reform legislation.

When UAFA was introduced again this year in January by New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler,  it was hailed by the organizations and money was raised from our community in the name of this proposed stand-alone legislation.  We were all excited and on board for the big push.

However a mere six months later, (4^th June 2009 ) even with a majority charged democratic congress we find the very leadership that had touted UAFA as the home run now touting Immigration Reform as the sooner mechanism for UAFA to become law.  The idea was that the LGBT community would lend its supporters of UAFA to the BIG immigration reform and then we would benefit from the reciprocity engendered by the larger BILL. 

My earlier posts, stemming back to June of this year, will reflect my critique of Immigration Equality’s strategy and fear that we were being sold off and now my fear is further endorsed by one serious and dangerous miscalculation that not even I anticipated at the time.

Unfortunately what they never banked on was the strategy chosen by the White House.  Why Health Care reform ahead of immigration reform.  Since the commencement of Health Care reform negotiations, town hall meetings, confusion it has become an unanticipated debacle that will no doubt impact any and all attempts at immigration reform which will in turn put our Binational in yet another long haul wait.

To come out and say that UAFA has no traction in Congress and so we must rely on CIR is nothing short of defeatist on the part of those who took our money to fight for UAFA.  According to an article written for CNN this week by Ruben Navarrette Jr.  Immigration Reform is clearly not top on President Obama’s reform agenda.  http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/25/navarrette.obama.immigration/index.htm

“One thing that has thrown a wrench into the prospects for health care reform is the Joe Wilsonian concern that illegal immigrants might get free health care as a result of the reform process. Had that issue been addressed beforehand by giving illegal immigrants a path to earned legalization, that controversy might have been defused. Now Obama might walk away with nothing.  The political math for both kinds of reform only gets more difficult if Democrats lose seats in the House and Senate in next year’s midterm elections, as is expected to happen.”

Somewhat scathing in his commentaryNavarrette continues “ And the same President who seems to understand that the longer he waits to accomplish health care reform, the more difficult it will be to get, doesn’t seem to understand the same is true with immigration reform.”

The President decided to attempt health care reform before immigration reform. An obvious mistake which our LGBT leadership failed to apprehend when boarding the CIR train- a train not only without cars but also without access to any tracks!  They’re well-aware of the resistance out there to giving illegal immigrants a path to earned legalization, which some refer to as amnesty – so now if health care fails or succeeds immigration reform will be hampered undoubtedly by the questions pertaining to immigrants and healthcare.

So unhappily I must report that we, the bi-national community are in dire straits.  We have so much going on in D.C. that is positive and encouraging yet at the same time, one track strategy sets us flailing in the wind. The worst thing one can offer a Binational is no hope of being in their homeland safely with their beloved.  How many are living as I write with fear of deportation, desperation to return from exile or success in renewing or obtaining a visa, as the case may be!  

 After spending a week on Capital Hill, I have come to the conclusion that all the strategy in the world will not help those in desperate need now.   What has added to the quandary is the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act which seeks to repeal DOMA.   Reading prior posts on this site, you will not its difficult in the eyes of Rep. Barney Frank.  However I for one disagree with the Congressman. When speaking with a staffer this week, I was informed that Congressman Frank does not want to entertain a repeal of Doma until ENDA and HATE CRIMES pass.  Of course the latter is imperative. But strategy schmategy what could be more important than recognition of our relationships; how can we be expected to have our sexuality recognized when the relationships that  provide credence to our sexuality is denied by the law?

So now lets add to this fast developing scenario – one where maybe Binationals can see a glimmer of hope to their ever-fading sun… Since the introduction a mere two weeks ago of the Repeal Act, an architect of DOMA, has spoken against it and fully retracted his support of DOMA expressing his regret and how he felt duped. (See Huffingtom Post Blog ) 

“Proudly changing my position on DOMA (Rep. Earl Blumenauer  By Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) – 09/16/09 10:22 AM ET - referenced from  The Huffington Post and The Hill Blogs.   “On July 12, 1996, I cast the worst vote of my political career. Having served in public office since 1973, that says something. While I’ve made other mistakes, this was different: it was a deliberate vote that I knew to be poor public policy and was against my values. I’ve been a strong champion of civil rights and protections based on sexual orientation since I chaired the first legislative hearing on anti-discrimination legislation in 1973. Even worse, this vote was cast after careful consideration.” (  http://oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/ask-your-congress-members-to-redeem-themselves/ )

Last night President Bill Clinton, who horrified us all, by signing the Bill, has now fully retracted his penmanship to DOMA by saying that he fully supports the rights for gay people to marry.

I predict more will come forward and if one looks at the tally, and I can report more later, it is apparent that some who have already in this short spate of time signed on RMA were not signed on to Uniting American Families Act, the immigration legislation.  this is the uplift we need.   Imagine if our in fact marriages were in fact recognized by the law - hence our relationships – at this level.  DADT -ENDA-HATE CRIMES-UAFA-  all will be psychologically rolled into this one BIG ENDORSEMENT!    I believe mere introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act provides that respite, to some extent;  it also gives us a sturdy leg to stand on!  The irony of which we cannot but bemuse; in this vein we can say thank you to President Clinton, not for reversing his stand on DOMA but for signing it in the first place.  Crazy as this may seem, but without the overt ACT of denying our relationships, we could never have had the opportunity to have and ACT that (in effect) will serve to VALIDATE our relationships and hence our standing in Society. 

I have a lot more to say on the subject so consider this Part one of an extensive series yet to come… please keep your eye open for PART TWO…. thanks for reading, mel. 

  CONTACT:- nathan@privatecourts.com
First blogged on www.lezgetreal.com

 
//

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Breaking – President Clinton retracts on DOMA and its Impact on Immigration Equality

I found this fascinating quote today:

09/26/09-by Melanie Nathan It was just several months ago that White House officials were promising that President Obama would address immigration reform before the end of the year. It seems as if the LGBT immigration equality leadership has continued to hang its top hat on the passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, as being the only way the LGBT community can earn recognition in the immigration system, through the incorporation of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in the larger reform legislation.lezgetreal.com, Breaking – President Clinton retracts on DOMA and its Impact on Immigration Equality, Sep 2009

You should read the whole article.

H1N1 vs. Seasonal Flu What Shots Should we do…..

H1N1 vs. Seasonal Flu What Shots Should we do….. Diabetes, Diabetic, Persons with Diabetes, Asthma.

Melanie Nathan, Director Communications & Public Policy, Diabetes Health:-

While the virus may not be allusive, clarity as to the difference between the symptoms of Seasonal Flu and the H1N1 virus will have us befuddled. While one ponders this daunting challenge, now that flu season is nigh, an article by CNN Medical Producer, Val Willingham, entitled “Cold? Flu? H1N1? How Can You Tell the Difference,” not only begs the question but also subtracts a piece from the puzzle, failing to provide the much needed clarity.  If the number of actual flu cases conforms to the expectation of the CDC , and we receive no further definition, US hospitals will have much to cope with, as patients stream in with ailments resembling H1N1 virus.   

In quoting the differences, as presented in the Article, by Willingham, one can see how difficult it will be to make the distinction and so the question remains as to how this will all play out. To quote this inadequate attempt:

- “Symptoms of the cold are more common, and can make the patient miserable for three to five days. A patient usually has a stuffy nose, congestion, some body aches and a growing cough. According to the CDC seasonal flu and H1N1 symptoms consist of fever, more painful body aches, dry cough, diarrhea and severe fatigue. It’s hard, without testing, to tell apart the seasonal strain of flu from the H1N1 variety.”

The Title of the Article belies its revelation and when reaching the point of abject frustration one finally encounters a sentence that may do the job. Unfortunately the quotation of Dr. Shmuel Shoham, Infectious Disease Specialist from Washington Hospital center merely adds to the uncertainty:

 ”People need to take notice when they begin to feel bad. If they start to have respiratory problems, or are dehydrated because of a bug, they should go to the doctor. It could be H1N1 or seasonal influenza; some people with influenza can get very sick and could end up in the hospital if it’s not taken care of.”

The failure to provide the community with at least one distinguishing characteristic common to all cases of H1N1, serves only to send people to the hospital anyway, and while many will wrestle with the decision of when to go, others will be lined up for testing. The only reasonable conclusion is that one cannot rely on definitions or self diagnosis when it comes down to it. 

The failure to provide a measure of clarity simply enhances the case for inoculation. It is clear that those in high risk categories should receive BOTH FLU SHOTS – Seasonal and H1N1, without excuse or delay.

 “People at greatest risk for catching H1N1 include young people ages 6 months to 25 years, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease. The CDC recommends that these groups — as well as health care workers — get vaccinated first. The seasonal influenza vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, according to the CDC, including children ages 6 months to 18 years, people with immune system problems, women who plan on being pregnant during the flu season, those 50 years and older and health care workers”

When asked this question in an interview reported in a USA Today BLOG:

 “I’m a 38-year-old male with type 1 diabetes. Good health, no complications and rarely get sick. Do I really need to get a flu shot this year given the scarcity? “

 Dr. Shoham answered, “People with type I diabetes should be vaccinated. For one you are at risk for developing serious complications of influenza including those that require hospitalization. Also if you were to get influenza and get a severe infection you may infect many others. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) recommends that “Adults and children 2 years of age and older with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney diseases, blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), or weakened immune systems, including persons with HIV/AIDS” be vaccinated with the injectable vaccine.”  

In conclusion as we provide our best citizenry foot forward, prevention is always the ultimate goal and so in unison we should all be boosting our immune systems with healthy eating and lifestyle, drinking much more water and without exception, constantly washing our hands, coughing and sneezing into our elbows (not hands).

THINGS TO DO:

NOTE: The CDC recommends that people who need the vaccine but are unable to obtain it from their healthcare provider contact their local health department.

Take the FLU QUIZ H1N1 – http://www.education.com/quiz/h1n1-swine-flu/?cid=55000.0069457016&s_kwcid=TC|8363|h1n1||S|e|3852453835&gclid=CJ7b97j_gp0CFSQeDQodomPJbg Read

 Swine Flu and Pregnancy: http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2009/08/05/swine-flu-vaccine-for-pregnant-women/

Protecting Your Family http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/h1n1/

Worldwide Concerns http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/h1n1/

References: http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/20041014007/tscript.htm

 http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/18/h1n1.staying.healthy/index.html

Find the Missing word

Now what?

Not a day goes by that I remain unaffected.
Not an hour goes by that my children remain unaffected

Not a minute goes by that you believe we are not here

And if we get in your way and you notice you scorn..

But nothing can change the fact that I am and we are

So consider…Equality …. every second of your tic-toc-clock

Shirley Tan -Jay Mercado and the Twins visit the White House

Shirley tan and Jay Mercado with Melanie Nathan and the Twins

When all was lost and there was no “next step” for Shirley Tan, about to be deported  within mere weeks, Molly McKay of Marriage Equality called my office to see if I could be of assistance.   Unfortunately Shirley’s was a losing case and she was told that there was nothing anyone could do to help her stay in the US with her partner of 23 years and their twin sons.  A native of Philippines, Shirley  had  been unable to receive any help as there were  no groups or organizations that could take this to the next level.  Most people do not know how to advocate for themselves at the higest of levels and it is probably a service that is unavailable to most.

Having gone through the pain of being a binational myself, I offered to help and had no idea where this would lead, but was willing to stop everything to keep this family together.   The saving of Shirley from deportation took a life of its own.  I had the idea that we should ask Senator Feinstein for a Private Bill and against all odds and contrary to the recommendation of those who had more experience , we asked Senator Feinstein for a Private Bill.  

During this time, and through my advocacy and coordination, Marriage  Equality,  Love  Exiles ,  Julie Kruse of Immigration Equality ,  OUT 4 Immigration, GLAAD, People Magazine,  all jumped on Board and helped with advocacy and strategy meetings.   Great commendation must go to  Congresswoman Jackie Speier for her help and to Senator Feinstein’s office and her extraordinary group of Staffers.

SO who would have thought the utterance of my words on the very first day I spoke to the Family when I said “ This case is going to blow the roof off UAFA. If I take it on, and it will be at no charge, will you be willing to stand up for UAFA.”Jay said, “Melanie, if we can keep Shirl here we will do anything,” would lead to this:-

Shirley and Jay have  came through on their word a good many times. In June of this year, Shirley testified at the Senate Judiciary Committee  hearing; the  family have been key note speakers at numerous important conferences in both the LGBT community and Asian American communities, culminating in this week in their meeting with White House Staffers, Senator Feinstein and other members of Congress.

This adventure to D.C., now their second was sponsored by Immigration Equality.  Who would have imagined where that one call by Molly could lead.  It just goes to show what going that extra mile can do.  This should be a lesson to all -  there is always hope as long as one takes it to the ‘n-th degree.’

So well done Tan Mercado family you have been true to your word and your community.

Blogged by MELANIE NATHAN,

Ask your Congress Members to Redeem Themselves….

 

Melanie Nathan and Senator Patrick Leahy 2009

    This is what we need to see more of – We should urge all those who voted for DOMA to now co-sponsor its repeal under the new Respect for Marriage Act introduced this week by Rep. Jerrold Nadler.  

 

Proudly changing my position on DOMA (Rep. Earl Blumenauer  By Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) – 09/16/09 10:22 AM ET - referenced from  The Huffington Post and The Hill Blogs.   “On July 12, 1996, I cast the worst vote of my political career. Having served in public office since 1973, that says something. While I’ve made other mistakes, this was different: it was a deliberate vote that I knew to be poor public policy and was against my values. I’ve been a strong champion of civil rights and protections based on sexual orientation since I chaired the first legislative hearing on anti-discrimination legislation in 1973. Even worse, this vote was cast after careful consideration.”

He goes on —–
“It should have been obvious to me that we would not be able to quell this assault based on sexual orientation. Far from stopping it, this vote fed the bigotry. Once Congress had put its imprimatur on DOMA, it was a logical step for the homophobes and political cynics to intensify their efforts and make permanent a ban on gay marriage in both the U.S. and state constitutions — spawning many state initiatives and intensifying the assault.”   …..     

Earl Blumenauer

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/civil-rights/58977-proudly-changing-my-position-on-doma-rep-earl-blumenauer

Please read the entire post its a worthy read – then look up the vote of your RE P on DOMA and send them a copy or link to this Post – and ask them to Cosponsor Nadler’s RFA – asap – as a matter of correction and redemption.   If your Rep voted NO on DOMA – ask them to ensure their support for RFA.

List of commentary on his issue:

Changing Their Tune On DOMA

President Clinton, Bob Barr and seven sitting members of Congress who supported DOMA, now oppose it.

 http://advocate.com/Politics/Washington_D_C_/Changing_Their_Tune_on_DOMA/      By Kerry Eleveld

 Barr, Clinton, and Blumenauer – Legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which federally restricts marriage to heterosexual couples, was introduced Tuesday in House of Representatives amid a growing chorus of people who have had a change of heart on the matter.

““When the Defense of Marriage Act was passed, gay couples could not marry anywhere in the United States or the world for that matter,” Clinton said in a statement. “Thirteen years later, the fabric of our country has changed, and so should this policy.”

Barr, who was a member of the House at the time, joined Clinton, saying, “This legislation would strengthen the principle that each state is free to set the definition of marriage the citizens of that state have adopted.”  

Melanie Nathan

  My own comments to other blog comments on this issue:-

Barney Frank has made a big mistake on this one; it is important that REPEAL of DOMA is tackled in every way possible. This is a MUST DO Bill. There is nothing more onerous to civil rights than a piece of legislation that specifically excludes  members of our society- so Barney get off your strategy crap and embrace this legislation – NOW.  The question this begs “what is the point of State autonomy on marriage if the Federal government fails to recognize it?

What stops us from the fight?  I don’t give a farthing about the numbers in Congress – now or then or then or now…. How could anyone think that not standing up for or introducing a Correction BILL such as Nadler’s RFA is negative to the cause.  It is severely a MUST DO!!  What fight was ever won without taking the ultimate risks, least of all on civil rights issues.  I believe Barney may be right that the Courts will ditch DOMA long before RFA passes.  But unlike Barney, strategically I think RFA is a must do nonetheless.  It’s mere introduction emphasizes the fight and provides legitimacy to the fight by endorsing the fact that equality on a federal level is a civil rights issue.

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Front Door to Marriage -Respect for Marriage Act (RMA)

I found this fascinating quote today:

Jerrold Nadler has finally provided us with the Vehicle legislation for UAFA.  I believe this is a bettetr horse to back than Comprehensive Immigration Reform as a means to getting Immigration rights for binational couples.  If RMA passes it seems we will indeed have our path to immigration and the Right wing Sessions of the World can stop worrying that UAFA is a backdoor to marriage – because we will indeed have our front door.  Well done HRC and all the advocates – mostly big thanks to  Jerrold Nadler, Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis their dedicated staffers.lezgetreal.com, Front Door to Marriage -Respect for Marriage Act (RMA), Sep 2009

You should read the whole article.

NADLER V. FRANK = LGBT Unity?

A  Commentary- by Melanie Nathan of oblogdeeoblogda
In response to this  Article By CHRIS JOHNSON,  in today’s Washington Blade  “Nadler to unveil DOMA repeal bill Tuesday  Frank not among legislation’s co-sponsors” at  http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=27153 

There is so much LGBT popcorn popping on the Hill (D.C.) that it is tough to discern which bag to choose; the one with the hot popcorn or the one with cold popcorn.   Then add some seasoned politicians to the mix and we are indeed coiled.  Oh yes and lest I forget, the ‘not for profiteers’ whose jobs depend on partitioned successes – add them to the jumble and you indeed have a muddle.

I once promised myself that I would never use this  (now cliché) phrase in my writing, but my mind falls prey to  these vagabond fingers – as I do type the very word “W T F” – yes WTF, I said it ! That is what I said when I read the Article in the Blade today, at  http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=27153

Melanie Nathan and Rep. Jerrold Nadler

My hero Jerrold Nadler will at 11.00 am on Tuesday next week announce his newly sponsored Bill to repeal DOMA.  Did I say my hero?  This extraordinarily compassionate man, whom I believe has no problem prioritizing the interests of his constituents, at whatever political cost, went the extra mile and to include in the Bill a “Certainty Provision.”  This means that the marriage is transportable at a Federal level.  It will not force States to marry same sex couples, but regardless of where you live as long as you got married somewhere, you will carry your Federal rights anywhere in the US. 

Here is the dilemma – enter my other Congressional Hero, Rep Barney Frank, openly Gay and yet has not signed on to cosponsor this Bill with other “OUT” Representatives such as Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis.  The reason apparently is because of “strategic differences.” In a nutshell he believes that the “Certainty Clause” could in fact turn out to be an impediment to the passing of the Bill.

Now I have to think about where I stand on this one.  Do I support The Nadler Bill?  Of course I must support the Nadler Bill.  Just think – if DOMA is repealed, Binationals seeking immigration rights will automatically be included, and of course all those 1,138 benefits would apply to every gay married couple. This would have the impact of a catchall amendment to the Civil Rights Act.  It would eliminate the need for some (exclude DADT/ ENDA and HATE CRIMES) of other stand alone/ piecemeal legislation and all the “non-profiteers” will have to reinvent themselves to justify their respective existences. (well almost, anyway.)   We would not have to sit around waiting for the big “CIR to include UAFA – maybe- Bill… “   We would all simply climb on board for this one.

Then Frank’s statement that the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders lawsuit against DOMA, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, stands a better shot of overturning DOMA than congressional action. The lawsuit specifically targets the portion of  DOMA that prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.  ”That’s very thoughtful, very well done,” Frank said. “That’s the way we’ll win this.”

So here is my knee jerk 2 cents worth – I think we Should embrace Nadler’s repeal Bill, with the certainty provision in and put everything each and every LGBT activist, non -profit etc has left in them into promoting and lobbying the legislation, so that if we lose the GILL case,  we still win the Repeal.  Imagine both simultaneously timed to synchronize the respective results.    For this to happen all the LGBT organizations will have to unify as one to develop a well mastered and funded strategic plan.  Egos and separate agendas aside – good leadership and it can be done.   Once we can marry and we all do so, all the other still necessary Bills will pass with ease given that our de facto existence will finally have universal de jure clarity.  We will be a newly empowered people and a lot more than mere facts of life.  We will have our path to absolute equality.

Note Frank did say:  “It’s not anything that’s achievable in the near term,” he said. “I think getting [the Employment Non-Discrimination Act], a repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and full domestic partner benefits for federal employees will take up all of what we can do and maybe more in this Congress.”

If anything I think Barney Frank, who has a most brilliant mind, has made the argument for Nadler’s Bill in this statement and so…………..

Here is my challenge –  cryptic as it may be-  

(1)    Let us find the leadership that can gather us all-  Call two tier meetings/ strategic action:- to strategize and develop a Master Plan:

First Tier:  Human Rights Commission, EQCA,  PFLAG, COLAGE, LAMBDA LEGAL, ACLU, NAACP, Stonewall Democrats, OUT4Immigration, Immigration Equality,  Log Cabin Republicans, Amnesty International,  NCLR, Marriage Equality – API, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force , GLAD , GLAAD, Keshet Inc., Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund,  Love Exiles Foundation, and whichever important group I have forgotten or not heard of; and
Second Tier:-  Courage Campaign, Local groups and organizations, community centers etc.
Third Tier:- Bloggers, writers, media, social networks.

(2)    Let us ALL stand 100% behind Rep Nadler’s legislation as a Priority strategy and get it pushed through to the Floor/s ASAP.  Remember – the President will SIGN a Repeal of DOMA.  We would have to explore if he would sign one with a Certainty Clause in it.

(3)     That means drop all else and fight for Repeal of DOMA, in Mega Unity.

(4)    First meeting to be held directly day after March on Washington in D.C.

(5)    Once Doma is Repealed any stand alone Legislation can be pursued.

This Plan places recognition of our relationships at the fore. What makes us gay and lesbian is ultimately our relationships.  Our love for our same sex partners is our common denominator and the reason we are here in the quandary as a minority that is discriminated against, is our existence in relationship to our partners, whether in commitment or not.  We have children. Family law pertains to all children and ours too suffer the impact lack of rights.  

So in conclusion ask yourself this question and observe the metaphor:

If you were a black person in 1989 South Africa – which would you chose:
1. The complete repeal of Apartheid; OR
2. Fighting for the enactment of legislation as stand alone separate  bills as follows:-
a. discrimination in employment
b. the reservation of Jobs act
c. Repeal of the Group Areas Act
d. Legislation prohibiting Pass Laws
e. abolishment of the Racial classification Act

Now while the above is more complicated than presented for the purposes of this article – it merely illustrates the point.  Get the recognition and legitimatization and the rest will be history.
 
: http://www.privatecourts.com; http://www.divorcemediators.us; www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com.

THE FALLOUT…… “birds of a feather”

http://dl5.activatedirect.com/fs/d:l/x0rye2v8gr4ci1/y9d7bbbp814ysd/2

Duvall’s sex comments at July 8 hearing THE FALLOUT…… “birds of a feather”

Miller laughed and now he too has been ousted from the ETHICS Committee:- Assembly member Jeff Miller (R) from Corona laughed, as his resigned GOP colleague, Michael Duvall flagrantly boasted sexual exploits over an open microphone inside the Committee Room in the California State Capital Assembly. Miller’s office ordered the audio tapes in the hope that they could effect emergency damage control, asserting that Miller had not heard what Duvall was saying, stating that he was distracted and doing something else. However in viewing the tapes and inside source has informed me that Miller’s body language and giggles clearly demonstrate his participation and intrigue in the perversion displayed by Duvall. Soon after the story broke through a Southern California news channel, of the release Paula Brooks a writer for Lez-get-real had the story out on the BLOG and hundreds viewed the sordid demonstration of hypocrisy and lewdness.

I was personally offended by Miller’s holier than-thou attitude toward LGBT marriage when he commented after my testimony at the Assembly Judiciary Committee last month on AJR resolution for support of UAFA. Now to find that he is merely another hypocrite hiding his vulgarity behind his sanctimonious statements in our Assembly. Here is what I wrote:-

“A victory for our issue and at the same time a lesson in the divisiveness of ‘party-lines.’ It was astounding to witness; to tell the personal story of my family’s hardship with this inequality, about how I was faced with a possible choice between my two daughters, because I could not petition for my same-sex spouse to remain in the US in the same was a straight American could; and then to hear the Republican’s, “nay” regardless of the hardship to their fellow Americans. They just did not care about the 36,000 binational couples out there – ! “In fact one of the members of the Committee Jeff Miller- (R- 71st Assembly District, which takes in much of Western Riverside County and the Eastern edge of Orange County,) stated that he wanted everyone to know why he was voting ‘no’ on all three LGBT Resolutions in the committee. He was doing it because he said that “California has decided ….” Referring to Prop 8; of course did not end his sentence; the incomplete implication – ‘California has decided that gays do not count – their families and their de facto lives are invalid. ’ He then went on to say, how his constituents and the rest who believe in the Defense of Marriage Act would be and I quote “hurt” if gays were recognized in this way.” He was in effect stating that GAY marriage hurts his constituents.

Well now to add to Paula’s comments on KARMA – this man who asserted that our right to marriage could hurt his constituents – has gone ahead and through his hypocrisy managed, notwithstanding his legitimate marriage, to hurt his constituents, and the decorum of the very office where he conducts his representation. Thank you for getting him off the ETHICS COMMITTEE- ……

Yours ever Melanie Nathan

Calling for Leadership to Move LGBT Legislation Forward

This past week I was interview by Matthew S. Bajko of the Bay Area Reporter and here is a piece from the column – Article which can be found at http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=4188:

Political Notebook: LGB pressure builds on Boxer, Feinstein

Published 09/10/2009 Bay Area Reporter: by Matthew S. Bajko

“It is unlikely she will face a Democratic challenger in next summer’s primary, but Boxer can ill afford to lose LGBT support in the general election. And like their legislative counterparts, her LGBT constituents are beginning to closely examine Boxer’s record in terms of LGBT bills this year.

“I feel that Boxer has been considered a champion of LGBT issues, however, unless you are pushing for legislation and doing more than just co-sponsoring, you really are not championing the issue,” said out lesbian Marin County resident Melanie Nathan, a conflict resolution specialist who founded San Francisco-based agency Private Courts. “I don’t know who is taking the lead on these issues. I certainly would like to see Senator Boxer take the lead.”

Nathan said she is becoming increasingly concerned that the attention of Congress and the president is being usurped by the health care reform debate, and that is being used as an excuse to ignore other matters of importance to LGBT citizens.

“The question then remains is that a good reason to fail to take leadership on issues that seriously impact civil rights when we have a friendly president, supposedly, and a friendly Congress and a friendly Senate?” asked Nathan. “As a lesbian, I feel terrified we are going to be left behind again.”

Nathan was part of a group of LGBT advocates who met with Feinstein’s Washington, D.C. staffers June 3 to press the senior lawmaker to sign on to the Uniting American Families Act. The legislation, introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), would allow the foreign-born partners of LGBT Americans to apply for U.S. citizenship. While Boxer is a co-sponsor of the bill, Feinstein has yet to sign on to the legislation.”

Please read my comments in context and the full article at  http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=4188:

Birds of a feather… Duvall resigns…Jeff Miller caught between a rock and a hard place

 

Because Duvall, who is married with two children had one of those Internet moments the other day when his dais microphone became live just before the start of a cable-televised committee hearing… and he was talking with one of his fellow committee members about cheating on his wife with a lobbyist forSempra Energy, one of the state’s largest utilities.

Said Duvall:

“She wears little eye-patch underwear… So, the other day she came here with her underwear, Thursday. And so, we had made love Wednesday–a lot! And so she’ll, she’s all, ‘I am going up and down the stairs, and you’re dripping out of me!’ So messy!”

HELP ME CHOOSE A MORE APPROPRIATE TITLE FOR MY POST

1. Michael Duvall Orange County State Assemblyman’s wife will stand by his side after someone tells her about this;

2. Should Duvall’s rating with Capital Resource Institute be renewed?
Curently rated  100% for DUVALL – for “Time and time again voting to protect and serve Family Values in America.”  Does this mean one has to Walk the Vote?

3. Should DUVALL apoloogize to his constituents or should he apologize to the LGBT families denied their marriage rights by virtue of Prop 8?

4.  Michael Duvall Brags about Sexual Affairs with woman 19 years younger, – exposed by an open mike in committee-
But then again he was expecting the Mike to be in the salt shaker.

Married Lobbyist for Utility Company exposed on open Mike

5. Staunch Republican adds Lobbyists With Benefits to list of Priorities

6. DUVALL is Pro Prop 8 for fear of what gay marriage will do to Family Values. 

7. Is Duvall just another hypocrit or a liberal plant to make Republicans look bad?

8. Who should clean up the mess (on the stairs dummy! Duvall or his wife?)

Thanks to Paula Brooks of www.lezgetreal.com for bringing the story!

Guess what update -   Duvall resignsin disgrace.  http://www.kcra.com/politics/20814160/detail.html and note this from the article quoting Duvall himself:    
“I am deeply saddened that my inappropriate comments have become a major distraction for my colleagues in the Assembly, who are working hard on the very serious problems facing our state,” Duvall said. “Therefore, I have decided to resign my office, effective immediately, so that the Assembly can get back to work.” …………………   WHAT about remorse for your hypocrisy – for betraying your wife, your kids, your constituents,  There could not have been a better example of (instant) karma.

Jeff Miller was the member who was being spoken to.  Miller says he paid no attention to what Duvall was saying.   I would refer to Mr. Miller’s comments when I testified before the Committee a few weeks ago, (see my prior BLOG post.)   Mr. Holier than thou Miller who supposedly heard nothing – hard to believe he was distracted when Duvall sure went on.  All I can say is “BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER”   

I would ask that by mere virtue of the conversation that an ethics investogation be launched into all these buddies.

Resolution in Support of UAFA moves through California Assembly –

California’s Assembly has sent a message today – that it will accept no less than full immigration equality for its same-sex partners.  

AJR 15 is a Resolution that expresses its support for the Federal bill, UAFA,  that places the words “permanent partner”  next to “souse” in the Immigration and Nationality Act, thereby giving gay and lesbianpartners the right to sponsor a foreign partner. It passed the Ca Assembly today with a 41-28 party line vote.  It was indeed sad to note that not a single Republicancould vote for LGBT immigration rights.  When it comes to choosing equality, rights and keeping families together Republican representatives seem to favor  ‘the lock-step party march.’

Alice Kessler, Government Affairs Director for Equality California, worked very hard to bring AJR 15 this far. The Resolution, authored by Assembly member Kevin de Leon will probably go all the way through the  State Senate.     ”This resolution is not about partisan politics, it’s about keeping families together — a cornerstone of U.S. immigration law,’ said Kessler.  ’No law abiding and taxpaying citizen or  permanent resident should be separated from a loved one for no reason other than his or her sexual orientation.’

 

Members of the LGBT communitywho have had an impact on this Resolution include Amos Lim, Gina Caprio and Melanie Nathan who provided testimony at the Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing last month.   This Bill should arrive on the Senate floor in January of 2010.

A.M.E.R.I.C.A YOU HAVE GOT TO WATCH THIS

Is it Saturday Night Live; is it real? AND this is so real what have to fight for- lol ? I am terrified for the first time in my life of the GIANT   OF    COURSE

Shame on these American Parents…..

Melanie Nathan: I sent my twelve year old off to school today hoping that her first class period would run the President’s speech; in fact even emailed her principal stating I wanted to ensure she watched it live.

I am disgusted by the people  in this my Country who assert their children should not hear  President Obama’s talk to school kids to inspire their educational futures;  given it was nothing more than that.

Leadership is always inspiring and who better to offer an example of such than the President of our Country. That is all the kids see. They have no ideal about the politics of it and they should not have to.   The President should be commended for taking the time to devote directly to our children, and yet there are those of you who believe he should not have!   What is wrong with this picture here?  An elected President ought not inspire our kids?   Why such outcry.  Is this a concomitant of these unfortunate times of unparalleled partisanship or of undying racism? 

The President is our elected leader .  What message are those parents sending to their kid?  That our President is not worthy?  That our President is not our leader?  That our democracy – our vote- does not count in the notion of leadership? That our President is a mere politician?  Is a Presidency not something worth aspiring to? 

Our President is the ultimate example of success and therefore an ideal spokesperson for inspiring our children.  Kids have no political reference when listening to a person as qualified as President Obama. We need to see examples of leadership. 

These racist partisans need help – do they realize they are destroying their children’s opportunity to see the world with the purity still available to them?  These parents are delivering a message that serves to dampen Patriotism as whether you like it or not, whether you agree with his politics or not, he is indeed an extraordinarily accomplished citizen, father and now he is proving his worth as a leader.         

      
 

 

GROW UP AMERICAN PARENTS!  

The Lady in the Wheelchair –

Today on TV (highlighted by Keith Olberman) I saw a woman who was seriously disabled, trying to express her needs regarding health care reform at a town hall meeting. She was heckled and treated in the most disgusting fashion, by her fellow Americans. For some reason it served as a metaphor for my article today; to my way of thinking omission and inaction is as bad as a bad action. Those hecklers overt in their abuse stand in the same row as those of us who refuse to notice the hardship and pain and suffering of our fellows – we are all catalysts and protagonists for each other’s well being and keeping quiet is tantamount to yelling at the woman sitting in the wheelchair. Read the whole Article  http://lezgetreal.com/?p=21281

 

We need all of our EQUALITY – all of our rights Federal Rights denied Gay and Lesbians is an assault on our Constitution -  it is unpatriotic and perverse to deny same sex families their rights simply to their happiness.