reBlog from FlexSF: Catholic Article Provides Secular Argument for Gay Equality

I wrote for lGR and here it is Challenging Catholic Church Writer who tries to furtively forge a secular argument vs. gay marriage

Yeah – at last We are in agreement marriage – Civilization – Give everyone the right to marriage one person of their choice regardless of sexual identity. This secular argument, albeit furtive,  works after all. It works for our equality and not against it.  So maybe Ms. Anderson your attempts have backfired and you should go back to your religious argument. In truth the religious argument is the only one that may hold any relevance at all and to that end I say thank G-d for the separation of Church and State.FlexSF, Catholic Article Provides Secular Argument for Gay Equality, Nov 2009

You should read the whole article.

reBlog from Jessica Sideways: New Jersey Bishops Distribute Letter Opposing Same-Sex Marriage

I found this on LGR today:

New Jersey’s Catholic bishops are instructing priests to read or distribute a letter this weekend asking Catholics to pray that lawmakers in New Jersey not allow same-sex marriage in that state.Jessica Sideways, New Jersey Bishops Distribute Letter Opposing Same-Sex Marriage, Nov 2009

You should read the whole article.

Progressive Women Protest Billboard for 7th Day Regardless of Male Bullies

see my post on LGR -  By Melanie Nathan The billboard, located at 4855 Miller Road, shows two cartoonish images of Obama wearing a Muslim turban and reads “PRESIDENT or JIHAD?” It also says “BIRTH CERTIFICATE – PROVE IT!” alluding to the conspiracy theory which claims Barack Obama was born in Kenya rather than Hawaii, which would disqualify him for the office of President.  The words “WAKE UP AMERICA! REMEMBER FT. HOOD!” appear on the bottom of the billboard. The sign belongs to a sleazy looking bloke (sorry my judgment)  used car dealer who describes his business as a “car dealership.”

You should read the whole article join the protest in you can…….

http://lezgetreal.com/?p=23340

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Immigration Reform Must Include LGBT Couples

 

     In  the fight for immigration equality, grassroots group OUT4IMMIGRATION,  needs your urgent help. They are asking for you to please sign a Petition which can be found via their website or at www.change.org    All we want is a ”Point-and-click” a letter off to Senator Schumer and Congresswoman Lofgren, reminding them that comprehensive immigration reform will only occur if ALL families are included — including our LGBT families – The issue is building and the festering unknown is the possibility of our exclusion.  There are thousands of your brothers and sisters waiting to be reunited with their lovers/partners/spouses, as the case may be.  But there is no law for us AND we are specifically exluded by the law - As American we  cannot sponsor for our spouses under the Immigration law of thus United States of America.lezgetreal.com, Immigration Reform Must Include LGBT Couples, Nov 2009

You should read the whole article.

CRUSADES vs. GAYS – The Manhattan Declaration- where does it lead? Church’s Hate Gay Agenda

I wrote this Article for Lez Get Real and have received many anti-gay comments.:Feel free to go to LGR site and comment – thanks for your support   

UPDATED: By now we have all heard about the Manhattan Declaration put out by various religious right figures and groups urging, among other things, non-cooperation with laws that in any way recognize same sex couples. It has been condemned in many circles and for good reason.  Wayne Besen of Truthwinsout.org said the following: “This is a disturbing call for anarchy from a group of radical clerics and activists who believe they don’t have play by the same rules as other taxpaying Americans.”  And according to the blog Instaputz, there is another reason to not only oppose this document but also raise the alarm about it.   Some of the names those signing the declaration aren’t a surprise. They are the usual folks who oppose lgbt equality – Tony Perkins, James Dobson, Maggie Gallagher, Gary Bauer, etc.Bill, The Manhattan Declaration- where does it lead? Church’s Hate Gay Agenda, Nov 1940

You should read the whole article.

Shirley Tan Advocate Magazine’s Activist of the YEAR!

Congratulations to Shirley and Jay and the boys and mamy as well for being named ADVOCATE MAGAZINE’s  Activist of 2009.   This is well deserved.  However they may have been used in a way that could result in resentment from the community rather than the applause they deserve:

Here are the comments from Immigration Equality’s site after IE makes the announcement:

1. Quoting the Announcement by IE on their website:

Congratulations are in order for Shirley Tan (pictured here with her family), who has been chosen as one of The Advocate’s “People of the Year” for 2009.   Shirley, who testified before the Senate in June and was also recently featured in People Magazine, was chosen by Advocate editors as their 2009 Activist.  “There are two types of activists,” the magazine writes, “. . . those who revel in the spotlight, and those who would rather slink away from it when the speech is over. Speaking with Shirley Tan, who catapulted into national discourse following an early-morning arrest last January by Immigration and Customs Enforecement agents in her Pacifica, Calif., home, you get the sense that she’d prefer going back to relative anonymity.”  But, the magazine notes, Shirley “is visible, but not eagerly.”    “I’m certainly not used to this,” she told The Advocate. “I’m just an ordinary housewife, living my own life, doing everything for my kids and my family. But this is what I have to do now. It’s not only for our family, but the 36,000 binational couples who are relying on UAFA.”

 Indeed, Tan has become a passionate and effective advocate for binational families. In addition to her testimony before the Senate, she has also met with White House officials and spoken out widely in the media about the need to pass immigration reform that will help families like hers.  All of us at Immigration Equality applaud – and thank – Shirley and her family for their extraordinary work. We are proud to be standing with them to end our country’s discriminatory immigration laws.

 To read the full write-up about Shirley, pick up a copy of the December/January issue of The Advocate, on newsstands now. “

HERE are the first seven comments including my own – number 7….

1. Check this out on Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125816110639347917.html
If they are the key players for the immigration overhaul, we might be screwed, especially with Rep. Luis Gutierrez’s bill because he is a co sponsor of UAFA, but under his bill, he did not include us in his bill. On the other hand, Chuck Schumer is also a big supporter of UAFA, but whether he will include us in the bill remains unknown. Unless we can gain momentum for UAFA, let’s keep fighting for the inclusion of bi national couples in the bigger immigration bill. If we don’t do anything, we will be ignored and defeated again!! Comment by Chung Cheng Fang — November 14, 2009 @ 11:08 pm

2. I am so sincerely happy for this family. At the same time, disappointed that all of us are not being afforded the same opportunity with extended stays for our partners, etc. We all deserve the same attention and “exceptions” – Again, I truly, am happy for you! Tom Comment by Very happy For the Tan Family But Disappointed For the Rest Of Us — November 15, 2009 @ 4:32 am

3.We don’t yet know if Gutierrez has included us. His bill hasn’t been introduced yet. The House version of the CIR will be introduced in December. Or perhaps I missed something. Comment by nola — November 15, 2009 @ 10:02 am

4. There is a lot of talk about moving Immingration reform to the top of priorities for Obama…ARE YOU ON IT IE? We need to be in there getting our rights! Comment by Brian — November 15, 2009 @ 12:30 pm

5. re – the talk about moving immigration reform to the top of priorities – where is this information coming from or is it hearsay? Comment by Where Is This Talk Comming From — November 15, 2009 @ 3:51 pm

6. It would really piss me off if any immigration bill didn’t include UAFA. I think I would leave and never come back to this country again. It would be disgusting if 12 million illegal immigrants get in front of someone that has been in the usa legally, and has been in a relationship with an American citizen for almost 4 years. Comment by Gerry D — November 15, 2009 @ 11:15 pm

7. MY COMMENTS :- This week I testified together with Shirley Tan at a symposium with the Immigration Commission in San Francisco. Nancy Pelosi sent a staffer as did Zoe Lofgren. The symposium had a group of panelists including Professors at Law schools etc.  NCLR was invited and did not show up. IE had no rep there either.  There were no panelists to speak for UAFA- yes at a symposium that was looking for advice on Immigration Reform, which will report to Mayor Newsom and the Sf BOS. My testimony will be published on my BLOG at www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com.  Caught in IE’s strategy I did promote UAFA as a component of CIR and asked the commission to work on behalf of its locals to ensure that UAFA is included in CIR. Afterwards a  key Immigration Organization insider in D.C. who was on the panel suggested that IE had made a big mistake – that we should have pushed for UAFA as a stand alone. This is something I have been writing about since June 4th, 2009. I brought Shirley and Jay to IE and worked as the lead advocate and strategist on Shirley Tan’s Private Bill. I promised Julie Kruse of IE that Shirley would advocate for UAFA, as she had given me her word in exchange for my pro bono work.  Indeed instead IE used Shirley to promote UAFA as a component of CIR.  A strategy I would only have pursued AFTER exhausting all opportunities to get UAFA moving on its own. Shirley and Jay have innocently followed their lead.   A mere few made this decision on behalf of all binationals.  The grassroots have had no control over this as only IE has an effective lobby with the HILL and no other LGBT organization seems to show much interest in UAFA. IE left Shirley with no choice but to advocate for CIR.  I just want to be clear- that if UAFA is not in CIR – Shirley was used by IE for their own strategy and should not be blamed.   If UAFA is in CIR, it may be very bad for us because then we can  no longer promote it as a stand alone and we will be at the mercy of the bigger Immigration Lobby, including the faith based groups who are anti LGBT.  If we are NOT included it could be very bad because then UAFA may be perceived as DOA…. Basically we are screwed either way. HOWEVER maybe it is best left out and we can be sneaked in -in committee – we have our necks in a very tight noose right now, the noose of IE strategy and the components that were not thought through.  I hope that this will have all LGBT and friends call reps tomorrow to sign on to UAFA NOW, regardless of CIR!!!

 I am documenting this note in the hope that you will remember that Shirl and Jay are innocent bystanders who got caught up in a situation and have been inadvertent activists. If anything goes wrong it will not be for lack of trying on their behalf to help others. It would have been much easier for them to remain silent.

Thanks for the visit and the support……

see also http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/us/politics/14immig.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&emc=eta1&adxnnlx=1258204566-/N+R+Iaj0/ko10FvCIrdmQ

reBlog from Dprosenthal: Rep Woolsey Calls For IRS Investigation of The Roman Catholic Church

I found this fascinating quote today:

Rep. Woolsey stated that churches in her district are careful to keep their activities non-political. Many LGBT-Americans would wish that were completely true. The recent battle in Maine showed just how willing the Catholic Church is to get involved in political matters if it regards the social agenda that they are pursuing.Dprosenthal, Rep Woolsey Calls For IRS Investigation of The Roman Catholic Church, Nov 2009

You should read the whole article.

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: AS NY assembly shelves gay marriage vote… we must start the Great Big Gay PR Campaign

 This is what I thought after yet another big equality disappointment – the Choir has heard enough

Melanie Nathan’s Comment  :  This is just too much.  I keep thinking why do they disapprove of us?  Why are we so badly thought of  by our fellow Americans-  that they would not want to give us our equality?   It makes me realize that we need a PR Campaign. One where we can introduce our families to America. We must get out there and be visible. Perhaps activists in a less aggressive fashion. (Although there is room for that too! )  But we must march our families to the fore of public opinion.  By Showing America who we are and waht we do for our Communities and  Country.  We have depended for too long on Non-profits with itemized and limited agendas.  Although great progress has been made, most of America does not know who we truly are, that we are the same as they are. We must pitch stories to local press, volunteer in our communities, join Board and Committees, Be on the PTA, . Perhaps readers can comment on PR ideas.lezgetreal.com, AS NY assembly shelves gay marriage vote… we must start the Great Big Gay PR Campaign, Nov 2009

You should read the whole article.

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Are Obama and Gay Inc planning to roll women under the bus to get a win on healthcare?

Thanks to my friend and colleague Paula Brooks for this important piece on Lezgetreal….. mel

Are Obama and Gay Inc planning to roll women under the bus to get a win on healthcare?Tagged with: Barack Obama    Health care    Health insurance    Human Rights Campaign    Pro-life    United States Senatelezgetreal.com, Are Obama and Gay Inc planning to roll women under the bus to get a win on healthcare?, Nov 2009

You should read the whole article.

HISTORY – BAR THE SHOUTING….HEALTHCARE REFORM…

I am unsure of the reproductive rights amendment – too scared to read…. Nonetheless, congratulations Nancy Pelosi – you worked so hard.  I will stay in the moment.

I wish the Democrats would learn the “Lockstep Tango”  Lessons will be given in the coming weeks… visit this BLOG again; details to be provided.

Political Proctologist speaks her mind: “The Anus and the Law”

Reprint from Lezgetreal -By Melanie Nathan  -   Maybe I did not get it. But watch the video of Dr. Ruth Jacobs on YouTube  to make your own assessment.  The first ever Political Proctologist, Dr. Ruth Jacobs speaks about the Anus and the Law…..

I was absolutely flabbergasted when I heard this crazy woman under the guise of Physician;  a sad sorry being.  How did she get that seat to testify. Oh goodness help us. I sunk into deep despair – yes optimistic me – so depressed to see this video – it hits me like a ten ton truck – the fight – the battle.  Is this really happening?

How does one fight prejudice – hate- fear – insanity? Is there a formula?  I am not sure if there could be any worse sign of the times than a highly educated professional displaying such ignorance. 

However today I awake to the reality of this Dr. Ruth Jacobs - a metaphor for the times – Maine, California, a never to be repealed DADT and DOMA – a few miserable tokenistic crumbs  hailed as progress;  - and what do we get Ruth Jacobs equating my right to marry to an anus and what should come out and not go in.  

Shame America! Shame that you allow such bigotry to taint the true value of this Country and the dream we all share.

 

 

Maine and California – “BAN DIVORCE” – next obvious step for the Sanctity of Marriage

Proposition 8 if not invalidated bu Courts, will create an awful and scary precedent.

  Read my post on LEZGETREAL Blog site its serious now oh and boycott Maine Lobster – not Kosher: 

Indeed the next obvious step is legislation that prohibits one’s right to divorce.  Divorce is not an inherent right; it is one that is granted by specific statute. For example in California there would be no divorce if the Family Law Code did not deal create it. It gets worse – Divorce involves one spouse suing the other for divorce.  In California the first paper served by a plaintiff spouse on a defendant spouse reads “SUMMONS- You Are Being Sued.”  How bizarre – to separate church and State in this fashion.  It is an abomination to the sacred right of marriage to think that after spouses have said “till death do us part” that one may sue the other for divorce and that our law allows that to happen.lezgetreal.com, Maine and California – “BAN DIVORCE” – next obvious step for the Sanctity of Marriage, Nov 2009

You should read the whole article.

THE MAINE EVENT

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: SkyWest Treating Calfornia Same-Sex Marriages As Unequal

11/01/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

Marriages stemming from the time when California accepted and recognized same-sex marriages are not being recognized as being actual marriages according to a married gay couple in California.lezgetreal.com, SkyWest Treating Calfornia Same-Sex Marriages As Unequal, Oct 2009

You should read the whole article.