Comprehensive Immigration Reform Symposium: – Keeping our eye on Equality

San Francisco’s Role in Shaping National Immigration Policy

Testimony 
Immigration Commission, San Francisco

by   MELANIE NATHAN 

 Exerpts: Full testimony on UAFA Page
In March of this year I was faced with a Sophie’s choice – I could stay in the US with my 12 year old daughter, in a shared custody arrangement;   or leave her behind to go into exile with my spouse and our 4 year old. Our 4 year nightmare involved navigating the complex Immigration system to keep our family together. Had we not been of the same sex, we would have had no problems at all.

 After receiving help from Senator Feinstein, I lead the effort to obtain the introduction by Senator Feinstein of Private Bill #867 for Shirley Tan and when my advocacy became public scores of binational couples began contacting me for help;   and not a day goes by without a new request.  I testified before the California State Assembly Judicial Committee for AJR 15 and provided written testimony to Senator Leahy for UAFA at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing June 3^rd 2009. 

 This equality based legislation is critical to the tens of thousands of gay and lesbian couples who are either living in exile, or illegally – in fear, in detention or separated from their loved ones. California makes up a large percentage of binational couples and many are from the bay area. I believe it would be remiss for San Francisco, the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors of this LGBTQ iconic city to fail its locals by not placing UAFA’s inclusion as a critical element to any advocacy relating to new, amending or modifying immigration legislation.

 The city of San Francisco has its work cut out for it when it comes to Immigration reform, and it must stand up for all its residents; while certain religious communities strongly support immigration reform, it is apparent they will oppose the inclusion of UAFA and may well shoot themselves in the toe rather than support fully inclusive reform that excludes no one. 

 Contact – nathan@privatecourts.com 

Police Fail Progressive Protesters when Harrased by Birthers

By Melanie Nathan (For www.Lezgetreal.com) After I wrote the post on the Billboard in Colorado Protests, I sent an e-mail to Pat, the woman who so bravely started and led the protests against the sleazy car depot salesman and ‘Birther’ in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.   Prior to writing the initial Blog, I had heard Pat’s call to Ed Schultz on his radio show and was touched by her fierce commitment to defend our President. A few e-mails ensued between us, including the fact that she was touched by Lez Get Real’s support of her protest.  She agreed to report the protest day directly to me as well as to photograph the event for our site. So with gratitude,  here is Pat’s report on Saturday’s protest and a picture of the event:-

  News FromThe Picket Line- in the words of the brave Progressive Protester Pat:-

 “We arrived at the picket line at 9:45 for the l0:00 a.m. protest.  As we were setting up,

one of their salesmen came up to us and said, “Don’t you ladies have anything better to do on Saturday?” We said no.  He proceeded to laugh, and I said, “We are extremely serious.  This is JUST the beginning.”

 They are used to seeing us, and I honestly think they didn’t know what we had planned.  As our people started arriving, they were greeted, thanked and given a sign if they didn’t have one.  Some of them made their own colorful signs and we had extras. 

A gentleman showed  up on Monday before this protest,  at first scaring me to death, bye when he walked up to me closely, said “Thanks”.  I invited him to join us on Saturday.  Much to my delight not only did he show up, but he stayed for hours.  Come to find out, he canvassed for the Obama campaign, and told me of his adventures. 

 We called all TV stations, and the only paper in town, the Denver Post the night before.  Luckily, Channel 31 showed up and stayed for 30 minutes, taking pictures of us and interviewing me.  We did about 5 small “talking points” interviews, and off they went.  While this was going on, employees of Wolf Automotive were busily moving their trucks they were selling, pointing the exhausts directly at the picket line.  I told the news media what was happening.  The stench was pretty bad.  Eyes were watering, you could taste it, and generally uncomfortable.  When we moved down the sidewalk, they would start up other trucks to aim at us.  Did we leave?  Hell no. 

In hindsight, I should have called Mr. Wolf (it pains me to address him in this civil manner), to ask him if he knew this was happening. I did call the Wheat Ridge police who informed me Wolf had already called, and I advised them of the situation.  Police came out and said it was not a violation and we would just have to move.  (We are checking into zoning violations — we don’t believe him).   

 In the meantime, we are concentrating on more coverage, i.e., the young turks, local Wheat Ridge newspaper, other organizations, and putting info on many Face Books.  We intend to keep the story alive. 

 If anyone has any contacts with moveon.org, please let Me  (Pat via Mel) know.  They were unresponsive.  I have attended their rallies — now is the time they support us.  There will be another protest this Saturday.  It is too dangerous for just the women to show up.  We had 4 men, and 21 women.  Not too shabby, as we have only been working on this for a week.  (Protest started with 2 lone women.)

 The best news — Fox 31 DID not interview Wolf.  They only interviewed Protesters

 Wolf had some guy in the parking lot the entire time, and some nut was taking our pictures just in case “something happened to Wolf.”  That’s pretty normal — guess we were supposed to be intimidated.

 I’ll tell you what the worst was.  They turned on the Rush Limpballs Show and we had to listen to that gas bag.  Don’t know what was worse — the carbon monoxide, or having to listen to Rush.  Pretty juvenile, huh?

 We plan to rally again on Saturday.  They are calling for frigid temperatures and snow.  We don’t care. We will be there — we won’t back down — and we won’t stop the fight until that billboard is taken down.  In Solidarity. . .   pat”

  Blogged by Melanie Nathan, nathan@privatecourts.com
www.Privatecourts.com ; www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

See Progressive Protester’s Publicity and Help spread the Word.  Help  get 100 people there for next Staurday protest.   http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-obama-billboard-112009,0,2612065.story

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: 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.

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.

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: Taylor Swift A Nazi – Or a Joke -You decide?

I blogged today for LGR and this is what I had to say….    

You cannot go platinum a gazillion times and get away with this one. However seems popular darling and singing sensation may well get her pass, at least from those who do not have a clue. But for this lesbian Jewish woman, there is no pass.  While the blogs ablaze with comments senseless, I wonder how no-one gets the “JH” on the T Shirt. This is a coincidence!  She never meant it as JH= “Jew Hater.”  She does not mean it , nope she is just too pretty to mean it, her voice is too good for her to mean it…even though she has her arm around a swastika bearing little Nazi.  Well seems no one has thought of  JH=“Jew Hunter.” Either way I demand an explanation and a heartfelt apology, unless of course she really does mean it! Then she can own it and kiss her career goodbye.lezgetreal.com, Taylor Swift A Nazi – Or a Joke -You decide?, Oct 2009

You should read the whole article.

So Sandra, “Whatever It Took,” you did GOOD BABY!…

 Before last night when did I last hit that vein?   Sheraton Universal Studios?   Somewhere around 1987– some lesbian organization fundraiser gig?  My dose – Sandra  Bernhard – slipping through my two decades of Bernhard withdrawal – from what was then to what is now!

That very –always- fabulous- epoch, eventually immortalized by The L Word, and that could not even come close to a true depiction of the time, that sassy time, the West Hollywood Lipstick Lesbian Era – a time to behold.  We went from drudge to pretty, from VW to Limo, from silent to noisy.  Sharon, from King Solomon’s Mines to Basic Instinct.  Peg and I asked Paulette if we could bring cousin Hilda to her party and so we stopped at The Pleasure Chest”  and named the Blow up lady, Hilda.

Our novel sexual revolution brazenly played out on our very own stage, where one night was a rehearsal for the next.   We got better and better at it.   Never before was more fun had by a red-lipped bunch of gal dudes, who ‘toiled their own tude,’[i] with a “prevailing beat[ii] “ unlike any other , on dance floors rented one night at a time, by would be dyke entrepreneurs. (mmm … perhaps would be entrepreneur dykes..I don’t know!)

Waking up with grazed elbows naked in a cul-de-sac in Trousdale Estates to find a strange woman asleep beneath me?  Nah that was not me maybe it was someone else’s dream.   Gay marriage? Not bloody likely –Oh yes I am dreaming – a long gone time that within moments may well renew.   But now is not then and it is now… so what will be as I now attend my dreams  in preparation for another dose.

As Ms. Bernhard appears glamorously adorned on the Razz Room Stage I check my cell phone neurotically ensuring that my four and twelve year old girls have not called in with some catastrophe.  Relieved, I sit back determined to enjoy;   little did I know I would revel in the delight of a sobering and renewed Sandra Bernhard.  Indeed the show exceeded my expectations.  For years I have isolated myself in my work and kids. Silly me to think that the big night out would be a throwback experience, where I would hear the slam slash throat lesbian jive again.   Notwithstanding my momentary nostalgia I must give Ms. B credit for maintaining her unique self in this updated context, a concomitant of the journey, long embarked now morphed into a maturity that belies the past. Her re-surfaced style reflects  her own Jewish mother-ness and one, who like me, has atoned in so many ways, reflecting a love for Israel and the mystical offerings of our changed age.

 So despite myself and despite what I thought it would be, I was able to relate to everything.  To the current affairs, political chatter, celebrity gossip, all tuned to a Bernhard-esque key.  A well-honed musical talent revealed a surprisingly beautiful singing voice, and a new album to boot. So Sandra, “Whatever It Took,”  you did GOOD BABY!…

Picture:- Melanie as a Lipstick lesbian 1995
Also blogged on http://lezgetreal.com/?p=22405 

The Show “Whatever It Takes”  at the RrAZz Room, Nikko Hotel San Francisco, – Go to Sandra Bernhard’s web page (link here)  to see tour dates. A highly recommend 

---

[i] I have the trademark on the phrase…

[ii] Okay another trademark

REMEMBER – SEEKING UPDATE..

Marriage Equality Foes Dealt a Blow -in Maine and California  REMEMBER THIS RULING – I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THE RECORDS WERE RELEASED AND IF THEY WILL BE MADE PUBLIC.  IS THERE A TIME LIMIT  – TO HAND OVER?  KEEP YOUR EYE ON THIS SPACE BECAUSE WE WILL REPORT BACK….SOOOON.  MEL

Judge Orders  Prop 8 Campaign to hand over internal records. Judge Walker rocks. Second great ruling in favor of LGBT fight vs. Prop 8. Go your Honor, go!!  

 US. District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled on Thursday that the Protect Marriage campaign (Gay marriage foes) “had failed to show that providing private e-mails, memos and reports would inhibit the political activities of gay marriage opponents or subject them to unbridled harassment” and ordered them to be turnedover to the attorneys who are seeking to overturn Proposition 8.

The AP’s Lisa Leff reports: “The judge agreed with lawyers for two unmarried same-sex couples who have sued to strike down the ban, known as Proposition 8, that confidential communications between the campaign’s leaders and professional consultants could reveal a rationale for denying gays the right to wed that is relevant to the case. The lawsuit argues that the measure was motivated by hostility toward gays and as such must be struck down as inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equality…At the same time, the judge said the couples’ lawyers must limit their fact-finding request to cover only central issues and individuals, including Mormon and Catholic church representatives who served on the executive committee that oversaw the campaign. He also left open the possibility that he would restrict public access to the documents.”

The Judge wrote: “The First Amendment qualified privilege proponents seek to invoke, unlike the attorney-client privilege, for example, is not an absolute bar against disclosure. Rather, the First Amendment qualified privilege requires a balancing of the plaintiffs’ need for the information sought against proponents’ constitutional interests in claiming the privilege.”

Protect Marriage lawyer Andy Pugno objected:-  ”Giving the losing side of a campaign this level of information will discourage anyone from ever attempting to use the initiative process in the future, knowing that sensitive strategies will likely all become public if they prevail.  “   Melanie says:- … so friggin what!!!  -Mr. Pugno that is the very point. Maybe they ought to be discouraged from using the initiative process when it comes to stripping  a minority of their basic civil rights.  This is the game you chose to play and now you must bear its ultimate consequence.  As my late mama would say, “its all besheerd!”  In any event the intiative process was never designed to take rights away from people.  Schmendrik!

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Senator Leahy and Rep. Nadler plea for inclusion and I SAY NOW…. NOW…

 I wrote this Article for Lezgetreal BLOG extraordinaire

The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) of 2009,  would grant same-sex couples the same immigration benefits — and responsibilities — as opposite-sex couples, under the same existing legal framework.  It is cosponsored by 22 senators and 117 members of the House of Representatives and has the support of a diverse coalition of businesses and civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, the American Bar Association and the Anti-Defamation League. In highlighting some of the hardships, the article should be read, and more importantly the comments that appear thereafter.lezgetreal.com, Senator Leahy and Rep. Nadler plea for inclusion and I SAY NOW…. NOW…, Oct 2009

You should read the whole article.   (Art work  by Melanie Nathan)

THE MAINE EVENT

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Gillibrand tweets… she is meeting with DoD officials today to discuss DADT

Gillibrand tweets… she is meeting with DoD officials today to discuss DADTTagged with: Don’t Ask Don’t Tell    Kirsten Gillibrand    New York    Twitter    United States Senate Committee on Armed Serviceslezgetreal.com, Gillibrand tweets… she is meeting with DoD officials today to discuss DADT, Oct 2009

You should read the whole article.

reBlog from Melanie nathan: Rep. Sestak Pulling Close To Arlen Spector In Recent Polling

 I am switching my support to Joe Sestak – the extent of my publication of my support and on going coverage shall depend on responses to questions I have regarding UAFA/ CIR and RMA – repeal of DOMA.

10/15/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire This primary election may be the swan song for Senator Arlen Spector, the on again-off again Democrat who had hoped to not have to run in a primary where he got knocked out of contention, but recent polling is showing that his Democratic Primary opponent, Representative Joe Sestak is catching up to him with the primary election some months off. What is more, a large majority of Pennsylvanians seem to be ready for a new Senator.Melanie nathan, Rep. Sestak Pulling Close To Arlen Spector In Recent Polling, Oct 2009

You should read the whole article. Any experiental comments are most welcome…. as are opinions …

Pyjama Blogger requests an interview with Joe Solmonese

I am one of the PJ Bloggers the Whitehouse was recently referring to but do not allow that to give me any credit nothwithstanding the 24,000 that have read my blogs since February 2009, when I first started writing. Then I am a lesbian, but just a plebian one- so that may not work either.

Maybe this will provide me with some worthiness or credibility - I am a personal advocate having prevailed where LGBT organizatons refused to help stating the cases had no merit and nothing could be done.  I was the personal advocate for Shirley Tan and also other cases where you refused to help which your organizatonal impetus,  such as getting lesbians and gay men out of unwarranted immigration detentions.  Now I hope this intro provides me with some acceptable credentials to earn your ear.

 I am requesting a ten minute telephone interview with Joe Solmonese.  I have been writing so negatively about his lack of responses to President Obama’s speech and I realize that my anger which fuelled my knee jerk reactions ought to be tempered with some answers to pivotal questions that came up for me during the President’s speech. 

This event and the fallout reminds me of the Queen and Princess Dianna’s death.  (no pun ever! ) Joe needs to come out and acknowledge the sadness of the people.  To commiserate not pretend all is well in the Kingdom  of HRC – because that is how we the peeps see your response.

The people who have waited so long for full equality did not want to hear separate but equal embedded and overtly strewed into the Speech.  But the President did say he wanted to be honest and that he was.  However in his role transcending mere host, Joe must stand up and say what HRC plans on fighting for and how – because as it stands it seems to me you are asking for donations for a non-existent momentum and for money to support our less than interests.  Remember the statement in the speech “as much as the law allows?”  How can we allow that to stand unchallenged?  It is disingenuous to say the least.  I would like to have these questions answered and an interview would be much appreciated.   Regards, Melanie Nathan

LGBT COMMUNITY – Resign JOE you have betrayed US!

Betrayed and resign

Andrew Sullivan calls for Joe Solmonese to resign!

Dear Joe Solomonese and HRC

From Melanie Nathan
To Joe Solomonese

October 11, 2009

Dear Joe,

Well done!  Last night was an amazing accomplishment having the President speak at your fundraiser dinner;  his speech was supportive, motivating and awe inspiring and I was quite moved by the validation, especially after being so let down by President Clinton signing DOMA into law and the passage of Prop 8 here in California.  After so many years of fighting, we get a resounding nod out of Washington.   The validation for those 37 minutes was short lived as   when the ‘rah rah’ was over the reality set in.  Words, words and more words- and what about marriage?  

 While writing my BLOG last night, I found myself being both critical and grateful at the same time  (www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com entitled I AM HERE WITH YOU IN THAT FIGHT and yet I give as much as the law allows?) Tossing and turning between the emphatic stance and the inadequacy of the detail, it left me wondering – how does this all translate into action?     Where will it go? Any quicker than thus far – and what about the big cop-out, the part that the pundits, activists, bloggers, commentators seem to have missed or have chosen not to mention. Here is how I described it in my Blog:-

 “However as the crowds enthusiasm escalated in familiar Obama engendered excitement, I could feel the expectation and the tacit drum roll as the President announced that he would see to it that “ LGBT couples would receive as many federal benefits and federal rights as much as the law allows”… the crowd went crazy… I think they thought he was heading on a path of overt commitment to the repeal of DOMA – and acknowledgment of our right to marry; but sadly he did not, instead he asserted this right to federal benefits by referring to a “domestic partners law” and did nothing new or different to endorse our right to marry under the civil law. The problem with saying “as much as the law allows” is the contradiction – DOMA ensures that the “LAW DOES NOT ALLOW!” So my mind was begging –“Mr. President please tell us how, when, you will ensure the repeal of DOMA – it is the Key – I do not want Federal benefits “as much as the law allows” because that is a big zero and I will get none. “

 This morning, as expected, I received your email, Joe Solomonese from HRC, and your promise “ In the days and weeks ahead we’ll move quickly to capitalize on this momentum?”   What momentum may I ask?  What did the President say that provides this so called momentum?  Are you asking me to accept a campaign speech as momentum? 

 The sad truth Joe, is that you brazenly center your ‘DONATE NOW’ button as you ask for our support for you to ‘capitalize on this momentum.’ You are asking us to pay you to condone the most significant and yet painful aspect of the speech –where the President expressly pronounced us ‘separate but equal!’  He blatantly stated that we would get Federal Benefits “as much as the law allows.” Well right now it allows zero and nothing hence begging the question – the  President’s commitment to repeal DOMA – was bittersweet as instead of asserting our right to marry at the helm of this repeal, he threw in the words a DOMESTIC PARTNER ACT.  What the heck was that?   He thus specifically denounces our right to marriage equality as a prerequisite to receiving federal benefits – when – who the heck knows? This clear statement a tacit reminder, tantamount to an assertion, that he is opposed to same sex marriage is further endorsed by his failure to mention marriages in DC, Maine or any other State initiatives.

 Do you not realize that this speech worked in direct contradiction to our champion Jerrold Nadler’s recent introduction of the respect for marriage Act?

 Joe, what momentum? One where we agree to no marriage? I certainly hope not.  Before you ask for our money can you tell us your plan and your thoughts and where you think this is going?  Lets see if we agree. Lets see if the community at large agrees with your strategy.

 Unless you go for the ALL and consult grass-root communities about strategy, and become more inclusive in your process, – you will not get my money!  I am spending my money to get to D.C.  myself, to lobby for what I want for me, my family and my community and that is nothing short of full equality, one where my marriage is legal and respected, and which will grant me the exact benefits that all heterosexual married couples in US receive. I do not want to be a victim of “as much as the law allows.”  

I challenge all of you who are inclined to donate to the patronizing promoters of anything less than FULL equality, to take those hard earned dollars and some hours or days of your working time and to show up in D.C.  at the offices of your Representatives.  We must tell out stories ourselves and stop depending on these self appointed leaders who purport to speak for us all.  We must go to DC now and ask for the REPEAL OF DOMA, during this 111^th congress. 

There were 250,000 people at the March.  Can you imagine the impact if another 250,000 of us showed up at the doors of our respective reps asking what they are doing about DOMA and RMA?  UAFA – DADT ENDA – whatever.  My experience in D.C.  has taught me that the organizations are viewed for the most part as ‘nudgers’ and with some disdain, while constituents are the most important people to the  congressional representatives.  They want your stories and they need your stories.  So get creative and get out there – yourselves, individually or in groups. Cause mayhem if need be! Its enough! Its enough!

 —– Original Message —–

From: Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign 

To: nathan@privatecourts.com

Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2009 7:13 AM

Subject: Obama speaks at HRC last night: watch the video

Dear Melanie,Just hours ago, President Obama took the podium at HRC’s National Dinner to talk directly to the LGBT community and our many friends and allies. Find out what Obama said – and be sure to share the news with your friends >> Today, thousands of people are marching on Washington to demand LGBT equality. And last night, President Obama told LGBT Americans that his commitment to ending discrimination in the military, in the workplace and for loving couples and their families is “unwavering”. He made it crystal clear that he is our strongest ally in this fight, that he understands and, in fact, encourages our activism and our voice even when we’re impatient with the pace of change. And we heard unequivocally about the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: “I am working with the Pentagon, its leadership and members of the House and Senate to end this policy. I will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. That is my commitment to you.” Finally, we heard something quite remarkable from the President: “You will see a time in which we as a nation finally recognize relationships between two men and two women as just as real and admirable as relationships between a man and a woman. It was an historic night when we felt the full embrace and commitment of the President of the United States. It’s simply unprecedented. In the days and weeks ahead we’ll move quickly to capitalize on this momentum. But right now, please watch what President Obama had to say, share this email with your friends, and know that your commitment means that we’re much closer to attaining real equality and protecting millions of Americans: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1061 Thank you for being part of this historic fight with us. Warmly, Joe Solmonese President

This link is specific to you, so please take action on this campaign before you forward to your friends. Having trouble clicking on the links above? Simply copy and paste this URL into your browser’s address bar to take action today: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1061

 

I AM HERE WITH YOU IN THAT FIGHT and yet I give as much as the law allows?

President Barack Obama 2009

I was skeptical about President Obama’s speech and yet hopeful. The short version of this post is that I was generally pleased. Of course I could highlight what was left out and the uncertainties that remain for our full equality, yet my ‘glass half full’ beckons and I succumb! Admittedly, the strongest language yet from this President and anyone ever in this office, it felt good to me personally. Alas I cannot I must indulge…. my real feelings pull between the half empty and the half full.  SO let me see reason…. as I incline toward I am here with you in that fight and yet I can only give as much as the law allows? Do we beg the question or do we beg?

Whereas I thought I may write about the context, the atmosphere, the protests, but that would fail the invitation by President Obama, to align in a joint endeavor. As a critic noting the slow progress and an advocate for the daily reality of our lives, I am concerned that the speech, although emphatic, serves as another delay – a call in essence for patience. I miss my equality NOW and that is why I want a timeline from the President. I wanted to hear something different. I wanted to hear more about the repeal of DOMA – the law that discounts our very essence.

The President acknowledged that same sex relationships are just as admirable and just as real as heterosexual relationships. He said that he will get rid of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ (DADT.) He specifically mentioned ENDA and noted it will pass, as well as the Mathew Sheppard hate Crimes Act which he said he would sign into law.

However as the crowds enthusiasm escalated in familiar Obama engendered excitement, I could feel the expectation and the tacit drum roll as the President announced that he would see to it that “ LGBT couples would receive as many federal benefits and federal rights as the law allows”… the crowd went crazy… I think they thought he was heading on a path of overt commitment to the repeal of DOMA – and acknowledgment of our right to marry; but unfortunately he did not, instead he concluded this right to benefit by referring to “domestic partners act” and did nothing new or different to endorse our right to marry under the civil law. The problem with saying “as the law allows” creates a contradiction – DOMA ensures that the “LAW DOES NOT ALLOW!” So my mind was begging –“Mr. President please tell us how, when, you will ensure the repeal of DOMA – it is the Key – I do not want Federal benefits “as much as the law allows” because that is a big zero and I will get none. 

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

Overall, it was a really good speech and crafted to illustrate the President’s alliance as if in Tandem in the fight for equality… the skill in the speech is that he took the heat of what HE could do and replaced it with what WE need to do. All in all positive and uplifting in its general message but fell short on specific details. The value is it definitely sets a different tone for acceptance and normalization of the LGBT community and our relationships.

I now note my disappointment at the limitations in language –because he could have gone all the way. Yet at the same time I realize that we still have to be patient and in our patience we have to fight for ourselves, everyday, because of the big mechanism and machinery involved in, as the President said “ laws to change and hearts to open,” and that is not going to be an easy task.

 So As LT. Dan Choi, said on CNN tonight, what he was left with was when the president asked us as a community to continue to hold his (the President’s) feet to the fire and for us to tell our stories, urge our representatives and educate our communities. So here I urge our readers, our leaders, our LGBT community, our families and friends to take the challenge. Please do not for one minute think that this alliance with the President invoked with his historic and moving declaration tonight “ I AM HERE WITH YOU IN THAT FIGHT” is a call to rest. Its a call to action like never before, firstly because we have an ally and secondly because we need to effect change sooner than process and time can allot. 

Because the President did not, I want to give a special mention (ok, hardly any compensation) to my binational friends either in exile, in detention, in hiding or waiting in terror for visas to expire and to remind the American conscience as it concerns itself with basic human rights, that the LAW DOES NOT ALLOW same-sex American citizens or residents to sponsor their spouses/partners for visa, residency or immigration to the USA. We have 98,000 (in my crude estimation) Binational couples, almost tripling the 2000 census. Unfortunately your plight went unnoticed in tonight’s speech, because even if we recognize Same sex relationships, even if OBAMA’s plan (as we have it) for our equality, respect and right to the “same admiration” as straight relationships, you are not included in any of tonight’s promises under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, until repeal of DOMA or passage of stand-alone legislation such as the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) or Comprehensive Immigration reform that includes LGBT, same-sex couples.  

 

OKKIES and proud of my CUZ…..

   Dear Friends –

My cousin Lauren is amazing- you should read her story.  Her career fascinates me not only because of her talent gift, success, but also as an example of a mother finding a gap in the market through her kid’s needs and then filling it!  

Lauren has generously provided my gals with beautiful attire and what is most striking is the quality and the feel of the fabric and comfort engendered by the design.  My kids love the clothes and they look kewl (quote.) 

 SO I invite you to look at her ‘third’ baby – http://okkies.com/main.php/okkies-boys-c-1 and also to note that most of the little models are  my leeeetle cousins.

 Quote from site’s ABOUT -  …”      Lauren: “In 1987 I returned to LA to broaden my freelance stylist and costume designer career. I created costumes for music videos, concert tours and album covers, adding Janet Jackson, the Rolling Stones and Sting, to my client list. I also collaborated with television and print-ad directors styling and designing costumes for A-List commercial accounts such as Coke, Nike, Budweiser, Cover Girl and Visa/MasterCard. ”       

http://okkies.com/main.php/okkies-boys-c-1    As Lauren says enjoy…. 

  SEE ABOUT PAGE ON THE OKKIES SITE :- “ In 2001 I added motherhood to my resume with the birth of Hugo and, later, Oscar – nicknamed Okkie by his big brother. Watching my two young, constantly moving boys was easier than finding boy-appropriate clothing. At that time, girls had many fashion choices, boys much fewer. I struggled to find comfortable, easy-care, hip boys’ wear. Choices seemed locked into a few silhouettes merchandised in standard demins, fleeces and twills, in boy-accepted primary colors. “

BTW I  noticed many a cover with celeb kids wearing Okkies…

Please Mr. President No Mere Nods – we have our Vehicle to Repeal DOMA Now!

Re-BLOG and as amended- Lezgetreal -770 views   on this post

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?

Now that Rep. Jerrold Nadler has provided the vehicle, by way of Respect for Marriage Bill- you have the opportunity, Mr. President to speed up this repeal of DOMA.  I call on all our leaders, the progressive Democrats, our Senators who care, to throw caution to the wind, to show courage and to implore upon the President and Congress that this state of affairs, namely silence, omission and inaction is tantamount to the condoning of the hardship the LGBT community suffers each and every day.

There is no time to wait – equality is an issue of paramount importance.  It is fundamental to our standing in the global community. It is imoerative to our human rights record.  What could be nore important than equality of all citizens and residents of his Country.  The only legitimate argument against marriage is the religious one – and that excuse for denying rights is tantamount to  merging church and state.

In this Statement from the White House you acknoweldge  us as (sam-sex) parents – yet for long as you remain unmoved and inactive regarding our ability to marry, you are overtly denying the very children you tout concern and care for, a very basic right – to have their parents marry. Have you also fallen prey to the notion that it is okay to acknowledge us ‘de facto’  but to disregard us ‘de jure’?   This White House Statement reflects the USA condoning  this serous inequity. As a lesbian  mom with two small children,  as one of the special 18,000 whose marriage holds precariously legal in California, I ask you to “please MOVE THAT BUS” so we can see the renovation you were so eager to promise!

So Please Mr. President keep your word and provide children of same-sex parents with equality by way of recognition.

“THE WHITE HOUSE”
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release September 28, 2009

FAMILY DAY, 2009

- – – – – – -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Our family provides one of the strongest influences on our lives. American families from every walk of life have taught us time and again that children raised in loving, caring homes have the ability to reject negative behaviors and reach their highest potential. Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things. Today, our children are confronting issues of drug and alcohol use with astonishing regularity. On Family Day, we honor the dedication of parents, commend the achievements of their children, and celebrate the contributions our Nation’s families have made to combat substance abuse among young people.

The 21st century presents families with unprecedented challenges. Millions of women and men are struggling to balance the demands of their jobs with the needs of their families. At the same time, our youngest generation faces countless distractions in their social environment. They are coming of age in a world where electronic devices have replaced the playground, televisions have preempted conversation, and pressure to use drug and alcohol is far too prevalent. Parents bear significant stress and burdens to protect their children from harmful influences.

It is our responsibility to talk with adolescents about the risks of abusing alcohol, tobacco, or prescription and illicit drugs, and other harmful behaviors. These substances can destroy the mind, body, and spirit of a child, jeopardizing their healthand limiting their potential. Active parents, voicing their disapproval of drug use, have proven themselves to be the most effective preventative method for keeping our children drug-free. A strong and engaged family can make all the difference in helping young people make healthy decisions. By coming together as a family and discussing the events of the day, parents can foster open communication, share joys and concerns, and help guide their children toward healthy decisionmaking. A strong nation is made up of strong families, and on this Family Day, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that every American family has the chance to build a better, healthier future for themselves and their children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 28, 2009, as Family Day. I call upon the people of the United States to join together in observing this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor and strengthen our Nation’s families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA “

 //

reBlog ALERT- California Cry – Time is of the Essence – Help needed- Call Now

 Melanie on Lez Get real:-

The very same culprits who passed Proposition 8, with all their Mormon funding, individual hate and corporate dollars threatening yet again, are now flooding the Governor with calls to block the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act.  Co-sponsored by our colleagues at Equality California and Sen. Mark Leno, SB 54, the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act, clarifies where marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states and countries stand in California.  ALERT- California Cry – Time is of the Essence – Help needed- Call Now, Sep 2009

You should read the whole article.

ACT NOW – for California

Call the Governor today to set the facts straight. Let him know of your support for the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act.   Click here for more details on Oblogdeeoblogda Advocacy Page

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