O-blog-dee-o-blog-da

BiNational Petition:- Remedial Visa -Stop Gap- Pending Legislation

oblogdeeoblogda — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:54:23 +0000

PLEASE SIGN PETITION http://www.change.org/actions/view/special_visa_for_binational_lgbt_spouse-perma-partners
:

The President of the United States, The U.S. Senate and The U.S. House

Re:- Special Visa Process & Moratorium: Same-Sex Partner Sponsorship

Greetings,

Lesbian and Gays can marry, enter into Domestic Partnerships and civil unions, in some States and many places in the World, yet we cannot Stay together in the USA because we are unable to sponsor our spouses/partners for a green card.

While we wait for immigration equality under the US Immigration and Naturalization Act -to sponsor our foreign-born partners, we endure unconscionable and inhumane situations on a day to day, hour by hour basis. Our partners are persecuted at our airports by the profiling of ICE officials and arbitrarily turned away, despite having visas; our relationships are denied through our inability to live together in the US, or we live in fear, hiding or exile. We lose jobs, we lose homes, we lose our time with extended family, we give up our pensions. We are detained and deported.

So at this holiday time, when families are gathering together in happiness and joy, please find a way to remember those Americans. their beloved and children who, because of DOMA, cannot share these days- and all our community can do at this time is beg and pray for something extraordinary, perhaps a miracle. Our exiles and exiles-to-be cannot wait for the impending Immigration Reform battle or for UAFA to garnish more co-sponsors. Our binationals do not want to be the “Public Option” of Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Asking President Obama for a special visa as a stop-gap pending Legislation to remedy an inequitous anomaly in the conflict between State and Federal Law:

1. Ask Congress to formulate a special interim Visa Program for Same-sex Spouses, Domestic Partners, Civil Union Partners, for entry into the USA, and for the ability to remain and work in the USA – possibly subject to renewal and/or- with a path to immigration.

This can be done in a similar manner to the R1 Visa Process. It should however be less complicated and could be set for termination when UAFA or similar legislation is passed, or until DOMA is repealed, that will grant the rights LGBT Americans are now denied.

2. The burden of proof would be similar to that required of a marriage – where, inter alia, the following is required:
a. Proof of certification of marriage, Domestic Partnership, Civil Union contract – from any jurisdiction, anywhere in the world, proving a contractual nexus between the spouses;
or
Intent to enter such certified relationship with proof required wuthin 6 months ( this alternate application is similar to Fiance Visa)
b. Affidavit of suport from American Spouse;
c. The same two year conditional residency as spouses have – where the parties attend an interview tot prove that they have been living together in relationship, to back up the contract in the exact same way as straight Americans are required to do;
d. A Partner with a ten year ban – who was in a same-sex relationship at the time of deportation or voluntary departure– ought to have the right for a case review, to negate the ban and specific criteria for this should be established;
e. Same sex couples ought to have a process to convert Visas to this Visa status, regardless of waivers they may have signed.
f. Visa Program can be subject to a Sunset provision and renewal – to circumvent fear of fraud.
(More detailed draft of legislation for such a VISA is available to anyone interested )

If this was done in the form of a special visa category and did not alter the Immigration and Naturalization Act in any way; it could perhaps work its way through the system quickly and effectively provide rights now denied Americans in same sex contractual and legal relationships. The way such Visa Program would be written will not conflict in any way with DOMA and its furtive restrictions on the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

A Binational Xmas Wish in A letter to President Obama

oblogdeeoblogda — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:19:03 +0000

by me on LGR please read the whole thing

Mr. President, with great respect, I am mentioning this during the holiday season because this time for many is fraught with sadness, fear and pain. Exiled Americans, who are with their spouses, cannot come home to spend Xmas with extended families and if they do, they have to leave spouses abroad. Tens of thousands of same sex couples are unable to spend these holidays together because they are stuck in different countries. These families cannot wait any longer. Our binational spouses and partners are being turned away at US airports, even as I write these words, at the arbitrary instance of an ICE officer.Jaba Shah, A Binational Xmas Wish in A letter to President Obama, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article. http://lezgetreal.com/?p=24121
I have started a column that I would like to share with readers. It will feature 2 posts per month and is titles UAFA or 1,666 years of stories. It is found on the BLOGsite of Lezgetreal.com and I have produced two stories thus far. The timely XMAS story today is couched in a letter to President Obama wishing him a Happy Holiday Season and asking for a miracle for LGBT couples who cannot be together because of DOMA and US exile.

ANOTHER American Exiled! – UAFA Now or 1,666 years of Stories-

oblogdeeoblogda — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:31:49 +0000

My Column on Lezgetreal – 1,666 years or UAFA

The Stories Of Shirley Tan and oter families

This week a Plane is leaving for Taiwan and one more American is forced to leave the Country he loves so dearly, simply because the love of his life is of the same sex. He is about to be exiled and here is his story……. but first let me explain

lezgetreal.com, ANOTHER American Exiled! – UAFA Now or 1,666 years of Stories-, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

reBlog Lezgetreal : Kalamazoo Churches Pull Out Of Charity Over One Church’s Support For LGBT Rights

oblogdeeoblogda — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:03:55 +0000

“Nice People The Jones’” …………………. if you get my drift….

Three churches in Kalamazoo, MI have chosen to leave Martha’s Table, a charity which provides services and meals for those in need. The reason why they are leaving is simple- the church, First Congregational, that houses the charity is inclusive of the LGBT Community, and the three churches who either have or will quit are unwilling to associate with First Congregational over that issue. They talk about “guilt by association. “The founding principle of Martha’s Table was that churches would come together and put aside their differences in light of what unites us, which is our common commitment to serve Christ and others. But now this difference has risen above our common commitment to serving Christ,” Pastor Matt Laney has said. Representatives from Agape Christian Church and Word for Life Church of God will withdraw from the charity at the end of the year, and Centerpoint Church already has. Kalamazoo Churches Pull Out Of Charity Over One Church’s Support For LGBT Rights, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

Churches to leave homeless ministry over sexuality conflict

By Margaret DeRitter | Kalamazoo Gazette

Reported by December 16, 2009, 6:45AM KALAMAZOO — Theological disagreements over homosexuality are causing a divide within a downtown ministry that serves the poor, homeless and lonely.

Martha’s Table, through which eight churches have provided Sunday afternoon worship and meals for the needy at First Congregational Church, is losing three of the churches because of the issue of homosexuality, even though the ecumenical ministry takes no position on it, said the Rev. Matt Laney, pastor of First Congregational.

Mark Bugnaski | Kalamazoo GazetteMinistry unveiled: In this photo from October 2007, when the Martha’s Table ministry was launched, the Rev. Matt Laney, left, and Jeff McNally pose at Laney’s First Congregational Church. Agape Christian Church and Word for Life Church of God plan to withdraw from Martha’s Table at the end of the year, and Centerpoint Church (formerly Third Reformed Church) has already done so, Laney said.

“The founding principle of Martha’s Table was that churches would come together and put aside their differences in light of what unites us, which is our common commitment to serve Christ and others,” Laney said. “But now this difference has risen above our common commitment to serving Christ.”

Laney said representatives of all three churches have been “very clear” that they don’t want to be “guilty by association” with First Congregational and its inclusiveness of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, said Laney, who publicly supported an ordinance passed by Kalamazoo voters in November that protects GLBT people from discrimination in housing, jobs and accommodations.

“To me, it’s incredibly disappointing,” Laney said. “That’s the best word I can give it. It’s also mystifying. I was very shocked and surprised when they pulled out.”

The man who came up with the vision for Martha’s Table — Jeff McNally, pastor of Word for Life and owner of McNally’s Kitchen, which provided most of the meals — declined to comment on the reasons for his withdrawal from the ministry that began in 2007.

“I would just as soon let it go,” he said. “We are just pulling out. That’s all. … We would just as soon take a position of silence.”

But Ron Vestrand, senior pastor of Agape Christian Church, said it was conversations with McNally that led to his church withdrawing from Martha’s Table.

“As time went on, Pastor McNally was becoming concerned with Pastor Matt Laney’s stand on homosexuality. I believe it was causing some disunity. … I think the primary issue was that we felt that Matt’s stance on homosexuality as a valid Christian lifestyle violated our biblical worldview.”

Vestrand added that “ecumenical ministries are a great challenge because sometimes there can be issues that can rise up. We probably were a bit remiss in not talking more extensively about some of the possibilities.”

Kim Sandelin, a lay pastor from Agape, said churches can tolerate some theological disagreements and work together, but “an immoral lifestyle has eternal ramifications in Scripture.”

Yet, he said he wanted to emphasize that “none of the pastors in this ministry have any ill will or bad feelings toward one another.”

He said he talked to Laney about his church’s decision. “When Matt and I were done, we shook hands and considered one another brothers in ministry,” he said.

The Kalamazoo Gazette was unable to reach a representative of Centerpoint for comment.
A pastor from another church in the Reformed, or Calvinist, tradition, the Rev. Ken Baker of Third Christian Reformed, said his church will continue its commitment to Martha’s Table.

“I feel very sad about the decision of three partner churches to pull out,” Baker said. “Everything about the ministry of Martha’s Table reflects the heart of Jesus, who came to preach good news to the poor. Surely, all our churches would agree that mercy and compassion were at the heart of the ministry of Jesus.”

He noted that his denomination takes a “theologically conservative” position on homosexuality, interpreting the Bible to say the practice is wrong but that it is not a sin to have a homosexual disposition. “But I fail to see how our integrity is violated by participating in Martha’s Table,” he said.

Laney said his church and the other remaining churches — St. Luke’s Episcopal, First Presbyterian and First Methodist — are also committed to continuing the ministry, and he is trying to recruit other churches.

The church that leads the Martha’s Table worship service on a given week will now bring the meals, Laney said. Attendance can vary widely, from about 50 to 120, although Martha’s Table usually draws 80 to 90 people, he said. About 20 to 30 of the attendees are volunteers.

McNally and Vestrand also say they remain committed to serving the poor and homeless. “Our heart toward the homeless has not deviated at all,” Vestrand said.

Baker said he intends to write a letter to the three churches leaving Martha’s Table.

“My hope and prayer is that these other churches will reconsider and change their minds,” he said. “What better time of year to do that than this season of the year when Christ followers ponder the mystery of God coming in the flesh to ‘lift up the humble and fill the hungry with good things.

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reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Fenty To Sign DC Marriage Equality Bill Today – Chaffetz Vows Fight

oblogdeeoblogda — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:35:20 +0000

I found this fascinating quote today:

12/18/09-by Paula Brooks On Tuesday, after months of rancor and threats from The Archdiocese of DC and other District religious leaders, the District of Columbia Council passed a measure that will permit same-sex marriage in our Nations Capitol.lezgetreal.com, Fenty To Sign DC Marriage Equality Bill Today – Chaffetz Vows Fight, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

Bi-nationals – Take Back your Right to your FIGHT

oblogdeeoblogda — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:40:55 +0000

Shirley Tan, Jay Mercado, Twins & Melanie

Dear Friends,

Since June of this year I have been critical about Immigration Equality’s strategy – in promoting our UAFA through inclusion in Comprehensive Immigration reform (CIR) as a priority strategy. My sense of logic told me that by doing so they would be ’shooting us in the foot’- as they would in effect limit our advocating for UAFA as a stand alone. If you search Melanie Nathan UAFA – on Lezgetreal and on oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress BLOGS, you will see a myriad of my articles fearing the outcome of such strategy.

When I originally discussed this with IE’s Steve Ralls and Julie Kruse, I was told that they were pursuing UAFA as a stand alone as well. However their website seemed to infer that all their eggs were in the CIR basket only. I expressed my concerns and wrote about it. Soon their website changed to seem as if they were in fact advocating for UAFA as an additional endeavor to CIR.

My favorite expression – ‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating.’ They were extremely ineffective because hardly any new co-sponsors boarded the ship for UAFA.. I believe that had IE not attempted CIR at all, and stayed on track for UAFA, added co-sponsors for UAFA would have also made it more likely for us to in fact be included in CIR; even though I do not think CIR can work for us for many reasons.

I believe that in truth IE did very little for UAFA since using Shirley Tan’s popularity incorrectly. They have done nothing but take advantage, using the Tans for their purposes and strategy; which I have often opposed. Hours after the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing they had surreptitiously taken Shirley and family to the RFA press announcement. From that moment on, they have used Shirley and Jay to promote their agenda and their cause – it has been more about CIR and less about UAFA. That is when I had my altercation with them. It was when Steve Ralls and Victoria Neilsen again went behind my back and used Shirley and Jay in a fundraising escapade and photo op, rather than genuine advocating for all our cause, UAFA. (no fault of Shirley and Jay Tan Mercado.) By the way Shirley and Jay have made many appearances for UAFA that IE has not been involved in at all.

Now it is as bad as I thought it would be. They have truly screwed us up. Rachel Tiven, in her BLOG has again launched false information by touting hope. What hope? That some Democratic so called friends in congress will have a good night’s sleep and decide we are deserving. See my scathing critique at http://lezgetreal.com/?p=23865

Congresswoman Speier told me that unless we had all our legislation by the Spring, the election year will make it impossible thereafter. Other members of congress and staffers have personally informed me that UAFA should be on its own and that the ONLY thing that will work is if we PUSH our stories on the members of congress, non-stop. But it is hard to fight the strategy that IE has chosen for us, because we have been told wait for CIR and we are still being told the same thing.

I am asking you all to take back our right to our fight. Do not be duped by a small organization that touts itself as pre-eminent! The only pre-eminent people are those of you who are living as binationals – you- in exile, those who are living on borrowed time, in fear, in detention, as the case may be. You have the power in your hands. To write your reps and ask what the hell is happening to UAFA. Now that we have not been included demand UAFA as a stand alone. Even if Tiven and others tell you to hang on still for CIR.

Take back our strategy – the only strategy and realize that now is an opportunity – a small window. Instead of wasting your energy telling Gutierrez you are angry – call your own members of congress and demand that they push for UAFA. Call again and again. Demand UAFA as a stand alone – or believe me you will be in for another ride called “CIR-ala Healthcare Reform debacle” There can be no trust in that so why place energy and resources into it. This is an opportunity because you can now say to your rep:- ” see rep, we were excluded and are not guaranteed of future inclusion, we MUST have our own equality based legislation as a civil and human rights issue, because clearly until such time we do not fill into the CIR mould; even our allies in congress refuse to deem our partners worthy as immigrants, hence we must work the equality angle.”

Out of all the Adversity to LGBT community what could possibly be worse than having to leave your home to be with your life partner? What out of all the LGBT pending legislation could possibly be worse than being denied the reality of your actual relationship. No DADT- no EDNA- No Hate Crime – nothing can be worse than separating our families, albeit those other piece meal Bills are extremely important.

DOMA’s repeal and/or UAFA should be top of the list and only YOU my friends can do it. Take the money you would give to Rachel Tiven and buy a cheap air ticket to DC. Walk the halls and tell your story.- write with pictures, Introduce your self and your plight. You have nothing to fear by doing so. Go and see your rep when they are on home turf. Though I find them to be very welcoming of constituents when you make the trip to DC.

If you have already done that – do it again.

Okay so you see I am angry. When I went on to Immigration Equality’s site to comment on my disapproval I was drawn to a very unusual method of screening comments. I made four comments. Each time, I went back online the comments appeared and were numbered consecutively with others # 49 and 50. It had a time and the date. I made a PDF copy of how the site looked to me. There was nothing saying they were reviewing my comments first. Friends mentioned they had posted too, yet they shared the same number as me. When I went on line again I could only see that I owned numbers 49 and 50, and not the friend. It was odd. What I have since figured out is that IE is deleting my comments, which were critical but benign. At least I think so. I asked for accountability. I also made suggestions. In fact I am attaching the PDF showing my comments evidencing my assertions here. Today when I went back, my posts were not up and I believe despite having seen them in context as if up like attached PDF reflects, I was never up in the first place. Nice honest way of treating us binationals and activists.

Let me know what you think

I have sent this to a select few. Do with it as you please.

In sadness, disappointment and solidarity;

Mel.

Melanie Nathan

reBlog from Melanie Nathan: The Gutierrez Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill -FAILS to include LGBT Families and ignores UAFA

oblogdeeoblogda — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:11:27 +0000

This statement fails to recognize the complications in this strategy. One only needs to look at Health Care Reformto see all the unpredictable dealings. It is still my belief that even if we were included, we will be the sacrificial lamb. It is time to change your modus operandi and this is my call for a leadership that is all inclusive – one that will use the brain power and strategy offerings of experts, not only of a handful on the Hill.Melanie Nathan, The Gutierrez Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill -FAILS to include LGBT Families and ignores UAFA, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Jerold Nadler Speaks out about LGBT Legislation Complications

oblogdeeoblogda — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:53:57 +0000

today:

Ralls told DC Agenda - “If the Conference of Catholic Bishops decides that they’re willing to throw the immigrant community under the bus because of the inclusion of LGBT couples, I think that would be a shame because, at the end of the day, immigration reform can help millions of families — both gay and straight — and that should be Congress’ priority.” Well duh ….. it would be a shame, but what do you think is going to happen and when did you think people came ahead of zealot agenda and religious ferver seeking a bed in the center of Congress? It will not be seen as the fault of the Church it will be used against us and it will hurt. As the Catholic Church prepares to shoot its devotees in the toe, mostly Latina immigrants, the gay community will be vilified further and there will be a huge rise in Latina vs. gay animosity.lezgetreal.com, Jerold Nadler Speaks out about LGBT Legislation Complications, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

The Good, the Bad, and the Gutless …..

oblogdeeoblogda — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:37:52 +0000

reBlog from lezgetreal.com – I wrote this and ask you to pass it on – we must display -now or never

Anger aside, what is truly most hurtful to me is my own ebbing trust; a tide that is pulling me farther and farther out to sea and with every “NO you cannot,” my wedding cake icing, “Yes We Can” flails in its hopeless glaze, as my excruciating retort from the failure of the Democratic Party to hone a faithful and authentic crew, edges to that part of the ocean that slips beyond the horizon.lezgetreal.com, The Good, the Bad, and the Gutless ….., Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

reBlog from Liberty: Senator Gillibrand’s alert – PASSING Immigration Reform.. Poltical Hot Potato

oblogdeeoblogda — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:30:51 +0000

back to the future

Are we still waiting for Barney Frank to have his day with DADT before pushing for the very legislation that serves as the essence of who we are ? The critical repeal of Defense of Marriage Act? (DOMA;) the legislation that denies our relationships, with the one that calls for its RESPECT- which defines who we are? I believe that Hate Crimes, ENDA, DADT, UAFA, CIR would be a relative breeze if the psycho-politico-socio recognition of our most basic civil right- the de jure recognition of our de facto relationships was at the helm of our struggle!

Liberty, Senator Gillibrand’s alert – PASSING Immigration Reform.. Poltical Hot Potato, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article. why? because i wrote it