Don't Forget To Vote - No On Prop 8!

[Gregg]

Hello R Family Guests,

Tomorrow is one of the most important elections of our lifetime. Change is on it's way!! Please make sure that you vote. The lines may be long but every vote counts.

If you own your own business, please allow your employees ample time to get to the polls. It may be a long day but let's have something to celebrate tomorrow night.

Also, for all of our friends in California, please join me in supporting the defeat of Proposition 8. Vote NO. If you are not from sunny California, please contact your friends and family that live there and remind them NO ON 8! Visit noonprop8.com for more information. This is a very close battle. Let's say NO to discrimination and NO on Prop 8.

Sincerely,
Gregg Kaminsky

[neicey]

We're from Canada, but we are sending lots of O and J winning Vibes..this election does not only effect your Beautiful country....but the World.

Canada just re-elected our own Bush wanna be....this craziness happens....Don't let it
happen to you....again.

Please Vote!

NO TO PROP 8....STOP DISCRIMINATION!!!!!!!!!!

Peace, Love, and Light
Denise and Peg

[carlinaly]

It's Monday night and my wife, Linda, and I are headed out to be trained to work outside of the polling places tomorrow. It has been a long and stressful month in our family working against the bigots and their lies. The other side has been very nasty and hateful. We have given our hearts, our souls and our money to this fight. We have hope that we can defeat this admendent to our constitution. I am glad this we have come this far since 2001 when the "no gays need get married" passed into law by 61% of Califorians. Now we might win by a 50%+ vote. Send us your love, we need the energy. Carole

[Jimmy and Matt]

Hey Linda and Carole

We have been working on this as well. Matt and Lauren have been doing phone banks and Lauren was excellent at it. So tomorrow is the day. We have a bottle of Don Peringon waiting to be opened when we win. I am going to be at our polling place tomorrow with a group of people so us NO ON 8 people are visible. I hope this is the last battle in this state and we can use our resources for battles in other states.

It is amazing to me that we had to spend this much money to preserve a right, and they spent so much to take a right away. When we win I hope it sends a message to the momon church that we can not be strong armed.

Jimmy

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

To all of my Family in California and all over the Country.I pray for victory on all the battles for our BASIC RIGHTS.They are predicting that this is going to be pretty tacky and nasty especially in the low income and minority areas .Here are the facts of the Law.If you are on line to vote and it is past the time the place that you vote in is due to close.Do not leave the line .The LAW is as long as you are on the line they MUST accomodate you and allow you to Vote.It is our right and the Governmets obligation for your voice to be heard and counted.Ok back to the phones.I am working the GET OUT THE VOTE phones until ten than I will be out and about tomorrow after I go and Vote for the first time with my Lori.

LOVE and Prayers to all my Boat peeps!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dmuir62]

I am working the GET OUT THE VOTE phones until ten than I will be out and about tomorrow after I go and Vote for the first time with my Lori.
LOVE and Prayers to all my Boat peeps!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Crazy,

I received this e-mail from the No on 8 team:

Dear Douglas,

Thank you so much for helping spread the word to vote NO on Prop 8. People like you will make the difference in this election.

If you live in California, we need volunteers to help defeat Prop 8 as we near election day. The polls are very close, and your involvement in the campaign can make a critical difference in the effort to defeat Prop 8. You can find more information at http://www.noonprop8.com/volunteer

If you are unable to volunteer, or you're outside California, you can still play an important role in this election by making a financial contribution. More information is available at http://www.noonprop8.com/donate?

Thank you so much.
- The team at No on 8

I will be voting FIRST THING tomorrow morning. The polls are very close and it could go either way; however, I trust it will fail and that humanity will prevail over hatred!

I wish Gods Speed to all Californians, Floridians and Arizonans (Who have similar measures on tomorrows ballot).

[Jimmy and Matt]

so it is the 11th hour. all we can do now is cross our fingers. we have done our work. i so appreciate all the people outside of California that have helpt the cause. I hope we celebrate tomorrow night. everyone of you that sent an email, gave money , or volunteered, I Love You

[ashes]

Please let me echo thanks to everyone who helped with the No on 8 campaign. It has been a difficult time in CA with people you think understand equal rights being convinced by lies to vote against supporting those equal rights for our families. Luckily there are many people country wide who have stepped up to help us fight this battle and I am holding on to hope. Thank You All.:D

[carlinaly]

The "yes on 8" people have been putting their tacky, little, yellow signs on public property and easements. That is no no! Not Legal!! I went out this morning at 7:00am and picked up 17 pieces of litter off of the public property and easements in my neighborhood. I have been doing this for several weeks now. That is a lot of plastic to recycle. I wonder why they chose yellow for their signs? Do you think that is it is the same reason the Mormon Church is hinding behind a psuedo name on all of their ads. They want to pass on their bigotry without putting the LDS name out there. God forbid that they, "walk like bigots" "talk like bigots" but don't want to be identified as bigots. At least the Knights of Columbus have the guts to admit that they are bigots.:(

[kkeon]

From sunny California (actually, a rainy and cloudy fall day today) .....thanks for the support - NO on 8!

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

How are you guys doing out there.
We are pulling for you here in the East Coast.
No on 8.
Ohio,New Mexico,looking good
We are hopefully optomistic here watching and counting.
Let us hope and pray that we go in a new direction where all Americans are treated
equal regardless of race,economic status or who they chose to love.
Someone from Cali please post when you have results I will be up.
Thanks and good luck to all of my brothers and sisters in all the states that are fighting for what should be your given right.
CCC

[dmuir62]

Someone from Cali please post when you have results I will be up.
Thanks and good luck to all of my brothers and sisters in all the states that are fighting for what should be your given right.
CCC

Hi Crazy,

I'm proud to be an American tonight: Electing our first African American President.

I'm worried about Prop 8. Here are the early results (6% reporting--mostly absentee which tends to be more conservative)

California Proposition 8:
Ban on Gay
Full results »11:29 p.m. EST, Nov 4 '08

Yes 1,015,689 55%
No 839,005 45%

6% of precincts reporting

I shall remain hopeful.

[ashes]

Not good so far- Prop 8 passing 54 percent to 46%, 27% reporting so far. what a mix of feeling I have tonite!

[dmuir62]

Hi Crazy,

Just found the final exit polls:

Yes 48%
No 52%

The polls have been accurate all evening so lets hope that these stand up. It was expected to be a 4% race, so these results make sense. I will post again at 50% and I think we'll see the previous numbers tighten and then change around 80%. I think it looks good.

[ashes]

hey Doug,
:o perhaps you get this better than me, I will hold on to hope-thanks

[dmuir62]

Hi Ashes & Crazy,

Here are the latest results:

CA 8: Ban on Gay Marriage »
23% precincts reporting

Yes53%
No47%

23% reporting and the gap has closed by 2%. If this holds true... it should be even by 55% and then switch above that.

KEEP HOPING ASHES! I BELIEVE!!!!

[Nightowls]

Sadly, prop 102 in Arizona passed and they are changing the Arizona constitution to define marriage as one man, one woman ~

[dmuir62]

Hi Patty, Crazy, Ashes,

Unfortunately, The Exit polls were "updated" on CNN and it doesn't look good... where it was once a 4% lead... it is now a 51% to 49% defeat.

I must admit, I am devistated. I will continue to hold out hope... to BELIEVE... my Step-Mother (wonderful woman) has repeatedly reassured me that it would "go down" and I will continue to BELIEVE until all of the votes are counted.

[dmuir62]

Hi All... it is almost 2:00 am pacific time.... here are the latest results:

CA 8: Ban on Gay Marriage »
79% precincts reporting

Yes 52%
No 48%

I expected that by the time we hit 80% it would be tied.... it is not looking good; unfortunately, I need to go to bed and get at least 4 hours sleep... I'll be back in the am with the final result. I'm a bit depressed... so I doubt I'll truly be able to sleep... I might be back sooner.:(

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

Hi Guys Mixed Feelings It Is. So Sorry For Your Losses.
America Came Out In All Colors, Economic Backgrounds,and Ages. And Voted Their Minds And Hearts.
Not Thier Fears.We The People Voted In Our First African American President
I Am Very Proud To Be A Part Of This History.
However In Their Own Backyards They Allowed The Hate Mongers To Rule With Their Emotions And Fear Tactics And Take Away Rights That Our Community Fought So Hard To Obtain.
As Americans We Are Entitled To.
Now May Be The Time We Learn From The Obama Camp On How To Organize And Take Our Fight The American People On A Nationl Level.
Bittersweet Day Leaves Me With Hope That In My Lifetime
I Will See Change For Our CommuniIty
I Never Belived That I Would See An African American Elected As President. So I Have Hope That We Will One Day Rise Above The Hate And Ignornce And Be Recognized For Who We Are, Americans Entilted To The Same Rights And Protections That Our Straight Americns Enjoy The Right To Marry Whom We Choose.
We Might Have Lost A Few Battles The War Is Not Lost It Is Far From Over.
TODAY WE REST AND TOMORROW THE BATTLE BEGINS AGAIN
There Is No Outcome Acceptable But Total Equality.
Love To My Boat Peeps And My Commuinity.
CCC

[bullwinkle77]

As a Californian, I can not wrap my mind around the fact that we overwhelmingly voted in favor of Obama, yet the numbers of folks(so far with about 95% precincts reporting) who voted for/against prop 8 were almost 50/50 (with Prop 8 sadly winning).....So, what that means is that many of our Obama supporters voted YES on prop 8! Can someone explain this to me? While I expected folks who voted for McCain to vote YES on Prop 8, I did not expect my fellow/sister Obama supporters to vote YES on prop 8.....I am really baffled and deeply upset by this realization.

[carlinaly]

Hi all - This website is very interesting:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-2008election-california-results,0,1293859.htmlstory?view=8&tab=0&fnum=0

Be sure to scroll over the different counties to see the % of "No" votes.

Thanks for all your good thoughts. Now on to the next part of the fight. They will still be performing same-sex marriages in San Francisco until they receive a court order forcing them to stop. Don't know if this is true in other parts of CA.

[dmuir62]

Here are the latest results:

CA 8: Ban on Gay Marriage

95% precincts reporting

Yes 52%
No 48%

It took 45 years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act for an African American to be elected President. That is a short time in evolutionary history; and it very well may take the gay community 45 years to achieve equal rights.

On the bright side, gay is the new black... and I have always found black to be very slimming.

I might not have equal rights, but I'll look FABULOUS!!! :cool:

[Mumof2]

As a married Californian I cannot begin to understand the pure hatred we have seen from the fanatical Prop yes voters. I walk out my front door and our neighbors smile and wave at us, and yet I have looked at their Yes on 8 sign for 2 months. We drive around and see families of Yes voters with their children yelling "we don't want to be taught about gay marriage in school." From my point of view, it is this fact that we lost the very close race. The money spent on advertising that gay marriage will be taught in elementary schools has swayed many uneducated voters. My 16 year old and all his friends were lobbying against the yes and their understanding of what our marriage means to us is very touching. I thank our youth for their outstanding support and know that the future we have with them will be a time of equal rights. If you look at the % of 18-29 year olds in California the vote is around 65% who voted NO on 8, that in itself speaks volumes. Teenagers are fighting with their parents over the Yes on 8 signs in their own yards, this again speaks volumes for our future. Our children will fight, not only for their equality but for the equality of others. Through my tears I write this and want to thank everyone for the love and support and most of all our children, I thank you, you are strong, you are resilient and you are our future. Love to everyone on this emotional day, but let's remember equal rights is coming we just have to be patient.

[depfox]

Ok first I have to say that I have been bursting into tears all morning. That being said I want to thank all the people who stood on the side of equal rights and equality. I worked the phone banks and the corners protesting and educating all the way up to and on election day. My partner of 13 years birthday was on election day. We stood as a family at our polling place holding No on 8 sighns. I want to thank the young college students that stood with us. I have never seen so many positive and loving people in my life. This was not only a defeat for gay and lesbians but a defeat for all of our familys friends and fellow citizens.

My daughter who is only 3 years old asked me why i was crying earlier. I told her that my heart hurt and that i would be ok after I get the hurt out.

I decided the best way to deal with the pain was to book our trip in july. So i did I stoped worying about the money and booked our cabin. We will be in room 10666 if and when you see me on the cruise please give me a big hug. The love of our comunity will help me and my family get thru this difficult time.

Love Jay husband and father of two.;)

[Ameridane]

California, Arizona, Florida...... and ban on gays adopting children in Arkansas. We've got to do better.

[nyrac]

We are all aching and weeping

[Watcher1950]

This may be a ray of hope:

From the US Constitution:
AMENDMENT XIV

Passed by Congress June 13, 1866. Ratified July 9, 1868.

Note: Article I, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 2 of the 14th amendment.

Section 1.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

[neicey]

Elated as I watched History in the making
Devastated as I watched the yes's build
Unfortunately not surprised...as both
camps during their debate (Palin and Biden)
said they do not support same sex marriage.
It's not a privilege it's A Right
We join you in Spirit-in this fight for
Equality..your families...chidren...our brothers
and sisters.....

I will be in the line up outside 10666 for Hugs in July '09

Love and Light to all of you
Denise and Peg
Canada

[Jimmy and Matt]

Wow. Losing feels really bad. I feel hated and betrayed by everyone who voted Yes on hate and discrimination in California, Florida, and Arizona. I was reading news on AOL and people can comment on the news story. I could not believe my eyes. Some of the names we were called were shocking. There is a real hate out there. When people are anonimous the vile hate speak is incredible. No on 8 leaders in California are already headed to the California Supreme Court. The ballot box is not supposed to take away rights from one group while others benefit. Last time I checked that was discrimination.
Can you imagine if they invalidate 18,000 marriages? Worse also is others will not be able to enjoy the happiness I felt when I said I do. It makes me think about when we were one happy community on the boat.
Anyone have an island all us "GAYS" can populate and make our own community, laws, etc.
It is a real fantasy. Can you imagine living and working in the same enviroment on the ship?
I feel like there is a knife in my heart. I expected more from society.
And so we fight on.

Jimmy

[Jimmy and Matt]

there is hope. I have just read a 58 page brief filed with the courts on behalf of 6 couples that wish to marry. After reading this I believe the courts will stay prop 8.



Here is the link if you want some good reading.



http://www.lambdalegal.org/publications/articles/proposition-8-challenged.html

[nyrac]

Still sad and disappointed here in FL. Shocking that so many feel that civil rights are not for all

[wearefamily]

As a lesbian who has been in a committed relationship for 18 years, and the mother of 3, I can tell you that this election has totally changed my views as well as those of my children.

We have always taught acceptance of differences to our children….but no more. If the blacks and fundies want to play hardball, we can play too. They will be discriminated against in every possible way that I can…hopefully we can go back to the days where fear and hate reign in this country and they will see what their hatred has wrought.

I was at a gathering of about 100 GLBT people this morning, and we all agree that the time for passivity is over. We will now fight.

Oh, and Rosie...I'm looking forward to the next gay rights fight in New York...so I can ignore it because I don't live there.

[Ameridane]

From Human Rights Campaign:

Unfortunate news has dimmed the exhilaration of this historic, life-changing election.
I am deeply disappointed to report anti-LGBT marriage bans passed in Florida and Arizona, and in Arkansas voters voted to bar all unmarried people, LGBT or straight, from adopting children or serving as foster parents.

Meanwhile media outlets have begun to report bad news for marriage equality in California. However, the Human Rights Campaign just participated in a conference call with our coalition partners and we firmly believe that all votes should be counted before calling the race. Several million votes in California have yet to be counted. Now is not the time to speculate on somebody’s fundamental rights. So we are waiting to see the final results from those ballots and will be issuing a statement after the race has been called. Please stay tuned.

While this news certainly put a damper on such a historic election, we should celebrate the fact that our movement came together in an unprecedented way, and worked tirelessly to defeat these amendments, and millions voted with us yesterday.
It is indeed a bitter pill to swallow. But we cannot allow distorted facts or shallow tactics – the foundation on which our opponents built their campaigns – to break our spirits. We are on the right side of history – and we will continue this journey.

Let us not forget that we saw many glimmers of hope for LGBT equality across the country last night. We increased the ranks of pro-equality lawmakers in both the House and the Senate. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO), ringleader of the campaign to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution, was soundly defeated. Jared Polis (D-CO) became the first openly gay man ever to be elected to Congress as a non-incumbent. Democrats took the New York State Senate, giving us our best chance ever to pass a same-sex marriage law in a legislature. We beat back a ballot question in Connecticut that could have threatened our recent victory there. In fact, marriages begin next week. And we elected Barack Obama as our next President, ending eight years of anti-LGBT policies. I truly believe that despite these setbacks, our nation is moving in the right direction.

After fighting for years, so many victories are now within reach. And thanks to yesterday’s victories, we can now pass critical LGBT equality measures like the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and begin unraveling the damage of the last eight years.
I vow to you today that HRC will not give up, nor will we retreat. Moving forward, HRC will:

Continue our efforts to win incremental victories for relationship recognition, so that legally married lesbian and gay couples in Massachusetts and Connecticut have full standing under federal law; the same holds true for civil unions and domestic partnerships in places like New Hampshire, Vermont and Oregon.

Use amendments and other legislative vehicles in Congress to establish growing equality for LGBT Americans under federal tax, Social Security, pension, insurance and other laws – piecing together as many of the rights of marriage as we can until the full victory is achieved in years to come.

Work with our allies in New York to make good on the extraordinary opportunity presented by the election of a new fair-minded majority in the State Senate, which paves the way for the nation's first-ever legislatively achieved marriage equality victory. We are also simultaneously working on marriage equality in New Jersey.
Together, like we have done some many times before, we fought the good fight until the bitter end.

In Florida, HRC contributed $120,000 to Florida Red & Blue (backers of the SayNo2 campaign), including $50,000 of early seed money that allowed the campaign to raise significant additional funds and provided high-level fundraising consulting for the campaign. We started building an early base for campaign operations by sending staff to Florida and conducting volunteer trainings during the January Presidential Primary. We held a Camp Equality election skills training in Fort Lauderdale and mobilized hundreds of volunteers. And in the final weeks, four additional HRC staffers and a Campaign College participant were sent to work on the ground in Florida.

In Arizona, HRC contributed $50,000 to Arizona Together for media production and air time. We had three HRC staffers and one Campaign College participant on the ground. We also held a Camp Equality election skills training in Phoenix and mobilized the participants to work on this issue.

In Arkansas, HRC provided half of the funding necessary for the Arkansas Families First campaign to hire a campaign manager. We deployed a Campaign College participant to work on the campaign for 12 weeks, and an HRC staffer to work on the campaign during the final push.

And in California, HRC participated fully as a member of the marriage coalition executive committee, with unprecedented on-the-ground support, and extensive voter mobilization efforts. I am proud that HRC was the second largest funder of No on Prop. 8, behind Equality California, in what ended up being the most expensive campaign in the nation next to the presidential race. When all was said and done, HRC and our members invested nearly $3.5 million directly to the efforts in California. But our messages of fairness and reason were met with appalling messages of fear, distortion and downright hate that our opponents put forth on television, on radio, across the Internet, and in Sunday sermons.

In 2000, a similar marriage ban in California was passed by a margin of 61% to 39%. So the closeness of this race and the positive shift in public opinion underscores that it is only a matter of time before we add more states to the march for marriage equality. As Obama said last night, “That's the true genius of America – that America can change.”
Yesterday, an unfortunate majority of voters stood with the most extreme and negative elements of society to deny the rights of loving and committed gay and lesbian couples.

But it’s not the first time that has happened to us, and it won’t be the last. It doesn’t change the fact that we are married. It doesn’t change the fact that we have families. Make no mistake. We are bowed, but not discouraged. We are sad, but not disheartened. We grieve, but not as those who are without hope.

Today we will mourn the losses in Florida, Arizona and Arkansas, but tomorrow let's resolve to lift one another up, and continue our march forward.

Remember, our marriages didn’t begin with a decision of the court, and they will not end with a vote of the people.

Warmly,
Joe Solmonese
President
Human Rights Campaign

[Ameridane]

A ray of hope from www.noonprop8.com (http://www.noonprop8.com/headlines/statement-by-no-on-prop-8-campaign-on-election-status/)

"Given that fundamental rights are at stake, we must wait to hear from the Secretary of State tomorrow how many votes are yet to be counted as well as where they are from."

[Penneyjul&ry]

I am so saddened by the events of this last election and that the religious right and their fanatics won this battle through lies and deciept, bigotry and intimidation all in the name of God.
My partner and I went to SF and were married this past Monday just before the election. We took our vows in the beautiful rotunda of city hall, with our family at our side. (and quite a few picture taking tourists) No one will ever be able to steal my memory or wonderful experiences of that day. I am upset that those who follow will not have that right to such a wonderful experience. I have never believed that marriage was about anatomy. I thought it was about love and commitment. Apparently now there will be a genital check at the door. Being a quiet person I feel some guilt that I did not fight hard enough to promote the fight against prop 8. That has changed now. I just ordered a license plate which says no to hate, and I will become active in my local area to fight for our rights and the rights of our children.

Arkansas passing the act that will prevent "cohabitating adults" gay or straight from fostering and adopting children is an outrage. Why must the children pay the price and end up in institutions and group homes. How many of the proponents are opening their homes to these special needs and traumatized kids? There were already not enough homes for the children. What criteria next? only Mormon or Catholics may apply?
We must raise our voices to the Obama administration to stop the backward slide into legalized discrimintation.

Just my $.02
Julie

[shellswells]

OK....we just elected our first President that is not completely white....that is a huge step towards overcoming prejudices.....

I know it is very, very frustrating for all of you...because I do not walk in your shoes(I'm hetero)...I don't know how horrible you are feeling. However, I know that me and Eden(14 yr old granddaughter)are going to work toward equality for all. It is going to be educating people..a long hard road. Remember how long of a journey it has been for black people.

Education....reaching out....all the brothers, sisters, friends, parents....making people understand and not be afraid. People don't understand whether they are brainwashed by religion, society...or whatever.

I have many dear friends that are gay...including some of you that are my friends....I have been trying in my own way to make the world a better place. I've been asked do you have a gay child ....or grandchild ....no....I just want Eden, whom we are raising, to learn about differences and acceptance and trust and love.

my husband doesn't do the cruise...heck he doesn't do NYC with me and our daughter lives there...He is actually deer hunting this week in MN. He will welcome any of my friends in our home with open arms....

so what I'm trying to say is, as frustrating as this is....we will keep up the battle for all of our friends...and equal rights for everyone....

Love to all of you.....and hopefully we will be on the alaskan cruise....

Marie

[Jimmy and Matt]

It seems some of our gay and lesbian lawyers as well as our straight friend lawyers and Lamda Legal are hard at work. I think this might work for California but we are going to have to fight harder in Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, and anywhere else where we are threatened.

Lambda Legal, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) have urged the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8 if it passes. The groups argue that Prop. 8 is invalid because it was improperly attempts to undo the constitution's core commitment to equality and deprives the courts of their essential role of protecting the rights of minorities. According to the California Constitution, such a radical change in the way the courts and state government work cannot be decided by a simple ballot measure. The legal groups filed the writ petition on behalf of Equality California and six same-sex couples.

The California Constitution makes clear that a major change in the roles played by the different branches of government cannot be made by a simple majority vote through the initiative process, but at the very least must first go through the state legislature. Changes to the underlying principles of the constitution must be approved by two-thirds of both houses of the legislature before going to voters. That didn't happen with Proposition 8, and that's why it's invalid.

The groups filed a writ petition in the California Supreme Court before the elections, arguing that the initiative should not have appeared on the ballot. The court dismissed that petition without addressing its merits.

This would not be the first time the court has struck down an improper voter initiative. In 1990, the court struck down an initiative that would have improperly attempted to strip the state's courts of their role as independent interpreters of the constitution.

“If the voters approved an initiative that took the right to free speech away from women, but not from men, everyone would agree that such a measure conflicts with the basic ideals of equality enshrined in our constitution,” says Lambda Legal Senior Counsel Jenny Pizer. “Proposition 8 suffers from the same flaw. That’s too big a change in the principles of our constitution to be made just by a bare majority of voters.”

[dlayton]

70% of African Americans in California voted for Obama and then voted to ban gay marriages. WTF! We vote for and support Obama and they do this to us. The dems take us for granted because where else do we go. I am so angry.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

From Human Rights Campaign:

Unfortunate news has dimmed the exhilaration of this historic, life-changing election.
I am deeply disappointed to report anti-LGBT marriage bans passed in Florida and Arizona, and in Arkansas voters voted to bar all unmarried people, LGBT or straight, from adopting children or serving as foster parents.

Meanwhile media outlets have begun to report bad news for marriage equality in California. However, the Human Rights Campaign just participated in a conference call with our coalition partners and we firmly believe that all votes should be counted before calling the race. Several million votes in California have yet to be counted. Now is not the time to speculate on somebody’s fundamental rights. So we are waiting to see the final results from those ballots and will be issuing a statement after the race has been called. Please stay tuned.

While this news certainly put a damper on such a historic election, we should celebrate the fact that our movement came together in an unprecedented way, and worked tirelessly to defeat these amendments, and millions voted with us yesterday.
It is indeed a bitter pill to swallow. But we cannot allow distorted facts or shallow tactics – the foundation on which our opponents built their campaigns – to break our spirits. We are on the right side of history – and we will continue this journey.

But it’s not the first time that has happened to us, and it won’t be the last. It doesn’t change the fact that we are married. It doesn’t change the fact that we have families. Make no mistake. We are bowed, but not discouraged. We are sad, but not disheartened. We grieve, but not as those who are without hope.

Today we will mourn the losses in Florida, Arizona and Arkansas, but tomorrow let's resolve to lift one another up, and continue our march forward.

Remember, our marriages didn’t begin with a decision of the court, and they will not end with a vote of the people.

Warmly,
Joe Solmonese
President
Human Rights Campaign
IT WAS A VERY SAD DAY FOR OUR COMMUNITY.BUT A RAY LIGHT STILL SHINES THROUGH.THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE.WE I BELIEVE ONE DAY WE WILL SHARE THE SAME RIGHTS THAT ALL AMERICANS HAVE TO LOVE AND MARRY WHOM WE CHOOSE.I BELIEVE WE WILL SEE THAT DAY BECAUSE WE ARE RAISING THE CHILDREN THAT WILL EFFECT THAT CHANGE.WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DISPUTE THE DISTORTED IGNORANCE AND FEAR ABOUT WHO WE ARE.BY TEACHING AND EDUCATING AND STAYING TRUE TO WHO WE ARE
A LOVING AND CARING COMMUNITY.
CCC

[JuliePenneyRyan]

Ok, my progress through the stages of grief have now reached the point of acceptance of the current state of affairs. Prop 8 passed. I will accept that fact. I will however not choose to stop fighting for my "EQUAL" rights.

I have hope for change, and energy for action.

I've been looking at some of the comments written over 200 years ago by our nation's founding fathers, in particular, the three most notable persons whose work influenced the Constitution: George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Paine.
Their words and perceptions give me inspiration that our country was indeed founded on the premise that we were all created equal, not just equal if we belonged or believed in certain religious philosophies. Their intuition was simply remarkable. I have included the quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, as it is so very true, that our desire for equal rights must begin by letting people see us, see who we really are, and dispelling the propoganda written and published by the well funded and all powerful religious rightous movement. We are everywhere, cops, stock brokers, cashiers, teachers, gardners, hairstylists, doctors, lawyers, sales persons, therapists, etc. The time for us to be hidden deep in our closets is over. Maybe if we can dispell the fear and correct the false agendas taught we will succeed in our quest to have equal not special rights.

"As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality."
~ George Washington

"Every national church or religion has established itself by pretending some special mission from God, as if the way to God was not open to every man alike" -
~ Thomas Paine


"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine."
~ Thomas Jefferson

"That the desires of the majority of the people are often for injustice and inhumanity against the minority, is demonstrated by every page of the history of the whole world."
~John Adams


"I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others."
~Thomas Jefferson

"The government of the United States is not in any sense founded upon the Christian religion" -
~ John Adams

"We ought therefore to suspect that a great mass of information respecting the Bible, and the introduction of it into the world, has been suppressed by the united tyranny of Church and State, for the purpose of keeping people in ignorance, and which ought to be known."
~ Thomas Paine

"It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deprive a man of his natural liberty upon the supposition he may abuse it."
~ George Washington

"Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst"
~ Thomas Paine


Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home—so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person: The neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962)

[babaloos]

Anyone live in NJ or Portland, OR? We're thinking of an eventual move there and would love to hear from other families.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

Well everyone.I just got back from the RALLY.
Can I say I have never been prouder of my COMMUNITY.
It was AWESOME.
They tired to contain us into a little SQUARE on 65th Street.
There were to many.
THOUSANDS.
We shut down BROADWAY all the way to Columbus Circle.
I managed to find R Gregg and Dan in the mix of people.
It was beautiful empowering hopefull.
Great to be a part of.
I left there with so much hope.
We wil not be slienced by a few battles lost.
We willl fight on until we win the War.
Totally Equality is all that we will accept
We are a force to be reckoned with.
Equality .
It is what we desserve.
Whoopi and Judy Gold was a few of our Straght Sisters that came out in suppoort.
There was just a sea of beautiful people standing up for what should be our right
as AMERCANS to love and Marry whom we choose.
I can't wait for the news.They can not ignore us.
Didn't see any visable Mormans carrying any signs In NYC tonight.
The Day will come I believe it.
It is just a matter of time.
LOVE to my Boat Peeps.
If I can figure out how to get the pics off my phone I will post them.
LOVE
CCC

[Jimmy and Matt]

Well everyone.I just got back from the RALLY.
Can I say I have never been prouder of my COMMUNITY.
It was AWESOME.
They tired to contain us into a little SQUARE on 65th Street.
There were to many.
THOUSANDS.
We shut down the BROADWAY all the way to Columbus Circle.
I managed to find R Gregg and Dan in the mix of people.
It was beautiful empowering hopefull.
Great to be a part of.
I left there with so much hope.
We wil not be slienced by a few battles lost.
We willl fight on until we win the War.
Totally Equality is all that we will accept
We are a force to be reckoned with.
Equality .
It is what we desserve.
Whoopi and Judy Gold was a few of our Straght Sisters that came out in suppoort.
There was just a sea of beautiful people standing up for what should be our right
as AMERCANS to love and Marry whom we choose.
I can't wait for the news.They can not ignore us.
Didn't see any visable Mormans carrying any signs In NYC tonight.
The Day will come I believe it.
It is just a matter of time.
LOVE to my Boat Peeps.
If I can figure out how to get the pics off my phone I will post them.
LOVE
CCC

amen from CA. I love you more than you know

[AZMerf]

Has anybody seen this yet. I filled it out and will mail it this week. It is my understanding that since the church overstepped its IRS bounds at a Federal level, complaints can be filed from any jurisdiction.

The Complaint states that the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has overstepped its 501(c)(3) (a.k.a. tax-exempt) status by involving itself in a political campaign, and by engaging in excessive lobbying (~$20 million + pressure on it's members to donate "time and means" in support of specific legislation) activities throughout 2008 as well as direct donation to political organizations.

Steps to complete the action item are as follows (from http://lds501c3.wordpress.com/ ):

1. Prepare a copy of the Official LDS Prop. 8 Letter read in all LDS churches in California on 29 June 2008.
2. Prepare one or more other articles of your choice (you can use these links, or do your own research) showing the LDS Church's substantial activities attempting to influence this legislation.
3. Prepare this Pre-Filled IRS Form 13909 and add your personal information, or fill out a Blank IRS Form 13909 from scratch with the information in the pre-filled form (these links and an alternative filled form are copied below in RESOURCES.)
4. Don't forget to date your referral at the top and include your submitter information. If you are a member of the Church, you may wish to check the box marked "I am concerned that I might face retaliation or retribution if my identity is disclosed."
5. Send it to the IRS, either by:
* Email: Prepare your documents as PDF's or web links, and send your complaint form with supporting documentation to eoclass@irs.gov.
* Fax: fax your documents to (214) 413-5415
* Mail: mail your documents to-
IRS EO Classification
Mail Code 4910DAL
1100 Commerce Street
Dallas TX 75242-1198

Then if you're bored, you can forward this to your friends... or check out some background & extra info here:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/10/now-the-mormon.html
http://lds501c3.wordpress.com/
http://ffrf.org/

Thanks for your help. With any luck these guys will get to pay taxes for their business, just like the rest of us infidels.

[Jimmy and Matt]

California Supreme Court Grants Review
in Prop 8 Legal Challenges

Court to Determine Constitutionality of Prop 8

Today the California Supreme Court granted review in the legal challenges to Proposition 8, which passed by a narrow margin of 52 percent on November 4. In an order issued today, the Court agreed to hear the case and set an expedited briefing schedule. The Court also denied an immediate stay.

On November 5, 2008, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court on behalf of six couples and Equality California. The City of San Francisco, joined by the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and Santa Clara County, filed a similar challenge, as did a private attorney in Los Angeles.

The lawsuits allege that, on its face, Proposition 8 is an improper revision rather than an amendment of the California Constitution because, in its very title, which was “Eliminates the right to marry for same-sex couples,” the initiative eliminated an existing right only for a targeted minority. If permitted to stand, Proposition 8 would be the first time an initiative has successfully been used to change the California Constitution to take way an existing right only for a particular group. Such a change would defeat the very purpose of a constitution and fundamentally alter the role of the courts in protecting minority rights. According to the California Constitution, such a serious revision of our state Constitution cannot be enacted through a simple majority vote, but must first be approved by two-thirds of the Legislature.


Since the three lawsuits submitted on November 5, three other lawsuits challenging Proposition 8 have been filed. In a petition filed on November 14, 2008, leading African American, Latino, and Asian American groups argued that Proposition 8 threatens the equal protection rights of all Californians.

On November 17, 2008, the California Council of Churches and other religious leaders and faith organizations representing millions of members statewide, also filed a petition asserting that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection for all, and was not enacted through the constitutionally required process for such a dramatic change to the California Constitution. On the same day, prominent California women’s rights organizations filed a petition asking the Court to invalidate Proposition 8 because of its potentially disastrous implications for women and other groups that face discrimination.

In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court held that barring same-sex couples from marriage violates the equal protection clause of the California Constitution and violates the fundamental right to marry. Proposition 8 would completely eliminate the right to marry only for same-sex couples. No other initiative has ever successfully changed the California Constitution to take away a right only from a targeted minority group.

Over the past 100 years, the California Supreme Court has heard nine cases challenging either legislative enactments or initiatives as invalid revisions of the California Constitution. In three of those cases, the Court invalidated those measures.

[AZMerf]

Anybody seen this yet:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones)

[Ameridane]

Our Mutual Joy
Opponents of gay marriage often cite Scripture. But what the Bible teaches about love argues for the other side.


http://www.newsweek.com/id/172653/output/print


NEWSWEEK
Issue dated Dec 15, 2008

[EastCoastGirls]

Our Mutual Joy
Opponents of gay marriage often cite Scripture. But what the Bible teaches about love argues for the other side.


http://www.newsweek.com/id/172653/output/print


NEWSWEEK
Issue dated Dec 15, 2008

What a wonderful & inspiring article. Thank you for sharing.

=^..^=

[Anzac]

Hi friends, ya definitely its a wonderful article. Keep posting such kind of nice posts.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

What a wonderful & inspiring article. Thank you for sharing.

=^..^=
Here is the Link to sign the petition to REPEAL DON'T ASK DON'T TELL willl everyone take a moment to sign it.

http://www.sldn.org/page/s/gates?source=20081209kicker

CCC

[Jimmy and Matt]

I have some updates on this battle.
CA. Attorney General Jerry Brown who is our former Govenor has asked the CA. Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8 since he now sees it as an amendment not a simple revision.
He originally said he would defend the will of the voters. After careful examination he has changed his position.
In turn Ken Starr (yes that relic from the past that tried to rail road Clinton) is asking that the Supreme Court invalidate the 18,000 marriages that were performed legally from June-November.
What a total fu#@wad.

Jimmy:mad:

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

Well everyone.I just got back from the RALLY.
Can I say I have never been prouder of my COMMUNITY.
It was AWESOME.
They tired to contain us into a little SQUARE on 65th Street.
There were to many.
THOUSANDS.
We shut down BROADWAY all the way to Columbus Circle.
I managed to find R Gregg and Dan in the mix of people.It was beautiful empowering hopefull.
Great to be a part of.
I left there with so much hope.
We wil not be slienced by a few battles lost.
We willl fight on until we win the War.
Totally Equality is all that we will accept
We are a force to be reckoned with.
Equality .
It is what we desserve.
Whoopi and Judy Gold was a few of our Straght Sisters that came out in suppoort.
There was just a sea of beautiful people standing up for what should be our right
as AMERCANS to love and Marry whom we choose.
I can't wait for the news.They can not ignore us.
Didn't see any visable Mormans carrying any signs In NYC tonight.
The Day will come I believe it.
It is just a matter of time.
LOVE to my Boat Peeps.
If I can figure out how to get the pics off my phone I will post them.
LOVE
CCC

REPOST ;) ;) ;)

[Jimmy and Matt]

February 3, 2009


BREAKING NEWS!
California Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments
in Prop 8 Legal Challenge on March 5

The California Supreme Court announced today that it will hear oral arguments on Thursday, March 5, 2009 in the Proposition 8 legal challenge.



On November 19, 2008, the California Supreme Court agreed to hear the legal challenges to Proposition 8 and set an expedited schedule. Briefing in the case was completed on January 21, 2009.

The California Supreme Court must issue its decisions within 90 days of oral argument.

On January 15, 2009, 43 friend-of-the-court briefs urging the Court to invalidate Prop 8 were filed, arguing that Proposition 8 drastically alters the equal protection guarantee in California’s Constitution and that the rights of a minority cannot be eliminated by a simple majority vote. The supporters represent the full gamut of California’s and the nation’s civil rights organizations and legal scholars, as well as California legislators, local governments, bar associations, business interests, labor unions, and religious groups.

In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court held that laws that treat people differently based on their sexual orientation violate the equal protection clause of the California Constitution and that same-sex couples have the same fundamental right to marry as other Californians. Proposition 8 eliminated this fundamental right only for same-sex couples. No other initiative has ever successfully changed the California Constitution to take away a right only from a targeted minority group. Proposition 8 passed by a bare majority of 52 percent on November 4.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU filed this challenge on November 5, representing Equality California, whose members include many same-sex couples who married between June 16 and November 4, 2008, and six same-sex couples who want to marry in California. The California Supreme Court has also agreed to hear two other challenges filed on the same day: one filed by the City and County of San Francisco (joined by Santa Clara County and the City of Los Angeles, and subsequently by Los Angeles County and other local governments); and another filed by a private attorney.

Serving as co-counsel on the case with NCLR, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU are the Law Office of David C. Codell, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.

The case is Strauss et al. v. Horton et al. (#S168047). Click here for more information.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

February 3, 2009


BREAKING NEWS!
California Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments
in Prop 8 Legal Challenge on March 5

The California Supreme Court announced today that it will hear oral arguments on Thursday, March 5, 2009 in the Proposition 8 legal challenge.



On November 19, 2008, the California Supreme Court agreed to hear the legal challenges to Proposition 8 and set an expedited schedule. Briefing in the case was completed on January 21, 2009.

The California Supreme Court must issue its decisions within 90 days of oral argument.

On January 15, 2009, 43 friend-of-the-court briefs urging the Court to invalidate Prop 8 were filed, arguing that Proposition 8 drastically alters the equal protection guarantee in California’s Constitution and that the rights of a minority cannot be eliminated by a simple majority vote. The supporters represent the full gamut of California’s and the nation’s civil rights organizations and legal scholars, as well as California legislators, local governments, bar associations, business interests, labor unions, and religious groups.

In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court held that laws that treat people differently based on their sexual orientation violate the equal protection clause of the California Constitution and that same-sex couples have the same fundamental right to marry as other Californians. Proposition 8 eliminated this fundamental right only for same-sex couples. No other initiative has ever successfully changed the California Constitution to take away a right only from a targeted minority group. Proposition 8 passed by a bare majority of 52 percent on November 4.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU filed this challenge on November 5, representing Equality California, whose members include many same-sex couples who married between June 16 and November 4, 2008, and six same-sex couples who want to marry in California. The California Supreme Court has also agreed to hear two other challenges filed on the same day: one filed by the City and County of San Francisco (joined by Santa Clara County and the City of Los Angeles, and subsequently by Los Angeles County and other local governments); and another filed by a private attorney.

Serving as co-counsel on the case with NCLR, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU are the Law Office of David C. Codell, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.

The case is Strauss et al. v. Horton et al. (#S168047). Click here for more information.

Hi Jimmy and Matt,
Thanks for posting and keeping us up on what is going on there.
That is great news..........
Hopefully it is the begining to the end of the discrimination against our community......
Keep posting the news.
The day will come.............
Love,
CCC