Thursday, September 20, 2007

Breaking News: Change Can Happen

It happens from time to time, and when it does - it is an amazing display of human compassion and humility. Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders of San Diego, CA reversed his stand against gay marriage in a press conference today, while choking back tears. He decided to "reflect and search [his] soul, and lead with [his] heart."



Amazing. Though I hate to say, "what a brave stand this is," (because I don't think it should have anything to do with bravery - but instead have to do with human dignity) - it actually IS a brave thing to stand against your own party, to change your mind when you know its the right thing to do.

Bravo Jerry Sanders. You have my vote. I am proud that you have decided to do the right thing and stand up against bigotry and hatred. Bravo.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Sad Day In the USA

It is so good to know that free speech is alive and well in the United States of America - NOT!!! This UF student was forcibly removed, handcuffed, then TASERED for asking questions of John Kerry which had merit. The questions he asked were:

How could you concede the election?
Why don't we impeach Bush?
Are you a member of Skull and Bones?

The story, here, are not these questions- but the chilling reminder that we no longer live in a country where CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE is tolerated. Many feel this man should have just walked away and been submissive to the overzealous police, but I am mad as hell at what happened. People will remember this and think twice about standing up and speaking out. He was "arrested" for "Inciting a Riot". Are you kidding me????? This is unbelievable. Kerry should have spoke out and told the police to stand down. But he is a wimp. Unbelievable.

I watched this video a few times, from a few different sources and still cannot understand why this even happened. Sure the man was probably "out of line," and "not following proper etiquette"....since when does that rise to the level of "inciting a riot???"

View these for yourself.








Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Let's ENDA Discrimination!

Hi everyone. This is extremely important CIVIL RIGHTS legislation. Did you know, right now, that I could be FIRED for my job - just because I am gay (luckily I have chosen my companies well - but there are those bosses out there that would do this, don't you agree?) I am all for the free market, but I do believe that we should be protected from companies that would fire their employees simply because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual. (See Cracker Barrel)

It is a shame that we need this type of legislation at all, but we still are only in the 21st century....can't expect everyone to be enlightened!

There is rumor that the vote will be early next week. If you are unable to donate, please at least contact your congressional representative and urge them to support the passage of ENDA. If you would like to know more about ENDA I have enclosed links for you to check out.

http://www.thetaskforce.org/enda07/enda07.html

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/enda

http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2007/09/05/6

http://www.pflag.org/ENDA.enda.0.html

Here is the actual proposed legislation for those that like to read:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.2015.IH:

And please don't underestimate the power of the extreme right....they are putting amazing mis-information out there on this issue.....just ask yourself, does this really ring true?

http://www.cultureandfamily.org/articledisplay.asp?id=2578&department=CFI&categoryid=papers

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=25676

(I love this one the best....because it says that I suffer from a "clinical self-delusion")
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/13852/CFI/freedom/index.htm

Remember, that it is up to the citizens of this country to make change happen. Everyone, regardless of where you stand on this issue, should contact their Congressional Representative and their Senators and have your voice heard. Believe it or not, they do listen (sometimes). I like to remember the saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB