COME OUT AND BE COUNTED

No Nonsense In November announces Coordinated Statewide Bar Outreach

"Come Out and Be Counted" will strengthen and expand Texas GLBT voting base


(Austin TX) – On Saturday, October 8, bars across the state have agreed to open their doors to No Nonsense in November, the campaign against Constitutional Amendment #2 that would embed discrimination against gays and lesbians into the Texas Constitution. The campaign is coordinating with bars in cities and towns from Lubbock to the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso to the Texas coast for a night of voter registration, voter education and fun.

October 8 is the last Saturday before National Coming Out Day, October 11, which is also the deadline to be eligible to vote this November, and so No Nonsense In November is encouraging folks to "Come Out and Be Counted." It will be a night for GLBT Texans and their friends to go out for a night of fun and get prepared to have their voices heard and their votes counted on November 8.

"Voting is the most important tool GLBT Texans have to defeat Constitutional Amendment #2 and this attack on our families," said former State Representative and Campaign Director Glen Maxey. "By informing our community about how this amendment directly affects us, we are driving home the point that this is not an election to sit out."

To strengthen and expand the GLBT voting base, the campaign will have volunteers and staffers working in bars registering people to vote and collecting pledges to vote against the amendment.

"On November 8th, we have a real opportunity to not only to make a difference but to make history. It is all about the numbers, and if we can turn out the numbers we can stop this hateful and divisive amendment," said Maxey.

Hundreds of volunteers will be participating and staffing tables at the bars. To sign up to volunteer, or to get more information about your bar participating in "Come Out and Be Counted," email Ken@NoNonsenseInNovember.com.

For more information about No Nonsense In November, please visit www.NoNonsenseInNovember.com. Soon, bars participating in "Come Out and Be Counted" will be found on the site as well.

Health Care for the katrina folks

I spent some time looking for prenatal care for Michele and Kaycie yesterday. GRRRR!!!

Here's what I found out (such as it is). They're not taking any Katrina folks for Medicaid right now b/c they haven't heard from the state how this is going to be paid for.

I think raising hell with the state legislators might be useful.

List of Texas House members

List of Texas Senate members

Also, I got this email from Keep Austin Blue - meeting Wed., Sept. 28, 2005
6:30 – 8:00 pm (tomorrow as I post this)

In the wake of the City’s Gulf Coast relief efforts, the City of Austin recently approved the 2005-2006 City budget and is crossing its fingers for relief reimbursement. To help us understand the City’s $2.1 billion budget, rising public safety costs, and service budget cuts, our featured speakers this month are Brewster McCracken, City Council Member Place 5 and Jennifer Kim, City Council Member Place 3.

I can't go because I'm in class Wed nights, but since McCracken and Kim are two of my favorite city council members (snark intended). I hope someone will be there to get some answers on the health care needs of our Katrina survivors - and not let them off the hook easily.

What I would say if I could be there, "Why the hell are folks who have moved here from NO being denied health care just because they have already been through hell, - when if they had moved here under any other circumstances or from anywhere else they would be allowed to apply for assistance with their health care needs, prenatal care, etc. Many (most?) are adamant that they don't want to go back to NO and have apts here - that makes them now "Austin residents" in my book.

So why are we telling these new Austin residents, "Screw you." How will Austin be better off when they start showing up at the emergency rooms in labor or with a health crisis, because they got no access to clinics now? Pay me now or pay me later . . . ."

If any of you have better info on how to get medicaid, clinic cards, MAP, etc for our "sponsees" let me know .

The 23rd Qualm

I recieved this in an email today and had to share it. I hope it is not a repeat.

Bush is my shepherd; I dwell in want.
He maketh logs to be cut down in national forests.
He leadeth trucks into the still wilderness.
He restoreth my fears.
He leadeth me in the paths of international disgrace for his ego's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of pollution and war, I will find
no exit, for thou art in office.
Thy tax cuts for the rich and thy media control, they discomfort me.
Thou preparest an agenda of deception in the presence of thy religion.
Thou annointest my head with foreign oil.
My health insurance runneth out.
Surely megalomania and false patriotism shall follow me all the days of
Thy term,
And my jobless child shall dwell in my basement forever.

As We Struggle for Equal Rights and Protection Under the Law

Texas is in the midst of a struggle as we fight to stop Constitutional Amendment 2 on November 8th, 2005. What the proponents of the Amendment fail to see if that thier actions release hate, ignorance and even rage in people who's fear they play upon.

I recieved this message when I got home and I am heart sick.

We regret to inform you that our good friends, Paul Dodd and his housemate Jeff Hersch, were severely attacked Thursday early morning in Paul's home. They want you to know they are comfortable and recovering at this time. We are forwarding Paul's own words with this email to update you below.

It is important to note that people close to the investigation, including Paul and Jeff, believe that while pointed in its homophobia, this attack was opportunistic and not related to their activism.

Many prayers and positive thoughts are already buoying them and we hope you'll add yours to the raft of support they're receiving. If you want to send well wishes, he has asked to do so through MCC at 8601 S. First, Austin, 78746. We encourage you to send them prayers and your healing thoughts and wishes to both Paul and Jeff (who hadn't even settled into Austin after his Philadelphia move - what a Texas intro).

We know this is scary stuff and, horrifically, we are reminded why we are fighting government-endorsed discrimination in this constitutional amendment battle. It is our fervent hope that all of our spines are stiffened, not bowed, in response to this and other attacks.

Courage, hope & healing,Sue & Tanya

My Dear Friends,

...In short, I was released from this hospital this afternoon, as was Jeff Hersh, my roommate. I'm not a pretty sight to see, and have some ugly stitches in my forehead, lots of scratches and bruises, and a swollen kisser and jaw. But, thankfully, no broken bones, and no injuries that won't mend in time. The emotional and spiritual wounds, no doubt, will take longer to heal. I truly thought they were going to kill us....

We have no idea what motivated the perpetrators of this senseless act of violence. There was a forced and violent entry into my apartment about 4:00 this Wednesday morning, a horrific beating, but only Jeff's car keys and $50-60 stolen... There were anti-gay and hateful epithets from the perpetrators, and the police are following up on this as a possible hate crime. But, for now, we are in the waiting and recovery stages.

Jane and my older daughter, Christi, arrived tonight. I am blessed with the most wonderful family in the world, and with friends like you, I hope to fall asleep sometime tonight counting my blessings rather than fraught with fear. We are staying with friends in Austin, and may not return to the apartment until I complete the purchase of a new home.

I will copy and paste a news release from Soulforce which might help you to better understand what happened this morning. In any case, your prayers, expressions of love and concern, and your steadfast encouragement are blessings far exceeding my ability to say an adequate thanks. I love you all, and we'll be talking again soon. Blessings!

Shalom,
Paul

Soulforce Prayer Alert
- September 21, 2005

Dear Soulforce Friends,

Soulforce board member Paul Dodd was attacked in his apartment in Austin, Texas, Tuesday night, September 20, by two men who beat him severly. Though evidence points to this being a hate-crime, police are continuing to investigate.

Paul is currently hospitalized. Though his physicians say his injuries are not life threatening, stitches were needed to close deep gashes in his face.

Soulforce staff member Jeff Lutes is with Paul in the hospital and will report as he hears directly from Paul's doctors.

Besides being a Soulforce board member and a front lines activist in our attempt to Stop Spiritual Violence against GLBT people, Paul, a former Army Chaplain, is also an active member of the Service Members Legal Defense Network's Honorary Board.

We ask all our Soulforce and SLDN friends to pray for Paul's speedy recovery.

I have met Paul and had the pleasure of hearing him speak on many occasions as we fight the good fight. He is a wonderful man and a true treasure for Texas GLBT community.

The blame for this hate crime lies squarely with the GOP's campaign of lies and prejudice. They use ignorance and fear to provoke people to rage against something they do not understand. The rage releases violence. Hate Crimes are up across the globe and espcially in the United States.

Do I fear more attacks against other activist including myself? YES! Will I stop my vital work for Equal Rights for All Americans? HELL NO!!!

Please keep the activist world wide in your thoughts. I am afraid we will need them.

Rep. Chisum and his Campaign of Lies and Prejudice

I am so mad I could spit nails and put up siding!!! I wanted to share the letter I sent Rep Chisum and also sent to the Statesman and Chronicle as a letter to the editor. See the article at the bottom that has Chisum spreading more lies and hate.

Dear Representative Chisum,
You have sunk to a new low even for you. This lie you are spreading saying that the No Nonsense in November campaign plans to bus in hundreds of gays to spike the voter rolls is beyond belief. You prove yet again that this is nothing but a hate bill and you are willing to use fear, hate and lies to try and deceive the good people of Texas to spread your prejudice and bigotry. You should be ashamed of yourself.

I think you owe Glen Maxey, the staff and volunteers of No Nonsense in November and every GLBT Texan an apology. Actually, the best thing you could do for the great state of Texas is resign from office. Texas does not need Representatives who will lie to further their own personal agendas of hate and prejudice.

Steve Whichard

GAY MARRIAGE
Rumors fan flames in hot battle over amendment
Foes dispute prospect of busing in voters from other states.
By W. Gardner Selby
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, September 19, 2005

Advocates for a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage say they fear that foes plan to illegally bus in residents of other states to vote against the proposal.

"That (prospect) is the most ridiculous thing on the planet," said Glen Maxey, who directs No Nonsense in Texas, an Austin-based coalition working against Texas becoming the 17th state to put a same-sex marriage ban into its constitution.

Those who talk of busing in voters are "smoking crack," Maxey said, calling such recruitment immoral and illegal.

Amendment supporters have come up with no proof. Yet simply floating such a specter suggests that campaigns on Proposition 2 — already pitting social conservatives against Texans who back gay rights — could be subject to spells of high anxiety before the Nov. 8 election. In tussling otherwise fueled by Internet pleas, church sermons and voter-by-voter outreach, such vitriol could set a hard-edged tone for the next seven weeks.

Kelly Shackelford, president of the conservative Plano-based Free Market Foundation, said he's aired his concern to Secretary of State Roger Williams, the state's chief elections officer.

"If the election is small turnout, this could have a big impact," Shackelford said.

Williams said through a spokesman that the possibility of out-of-state residents registering "has been brought to our office's attention," and officials plan to watch for spikes in registration. The registration deadline is Oct. 11.

"It is a situation we can monitor and handle," spokesman Scott Haywood said.

Shackelford and state Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, who wrote the proposal last spring, each said they have heard talk that anti-amendment forces intend to bus in voters.

The allegation also surfaced last week in a one-page handout that Maxey said was passed out in downtown Austin and near the University of Texas. There is no indication of who printed or distributed it.

Chisum, who mentioned his concern to the 35-member Austin Area Pastor Council last month, said last week: "Maxey's going to do that; he's going to reach out to them and explain to them what they can do. All they have to do is get down here and register to vote. And I suspect they're going to furnish addresses for them. That wouldn't be hard to do. . . . (You could) stuff ballot boxes with people who are not legitimate Texans."

John Colyandro, an Austin consultant to the Texas Marriage Alliance, which urges approval of Proposition 2, called the concern "preposterous."
"I can't imagine that taking place at all," he said.

Maxey, a former Democratic House member from Austin, suggested the charge reflects vitriol headed his way.

"I know they're going to come after us with a fine-tooth comb and try to find whatever. They're going to find nothing on this campaign," he said.

Proponents mobilize

The busing allegation sparked combustion in a campaign otherwise premised, in all camps, on identifying like-minded voters and getting them to vote without costly radio and TV advertising or much leafleting by mail.

"This is not a money issue," said conservative consultant Allen Blakemore of Houston. "You don't have big business weighing in on this. So there's not a lot of money in either side. Therefore, there are very grass-roots-oriented campaigns."

Amendment supporters say sealing the ban in the constitution, in addition to a 2003 law forbidding same-sex marriage, will prevent judges from imitating others in Massachusetts and California who have recognized same-sex marriage. Opponents say the ban would unnecessarily reinforce the 2003 law and possibly restrict practices including common-law marriage — a claim proponents dispute.Proponents expect resounding approval of the measure, many wondering only what their margin of victory will be. Opponents are angling for a landmark upset.

Amendment supporters have launched a Web-based effort to shore up conservative groups and churches.

The marriage alliance, headed by three Republican legislators, touts video endorsements from GOP elected officials including Gov. Rick Perry. Shackelford launched the Texans FOR Marriage Political Action Committee last month. They also are counting on the Texas Restoration Project, a group supported by the governor seeking up to 300,000 voter registrations through churchesfocused on conservative values.

Opponents also act

Anti-amendment forces have gathered under the umbrella of No Nonsense in November, which is rooted in gay, social liberal and civil rights communities. Its Web site offers scripts for walking neighborhoods, giving speeches and advocating rejection of the amendment by telephone or in visits to bars, coffeehouses and outdoor events, where younger people congregate.

Maxey suggested both sides must weigh historically light turnout in constitutional elections; the state hopes for a turnout of more than 12 percent this year.

Both sides could lean on e-mail communication. Cathie Adams, president of the Texas Eagle Forum, said she encourages pro-amendment activism in frequent messages sent to about 2,000 correspondents; she hopes each of them contacts another 100 people.Kyleen Wright, president of the Texans for Life Coalition, said she encouraged her board to join the pro-amendment campaign partly because she's mother to four sons, ages 10 to 15. Wright said she fears any encouragement of gay marriage could lead to other changes such as legalized polygamy.

Outside a debate on the amendment at Austin Community College's Rio Grande campus last week, No Nonsense activists reported collecting voter registration applications from 25 individuals.

"It's about my life and who I get to marry," said Jessie Beal, president of the 20-member ACC Gay Straight Alliance. "It's about me believing in my government and my constitution. I should be protected by that."

wgselby@statesman.com; 445-3644


Everyone should contact Chisum and let him know this type of campaign is unaccetable.

Jeb's Boy Follows in Family Foot Steps

Seems Jeb's youngest boy wants to follow in his sister's and uncle's foot steps and be a party boy.

Jeb Bush's Son Arrested

I know anyone can get in trouble but it just seems to funny that the Shrub clan has no idea how to handle their infamy but only make it worse all the time. Seems like their best line of work is getting in trouble and getting bailed out of it by others. But when the current President of the United States is your role model, what else would you expect?

The Great Debate or The One Sided Slam Dunk

All I can say is if Rep Chisum is the best they have, then we will win hands down in Texas and defeat this stupidity.

Did you know that marriage has only been around for 500 years? Did you also know that 17 states have passed constitutional amendments instead of the 12 mentioned in all news stories? This of course according to the wisdom or lack of from Rep. Chisum.

Also, unless you are raised by a man and a woman, you have not been raised in a healthy household. I have a feeling that my 70 year old mother might have a few choice words for Rep Chisum. She raised two boys on her own after her dead beat husband abandoned her for the 3rd time while she was pregnant. One is gay and one is straight but we are both good citizens and damn lucky to have been raised by a wonderful woman on her own.

Chisum thanked the crowed even though we were a hostile audience. There was some hissing( especially when he tried to compare us to Mississippi) and a few comments but no one screamed out or booed him even though he deserved it.

Anne spoke of love, family and children. Anything that strengthens the bonds of family is a good thing for Texas. She even said that the laws on the books outlawing gay marriage are wrong and should be repealed. When asked why shouldn't we fall in line with the other 12 not 17 states, Anne said " Cause we are Texas!" She then went on to explain Texans love of freedom and how times have changed and restricting the rights of one group is legal discrimination and wrong.

The best Chisum could come up with is that same sex marriage degrades marriage. He did apologize if he offend anyone or if we thought he was discriminating against us since he wasn't. Guess the old fool didn't even read his own bill.

To help defeat this proposition, check out the campaign website at http://www.nononsenseinnovember.com/

Round Rock Mayor proves he is a REDNECK!!!!!

Round Rock drag show prompts fire inspection Mayor says some residents concerned about gay activity
By Camille Wheeler
American Statesman

ROUND ROCK -- Williamson County's first known drag show generated more controversy Tuesday, as city officials ordered the first fire code inspection of the decade old coffee shop that hosted it and Round Rock May or Nyle Maxwell visited the shop's owner to air residents' concerns.

City officials said they were responding to numerous complaints about Friday's show, which attracted an estimated crowd of more than 150 people to Saradora's Coffeehouse & Cafe in downtown Round Rock. The comments centered on the size of the crowd and the nature of the show, Maxwell said.

"The constituents we've heard from are concerned about the immorality of it, that it's promoting homosexuality," said Maxwell, who spoke with coffee shop owner Sarah Roberts on Tuesday morning.
City Fire Inspector Paul Ward did a full inspection of the coffee shop Tuesday and found the event violated code because the shop can seat only 84 people.

City Manager Jim Nuse, who said he requested the inspection after hearing from residents, said Roberts won't be fined because she didn't know about the occupancy limit.

The show attracted straight and gay people.
Maxwell said he told Roberts, "Sarah, you've got to look out after your business. You've hit a lot of people's radar screens."
Roberts said that she and Maxwell had a friendly visit but that she defended herself.

"I told him there's not anybody with more morals and with more integrity,"Roberts said. "I said, 'What's the big deal? This is . . . a talent performance. These guys were impersonating famous performers, and one of them was an acrobat.'"

Drag shows are a form of burlesque entertainment in which men dress as women and typically portray famous female singers. No performer used foul language during the show, and the only moment that approached risqué was when a performance artist named Glampyre partially unzipped his shirt to accept a $1 tip.

Roberts said she reminded Maxwell about the annual junior high and highschool tradition of dressing football players in cheerleading uniforms.

"Everybody thinks it's funny and cute," she said.

Roberts said most of the feedback she's received has been positive.
As for the overflow crowd, Roberts said she's drawn that many people to other events, including for Christian band shows, CD release parties and a 25th wedding anniversary.

"I've never had anybody question the occupancy of this place," she said."They've never called and told me, this was the code, this was the ordinance. Now I know, and I'm glad."

Ward said the fire safety inspection revealed a few discrepancies, but nothing major.

Maxwell said Roberts should pay attention to public perceptions if she's going to stay successful as a business owner.

"A single event like this will not affect the viability of business downtown or the overall environment or the family-first environment," he said. "We have too many strong, conservative values, and this is a single event. There may or not be more. That's up to how Sarah conducts her business."

Roberts said she'll book more drag shows if there is a demand.

Maxwell said although he wouldn't personally condone drag shows, "it is not my position to stand in judgment of how she runs a business as long as it's legal and it is not endangering the health of her employees or customers. This is not Sixth Street, Austin, Texas; this is Round Rock, and it's a world of difference."

I saw this this evening when I got home and immediately fired off an email to the Mayor and City Manager. See below for content also for email addresses so you can email your comments also. I took a copy down to Saradora's and met the owner and some of her evening staff. Sara is a wonderful women who is open minded and trying to run a small coffeehouse and grow with the times. I say support her and let the Mayor know he has overstepped his bounds.

Dear Mayor,
Your visit, complaint and seeming warning to the owner of Saradora's about hosting a drag show is nothing short of prejudice. We all know Round Rock is not Austin, but it is also not stuck in the 1950's either. The area is growing and changing and you need to wake up to the new decade. I applaud Sarah Roberts for opening her doors to all and not restricting bookings to only "Christian" groups. I am also disturbed that the City Manager ordered a fire inspection just because of the type of show but was not fearful or concerned when the same number of people have been seen there for "Christian" groups, cd release parties or other special events. You as Mayor should be protecting everyone's rights not condemning a business owner for being innovative.

mayor@round-rock.tx.us

citymanager@round-rock.tx.us

The Great Debate

Anne S. Wynne, Founder of the Atticus Circle www.atticuscircle.org , and steering committee member of the Austin Alliance for Social Justice, has agreed to represent No Nonsense in November and debate Warren Chisum.
For those of you unfamiliar with the State Representative from Pampa, Chisum sponsored HJR 6, setting the stage for Constitutional Amendment #2 banning civil marriages and civil unions for same-sex couples to be put on the November 8 ballot, thus giving us all the reason to rally against it.
Anne is a fabulous spokesperson for our cause. Anne is the Founder of The Atticus Circle, a group focused on education, policy development and legal advocacy to achieve equality for all parents and partners, regardless of sexual orientation. Atticus Circle is one of the more than 125 organizations and businesses and thousands of individuals that are working together to mobilize fair-minded Texans to vote against Proposition 2 on November 8.
Anne is an Austin lawyer and married mother of three, who testified against HJR 6 this spring.
We need supporters to attend the debate. It’s at an odd time of day – 1 o’clock on a Thursday afternoon - but your presence will be important. The debate is sponsored by Austin Community College’s Student Life program in an effort to engage students in “Gender and Sexuality” issues.
Hope to see you there and again, many thanks to Anne for delivering our message so powerfully and all those supporting this event.

WHEN: Thursday, September 15, 2005
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (GET THERE BY NOON TO GET A SEAT!)

WHERE: ACC Rio Grande Campus
Main Auditorium, Room 201
1212 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX 78701
This was sent to me from the Austin Alliance for Justice. Check out their web site for other great ideas and events.

I have even switched my day off this week so I can attend. Hope to see a lot of you there.

Doing My Part for the Left

I have started an online store for bumper stickers and shirts that have witty(or at least I think so LOL) comments about political issues and current events. Some are blunt and to the point about Texas Politics and some say what we would love to say to national figures if we could talk to them. I will be donating any proceeds to the fight for civil rights and also to help the Katrina survivors here in Austin.

refinish69