Austin Kos

Googlebombs away

2006-10-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

--AZ-Sen: Jon Kyl

--AZ-01: Rick Renzi

--AZ-05: J.D. Hayworth

--CA-04: John Doolittle

--CA-11: Richard Pombo

--CA-50: Brian Bilbray

--CO-04: Marilyn Musgrave

--CO-05: Doug Lamborn

--CO-07: Rick O'Donnell

--CT-04: Christopher Shays

--FL-13: Vernon Buchanan

--FL-16: Joe Negron

--FL-22: Clay Shaw

--ID-01: Bill Sali

--IL-06: Peter Roskam

--IL-10: Mark Kirk

--IL-14: Dennis Hastert

--IN-02: Chris Chocola

--IN-08: John Hostettler

--IA-01: Mike Whalen

--KS-02: Jim Ryun

--KY-03: Anne Northup

--KY-04: Geoff Davis

--MD-Sen: Michael Steele

--MN-01: Gil Gutknecht

--MN-06: Michele Bachmann

--MO-Sen: Jim Talent

--MT-Sen: Conrad Burns

--NV-03: Jon Porter

--NH-02: Charlie Bass

--NJ-07: Mike Ferguson

--NM-01: Heather Wilson

--NY-03: Peter King

--NY-20: John Sweeney

--NY-26: Tom Reynolds

--NY-29: Randy Kuhl

--NC-08: Robin Hayes

--NC-11: Charles Taylor

--OH-01: Steve Chabot

--OH-02: Jean Schmidt

--OH-15: Deborah Pryce

--OH-18: Joy Padgett

--PA-04: Melissa Hart

--PA-07: Curt Weldon

--PA-08: Mike Fitzpatrick

--PA-10: Don Sherwood

--RI-Sen: Lincoln Chafee

--TN-Sen: Bob Corker

--VA-Sen: George Allen

--VA-10: Frank Wolf

--WA-Sen: Mike McGavick

--WA-08: Dave Reichert

Action Alert: Let Utah See Brokeback Mountain

2006-01-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

crossposted @ refinish69,My Left Wing, Dkos,Booman Tribune,AustinKos

From: Michael Kaminer PR

Ironweed Films, the DVD-of-the-month club using movies to rally audiences
around progressive social and political issues, launched an online
petition (www.ironweedfilms.com/brokeback) today urging Larry Miller to
put Brokeback Mountain back on the schedule of his theater in Sandy, Utah.

Miller's theater unexpectedly pulled Brokeback Mountain from its schedule
this past weekend. (See "Utah Theater Cancels Brokeback Mountain")

For more information about Ironweed Films, visit
www.ironweedfilms.com/pressroom or contact Patrick Kowalczyk
(patrick@mkpr.com) at 212.627.8098

Sign the Petition to Let Brokeback Mountain Play!

The Megaplex theatre in Sandy, Utah has pulled the pathbreaking film
Brokeback Mountain from its screens. The decision by the Megaplex, which
is owned by Larry Miller, who also owns the Utah Jazz basketball team,
could signal the beginning of a trend to try to turn people away from this
powerful and important film.

At Ironweed Films our mission is to help films like Brokeback Mountain -
genre-breaking films that are masterpieces - get seen. We hope you'll join
us by signing our petition to Larry Miller to let Brokeback play.

New designs at Doing My Part For The Left

2006-01-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

I haven't been posting much on my blog or any blogs for that matter but I have been busy designing away as more news about the Bush Regime has been revealed.

First was the news break about Bush approving wiretaps without warrants. So much for due process of the law in America any more.

CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY

Then we receive the news that it is only incoming calls he is listening to. Does anyone believe this? I know I don't. Bush has lied so much to the American Public I do not think he knows what is the truth and what is a lie anymore.

Liar in Chief

I truly think Bush sold out America and everything America stands for a long time ago. He does not believe in Freedom for anyone unless they are the privileged rich who support him.

Bush Rummage Sale

We all know Bush is the first President to ever serve two terms without being elected to even one.

George W. Bush

For these and other great liberal designs, visit Doing My Part for The Left. The home of official John Courage, Barry Welsh, & Mary Beth Harrell campaign gear.

P.S. If you know any candidates who need gear designed, send them my way.

World AIDS Day

2005-12-01T01:42:00.000-08:00

(cross posted @ My Left Wing,refinish69,Booman Tribune,Daily Kos)

December 1st is the day to honor the memory of all the people we have lost to AIDS and say a prayer in our hearts for those living HIV & AIDS. The world has lost so many men, women, and children to this horrific disease.

This is the 17th World AIDS Day. I remember attending a meeting to organize a remembrance 17 years ago in an apartment in Raleigh, North Carolina. If anyone had told me I would still be attending or helping with World AIDS Day events 17 years later, I would have called them a liar but here I am. I refuse to rant or rave about the stupidity that has caused this disease to continue and worsen for so many years. Today is not the day for that. However, I will share some stories from my life.

I have lost over 1,000 people I call friend to this disease. I will not list all the names but they are burned into my heart and soul. I will tell you about a few special people who touched my life, my heart and my soul.

The first person I lost to AIDS was David Pendergras. He was one of the most beautiful men I have ever met. I had a huge crush on David that finally became one of the best friendships I have ever had. David was the brother my brother could never be to me. We would spend hours talking about everything from our latest boy friend, clothes, music, movies, books, plays, and even family. It was nothing for us to sit up all night talking, laughing and watching old movies. I still miss his smile and wacky out sense of humor. One tome when we were out shopping with my Mom, David screams from across the store “Would you come on Miss Thing. We are ready to go.” I was mortified. We were in Raleigh, North Carolina and I had only come out to my mom the previous year. To my surprise, my mom laughed and hugged David. I think he actually helped her understand me and what it meant to be a gay male. Neither David nor I were nelly in anyway but did love to cut up once in awhile. I still talk to David and tell him my dreams, fears, and aspirations and he is still listening and cracking jokes. David, I love you and I miss you.

In July of 1999, I lost two incredible people in 10 days time. Keith Mcelenny had been a friend for 8 years. I had met him and his lover Carl when I was dating a mutual friend and bartending part time at a country western bar in San Francisco. Keith was one of the gentlest souls I have ever known. He was an artist, a writer, a furniture builder and designer. Keith and I would get lost in the bookstores while our respective lovers would fuss and complain. I loved attending plays, movies and concerts with Keith & Carl and talking about them afterwards. For many years, any holiday was spent either at their home or with them at my home. Dinner parties were a common occurrence and I always knew the food would be wonderful and would help with my own contributions. The last two times I ever attended church were for Keith. He was inducted as a deacon to the MCC church he and Carl belonged to and he asked me to attend. Unknown to me, I was asked to participate in the lying on of hands part of the ceremony. I tried to refuse as I am not a practicing church member of any kind and he and the minister said I had a Christian heart and the service would not be complete without me. The next time I attended was for his memorial service. I had promised Keith in the hospital that I would cater his memorial to make sure it was nice and not just thrown together. Keith’s memorial was delayed for several days since his Minister and the majority of the congregation of the church was at an MCC World Conference. I was honored to do this for him and still miss him terribly. He will always hold a special place in my heart and mind.

The other person I lost that awful July was my Lover Don. What can I say about Don? He was light of my world. Here was the one man that was special enough for me to date, live with and love more than 6 months. He was someone I wanted to grow old with and laugh about our past blunders, but that was not to be. When I met Don, he had been HIV positive for 15 years. That did not mean a thing to me. I was in love from the first night we spoke. I am not saying everything was perfect. No relationship is. We were total opposites in almost everything. He loved bloody action movies and gambling. I am a comedy or chick flick guy. In his entire life, he had never seen a play, a classical concert or even a jazz concert. He laughingly said that the only things we had in common were that we were both gay, loved dogs, and loved each other. He had this sleepy little smile that could melt my heart and make me forget any little dispute. He would plan special occasions for me that would simply blow my mind. He was probably one of the most romantic men I have ever met. It was nothing for him to plan a special night on the town or an incredible dinner at home with flowers and candles all over the house. He made me feel special and unique. Don died on the Thursday before Keith’s memorial. He died at our home with our two dogs, his cat and me. One week after Keith’s memorial, I threw a party for Don. I cooked all of his favorite treats and invited his friends and mine. There was a poker table set up in one room, music and conversation in the living room. I decorated the house with every type of flower I knew he loved.

Don will always be a part of me. He touched my heart & soul as no other human being ever has. I think of him always and still talk to him and listen for his answers. He occupies my dreams when I am troubled and has even helped me find solutions. I wish anyone in love 10 years for every 6 months that Don and I had together. It was the best 5.5 years of my life.

Take some time today to remember the loved ones you have lost and to say a kind word to those you know who are living with HIV and AIDS. Wear a Red Ribbon and explain the significance to all that ask.

The Texas State Board of Education is full of Bigots just like the Ledge

2005-11-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

It seems a damn shame that the elected officials in Texas think it is more important to promote Bigotry and Hatred instead of taking care of the School Children. The State Board of Education has decided they would rather stop working with the National groups than help promote tolerance in the schools.

Equality Texas - Press Release

Austin, TX - Ignoring Texas taxpayers' values and their official responsibilities, the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) voted Thursday to withdraw from the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) in order to pursue an out-of-step radical agenda.

The NASBE is the only national group that helps strengthen state board leadership in education policymaking. The SBOE voted to give up Texas' seat in America's boardroom for education because they could not get along.

Putting the board's opinion before Texas school children, SBOE member Terri Leo stated, "They're (NASBE) taking policy decisions that I believe the majority of our board members here don't agree with." Leo was referring to a NASBE seminar on bullying and violence prevention that included a presentation about students being bullied because of their sexual orientation.

In another act of failed leadership, the Texas SBOE followed the example of Governor Perry and Speaker Tom Craddick and just quit on Texas children because they cannot get along or find an easy solution.

"Making our schools safe environments for learning should be the goal of all school boards, all school districts, and all school administrators", said Chuck Smith, Equality Texas Deputy Director. "Making our schools safe environments for learning is everyone's agenda", Smith said.

"It is a reality that students are harassed and bullied based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. It is also a reality that students are harassed and bullied based on other characteristics, such as physical appearance, weight and socioeconomic status. If we truly care about making our schools a safe learning environment, then any and all characteristics that are the source of harassment and bullying should be included in safe schools policy."

"Responsible leaders know how to find consensus and solutions when our children are at stake," Smith said.

From Gay & Lesbian Angels to Anti-bush

2005-11-14T04:52:00.000-08:00

The creative juices are still flowing. With a victory in Maine and several other states, we still have to fight the Bigots everywhere else. The loss in Texas was not unexpected but it still does not lessen the fact that we need to educate America.

I am trying to start a National Pink Triangle movement. This first symbol of the GLBT Community is one with a painful history which can not be forgotten.

We Will Not Go Quietly

Gay Angel

Lesbian Angel

And lets not forget the Biggest Bigot of them all.

Bush Uses America

Check out these and other fun designs at Doing My Part For The Left

Birthday Reflections from a Tired Equal Rights Activist

2005-11-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

November 12th was my birthday. I am 47 years OLD and feel every damn year, month, day, hour, minute and second of it. I have been working in Politics and Equal Rights since I was 8 years old and sometimes I just want to turn it over to others and forget it. I was really feeling hopeless after the crushing defeat earlier this week in Texas.

Well, I have had my mini-breakdown and am back. Still not really happy, but I will be damned if I am giving up. I think back on how many things have changed in 39 years and I am so thankful. In my own small ways, I have helped change laws and attitudes. There are anti- discrimination clauses at many companies where I have worked, many have offered extended dependents benefits packages, and I am now working to get gender identity added to the non-discrimination clause where I currently work. I have helped elect many wonderful candidates who have stood firm in their beliefs of Equal Rights for all. I change people’s opinion about issues one at a time as I speak out. Bigotry is something that will never disappear completely but it can be narrowed down to the extreme bigots who will never accept anyone different. I can dream of perfection. I can ask for it, but in my heart I know the battle will always be there in one form or another.

This battle has been one I have fought for the majority of my life. I am not willing to walk away. I live in a metropolitan area where I am accepted and life is easier than for those in smaller communities. I can not move to BFE, Texas to make a point, but I can keep working to organize, educate, and elect good candidates to help those who can not be as vocal as I am. I can also nurture and guide in my own way the young activists who are appearing at each event. Just sharing the history of the struggle with the younger generation from a personal perspective, helps more than I think any book they will ever read. I also suggest books about the struggle, which give other views and fabulous stories from the great names through the years.

Yes, I am OLD, tired, and even disheartened but I am far from done. In this last campaign in Texas I have met some extraordinary people who have a passion in their hearts and souls which help keep the fire of freedom burning in mine. I look forward to continuing the struggle and working with my new allies for a long time.

My Thoughts on Low Voter Turn Out & Not Voting

2005-11-10T03:21:00.000-08:00

As I have said before, I am not surprised but I am disappointed about Tuesday’s election results. 17.89% of Texans voted on the Marriage Amendment. This is the highest voter turn out in the history of Amendment only elections in Texas. The GLBT was told they were second class citizens by a 70% margin. People try to tell me that the majority of Texans don’t agree with the proposition but this was not an election to get people to the polls. Well, that is total bullshit!

Amendment 2 was reported in every newspaper, news channel, radio talk show, and church pulpit for the last 3 or 4 months. The GLBT community has been talking about this Hate Amendment since it was introduced as a Joint House Bill in the 79th Legislature. The blogs as well as the editorial sections of the newspapers have been talking about it constantly. I know I am one of the bloggers.

Early voting started October 24th and went through November 5th and then Election Day was November 8th. Anyone who wanted to vote had plenty of time to do so.

If a person did not bother to get off their lazy ass and vote against discrimination, then they voted for it by proxy. I truly pity the person who is stupid enough to tell me they forgot to vote. I do not know what my reaction will be but I will let you know once I am out of jail because I have a feeling that is where I will wind up. This lack of caring by voters and Texans makes me madder than the damn results themselves. 82.11% of Registered Voters in Texas do not care about Civil Rights and believe that writing discrimination into the Texas Bill of Rights is not important enough to get off their fat asses to stop. No college football or the latest gun is more damn important to them.

Voter apathy is nauseating to me. I have been voting since I was 18 years old. I might have missed a few minor local elections but not many and have come to realize that even the local elections are not as minor as some people think. I have never missed a Mayor’s race, Governor’s race, or Legislature or Congressional race or State Initiative race in my life.

This sadly reminds me of the people in Germany who thought Hitler was a joke until it was too damn late and they were being led to the camps. As Rev. Peter Johnson said “If they come for you in the morning, they will be coming for me in the evening.” If you did not bother to vote or try and stop this discrimination from happening, you helped it come about and will reap the benefits of the bigotry someday. I am not looking forward to wearing a pink triangle like the first victims of the Holocaust but I see the day coming and have decided to get a jump on it. I will start wearing my Pink Triangle button again and am asking every GLBT community person to do the same. Wear it everywhere and explain the history and meaning. We have to stop this madness in Texas and in America.

Not the Results We Wanted…

2005-11-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

I can say I am not really surprised, but I am disappointed beyond belief. The majority of Texans think I am a second class citizen and that writing discrimination into the Texas Bill of Rights is a good thing. This does not say much for the state or for the people. Travis County, as usual, is the one spot of sanity in the state and voted overwhelmingly against the amendment.

Yes, the struggle will continue. There will be court battles and the amendment will probably make it to the Supreme Court before it is all over and hopefully be thrown out. Who knows maybe even the Texas Supreme Court will realize how wrong this amendment really is and how much harm it does to the state, but I doubt it.

I am also mad as hell about this. The National Democratic Party gave no help just as they ignored us in the 2004-election cycle in Texas. The Texas State Democratic Party did absolutely not one goddamn thing to help. Oh wait, they put a post on their web site the week of the damn election. MoveOn waited until two weeks before the election to ask Texas members whether they should do anything. This just means they did nothing except send emails the last week. These same groups will ask the GLBT community to give our time, money, and special talents to assist them in every election cycle and with every damn issue they are trying to push forward. Yet, when we needed them, they had no time for us and could have cared fucking less what happened to the community or our rights.

I know I will still help get Democrats elected. It is the best chance I have of getting someone in office that might help when push comes to shove. I will be hard pressed to do anything for any for the groups I listed. They let Texas down. They let Democracy down. They damn sure lost my respect. So if anyone from the DNC, The Texas Democratic Party or MoveOn read this, please know you lost one supporter and hard damn worker and I am sure there are a lot more who are just as fucking mad as I am.

There were some good things that happened during this fight. I really do believe our base of allies has expanded. I have met some incredible people who are devoted to Equal Rights for Everyone. We will keep expanding this base and also working on other issues that are important to Texas. The support and love from across the country has been incredible. I thank everyone who voted against this hate amendment. I also thank everyone who did anything to help. The volunteers and staff worked as hard as they could and did a great job. Some day we will be celebrating Equal Rights for All Texans, but I doubt I will live long enough to see it.

Yes, Love Exists… We Need To Honor Not Outlaw It

2005-11-08T05:43:00.000-08:00

Today is Election Day in the Texas and Love is on the ballot. If you are opposed to Love, then vote yes for Amendment 2. If you are opposed to Family Values that include all Texas Families, vote yes on Amendment 2. If you believe that Bigotry and Intolerance should be written into the Texas Bill of Rights, vote yes on Amendment 2.

As a human being that believes in Equality for all People, I am asking you to VOTE NO on Amendment 2. This is Amendment is about Bigotry and Hatred and has no place in the Texas Bill of Rights. It does nothing to protect families and will only harm them. I could go into all the legal questions it brings up but you can read that on many different web sites. Instead I will tell you some personal stories to help you see why this is wrong.

When my Lover got sick, a lawyer friend helped me draw up all the paper work he thought we would need to protect ourselves, for me to be able to make medical decisions and dispose of Don’s remains when he died. He explained that if I had paid for the services the bill would have run about 5,000 dollars. This was 5 years ago. He then went on to explain that we needed to stay in a major city because most hospitals would honor the paper work. He gave me his cell phone number; office emergency line and home number just in case something happened when we were traveling. He explained that some hospitals with conservative administrations could still try and block me from the intensive care unit and might not be willing to follow my orders even though I had medical power of attorney. I was advised to have a copy of the paper work with me at all times. I had a copy in the house, my desk at work and also in the trunk of my car. There was no house or investments to protect. All of this paper work was needed so Don could die with dignity and I could be by his side.

Luckily for Don & I, his final days were in the Phoenix area. When I walked into the hospital with all the paper work the two head nurses for intensive care said they didn’t need the paper work cause they could see the love in my eyes.

Here are some of the stories that did not work out as well. I had some friend who had been together for 25 years. When Mike died, his family fought the will that left John- his lover- the house and all his investments. They won. The jury decided that Mike and John’s Love meant nothing and that family relationships had more weight. Mike’s family who had not spoken to him in 10 years got the house and everything.
Jan and Betty had been together for 12 years when Betty was killed in a car wreck. Their two adopted children were devastated, as was Jan. Two months later, Betty’s family took the children and refused to let Jan see them. This was allowed cause only Betty’s name was on the adoption papers. Once again, the court decided that blood meant more than love.

This has happened to countless couples across the nation. I could go on with story after story of the horror and heartache caused by the courts even when couples have spent thousands on legal documents to try and protect their families. If this Amendment passes, it will add more strength to courts of hate in Texas. We need to defeat this and then start working towards Equal Rights for All Texans.

If you believe in Equal Rights, Vote NO on Amendment 2. If you believe in Families, Vote NO on Amendment 2. If you believe in Love, Vote NO on Amendment 2. Then call or email everyone you know and ask them to do the same.

Senfronia is not only my Hero. She is a Goddess!

2005-11-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

Today we gathered at the south steps of the Texas State Capital to speak out against Amendment 2. The crowd started out sparse but grew to at least 1000 people by the end. There was music, singing, some impromptu dancing and lots of good will…except for one nut group that showed up in support of the amendment. They number all of 15 deluded idiots. Whenever they tried to show their signs, groups of people would stand in front of them holding our signs and blocking them.

The main speaker of the day was Rep. Senfronia Thompson. Her speech on the floor of the legislature has been spread across the Internet so many times it is almost legend as well it should be. Here are some of the highlights from today’s speech.

“ I was shocked to see The Ku Klux Klan and the spearhead for this hate Amendment. That explains this bigotry.”

“ Instead of a constitutional amendment about gay marriage why not spend your time working to get an amendment for equal education for all Texas children. An amendment to outlaw adultery. An amendment to out law domestic violence or better yet one to outlaw bigotry. Bigotry is something we can do without.”

She spoke of the early days of the Civil Rights Movement and how things use to be in Texas when she was younger. She handled the one heckler from the opposition like a true pro and he finally gave up.

We can win this fight. We just need everyone to vote and then call everyone they know to make sure they have either already voted or will on November 8th.

I know I have written about this a lot. I also know that this fight is not only about GLBT rights. It is about Equal Rights for all. I want to thank the people who have worked so hard and still are towards defeating this bigotry and ask yet again for any help anyone can give.

I will close with a poem I wrote this moring and wore on a shirt with my late Lover's picture.

Our Love was a Pure Love

It was a Gift from Heaven

Yes, Love Exist

Our Love was a Strong Love

It Sustained Us

Yes, Love Exist

Our Love was a Miracle

It Survived Bigotry & Intolerance

Yes, Love Exist

Our Love was Magical

It was no Threat

Yes, Love Exist

S. Whichard

We Shall Gather at the River

2005-11-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

Today in Austin we did just that to speak out against the K. K. K.’s endorsement of Governor Perry and Constitutional Amendment 2.
We marched down the 1st Street Bridge and grouped at the end about 75 feet away from where the Klan with their faces covered spewed their line of hatred and bigotry.

The rally started with some singing by the crowd. Most of the songs the young people did not know. So us old folks had to do the best we could. We started out with a few hundred people and by the time the rally was over there were more than 1,000 people standing in the middle of the bridge singing “We Shall Overcome”. A 12-year-old girl who, along with her mother was there to show that even straight people think this amendment is wrong led us in the closing song.

There were several speakers. Glen Maxey spoke of growing up in a small town in Texas where there were no role models and how many things have changed. Marti Bier spoke of the work the College Alliance has done to organize college students across the state and how even the young republicans have worked with them to defeat this trash.

The highlight of the day was hearing Rev. Peter Johnson. A leader in the civil rights movement, who worked along side Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke out against this amendment. I have heard speeches that Rev. Johnson has given in the past and was thrilled to be able to hear him again. I will share some of the most memorable quotes.

When asked by other ministers how he can work for gay rights and what Bible is he using, his answer is “ THE HOLY BIBLE! It teaches us to love not hate, to forgive, not judge.”

He pledged to work with us till there was “Freedom for Everyone in America. If they come for you in the morning, they will be coming for me that night most likely.”

He spoke of attending Rosa Parks’ funeral and having worked with her in the past. “ Rosa Parks will not rest in her grave while there is injustice in the world. She will not rest in her grave while Gays are being abused and mistreated in the world. Rosa Parks will not rest in her grave while young men and women die in Iraq. Rosa Parks will not rest while there are homeless people wondering the streets of any city. Rosa Parks will not rest in her grave until there is Freedom and Equality for all God’s Children.”

I cheered till I was hoarse. I cried so much there were tear tracks on my face and loving strangers were walking up and offering me their tissues and bandanna to try my tears. I hugged; I laughed and promised to do everything in my power to keep working for Equality for everyone in the world.

I want to close this my sharing the lyrics to a song that inspires me every time I hear it. It was written in memory of Matthew Shepherd, a young gay man brutally beaten to death for being different.

“ Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found. Was blind but know I see. Once was lost but now am found. Was blind but now…

You were the brightest angel heaven had ever seen. You walked in with a story to tell and 10,000 tongues to scream. And you said. Doesn’t your heart beat the same as mine? Haven’t I told you a thousand times? Isn’t the air in my lungs the same air that you breathe?

So who cares whose arms I’m all wrapped up in. Who cares whose eyes I see myself in. Who cares who I dream of. Who cares who I love?

Heaven, help me for I am lost. What a price for love’s deep cost. Here I am standing strong and I am free.

And didn’t we share the same sunrise and do we all sleep in the same moonlight and tell me isn’t the blood in my veins the same blood you bleed.

So who cares whose arms I’m all wrapped up in. Who cares whose eyes I see myself in. Who cares who I dream of. Who cares who I love?

When I die. When they lay my body down. The peace that I will find that’s the peace that brings you all around. Brings us all around
Tell me, doesn’t my mother cry like everyone, My father grieve for his lonely son. Isn’t my name wrote in brighter because
So who cares whose arms I’m all wrapped up in. Who cares whose eyes I see myself in. Who cares who I dream of. And know it doesn’t matter who I dream of cause in the end all that matters that I was loved - that I am loved. Love has no favorites. Love has no favorites. Love has no favorites.”

Amazing Grace/What Matters by Randi Driscoll

Okay Time for Some Old Fashion Begging

2005-11-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

(cross posted at MLW,Dkos,Booman,Austin Info,refinish69. Please feel free to copy and post anywhere it might help.)

I have been posting continuously about the November 8th election and early voting in Texas. We are doing everything in our power to stop Constitutional Amendment 2 from being passed. It is a hate amendment and is only being used to divide the state and promote bigotry.

Early voting returns, as of November 3rd, only show 4.10% of Texans voting out of 28 counties. This is unacceptable. Granted there is one county where 15.58% have voted. I wish I could say it was Travis County but it isn’t. It was Gray County. Travis has had 8.34%. We need everyone who is progressive, liberal, left or pissed off at The Ledge to get out and vote against this amendment. I want everyone who knows anyone in Texas to call, email, fax or instant message and beg them to get out and vote on November 8th.

The highest vote on an amendment on election is 12% in Texas. This is a hot issue and you can believe every bible-thumping minister will be preaching about it this Sunday. We have to counter their hate, intolerance and ignorance. I don’t care if you support legal gay marriage. Gay Marriage is not legal in Texas and it will take at least 30 or more years before it happens even if we defeat this amendment. This amendment also does away with civil unions, domestic partnerships, and may even outlaw common law marriage. I just want your vote against bigotry. I want your vote for equality. I want your vote for protecting The Texas Constitution’s bill of rights.

This is about so much more than Marriage. If this hate amendment passes, the next thing to happen will be the passing of laws to take away GLBT rights for adoption, foster care, and it will jeopardize domestic partner benefits being offered by the corporate world. It will make passing hate crime laws harder. It will make our lives more vulnerable to attacks. If we are labeled as second class citizens, do you really think the police, judges, or The Ledge will defend us?

If you want to make calls to people in Texas you can visit No Nonsense in November and sign up and make calls to any area in Texas. If they have already been called, their names will be out of the system. The script is there and it is a live system. Even 20 calls will help.

I am begging you to please call anyone you know in Texas and get them to the polls on November 8th. We have to win this battle. If we do, it could set the tone for 2006 and beyond. We can make history here folks but we need your help.

Take A Stand Now To Keep Your Rights Intact

2005-11-04T01:15:00.000-08:00

By Gerry Gamel
Editor Mason County News

Early voting continues through Friday, November 4th in the Texas Constitutional Amendment election. The actual election day will be on Tuesday, November 8th.

Such elections traditionally have a very low voter turnout. Most folks just don't want to make the effort to study each of the issues involved, and to then head to the polls to cast their ballot. This year, several folks are predicting a higher than normal turnout, mostly because of Proposition 2 on the ballot. If you haven't heard already, that is the amendment to prohibit gay marriage, or any arrangement similar to marriage.

I've written my opinion of this piece of trash before, but felt compelled to do so once more because of the dangerous precedent I feel it sets for our wayward lawmakers. The proposition states, "The constitutional amendment providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage."

Texas already passed a "Defense of Marriage Act" which prohibits gay marriage, so this amendment is nothing more than political grandstanding on a hot-button issue. Passing such an amendment is redundant when the law is already on the books.

Additionally, passage of the amendment would make Texas one of the states that specifically writes exclusion of a group of people from equal protection of the law. That's not a distinction any of us should proudly embrace.

Supporters of the amendment keep proclaiming that they need to "protect marriage," and the best way to do that, in their mind, is to make sure gays can't get married. In Massachusetts, the only state in the union where gay marriages are completely legal, heterosexual marriages have not suffered. In fact, Massachusetts has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country. In Texas, where amendment advocates want to protect marriage, we have one of the highest divorce rates in the country! Perhaps if we want to protect the institution of marriage, we should start with the heterosexual population first and explain to them that adultery, spousal abuse, alcoholism and emotional immaturity are the greatest threats to matrimony!

Many people feel that by casting a vote for Proposition 2, they are making a moral statement about their opposition to homosexuality. I worry what happens if these same people decide to start making moral statements about Judaism, Islam, blacks or Hispanics. If the Constitution of the State of Texas is rewritten to specifically target homosexuals, and to thus give some people a feeling of moral superiority, why not take it the next logical step and outlaw the practice of religions with which we do not agree! Why not continue and prohibit specific races of people from marrying, thus ensuring that only one race, and one religion endures!

Do I think that the Legislature of the State of Texas made a mistake in passing this proposition? No! A mistake indicates that they didn't know what they were doing and that they accidentally wrote legislation, took a vote, and passed it along to the voters of the great State of Texas to cast ballots. That's a lot of "whoops." It wasn't a mistake, it was political grandstanding at it most flagrant, and it's time the people of Texas stopped allowing our elected officials to get away with it.

Whether you vote early or wait till November 8, vote NO on Proposition 2 and send a message back to Austin that the legislature was supposed to be working on education funding reform, not peering into bedrooms and selectively passing legislation that affects thousands of families across the Lone Star State.

Vote NO on Proposition 2 and continue to embrace whatever moral position you have on homosexuality, without inviting the state into our personal lives more than they already are.

Vote NO on Proposition 2 and tend to your own marriages. With one of the highest divorce rates in the nation, maybe we need to start looking into a mirror to find our solutions rather than looking to the legislature!

Finally, vote NO on Proposition 2 and do something truly moral by preparing a meal for someone who has no food. Get your family up EVERY Sunday and get into the pews at church so that you can learn more about what God really does want you to do. Get your children into the Sunday school classrooms, even if they complain and ask to sleep in, for their own good. Do something truly moral and look inward at your own life before trying to find a way to elevate yourself morally above others. After all, such pride, in the eyes of God, is also a sin.

It’s all just my opinion, but it’s what I wish would happen.

URGENT:We can't win this without you!

2005-11-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

We’re almost there folks!
·1 Two million voters have been called
·2 Thousands of homes have been leafletted
·3 Hundreds of House Parties have been held
·4 Rallies and vigils have been held across Texas
·5 Press coverage has been phenomenal

We are within spitting distance of defeating this Amendment and we need to make one last push to reach voters. We’re asking you to make one more donation. Click to donate

We need to make one million more phone calls next Monday.
Your donation of:
·1 $1000 will call 20,000 voters
·2 $500 will call 10,000 voters
·3 $100 will call 2,000 voters
·4 $50 will call 1,000 voter

We appreciate that you’ve already given, but even a few dollars could make the difference!

Click here to make as large a donation as you can afford.

We are so close! Help make Texas the state that stopped the hate.

Thanks for all you have done. The response from Texans from Amarillo to Tyler has been nothing short of amazing. There are a lot of good, fair-minded folks out there who have worked to defeat this Amendment. Thank you for being one of them.

Early Voting ends Friday, Nov. 4th
Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 8th

A win in Texas will make political history.
A Victory will set the dialogue for ALL elections in 2006!

From Harriet Who to Scalito.....

2005-11-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

The news coming out of Washington in the last week or so has been fodder for many cartoon and designs. I have been busy myself designing things for those who are doing their part for the left.

We have Alito's nomination

My Liberal Christmas Wish

Check out these and other fun designs at Doing My Part For The Left

Final Weekend in the Campaign against Amendment 2

2005-11-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

The final weekend of the campaign is quickly approaching, and we need your support more than ever in this historic fight against Constitutional Amendment # 2. There are two extremely important and pivotal opportunities for you to speak out and stand up for truth and justice this weekend. Let your voices be heard for freedom and justice for all Texans!.

Two final events to cap off the campaign to protect all Texas families…

1. Saturday’s Peaceful Vigil on the First Street Bridge

2. Sunday’s Rally at the Capitol with the powerful Rep. Senfronia Thompson

THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON....

VIGIL ON THE FIRST STREET BRIDGE !

The Klu Klux Klan are coming to for an “Anti-Homosexual Marriage” rally in support of Constitutional Amendment #2 and against “legal fag marriage.” We invite you to gather at the river during the Klan rally on Saturday for a non-violent, peaceful vigil.

Come to Auditorium Shores at South 1st and Riverside, this Saturday, Nov 5th, at 1:00 pm for the vigil that’ll go until 3 pm. Nonviolence in words and action are a must, and if you feel you cannot contain your anger when you hear their hateful words against our families, please decline to attend this event. For more information please check the www.nononsenseinnovember.com website for updates.

THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON…

Defend, Don’t Amend Your Bill of Rights -- Rally at the Capitol!!

EVERYONE please come to the final rally at the Capitol to fight the hurtful Constitutional Amendment #2 and show your community you care about social justice and fairness!

Sunday, November 6th, 1:30 pm, South steps of the Capitol

Come hear the soul-filled inspiration of our great civil rights leader, Rep. Senfronia Thompson at the Capitol this Sunday. If you don't know her read on, it'll be worth it. If you do know her, then I know you would never miss this opportunity to meet her live and in person. In her eloquent and powerful style she will remind us why justice for all really matters, and why we all need to vote AGAINST Constitutional Amendment #2.

We will also rally together as a diverse community, hear soul-filled music, and celebrate so that no matter what happens at the polls next Tuesday, we all know that we will stand together and will continue to fight for justice.

"Rarely are the words of one state legislator worth national attention, but when Senfronia Thompson, a black representative from Houston, stalks to the back mike with a certain "get-out-of-my-way" look in her eye, it's, Katie, bar the door. Here is Thompson speaking against the Legislature's recent folly of putting a superfluous anti-gay marriage measure into the state constitution:

'I have been a member of this august body for three decades, and today is one of the all-time low points. We are going in the wrong direction, in the direction of hate and fear and discrimination. Members, we all know what this is about; this is the politics of divisiveness at its worst, a wedge issue that is meant to divide.

'Members, this is a distraction from the real things we need to be working on…

'Let's look at what this amendment does not do: It does not give one Texas citizen meaningful tax relief. It does not reform or fully fund our education system. It does not restore one child to CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) who was cut from health insurance last session. It does not put one dime into raising Texas' Third World access to health care. It does not do one thing to care for or protect one elderly person or one child in this state. In fact, it does not even do anything to protect one marriage.

'Members, this bill is about hate and fear and discrimination. . . . When I was a small girl, white folks used to talk about 'protecting the institution of marriage' as well. What they meant was if people of my color tried to marry people of (state Rep. Warren) Chisum's color, you'd often find the people of my color hanging from a tree. . . . Fifty years ago, white folks thought interracial marriages were 'a threat to the institution of marriage.'

'Members, I'm a Christian and a proud Christian. I read the good book and do my best to live by it. I have never read the verse where it says, 'Gay people can't marry.' I have never read the verse where it says, 'Thou shalt discriminate against those not like me.' I have never read the verse where it says, 'Let's base our public policy on hate and fear and discrimination.' Christianity to me is love and hope and faith and forgiveness — not hate and discrimination.

'I have served in this body a lot of years, and I have seen a lot of promises broken. . . . So . . . now that blacks and women have equal rights, you turn your hatred to homosexuals, and you still use your misguided reading of the Bible to justify your hatred. You want to pass this ridiculous amendment so you can go home and brag. Brag about what? Declare that you saved the people of Texas from what?...

'If you want to make your hateful political statements, then that is one thing — but the Chisum amendment does real harm. It repeals the contracts that many single people have paid thousands of dollars to purchase to obtain medical powers of attorney, powers of attorney, hospital visitation, joint ownership and support agreements. You have lost your way. This is obscene. . . .

'I thought we would be debating economic development, property tax relief, protecting seniors' pensions and stem cell research to save lives of Texans who are waiting for a more abundant life. Instead we are wasting this body's time with this political stunt that is nothing more than constitutionalizing discrimination. The prejudices exhibited by members of this body disgust me...

'I have listened to the arguments. . . . I want you to know that this amendment is blowing smoke to fuel the hell-fire flames of bigotry.'

Then, our lawmakers passed the amendment."

Molly Ivins quoting Rep Thompson.

KKK Endorses Perry and His Hate Amendment

2005-10-30T04:44:00.000-08:00

Governor Perry must be so proud to have the endorsement of the KKK. He and his party of bigots spent most of the 79th Legislature working on passing or trying to pass bills which discriminate against the GLBT community or limit a womanÂs choices when it comes to her own body instead of working on Tax Reform or Education Funding.

The KKK will be in Austin on November 5th to show their support for Constitutional Amendment 2 to stop Âlegal Fag MarriagesÂ. This endorsement alone proves beyond a shadow of a doubt what this amendment is being used for and what type of people it appeals to.

Fair Minded Texans do not support this type of hate and bigotry. Any politician who has the endorsement of the KKK has lost sight of the Values of Texas, Texas Families, and the Texas People. I urge everyone to go out and vote against Constitutional Amendment 2 and let the Governor know that Texas Voters are disgusted with the direction his administration and the Republican Party have taken in Texas.

Below is a message from Soulforce Austin and the No Nonsense in November. You can check their web sites for more details.

Come join thousands of Texans in a peaceful vigil Saturday, November 5, at 1:00 p.m. in Austin at Auditorium Shores located at South 1st Street and Riverside Dr.

Followed by a vigil on the 1st Street bridge from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. (We have Austin Police Department and City of Austin clearance to use the 1st Street Bridge).

This will define who we are as Texans and bring together a diverse coalition
of fair-minded Texans in opposition to the hate message of the Klan and
against Prop. 2.

We will speak for ourselves and not engage the Klan because our peaceful, non-violent demonstration is not about hate. It is about love and respect - which is what marriage, is really all about. Our rally will be a powerful witness to truth and justice. During the final 72 hours before Texans vote against Constitutional Amendment #2, we will show America that Texans are fair-minded.

The Texas Constitution is a sacred document that always has bestowed rights and protections upon citizens of this state. Constitutions were never meant to be used for discriminatory practices. If the amendment passes, it will do just that.

The Klan will be at City Hall. We will meet at Auditorium Shores, and as we sing songs of hope and love, we will extend peace like a river. We will walk halfway across the S. 1st St. Bridge, where our peaceful message will speak volumes.

SO,

Stand with us in peaceful solidarity
Against Hate
Against Violence
Against Constitutional Amendment #2

In the words of George W. Bush, "You're either with us or you're against us."

My soul is tired and my hearts aches.

2005-10-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have worked for 32 years to bring about Equality for all people – men, women, children, blacks, and especially the GLBT community.

I am a 46-year-old gay male who came out at the age of 15 in a small North Carolina town. When I was 26, I marched with Pride down Hillsborough Street in Raleigh with my friends and with strangers letting the world know I was gay, proud and worthy of respect and love. The following year when North Carolina had it’s first organized state wide Pride Parade my mother walked with me and cried as she told me how much she loved me. I have marched in Pride Parades in 6 states as an adult. I have marched in more parades than I ever watched because I thought it vital to be involved. I have done sit ins at Jessie Helms’ office, Pink Flu Days in California when Domestic Partnership laws were vetoed and worked my ass off campaigning against hate crimes, discrimination, and begging for benefits.

In the past few years, I watched as many states have passed constitutional amendments to change their bill of rights to make the GLBT community second class citizens for all time. I watched as a President of the United States broke his oath of office to protect the constitution by asking Congress to pass an amendment to ban “gay” marriage in the United States Constitution. The few highlights have been legalization of marriage for all in Massachusetts, Civil Unions in New Hampshire, and the legalization of gay marriage in several countries.

Hate crimes go up as national leaders and religious leaders spread their “moral” view that we are evil and an abomination to the lord. But please don’t get them wrong, they are not homophobic. They are doing this to protect the world, the sanctity of marriage, and their children from us. We are okay as long as we stay hidden and don’t ask for equal protection under the law. Laws protecting rights are being done away with, displays, books and even cartoons about gay families are being removed from public libraries, and hatred, fear and lies are being spread. I watch in shock and dismay as Gay Rights look to be a thing of the past in the Land of the Free. I have worked so damn hard for what we have achieved and cry in frustration as it seems to fade into a memory of happier times.

In Texas, we are fighting Constitutional Amendment 2. You can read the bill your self at www.nononsenseinnovember.com or at www.lrg.org. It basically says that marriage is between one man and one woman and that nothing similar or could be considered similar to marriage can be recognized in the state. I have been fighting the good fight as well as I can and as much as I can. Thanks to a car wreck in July I have not been able to do as much as I would have liked to do in this battle and battle it is.

Early voting has started in Texas. I am asking everyone who reads this to please call, email, write or message anyone you know who lives in Texas and ask them to get out and vote against this hate bill. We can stop this but we need everyone’s help.

Legislative Blunder Annuls ALL Marriage

2005-10-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the disturbing news about Proposition 2?

Any greedy insurance company, tricky divorce attorney or liberal
activist judge could use this Constitutional Amendment to annul all
marriage in Texas. Only your vote can fix it.

DON'T RISK IT - VOTE AGAINST IT!
READ IT FOR YOURSELF!

Proponents of Proposition 2 keep telling us it would protect
traditional marriage by writing into the Texas Constitution a
prohibition on marriage and civil unions for same-sex couples, but
it actually does much more - if passed it annuls ALL marriage in
Texas, even for heterosexuals.

That's because the language that would be written directly into the
Texas Constitution if this passes is flawed.

Don't take our word for it, read the language for yourself:

Article I (The Bill of Rights), Texas Constitution, would be amended
to read as follows:

Sec. 32. (a) MARRIAGE in this state shall consist ONLY OF THE UNION
OF ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN.

(b) THIS STATE or a political subdivision of this state MAY NOT
create or RECOGNIZE ANY LEGAL STATUS IDENTICAL or similar TO
MARRIAGE.

By leaving out key words, legislators are invalidating all marriage!

The language is clear:
(a) defines marriage between one man and one woman, and
(b) prohibits the recognition of (a)

Therefore prohibiting marriage between one man and one woman!

Legislators in other states that have passed similar amendments got
it right, when trying to prohibit marriage between same-sex couples.
They included key language that clarifies marriage between one man
and one woman would still be recognized:

For example, in Utah, they defined marriage as between one man and
one woman, and then said, "NO OTHER domestic status or union, however
denominated, between persons is valid or recognized or may be
authorized, sanctioned, or given the same or substantially
equivalent legal effect as a marriage."

In Kentucky, the language read, "A legal status identical or
substantially similar to that of marriage FOR UNMARRIED INDIVIDUALS
shall not be valid or recognized."

DON'T RISK IT - VOTE AGAINST IT!

For more information, visit www.SaveTexasMarriage.com

To get involved and help spread the news about the Flawed language of
Proposition 2, contact Save Texas Marriage at
info@SaveTexasMarriage.com

You can also visit the Save Texas Marriage web site and to volunteer
to educate voters

Early Voting Has Begun

2005-10-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

Early voting began today and I was one of the 1st in Williamson County to cast my vote for Equal Rights in Texas. Amendment 2 is nothing but bigotry on a grand scale. It is a hate bill. The amendment’s only purpose is to appease the ultra-right and bring about more fear, hate and intolerance while gaining money and support for a party that cares nothing for Texas, Texas Families or Texas Values.

I urge everyone to go out and vote what you feel in your heart. Fair Minded Texans do not believe in discrimination. Do not let this smoke screen issue fool you into believing Perry and the rest of the hate mongers have done anything for Texas or ever will. Their record speaks loudly to their ineptitude. Tell the Governor and the Legislature you expect good government not lies, fear, and hatred. Vote No on Amendment 2.

Strategic Planning, Message Refinement, Idea meeting for Final Week to Defeat Prop. 2

2005-10-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

Texans will be hitting the polls next Monday (Oct. 24) to vote on a Constitutional Amendment that would write into the Bill of Rights a prohibition against marriage and civil unions for gay and Lesbian Texans. As early voting begins, No Nonsense In November, the campaign working to defeat the amendment, has many positive developments and a strategy that point to us doing the unthinkable: WINNING. The smell of victory is in the air, but we need you to make defeating this amendment a reality.

I rolled out these new developments to key community leaders this past weekend in Austin. The response was so amazing that I have decided to travel across the state this weekend to share our exciting new strategy with all fair-minded Texans who wish to be involved in the making of political history.

I promise that you will want to be a part of this – you’ll be just as amazed as they were on what will be happening soon. Information outlining this exciting new game plan will be shared at this weekend’s high-level strategy meetings. We also really need creative, energetic new ideas to help deliver our exciting and just a little bit shocking new message.

No matter where you live in Texas, you can play a key part in ensuring victory.

Curious? Then show up and get involved in the new game plan!

Austin:
Saturday; Oct. 22nd, 10:30 a.m.
Ventana Del Soul Coffee House
Texas Espresso Auditorium
1834 E. Oltorf Dr. (East of I-35 near Parker Ln.)
To RSVP: Celia@NoNonsenseInNovember.com or 512-236-0843

Dallas:
Saturday, Oct. 22nd; 11:00AM
IBEW Union Hall
7940 Northaven
To RSVP: Suzanne@NoNonsenseInNovember.com or 214-821-2511

Fort Worth:
Saturday, Oct. 22nd; 2:30PM
Agape Metropolitan Community Church
4615 E California Parkway
To RSVP: Keith@NoNonsenseInNovember.com or 817-335-8683

San Antonio:
Saturday, Oct, 22nd, 12:00 noon
Madison Presbyterian Church
319 Camden (at Lexington and Camden by I-35 and Hospital Center)
To RSVP: Melanie@NoNonsenseInNovember.com or 210-320-4682

Houston:
Sunday, Oct 23, 3:30PM
Star Pizza
77 Harvard, (1 block east of Heights & Washington Ave.)
This does not conflict with the vigil at city hall at 2pm. So come have pizza and cold one after the vigil and join us for a strategy session.
To RSVP: Emily@NoNonsenseInNovember.com or 713-522-4372

Beaumont:
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, 1:30pm
Spindletop Unitarian Universalist Church
1575 Spindletop Road
Beaumont, Texas
To RSVP: Liz@NoNonsenseInNovember.com or 512-443-2027

While sending an RSVP is encouraged, it is OK if you decide to join us at the last minute and have not RSVPed.

You do not need to live in one of these cities to join us. Come to the city nearest you, learn the new strategy and take it to your home town and implement the winning game plan there. Your involvement in the next few weeks will be critical to our success on November 8th. Join us and become a part of political history.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Bill Moyers on the Texas Observer

2005-10-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

Bill Moyers was in Austin a few weeks back and gave a speech hosted by the Texas Observer. The speech was taped by someone with a radio show in Houston, and I stumbled on it when I was down there for a conference last week. It was so good that I spent half an hour eating my delicious bag of fried food and listening to the speech in my car in the motel parking lot instead of going in and watching baseball.

Anyway, I know that there are fans of the Texas Observer in this group and I assume that there are Bill Moyers fans so I tracked down the link to the show's archives. Moyers starts around the one hour mark with an intro by Molly Ivins. Enjoy.

http://kpftx.org/archives/kpftsignal/mp3/051006_190002pf.MP3

Proposition 2: Bigotry wrapped up in cruelty

2005-10-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

I recieved this in an email and had to share.

Jacquielynn Floyd:
Proposition 2: Bigotry wrapped up in cruelty
07:32 PM CDT on Wednesday, October 5, 2005

If you're opposed to gay marriage, you can take a stand: Don't go to any gay weddings. If you really want to signal your disapproval, don't send a present.

But don't vote for the mean and meddlesome proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot that would amend the state constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage. Proposition 2 is a cruel piece of ideological bigotry that attempts to create and solve a problem that doesn't exist.

It's hard to understand why so many otherwise sensible people have seized on gay marriage as the most menacing potential threat that American society faces. And it's hard to understand why otherwise decent people see a need to purposely discriminate against couples who want the same workaday legal safeguards as everybody else.

So far, this particular ballot measure is cruising a little beneath the public radar – we've been too preoccupied with natural disasters and Supreme Court vacancies to get whipped up in a big front-page frenzy on this one.

But there's a steady grassroots campaign going on, targeting specific interest groups with direct mailers and e-mail "alerts." The rest of us will just be left to make up our minds in the voting booth.

Sadly, a lot of people will vote in favor of it because it's worded simply as a "definition" that limits marriage in Texas to "the union of one man and woman."

Sounds OK; sounds like marriage as most of us know it. But there's a little extra language in there that also bans "any legal status identical or similar to marriage."

In other words, no marriage for gay people, and nothing that even legally resembles it. This could mean real legal trouble for, say, sick people who want to assign benefits or powers of attorney to a partner.

Look, I understand the visceral discomfort some people experience when they see two guys kissing on TV. Sexual orientation is part of your hard wiring, and it's pretty difficult to go against the grain.

That's exactly the reason that it's disingenuous and downright spiteful for gay-marriage opponents to suggest, as they do in their campaign literature, that "homosexuals have the same right to marry as we all do. They choose not to marry members of the opposite sex, but they could if they wanted to."

Never mind that this would mean perpetrating a fraud on the other marriage partner. They could if they wanted to.

A lot of people seem to view the "threat" of gay marriage as emblematic of everything that seems to be deteriorating in our selfish, vulgar, navel-baring popular culture. Marriage sometimes looks less like a sound foundation to our societal structure than it does a tabloid soap opera.

They see marriage cheapened by partner-swapping celebrity dimwits, by selfish jerks who don't stick around long enough to watch the kids grow up, by the cartoonish Anna Nicole Smith and her late husband, J. Howard Marshall II, who was 90 when he died.

Or they believe the hysterical predictions that gay marriage is the first step in a long decline toward institutionalized polygamy, or weddings uniting people and donkeys.

It seems to me that if you're worried about all those things, there's a real benefit in extending the franchise to stable couples who see marriage as a serious commitment. That's a matter of character, not of sexual orientation.

Of course, there are those who just flat don't like gay people, who consider homosexuality offensive and amoral.

Thus, they would limit somebody else's rights to protect themselves from being "offended." Aren't these the same people who wring their hands over out-of-control "political correctness"?

Proposition 2 will not stop people from being gay. It won't stop them from moving in together or throwing housewarming parties or joining the PTA. All it will do is make life a little harder for them, and why do you want to do that to people you don't even know?

Same-sex marriage is already illegal in Texas, and even if it weren't, it wouldn't change your life.

But if you really want to take a stand, go ahead and boycott gay weddings. There'll be more cake for everybody else.

E-mail jfloyd@dallasnews.com

Help a New Orleans Artist

2005-10-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

One of the artist I know from Cafe Press is from New Orleans. He is still living outside of New Orleans and working on repairing his home and studio. He is currently using a friend's computer to continue to design and sale shirts and gifts on line through cafe press to off set some expenses and get back on his feet. He has created some beautiful " I Love New Orleans" designs for survivors.

Please check out Fig Street Art Studio

ABC gives primetime exposure to James Dobson group!

2005-10-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

by: JamesB3 from myleftwing.com

Sorry for the hysterical headline, but it took everything I had to not write "GAY HATE," so this is subtle for me.

ABC has had an increasing number of ties to anti-gay talking points and organizations. Most (in)famous was the 20/20 special which attempted to rewrite the tragedy of Matthew Shephard's murder and give sympathy to his killers. Next came last spring's accepting a primetime ad for extremist theocrat group Focus On the Family, even though earlier in the year the network refused to air a pro-gay ad from the United Church of Christ. In August, daytime talk show "The View" had a lengthy interview with ex-gays from Exodus International, a major lobbying group which has strong ties to Focus on the Family. And now the popular series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is featuring Focus on the Family in their October 2 episode. In FotF's own words:

In addition to its participation in the October 2 episode, Focus hosted the Barrett family yesterday at its Colorado Springs campus for a special visit. The highlight of the day was a meeting with Focus founder and chairman Dr. James Dobson. The Peyton, Colorado family of eight also enjoyed a VIP tour of the Focus on the Family campus, lunch with the staff, a visit with Focus on the Family president and CEO Jim Daly, a trip to the broadcasting studios for a behind-the-scenes look at the popular Adventures in Odyssey children's radio program, and interviews with the Brio and Breakaway teen magazine staffs.

"There is nothing more rewarding than helping others, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a great example of this principle in action," says Jim Daly, President and CEO of Focus on the Family. "We at Focus on the Family are honored to participate in such a worthy cause."

--

ABC seems to want stronger and stronger ties to a group that has declared war against "tolerance" and "diversity." If you want to ask Endemol, which produces Extreme Makeover Home Edition, why they want to associate with this kind of hate, here is the contact information:

Endemol USA 9255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1100 Los Angeles, CA 90069

Telephone: +1 310 860 9914 Fax: +1 310 860 1417

E-mail: Tina.Hoover@endemolusa.tv

Management: David Goldberg, President

The contact information for ABC:

ABC Media Relations: Alison Rou (818) 460- 7798
email alison.rou@abc.com

You might think that your words won't make a difference, but those who have called Endemol reported that the person on the other end of the line was not very happy with FotF's self-promotion, and that a photo of Pennington which once appeared on the FotF site has now been taken down.

Please let them know that you do not tolerate hate or attempts to put a fuzzy, warm puppy in place of what is really a rabid dog. ABC continues to give credence to one of the most hostile and influential hate groups in America. Tell them you won't put up with it anymore.

Troy's Dogs Located

2005-10-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

I recieved a call from a lady named Susan in Connecticut this morning and working with her we learned that two Akita's and a lab mix puppy found in New Orleans and being sheltered there belong to our friend Troy. Link to a picture of Troy's two Akitas is here.

I have a call into Troy to facilitate a reunion.

Troy had posted information about Trouble with Petfinder, and Susan and a friend in Connecticut have been working tirelessly to connect lost pets with owners.

The neighbor in whose yard the dogs had been found is currently living in Baton Rouge, but Susan was able to reach her by telephone and confirm through her that the dogs belonged to Mister Troy.

Troy has connected with Susan, who informs us the three dogs have been taken to Athens, Georgia, by ht eperson who operated the emergency pet shelters in New Orleans where they were sheltered.

Troy is beside himself. He took Liz back to New Orleans and is actually in New Orleans today with his two year old son (whose birthday is today). We should expect an update soon.

COME OUT AND BE COUNTED

2005-09-28T01:31:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

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 .

Help our Katrina "sponsees" with specific needs

2005-09-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

All of these families need help with rides. Making arrangements to provide a particular family with regular trips to the grocery store would be very helpful. Donations of small items can be dropped off at roses' house. To arrange for help with rides, jobs, or special needs or to make furniture donations, please contact Othniel. (If you don't have contact info for roses or Othniel, please leave a comment here so that we can respond.)

[Update: Some of the lists below have been updated to include additional items, even if not specifically noted. Also, Myrtle's needs have been added at the end.]

[Update 2: A gumbo pot is a really big soup pot!]
-----------

Ruffin (49)

Job: in restaurant or grocery, hard worker
Special need: dentures
Other needs:
Iron and ironing board
TV table
Gumbo pot
DVDs with Halle Berry
-----------

Angela (38) and family
Michelle, 19, daughter
Lawrence, 18, 12th grade, son
Kaycie, 22, daughter
Willie, 22, son-in-law
Michael, 2, grandson
Kayshelle, 1, granddaughter

Jobs: Angela (security officer); Michelle (unskilled); Kaycie (cook); Willie (custodian)

Special needs:

Rides to grocery store and back would be very helpful (family is taking the bus to the grocery but a cab back at 15$ per trip).
Family needs help working the bus lines.
Angela needs help getting her replacement SS card and IDs; she had been unable to open a bank account or cash her FEMA check. She is holding the family together, needs support; she is cooking for many now.
Michelle and Kaycie need prenatal care.

Clothes:
Lawrence: Pants 48 waist, 32 length; 3X shirts; 11-1/2 shoes; 46 to 48 underwear
Angela: Size 22 women’s pants; XL tops; 10-1/2 women’s shoes [Update: A purse has been donated--thanks!]
Michelle: XL tops; 16 pants; 7-1/2 women’s shoes or 6-1/2 boy's shoes

Other:
1 queen bed, 1 twin bed / sheets, pillows, bedding [Update: A crib has been found!]
Cleaning supplies, mop, broom, vacuum
Cooking spoons, large knives, mixing bowls, cookie sheets, skillets, cutting board, glasses
Bath towels, 2 shower curtains; laundry detergent; iron and ironing board
Hair clippers for the men
Table and chairs; TV stand or table
(Small kids have plenty of toys)
[Update: Plus the following:]
School supplies for Lawrence, folders and spiral notebooks, calculator
African American hair care products for the women
Shoe polish kit for Willie and Lawrence
Angela likes to sew, so material and sewing stuff might be helpful.
-----------

Coretta (32) and family
Nellshon, 12th grade, daughter (17)
Coreinel, 9th grade, daughter (14)
Mercedez, 7th grade, daughter (11)
Roderick, 4th grade, son (9)
Rashad, 9th grade, nephew (14)

Job: Coretta is looking for work as a health care aid.

Special need: This family could use help with a car. (Coretta had a car but no car insurance.)

Clothes:
Coretta: women’s size 12 pants, large shirts, 7-1/2 women’s shoes
Roderick: size 4-1/2 shoes, 8-10 boys shorts, socks, small tee shirts

Other:
1 more bed is needed / sheets, pillows, bedding, for all beds
Kitchen table; microwave
Dishes; silverware; glasses and cups; pots and pans, cookie sheets, kitchen utensils
Bath towels and washcloths; 2 shower curtains
2 lamps; alarm clock
Cleaning supplies, mop, broom, rubber gloves; iron and ironing board
TV, possibly with DVD; Spiderman on DVD, teenage girls movies; Playstation 2, San Andreas
School supplies; football
Roderick is left-handed; he needs a pair of left-handed scissors and a left-handed baseball glove.
-----------

Edwima (57; mother of Coretta, Karyn, Tina, and Angela)

Special need: Someone to talk to, another grandmother
Other:
A plant for her balcony
Cookware, microwave, coffeemaker
TV table to eat on; a chair to sit in; a chair for her balcony
Cleaning supplies, mop, broom; toilet paper; shower curtain
TV
-----------

Karyn (35) and family
Orlando, 12th grade, 17, son
Avi, 11th grade, 16, daughter
(Jasmerelda is at Nichols State, 18, sophomore, nursing school)
Tina (34), sister
Antoinetta, 12th grade, 17, Tina's daughter
[Update:] Eugene, 6th grade, 12, Tina's son (in transit)
Tina and her children will be getting their own apartment in the same complex around October 8.

Job: Karyn, preschool or daycare, would love to be a nanny, has computer skills; was working on getting her preschool teaching credentials, may need educational help toward that goal here.

Special needs: Orlando needs a physical for high school sports.

Clothes: [Clothing is a new addition to this list.]
Nightgowns/pajamas for the girls and women, plus:
Karyn: 14 bottom, large top, 8 ladies' shoes; needs jeans, belt, job interview clothes
Orlando: 32 waist, 32 length, XL shirts, 9 shoes
Avi: 16 bottom, M or L top, 8 ladies' shoes; needs school clothes
Tina has hardly any clothes: 10/12 bottom, M/L top, 9 or 9-1/2 ladies' shoes
Antoinetta: 5/6 bottom, top small, 6 ladies' shoes
Eugene: boy's 14/16 tops and jeans, size 5 shoes

Other:
Queen or double bed for Karyn and Avi to share; beds for Tina and Antoinetta / sheets, pillows, bedding
Kitchen table and chairs; living room chairs
Coffeemaker
Gumbo pot, cutlery, mugs, kitchen canisters, colander
Mop, broom, vacuum, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent
2 shower curtains; bath towels and washcloths; caot hangers
African American hair care products
Computer for Karyn (Othniel is working with IBM and Dell, but doesn’t think they will help)
2 PS2 memory cards; PS 2 Juiced
A plant would be nice
[Update: Twin bed for Orlando found! The following additional items are requested:]
For Orlando: a wallet; any Will Smith movies on DVD
For Avi: CD player, Drumline on DVD
-----------

Troy (36) and Ari
(Two sons: one in Atlanta, one fled Houston)
Arianna (23), girlfriend

Special needs:

Needs help with insurance and FEMA questions; have not received FEMA support and out of Red Cross funds.
Troy had car insurance and has a rental car for about 20 more days.
Medical support, possibly neurologist; arm injured in evacuation.

Jobs:
Troy is an electrician; has a part-time job for 3 months but needs full-time work.
Ari is a waitress looking for work.

Other:
2 beds (1 queen and 1 other) / sheets, pillows, bedding
TV stand or table; small bookshelf; kitchen table with chairs; 2 dressers; chair for living room
Pots, pans, mixing bowls, etc.; toaster or toaster oven; dish towels
2 shower curtains; bath towels
Mop, broom, vacuum; cleaning supplies
Iron and ironing board; laundry detergent; washer/dryer (has connections in apt.)
Alarm clock; DVD or VHS player
Phone card minutes for a track phone
Computer (Othniel is working with IBM and Dell, but doesn’t think they will help)
-----------

Veronica (68)
Needs info to come
-----------

Myrtle

Miss Myrtle will be moving into her own place on Tuesday (9/27).

Job: Worked with the USPS in New Orleans and is hoping to get part-time work here (she is partially disabled).

Other:
Queen size bed / linens, bedding
Chair, small bookshelf
Telephone, lamp, TV, microwave, coffeemaker
Pots, pans, canister set, mugs, breadbox, cookie jar, kitchen spoons and cutlery, colander, chopping board
Kitchen towels and dishcloths, Ivory liquid, Cascade
Washer/dryer (electric)
Cleaning supplies, Charmin
Coat hangers
Plant for her patio
Joyce Meyers books or other spiritual books

The 23rd Qualm

2005-09-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

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?

A Room to Call My Own

2005-09-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Just stopped off for Ruffin to heat up some Gumbo on the way to move into his apartment. Ruffin is exited to be leaving the Convention Center, and to have a place of his own in Austin for now. We located a couple of place settings of dishes and some silverware. Some salt and some Ivory Liquid. And a spare mixing bowl. Ruffin is taking his cot and bedding from the Convention Center for now. Austex54 is bringing him a mattress tonight.

Ruffin says, "Hello, and God Bless all of you. Please join me in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I appreciate everything you have done for me in Austin. It feels Good to have my own place for now, and I think I can work the bus lines, and find a job or two."

Veronica is moving into her place tonight, along with many of the senior citizens from New Orleans. We are getting her a plant for her balcony tomorrow.

Janet Strange is taking Liz to the Humane Shelter to pick up her dogs, while Troy and Ari move their things into their new apartment near Oltorf and I-35. Troy and I took a short trip to San Antonio last evening, and he plans to drive to Houston tomorrow to visit his two year old son for the first time since the strom - though it will be a while before he can get to Atlanta to visit his 11 year old son, Troy Junior.

Karyn, Orlando, Edwima, Lawrence, Michelle and most of their family are locating near Northcross Mall, although Roderick, his three siblings and his mother Coretta will be a few blocks away.

Karry left today for Kentucky to join his brother. I told him goodbye for all of us, thanks for the Gumbo, and that we are proud to have known him. He peromised to call me with his new contact information.

Relaxing a moment while Ruffin heats his Gumbo and makes some rice. And smoking my brand new pipe Ruffin got for me from Wal-Mart last evening. I have never had one which meant as much to me. I will treasure this gift of friendship for years.

The Great Debate or The One Sided Slam Dunk

2005-09-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!

2005-09-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-13T03:20:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

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

No Nonsense Campaign against Prop 2

2005-09-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

I would like to invite all members and readers to get involved now, today, in the fight against the Prop 2, the constitutional amendment which purports to ban same-sex marriage (which is already illegal in the state of Texas).

Please visit the campaign website and download the talking points. You can also print flyers to distribute to your friends and neighbors, co-workers, fellow church members, whoever is in your sphere of influence. You can register for the calendar and register to attend events on the calendar. If you don't live in Texas, send money.

I am personally working to coordinate faith communities in Houston and UU communities state-wide to work against this constitutional amendment. To that end, I have developed an inventory list of helpful material for each individual to carry around and use while talking to people. Each person who is a member of a church or temple should consider working with me or with your regional faith coordinator to organize interested members to fight this amendment. In like fashion, if you are a member of a Humanist group, political club, neighborhood group, please consider doing the same. Contact me if you are interested using some of the resources I have developed or want to serve as a liaison from the campaign to your church, club, or group. Contact me if you are interested in getting involved with the campaign in any capacity, I don't care where you live, I will find the right person to set you to work.

This amendment is the latest in a long run of erosions of our civil liberties and freedoms that we have come to take for granted in the US. This is not solely a gay issue. This affects us all. We are on the verge of writing discrimination against an identifiable minority of our society into our constitution. Are you horrified by the precedent this would be? I certainly am.

What's more, the discrimation against this identifiable minority is already part of the legal system. So what was the point of this amendment again? Seems like a blatant attempt to demonize that identifiable minority to me. So, at the risk of being trite, if we don't stand together, exactly who will stand with you if and when you are an identifiable minority that is the target of discrimination and demonization?

It's time to push back. Yes, there are a lot of terrible things going on right now. I am here to tell you that we can do something about this particular terrible thing. And guess what, we can build a network that we can mobilize when other terrible things are proposed, because there is more like this coming down the pike.

Senfronia Thompson noted regarding this amendment, "I want you to know that this amendment [is] blowing smoke to fuel the hell-fire flames of bigotry". Read her full remarks here.

58 days till election day (November 8).

30 days till the voter registration deadline (October 11).

What have you done to fight this bill today?

Links for locating animals belonging to Katrina survivors [Updated]

2005-09-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Austin Partnership
The ASPCA is working with the Austin Humane Society to establish a hotline for hurricane evacuees from Louisiana and Mississippi who need help in locating their animals. The number there is 512-646-PETS (512-646-7387). As of September 6, the Austin Humane Society has taken in over 75 animals and reunited 15 pets with their people.

Houston Partnership
The Houston SPCA is now receiving animals from Louisiana at two intake centers. They have set up a network of agencies around the country to provide long-term care for the animals. Contact them at 713-802-0555.

ASPCA / 212-876-7700 ext. 4700 / disaster@aspca.org / www.aspca.org
See special message from the ASPCA below.

Trapped Pets (within Louisiana)
To report a pet missing within Louisiana, go to www.vetmed.lsu.edu. The database is actively reviewed and being given to the rescuers in the field.

More Links
Petfinder www.petfinder.org/disaster

United Animal Nations 916-429-2457/ www.uan.org/ears/action_report.html

Houston SPCA 713-802-0555 www.spcahouston.org

Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine 225-925-3980 / www.vetmed.lsu.edu / katrina@ldaf.louisiana.gov

Best Friends Animal Society www.bestfriends.org

American Humane www.american humane.org

Humane Society of the United States www.hsus.org

North Shore Animal League www.nsalamerica.org

[UPDATE 9/10/05:] More links:
IFAW www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/ Scroll down for links to register your missing pet and for animal rescue groups to request supplies.

Noah's Wish www.noahswish.org/Hurricane%20Katrina.htm
Rescues and shelters animals during disasters. Includes how to help and
volunteer opportunities. Has set up disaster animal shelter in Slidell, La.

SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR HURRICANE SURVIVORS WHO HAVE BECOME SEPARATED FROM THEIR PETS
From the ASPCA

To be separated from your pet in a disaster is very upsetting. The hardest part may be not knowing the fate of your beloved animal. Some people want to hold on to the hope that their pet has found a way to survive; others can take some comfort in the realization that their pet may now be at peace. We all feel guilty when we can't protect the lives of innocent creatures who depended on us.

If your pet has died in this disaster, please remind yourself that you provided a very good life for your pet before this awful event. Now your main goal has to be your own recovery and eventual well-being. You know that is what your pet would want for you.

If you need help with grieving the death of a pet, or need comfort and support if you have been separated from your pet, please call our Pet Loss Hotline. Call 1-800-946-4646, and enter pin #140-7211 and then your own phone number. Dr. LaFarge will call you back as soon as she can.

News from Camp Casey III in Covington, La.

2005-09-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

Via Margaret:

"A total of four truckloads of Camp Casey donations from the Crawford Peace house have been distributed either to Covington or to the "enchanted forest" peace camp here [in Austin] for hurricane survivors. Debbie Russel is managing that project. Combined with Camp Casey donations and donations from Camp Casey alumni here in Austin we have filled a total of six trucks TO THE BRIM AND STUFF FALLING OUT AND LASHED ON TOP of various sizes with donations for hurricane relief here in Austin and in Covington. Not too bad!!! Thank you all peace lovers near and far. And thanks to Jessica, owner of Cafe Mundi, our donation site which hopped with activity all weekend. Stop by for some coffee and tell her thanks."

A few photos from Covington are here, under the "Veterans for Peace Covington" link.

A post on from the Camp Casey Alumni forum:

"While the total number of U.S. soldier killed in Iraq while Bush was on vacation is fixed at 78, his despicable negligence in continuing his holiday while people were dying from a lack of help after Katrina has given a whole new meaning to the concept. BushVacationBodyCount.com has been updated according and in the immediate future will focus on the disaster relief work being done Camp Casey III."

One white backpack needed--& chapstick! [Updated]

2005-09-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

The backpack is a long shot, I know, but Othniel asked me to post this request. He met a survivor who is blind and has some mental health issues, and his white backpack, now lost, was very important to him. He really needs another one for peace of mind. If anyone has one or locates one for him, please post in the comments here, so we'll know that's one thing we can check off.
[UPDATE ON BACKPACK:] Check the backpack off the list. Thanks!

[UPDATE:] Also, lots and lots of requests for Chapstick!

[UPDATE 2:] Whoever left all the donations on my porch this afternoon, thanks! It looked like it was Christmas!

[UPDATE 3:] For important information when working directly with hurricane survivors, read the comments to this post.

Heads up: watch for survivors with a rash / take your laptop [Updated]

2005-09-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

[UPDATE:] From LA Times: "Authorities said Monday that some of Hurricane Katrina's evacuees have contracted a bacterial disease that is considered a more benign cousin of cholera, but is potentially fatal in people whose immune systems have been compromised." Full story here.

[UDPATE 2, 9/7/05] Anyone working with hurricane survivors, please scroll down for more-detailed info about this very serious, potentially fatal type of infection.

From someone in another Austin group:

"This is a heads-up to those volunteering at the convention center and other locations, working directly with the evacuees.... One woman I talked to said her husband ... and his fellow power company workers [in N.O.] had developed a mysterious rash and didn't know what to do about it, but it was itchy and irritating. I went home later and sifted through Katrina stories on the net and found a reference on the LA Times website about skin eruptions on New Orleans evacuees. Turns out, it's a strain of cholera contracted by having open lesions on the skin come in contact with diseased water or items that had been in the water. It can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics.... The article says the disease is NOT readily communicated person to person, but those who have it should be identified and given treatment asap.

"BTW, I took my laptop down [to survivors in a motel] and was able to access the motel's broadband. The evacuees there were extremely grateful to be able to access email, leave messages online, look up the satellite pics of their area and get info on how to go about getting copies of important documents like driver's licenses. One fellow was supposed to get married...but the storm prevented it. He was marrying someone tomorrow, and needed an ID to get the license. One woman needed info on contacting the local school, to see if she could get workbooks so that her kids could keep up with school work. It's mind-boggling how many details one has to attend to to keep one's life going in the event of a disaster."

[UPDATE 2 info:]

From another list:

I don't wish to belabor the point about what it is called, but I do think in this case, whether one can can say it is strictly cholera or not, the importance of treatment cannot be minimized, including by terminology used..(The L.A.Times article said several times it was "related to cholera/in the cholera family of diseases). People tend to treat 'bacterial infection' as an ordinary thing that can wait. This infection should NOT be brushed aside or minimised in any way, from what I've read, and the below. And the people we are talking about are under severe stress, mild or severe shock, and their immune systems are compromised to some or a great degree. This is from Pub Med:

1. Name of the Organism: Vibrio vulnificus
Vibrio vulnificus, a lactose-fermenting, halophilic, gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen, is found in estuarine environments and associated with various marine species such as plankton, shellfish (oysters, clams, and crabs), and finfish. It is found in all of the coastal waters of the United States. [Cases of illness have also been associated with brackish lakes in New Mexico and Oklahoma.] Environmental factors responsible for controlling members of V. vulnificus in seafood and in the environment include temperature, pH, salinity, and increased dissolved organics.

2. Nature of Acute Disease:
This organism causes wound infections, gastroenteritis, or a syndrome known as "primary septicemia."

3. Nature of Disease:
Wound infections result either from contaminating an open wound with sea water harboring the organism, or by lacerating part of the body on coral, fish, etc., followed by contamination with the organism. The ingestion of V. vulnificus by healthy individuals can result in gastroenteritis. The "primary septicemia" form of the disease follows consumption of raw seafood containing the organism by individuals with underlying chronic disease, particularly liver disease (see below). In these individuals, the microorganism enters the blood stream, resulting in septic shock, rapidly followed by death in many cases (about 50%). Over 70% of infected individuals have distinctive bulbous skin lesions.

Infective dose -- The infective dose for gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy individuals is unknown but for predisposed persons, septicemia can presumably occur with doses of less than 100 total organisms.

More on survivor needs at Convention Center

2005-09-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

The following is from someone who volunteered at the Convention Center today. I am hoping that if FEMA really takes over at the Convention Center, it does a better job than it has so far elsewhere.

Be sure to read the comment by sandia blanca, which addresses some of the points brought up below.

This is related to clothes, kids and office supplies from what I saw.

They are in need of shorts for boys 2T on up. They also need LOTS MORE of mens clothes, shoes (desperately!), underwear and socks. I had men coming over looking at the boys clothes to see if anything fit. I can't tell you how many men I saw walking around with shoes too small for them or some ready to take underwear 2 sizes too small because that's all there was.

I say boys and mens because I saw a lot of girls and baby stuff. And don't get me wrong... there are mounds and mounds of clothes and shoes, but it became pretty apparent what was lacking when someone would come over asking for help finding a size or something.

And I wanted to emphasize... summer clothes only. All the others are being tossed aside for now. There have been some people (mostly women and men) asking for something a little nicer to go to church or perhaps job hunting.

In the kids area they could use some very basic stuff, like stickers and easy games for 5 year olds. Some of the little girls would have loved to do some kind of craft or jewelry-making. And please... don't send toys that don't work or need batteries (unless you supply those too). I almost cried when a little boy pulled out 2 remote controlled cars and asked for my help getting them working. Both were broken.

I noticed that volunteers are in need of some office supplies, like name tag stickers (they need LOTS of these because they are using for kids too), tape, etc.

If you get to the convention center and they tell you to go somewhere else to drop things off, tell them you have specific items for the kids area or office supplies and I bet they won't turn you away. Or if you walk in and see someone with a wrist band, let them know.

FEMA was about to take over as I was leaving. They are halting new volunteers for the time being because they are setting up shop. The people in charge said to call the Red Cross number to find out what you can still do.

And now I need to have a good cry... I saw people who received news of a friend or loved one who had died. I saw kids who kept asking for their mommy and we didn't know where she was. I saw a 7 year old boy who was trying to be brave for his younger brother and sister, but as soon as they went down for nap, he quietly sobbed to me that he also wanted his mommy. It's too much to take in.

[UPDATE:] I wanted to follow-up by saying that you shouldn't stay away and just wait for a call from the Red Cross. I'm guessing you won't get one.

On Sunday night, we signed up for shifts today. We never got a call and no one else I talked to did either. And even as the Red Cross woman was turning people away, the people volunteering on the inside were desperately seeking help. In fact the woman running the kids area came running out asking for volunteers and was told that they couldn't let anyone else in. The problem is that they won't be giving out more wrist-bands... so if you have one already from volunteering, keep it on. When I finished my time today, I cut my wrist band off and we taped it onto my husband's wrist so he could get in. Ridiculous? Hell yes.

[UPDATE 2:] And from another person:

I worked 10 hours today at the convention center with women evacuees to get clothing. It's astounding how many clothes have been donated. There's an overabundance of women's blouses and shirts available. And there's a total lack of sleepwear available. Second in unfulfilled demand is very large women's sizes, especially in pants and shorts. If you're still wanting to donate something, you might want to consider this.

The Train They Call the City of New Orleans

2005-09-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

[UPDATED: See below and see comments.]
[UPDATE 2: Additional items requested: dominoes, playing cards, chapstick, and musical instruments].

I have just completed my second day as a volunteer chaplain at the Austin Convention Center. I have met the most incredible people with indomitable spirits.

I can add to the items which are needed the following:

1. Reading Material, especially large print and other senior adult reading material. Even old magazines are appreciated, especially national geographic, music industry publications, Austin or Texas Magazines, and general fiction. The adults need diversion, and all that is available are large screen TV's which are tuned to news channels. Religious services and child care provide some diversion, and many are beginning to get their bearings and walk around downtown, but reading material is a plus.

2. Underwear.

3. Children's books and simple toys. There are far more children than I expected. Four huge rooms in the convention center are filled with people. There are also an extraordinary number of single men, who fill one large room. Many of these men remained behind while getting their families to safety and are anxious to hear from families.

4. Large Size Women's clothing. Many people have donated clothing but women who need larger sizes have been underserved. I am thinking of one woman in particular who still remains in the clothes on which she camped on the remnants of I-10. I am taking her some men's tshirt's in the morning, but she is only one of several.

5. Fun. We need some outdoor downtown concerts or some such thing soon.

6. Jobs are a critical issue for many people. Most of the men and women whom I have met are proud to be workers, and anxious over accepting government unemployment benefits. There will be a critical need for creative employment counseling soon.

Most of the people who are in Austin were in the Convention Center in New Orleans. Many others were sleeping on the concrete on I 10. Most came here by commercial airliner, some by military aircraft.

The Austin Police and Firefighters have been awesome.

Saw Mark Strama with Will Wynn and Lee Leffingwell as I was leaving. Mark immediately set about arranging a concert.

Here are a few stories:

A most amazing day. The situation in Austin is nothing like it is in Houston, I am sure, but the need for the people with whom I interacted simply to have their basic human dignity returned to them is intense. Everyone is missing someone close to him or her and has no idea how to find the person or if he or she can indeed be found. The loss is staggering, but the spark of human spirit is impressive. I am overwhelmed by a 19 year old pastry chef who waded through water to insure his wheelchair bound grandmother could have transport and that she could live. 7 family members are here, but his own mother, father, brother and sister are missing. His smile is still strong and his spirit unbroken as he talks of finding work, shuffling through his backpack to show me the two books he managed to save from the flood. We talked of my time as a cook during college and law school and what it means to grill a steak Pittsburgh rare for a picky customer on a busy Saturday night. He had saved the tools of his trade, but had to surrender them when transport was arranged by commercial airliner and he could not board with his grandmother and maintain his culinary knives. His grandmother spoke of her church, her pastor, and how she served food to so many in the Church. I affirmed her years of ministry and told her it was time to rest and let others return to her the ministry she had provided to so many for years. The family had survived five days living on the remnants of I-10.

Another woman who managed to hold thirteen family members together in the New Orleans Convention Center, and somehow get them all together to Austin, watching her nine year old grandson play and return to childhood.

A man who operated machinery to fill soft drink bottles, waiting on his first shower in six days and watching his wife sleep and rest at last on the adjacent cot. Wondering when he will work again, when he will again be a provider, but holding his head high.

So many kind words for the people of Austin, who lined the streets and waved as buses brought these folk from the airport.

UPDATE: More Stories from Day 2.

Harry, the New Orleans pastor who stayed with his flock in the New Orleans Convention Center, slowly letting go of his shock and grief as we drove from the Austin Convention Center to a local Austin Church Sunday Morning so he could repair his spirit and return to ministering to those with whom was staying at the Austin shelter. This extraordinary man was overwhelmed but refusing to give in, caring for the sick, the elderly, the dying, the dead, the children - staring death and collapse in the face and somehow finding his humor and his song, greeting members of other New Orleans churches as we walk back through the Convention Center, affirming life, offering a prayer, a connection to a way of life gone for good, by sharing Stories of the New Orleans that was while he ministers to the Diaspora. A modern Ezekiel, encouraging all his people to Stand in the full honor and dignity of their personhood, connecting the Banks of the Colorado and the Mississippi to the Tigris and Euphrates, uniting the Diasporas, teaching and maintaining civilization.

Troy, the former marine, who never got the name of the 16 year old boy who swam 8 blocks to bring a flat-bottom boat back to the rooftop where he sat watch with three elderly New Orleans folk and his girlfriend. Troy tells me how the young of New Orleans helped the elderly, how they retained the lessons of civilization itself by passing the elderly and the infirm forward in the lines for the exodus. His smile when he realized he and his girl could stroll down Sixth Street and breathe and let in some life. The smile on his girlfriend's face when I gave her a copy of the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, which she clutched to her heart as she held hands with the elderly woman, unknown to her and Troy before the flood, with whom they they survived and who now is their family. She knows she belongs to America, and yearns to reclaim her inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Shirley, keeping a silent vigil in her wheelchair, awaiting word from her daughter, describing the okra gumbo she left in her freezer and wondering when and where she will cook again, but knowing she will.

Karen, who arrived with 7 family members from Baton Rouge to join the family of 13 which had made it to Austin the night before. She is a preschool teacher and accepts a copy of the Wizard of Oz, which she will read to the children gathered about her. Where will she teach? Wherever she is, she will teach, she will contribute, she will move the human race forward. She smiles as she realizes her son may be able to play sports in a Texas school this fall. She encourages her mother to rest, she chats with her sister. She holds her head high and embraces life.

The worshippers at the impromptu service, singing again, connecting with their God, with each other, and with Austin at a service led by an Austin Police Chaplain, who reminds of the Covenant of the Rainbow, the symbol of hope after the flood.

The children of New Orleans, playing again at last, laughing, going about the business of childhood, coloring and playing childhood games, tossing toy footballs, running in the aisles and getting in the way, laughing, connecting, socializing, providing the connection among the families, and the assurance of a future and a hope.

Photos from Adastra: "Austin is awesome!"

2005-09-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

Photos taken by Rick Holcomb, aka Adastra, today.

UPDATE: sandia blanca reports: "I was out at the Freescale parking garage yesterday and today. Yesterday-- steady stream of cars, large piles of clothing, bedding, etc. Today-- miles of cars lined up, four unloading areas running nonstop, 40 cars every 2-3 minutes, ALL DAY FROM 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m....Costco is all sold out of bottled water, peanut butter, and Vienna sausages-- everyone has been buying things to donate."

And Jackie says that the line of cars was 2-1/2 miles long!
----------------------------------------

These cars are lined up at Austin Freescale to donate goods for Katrina evacuees.

A small bit of the donated supplies.

"What's Going RIGHT"

2005-09-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, detailed diary on Daily Kos--recommend it!

"What's Going RIGHT: the Texas situation, via Barbara Radnofsky"

Sunday update on Camp Casey at Covington

2005-09-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Margaret will be at Cafe Mundi today from about 1 pm on to accept donations of supplies and cash. A truck filled with supplies did leave for Covington yesterday (actually I think more than one did). In fact, she thinks that there will be enough supplies to fill two trucks by the end of today, so if you know of anyone who would be willing to drive their truck to Covington, that would be great. But it sounds like they will find a way to get all donated supplies to Covington.

Margaret estimates that with about $200 more, a badly needed generator could be rented for the Covington camp, and all cash donations will be used to buy supplies as needed in Baton Rouge (she says the people in Covington make a supply trip to Baton Rouge about once a day). You can donate by check at Cafe Mundi (see details in post below).

On the other end of the spectrum, if you don't have money to donate or to buy supplies with, Margaret says water is more valuable than anything. If you have empty plastic jugs, you can fill them with tap water--that water can be used for dishwashing and other cleaning, rather than using drinking water for that. Purchased drinking water does not need to be fancy; cheap gallon jugs of drinking water are just as needed.

Please see other posts below for information about supplies that are still needed.

THANKS, EVERYONE!!

[UPDATE] First Austin truck has arrived in Covington!

From: Gordon Soderberg
Date: Sun, 04 Sep 2005 09:52:58 -0700

Bring them on!

We can use everything, trucks are arriving all the time. The Austin truck is being unloaded now!

Yahoo group for Camp Casey "alumni"

2005-09-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here's the link: "This is the meeting place for people that have been and are involved with the Camp Casey (Crawford, Texas) movement started by Cindy Sheehan." Includes some posts regarding the Covington camp.

No one-diary per day limit here. ;)

Update on Austin donations to Covington

2005-09-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Please see both the diary below this one here on Austin Kos, plus Update on Camp Casey III at Daily Kos.

From the above update, if you are planning to contribute on Sunday:

The most recent list of need from Camp Casey - Covington:

* Diesel fuel [From roses: Do not take diesel fuel to Cafe Mundi, but if you can find new, empty fuel containers, no doubt those could be used.]
* Baby Supplies, Wipes, diapers, lotions, Not MREs
* Water, Water, Water, and Ice maker, purification tablets.
* A big generator! Rent one and put in to a rented trailer. [From roses: This sounds like a big commitment, but perhaps if we can donate enough cash, this could happen.]
* Solar powered Lights! get them at Lowe's or Cosco.
* Hard Candy like lolly pops for the kids.

Act locally to help Katrina victims via Veterans for Peace

2005-09-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Austin Kos and other progressives, here's our chance to help out Katrina victims in a very direct way, through the Veterans for Peace Impeachment tour. These are the same fine people who transported Cindy Sheehan in and out of Crawford and were in Austin last week, when they announced that they would travel to Louisiana to deliver 10,000 pounds of leftover supplies that had been donated to Camp Casey in Crawford.

The VFP has opened a soup kitchen in Covington, La. As of last night, the report from Covington was “There is no government here! The Louisiana National Guard is not here. Only we are here and the people of this community are in distress” (“VFP Soup Kitchen Now Open in Covington, LA!”).

Before you read any further, please note the following NEEDS TODAY IN AUSTIN FOR YOUR VOLUNTEER TIME:

Cafe Mundi, 1704 E. 5th St., is the drop-off site. Margaret Hayes is the volunteer who is coordinating there. Here are her specific needs:

A ride at 4 pm today (Saturday) from Cafe Mundi to a nearby house where someone has promised to give her some cash in hand.
Someone to sit at Cafe Mundi today (Saturday) to accept donations from 3:45 to 4:45.
People to sign up for shifts at Cafe Mundi. Just stop by to sign up.

Margaret does not have a cell phone or a laptop, so to contact her, just go by Cafe Mundi. She will be there by noon today and is looking forward to visiting with people who stop by.

Now for more details.

A generous volunteer will be driving a pickup truck of supplies from Austin to Covington, leaving Austin on Monday. He estimates that his expenses will be $100. (I think it could easily be more.)

SUPPLIES NEEDED

The most recent communication I have is that the following are needed:

WATER, WATER, WATER
ice chests with ice [From roses: Obviously, hold off on the ice for now, but I’m sure ice chests would be great.]
low-fat powdered milk
canned foods
fresh fruit
gasoline [From roses: Do not take gasoline to Cafe Mundi! But perhaps empty gas containers would be helpful. I will try to find out more on this.]
additional generators
shelter [From roses: I think this means tents.]
flashlights [From roses: And batteries!!]
“Some potatoes and onions would be nice.”

Note that they want to fill 3/4 of the truckload with bottled water. Any extra stuff that can't fit in the truck will either be sent in another trip to Covington or given to Katrina evacuees here.

CASH DONATIONS

Donations for gas or supplies for the delivery to Covington can be made in cash or by check to “Crawford Peace House” (write "hurricane relief" in the “for” line). Take your donations to Cafe Mundi.

UPDATES

I’ll update here as I get more info. And please, if you get new information when you go to Cafe Mundi, post it here.

Thanks in advance for your contributions. Let’s fill up that truck!

Great study on the progressive blog world

2005-08-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

There is a very useful study of the progressive blogosphere at MyDD "sponsored" by a new think tank for progressive causes.

I think that the most important point for all of on the front lines is that although we progressives dominate the national scene we are way behind the right when it comes to local blogs.

We have got to get local in order to be effective in the next election cycle. The 2006 elections will need for the progressive bloggers to step up and call the main stream media on their slanted and incomplete coverage.

Barbara Radnofsky in Austin

2005-07-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

Barbara Ann Radnofsky of Houston, Democratic candidate for the United States Senate seat now held by Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex) will be in Austin August 3rd and 4th.

On August 3rd and 4th Barbara will be in Austin and in Bastrop County. She
will be speaking at the Monthly Austin DFA meetup at Mother Egan's on Wednesday August 3rd at 7:00 On Thursday she will tour the new facility for Hillel at the University of Texas and meet with students and members of the Austin Jewish community. She also will participate in the University Baptist Church weekly meal for the Austin homeless community along with members of the UT chapter of Hillel, which is involved with UBC in this ministry beginning at 4:45. This event is part of Barbara's ongoing dialogue with the critical mainstream religious community across Texas as the campaign progresses. After the meal she will be speaking to the Bastrop County Democrats at 7 in Smithville at the First National Bank Community Room, 312 Main Street, Smithville, before returning with her husband to Houston.

Thursday morning Barbara is meeting Burnt Orange Reporter Damon McCullar who will join her for a run on Town Lake and an interview, along with a brief but healthy breakfast.

Barbara will also be meeting with Cody Garret of Austin La Prensa for an interview with this important Spanish language newspaper, and to follow up on ideas articulated by Cody at DemFest.

Please join Barbara at Mother Egan's and help make this visit to Austin a success.

Campaign for a National Majority

2005-07-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

I went to an interesting presentation last night at the Cedar Door for the Campaign for a National Majority.

They have a long term strategy that meshes with the 'build the farm team' concept Dean has pushed. It is well documented that governors are the most likely candidates to become president, so CNM wants to work towards having as many strong Democratic governors as possible, so that we have lots of good presidential candidates and not just blowhards like Joe Biden.

Rather than focus on governor races, CNM wants to find lower level candidates that will be strong candidates for governor in the future. They have done extensive research into what offices produce strong candidates for governor, and are focusing on candidates for those offices. A little money goes a long way at this level, so there's a bang-for-the-buck aspect to the plan.

They have also done extensive research into traits of candidates that succeed in progressively higher races, and have prepared a model and an intensive vetting process to identify these candidates. They did a trial in 2004 on two candidates in longshot districts. Both won narrow victories, despite Bush winning in the same areas. In one location, Bush took 65% to Kerry's 35%, but the downrace Dem still won.

They are looking for two things - volunteers to help vet candidates and pledges to donate to the vetted candidates of your choosing. Money goes directly to candidates, never through CNM. They do not screen on issues beyond a core belief that 'The Democratic Party is the party of responsibility,' and they do no campaigning beyond fundraising. Think of them as investment analysts screening to find low-risk/high-gain choices to invest your Democratic donations. You still choose the ones that reflect your values, but your money is more likely to have long term gains.

Austin Kos meets Sunday, July 17

2005-07-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Now that the awesome Democracy Fest has come and gone, we've recovered and are ready for some unadulterated socializing... well, we probably won't be able to keep ourselves from doing some plotting and scheming for progressive goals, but we always have fun doing that too. Plus lots of new people have expressed an interest in Austin Kos, so here's your chance to meet the people behind the usernames. If you're in Austin or nearby, please join us at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, at the Texas Chili Parlor, 1409 Lavaca. We'll be there at least a couple of hours and possibly longer, so stop in later if you can't be there at 3 p.m.

Here are a few photos from our June 5 and June 12 meetings. All photos by adastra ~ DemFest diaries featuring more adastra photos coming soon!

Good food; cold beer; good company! See you Sunday.

This is what blogging is about...

2005-07-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

The internet gives people like you and me the voice to match the voice of the mainstream media. In effect, the cost of publishing has gone way way down. Kind of like the Gutenburg Bible opening the world to the actual words in the bible...

Left Flank, March!

2005-07-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Left Flank, March! is a new group that seeks to provide care packages for deployed members of the Librul blogosphere. The group is just starting up, founded by 'Hyperbolic Pants Explosion'.

I would like to suggest that our group sign up and support a troop or two.

Introduction and hello

2005-07-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hi y'all. I probably met most (but I think not all) of you at Austin DemFest the other weekend. I just wanted to say something by way of introducing myself, before I leave for nearly 3 weeks. We're off to Hawaii tomorrow, and then 2 days home and off again, this time to Utah. Which, unfortunately, means I won't get to meet y'all on the 17th, but I hope there will be another pot-luck later on. In the meantime, have a great 4th, try not to worry too much about anything (these words are actually directed at myself), and don't forget to breathe.

Description: Singer/songwriter from around here (though not originally), 3 daughters, 3 grandsons (I don't know which gives me more joy, and I don't know which worries me more in these times). Been a liberal, feminist, Democrat since I was capable of connected thought. Learned it from my folks. My dad is, if anything, further left than me. Ready to work on change.

Happy July 4th Weekend, 2005!

2005-07-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

For your reading pleasure...Declaration of Independence

Interesting blog survey by MIT

2005-07-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

You can compare your answers to other people who have done the survey. It is great that so many women have taken the survey.

I have attached a link to the MIT survey on the Austin Kos blog.

Using Technology to win elections...

2005-07-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Austin Kos has been publizing the technology that helped Mark Strama win in a Republican district.

http://www.mydd.com/story/2005/6/30/163135/115

http://lookinforward.dailykos.com/story/2005/6/30/163641/880

!! UPDATE !!

Response has very strong to the transcript. People have email requesting copies from Arizona, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Washington DC and other states!

Austin Kos growing, Texas Kos at 286 members

2005-06-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

AustinKos is getting cranked up we now have 5 confirmed posters and more adding all the time.

The Austin Kos group is going to have a get together in Austin on Sunday July 17th at 3 Pm.

The TexasKos yahoo group has 286 members and growing as well. They are working on a site as well.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/texas_kos/

Also check out the Austin Blogger site and leave suggestions for more links for that blog about local blogs.

http://austinbloggers.blogspot.com/

Austin Kos

2005-06-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Austin Kos, yet another blog is born.