An Urgent Email Warning from
Mel White, Co-Founder of Soulforce, Inc
The front page photo (not available online) in the November 6,2003 New York Times tells it all. Watching President Bush sign the bill banning the so called 'partial birth' abortion procedure are Adrian Rogers, a past President of the Southern Baptist Convention, Lou Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition, right wing televangelist, Jerry Falwell, Janet Parshall, the extremist fundamentalist radio talk show host, Jay Sekulow, with the American Center for Law and Justice, Cardinal Edward Egan of the Archdiocese of New York and Attorney General John Ashcroft.
The article makes it clear: The fundamentalist Christian strategy is one of "incrementalism, restricting abortion rights step by step as a part of the larger battle to turn public opinion against Roe v. Wade."
These same fundamentalist Christian leaders are using the exact same strategy to turn the public against GLBT Americans and to deny us our civil rights. The Federal Marriage Amendment, gaining strength daily, is a blatant attempt to superimpose their fundamentalist morality on the nation and permanently deny us the 1047 rights and protections that go with civil marriage.
For ten years I've been warning that the nation is the midst of a fundamentalist takeover and that if we don't do something now, GLBT people will be the first victims.
Please, go to www.soulforce.org and sign the Petition opposing the Federal Marriage Amendment. You'll find the reasons you should act and act now on that page.
Second, donate to help Soulforce continue making our stand against the Fundamentalists. This year, only 700 people have sent a contribution or made a monthly pledge. Our adversaries are making and spending millions to end our rights. If we don't confront their lies, who will? And if you don't help us, we can't do it either.
Please, sign the petition and donate to Soulforce today. Time is running out. The photo on the front page of the NYTimes makes that perfectly clear.
Friday, November 07, 2003
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
Voters in Ohio Create Domestic Partner Registry
Cleveland Heights, OH - November 4, 2003 - In an historic victory for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, voters in Cleveland Heights, OH, today voted overwhelmingly in favor of Issue 35, a measure establishing a domestic partner registry. (With 98% of the vote in at press time, the count was 55% in favor, 45% opposed). While domestic partner registries exist in more than 60 localities across the country, today's win marks the first time a domestic partner registry - or any other pro-gay measure - has ever been adopted through a ballot initiative. A dynamic collaboration between Heights Families for Equality (HFE) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force helped secure the victory.
'This is a landmark victory for our movement,' said Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman. 'With the extraordinary dedication of the people involved with Heights Families for Equality, we were able not only to turn back anti-gay attacks but convince the majority of voters that our families deserve recognition.'
'The Task Force was essential to our victory in Cleveland Heights,' said David Caldwell, the leader of Heights Families for Equality. 'Their organizing and training staff brought critical organizing and voter ID expertise, and their financial support carried us through some tough times.'
Cleveland Heights, OH - November 4, 2003 - In an historic victory for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, voters in Cleveland Heights, OH, today voted overwhelmingly in favor of Issue 35, a measure establishing a domestic partner registry. (With 98% of the vote in at press time, the count was 55% in favor, 45% opposed). While domestic partner registries exist in more than 60 localities across the country, today's win marks the first time a domestic partner registry - or any other pro-gay measure - has ever been adopted through a ballot initiative. A dynamic collaboration between Heights Families for Equality (HFE) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force helped secure the victory.
'This is a landmark victory for our movement,' said Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman. 'With the extraordinary dedication of the people involved with Heights Families for Equality, we were able not only to turn back anti-gay attacks but convince the majority of voters that our families deserve recognition.'
'The Task Force was essential to our victory in Cleveland Heights,' said David Caldwell, the leader of Heights Families for Equality. 'Their organizing and training staff brought critical organizing and voter ID expertise, and their financial support carried us through some tough times.'
APEDF Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, November 6th
The African People's Education and Defense Fund is sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting on Economic Development on Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30pm at the Bartlett Park/Frank Pierce Rec Center gym, 2000 7th St. So. in St. Petersburg.
Come out to this important discussion with an open mike to formulate the PEOPLE'S PLAN that puts economic development in the hands of the African community, and creates equal prosperity for the entire city.
The Town Hall Meeting includes speakers Omali Yeshitela, Uhuru Movement leader; statements by concerned business owners from south St. Pete and Central Ave.; Ironiff Ifoma, President of African People's Education & Defense Fund; Lou Brown, Realtor; and Penny Hess, African People's Solidarity Committee.
For more information call the African People's Education and Defense Fund (APEDF) at 727-821-2437.
The African People's Education and Defense Fund is sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting on Economic Development on Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30pm at the Bartlett Park/Frank Pierce Rec Center gym, 2000 7th St. So. in St. Petersburg.
Come out to this important discussion with an open mike to formulate the PEOPLE'S PLAN that puts economic development in the hands of the African community, and creates equal prosperity for the entire city.
The Town Hall Meeting includes speakers Omali Yeshitela, Uhuru Movement leader; statements by concerned business owners from south St. Pete and Central Ave.; Ironiff Ifoma, President of African People's Education & Defense Fund; Lou Brown, Realtor; and Penny Hess, African People's Solidarity Committee.
For more information call the African People's Education and Defense Fund (APEDF) at 727-821-2437.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
E-mails Received Nov 3rd
Two important announcements came in yesterday. First that Cheryl Jacques, a Rhode Island State Senator, will replace Elizabeth Birch as Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign at the end of this year. It's interesting that in addressing her as "Senator" we imply the added status of a Federal position.
The other e-mail delivered the lengthy results of a political survey by Equality Florida of candidates for two positions on the St Petersburg city council. I had hoped to link you to that very long survey, but Equality Florida did not post it on their website. Bottom line: only Uhuru's Dennis Homol bothered to respond. Mr. Kriseman who has the backing of most of the local GLBTIQ community did not consider the survey worthy of response. Nor did his fellow councilman, Mr. Foster, nor Mr. Foster's opponent, who could be anybody as long as he's not our local basher, Mr. Foster.
Two important announcements came in yesterday. First that Cheryl Jacques, a Rhode Island State Senator, will replace Elizabeth Birch as Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign at the end of this year. It's interesting that in addressing her as "Senator" we imply the added status of a Federal position.
The other e-mail delivered the lengthy results of a political survey by Equality Florida of candidates for two positions on the St Petersburg city council. I had hoped to link you to that very long survey, but Equality Florida did not post it on their website. Bottom line: only Uhuru's Dennis Homol bothered to respond. Mr. Kriseman who has the backing of most of the local GLBTIQ community did not consider the survey worthy of response. Nor did his fellow councilman, Mr. Foster, nor Mr. Foster's opponent, who could be anybody as long as he's not our local basher, Mr. Foster.
SOULFORCE Invites People of Faith to Sign the Soulforce Petition opposing the FMA
Soulforce, Inc. is pleased to announce that we will be focusing time and energy to educating supporters and working with other organizations to defeat the anti-gay, anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA).
Fundamentalist religious organizations and right-wing televangelists have vowed to work toward passing this amendment, spreading spiritual violence across the land.
Fueled by these religious zealots, politicians are making this the wedge issue for the 2004 elections, using gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, couples, and families, as fodder for fundraising letters and campaign speeches, creating a climate of hostility and hate.
Therefore, we are introducing:
* a change in the focus of our website;
* an online Soulforce Petition for people of faith who oppose this dangerous piece of legislation;
* talking points and language use recommendations regarding equal civil marriage rights and the defeat of the FMA;
* a Soulforce alert/flyer about the FMA for you to download, copy, and distribute;
* a sample sermon by Unitarian Universalist minister Don Southworth;
* and other resources to help you educate others about defeating the FMA and securing equal civil marriage rights. All are easily accessible from our homepage at www.soulforce.org
Please go to our website.
Please educate yourself.
Please sign the petition online.
Please educate others.
Please download the flyer and make copies.
Please help Soulforce financially if you are able.
Let’s work together to make the world a better place for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their families, and stop the spread of spiritual violence.
Thank you for your support,
Rev. Mel White, Executive Director
Karen Weldin, Director of Operations
Laura Montgomery Rutt, Director of Communications
(and Please check the Archives here. Let's remember that UFMCC did all of this weeks ago. - george)
Soulforce, Inc. is pleased to announce that we will be focusing time and energy to educating supporters and working with other organizations to defeat the anti-gay, anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA).
Fundamentalist religious organizations and right-wing televangelists have vowed to work toward passing this amendment, spreading spiritual violence across the land.
Fueled by these religious zealots, politicians are making this the wedge issue for the 2004 elections, using gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, couples, and families, as fodder for fundraising letters and campaign speeches, creating a climate of hostility and hate.
Therefore, we are introducing:
* a change in the focus of our website;
* an online Soulforce Petition for people of faith who oppose this dangerous piece of legislation;
* talking points and language use recommendations regarding equal civil marriage rights and the defeat of the FMA;
* a Soulforce alert/flyer about the FMA for you to download, copy, and distribute;
* a sample sermon by Unitarian Universalist minister Don Southworth;
* and other resources to help you educate others about defeating the FMA and securing equal civil marriage rights. All are easily accessible from our homepage at www.soulforce.org
Please go to our website.
Please educate yourself.
Please sign the petition online.
Please educate others.
Please download the flyer and make copies.
Please help Soulforce financially if you are able.
Let’s work together to make the world a better place for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their families, and stop the spread of spiritual violence.
Thank you for your support,
Rev. Mel White, Executive Director
Karen Weldin, Director of Operations
Laura Montgomery Rutt, Director of Communications
(and Please check the Archives here. Let's remember that UFMCC did all of this weeks ago. - george)
SOCIAL SECURITY
(This is worth the read. It's short and to the point.
- Harry Harcourt)
Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check every month -- and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of the money we paid to the federal government to "put away," you may be interested in the following:
Q: Which party took Social Security from an independent fund and put it in the general fund so that Congress could spend it?
A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the Democratic-controlled House and Senate.
Q: Which party put a tax on Social Security?
A: The Democratic party.
Q: Which party increased the tax on Social Security?
A: The Democratic Party with Al Gore casting the deciding vote.
Q: Which party decided to give money to immigrants?
A: That's right, immigrants moved into this country and at 65 got SSI Social Security. The Democratic Party gave that to them although they never paid a dime into it.
Then, after doing all this, the Democrats turn around and tell you the Republicans want to take your Social Security. And the worst part about it is, people believe it! Pass it on please!
2004 Election Issue - This must be an issue in "04." Please! Keep it going.
Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years. Our Senators and Congress men and women do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it. You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan.
In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan. For all practical purposes their plan works like this: When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die, except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments.
For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives. This is calculated on an average life span for each. Their cost for this excellent plan is $00.00. Nada. Zilch. This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds-our tax dollars at work!
From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into-every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer) --we can expect to get an average $1,000 per month after retirement. Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000. monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits!
Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made. That change would be to jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us ... then sit back and watch how fast they would fix it.
If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes will evolve.
(This is worth the read. It's short and to the point.
- Harry Harcourt)
Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check every month -- and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of the money we paid to the federal government to "put away," you may be interested in the following:
Q: Which party took Social Security from an independent fund and put it in the general fund so that Congress could spend it?
A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the Democratic-controlled House and Senate.
Q: Which party put a tax on Social Security?
A: The Democratic party.
Q: Which party increased the tax on Social Security?
A: The Democratic Party with Al Gore casting the deciding vote.
Q: Which party decided to give money to immigrants?
A: That's right, immigrants moved into this country and at 65 got SSI Social Security. The Democratic Party gave that to them although they never paid a dime into it.
Then, after doing all this, the Democrats turn around and tell you the Republicans want to take your Social Security. And the worst part about it is, people believe it! Pass it on please!
2004 Election Issue - This must be an issue in "04." Please! Keep it going.
Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years. Our Senators and Congress men and women do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it. You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan.
In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan. For all practical purposes their plan works like this: When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die, except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments.
For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives. This is calculated on an average life span for each. Their cost for this excellent plan is $00.00. Nada. Zilch. This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds-our tax dollars at work!
From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into-every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer) --we can expect to get an average $1,000 per month after retirement. Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000. monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits!
Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made. That change would be to jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us ... then sit back and watch how fast they would fix it.
If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes will evolve.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)