All I have to say

is that allegations of violence from the pro-prop 8 folks is NOT a good thing for the anti side.

In the Castro.
On Saturday.
There's video.
BUT, not of any violence.

I'm suspicious, but allegations travel far. Very far in media land.

Oy.

Activate

I think now is the time for action. People action. Mass protests. I haven't had any brilliant blogging thoughts of late because I keep coming back to the defeat of Prop 8 and the REMOVAL of civil rights.

So I give you more info on how to get involved. And please do get involved. My parents were part of the anti-war movement in the 60's. I think this is the movement of the 2000's. The next generation.

Click. Visit. Protest.

This is the time to act. More than ever before.

This is true dignity

As the fallout swirls from the passage of Prop. 8 in CA, I think the note that has brought me the most peace and calm was this message sent today by the no on 8 folks -- a coalition of groups who worked together to defeat the measure.

It shows true dignity. And, I believe, courage. I am honored to be a part of a struggle that can take such a high road amidst the pain of defeat.

Have a look:



Dear M,

This has been an incredibly difficult week for Californians who are disappointed in the passage of Proposition 8, which takes away the right to marry for same-sex couples in our state. We feel a profound sense of disappointment in this defeat, but know that in order to move forward we must continue to stand together as one community in order to secure full equality in California.

In working to defeat Prop 8, a profound coalition banded together to fight for equality. Faith leaders, labor, teachers, civil rights leaders and communities of color, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, public officials, local school boards and city councils, parents, corporate law firms and bar associations, businesses, and people from all walks of life joined together to stand up against discrimination. We must build on this coalition in order to achieve equal rights for all Californians.

We achieve nothing if we isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state if we attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities and others for this loss. We know people of all faiths, races and backgrounds stand with us in our fight to end discrimination, and will continue to do so. Now more than ever it is critical that we work together and respect our differences that make us a diverse and unique society. Only with that understanding will we achieve justice and equality for all.


Dr. Delores A. Jacobs
CEO
Center Advocacy Project

Lorri L. Jean
CEO
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

Kate Kendell
Executive Director
National Center for Lesbian Rights

Geoff Kors
Executive Director
Equality California

rain

Today there was not much else than rain. It had the feel of a grey day down into my soul.

I'm really searching for that Obama joy and could even use some help pointing me in the direction of the uplifting. The history-being-made. The amazing future into which my son gets to live. So, a little nudge, if you have it, would be MUCH appreciated.

In greyness.....

Must there always be such lows with the highs?

The election results have me really caught between supreme joy and great sorrow. The former because of Obama's win. The latter because of the apparent defeat of Proposition 8 in California.

Much more on my thoughts over at the other blog....

Suffice it to say, one of the many reasons the monumentality of Obama's win has yet to set in is because of the status of Proposition 8.

Sometimes cowardice feels good

Today NPR had a show about election parties that included folks on both sides. There was also talk of both winning and losing gracefully. But, most importantly, there was talk of how powerful and empowering it is to talk to folks on "the other side," no matter what side you're on. It pushes you to understand your similarities. It pushes you to articulate your beliefs.

Yes. I agree with this.

But today (and, well, I may admit, most days) it feels great to be around tons of folks who are on MY side. Standing in line to vote with tons of folks sporting Obama buttons and talking about what a historical moment this was. Reflecting, in light of the fight for marriage equality in CA, how lucky I am to be in a state that has it. How safe that feels. Dropping my son off at a school where tons of folks, teachers and admin included, sported Obama buttons, shirts, etc. Where we worked only a bit to hold in the moments of glee that we all are touching with our fingertips.

There's a feeling of embrace to it. And it feels good. I don't know how much it pushes my thinking, brings me to see areas of commonality with the other side, but I think enough of life is about that. For now, I'm basking in the feeling of community. Feeling a part of something big. Hopefully really big.

And just for a bit of humor. My blog reading of the day unearthed this. Love it!