Simply not sitting idle in a mode of waiting.
Watching as everything passes by giving you no notice.
Essences of motion and living blow across your face.
All done in a muted world that you created in fear.
A unknown voice, causing disturbance, whispers in your ear.
With eyes shut, an attempt to shut this all out, you grimace.
Where did playing it safe get taught to your soul?
Who knew you would adapt, making it real like writing in ink.
Shake it off, take a stand and let the world in.
Only you can manage a breakout and use the key to freedom.
A secret mission to enable your heart to feel again.
As if it is your first time in sight, you slowly open your eyes.
Give yourself over to uncertainty and spontaneity.
Longing to feel, longing to be embraced in love.
Safe is too easy, like shutters blocking out the sun.
Tired of sitting in the greyness a chance is what you decide to take.
A life is out there waiting, not bound by definitions.
Full of a robust love, and everything else you deserve.
Why should you shrink back into the corner and cower?
Bust down the walls of doubt and step out into life's meadow.
Wanting, needing, and dread are all overcome by confidence.
The ground beneath your feet is stable and you right yourself.
Walking soon leaves itself to a full out run.
Taking chances is what life is all about.
Another great night view of our City!
Cincinnati is simply beautiful....
News source for Cincinnati Gay and Lesbian community.
The Greater Cincinnati Gay and Lesbian News!
Cincinnati's Freestore Foodbank
Help this organization help those in need!
Cincinnatis Premier Gay & Lesbian Softball League
PLAY BALL!!!!!
Cincinnati's Gay & Lesbian Golf League
FORE!!!!!!!
Cincinnati's Gay and Lesbian Volleyball Connection.
DIG, SET, SPIKE!!!
Cincinnati Rainbow Pride Tennis League
Cincinnatis Gay & Lesbian Tennis League
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Arguments For and Against Prop 8 In California
I think this is very important to understand and be informed about. In my opinion Prop 8 could be the beginning for even more legislation throughout the United States that has a negative affect on Gays and Lesbians. Please read the arguments for and against Prop 8 and come to your own conclusions.
Arguments For Proposition 8 Arguments Against Proposition 8
Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to RESTORE THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE as a man and a woman.
Proposition 8 is about preserving marriage; it's not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Proposition 8 doesn't take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships. Under California law, "domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits" as married spouses. (Family Code § 297.5.) There are NO exceptions. Proposition 8 WILL NOT change this.
YES on Proposition 8 does three simple things:
It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and human history has understood marriage to be.
It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.
It protects our children from being taught in public schools that "same-sex marriage" is the same as traditional marriage.
Proposition 8 protects marriage as an essential institution of society. While death, divorce, or other circumstances may prevent the ideal, the best situation for a child is to be raised by a married mother and father.
The narrow decision of the California Supreme Court isn't just about "live and let live." State law may require teachers to instruct children as young as kindergarteners about marriage. (Education Code § 51890.) If the gay marriage ruling is not overturned, TEACHERS COULD BE REQUIRED to teach young children there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage.
We should not accept a court decision that may result in public schools teaching our kids that gay marriage is okay. That is an issue for parents to discuss with their children according to their own values and beliefs. It shouldn't be forced on us against our will.
Some will try to tell you that Proposition 8 takes away legal rights of gay domestic partnerships. That is false. Proposition 8 DOES NOT take away any of those rights and does not interfere with gays living the lifestyle they choose.
However, while gays have the right to their private lives, they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else.
CALIFORNIANS HAVE NEVER VOTED FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. If gay activists want to legalize gay marriage, they should put it on the ballot. Instead, they have gone behind the backs of voters and convinced four activist judges in San Francisco to redefine marriage for the rest of society. That is the wrong approach.
Voting YES on Proposition 8 RESTORES the definition of marriage that was approved by over 61% of voters. Voting YES overturns the decision of four activist judges. Voting YES protects our children.
Please vote YES on Proposition 8 to RESTORE the meaning of marriage.
RON PRENTICE, President
California Family Council
ROSEMARIE "ROSIE" AVILA, Governing Board Member
Santa Ana Unified School District
BISHOP GEORGE McKINNEY, Director
Coalition of African American Pastors
Rebuttal to Arguments For
Don't be tricked by scare tactics.
PROP. 8 DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH SCHOOLS
There's NOT ONE WORD IN 8 ABOUT EDUCATION. In fact, local school districts and parents--not the state--develop health education programs for their schools.
NO CHILD CAN BE FORCED, AGAINST THE WILL OF THEIR PARENTS, TO BE TAUGHT ANYTHING about health and family issues. CALIFORNIA LAW PROHIBITS IT.
And NOTHING IN STATE LAW REQUIRES THE MENTION OF MARRIAGE IN KINDERGARTEN!
It's a smokescreen.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS and MARRIAGE AREN'T THE SAME.
CALIFORNIA STATUTES CLEARLY IDENTIFY NINE REAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MARRIAGE AND DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS. Only marriage provides the security that spouses provide one another--it's why people get married in the first place!
Think about it. Married couples depend on spouses when they're sick, hurt, or aging. They accompany them into ambulances or hospital rooms, and help make life-and-death decisions, with no questions asked. ONLY MARRIAGE ENDS THE CONFUSION AND GUARANTEES THE CERTAINTY COUPLES CAN COUNT ON IN TIMES OF GREATEST NEED.
Regardless of how you feel about this issue, we should guarantee the same fundamental freedoms to every Californian.
PROP. 8 TAKES AWAY THE RIGHTS OF GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES AND TREATS THEM DIFFERENTLY UNDER THE LAW.
Equality under the law is one of the basic foundations of our society.
Prop. 8 means one class of citizens can enjoy the dignity and responsibility of marriage, and another cannot. That's unfair.
PROTECT FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS. SAY NO TO PROP. 8.
http://www.NoonProp8.com
ELLYNE BELL, School Board Member
Sacramento City Schools
RACHAEL SALCIDO, Associate Professor of Law
McGeorge School of Law
DELAINE EASTIN
Former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
OUR CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION--the law of our land--SHOULD GUARANTEE THE SAME FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS TO EVERYONE--NO ONE group SHOULD be singled out to BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY.
In fact, our nation was founded on the principle that all people should be treated equally. EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW IS THE FOUNDATION OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
That's what this election is about--equality, freedom, and fairness, for all.
Marriage is the institution that conveys dignity and respect to the lifetime commitment of any couple. PROPOSITION 8 WOULD DENY LESBIAN AND GAY COUPLES that same DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
That's why Proposition 8 is wrong for California.
Regardless of how you feel about this issue, the freedom to marry is fundamental to our society, just like the freedoms of religion and speech.
PROPOSITION 8 MANDATES ONE SET OF RULES FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES AND ANOTHER SET FOR EVERYONE ELSE. That's just not fair. OUR LAWS SHOULD TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY.
In fact, the government has no business telling people who can and cannot get married. Just like government has no business telling us what to read, watch on TV, or do in our private lives. We don't need Prop. 8; WE DON'T NEED MORE GOVERNMENT IN OUR LIVES.
REGARDLESS OF HOW ANYONE FEELS ABOUT MARRIAGE FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES, PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT FOR UNFAIR TREATMENT UNDER THE LAWS OF OUR STATE. Those committed and loving couples who want to accept the responsibility that comes with marriage should be treated like everyone else.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE NOT MARRIAGE.
When you're married and your spouse is sick or hurt, there is no confusion: you get into the ambulance or hospital room with no questions asked. IN EVERYDAY LIFE, AND ESPECIALLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH. Only marriage provides the certainty and the security that people know they can count on in their times of greatest need.
EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW IS A FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEE. Prop. 8 separates one group of Californians from another and excludes them from enjoying the same rights as other loving couples.
Forty-six years ago I married my college sweetheart, Julia. We raised three children--two boys and one girl. The boys are married, with children of their own. Our daughter, Liz, a lesbian, can now also be married--if she so chooses.
All we have ever wanted for our daughter is that she be treated with the same dignity and respect as her brothers--with the same freedoms and responsibilities as every other Californian.
My wife and I never treated our children differently, we never loved them any differently, and now the law doesn't treat them differently, either.
Each of our children now has the same rights as the others, to choose the person to love, commit to, and to marry.
Don't take away the equality, freedom, and fairness that everyone in California--straight, gay, or lesbian--deserves.
Please join us in voting NO on Prop. 8.
SAMUEL THORON, Former President
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
JULIA MILLER THORON, Parent
Rebuttal to Arguments Against
Proposition 8 is about traditional marriage; it is not an attack on gay relationships. Under California law gay and lesbian domestic partnerships are treated equally; they already have the same rights as married couples. Proposition 8 does not change that.
What Proposition 8 does is restore the meaning of marriage to what human history has understood it to be and over 61% of California voters approved just a few years ago.
Your YES vote ensures that the will of the people is respected. It overturns the flawed legal reasoning of four judges in San Francisco who wrongly disregarded the people's vote, and ensures that gay marriage can be legalized only through a vote of the people.
Your YES vote ensures that parents can teach their children about marriage according to their own values and beliefs without conflicting messages being forced on young children in public schools that gay marriage is okay.
Your YES vote on Proposition 8 means that only marriage between a man and a woman will be valid or recognized in California, regardless of when or where performed. But Prop. 8 will NOT take away any other rights or benefits of gay couples.
Gays and lesbians have the right to live the lifestyle they choose, but they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else. Proposition 8 respects the rights of gays while still reaffirming traditional marriage.
Please vote YES on Proposition 8 to RESTORE the definition of marriage that the voters already approved.
Arguments For Proposition 8 Arguments Against Proposition 8
Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to RESTORE THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE as a man and a woman.
Proposition 8 is about preserving marriage; it's not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Proposition 8 doesn't take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships. Under California law, "domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits" as married spouses. (Family Code § 297.5.) There are NO exceptions. Proposition 8 WILL NOT change this.
YES on Proposition 8 does three simple things:
It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and human history has understood marriage to be.
It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.
It protects our children from being taught in public schools that "same-sex marriage" is the same as traditional marriage.
Proposition 8 protects marriage as an essential institution of society. While death, divorce, or other circumstances may prevent the ideal, the best situation for a child is to be raised by a married mother and father.
The narrow decision of the California Supreme Court isn't just about "live and let live." State law may require teachers to instruct children as young as kindergarteners about marriage. (Education Code § 51890.) If the gay marriage ruling is not overturned, TEACHERS COULD BE REQUIRED to teach young children there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage.
We should not accept a court decision that may result in public schools teaching our kids that gay marriage is okay. That is an issue for parents to discuss with their children according to their own values and beliefs. It shouldn't be forced on us against our will.
Some will try to tell you that Proposition 8 takes away legal rights of gay domestic partnerships. That is false. Proposition 8 DOES NOT take away any of those rights and does not interfere with gays living the lifestyle they choose.
However, while gays have the right to their private lives, they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else.
CALIFORNIANS HAVE NEVER VOTED FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. If gay activists want to legalize gay marriage, they should put it on the ballot. Instead, they have gone behind the backs of voters and convinced four activist judges in San Francisco to redefine marriage for the rest of society. That is the wrong approach.
Voting YES on Proposition 8 RESTORES the definition of marriage that was approved by over 61% of voters. Voting YES overturns the decision of four activist judges. Voting YES protects our children.
Please vote YES on Proposition 8 to RESTORE the meaning of marriage.
RON PRENTICE, President
California Family Council
ROSEMARIE "ROSIE" AVILA, Governing Board Member
Santa Ana Unified School District
BISHOP GEORGE McKINNEY, Director
Coalition of African American Pastors
Rebuttal to Arguments For
Don't be tricked by scare tactics.
PROP. 8 DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH SCHOOLS
There's NOT ONE WORD IN 8 ABOUT EDUCATION. In fact, local school districts and parents--not the state--develop health education programs for their schools.
NO CHILD CAN BE FORCED, AGAINST THE WILL OF THEIR PARENTS, TO BE TAUGHT ANYTHING about health and family issues. CALIFORNIA LAW PROHIBITS IT.
And NOTHING IN STATE LAW REQUIRES THE MENTION OF MARRIAGE IN KINDERGARTEN!
It's a smokescreen.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS and MARRIAGE AREN'T THE SAME.
CALIFORNIA STATUTES CLEARLY IDENTIFY NINE REAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MARRIAGE AND DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS. Only marriage provides the security that spouses provide one another--it's why people get married in the first place!
Think about it. Married couples depend on spouses when they're sick, hurt, or aging. They accompany them into ambulances or hospital rooms, and help make life-and-death decisions, with no questions asked. ONLY MARRIAGE ENDS THE CONFUSION AND GUARANTEES THE CERTAINTY COUPLES CAN COUNT ON IN TIMES OF GREATEST NEED.
Regardless of how you feel about this issue, we should guarantee the same fundamental freedoms to every Californian.
PROP. 8 TAKES AWAY THE RIGHTS OF GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES AND TREATS THEM DIFFERENTLY UNDER THE LAW.
Equality under the law is one of the basic foundations of our society.
Prop. 8 means one class of citizens can enjoy the dignity and responsibility of marriage, and another cannot. That's unfair.
PROTECT FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS. SAY NO TO PROP. 8.
http://www.NoonProp8.com
ELLYNE BELL, School Board Member
Sacramento City Schools
RACHAEL SALCIDO, Associate Professor of Law
McGeorge School of Law
DELAINE EASTIN
Former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
OUR CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION--the law of our land--SHOULD GUARANTEE THE SAME FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS TO EVERYONE--NO ONE group SHOULD be singled out to BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY.
In fact, our nation was founded on the principle that all people should be treated equally. EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW IS THE FOUNDATION OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
That's what this election is about--equality, freedom, and fairness, for all.
Marriage is the institution that conveys dignity and respect to the lifetime commitment of any couple. PROPOSITION 8 WOULD DENY LESBIAN AND GAY COUPLES that same DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
That's why Proposition 8 is wrong for California.
Regardless of how you feel about this issue, the freedom to marry is fundamental to our society, just like the freedoms of religion and speech.
PROPOSITION 8 MANDATES ONE SET OF RULES FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES AND ANOTHER SET FOR EVERYONE ELSE. That's just not fair. OUR LAWS SHOULD TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY.
In fact, the government has no business telling people who can and cannot get married. Just like government has no business telling us what to read, watch on TV, or do in our private lives. We don't need Prop. 8; WE DON'T NEED MORE GOVERNMENT IN OUR LIVES.
REGARDLESS OF HOW ANYONE FEELS ABOUT MARRIAGE FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES, PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT FOR UNFAIR TREATMENT UNDER THE LAWS OF OUR STATE. Those committed and loving couples who want to accept the responsibility that comes with marriage should be treated like everyone else.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE NOT MARRIAGE.
When you're married and your spouse is sick or hurt, there is no confusion: you get into the ambulance or hospital room with no questions asked. IN EVERYDAY LIFE, AND ESPECIALLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH. Only marriage provides the certainty and the security that people know they can count on in their times of greatest need.
EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW IS A FUNDAMENTAL CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEE. Prop. 8 separates one group of Californians from another and excludes them from enjoying the same rights as other loving couples.
Forty-six years ago I married my college sweetheart, Julia. We raised three children--two boys and one girl. The boys are married, with children of their own. Our daughter, Liz, a lesbian, can now also be married--if she so chooses.
All we have ever wanted for our daughter is that she be treated with the same dignity and respect as her brothers--with the same freedoms and responsibilities as every other Californian.
My wife and I never treated our children differently, we never loved them any differently, and now the law doesn't treat them differently, either.
Each of our children now has the same rights as the others, to choose the person to love, commit to, and to marry.
Don't take away the equality, freedom, and fairness that everyone in California--straight, gay, or lesbian--deserves.
Please join us in voting NO on Prop. 8.
SAMUEL THORON, Former President
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
JULIA MILLER THORON, Parent
Rebuttal to Arguments Against
Proposition 8 is about traditional marriage; it is not an attack on gay relationships. Under California law gay and lesbian domestic partnerships are treated equally; they already have the same rights as married couples. Proposition 8 does not change that.
What Proposition 8 does is restore the meaning of marriage to what human history has understood it to be and over 61% of California voters approved just a few years ago.
Your YES vote ensures that the will of the people is respected. It overturns the flawed legal reasoning of four judges in San Francisco who wrongly disregarded the people's vote, and ensures that gay marriage can be legalized only through a vote of the people.
Your YES vote ensures that parents can teach their children about marriage according to their own values and beliefs without conflicting messages being forced on young children in public schools that gay marriage is okay.
Your YES vote on Proposition 8 means that only marriage between a man and a woman will be valid or recognized in California, regardless of when or where performed. But Prop. 8 will NOT take away any other rights or benefits of gay couples.
Gays and lesbians have the right to live the lifestyle they choose, but they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else. Proposition 8 respects the rights of gays while still reaffirming traditional marriage.
Please vote YES on Proposition 8 to RESTORE the definition of marriage that the voters already approved.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Prop 8 opponents in California taking stand against Mormons & State of Utah
I do not know if I would want to get married or not if I was in a relationship which was long term and had no signs of weakness or breakup. However, I do not understand in 2008 how gays and lesbians are being denied a simple civic right. The comment that is always said about preserving the family. Our being gay is not going to change, so will someone please explain to me how letting gays legally marry would destroy the family? People came to America in order to practice the religion of their choice. Religion is a choice, a belief system and a right. I do not care what your belief system is and I want you to be able to practice it, it is your right. So, why do people of a variety of religions, most who do not agree on what the Bible says, feel like they have to keep us from living our lives as we want to? It is one of the hugest contradictions on my lifetime. Below is an article that came out yesterday or today I believe. It is very interesting.
Utah's growing tourism industry and the star-studded Sundance Film Festival are being targeted for a boycott by bloggers, gay rights activists and others seeking to punish the Mormon church for its aggressive promotion of California's ban on gay marriage.
It could be a heavy price to pay. Tourism brings in $6 billion a year to Utah, with world-class skiing, a spectacular red rock country and the film festival founded by Robert Redford, among other popular tourist draws.
"At a fundamental level, the Utah Mormons crossed the line on this one," said gay rights activist John Aravosis, an influential blogger in Washington, D.C.
"They just took marriage away from 20,000 couples and made their children bastards," he said. "You don't do that and get away with it."
Salt Lake City is the world headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which counts about 62 percent of Utah residents as members.
The church encouraged its members to work to pass California's Proposition 8 by volunteering their time and money for the campaign. Thousands of Mormons worked as grassroots volunteers and gave tens of millions of dollars to the campaign.
The ballot measure passed Tuesday. It amends the California Constitution to define marriage as a heterosexual act, overriding a state Supreme Court ruling that briefly gave same-sex couples the right to wed.
The backlash against the church — and by extension Utah — has been immediate. Protests erupted outside Mormon temples, Facebook groups formed telling people to boycott Utah, and Web sites such as mormonsstoleourrights.com began popping up, calling for an end to the church's tax-exempt status.
Church spokeswoman Kim Farah said in a statement about the temple protests Friday that it is "disturbing" that the church is being singled out for exercising its right to speak up in a free election.
"While those who disagree with our position on Proposition 8 have the right to make their feelings known, it is wrong to target the Church and its sacred places of worship for being part of the democratic process," Farah said.
The church had said in a statement after Tuesday's vote that "no one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information."
Aravosis is the editor of the popular americablog.com, which has about 900,000 unique monthly visitors.
He is calling for skiers to choose any state but Utah and for Hollywood actors and directors to pull out of the Sundance Film Festival. Other bloggers and readers have responded to his call.
"There's a movement afoot and large donors are involved who are very interested in organizing a campaign, because I do not believe in frivolous boycotts," said Aravosis, who has helped organize boycotts against "Dr. Laura" Schlessinger's television show, Microsoft and Ford over gay rights issues.
"The main focus is going to be going after the Utah brand," he said. "At this point, honestly, we're going to destroy the Utah brand. It is a hate state."
Gay rights groups did not immediately weigh in on calls for a boycott. Jim Key, spokesman for the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, said he had heard little about such an effort.
"It's not something that we have called for, but we do think it is important to send a message to the Mormon church," Key said. He noted an effort run by the center to overturn Proposition 8 that sends a postcard to the Mormon church president with each contribution made.
A Sundance spokeswoman didn't return messages. Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, said that she's aware there's been discussion of a boycott, but that her office hadn't received any calls about it Thursday. State offices are closed Friday.
"We're respectful of both sides of the equation and realize it's an emotional issue, but we are here promoting what we think is the best state in the country," she said.
What kind of economic, religious or political impact, if any, a boycott might have is unclear. The Mormon church has members all over the world and no plans to change its stance on gay marriage.
Aravosis is not calling for a boycott of California, though that state's voters actually approved the ban.
"At this point, the Californians are the victims and the Mormons are the persecutors," he said. "We had won this until they swept in. ... We need to send a message to Utah that they need to stop trying to inflict their way of life on every other state."
Bob Malone, CEO and president of the Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, said it is unfair to try to punish certain industries or parts of the state over an issue it had nothing to do with.
"It's really not a Park City thing, and I don't see it as a state thing. That was more of a religious issue," he said. "To sweep people in who really have nothing to do with that issue and have no influence over religious issues — it's sad that people kind of think that and say, 'We're going to bury you.' It's sad to hear people talk like that."
—
Utah's growing tourism industry and the star-studded Sundance Film Festival are being targeted for a boycott by bloggers, gay rights activists and others seeking to punish the Mormon church for its aggressive promotion of California's ban on gay marriage.
It could be a heavy price to pay. Tourism brings in $6 billion a year to Utah, with world-class skiing, a spectacular red rock country and the film festival founded by Robert Redford, among other popular tourist draws.
"At a fundamental level, the Utah Mormons crossed the line on this one," said gay rights activist John Aravosis, an influential blogger in Washington, D.C.
"They just took marriage away from 20,000 couples and made their children bastards," he said. "You don't do that and get away with it."
Salt Lake City is the world headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which counts about 62 percent of Utah residents as members.
The church encouraged its members to work to pass California's Proposition 8 by volunteering their time and money for the campaign. Thousands of Mormons worked as grassroots volunteers and gave tens of millions of dollars to the campaign.
The ballot measure passed Tuesday. It amends the California Constitution to define marriage as a heterosexual act, overriding a state Supreme Court ruling that briefly gave same-sex couples the right to wed.
The backlash against the church — and by extension Utah — has been immediate. Protests erupted outside Mormon temples, Facebook groups formed telling people to boycott Utah, and Web sites such as mormonsstoleourrights.com began popping up, calling for an end to the church's tax-exempt status.
Church spokeswoman Kim Farah said in a statement about the temple protests Friday that it is "disturbing" that the church is being singled out for exercising its right to speak up in a free election.
"While those who disagree with our position on Proposition 8 have the right to make their feelings known, it is wrong to target the Church and its sacred places of worship for being part of the democratic process," Farah said.
The church had said in a statement after Tuesday's vote that "no one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information."
Aravosis is the editor of the popular americablog.com, which has about 900,000 unique monthly visitors.
He is calling for skiers to choose any state but Utah and for Hollywood actors and directors to pull out of the Sundance Film Festival. Other bloggers and readers have responded to his call.
"There's a movement afoot and large donors are involved who are very interested in organizing a campaign, because I do not believe in frivolous boycotts," said Aravosis, who has helped organize boycotts against "Dr. Laura" Schlessinger's television show, Microsoft and Ford over gay rights issues.
"The main focus is going to be going after the Utah brand," he said. "At this point, honestly, we're going to destroy the Utah brand. It is a hate state."
Gay rights groups did not immediately weigh in on calls for a boycott. Jim Key, spokesman for the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, said he had heard little about such an effort.
"It's not something that we have called for, but we do think it is important to send a message to the Mormon church," Key said. He noted an effort run by the center to overturn Proposition 8 that sends a postcard to the Mormon church president with each contribution made.
A Sundance spokeswoman didn't return messages. Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, said that she's aware there's been discussion of a boycott, but that her office hadn't received any calls about it Thursday. State offices are closed Friday.
"We're respectful of both sides of the equation and realize it's an emotional issue, but we are here promoting what we think is the best state in the country," she said.
What kind of economic, religious or political impact, if any, a boycott might have is unclear. The Mormon church has members all over the world and no plans to change its stance on gay marriage.
Aravosis is not calling for a boycott of California, though that state's voters actually approved the ban.
"At this point, the Californians are the victims and the Mormons are the persecutors," he said. "We had won this until they swept in. ... We need to send a message to Utah that they need to stop trying to inflict their way of life on every other state."
Bob Malone, CEO and president of the Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, said it is unfair to try to punish certain industries or parts of the state over an issue it had nothing to do with.
"It's really not a Park City thing, and I don't see it as a state thing. That was more of a religious issue," he said. "To sweep people in who really have nothing to do with that issue and have no influence over religious issues — it's sad that people kind of think that and say, 'We're going to bury you.' It's sad to hear people talk like that."
—
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Happy Saturday, November 8th, 2008
Hi people...sitting here on a lazy Saturday eating plain M&M's, and I need to be eating these as bad as we needed McCain and Palin in the White House. Reflection is a wonderful thing if you can learn and grow from it. For the first time in, wow, my whole life, I am comfortable in my own skin. I am realizing that looking like I look is not a bad thing. I was getting ready over the past few weeks for a national gay volleyball tournament that I host here in Cincinnati and we were having a fundraiser and this really nice guy bought MANY raffle tickets from me and at the end of the night as were leaving he stopped me and told me that he enjoyed our fundraiser and he thought I was very attractive. I thanked him, and began to get stuff together to leave. My roommate was like, " Are you that stupid? I was like what are you talking about? He said do you think that guy bought 75$ worth of raffle tickets just to win a prize? I was clueless that he was even flirting with me. This happened again at our volleyball tournament registration with friends telling me, " You do know that guy was hitting on you, don't you? " I really think that this reflects back on my own self esteem and how I do not think anyone would ever be hitting on me. Has anyone else experienced this same thing? I would be interested in hearing any other similar stories like mine. As I continue to grow and finally like myself more and more each day, I hope my ignorance to someone being interested in me becomes a thing of the past. Both of these guys were very attractive, so of course that made me even more oblivious to the fact that was right in front of me.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Hello Everyone...
WOW, its been so long since I have posted a new blog on here. I have actually been working hard the past few days to update my blog and add some new things and take away some old. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the beautiful fall weather.
BARACK OBAMA is president..........Thank GOD! I was worried there for awhile, but he pulled it out and I think that good things are in store for our country and the world.
It has been a busy summer. I was working a new job for a few months but that just did not work out. I was SUPER busy planning and organizing the national gay volleyball tournament that hosted this past weekend and it was an amazing tournament. Everything went well and I am sure, at least I hope, that everyone had a great time. I am already looking forward to planning next years event!! It is easy to say that once it is over, LOL.
This election was exhausting! I had never been so sick of hearing all the negative ads and all the other crap with every person with an opinion on every news channel you can imagine.
It has been a year free of depression, knock on wood, thank god!!! Life without depression is a gift that I know cherish. No more living in the little glass box with those feelings of being lost and lack of hope. It is hard to explain, but it's true and I am so happy. I will for sure be making a better attempt at updating my blog. I missed working on it over the summer months. Have a great day and an even better week.
Later....
BARACK OBAMA is president..........Thank GOD! I was worried there for awhile, but he pulled it out and I think that good things are in store for our country and the world.
It has been a busy summer. I was working a new job for a few months but that just did not work out. I was SUPER busy planning and organizing the national gay volleyball tournament that hosted this past weekend and it was an amazing tournament. Everything went well and I am sure, at least I hope, that everyone had a great time. I am already looking forward to planning next years event!! It is easy to say that once it is over, LOL.
This election was exhausting! I had never been so sick of hearing all the negative ads and all the other crap with every person with an opinion on every news channel you can imagine.
It has been a year free of depression, knock on wood, thank god!!! Life without depression is a gift that I know cherish. No more living in the little glass box with those feelings of being lost and lack of hope. It is hard to explain, but it's true and I am so happy. I will for sure be making a better attempt at updating my blog. I missed working on it over the summer months. Have a great day and an even better week.
Later....
What does your Horoscope say about you?
Horoscope 2009
Aries Horoscope
Aries is a cardinal fire sign. The main strengths of the Aries people are that they are independent, courageous, generous, optimistic and enthusiastic. The main weaknesses of the Aries people are that they are moody, impatient, self-involved, impulsive and short tempered.
Taurus Horoscope
Taurus is a fixed earth sign. The main strengths of the Taurus people are that they are loyal, patient, persistent, dependable and generous. The main weaknesses of the Taurus people are that they are materialistic, lazy, stubborn, self-indulging and possessive.
Gemini Horoscope
Gemini is a mutable air sign. The main strengths of the Gemini people are that they are witty, clever, energetic, adaptable and imaginative. The main weaknesses of the Gemini people are that they are devious, superficial, indecisive, restless and impulsive.
Cancer Horoscope
Cancer is a cardinal water sign. The main strengths of the Cancer people are that they are caring, responsive, loyal, adaptable and dependable. The main weaknesses of the Cancer people are that they are oversensitive, moody, clingy, self-absorbed and self-pitying.
Leo Horoscope
Leo is a fixed fire sign. The main strengths of the Leo people are that they are loyal, ambitious, confident, encouraging and generous. The main weaknesses of the Leo people are that they are domineering, pretentious, melodramatic, vain and stubborn.
Virgo Horoscope
Virgo is a mutable earth sign. The main strengths of the Virgo people are that they are helpful, observant, analytical, precise and reliable. The main weaknesses of the Virgo people are that they are fussy, interfering, skeptical, cold and inflexible.
Libra Horoscope
Libra is a cardinal air sign. The main strengths of the Libra people are that they are hospitable, idealistic, graceful, peaceful and diplomatic. The main weaknesses of the Libra people are that they are vain, unreliable, superficial and indecisive.
Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio is a fixed water sign. The main strengths of the Scorpio people are that they are observant, loyal, dynamic, resourceful and passionate. The main weaknesses of the Scorpio people are that they are suspicious, unyielding, jealous, obsessive and manipulative.
Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign. The main strengths of the Sagittarius people are that they are independent and straightforward. The main weaknesses of the Sagittarius people are that they are careless and unemotional.
Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign. The main strengths of the Capricorn people are that they are ambitious, responsible, patient, loyal and resourceful. The main weaknesses of the Capricorn people are that they are dictatorial, unimaginative, conceited, inhibited and distrusting.
Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius is a fixed air sign. The main strengths of the Aquarius people are that they are original, inventive, humanitarian, witty and clever. The main weaknesses of the Aquarius people are that they are aloof, stubborn, rebellious, sarcastic and unemotional.
Pisces Horoscope
Pisces if a mutable water sign. The main strengths of the Pisces people are that they are devoted, compassionate, imaginative, accepting and adaptable. The main weaknesses of the Pisces people are that they are lazy, indecisive, oversensitive, escapist and self-pitying.
Aries Horoscope
Aries is a cardinal fire sign. The main strengths of the Aries people are that they are independent, courageous, generous, optimistic and enthusiastic. The main weaknesses of the Aries people are that they are moody, impatient, self-involved, impulsive and short tempered.
Taurus Horoscope
Taurus is a fixed earth sign. The main strengths of the Taurus people are that they are loyal, patient, persistent, dependable and generous. The main weaknesses of the Taurus people are that they are materialistic, lazy, stubborn, self-indulging and possessive.
Gemini Horoscope
Gemini is a mutable air sign. The main strengths of the Gemini people are that they are witty, clever, energetic, adaptable and imaginative. The main weaknesses of the Gemini people are that they are devious, superficial, indecisive, restless and impulsive.
Cancer Horoscope
Cancer is a cardinal water sign. The main strengths of the Cancer people are that they are caring, responsive, loyal, adaptable and dependable. The main weaknesses of the Cancer people are that they are oversensitive, moody, clingy, self-absorbed and self-pitying.
Leo Horoscope
Leo is a fixed fire sign. The main strengths of the Leo people are that they are loyal, ambitious, confident, encouraging and generous. The main weaknesses of the Leo people are that they are domineering, pretentious, melodramatic, vain and stubborn.
Virgo Horoscope
Virgo is a mutable earth sign. The main strengths of the Virgo people are that they are helpful, observant, analytical, precise and reliable. The main weaknesses of the Virgo people are that they are fussy, interfering, skeptical, cold and inflexible.
Libra Horoscope
Libra is a cardinal air sign. The main strengths of the Libra people are that they are hospitable, idealistic, graceful, peaceful and diplomatic. The main weaknesses of the Libra people are that they are vain, unreliable, superficial and indecisive.
Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio is a fixed water sign. The main strengths of the Scorpio people are that they are observant, loyal, dynamic, resourceful and passionate. The main weaknesses of the Scorpio people are that they are suspicious, unyielding, jealous, obsessive and manipulative.
Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign. The main strengths of the Sagittarius people are that they are independent and straightforward. The main weaknesses of the Sagittarius people are that they are careless and unemotional.
Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign. The main strengths of the Capricorn people are that they are ambitious, responsible, patient, loyal and resourceful. The main weaknesses of the Capricorn people are that they are dictatorial, unimaginative, conceited, inhibited and distrusting.
Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius is a fixed air sign. The main strengths of the Aquarius people are that they are original, inventive, humanitarian, witty and clever. The main weaknesses of the Aquarius people are that they are aloof, stubborn, rebellious, sarcastic and unemotional.
Pisces Horoscope
Pisces if a mutable water sign. The main strengths of the Pisces people are that they are devoted, compassionate, imaginative, accepting and adaptable. The main weaknesses of the Pisces people are that they are lazy, indecisive, oversensitive, escapist and self-pitying.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Another song where the lyrics mean so much to me...
Love Is On The Way
By: Celine Dion
Lyrics - Love Is On The Way
Waking up alone
In a room that still reminds me
My heart has got to learn to forget
Starting on my own
With every breath I'm getting stronger
This is not the time for regret
Cause I don't need to
hang on to heartbreak
When there's so much of
life left to live
Love is on the way
On wings of angels
I know its true, I feel
it coming through
Love is on the way
Time is turning the pages
I don't know when
But love will find me again
I am not afraid
Of the mystery of tomorrow
I have found the faith deep within
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/dj8 ]
There's a promise I have made
There's a dream I'm gonna follow
There's another chance to begin
And it's coming as sure as the heavens
I can feel it right here in my heart
Love is on the way
On wings of angels
I know its true, I feel
it coming through
Love is on the way
Time is turning the pages
I don't know when
But love will find me again
(Oh I know, I know down deep
down in my heart I know that...)
Love is on the way
On wings of angels
I know its true, I feel
it coming through
Love is on the way
Time is turning the pages
I don't know when
But love will find me again
I don't know when
But love will find me again
By: Celine Dion
Lyrics - Love Is On The Way
Waking up alone
In a room that still reminds me
My heart has got to learn to forget
Starting on my own
With every breath I'm getting stronger
This is not the time for regret
Cause I don't need to
hang on to heartbreak
When there's so much of
life left to live
Love is on the way
On wings of angels
I know its true, I feel
it coming through
Love is on the way
Time is turning the pages
I don't know when
But love will find me again
I am not afraid
Of the mystery of tomorrow
I have found the faith deep within
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/dj8 ]
There's a promise I have made
There's a dream I'm gonna follow
There's another chance to begin
And it's coming as sure as the heavens
I can feel it right here in my heart
Love is on the way
On wings of angels
I know its true, I feel
it coming through
Love is on the way
Time is turning the pages
I don't know when
But love will find me again
(Oh I know, I know down deep
down in my heart I know that...)
Love is on the way
On wings of angels
I know its true, I feel
it coming through
Love is on the way
Time is turning the pages
I don't know when
But love will find me again
I don't know when
But love will find me again
Lyrics to Chasing Pavements by Adele
I saw this british, young woman the other morning on VH1 singing this song. She has a beautiful voice and I love the lyrics. A few of her videos are posted on my site. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do....
Chasing Pavements lyrics
Artist: Adele
Album: 19
I've made up my mind
Don't need to think it over
If I'm wrong I am right
Don't need to look no further
This ain't lust
I know this is love but
If I tell the world
I'll never say enough
'Cause it was not said to you
And that's exactly what I need to do
If I'm in love with you
[chorus:]
Should I give up
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
Or would it be a waste?
Even if I knew my place
Should I leave it there?
Should I give up
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
I'd build myself up
And fly around in circles
Wait then as my heart drops
And my back begins to tingle
Finally could this be it
[chorus]
Should I give up
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
Or would it be a waste?
Even if I knew my place
Should I leave it there?
Should I give up
Or should I just keep on chasing pavements?
Should I just keep on chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
[chorus]
Chasing Pavements lyrics
Artist: Adele
Album: 19
I've made up my mind
Don't need to think it over
If I'm wrong I am right
Don't need to look no further
This ain't lust
I know this is love but
If I tell the world
I'll never say enough
'Cause it was not said to you
And that's exactly what I need to do
If I'm in love with you
[chorus:]
Should I give up
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
Or would it be a waste?
Even if I knew my place
Should I leave it there?
Should I give up
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
I'd build myself up
And fly around in circles
Wait then as my heart drops
And my back begins to tingle
Finally could this be it
[chorus]
Should I give up
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
Or would it be a waste?
Even if I knew my place
Should I leave it there?
Should I give up
Or should I just keep on chasing pavements?
Should I just keep on chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
[chorus]
Friday, August 8, 2008
Forbes talks about Americas Fastest Dying Cities
The Economy
America's Fastest-Dying Cities
Joshua Zumbrun 08.05.08, 6:00 AM ET
In Pictures: America's Fastest-Dying Cities
Dugg on Forbes.com
Fifteen Tips To Keep Your Company Growing
America's Hard-Drinking Cities - Forbes.com
Alaska stalemate over energy relief continues
It Takes a Crisis
Visit The Forbes.com Digg Channel
Washington, D.C. - The turmoil of the mortgage market granted a temporary reprieve from hearing about the woes of America's Rust Belt. That doesn't mean things are better. Despite a decade of national prosperity, the former manufacturing backbone of the U.S. is in rougher shape than ever, still searching for some way to replace its long-stilled smokestacks.
Where's it worst? Ohio, according to our analysis, which racked up four of the 10 cities on our list: Youngstown, Canton, Dayton and Cleveland. The runner-up is Michigan, with two cities--Detroit and Flint--making the ranking.
In Pictures: America's Fastest-Dying Cities
These, and four other metropolitan statistical areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, face fleeing populations, painful waves of unemployment and barely growing economies. By our measure, they've struggled the worst of any areas in the nation in the 21st century. And they face even bleaker futures.
It wasn't always this way. Despite years of economic decline, in the first years of the new century the employment situation did not look so bad--3% to 4% unemployment was the norm, along the lines of metropolitan areas elsewhere in the country. The rest of the decade was not so kind. Thanks to a crushing downturn for automakers like General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ) and Ford (nyse: F - news - people ), Detroit and Flint, Mich., have seen unemployment approach 10%.
Another brutal statistic all the cities share is a diminishing population. So far this decade, 115,000 people have left Cleveland, for other climes. Smaller changes in other regions can be just as painful. Nearly 30,000 people have left Youngstown, Ohio, and they aren't being replaced by either new babies or new immigrants.
Still, the cities we found to be struggling don't vary widely by age, and this factor had little influence in the rankings. The oldest city in our top 10, Scranton, Pa., had 45% of its population over 45; the youngest, Flint had 38% over 45.
The worst news is, of course, economic. When we looked at the most recent gross domestic product estimates for 155 metropolitan statistical areas estimated to have $10 billion or more GDP in 2005--economies about the size of Asheville, N.C., or Tallahassee, Fla.--the news was predictably terrible for the Rust Belt.
In the fall of 2007, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) published its GDP estimates from 2001 to 2005. Nearly every city in the country grew during this period (New Orleans, devastated from Hurricane Katrina, was the notable exception), but the struggling cities on our list grew more sluggishly. None of them grew more than 1.9% a year, versus a nationwide average of 2.7%. Canton, Ohio, managed to grow its economy just 0.7% annually. Flint was worse still at 0.4%.
None of these cities now face the huge declines in real estate prices seen by Phoenix, Miami or Las Vegas, where the Case-Shiller Home Price Index shows nearly 30% declines from a year ago. Detroit is off only about 15%, Cleveland only 8%. Don't call it a bright spot. Prices never went up in the first place.
America's Fastest-Dying Cities
Joshua Zumbrun 08.05.08, 6:00 AM ET
In Pictures: America's Fastest-Dying Cities
Dugg on Forbes.com
Fifteen Tips To Keep Your Company Growing
America's Hard-Drinking Cities - Forbes.com
Alaska stalemate over energy relief continues
It Takes a Crisis
Visit The Forbes.com Digg Channel
Washington, D.C. - The turmoil of the mortgage market granted a temporary reprieve from hearing about the woes of America's Rust Belt. That doesn't mean things are better. Despite a decade of national prosperity, the former manufacturing backbone of the U.S. is in rougher shape than ever, still searching for some way to replace its long-stilled smokestacks.
Where's it worst? Ohio, according to our analysis, which racked up four of the 10 cities on our list: Youngstown, Canton, Dayton and Cleveland. The runner-up is Michigan, with two cities--Detroit and Flint--making the ranking.
In Pictures: America's Fastest-Dying Cities
These, and four other metropolitan statistical areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, face fleeing populations, painful waves of unemployment and barely growing economies. By our measure, they've struggled the worst of any areas in the nation in the 21st century. And they face even bleaker futures.
It wasn't always this way. Despite years of economic decline, in the first years of the new century the employment situation did not look so bad--3% to 4% unemployment was the norm, along the lines of metropolitan areas elsewhere in the country. The rest of the decade was not so kind. Thanks to a crushing downturn for automakers like General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ) and Ford (nyse: F - news - people ), Detroit and Flint, Mich., have seen unemployment approach 10%.
Another brutal statistic all the cities share is a diminishing population. So far this decade, 115,000 people have left Cleveland, for other climes. Smaller changes in other regions can be just as painful. Nearly 30,000 people have left Youngstown, Ohio, and they aren't being replaced by either new babies or new immigrants.
Still, the cities we found to be struggling don't vary widely by age, and this factor had little influence in the rankings. The oldest city in our top 10, Scranton, Pa., had 45% of its population over 45; the youngest, Flint had 38% over 45.
The worst news is, of course, economic. When we looked at the most recent gross domestic product estimates for 155 metropolitan statistical areas estimated to have $10 billion or more GDP in 2005--economies about the size of Asheville, N.C., or Tallahassee, Fla.--the news was predictably terrible for the Rust Belt.
In the fall of 2007, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) published its GDP estimates from 2001 to 2005. Nearly every city in the country grew during this period (New Orleans, devastated from Hurricane Katrina, was the notable exception), but the struggling cities on our list grew more sluggishly. None of them grew more than 1.9% a year, versus a nationwide average of 2.7%. Canton, Ohio, managed to grow its economy just 0.7% annually. Flint was worse still at 0.4%.
None of these cities now face the huge declines in real estate prices seen by Phoenix, Miami or Las Vegas, where the Case-Shiller Home Price Index shows nearly 30% declines from a year ago. Detroit is off only about 15%, Cleveland only 8%. Don't call it a bright spot. Prices never went up in the first place.
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