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Meet the Trackers, Part 3: Arisha Michelle Hatch
August 8, 2010
By Adam Bink
Continuing our Meet the Trackers series (parts 1 and 2 with Anthony Ash and Danny Segura can be found here and here), today we’re talking with Arisha Michelle Hatch. (If you haven’t read yesterday’s post about the Atlanta NOM event in which Arisha conducted an interview with Alveda King, niece of MLK, read it and watch the video now to understand Arisha’s approach to her NOMTourTracker.com work and why she became emotional during this amazing interview)
You know her from posting her updates from the road here at NOMTourTracker.com. What you may not know is that Arisha decided to leave law and do political organizing with the 2008 Obama campaign just after taking the bar exam. She’s been at it ever since.
Below, Arisha describes a day in the life of a NOM Tour Tracker in great detail, including what happens when she meets Louis; what Brian Brown would be if he were a kitchen utensil; and in what publication she dreams of being quoted.
Where do you hail from?
Born in Austin, Texas; raised in southern California in San Bernardino County (just outside of L.A.).
What brings you to Courage Campaign and the pro-equality movement?
I left my job at a San Francisco law firm to work full-time for the Obama campaign in 2008. During that time, many of my volunteers – now friends – were gay or lesbian and conflicted between working on the Obama Campaign or the No on Prop 8 campaign. I did what any organizer would do, I asked them to stay and volunteer for Obama – that it looked like Prop 8 wouldn’t pass. I haven’t slept well since.
With the Courage Campaign, you’re the Field Director. How long have you been with Courage, and what does that role look like?
I’ve been with Courage for close to a year and a half and became the Field Director about two months ago. Right now, that roles looks like long drives, too much fast food and semi-bearable hotel rooms with unreliable internet service.
One of the things that I love most about Courage is its ability to turn on a dime and respond to a current organizing need; someone once described as us as “scrappy” and I think we take pride in that. All that said, my work as Field Director includes helping to organize unconventional education campaigns that raise awareness around the Prop 8 trial and LGBT equality generally.
We view the NOMTourTracker.com as an extension of our Testimony: Equality On Trial campaign. Because the United States Supreme Court decided to ban cameras from the Prop 8 courtroom, the Courage Campaign has been working hard to not only make sure that the American public is kept informed about the trial, but also to document the testimony of the American public on issues surrounding LGBT equality.
Plaintiffs and defense experts had the opportunity to testify before Judge Walker, but as we continue to build a national campaign for equality we’ll need documented evidence of the struggles LGBT people have faced to counter anti-equality legal arguments, which assert that LGBT people are not discriminated against. We’ve also got to document the discrimination, itself – the testimony of that portion of the American public that is opposed to equality. We need not only to show new faces, tell new stories and hear new voices from the LGBT community, but also to put a face and a voice to anti-equality supporters like NOM.
Tell us what a day in the life on the road with NOM looks like, from eye-open to eye-shut.
Wake up.
“Where are we and what time zone are we in today?”
“Is the videocamera charged?”
Shower.
Dress.
Hair.
Repeat the following mantra in the mirror: “I will not become enraged. I will not be offended. I will not allow NOM to make me lose my cool.”
Checkout of hotel.
Drive to rally.
“Why is Google Maps telling me to turn left on a one-way street?”
15 minutes of driving in circles later:
“We need to invest in a GPS.”
Arrive at rally.
Park.
Ask a police officer whether we can film inside the blockade.
He answers no – sometimes yes. Film his response, regardless.
Attempt to cross the blockade with video camera, anyway.
Try to count all NOM attendees and equality counter-protestors.
Louis – (hi Louis!) – begins to follow me around with a camera.
Have a polite, innocuous conversation with Louis about lack of NOM supporters in attendance, him calling us stalkers on his blog or why he won’t respond to my Facebook friend request.
Film a few cliche soundbites from Brian, Maggie, et. al.
If wireless card is working: send in short blog post update.
Film bold gay or lesbian couple who attempt to walk beyond the blockade.
Louis still following me.
Respond by following NOM staffers Brian, Maggie, Chris or Justin with camera
Ask about inflammatory sign, low attendance or the attempt to have our videographer arrested in Annapolis.
Stutter.
“What blog are you from again?”
“NOMTourTracker.com”
Eden/Adam calls: “We need more pictures.” “What’s your attendance count?
Ask a NOM attendee for an interview.
Approached by NOM staffer attempting to block the interview.
“They’re not from our side. [. . .] Don’t be inflammatory.”
Direct videographer to film the NOM staffer interruption.
Shoot a sharp glare at interrupting NOM staffer: “Do we have a problem here?”
Interview NOM rally attendee, trying not to 1) laugh and/or 2) become enraged.
Interrupted by a NOM rally attendee.
“I wouldn’t talk to them if I were you, they’re up to no good.”
Rolling my eyes off camera.
Film the interruption.
Finish NOM attendee interview.
Say “thank you.”
Shake his/her hand.
“I hope we weren’t too awful. That wasn’t that bad right?”
Hand him/her my business card.
“Is there a Kinko’s around here? We need to upload videos, ASAP.”
Drive in circles for a few minutes.
“Ugh, we really, really need a GPS.”
Find Kinko’s.
Finish blog post #2.
Upload Flip videos.
“Why does YouTube take forever to upload no matter what kind of internet connection we have?”
Ask Anthony: “How long until the rally footage is edited together and ready to send?”
Anthony: “1 hour.”
15 minutes later….
Ask Anthony: “How long until the rally footage is edited together and ready to send?”
Anthony: “45 minutes.”
“Okay, let’s drive, Anthony you keep editing and we’ll find another Kinko’s an hour down the road and stop.”
“Where are we going to now, Minnesota or Iowa?”
40 minutes later. . .
“How is it possible that we haven’t passed a single Kinko’s?”
Finally find Kinko’s.
Upload video footage.
Get back on the road.
Drive, drive, drive.
Arrive at hotel 5 hours later.
Hungry; find out that room service shutdown 20 minutes ago and the only thing open is McDonald’s drive-thru.
Force-feed ourselves another round of fast food.
Return to hotel.
Check email for 30 minutes.
Fall asleep with laptop in lap.
Wake up.
Repeat.Best and worst meals you’ve had on the road during the NOM tour. Go.
Best: A cheeseburger with a perfectly cooked over-easy egg in Madison, Wisconsin. Worst: combination enchilada taco plate in Des Moines, Iowa (born in Texas, raised in California I think my Mexican food expectations may be too high).
When you’re not working on winning marriage equality for same-sex couples and exposing NOM’s failures and falsehoods, what issues most interest you?
Building a more progressive California one neighborhood at a time. Our Courage Campaign California team is working to organize a local, grassroots infrastructure focused on community building and progressive voter turnout during California elections. During the June primary, we contacted voters about several corporate-backed initiatives that did not align with progressive voter values. In November, we will most likely be organizing around the Prop 19 marijuana legalization campaign.
The NOM tour stopped in Lima, Ohio, where the hit TV show Glee is fictionally set. If you could quote Sue Sylvester to Brian Brown, what would you say?
“Your hair looks like a briar patch. I keep expecting racist animated Disney characters to pop up and start singing about living on the bayou.”
Okay, you’ve wrestled control of the stereo from your fellow NOM Tour Trackers for the drive to the next stop. What’s on tap for the next couple of hours?
Lauryn Hill, Adele, Amy Winehouse and the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, some old-school Monica, a little Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye and Drake.
We all know Courage Campaign’s Eden James is a fountain of wisdom for organizers. My favorite nugget of wisdom: “On conference calls, silence equals consent.” Yours?
“I think it’s important to play devil’s advocate here…”
Okay, we all know my blog, OpenLeft.com, is on your must-read list (grin). What are some other favorite blogs/bloggers?
Andrew Sullivan’s blog at “The Atlantic.” Some people dream of being quoted one day in the New York Times. I dream that one day Andrew will post something I’ve written.
Finish this sentence: When this tour ends, the first thing I’m going to do when I get home is…
Get my hair done.
Finish this sentence: If Brian Brown were a kitchen utensil, he would be…
A Margaritaville mixer because he’s always in spin mode and it’s difficult to figure out what buttons to press.
Got any closing message for our readers here at NOMTourTracker.com?
This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done – putting my life on hold for so long, missing my family so much it hurts. Thanks for following and for making all of that feel worth it. I’m trying everyday to ask the questions that you want asked, to improve our coverage with the limited resources we have. Sometimes I worry that I’m not the right person for this or that I’m not doing a good enough job for you all. But I promise to keep trying to do better, day by day, event by event.
Filed under: Community/Meta,NOM Tour Tracker
70 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Sagesse | August 8, 2010 at 12:52 am
Good Sunday morning all. Can't believe I'm first. You guys all talked out… like that's ever going to happen
.
"Sometimes I worry that I’m not the right person for this or that I’m not doing a good enough job for you all."
Arisha, you are absolutely the right person to be doing this for us. Anyone else would have spontaneously combusted by now. Don't know how you stay sane, but don't stop, and don't let the turkeys get you down. (Morning challenge… what was that cultural reference?)
Sending e-mail to Sully now.
2.
Felyx | August 8, 2010 at 1:06 am
Sub-spect classing for Kevyn
we love you Arisha! Thank you for following in MLK's true footsteps!
Felyx
3.
Paulie | August 8, 2010 at 1:11 am
A fantastic interview.
I wish someone had asked about the photo at the top of it. What is the interpretation or message therein.
Thank for your your find dedication.
4.
Bob | August 8, 2010 at 1:24 am
Arisha, you show us every day, your drive and commitment to the cause, I would like to ask , what ideas you have for documenting the actual discrimination LGBT people face every day, and weather that could include stories like little baby Roy, beaten to death for acting like a girl, and the history of suicide among our youth as a way of dealing with the discrimination. By doing this they complete the message people like NOM are sending, having heard that message repeated over and over in their families, churches , and schools, they feel no option, and the message of fear wins out, but the children in most cases take their own lives.
Nom's spin with Ms Kings input are or have been succeeding in making Rainow people extinct.
What do you think of a story covering these issures?
5.
Bolt | August 8, 2010 at 1:25 am
Arisha, you have a tremendous talent to interview the most absurd people. The subjects in your videos invoke nausea. No other media outlet's contributers can do this.
Please keep it up.
6.
Anonygrl | August 8, 2010 at 1:30 am
You are doing the hard work… we are sitting at home, in awe of you.
Thank you thank you thank you for being our soldier on the ground, fighting the battle daily. And winning!
7.
Breaking the Silence | August 8, 2010 at 1:37 am
You're awesome, Arisha. Especially when confronting a NOMbie and holding it on the point of your question(s). It's got to be incredibly difficult to maintain that objective calm and as much detachment as possible, (especially on lousy sleep!) but please keep it up!
8.
Alan E. | August 8, 2010 at 1:46 am
Sometimes even a mantra can't hold back your emotions. Keep up the good work!
9.
Straight Grandmother | August 8, 2010 at 1:47 am
I think you are doing a great job, a much better job than I could ever do. When BS Brown talks in circles and refuses to answer your questions you jsut stay calm and try again. I don't think I could do that, I think I would get to frustrated. I'd probably hand the microphone to someone else and say, "I can't do it, he won't answer my questions, herre you try"
But you don't do that. You wake up in antoher city and you come out swinging every day, day after day.
I especailly like the fact that you count the number of people who show up for each side. I don't know why you are worried about your hair, we saw you a little bit in a couple videos and your hair looks perfectly fine. You are a very attractive young woman, oh and SMART!!!
I also agree you do NEED GPS. Thank you for everything you do, the sacrafices you are making personally to do this job, I sincerely and deeply appreciate it.
10.
MJFargo | August 8, 2010 at 1:51 am
First, you're beautiful (and your hair is beautiful), and it's a pleasure to read your reports and you'll have my respect until my dying day.
11.
Ronnie | August 8, 2010 at 1:54 am
“They’re not from our side. [. . .] Don’t be inflammatory."
(me) rofl….I mean really?…REALLY?!!…Those NOMers have some serious control issues…I'm just saying
"Your hair looks like a briar patch. I keep expecting racist animated Disney characters to pop up and start singing about living on the bayou.”
(me) Arisha, that is one of my favorite Sue Sylvester quotes…I <3 you so much.
Arisha, you are doing a fabulous job, I don't know how you do it, quite frankly, talking to those slime b@ll$. I probably would have snapped. I Have not watched the interview w/Alveda King yet because I'm working on a few projects (I promise to watch it today). Reading what other Trackers have said about it & quoting her; as an African-American, I was deeply offended by it & I'm sure that when I watch it I will be even more offended. My mothers caucasian attributes are much more prevalent in me then my fathers who is just a smidgen under dark skinned. I was discriminated against by both races on occasions, & I can honestly say that the feeling is no different from being discriminated against because I'm Gay. It really made me feel just a bit ashamed of my African-American heritage, to read about what this woman was saying. But now that I think about it, I'm stronger then she is. She's the one that should be ashamed. ALVEDA KING IF YOU ARE READING THIS…..SHAME ON YOU!!!!…..You are way stronger then her as well, Arisha, & for me you counter how she made me feel about my heritage. So YES, you are absolutely doing a fabulous job…..Thank you for being you…..<3…Ronnie
12.
Richard W. Fitch | August 8, 2010 at 1:56 am
During the Indpls Rally, I had the privilege of meeting and speaking briefly with Arisha (and her bsn card is stored securely in my Rolodex folder). Watching her interact with some of these bizarre anti-equality folks left me amazed at her kewl. Keep up the good work, Arisha, and thanks to ALL the intrepid Tracker crew.
13.
Felyx | August 8, 2010 at 2:14 am
Good heavens Arisha!!
You have more than adequately expiated your guilt! You are so very loved and appreciated. Many of us thought Prop 8 would die. But now most of us realize that this case is (relatively speaking) fast-tracking its way through the courts and will deliver us so much the sooner from this oppressive discrimination and animosity. (I called it from the first comment I made and never wavered… and I will maintain that we will have equality within 5 years… most likely before the end of 2012!)
I try to be active in NC and volunteer for Equality… I hope to see you Arisha… I am not sure, but we may have here in NC a repeat of Georgia. Richard's (et als) group will be just one tiny group of many it seems.
Good luck on Prop 19! I am a nurse and so do not partake for professional reasons, but I have read extensively on the subject and feel that the herb is as innocuous as alcohol or cigarettes and certainly somewhat more natural. Considering how much good the expense for criminalizing it could do for health promotion, I am vastly in favor of limiting government activity on this issue.
Thank you,
Felyx
BTW, I once got a very expensive blender with a two-horsepower motor that was huge and completely useless!!
Boy could it spin though!!
14.
Sagesse | August 8, 2010 at 2:16 am
Question for the Tour Trackers about today's schedule. There are Equality events in Tampa at noon and Orlando this evening (5 to 6 pm), and the NOM tiny church parade in Orlando at 2 pm. What coverage do you have planned?
15.
paul | August 8, 2010 at 2:19 am
Arisha…not to say that your hair isn't perfect, but historically speaking, just think about all that bad hair in our nations past…all heroes ! Abe Lincoln (hair?), Bob Dylan (hair?), Janis Joplin (hair?), Barni Frank (hair/teeth?),
Lady GaGA (hair?)…you're in great company.
You're patience knows no limits. I only wish I could talk to as many stupid people as you do every day and stay on the wagon. You hang in there girl…we need and love you !
16.
Anna Bryan | August 8, 2010 at 2:20 am
Arisha, you are amazing! Keep up the great work!
17.
ElsieH | August 8, 2010 at 2:22 am
Arisha, thank you for your time and your courage. I would be crying everyday if I had your job. I sympathize with your tears at meeting Ms. King. It is painful to see a member of a group who has experienced discrimination be the oppressor. It is an added burden when you share a heritage with that person.
There is fear that you yourself will be counted along with them as a bigot by those who don't know you and there is disappointment that they can not be better. (I know this because my counterpart to Alveda King is "Dr. Looney Toons" Tam.)
You are doing a wonderful job. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
18.
Dave in ME | August 8, 2010 at 2:35 am
Thank you for all of your work, Arisha. You're helping to let the entire world know about what NOM is doing and we appreciate it.
Dave in Maine
19.
lrwood | August 8, 2010 at 2:42 am
Yes, thank you. I would like you to ask Mrs. Srivastav or Brian Brown, "Since you are one of the foremost experts on marriage, why did you not testify at the Prop 8 trial? Surely there would have been a different outcome with your expertise."
Something that mystifies me. Could it be that neither one of them could have held up under cross examination?
20.
Mark M | August 8, 2010 at 2:55 am
Arisha you ROCK!!
Your words today lifted me up…and made me tear up.
I am sorry that some of our posts/comments may have added to your feeling :
"Sometimes I worry that I’m not the right person for this or that I’m not doing a good enough job for you all."
I know for myself when I have made suggestion it was only to maybe give another point of view or perspective.
It's always easier to sit behind our screens and keyboards and tell others what to do….please understand there was NEVER any displeasure or disapproval.
I love you and everything you've done for this cause thus far.
BIG FURRY BEAR HUGS
Mark (and Robert)
21.
DazedWheels | August 8, 2010 at 2:56 am
Off topic (but first, thank you Arisha!!)
I recorded today's Face the Nation, and am just watching it now. No surprise at all, but David Boies took Tony Perkins to school! Woo-hoo!!!
22.
DazedWheels | August 8, 2010 at 3:02 am
Here's the link to watch it.. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6754377n
23.
Linda | August 8, 2010 at 3:02 am
Ha! They would have had to prove their expertise. I doubt that is possible!
Arisha, you are doing an incredible job; and you sure take it from us! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
24.
HunterR. | August 8, 2010 at 3:12 am
The best quote of the day "we put fear an prejudice on trial and fear and prejudice lost" David Boies.
I also like the fact that he didn't let Perkins get aways with his assertions telling him clearly that a witness stand is a lonely place to lie.
Awsome….
25.
HunterR. | August 8, 2010 at 3:16 am
Thank you Arisha for keeping us updated.
Wonder if Meet the Press had anything so say about prop hate. Can't find any reporting on it…..
26.
Bolt | August 8, 2010 at 3:21 am
Tony Perkins is unbelievable. He continues to cite evidence that doesn't exist.
The opponents of gay marriage are absolutists! They will never change their mind.
27.
Linda | August 8, 2010 at 3:24 am
Oh, please! Will these people EVER cite a specific study? And I love that the San Francisco Chronicle is their source for 'proving' Judge Walker's sexual orientation, but what David Boies says regarding points of law is open for debate!?
Huh??? Really???
28.
DazedWheels | August 8, 2010 at 3:27 am
I was really disappointed with the two person follow-up. I didn't catch who either person was (reporter or legal analyst, maybe). Neither addressed the undeniably overwhelming evidence supporting Judge Walker's Findings of Fact, nor did they address the iron-clad (I hope) precedent references he cited. Talking empty heads. Bleh!
29.
fiona64 | August 8, 2010 at 3:31 am
I'm with all of the others. Thank you, Arisha!
Love,
Fiona
30.
Sagesse | August 8, 2010 at 3:40 am
Mainstream media coverage. Good.
These people have no shame. Tony Perkins, who isn't a lawyer, presumes to lecture David Boies on constitutional law. Boies almost cracked up.
31.
Sagesse | August 8, 2010 at 3:49 am
Here's the link to the follow-on talking heads. Don't know the talking head legal analyst, but she's no David Boies.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6754390n&a…
32.
Ray in MA | August 8, 2010 at 3:51 am
To me, the most incredible thing about you Arisha is your commitment and dedication to this cause and that you are not a lesbian. Your compassion for others is an admirable trait. Putting that into action makes you remarkable.
33.
Kathleen | August 8, 2010 at 3:53 am
Arisha, I LOVE YOU!!!! You're doing an amazing job. I doubt any of us truly understand what it's like to do this day after day, engaging these ignorant, bigoted people – and all while sleep deprived, and away from your usual support systems.
Wish I could give you a giant hug and make you some homemade chile rellenos. Instead, I have to settle for telling you again how amazing you are. xoxox
34.
Kathleen | August 8, 2010 at 3:55 am
Paulie, she's holding an "equal" sign, standing inside a heart. That's the message.
35.
Bolt | August 8, 2010 at 4:00 am
Here is Olson's Fox noise interview. He nailed it.
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2010/08/08/wall…
36.
AndrewPDX | August 8, 2010 at 4:14 am
Thank you Arisha!
As we have said numerous times in these comments, our straight allies are our best sources for inspiration, and I am thankful to count you near the top of that list of inspirations.
Love,
Andrew
37.
AndrewPDX | August 8, 2010 at 4:20 am
Ugh… "here we have a judge… who thinks he knows more than 7 million voters"… well, in terms of reading legal mumbo jumbo and interpreting constitutional law and understanding precident and procedure… odds are, he does know more.
Love,
Andrew
38.
Dave in CA | August 8, 2010 at 4:31 am
I have a question to ask Louis: when describing us, he frequently uses colorful and imaginative phrases like "forcing same-sex on all of us" and "shoving it down our throats." I think anyone with even a basic level in psychology can guess where this comes from ("wishful thinking, anyone?")
Louis, you seem to have quite an active imagination. Would you be willing to share some of your other fantasies with us?
39.
Linda | August 8, 2010 at 4:33 am
No, here we have a judge, who after careful consideration of FACTS, ends up agreeing with over 6.5 million voters that prop 8 was WRONG!
They toss around that 7 million number like there's nothing to balance it out. The fact is that over 6.5 million Californians voted against prop 8.
The audacity of these self-professed experts (Perkins, Brown, Gallagher, et al) to dismiss true law experts like Olsen, Boies, Walker is just beyond belief! And do you notice they never once refer to their own defense team. They never quote them; they never quote the witnesses they presented. Gosh, I wonder why?
They just can't be bothered with facts; because those go against what they believe, damn it!
40.
Straight Grandmother | August 8, 2010 at 4:34 am
ElsieH, do you know the infamous Dr Tam?
41.
AndrewPDX | August 8, 2010 at 4:37 am
Gawd… TP (Tony Perkins or Toilet Paper, your choice) is just full of crap.
He has no evidence, no proof, just the same old "i'm afraid" rhetoric, the same old "you don't need evidence", the same old "but it's always been this way"…
As is obvious in his comments, TP didn't really read Judge Walker's ruling, else he would have seen on pg 126:
<cite> Tradition alone, however, cannot form a rational basis
for a law. Williams v Illinois, 399 US 235, 239 (1970). The “ancient lineage” of a classification does not make it rational. Heller, 509 US at 327. Rather, the state must have an interest apart from the fact of the tradition itself.</cite>
Love,
Andrew
42.
Straight Grandmother | August 8, 2010 at 4:47 am
I sure would haved liked to have seen this interview but it won't connct for me probably because I'm in France.
43.
ElsieH | August 8, 2010 at 5:04 am
Straight Grandmere, I do not personally know Dr. Loony Toons Tam but I'm Chinese and live in San Francisco. And because of that I know very well of his methods and how his brand of crazy can persuade people.
For a long time after the trial I was too embarrassed to post here because of his repulsive words.
But I lurk a little less now that the rainbow community here is truly rainbow in all aspects of humanity.
44.
Straight Grandmother | August 8, 2010 at 5:05 am
Sagesee, yeah I am on here wondering the same thing if we will get any updates today on the Florida #FAIL NOM rallies. I don't know Twitter at all so I just googled NOMTweets and the newest one was 12 hours ago. So nothing from their side either.
45.
Ann S. | August 8, 2010 at 5:09 am
Late to the party, but subscribing.
46.
Ann S. | August 8, 2010 at 5:10 am
And Arisha, thank you so much for all you do.
Thank you to Courage Campaign and the entire crew at P8TT for all you do.
47.
Dpeck | August 8, 2010 at 5:11 am
Yes. I the immortal words of Auntie Mame – "How vivid!". I remember a comment from some NOM-ish propaganda about how "the gays were flexing their political muscle". Hee hee.
48.
HunterR. | August 8, 2010 at 5:24 am
Try as Fox as you might…..
Probably you have seen this video but I just watched it and thought it was amazing. Ted Olson on Faux News. You have to wonder, this train is running full power. Not even this pseudo news outlet can run away from the truth! The lawyers in our side are staying right ton the message and dispelling all the myths all this talking heads love to use.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4303147/stars-sound-of…
49.
Straight Grandmother | August 8, 2010 at 5:29 am
No reason at all to lurk previously. Yes we are the Rainbow tribe here, gay, straight, bi,tg all colors of the rainbow. Too bad you don't know him as I have always wondered what the "Dr." stands for. Is he a PhD, if so in what? A physician etc. I think I have read about all of the posts here and no one ever has known what type of PhD he is. My guess is some kind of engineering.
Since you referred to me as gandmere (French for granmother) I'll post something personal and off topic. When our children were young we had my hsuband's mother in France and my mother in the states. We ended up calling them, "Grandma from France" and "Regular Grandma" I always felt my mother got kind of short changed by being the 'Plain old grandma, just regular grandma."
When my daughter's wife was pregnent with the twins they asked us what we wanted to be called, well now that I live here I didn't hesitate, I am now "Grandma from France," my husband wanted the tradational French "Papi." My daughter in law's father didn't want to be outdone so he is Grandpa from Chesapeak, LOL. You know neither of us is allowed to move our our grandkids won't know what to call us, LOL.
Totally OT but kind of interesting maybe to someone. I may be Straight Granmother to you, but to my grandkids I am Grandma from France. So far they can only get out Grandma (barely) but they know it when they hear, "Let's skype Grandma from France" Practically the very first words they both learned was "Papi" and my husband is a bowl of jello when it comes to his grandchildren. We buy them a lot of French baby clothes, well now toddler clothes, and he has his baby store he prefers and I have mine. Seperate stores, how funny is that? We go shopping together then split up and go to our seperate stores and meet up and look at what we each bought our grandkids.
We don't have a lot of disposable income and our one guilty pleasure in life is clothes shopping for our grandkids. I am not kidding our grandkids are the best dressed kids at daycare
My little grandaughter loves the bling and our grandson loves anything with cars or tractors on them. Ahhhh grandchildren, what a joy, a pure joy. Back to your regularly scheduled program…
50.
Chrys | August 8, 2010 at 5:41 am
Arisha, you are doing a marvellous job – the dedication and heart you are showing thoughout this is lovely to behold. I'm very much looking forward to hopefully meeting you in Harrisburg.
And I so wish I could bring you all a home-cooked meal – too bad I'll be driving across PA to get to the rally. You'll be near Hershey, though – do you want some chocolate?
51.
bJason | August 8, 2010 at 5:44 am
@Andrew – AMEN! They keep missing the point that no amount of voters may infringe upon the Constitutional rights of anyone else.
@ Linda – AMEN! I am so frustrated by the the MSM's total lack of calling them out AND holding them to answers. As in "what evidence, presented in court, was ignored?" or "Cite the studies to which you refer".
Where is the defense team in all of this? Why have I not seen them on TV (if someone has please point me to it)?
Thanks to all here!
52.
bJason | August 8, 2010 at 5:47 am
Agreed!
53.
Ray in MA | August 8, 2010 at 5:53 am
Ted did another great job there.
In a way, it was good that Fox asked all the same stupid baseless questions… gave Ted an opp to explain (in his eloquent manner) what the TRUTH is. Good exposure.
54.
bJason | August 8, 2010 at 6:19 am
Arisha, YOU ROCK. Thank you for fighting the fight on the ground for us. The stars will forever shine on you.
Just when I think I have no more tears… watching the Olsen and Boise interviews and knowing that we here are all united in love — No words, should've sent a poet
Tuck and Patti – "Tears of Joy"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a64v6gAKzzo
Lyrics:
I can see the trace that sorrow
Has left upon your face
And being realistic
I know there are some things that
Time just won't erase
But still I'm coming to you gently
And there's one promise I can make
Besides of every tear that sorrrow has left you
Tears of joy will take their place
Tears of joy – hey
Wash you clean
Come on and let them set you free!
Hey sometimes I know life can make you feel
Like you don't know what to do
But once there comes a time when you must settle down
And feel the presence of the one who loves you
Oh yes I'm coming to you gently
And there's one promise I can make
Besides of every tear that sorrrow has left you
Tears of joy will take their place
Tears of joy – hey
Wash you clean
Come on and let them set you free!
If I could fly
I'd fly straight to you
Surround you with my love
You'll be crying tears of joy – yeah
Wash you clean
Come on and let them set you free!
—-
Improvisation:
Come on say, and let those tears set you free
Say come on now you'll be crying tears of joy
Oh tears of joy
You'll be crying tears of – you'll be crying tears of joy
Say joy now joy real joy say tears
Tears of joy yes
You'll be crying tears of joy
Ah – they say that tears can wash you clean
And set you free set you free
You'll be crying tears of joy
I'll surround you with love
You'll be crying tears of joy…
<3 to all of you
Jason
55.
Michael | August 8, 2010 at 6:33 am
Arisha, thank you for all you are doing to advance equality. You have a beautiful heart. Always remember, we shall overcome!
56.
Paul in Minneapolis | August 8, 2010 at 6:47 am
Have to concur about the Scandinavian Mexican food in this part of the country.
I met my husband in grad school at Arizona State University, and we both loved the authentic Mexican food in Arizona.
There are many Mexican immigrants in the Twin Cities, so it is easy to find real, good (and real good!) Mexican food here, but there are still many restaurants that serve Mexican food Norwegian style — not quite the same….
Arisha, thanks for your contributions here — always enjoy reading your entries and watching your interviews! And next time you visit the Twin Cities, look us up; we'll take you to an authentic Mexican restaurant!
57.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 8, 2010 at 7:52 am
Arisha, we will stop at MiCasita's in Fayetteville and bring you some authentic Mexican on Tuesday in Raleigh. Or will that mix well with challah?
58.
Dave in CA | August 8, 2010 at 8:37 am
AND to add to that, a wise strategic move on Olson's part. Conservative Republican lawyer, on a conservative talk show explaining how and why this is constitutional issue, not an activist judge issue.
Remember it's all about the numbers… at least in California, the equality side only needs to move a few pct pts to push the needle from one side to the other.
59.
Greg in OZ | August 8, 2010 at 11:04 am
Arisha,
Late again to the party, but just had to add my word of thanks for all your work.
Your brave confronting of the BB's and Maggie Monsters of this world is amazing. As others here have said, I certianly wouldn't have been able to restrain myself the way that you have.
Lady, you rock!
And as for comment that sometimes you wonder whether you should be doing this or not – personnally, I think that the way you have conducted yourself all this time – with quite dignity and a lot of grace – shows just how well suited to this brave work that you are.
Keep it up – we are ALL grateful for your work and support to the GLBTI community
And just OT, but you know, I've been thinking….(always dangerous that – thinking!)
With all the support that I am seeing here every day from our 'straight allies', I'm beginning to wonder whether GLBTI needs something else – dont know what though – something like GLBTI&SA (str8 allies).
Just a thought….
Greg in Oz
60.
Lesbians Love Boies | August 8, 2010 at 11:09 am
Then it should be GLBTQQIASA so many
61.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 8, 2010 at 11:25 am
Actually, Greg, here on the P8TT site, we have been using the acronym LGBTQQIA–Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Allies. And then there is always the term from way back in the dark ages when I was younger–FAMILY. And that tells me that we need some music. Oh, Ronnie, can you be so kind as to find us some Sister Sledge? Namely, "We ARE FAMILY!"
Thank you, dopty-son!♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
62.
Greg in OZ | August 8, 2010 at 11:31 am
Ahhh….thanks for that Richard. That's an acronym that I've miised here on the lists
.
I was jsut beginning to get concerned that some of our ABSOLUTELY marvelous Str8 Allies might be feeling a bit left out……:-)
Lots o' love
Greg in Oz
63.
Lesbians Love Boies | August 8, 2010 at 11:36 am
Not Ronnie here..but
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjeoOipfiaI
64.
Straight Ally #3008 | August 8, 2010 at 11:43 am
Keep up the wonderful work, Arisha!
65.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 8, 2010 at 11:45 am
Thanks, LLB! And did you notice that the way they were dressed has never really gone out of style? I see outfits like that every day here, and I think they are just gorgeous!
66.
Lesbians Love Boies | August 8, 2010 at 11:52 am
lol Richard. It's one of the songs I have HAD to 'purchase' from iTunes more than once. Every computer you buy you can download your iTunes purchased library (but only 5 or 10 download lifetime.) When you max out you have to purchase again…a shame for my pocket book, but a boost for my library of music : )
67.
Dpeck | August 8, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Ya know, I never used to care for that song much, or any early disco stuff. But the last time I heard that song was on Wednesday evening as it was blasting out of the speakers on the flatbed truck at the front of the procession in SF. I almost never dance. But I was dancing all the way down Market street to city hall. I kinda like that song now.
68.
Gregory in Salt Lake | August 8, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Happy Monday Arisha! Love and Light for the good you bring to this cause and to the world!
69.
Mary | August 9, 2010 at 3:18 am
This is actually for any of the Trackers who will be in Harrisburg on Thursday/Friday. There is a really good, small coffee shop on Third Street called Cafe Luna, not far from the Capitol Building. The owner is a dear, and there is wifi.
There are some wonderful places to eat in Downtown Harrisburg, and in the `burbs, depending on where you are staying.
I hope to be able to say Hello in person on Friday.
Mary
70.
Jeremy | August 10, 2010 at 4:15 am
O/T: I know! How hard is it to cook an egg over easy?!? Yet I've only found one place that can do it like at home… The small joys in life.
Ps. Hi brian, caught quoting the "enemy" again? Immitation IS the sincerest form of flattery, you know.
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