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As NOM’s tour sputters to a finish in nation’s capital, a city celebrates the freedom to marry
August 15, 2010
by Arisha Michelle Hatch
Fifteen minutes after the rally was scheduled to begin in a park between the U.S. Capitol and The Supreme Court, Brian Brown took to the stage to announce that the event will begin in 10 minutes.
“Another bus is on the way,” Brown said to the 44 attendees before him who decided to brave the on and off rain showers here in D.C.
Today, Brown won’t have the heat to blame, but he’s sure to blame it on the rain.
No sight of Maggie Gallagher or Dr. Alveda King just yet. Several news outlets are present. Courage Campaign Founder and Chair Rick Jacobs is being surrounded by reporters right now as he confronts Bishop Harry Jackson, the local majordomo who fought to defeat the legalization of the freedom to marry for same-sex marriage in DC and lost.
Courage Campaign Founder and Chair Rick Jacobs confronting Bishop Harry Jackson
Equality activists are assembled at Freedom Plaza just up Pennsylvania Avenue, across from DC’s City Hall and a few blocks from the White House, where activists are celebrating the earlier win this year of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. There are also several counter-protesters here:
The bus that Brown referenced has finally arrived.
“Bishop Coles brought the calvary,” Brown said as a large African American congregation walked into the rally.
Ten minutes later another stream of about 18 NOM supporters approached with red and white signs reading “Let the People Vote.”
47 counter-protesters are assembled to the side with signs.
Bishop Harry Jackson is now speaking.
UPDATE BY ADAM (11:56 PST): Phyllis has radioed in with a hand-count of 248 equality supporters in Freedom Plaza:
A long line of speakers are now taking the stage, including Will Phillips, the brave young man from Arkansas who drew national media attention for his refusal to say the Pledge of Allegiance until LGBT individuals had full equality.
Will Phillips
Organizers chose Freedom Plaza rather than the U.S. Capitol for many reasons, but one principal reason is to celebrate the recently-won freedom to marry for same-sex couples in DC, and there’s no more appropriate a place than Freedom Plaza, which sits across the street from DC’s City Hall.
UPDATE BY ADAM (12:07 PST): “Let the people vote!” is the chant of choice as Bishop Jackson, who unsuccessfully pushed a lawsuit to force a vote on DC’s new same-sex marriage law, tries to rally the crowds. Fortunately, election law prevents DC’s Human Rights Act, enacted in 1977 to protect people based on, among other classifications, sexual orientation, from being violated by a direct vote of the people (would be that it were the case in other states). Jackson and his cohorts recently lost at DC Superior Court on this issue.
UPDATE BY ADAM (12:12 PST): On that theme, DC Councilmember and straight ally Phil Mendelson, who did a great deal of the legwork in sponsoring the marriage legislation, rounding up the other 10 votes in support of it, and pushed back on the Catholic Diocese’s effort to torpedo the bill, is now speaking at the Freedom Plaza rally:
Photo credit: Erikson Arcaira
UPDATE BY ARISHA (12:16 PST): 53 additional equality supporters just marched to the Capitol to counter-protest. Many are wearing blue shirts with the word “Providence”. They are carrying a large yellow sign reading “Equality Delayed = Equality Denied. We’re Dying”
A counter-protester reads the names of murdered LGBT individuals as the police escort the group away from the NOM rally.
UPDATE BY ADAM (12:19 PST): More photos rolling in from Phyllis of equality supporters as the speaking program continues:
Michael Crawford from Freedom to Marry, a co-sponsor of NOMTourTracker.com
UPDATE BY ADAM (12:27 PST): Checking over reports in from friends and colleagues over Twitter. Reports of civil rights activist Walter Fauntroy’s speech are rolling in from the Capitol. Here’s what Courage Campaign Founder and Chair Rick Jacobs tweeted:
Walter Fauntroy: as a political scientist, I don’t believe in using wedge issues. Here he is using one.
AMERICABlog’s Joe Sudbay notes the presence of many Catholic priests at the NOM rally. Here in DC, the Catholic Diocese was a major opponent of the Marriage Equality Act under the guise that it would force them to offer equal benefits to spouses of their employees, when in reality DC law already did that. He also noted, accurately:
Stopped over at the NOM rally. What a difference. This event is based on hate and anger.
UPDATE BY ADAM (12:48 PST): It’s the NOMTourTracker.com’s Phyllis Lozano, putting down the camera and picking up the microphone to speak at today’s Freedom Plaza rally! Woo Phyllis!
Photo credit: Freedom to Marry
Phyllis is speaking about her experiences on this summer tour. If you missed her moving reflection piece last night- “Reflections on the NOM tour: The Front lines of loss, then equality”- you can read it here.
UPDATE BY ARISHA (12:53 PST): We’ve heard from a slew of energetic African American pastors.
Dr. Alveda King was on the speaking list, but she didn’t make it to D.C. Instead, NOM played a 2 minute pre-recorded message from her.
NOM is now having energetic gospel singers perform.
UPDATE BY ADAM (1:06 PST): Here’s Ronnie who you may know from the comments at the Freedom Plaza rally, with one of the most creative signs I’ve seen yet on tour!
And speaking of creative, I too bet NOM doesn’t have rainbow snow cones at their rally 
Photo credit: Freedom to Marry
UPDATE BY ADAM (1:20 PST): For those of you in DC, don’t forget, we’ll be holding an official NOM Tour Tracker party after the rally on Sunday afternoon in DC, in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. If you’re at Freedom Plaza, you could either cab/carpool; hop on the Red Line at the nearby Metro Center to Dupont Circle and walk a few blocks; or take a nice long walk north, probably 30 minutes or so. Details below. I’ll be checking out and heading over in awhile. Hope to meet many of you there!
Sunday, August 15th, 5-7 PM
NOM Tour Tracker End of Tour Celebration
Annie’s Paramount Steak House
Upstairs
1609 17th Street Northwest (between Q and R)
Metro: Dupont Circle, Q street exit
(202) 232-0395
Filed under: NOM Tour Tracker,Right-wing
Having technical problems? E-mail prop8trial AT couragecampaign DOT org for assistance!
211 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
AndrewPDX | August 15, 2010 at 4:54 am
W00T…
Arisha, Anthony, Jethro, Phyllis: you guys are my heroes!
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Andrew
2.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 4:56 am
Even Bishop Jackson couldn't compel a larger crowd than this. Outstanding!
3.
Aya | August 15, 2010 at 4:57 am
Wasn't there something like 400 FB RSVPs to "The Big Commit" or is that taking place later and elsewhere?
4.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 4:57 am
They are restricting themselves, so far, to marriage equality. None of the raving anti-gay religious rhetoric.
5.
Father Scott West | August 15, 2010 at 4:58 am
Too bad you didn't have someone who could argue the bible .
The suppositions that right wing Christians make about Sodom and Gommorah are from a flawed translation.
This should be argued too.
Unless you rebutt their claims they are going to continue looking like martys
6.
JC (one of the CA 18 | August 15, 2010 at 4:59 am
Yes, thank you for watching what I just learned I could not…. Too nauseating for me. But I truly appreciate your bearing witness and reporting it to us!
7.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 5:01 am
How far apart are these rallies?
Anybody know?
I wonder if our side will march to the NOM site or not?
I hope so.
THANKS ARISHA ofr what he have so far.
8.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 5:07 am
Pictures from the Marriage Equality rally (248 in attendance) updated above.
9.
Mackenzie | August 15, 2010 at 5:07 am
Well I must say I have had more fun following this pathetic train wreck that was the NOM tour, than most anything else this summer. It gives me great confidence watching these people from across the eastern half of the US stand up for marriage equality even in the conservative states. H8T will eventually die out, and I feel honored to be around to witness what will soon be equality for all of us!
10.
karen in kalifornia | August 15, 2010 at 5:09 am
Thanks to all equality supporters today in Washington DC.
11.
Ķĭŗîļĺę& | August 15, 2010 at 5:09 am
Well, the hate-tour is over. Finally.
Congratulations, people!
They actually helped us more than they hurt us.
IMHGO
12.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 5:16 am
Irony. Fauntroy is (justifiably) claiming credit for fighting to end apartheid in South Africa. Of course, South Africa now has marriage equality…. hmmmmm.
13.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:20 am
Hi, Will Phillips! So glad to see you're there! Kudos to Rick for taking on Jackson. (BIG HUGS)
14.
AndrewPDX | August 15, 2010 at 5:22 am
Okay… let's see if we can predict how Brian (hi Brian) do some NOM math here…
First, start with 44 NOM supporters, add 18 late commers (wait, they were fashionably late… are we sure they're on NOM's side? oh, well, we need the numbers so yeah)… so… carry the one… 62… multiply by 2.1 because we have Jebus on our side and one lady is pregnant… um… so, yeah, that's 125… yeah. Oh, wait… 12 of these are really our staff — but because they've been with us for the entire ride, they count as 4 each… so, that's 141.
Then, 47 equality fighters protesting… another 248 at their own rally… um… take off the shoes… 295… but because they're 2nd class citizens, they only count for half… so, 147… What? that can't be right… even with my fancy NOM math, they still outnumbered us?
It's a good thing we had over 200 people viewing online… wait, what do you mean, most of them were from the Prop8TrialTracker group?!
15.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 5:23 am
More updates above
16.
Joel | August 15, 2010 at 5:23 am
I have another question for the legal eagles:
The U.S. Government recognizes marriages performed by some clergy but not by others. Isn't this a clear breach of the establishment clause of the first amendment?
17.
Felyx | August 15, 2010 at 5:23 am
A Note on the Bible:
Kevyn and I have recently sent a check to the publisher of Daniel Helminiak's book WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY SAYS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY in order to get the rights to translate it into Russian!!!
We are doing our part to educate minds and change hearts around the world!
Anyone who would like to help support us in this feel free to contact us on Facebook or email us. We would like to promote REAL scholarship on this issue!
Felyx & Kevyn
18.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:24 am
Do I understand Jackson is advocating for ending employment discrimination for glbt people – as in voting for ENDA? Apparently, he didn't get his comments approved by NOM.
19.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 5:25 am
What is this fool talking about?
20.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:26 am
Marriages by what clergy aren't recognized?
21.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:36 am
My bf, who's having the audio of this rant imposed on him asks, "do they not see the irony of their claim that they're the ones standing for civil rights?"
And here we go — Procreation – Preserve the Species.
Now: No more backward thinking. Get rid of hatred in the world! Don't let the gay marriage issue divert attention from the serious issues in the world!
My head hurts trying to keep track of what which side they're arguing. LOL
22.
Joel | August 15, 2010 at 5:37 am
I really wish these nimrods would come west of the Mississippi. I know that Vegas is considered the corner of Murder and Homophobia, but we could get all the showboys and girls out to counter-protest in a truly spectacular fashion ( fashion being the key word…)
23.
Kate | August 15, 2010 at 5:37 am
Did Brian really say that the bishop brought the "calvary" and not the "cavalry"????
24.
Teddy Partridge | August 15, 2010 at 5:40 am
THANK YOU!!!
Can't be there, this commentary and these photos are simply wonderful, THANK YOU.
25.
Alan E. | August 15, 2010 at 5:41 am
I just love Will's big cheesy grin. It looks so natural and not deceptive at all. Keep on smiling!
26.
Kate | August 15, 2010 at 5:42 am
Don't forget about all the procreation possibilites. Count those, too; that will make thousands for NOM!
27.
Joel | August 15, 2010 at 5:43 am
For example, a Rabbi in Missouri is perfectly happy to officiate a wedding of a gay Jewish couple. The state and the federal governments won't recognize this particular marriage, but will recognize the opposite sex couple marriages that the Rabbi performs, and will recognize all the marriages that the SB minister down the street performs.
28.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:49 am
Now we're getting a canned message from "Dr" Alveda King. She's might be spending more time giving her "credentials" than she is her "testimony."
And her usual "human extinction" warnings. Do these people really think people are going to stop having babies? Listening to them reiterate this fear makes it sound like ss marriage is going to make os procreation illegal.
Now Brian comparing himself with protesters against the slave trade and MLK. Retch. Retch.
29.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:50 am
Prolly.
30.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:52 am
The old "Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve" chestnut got BIG applause. I wish they were at least a little wittier, it might be more fun to listen to them.
31.
Rightthingtodo TX | August 15, 2010 at 5:52 am
Please remember to use quotes when referring to "Bishop" Harry Jackson.
32.
Dave in CA | August 15, 2010 at 5:55 am
Awww, shoot – the tour is over, and I came up with one last question for Brian (or Maggie) —
If Judge Walker's stay on overturning Prop 8 is lifted on Wed Aug 18, effective at 5pm, will I be required to have a same-sex marriage in California?
33.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:57 am
As to the feds, they're willing to recognize any marriage that is considered valid in the couple's state of residence EXCEPT those of same-sex couples because of DOMA. DOMA is completely neutral on the question of religion, so there is no legal argument about religious freedom.
It's clear to me that DOMA is unconstitutional for other reasons, but legal challenges are only just starting — and so far, so good.
34.
Joel | August 15, 2010 at 5:57 am
And who created Steve, anyway?
35.
Kate | August 15, 2010 at 5:58 am
Of course! That will be the only kind allowed, remember, because theirs are being destroyed by Walker.
36.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 5:59 am
Now they're chanting "Let the People Vote" to a nice beat set by some gospel singing duo. And they're calling for dancing. PLEASE let me see all the 70 year old white guys dance. It's bound to be the most entertaining part of the event.
37.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 6:00 am
Yes! And no straight people will be allowed to ever procreate again. The end is nigh!
38.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 6:04 am
Thank you for the running commentaty it is my only source apart from what CC is posting in their articles.
39.
Trish | August 15, 2010 at 6:06 am
The State issues marriage licenses without any recognition of whether there will or will not be a religious ceremony performed by clergy. The State does not recognize any marriage performed by clergy unless the State has already issued a marriage license.
The religious institution or lack thereof performing the ceremony is entirely irrelevant to the State's marriage license and the State's recognition of marriage.
40.
Kate | August 15, 2010 at 6:07 am
I heard a caller on KGO the other night say that God is punishing the world by "taking away the sperm" from men because of marriage equality. She said that's why there is a reduced sperm count happening all over the country right now.
41.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 6:07 am
I just learned that only "real people" understand what they're saying.
42.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 6:07 am
I think it's the result of all their nickers getting in a twist.
43.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 6:08 am
I actually like a lot of gospel music, but these people make it sound like trusting and loving god is really painful – and they're experiencing it right now.
44.
adambink | August 15, 2010 at 6:10 am
Ronnie from the comments and his sign posted above, holla
45.
Shannon | August 15, 2010 at 6:15 am
"What The Bible Really Says About Homosexuality" by David A. Helminiak Ph.d. is OUTSTANDING. I grew up in and church and can hold my ground when it comes to debating the Bible. This is a great tool.
46.
Kate | August 15, 2010 at 6:15 am
Heck, even if they were right and we were wrong, I'd still rather be us. We just plain have more fun at our rallies!
47.
Felyx | August 15, 2010 at 6:16 am
Sorry but I just have too… LOL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUspLVStPbk
48.
TPAKyle | August 15, 2010 at 6:17 am
There were a hundred or more video stream watchers, ALL P8TT and pro-equality.
Watch them all be considered NOM supporters when the final tally is complete.
49.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 6:18 am
Ronnie!!!!!! How great to see you and a WONDERFUL sign!
50.
Kate | August 15, 2010 at 6:18 am
And our signs are lots better, too.
51.
Dave in CA | August 15, 2010 at 6:20 am
Oh… my brother and sister-in-law were planning a late summer visit to CA next month. I should probably warn them to be ready to hand over their marriage certificate once they cross the state line. Wouldn't want to have to bail them out of jail for having an illegal hetero-sex marriage.
52.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 6:22 am
Yay, Monty Python.
53.
Kate | August 15, 2010 at 6:24 am
Absolutely, Dave. The bug stations at the borders will now ask for hetero marriage licenses instead of illegal fruit…..
54.
AndrewPDX | August 15, 2010 at 6:27 am
Personally, I believe that is why God made us Gay (and made you wonderful Straight Allies with hearts and brains)… it is the corrupt religious types — like "Bishop" Harry Jackson and Fred Phelps and Anita Bryant and Larry the Noose and all that — who have injured the world.
God has called upon the LBGT community to heal it — or at least give it a pedicure and new curtains if the haters have already poisoned Mother Earth too badly.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Andrew
55.
Bolt | August 15, 2010 at 6:29 am
Hi everyone, and happy Sunday to you all! Thank you to all of the tour trackers. We would be in the dark without you.
56.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 6:29 am
Aw gee and they didn't even have the preachers that pray in tongues????????????????? I so miss that in their repertoire…
57.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 6:31 am
"Larry the Noose"
ha ha ha
Sounds like a mafia name, Larry the Noose.
58.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 6:32 am
I agree that the healing that needs to be done is from the bigotry and hatred they exhibit. This bit from the rally is just more of the double-speak that is at the core of their message.
59.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 6:32 am
So they finally resorted to busing people in. This on top of their virtual audience, which was mostly P8TT'ers means that for the first time, BB will be able to say they has over 100 supporters at their last gasp for breath. we got home from my mother-in-law's too late to see the live video stream, so I still don't know if BB has washed his hair. Sorry, BB, but the tube of Brylcreem look is SO 50"s!
60.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 6:33 am
Ronnie! You are such a stud muffin. So happy to see your pic and your sign. Honeslty you are very studly (studley?).
61.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 6:33 am
Note to self: Click button, type comment, submit.
62.
Ray in MA | August 15, 2010 at 6:34 am
"Many are wearing blue shirts with the word “Providence”. "
Providence is mostly known as the capital of RI.
However, there is a dictionary meaning:
Main Entry: prov·i·dence
Pronunciation: ˈprä-və-dən(t)s, -ˌden(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin providentia, from provident-, providens
Date: 14th century
1 a often capitalized : divine guidance or care b capitalized : God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny
2 : the quality or state of being provident
Is this an expression of our destiny? or an expression fro RI?
63.
Ray in MA | August 15, 2010 at 6:35 am
Go GET'EM Ronzie!!!
64.
Ann S. | August 15, 2010 at 6:45 am
Woo, Will Phillips! What a kid!
65.
draNgNon | August 15, 2010 at 6:46 am
hey everyone. off topic, but have you seen Frank Rich's editorial in the NYT today?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/opinion/15rich….
this paragraph caught my eye
Much has been said about the triumph of the odd-couple legal team, the former Bush v. Gore adversaries Ted Olson and David Boies, who opposed Prop 8 in court. But of equal significance is the high-powered lawyer on the other side, Charles Cooper. He was named one of the 10 best civil litigators in Washington in the same National Law Journal list that included Olson and, in his pre-Supreme Court incarnation, John Roberts. Yet, as Judge Walker made clear in his 136-page judgment, Cooper, for all his talent and efforts, couldn’t find facts to support his argument that full civil marital rights for same-sex couples would harm the institution of marriage, children or anyone else. Cooper only managed to summon two “expert” witnesses. In the judge’s determination, one undermined his credibility by giving testimony contradicting his own opinions while the other provided “evidence” rendered worthless by its lack of scientific methodology or even fundamental peer-review vetting.
read the editorial though, it's beautiful for other reasons
66.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 6:47 am
And he took Woody with him too, so the DC rally will have its own "killer chihuahua", LOL!
67.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 6:51 am
Отлично, Феликс! Я надеюсь, что когда-то скоро люди везде могут женится кому-небудь хотят!
(Hope that's right — my Russian is a bit rusty.)
I've recently met some Russian Baptists here in Knoxville (one of them worked with my wife on one of her rotations), and we had a couple over to dinner on Friday. They're a sweet young couple, not terribly well educated except in conservative interpretations of the Bible. I planted a seed with them, talking about how Peter's dream in Acts abolished the Levitical requirements about food, clothing, shaving one's temples and so forth… and asked why the requirements about sexuality were any different. I didn't push too hard, because I don't want to alienate these folks, but I hope that I may have begun to show them that there are other ways of interpreting the Bible.
68.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 6:57 am
That's true — however, it's worth noting that the NOMbies consistently use religious justifications for their attempts to control secular law, and in so doing regularly ignore religious groups which support marriage equality. They believe that Christians who oppose marriage equality should be listened to, and Christians who support it should be ignored (because we're not "real" Christians). The same goes for Jews who oppose or support marriage equality. (And it goes without saying that in NOM's book, Wiccans, pagans, atheists and agnostics have no right to speak about morality.)
69.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 6:58 am
Oh, dear.
Perhaps they plan to martyr themselves. Not sure how that would work, though…
70.
Tim in Sonoma | August 15, 2010 at 6:59 am
Yes Ronnie! Nice to see you! I wish I could have been there as well!! Thank You for being there.
Brian and Maggie I would like to extend my deep sorrow for the low turnout at each of your rally's. I know you had great asparations and spent so much time and other peoples money! I'm so sorry your vacation of hate has come to an end!
On the otherhand I would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU for the huge success your tour was for Gay marriage and it's supporters. It brought thousands of us together, we made new friends and ally's ! Its was a huge success for us!
And who knows, you may have even brought together another loveing couple that met at one of our counter rally's. One more successful gay marriage due to your tour.
Thank you for helping bring the lgbt community together even stronger!
Again sorry for low turn out, but if you add all our counter protesters to your count, that makes for better numbers. Cheers!
P.S. Good riddence Prop 8!!
71.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 7:00 am
So, since it sounds like nonsense to us, does that mean we're imaginary? I'm confused…
72.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 7:00 am
This is true, Josiah. The NOmbies are also very good at ignoring the fact that the laws in Leviticus were primarily aimed at the Levitical priesthood. Hence the title of the book being Leviticus. And to tell you the truth, until I fell in love with a rabbi, I did not even know this, so I can only assume that maybe they don't know it either. Unless they do know it and just choose to ignore that fact because it doesn't fit in with their extremely limited and antiquated world view.
73.
Cat | August 15, 2010 at 7:01 am
That is a great article indeed. I liked another quote too:
Most of those who do argue for denying marriage equality to gay couples are now careful to say that they really, really like gay people. This, like the states’-rights argument, is a replay of the battle over black civil rights. Eric Foner, the pre-eminent historian of Reconstruction, recalled last week via e-mail how Strom Thurmond would argue in the early 1960s “that segregation benefited blacks and whites and had nothing to do with racism” — as if inequality were O.K. as long as segregationists pushing separate-but-equal “compromises” claimed their motives were pure.
74.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 7:05 am
I understood Joel's question to be why there wasn't a legal argument about religious freedom. I think that was what Trish and I were responding to.
I agree that it is important to discuss this question in the public debate. First, it gets away from this notion that somehow the fight for marriage equality is a battle between the religious and non-religious. Secondly, it is sometimes easier for people who have deeply held religious beliefs to understand the civil law arguments if they can be framed around the right to practice one's own religion.
But, as a matter of law, there really isn't really an establishment or free exercise argument, given that the marriage laws are completely neutral as to religion.
75.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 7:05 am
Now for the big question:
Brian, Maggie, can you explain just what your definition of "real people" is, exactly? How much more real do I have to be in order to stop you from trying to harm me with your hate and your bigotry, both of which are wrapped in a very threadbare shroud of "G-d's Love"?
76.
Ray in MA | August 15, 2010 at 7:05 am
Hi Tim,
Yes: It brought thousands of us together, we made new friends and ally’s !
Based just on the PP8TT alone, we exponentialy our connections and friends because of that Big Bus from Hell.
Their tour was actually a good thing!
77.
Ray in MA | August 15, 2010 at 7:06 am
oops "exponentialy increased" !!!
78.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 7:08 am
Of course, these types are also the ones who are most likely to say "you can't pick and choose what you're going to obey in the Bible", not realizing that they're doing exactly that.
79.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 7:14 am
(My comment above was replying to Richard, not Kathleen. Kathleen, I agree that freedom of religion doesn't come into the legal aspect, but it does affect the "hearts and minds" aspect of the public debate.)
80.
Trish | August 15, 2010 at 7:20 am
How do they know the rapture hasn't already happened?
81.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 7:23 am
@Josiah. Yes, you are perfectly right about that. In fact, one of our posters consistently reminds the NOMbies about the laws against eating shellfish, wearing clothing made of a mixture of wool and linen (these are the two that are not to be mixed, nothing said about mixing say, cotton and linen, or cotton and wool. Just can't mix wool and linen), no sex during the woman's menstrual flow, etc. But according to them, those are the laws that were fulfilled at the Crucifixion. They are also very conveniently forgetting the fact that most of the Pauline doctrine that they use to justify their discrimination against us Paul himself stated was not from Rabbi Yoshua ben Yosef, but was his own opinion on a matter. But that is to be expected from those who want to take a repeatedly mistranslated, misinterpreted text and cherry pick it out of context and be selective literalists about that same text.
82.
Tim in Sonoma | August 15, 2010 at 7:28 am
Hi Ray !!
83.
Paul in Minneapolis | August 15, 2010 at 7:36 am
What would the NOMskulls do if the people voted FOR marriage equality? It's gonna happen some day….
84.
Kate | August 15, 2010 at 7:37 am
NOMskulls. I love it.
85.
Paul in Minneapolis | August 15, 2010 at 7:38 am
Ronnie — your sign is AWESOME!!!!!!!!
86.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 7:38 am
Hi, Ray! And let's not forget this wonderful family that has sprung up here on P8TT that is global in its reach. I wonder if we will ever know the total number of people worldwide who have been galvanized into standing up for equality for all regardless of who you are and who you love?
87.
Jason | August 15, 2010 at 7:38 am
Hi Ronnie!!!!!
88.
Ann S. | August 15, 2010 at 7:40 am
Speaking of global, I just saw an article about huge pro-equality rallies in Australia.
Be right back . . .
89.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 7:40 am
I agree with Paul! Ronnie, your sign is awesome!!!♥♥♥♥♥♥
90.
Felyx | August 15, 2010 at 7:40 am
Иосия, салют. Someday soon for sure. Keep your eye on our Facebook page. As soon as we get permission to translate Daniel's book, and then actually translate it, you will have more ammunition to give to those who could use some scholarly edjumakation.
Love from Felyx and Kevyn
91.
Ann S. | August 15, 2010 at 7:41 am
Here we are, huge pro-equality rallies down under:
http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/5756/Austra…
92.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 7:42 am
That is why Brian has now started trying to convince people that NOM can help get an amendment to the Constitution. That is the only way to keep the cash coming in long enough to pay his house off and put his six children through college.
93.
truthspew | August 15, 2010 at 7:43 am
Thanks for the updates on these events. I've excerpted the part about the DC Councilman to use in my analysis of why we don't see legislative action here in RI regarding full equality.
94.
Joel | August 15, 2010 at 7:56 am
Personally, SG, I would like to see the snakes…
95.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 8:08 am
Here's another great article — this from Linda Hirshman, "The conservative defense of marriage as protection for women is utterly unconvincing" http://www.slate.com/id/2263346
96.
AndrewPDX | August 15, 2010 at 8:11 am
ROFL!!
I love the line "<cite>Prop 8 defenders were thoroughly Boiesed (a new verb meaning to have your groundless assertions subjected to merciless cross examination by lawyer David Boies)</cite>"
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Andrew
97.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 8:15 am
P8TTer Elizabeth Oakes commented on my facebook page, "being "Vaughned" is when your groundless assertions are called out as being BS, in writing!" and added her hope that Proponents will soon be short-Circuited.
98.
Tracy | August 15, 2010 at 8:39 am
Doesn't Bishop Harry Jackson realize that without the courts stepping in, it would be legal in California today to discriminate against black people in the sale of your home? The people of California once voted on — and passed — such an initiative. Are you sure you want the people to have ALL the power, Harry? Are you sure that YOUR rights are safe in their hands?
99.
Paul in Minneapolis | August 15, 2010 at 8:40 am
Yes, let's amend the federal constitution — to guarantee the freedom for everyone to marry the person of their choice regardless of gender!
I saw an article on Advocate.com about intersex people (who are surprisingly more common than I realized). Curious, I followed their link to an intersex advocacy website, where I discovered in the FAQs a question about how intersex issues relate to same-sex marriage.
Since the concept of gender isn't necessarily straightforward for intersex individuals, the ability to marry the person of one's choice is of as much importance and concern to the intersex community as it is to the GLBT community. I'd never really thought about it until I visited the website, but it's one more argument in favor of marriage equality for all.
100.
rf | August 15, 2010 at 8:41 am
Tracy, that little fact has no bearing on his ability to collect money and influence people today.
101.
Paul in Minneapolis | August 15, 2010 at 8:55 am
You've been seeing them all along; NOM featured them as speakers on their tour….
102.
Adam | August 15, 2010 at 8:56 am
Based on past hpyerbole, he will say "it was a veritable million man march! — by conservative estimates"
103.
Tracy | August 15, 2010 at 8:57 am
True – it's just sickening to see his hypocritical rant about freedom … the people should be "free" to vote to take away the freedom of others. Yuk.
104.
Dpeck | August 15, 2010 at 9:16 am
Well, it's now about 7 PM in D.C. and the Trial Tracker End-of-Tour celebration may be winding down (or maybe not, feel free to party on!). So I just wanted to take a moment to send my thanks to everyone who has been involved with the tour tracking and let you all know how much I appreciate what you have been doing for all of us. Thank you all very, very much.
105.
BrianT | August 15, 2010 at 9:33 am
So….
Did anyone go to the ice cream social?
106.
AndrewPDX | August 15, 2010 at 9:34 am
@Paul in Minneapolis
were NOM's featured speakers snakes or snake-oil-salemen? or both?
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Andrew
107.
Paul in Minneapolis | August 15, 2010 at 9:38 am
@AndresPDX
Both. Definitely both!
108.
Paul in Minneapolis | August 15, 2010 at 9:39 am
Er, AndrewPDX (I can usually type….)
109.
Ray in MA | August 15, 2010 at 9:39 am
Ann S. Thanx for Australlia link… here's about Japan… (not as encouraging)
http://www.queerty.com/why-did-tokyo-abandon-its-…
110.
Ray in MA | August 15, 2010 at 9:41 am
Australlia / Japan / now Costa Rica… Around the World in 80 Gays…
http://www.queerty.com/costa-rica-wont-let-all-th…
111.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 9:43 am
Yes, I agree with Paul. They were definitely both. You see, the snake in the grass and the snake oil salesman is usually the same one, just in different costumes, depending upon what the task of the day is.
112.
Joel | August 15, 2010 at 9:48 am
I've seen so many "adieu" messages in these last few blogs. I'm hoping it's not an indication that the Trial Tracker is shutting down! I've learned more, laughed more, and felt more included and validated following everyone's incredible experiences. I've also cried more than once (okay, more than a dozen times) reading about people's personal experiences, some of which mirror my own. My sister was shut out by her partner's family when her partner died of cancer. She had no access at all, and had to organize her own memorial so she could have, at least, partial closure. I'm happy as a clam that I've found my beloved Mark, but my life might have been much different if I could have sponsored my partner for citizenship when I lived in Japan ( we were together for ten of the seventeen years I lived in Japan).
So thanks everyone, for being my extended family. Please stay tuned, and please keep the posts coming.
Shalom
113.
Ray in MA | August 15, 2010 at 9:51 am
Well here's one more noodle for the end of the weekend…
FOX news poll … did all you PP8TT's throw off this poll? or is there fresh air blowin' in the wind?
Yes — Prop. 8 violates the Constitution: 72%
No — Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman. I don't care what the judge thinks about the Constitution. 24%
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/08/04/decide-…
Total Votes: 342,305
Stick that up your nose O'Reilly.
114.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 9:57 am
Joel, the only thing coming to a close is the NOM tour and the Tour Tracker. The Trial Tracker continues and I'm hoping we'll find a way to keep this online community together even when the trial comes to an end.
Posts have definitely slowed this Sunday evening. I'm guessing everyone is just getting a little rest after the flurry of activity with the NOM tour and all the happenings around the trial. I know I am.
I'm sure we'll all be back full strength tomorrow with Proponents' reply to the stay objection due at 9am and then we'll be on "stay decision" watch, hoping marriages can resume this week!
115.
Ray in MA | August 15, 2010 at 9:59 am
Joel… I have a high empathy problem… I felt your comments.
Japan for all those years!!! Wow! I spent a month in Tokyo on business years ago… I loved it there… like a whole different world! People were so respectful of one another… they would whisper to each other on the subway… in the airport there were hundreds of people and you could hear a pin drop.
116.
Dpeck | August 15, 2010 at 9:59 am
I ain't gone nowhere (hi Joel!). In fact I'll take this opportunity to confirm my comitment to keep doing what I can to get equal marriage rights for ALL of us. A lot of things are changing right now, with the NOM tour ending and with the ruling on the stay due in just a few more days. It may be a little unclear at the moment if my future involvement will be donating money, volunteering, or what, but I'll certainly be just as involved as I have been in the past. And I sure don't plan to disappear from this site. You kidding? I'd miss you guys too much.
117.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 10:00 am
No, Joel, this site is not going anywhere. As Rick has often said, there is too much already invested in this site and this family emotionally to shut it down. There is also the fact that we really don't know if the case is finished or not, and the fact of the Testimony portion of the site. And there is also the Prop 8 Trial Trackers group on FB, so we will also be able to keep in touch that way. And I am sure that this site and this family will continue to grow as other cases related to civil rights continue to come before the courts.
118.
AndrewPDX | August 15, 2010 at 10:01 am
Moi? *bats eyelashes innocently* I only voted once. I swear
Reading the comments (yeah, I know it's a bad idea) the majority of the comments were actually supportive — and they don't sound like Richard or Ronnie or Kathleen or StraightGrandmother's typical writing either.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Andrew
119.
Joel | August 15, 2010 at 10:03 am
A FOX news poll? SHUT UP! What's next? Polygamy? Beastiality? Child Brides? Oh right, all traditional marriages (one of the Roman emperors married his horse, right?)
I think the world, as we know it, is coming to an end when FUX news can't even get their viewers to answer a poll correctly!
120.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 10:03 am
And I would miss my family here too much also. And that includes you, Dpeck.
Speaking of missing folks, has anyone heard anything from David Kimble lately?
121.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 10:09 am
Actually, it wouldn't let me leave a comment because I wasn't signed in. But I only voted once. However, the link to the poll was spread all over facebook, so wwe had a HUGE number of non P8TT supporters who voted in this, mainly to show Faux News the way real people feel about this.
122.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 10:10 am
re David Kimble.
No, and I've sent him a couple of messages. The last time he posted on his facebook page was almost two weeks ago. I'm worried.
123.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 10:12 am
I think I will call. I have his number where he called the last time he was missing and came back.
124.
Joel | August 15, 2010 at 10:18 am
No no No! I want REAL snakes, with forked tongues, hissing and spitting venom.
Oh wait.
"Don't bother, there here"
(Apologies to Stephen Sondheim)
125.
James Tuttle | August 15, 2010 at 10:20 am
Hey Ronnie, COOL!!! It is always so nice to be able to attach names to faces after reading comments for so long. There are so many people here I would love to see what they look like. =-)
126.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 10:31 am
Just spoke with David Kimble. He is still with us, just right now not feeling up to being online as much as he was previously. He did ask me to tell everyone hello, and to thank everyone for their concern. Let us all keep him in our thoughts, and for those who pray, let's keep David in prayer.
127.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 10:32 am
But… we aren't real people, Richard! A NOM speaker said so!
128.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 10:36 am
Thanks for getting in touch with David and letting us know, Richard. I've been worried.
129.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 10:38 am
Just curious, the guy in the video — what was his thing about the Titanic? Is that somehow also the fault of teh gayz?
130.
Anna Bryan | August 15, 2010 at 10:44 am
Um. NOM just tweeted that 300 people showed up for their rally and only 100 for the marriage equality rally. Tourtrackers take?
131.
Greg in OZ | August 15, 2010 at 10:46 am
subbing (late again!)
132.
Greg in OZ | August 15, 2010 at 10:48 am
and again….tick the box….tick the box…….
133.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 10:51 am
It's hard to count straight when you're spinning that fast.
btw, Brian also isn't sure which century we're in (referenced the Civil Rights Movement from the middle of "this century.")
134.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 10:52 am
Hi, Greg. Saw the video of the pro-equality rallies from down under. Were any of them near you?
135.
Dave in CA | August 15, 2010 at 11:02 am
One of those religious tract handouts that the fundies like to pass around uses the Titanic as a lesson about God's punishment of hedonism. Maybe that guy was passing out one of those.
136.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 11:04 am
Ahhh. That would make sense.
137.
Greg in OZ | August 15, 2010 at 11:07 am
Unfortunately no Kathleen.
I didn't end up being able to go to the rally in Melbourne – just couldn't make it.
The really frustrating thing is that none of the rallies really got much MSM attention. A few news outlets commented on them – but just the same ones as usual.
Greg in Oz
138.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 11:09 am
Or as someone else here suggested, maybe they're including all the people that will result from their procreating.
139.
Ann S. | August 15, 2010 at 11:13 am
I can't remember now which post had the video of Maggie (hi, Maggie! Hi, Louis and Brian!) spouting about how much she wants to take away all the rights of gays and lesbians. Somehow I never saw that one. Can anyone point me to it? (Yup, glutton for punishment.)
140.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 11:13 am
Then I guess the NOMbies would say it is only an imaginary headache I got this morning when I accidentally turned the ceiling fan on again while trying to reattach the chain where the connector came loose when I turned it off. Just goes to show how much they really DON;t know. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
141.
Anthony in CA | August 15, 2010 at 11:14 am
So how many nom supporters showed up? It didn't say.
142.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 11:15 am
So had I. David said he has been keeping up with the posts, but has not really been up to making comments. And he asked that we keep up the good fight.
143.
rf | August 15, 2010 at 11:24 am
that poll was posted all over the glbt blogs. the results mean nothing. but i like that its still accessible on their website. thats progress!
144.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 11:28 am
Counting the 18 they bused in from PA, they had about 62. The count that is in the post above said 44, but that was while they were still waiting for the bus to show up. And the bus had 18 on it. Everybody else was at Freedom Park with us, because it was more fun over there. I wish I could have been there. Oh, well, Nobody can ever take away my memories of Raleigh!
145.
Anthony in CA | August 15, 2010 at 11:29 am
Sweet ty =]
146.
rf | August 15, 2010 at 11:30 am
The NOM bus, The Coles bus, the 18 people that walked up. take each group and round up to the nearest 100.
300!
147.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 11:35 am
I try. After all, we are family here.
148.
Anna Bryan | August 15, 2010 at 12:03 pm
ROFL! I didn't know you could count potential supporters. Brilliant!
149.
Mark M | August 15, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Most of us aren't going anywhere Joel
150.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Either that, or they added those of us from P8TT who were watching the video feed. Or the group at Freedom Park. There were 246 of us there.
151.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 12:15 pm
I wrote here before, that all of NOM and co.'s messaging is based on two stereotypes: 'traditional marriage' and 'the homosexual'. Both archaic, circa 1960, and out of touch with reality.
The third stereotype is of course 'We are a Christian nation'. Add together the Catholics, the LDS and the Southern Baptists, and they are 'the majority'. They are 'we the people', and 'we the people' believe in one-man-one-woman. Not so, and out of touch with reality, but if they keep on saying it, it must be true.
152.
Sheryl | August 15, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I think it is not the we don't understand what they are saying, it is that we don't agree with what they are saying because it makes no sense. Or, is he saying if we were real people it would make sense to us. Guess I just joined the "not real people" group. Does that mean we can tell the government that "according to NOM we are not real people" and, as such, we don't owe taxes? Think not.
153.
Sheryl | August 15, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I'm sure that NOM sees it as an expression from RI.
154.
Sheryl | August 15, 2010 at 12:55 pm
I, too, hope this on-line community will continue. I was thinking that it would be nice if the site could be extended to update us on what is happening around the US with regard to lawsuits and proposed laws in other states in regard to equality for the LGBT community.
Sheryl, Mormon mother with a wonderful son who just happens to be gay
155.
Sheryl | August 15, 2010 at 1:03 pm
But, that means that all of those Prop 8 supporters didn't get the message out to vote in the poll. Which shows a lack of committment on the part of the Prop 8 supporters, which is, imho, a good thing.
156.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 1:10 pm
They’re praying that god will “heal the land” of the “one nation under god.”
157.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Aww, they just announced it’s over.
And the rapture STILL isn’t here. I was so hoping.
158.
Anonygrl | August 15, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Hi guys! I just got home from DC (you can see me in the back of Ronnie's picture, with my big pink hat).
It was very cool! I met a bunch of the Providence RI folks who had driven down, and got to say Hi to Arisha. It was a hectic one day trip, but really great to be there SEE all the supporters (and their very cool signs!)
159.
celdd | August 15, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Apologize if posted befor — Pam's House Blend has videos and pictures from today also. http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/17055/photos-…
A couple posts down from there, Monica Helms has video and links to several more videos from the Atlanta stop. http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/17053/nom-in-…
Both posts are recommended for perusing.
160.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Thanks for representing – and glad you're home safe and sound. xoxo
161.
Anonygrl | August 15, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Thanks! I had a great time… I didn't get arrested (one cop did threaten it, though) and I got a snow cone!
I'll write more later, but now I am going to go pass out!
Night all!
162.
Kathleen | August 15, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Thanks for the links. Everyone MUST see the video of Will. The kid is awesome. His parents must be so proud.
163.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Get your rest, Anonygrl. You deserve it. And we are looking forward to the remaining installments of One Man, One Woman, One Bus driver. That has been such a totally cool series so far. Can't wait to see how you end it.
164.
Providence | August 15, 2010 at 2:00 pm
It was an expression from Providence, RI. About 18 of us from Queer Action RI made the drive down and participated in the protest. We had a diie in….we were escorted away by the Capitol Police….videos to be posted soon!
165.
Greg in OZ | August 15, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Agree Kathleen!!!
Someone give that kid a scholarship!
Kudos to Will's folks for raising such a well balanced kid! He is certianly a determined young 'un aint he?
LOVE what he says about his generation. wish i was that cluey when I was his age.
Greg in Oz
166.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 2:11 pm
And if I remember correctly, Will wants to be a Constitutional Lawyer when he grows up. He will be a very high-caliber one, that is for sure. He already sounds a logical as Olson and Boies.
167.
Bob | August 15, 2010 at 2:33 pm
If Alveda can get an honorary doctorate, What could Will get""
Woot to Ronnie, great to see ya, lookin good.
does anyone have more plics about the "Die In" from Queer Rising. love to see and hear more about that part of the demonstration. cause ya all know how I've been harping about laying those tradgedies at the feet of the people resonsible.
Well done you guys,
Felyx, so happy to hear about your project, to translate "What the Bible has to say about Homosexuality" into russian.
And to Father Scott, who suggests someone who can argue the bilble, with these folks, that also is a great project we could all play a part in.
Speaking from the Canadian perspective, and following on what Arisha said the other day, here in my country I have marriage, but it still doesn't bring equality in my family and their church, that is where the dialog continues, Would be great if we could have someone with theological training to do some of this dialoging on sites like this,
I've noticed over the course of time spent here, many of us have opened up about our own experiencies with reliigion, how we survived spiritual violence, and how many of us have come out again about having some sort of spiritiual connection. It would be nice to explore that further.
It is amazing how one developes a connection with an internet family, and I sometimes question the sanity of lthat. For example today the final rally which we had been building so much mometum for , seemed somewhat a let down, for two reasons, 1) it was anitcimatic in a way 2) I chose not to glue myself to the computer, because my real, chosen family was here and I spent the day with them and had the greatest visit, these are real people in my life that I can actually feel and hug,, I can tell them about my P8TT family,, and they are interessted because they are on our side, but there's just not the same connection,
They did acknowledge and apprecitate my decision to be with them, and new the minute they left I'd be checking in here.
Special hugs to David Kimble,, cheers Bob
168. The Lack of Legislative L&hellip | August 15, 2010 at 2:38 pm
[...] this is this following paragraph from the Courage Campaign Prop 8 Tracker’s recent post on As NOM’s tour sputters to a finish in nation’s capital, a city celebrates the freedom to marry UPDATE BY ADAM (12:12 PST): On that theme, DC Councilmember and straight ally Phil Mendelson, who [...]
169.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Thank you for this post, Bob. I am printing it out to show BZ so that he can see that it has been requested, so that I can encourage him to share more of his rabbinical knowledge here. Usually when something gets posted here from his fount of knowledge and training, it is something he has passed on to me to post. Hopefully this post will help him see just how important that is, and the desire for it, so he will see that he is making more of a contribution that he thinks he would be. And if we are close enough when we go up to northern PA, we may try to scoot up to Canada and see you.
170.
Ronnie | August 15, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Hey guys/gals….just got hom & I'm exhausted so I'm going to try to get this all in one post:
@adambink…..holla back… ; )
@Kathleen, Paul in Minneapolis, Richard (dopty-daddy), James Tuttle..Thank you…mmmmmmmuahs
@SG….I'm blushing…lol..thank you…www hugs & kisses
@Ray in MA & Richard (dopty-daddy)…I got'em & Wooddy was ready to yip with his "I DON'T BITE LOUIS" poster…lol
@Tim….you're welcome…& even though you were not there in person you were there in spirit & that is just as important.
@Jason….Hi… ; )
@Anoyngrl…doh…Hi…I took a picture of you & your sign right after one of the speakers pointed it out…If I had known that was you I would have talked…glad you didn't get arrested…Luckily my mom kept me away from NOM because after speaking to one of the Providence kids about what NOM's speakers said…I probably would have…lol…I'm sorry I sort've missed you…I'm going to try & post the pics 2morro on Freedom Fighters so make sure tag yourself…I loved your sign btw…..mmmmmuahs
Hi David Kimble…miss you…please keep as healthy as possible, stay rested, get better so that when I get the chance to fly out to Cali & get a copy of your book you can sign it…… ; )
Finally…It was so great to meet Phyllis (I love the photo its going on my Facebook… ; ) …) & I'm sorry I didn't meet the other Tour Trackers….next time…Thank you guys/gals for being there today & every other stops…<3…Ronnie
P.S. To Brainless Brown Suit…WTF are you smoking…photo & camera evidence, multiple witnesses & news broadcasting proves that your little hoopla was a hoopnah…FOOLS!!!!!….Read the writing on my poster…"MARRIAGE IS A PRIVATE CHOICE NOT AMERICAN IDOL"…so save your votes for next season..yeah?..OK!..standard text message rates apply!!!
P.S.S. Hi Louis!!!….My Woody (my dog dip-shite…get your head out of the gutters) was looking for you…. ; )
171.
Ronnie | August 15, 2010 at 2:54 pm
lol…& as I post my reply to everybody…Bob says "WOOT"…hi Bob…. ; ) …Ronnie
172.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 15, 2010 at 3:03 pm
You get plenty of rest, and I am so happy that you got to be in DC. Hope you post pictures here and on your FB page. Looking forward to seeing them.
173.
Sheryl | August 15, 2010 at 3:06 pm
You know what would be a nice reference is for all of the popular vote laws that were struck down by "activist" judges to be compiled in one place. Then we could really talk about laws being put up for popular vote. I'm sure there are many, many instances where the right wingers were happy with the activist judges.
Sheryl, Mormon mother with a wonderful son who just happens to be gay
174.
Dpeck | August 15, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Hey Ronnie & Anongrl and all the folks who represented at DC – You guys were all just on TV out here in California! The final stop of the NOM #FAIL tour was covered on the CBS Ten O'Clock News out here and our side got most of the air time, including lots of good shots of many of the great signs and posters in the photos above. Nice!! : )
175.
AndrewPDX | August 15, 2010 at 4:01 pm
OMG! I was just kidding above when I predicted Brain would do NOM-math on the numbers. I can't believe he actually did it.
176.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 4:55 pm
UP UP UP for Queer Rising!!!!!!!
I can't wait to see the video, I'll go tcheck your website for it.
I was so happy to see someone, anyone, actually at the NOM site Counter Protesting. I hope you were loud, so that everyone could see and hear that NOM's messaged is not universally accepted.
177.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Very Good Point, you should see if he has a website and share your observation with him. Good Point!
178. The face of NOM and how i&hellip | August 15, 2010 at 5:01 pm
[...] so will help us continue on the path to defend constitutional rights from a majority vote. As I wrote this afternoon, election law by design prevents civil rights from being put to a popular vote in the District of [...]
179.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 5:08 pm
the Catholics, the LDS and the Southern Baptists,
You got dat right
These are our enimies in this culture war.
180.
Straight Grandmother | August 15, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Correction UP UP Queer Action Rhode Island!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I went to your Facebook Page and it was really inspiring.
YES! My kind of way to protest. The woman talking on the bullhorn was GREAT!!!!!!!!!! Your WHOLE GROUP was great. I am watching you from Provence France and cheering you on!!! You inspire me, you give me hope, please please keep doing what you are doing, make change happen, please.
[youtube
181.
Dave in ME | August 15, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Is it too late to subscribe? I was out all day… I wish we could get retroactive subs…
Dave
182.
Audrey GetEQUAL Smit | August 15, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Providence (actually Queer Action RI) was a large part of the contingent doing the Die-In organized by Alan Bounville of Queer Rising (NY). Iana from QR was also a participant. Colby and Audrey from Justice League – Activate! was also present, as were Jennifer Equality Litton Tidd (DC), Michael Dixon (VA), Billy Bradford (CA) and many, many others.
Not only did we march passed NOM (escorted by police threatening to arrest us if we did not keep moving — kudos to Al from QARI who kept reading the names into the bullhorn as he walked backwards) and do the Die-In on the east side of the Capitol steps, but we also went around back and did it again for people on the west side of the Capitol steps. And THEN we went to the Big Commit and participated in the rest of that rally. At the end we invited anyone who wished to participate to go to the White House with us.
In front of the White House on the sidewalk we laid down as names of murdered LGBTQ people were read and asked Obama to commit to equality! Then we stood in the street in a line facing the White House and each one of us shouted "I AM SOMEBODY AND I DESERVE FULL EQUALITY!" to Obama. The police stood by watching and allowed us to complete the entire action.
It was an honor to be there yesterday!
183.
Audrey GetEQUAL Smit | August 15, 2010 at 10:08 pm
On CNN, official press release about the Die-In
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-482233?ref=feeds%…
184.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 10:39 pm
78 messages in my morning inbox, so forgive me if this has been said.
On reflection, yesterday's rally in Washington was not in the mould of the rest of the tour. It was the Bishop Jackson show, with Brian Brown as the opening act. The speakers were the group of African American religious leaders who continue to fight to have marriage equality in DC put to a vote. Maggie, 'Dr.' King and Concerned Women for America disappeared from the speakers' roster. They, for the most part, purged the more hateful comments and stuck to the protect marriage and 'let us vote' messages.They brought their congregations with them; this was not the typical NOM tour audience. It was like a Sunday church service outdoors.
NOM is funding their next step, which is to take the DC vote to the Supreme Court, since they've lost in all their previous attempts.
The people of DC seem to be happy with marriage equality. Here's hoping Bishop Jackson gets nowhere.
185.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Well, at least the leadership of the Catholics, the LDS and the Southern Baptists. There are LGBTQI people and allies in all those groups, trying (with varying degrees of success) to change the hateful policies of their leaders. Although it's probably fair to say that most Catholics, LDS and Southern Baptists oppose marriage equality, it's important to remember that not all of them are "our enemies".
And actually, in my experience, most American Catholics privately disagree with their church's leadership on most of the hot-button social issues. The challenge is getting them mobilized on our side when their conscience tells them one thing and their church tells them something else; few have the courage to do what Anne Rice recently did, so they sit quiet and conflicted.
186.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 10:47 pm
I second the anticipation for the rest of "One Man, One Woman, One Bus Driver"! It's been a highlight of the tour — kudos, Anonygrl!
187.
Josiah | August 15, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Maggie's absence is very interesting, especially in light of her comment from West Virginia that the tour is "Brian Brown's baby". Sounds to me like she's trying to distance herself from the fiasco that the NOM tour turned out to be and put its failure squarely on Brian's shoulders. Evidence of internal conflict in NOM-land?
188.
Tony Douglass in Ca | August 15, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Excellent demonstration, wish I could have been there!!! Great way to "Honor The Dead"!
189.
Lesbians Love Boies | August 15, 2010 at 11:41 pm
subscribing
190.
Audrey GetEQUAL Smit | August 15, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Correction: the guy who was reading names of the LGBTQ dead on the bullhorn at the Die-In at the east Capitol steps was Al Riccio from Connecticut, not Queer Action RI.
191.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 11:47 pm
@Josiah,
I agree with your understanding, particularly as it refers to the Catholic church in the US. It is particularly galling when the Catholic hierarchy loudly and publicly browbeats politicians and the government, claiming to speak for American Catholics, when many many Catholics personally disagree with their positions on social issues. Some Christians actually believe in the separation of church and state.
So to add to the 'We are a Christian nation' stereotype: it assumes that all members of Christian denomination agree with the teachings of their church, and agree those teachings can be imposed upon others.
192.
Sagesse | August 15, 2010 at 11:52 pm
I think the whole 'Maggie Gallagher is stepping down and Brian Brown is taking over' is evidence of internal conflict in NOM-land. BB's skill is raising large amounts of money, and Maggie was the front person. Maybe the financial backers wanted to change the message (and/or the direction).
Definitely some kind of a turf war.
193.
Sagesse | August 16, 2010 at 12:02 am
Also a great way to make the point that, try as they might to distance themselves from anti-gay sentiment and violence, they can't, and shouldn't be allowed to.
According to BB, they aren't responsible for the Larry Adams-es and the anti-gay views of their speakers and the supporter who punched a protester at one of their rallies. Using the ultimate violence points out the connection in an emphatic way.
194.
Josiah | August 16, 2010 at 12:19 am
@Sagesse:
Yep. And both assumptions are highly questionable.
195.
Jonathon | August 16, 2010 at 12:23 am
I was just thinking…it would be so good if we did our own "Bus Tour". Where we have a religious leader (to speak on the misinterpretations of biblical text); a historian (to speak on the history of marriage); and a legal expert (to explain the rulings in all these cases cited in Judge Walker's ruling, for example). With that type of team, going throughout the country, and on tv…giving interviews,…I think the ability to change hearts and minds will improve exponentially! What does everyone think about that?
196.
Alan E. | August 16, 2010 at 1:31 am
I watched the video of little Will, and I just think the way he says "equality" is so cute.
197.
fiona64 | August 16, 2010 at 1:37 am
That's my cute 'dopty-son!
Love you, Ronnie, and what a great sign!
Love,
Fiona
198.
Freddy | August 16, 2010 at 2:10 am
Would it be too much to ask for the NOM bus to lose control in the Great Smokey Mountains on the way back to GA and go rolling down a cliff with all aboard?
199.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 16, 2010 at 2:16 am
@Audrey: the next time you get to do a die-in, please add the name of Douglas McClure. He and I went to junior high and high school together, and he was brutally slashed and stabbed three years after we graduated. The murderers tried to cover up their motive by taking his wallet and checkbook and setting his car on fire, but they admitted during the investigation that they killed him because he was gay.
200.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 16, 2010 at 2:20 am
What I would like to see someone do is to file ethics charges against Bishop Jackson and have him investigated. How is it that a man who does not even live in the district is allowed to file a lawsuit challenging laws that are passed within the district? They don't affect him unless he is in the district and violates them! But then I am forgetting. Men and women like Bishop Jackson want to see this turn into the Republic of Gilead. They don't want a representative democracy with a constitution, they want a theocracy that is ruled based on their misinterpretations of the bible.
201.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 16, 2010 at 2:44 am
I hereby offer up one Orthodox rabbi and accompanying rebbitizen for this.
202.
Ann S. | August 16, 2010 at 2:56 am
@Richard, I'm so sorry about your classmate.
203. The summer of hate | Stat&hellip | August 16, 2010 at 2:59 am
[...] tour ended Sunday, August 15, in Washington D.C. and, appropriately enough, was a lot less than advertised. It started late and NOM had to bus in attendees just to get a show of force. Meanwhile, [...]
204.
Sagesse | August 16, 2010 at 3:05 am
@Richard and Ann S
I've never brought it up, because it is sort of maudlin, but I wonder how many here know someone who has died as a result of anti-gay violence. I know I do. Admittedly, it was in the early 70s, but it happened to a university classmate. We weren't close friends, but I don't know how that's supposed to matter.
205.
Bob | August 16, 2010 at 3:05 am
I am so grateful that this statement was made, equating NOM's message to death, and I feel a hudge relief, in having little baby Roy's name mentioned. He so much needed to be heard in this message. hudge THANKS hudge hudge hudge THANKS
And to GetEqual and QueerRising, what about taking this message even further, a tour of it's own, the message is so important, NOM's homophobia, killls,
so glad it garnered CNN coverage, it's a vital message!!!!
Thanks, again, RIP little Roy, and know you're story is joining forces with other voices, and their stories, aimed at ending the violence. we will work at creating a world in which little children are safe to express themselves, and be happy.
206.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 16, 2010 at 3:24 am
I thought they were based in NJ.
207.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 16, 2010 at 3:56 am
Thank you, Ann. And Sagesse, I think all of us know someone who has died or had lengthy hospital stays due to homophobic violence. Even if it is someone who was not intimately connected to us, it still affects us. And how many of us still have it etched in our memory from the episode of "All In The Family" when Michael came into the house and told Archie, Edith, and Gloria that Beverly LaSalle had been brutally beaten to death on the way back to the Bunker house after a show? I think I will try to find the link to that episode. However, if someone else finds it before I get back here with it, feel free to post it.
And it was reported that Norman Lear based it on something he had actually witnessed.
208.
Ann S. | August 16, 2010 at 4:03 am
@Richard, I remember that episode quite clearly. Gloria was so delighted with her friendship with Beverly, and then the ending of the show, unusually brutal and raw for an episode of All in the Family.
209.
Richard A. Walter (s | August 16, 2010 at 4:38 am
@ Ann S. Yes, but that was one of the best things about Norman Lear. He was not afraid to do things like that. Look at Maude, Good Times, and The Jeffersons. He and Lerry Gelbart of M*A*S*H both had a reputation for using humor to reach folks about things that needed changing, and things that weren't right.
210.
Anonygrl | August 16, 2010 at 9:10 am
Yay! That is great to know!
It was great to see the press out asking people what their stories were, what their signs meant, why they were there.
211.
Audrey GetEQUAL Smit | August 16, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Al Riccio — a guy
— was the one reading the names of LGBTQ dead on the bullhorn. He is from CT.
And I will def add your friend's name, Richard, next time I do a die-in!
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