So this post will be short, but it includes a couple of videos that you should all watch if you don't like to read all the stuff I've posted on Prop 8 in the past.
The first one is the entire history of Prop 8 in less than 5 minutes from Matt Baume. I'd give you a link to his site, but unfortunately I don't have one.
The second one is from Rob Tisinai and explains why you should fight against marriage equality.
Both videos are pretty great.
-Andy
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Dare We Hope?
So today Alex accepted a job at a company that has agreed to sponsor him for a work permit. I can not tell you what a load is starting to lift with this news! This will give us 6 more years to try to find a way to get him the ability to stay here permanently, and with any luck, we'll be able to make it happen.
In the mean time, tomorrow Alex will start working with the company's attorney on getting the H1-B paperwork filled out and sent in. Right now, according to the USCIS database, it looks like if he gets his application in it will fall under the cap, which is even better news. We still do have some time left where we'll have to wait and see whether the visa is approved, and there will be some anxiety about whether they will actually give him the visa when he shows up at the embassy in his home country, but it appears we may be almost ready to start really planning for what our future will look like.
We still have some waiting to do before we'll know if this is going to be the temporary solution we've been hoping for, but I know I already feel less stressed. I'll let you all know once we have final word on the visa situation!
-Andy
In the mean time, tomorrow Alex will start working with the company's attorney on getting the H1-B paperwork filled out and sent in. Right now, according to the USCIS database, it looks like if he gets his application in it will fall under the cap, which is even better news. We still do have some time left where we'll have to wait and see whether the visa is approved, and there will be some anxiety about whether they will actually give him the visa when he shows up at the embassy in his home country, but it appears we may be almost ready to start really planning for what our future will look like.
We still have some waiting to do before we'll know if this is going to be the temporary solution we've been hoping for, but I know I already feel less stressed. I'll let you all know once we have final word on the visa situation!
-Andy
Why the Republican Party Will Never Get My Vote
The Texas Republican Platform was recently updated and released. It lays out the GOP's plan for the future of Texas.
There are serious problems with it. Problems that are so large that it is impossible for me to even consider any Republican for any vote. I've had things to say about Republicans in the past, mainly based on their actions, but their platform goes so far in attempting to codify absolute hatred and disdain for gay people that I can not in good conscience put a check next to the name of any Republican in any race, even dog catcher.
I've never been a Democrat, and I don't think I ever will consider myself a Democrat, but when given a choice between the two, there is really no choice at all for me.
Anyway, let's go through the relevant sections bit by bit.
It starts off well:
Those are laudable goals.
They are the top 2 stated priorities of the Texas GOP.
Yet, this section (Strengthening Families, Protecting Life and Promoting Health), this abomination, flies in the face of both of those ideals. The Texas GOP is ate up with the inability to mind its own business and allow Americans to be free to live their lives. Specifically:
This on its own is expected, and I'm not going to give them too much shit for that. Its a dumb policy, but its not anything you wouldn't expect. They are telling companies that they shouldn't be allowed to recruit gay people by offering domestic partner benefits, even if that company has decided, in its freedom to do so, that this is a good recruiting tool for talented workers.
So get this, gay people want to be treated equally under the law, and this is agressive and intolerant behavior on the part of the gays. It is not agressive and intolerant behavior to say that gay people don't deserve to have a family, that gay people shouldn't be allowed to provide health benefits for their partners, that gay people shouldn't be allowed to even have relationships, that gay people should be thrown in jail if they ever have an intimate moment. Oh wait, you haven't read far enough to see that bit yet.
Hmm, at least they are consistent. You straight people prepared for divorce costs to skyrocket?
Awesome. So not only am I not worthy to get married, but anyone who would agree to issue me a marriage license or even is willing to preside over a service in which I am married, even ceremonially with no force of law, should head for the slammer. It's all about Freedom!!!!
Yup, this is to be expected. I like the scare quotes. It really is just pathetic that they can't allow people to be in love unless that love fits into very specific categories. More freedom loving right there.
Oh wait, they want to lock me up if I ever have sex with my boyfriend. Never mind health benefits or marriage, they think I should go ahead and go to jail just for being in love and expressing it in a way that they don't approve of. What happened to item #2 in their list of ideals?
Now back to the straight guys too. You ready for a severe restriction on your ability to look at boobies and vagine? If they get their way, get ready for that struggle.
This is not the platform of a freedom loving party.
Democrats have their own major major problems, but the GOP is doing its dead level best to push me into the category of buying into the saying that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I am dangerously close to voting straight ticket for Democrats because I am more and more concerned about my ability to live as a free American with Republicans in charge, especially the strain of Republican who has gained so much prominence over the past few years.
If you are a Republican, think about this. You are supporting this. Please get your party under control on these issues. Make them realize that a small government leaves people alone, not just to make money, but to make private decisions about their personal lives. Make them understand that a whole bunch of gays would naturally be more inclined to be Republican because of tax policy and small government ideals if the rest of the platform wasn't so openly hostile to gays. Let them know that libertarian minded gays are more and more going to vote Democrat, whether they like it or not, because throwing their vote away on 3rd parties is getting to be too risky. They are chasing voters away with this language, and it is going to continue to cause bigger and bigger problems for them as more and more older people die off.
And for my Republican friends and family, remember that this is the party you are voting for. Yes, you may get to keep a few extra bucks in your pocket when Republicans are in charge, but you are risking my future ability to stay out of jail to get those few bucks. Remember that when you vote.
To read more of this insanity, click the linky
-Andy
There are serious problems with it. Problems that are so large that it is impossible for me to even consider any Republican for any vote. I've had things to say about Republicans in the past, mainly based on their actions, but their platform goes so far in attempting to codify absolute hatred and disdain for gay people that I can not in good conscience put a check next to the name of any Republican in any race, even dog catcher.
I've never been a Democrat, and I don't think I ever will consider myself a Democrat, but when given a choice between the two, there is really no choice at all for me.
Anyway, let's go through the relevant sections bit by bit.
It starts off well:
1. Strict adherence to the Declaration of Independence and U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
2. Preserving American Freedom and Texas Sovereignty.
Those are laudable goals.
They are the top 2 stated priorities of the Texas GOP.
Yet, this section (Strengthening Families, Protecting Life and Promoting Health), this abomination, flies in the face of both of those ideals. The Texas GOP is ate up with the inability to mind its own business and allow Americans to be free to live their lives. Specifically:
CELEBRATING TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE
Family and Defense of Marriage – We support the definition of marriage as a God–ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists. We call on the President and Congress to take immediate action to defend the sanctity of marriage. We are resolute that Congress exercise authority under the United States Constitution, and pass legislation withholding jurisdiction from the Federal Courts in cases involving family law, especially any changes in the definition of marriage. We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman. Neither the United States nor any state shall recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse. We oppose the recognition of and granting of benefits to people who represent themselves as domestic partners without being legally married. We advocate the repeal of laws that place an unfair tax burden on families. We call upon Congress to completely remove the marriage penalty in the tax code, whereby a married couple receives a smaller standard deduction than their unmarried counterparts living together. The primary family unit consists of those related by blood, heterosexual marriage, or adoption. The family is responsible for its own welfare, education, moral training, conduct, and property.
This on its own is expected, and I'm not going to give them too much shit for that. Its a dumb policy, but its not anything you wouldn't expect. They are telling companies that they shouldn't be allowed to recruit gay people by offering domestic partner benefits, even if that company has decided, in its freedom to do so, that this is a good recruiting tool for talented workers.
Family Values – We affirm that this section is a response to the attacks on traditional family values. These include wellfunded, vigorous political and judicial attempts by powerful organizations and branches of the government to force acceptance, affirmation and normalization of homosexual behavior upon school children, parents, educational institutions, businesses, employees, government bodies and religious institutions and charities. These aggressive, intolerant efforts marginalize as bigots anyone who dissents.
So get this, gay people want to be treated equally under the law, and this is agressive and intolerant behavior on the part of the gays. It is not agressive and intolerant behavior to say that gay people don't deserve to have a family, that gay people shouldn't be allowed to provide health benefits for their partners, that gay people shouldn't be allowed to even have relationships, that gay people should be thrown in jail if they ever have an intimate moment. Oh wait, you haven't read far enough to see that bit yet.
Marriage and Divorce – We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be protected at all levels of government. We urge the Legislature to rescind no–fault divorce laws. We support Covenant Marriage.
Hmm, at least they are consistent. You straight people prepared for divorce costs to skyrocket?
Marriage Licenses – We support legislation that would make it a felony to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple and for any civil official to perform a marriage ceremony for such.
Awesome. So not only am I not worthy to get married, but anyone who would agree to issue me a marriage license or even is willing to preside over a service in which I am married, even ceremonially with no force of law, should head for the slammer. It's all about Freedom!!!!
Homosexuality – We believe that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, refuse to recognize, or grant special privileges including, but not limited to: marriage between persons of the same sex (regardless of state of origin), custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.
Yup, this is to be expected. I like the scare quotes. It really is just pathetic that they can't allow people to be in love unless that love fits into very specific categories. More freedom loving right there.
Texas Sodomy Statutes – We oppose the legalization of sodomy. We demand that Congress exercise its authority granted by the U.S. Constitution to withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy.
Oh wait, they want to lock me up if I ever have sex with my boyfriend. Never mind health benefits or marriage, they think I should go ahead and go to jail just for being in love and expressing it in a way that they don't approve of. What happened to item #2 in their list of ideals?
Pornography – We urge our governmental bodies to enforce laws regarding all forms of pornography. We urge more stringent legislation to prohibit all pornography including virtual pornography and operation of sexually–oriented businesses. We oppose the sale of “Not Rated” (NR) movies and video games to minors.
Now back to the straight guys too. You ready for a severe restriction on your ability to look at boobies and vagine? If they get their way, get ready for that struggle.
This is not the platform of a freedom loving party.
Democrats have their own major major problems, but the GOP is doing its dead level best to push me into the category of buying into the saying that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I am dangerously close to voting straight ticket for Democrats because I am more and more concerned about my ability to live as a free American with Republicans in charge, especially the strain of Republican who has gained so much prominence over the past few years.
If you are a Republican, think about this. You are supporting this. Please get your party under control on these issues. Make them realize that a small government leaves people alone, not just to make money, but to make private decisions about their personal lives. Make them understand that a whole bunch of gays would naturally be more inclined to be Republican because of tax policy and small government ideals if the rest of the platform wasn't so openly hostile to gays. Let them know that libertarian minded gays are more and more going to vote Democrat, whether they like it or not, because throwing their vote away on 3rd parties is getting to be too risky. They are chasing voters away with this language, and it is going to continue to cause bigger and bigger problems for them as more and more older people die off.
And for my Republican friends and family, remember that this is the party you are voting for. Yes, you may get to keep a few extra bucks in your pocket when Republicans are in charge, but you are risking my future ability to stay out of jail to get those few bucks. Remember that when you vote.
To read more of this insanity, click the linky
-Andy
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Catholics Really Hate Gays
So the Catholic Church really has shown over the last several years that they can't really truly be happy unless they are oppressing the gays.
In Massachusetts and in Washington, DC, the Church has chosen not to offer adoption and foster services at all just in case they might one day have to allow a gay couple to foster or adopt a kid. Meanwhile, I can think of a lot more gay people I would trust around children, but whatever.
They also recently cut off all health benefits for all spouses of their employees in Washington, DC, because they don't want to accidentally support the spouse of any potential gay employees they may one day have. That's just fucked up.
So it should go without saying that in any discussion of immigration reform, the Catholics are really super against adding any kind of gay recognition to whatever bill ends up in Congress. This would be concerning, except they may not have the ability to stop our cause.
Have a look at the percentage of Catholics in these countries that already allow gays to sponsor their partners for immigration:
By comparison, the Catholic population of the US sits at just 23.9%.
There is a whole strategy at Bilerco from blogger J. Todd (Tif) Fernandez which goes into quite a bit of detail on why the Catholic Church is going to have a hard time backing away from supporting immigration reform, even if the gays are included.
I encourage you all to head on over to Bilerco to read more about it.
-Andy
In Massachusetts and in Washington, DC, the Church has chosen not to offer adoption and foster services at all just in case they might one day have to allow a gay couple to foster or adopt a kid. Meanwhile, I can think of a lot more gay people I would trust around children, but whatever.
They also recently cut off all health benefits for all spouses of their employees in Washington, DC, because they don't want to accidentally support the spouse of any potential gay employees they may one day have. That's just fucked up.
So it should go without saying that in any discussion of immigration reform, the Catholics are really super against adding any kind of gay recognition to whatever bill ends up in Congress. This would be concerning, except they may not have the ability to stop our cause.
Have a look at the percentage of Catholics in these countries that already allow gays to sponsor their partners for immigration:
1. Australia - 25.8%
2. Belgium - 75% - (gay marriage also legal)
3. Brazil - 73.6%
4. Canada - 42.6% (gay marriage too)
5. Czech Repu. - 26.8%
6. Austria - 73.6%
7. France - 83-88%
8. Germany - 34%
9. Netherlands - 30% (gay marriage too)
10. Spain - 94% (gay marriage too)
Soon to be added:
* Ireland - 87.4%
* Portugal - 84.5%
By comparison, the Catholic population of the US sits at just 23.9%.
There is a whole strategy at Bilerco from blogger J. Todd (Tif) Fernandez which goes into quite a bit of detail on why the Catholic Church is going to have a hard time backing away from supporting immigration reform, even if the gays are included.
Strategically, the Catholic church hierarchy is in a classic conundrum. In this storm, the Catholics are threatening to walk away from the coalitions if they support our inclusion. But this time they have no where to go and they have a horrible position to maintain in doing so because the immigration reform messaging is all about "fairness and family cohesion" - "coalitions and human rights" - and "comprehensive" reform. People instantly understand that it is messed up when the USCCB says "fairness for everyone but THEM" - "coalitions of everyone but THEM" and "family unification for everyone but THEM". Simply put, we win this argument because it exposes the injustice so clearly.
I encourage you all to head on over to Bilerco to read more about it.
-Andy
Post Trial Press Conference
Just ran across this press conference after the Prop 8 trial wrapped witness testimony. Thought it might be interesting to some of you, so here it is.
-Andy
-Andy
Vote for Immigration Equality
It's an internet poll, but it could mean valuable resources for the cause of immigration equality. Change.org is currently running a contest to help with visibility of different political movements. I'm sketchy on the details, but so far immigration equality has made it past the first round into the second round. It looks like the issues that wins will get added support from this group.
For that reason, I've added a widget to this site that will make it super easy for you to click and vote. However, in case you are looking at this in a reader, you can go to this link to vote manually.
-Andy
For that reason, I've added a widget to this site that will make it super easy for you to click and vote. However, in case you are looking at this in a reader, you can go to this link to vote manually.
-Andy
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Boies and Olson on PBS
David Boies and Ted Olson, the lawyers that teamed up to challenge Prop 8 in court, were in Bill Moyers' PBS program The Nation. It's a 40+ minute interview and was very powerful.
I hope you can watch the embedded video here, but just in case that's not working for you, you can head over to PBS.org to have a look.
-Andy
I hope you can watch the embedded video here, but just in case that's not working for you, you can head over to PBS.org to have a look.
-Andy
Friday, February 19, 2010
World Net Daily and the Gays
In case anyone has forgotten about Uganda's planned law that will start the genocide of gay people and their allies in that country, World Net Daily is here to give you more information, and to support that law!
How far away are we from the day that these wackos start calling for our deaths in this country as well?
If you give any credibility to World Net Daily, please keep this in mind as you read their news. They really are full of shit and shouldn't be trusted. And they shouldn't be supported in any way financially because of their stance towards gay people.
-Andy
How far away are we from the day that these wackos start calling for our deaths in this country as well?
If you give any credibility to World Net Daily, please keep this in mind as you read their news. They really are full of shit and shouldn't be trusted. And they shouldn't be supported in any way financially because of their stance towards gay people.
-Andy
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Alex had an Interview Today
So Alex went to an interview today for an internship. From the sound of it, it went very well. We should be hearing more next week.
While this is an unpaid internship that likely won't turn into a job with a visa attached, it will at least stop the clock that is quickly ticking towards April 1, the day he must either have found a job and started work or else start making plans to leave the country. So this is great! Another really good piece of news here is that this internship is directly in his field, and could lead to some very good contacts that might lead to one of those visa-providing jobs. So keep your fingers crossed everyone!
-Andy
While this is an unpaid internship that likely won't turn into a job with a visa attached, it will at least stop the clock that is quickly ticking towards April 1, the day he must either have found a job and started work or else start making plans to leave the country. So this is great! Another really good piece of news here is that this internship is directly in his field, and could lead to some very good contacts that might lead to one of those visa-providing jobs. So keep your fingers crossed everyone!
-Andy
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Meanwhile, in Uganda
So yeah, it sucks being treated differently under the law, but at least we have one thing to be happy about...
Gays in Uganda are about to be put up for genocide. We all thought that was the worst of it. It turns out that it is even worse. Not only will gays be put to death, but anyone who can be found guilty of failing to turn in gays to the government will also be eligible for the death penalty.
And this new law was cooked up with plenty of help from American evangelicals! Religion is just a shining light of beauty and peace, isn't it?
-Andy
Gays in Uganda are about to be put up for genocide. We all thought that was the worst of it. It turns out that it is even worse. Not only will gays be put to death, but anyone who can be found guilty of failing to turn in gays to the government will also be eligible for the death penalty.
And this new law was cooked up with plenty of help from American evangelicals! Religion is just a shining light of beauty and peace, isn't it?
-Andy
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