"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional."
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Prop 8 is Unconstitutional!
In Judge Walker's ruling this stood out:
Lindsay Lohan - Star of Taiwan-imation!
This is just to strange for words, luckily there are English subtitles.
Prop 8 - Pins and Needles?
Any minute now a decision is expected on Proposition 8, or at least the decision to it's constitutionality. Though this is a state law in California it has definite implications for us here in Texas. No, I don't expect Texas to allow same-sex marriage anytime soon, but I do see the California law as a bellwether.
If the judge overturns the proposition, I expect California may take it to the Supreme Court and with the current court configuration I have my doubts as to whether it would stand the conservative majority there. If it is not overturned, I suspect it will energize both the left and right. The left will see it as another reason to push even harder for federal protections and the right will use it as a rallying cry to try similar laws in other states.
Either way, will it have any lasting impact on the lives of LGBT people in Texas and more immediately Dallas? Maybe. It could motivate the community to action. Though there has been some activism of late, it pales in comparison to the initial Gay Rights movement in the 70's. A lot of work was done for the national elections and I feel many people figured once we had a Democrat in the White House everything would be hunky-dory. As I have stated before, I don't believe that, but I do believe at least we have a sympathetic ear in the executive branch. That means the work done by local and state activists cannot let up.
Whatever the ruling is, one thing is for sure. There is still a lot more work to do to make our country a place of equality for LGBT citizens and that will not be handed down in a single court case. If you believe that, look at how the Civil Rights movement has still had to work even long after the laws were changed. It will be a long road, but it will be highlighted with many successes, a few failures but ultimately we will win.
As Martin Luther King said, "the arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice."
If the judge overturns the proposition, I expect California may take it to the Supreme Court and with the current court configuration I have my doubts as to whether it would stand the conservative majority there. If it is not overturned, I suspect it will energize both the left and right. The left will see it as another reason to push even harder for federal protections and the right will use it as a rallying cry to try similar laws in other states.
Either way, will it have any lasting impact on the lives of LGBT people in Texas and more immediately Dallas? Maybe. It could motivate the community to action. Though there has been some activism of late, it pales in comparison to the initial Gay Rights movement in the 70's. A lot of work was done for the national elections and I feel many people figured once we had a Democrat in the White House everything would be hunky-dory. As I have stated before, I don't believe that, but I do believe at least we have a sympathetic ear in the executive branch. That means the work done by local and state activists cannot let up.
Whatever the ruling is, one thing is for sure. There is still a lot more work to do to make our country a place of equality for LGBT citizens and that will not be handed down in a single court case. If you believe that, look at how the Civil Rights movement has still had to work even long after the laws were changed. It will be a long road, but it will be highlighted with many successes, a few failures but ultimately we will win.
As Martin Luther King said, "the arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice."
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Rupert Murdoch Considers Buying Texas Rangers
OK I admit it I like baseball. Oh, I don't play the sport but going to The Ballpark (it will always be "The Ballpark" to me and not Ameriquest Field) and watching a game live is one of life's great pleasures. Baseball on TV? Fagetaboutit! Boring shot of pitcher and catcher and baseball is more than that. The action in the outfield and how players prepare for different hitters is fascinating and something just never seen on TV. Also you can't get ballpark hot dogs at home, not the real thing at least.
Now after suffering through a heap of guilt every time I went to a Rangers game when George Bush owned the team now I will have to just eschew any Rangers games at all. Rumor has it Rupert Murdoch is considering purchasing the team, and when the owner of News Corp/aka FOX News takes over, I am stepping to the sidelines.
I know it won't make any difference my being at a game or not, but I just won't feel right about it. Maybe I will be able to compartmentalize it like I do watching 20th Century Fox movies?
Now after suffering through a heap of guilt every time I went to a Rangers game when George Bush owned the team now I will have to just eschew any Rangers games at all. Rumor has it Rupert Murdoch is considering purchasing the team, and when the owner of News Corp/aka FOX News takes over, I am stepping to the sidelines.
I know it won't make any difference my being at a game or not, but I just won't feel right about it. Maybe I will be able to compartmentalize it like I do watching 20th Century Fox movies?
Monday, August 02, 2010
Photos from the Afghanistan War
When I got this link from Americablog.com I had no idea how moving and amazing these photos are. Please check out the pictures and you will start to understand the real scope of the Afghanistan War. Explicit content is blocked unless you click on it, but even the non-graphic photos are deeply moving. Don't pass this up.
When Conservatives Eat Their Own
It's not surprising when the GOP uses fear tactics to smear a Democratic candidate, but in this case they are smearing one of their own.
In Michigan, a Republican candidate for Macomb County State Senate 11th District primary, has become the target of a conservative smear. It's no surprise that the smears involve the latest boogeyman of the right, the GAYS! Seems there is a flyer going around that shows the candidate, Leon Drolet’s face superimposed over a rainbow flag, with two male figures holding hands. The flyer goes on to intimate that if elected Drolet would sanction public sex in restrooms. Say what?
Drolet's opponent in the primary, Kim Meltzer apparently is the author of the mailing which calls Drolet a "Libertarian" and even worse in the GOP dictionary, a LIBERAL!
Read more here.
In Michigan, a Republican candidate for Macomb County State Senate 11th District primary, has become the target of a conservative smear. It's no surprise that the smears involve the latest boogeyman of the right, the GAYS! Seems there is a flyer going around that shows the candidate, Leon Drolet’s face superimposed over a rainbow flag, with two male figures holding hands. The flyer goes on to intimate that if elected Drolet would sanction public sex in restrooms. Say what?
Drolet's opponent in the primary, Kim Meltzer apparently is the author of the mailing which calls Drolet a "Libertarian" and even worse in the GOP dictionary, a LIBERAL!
Read more here.
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