Posts Tagged ‘politics’

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Marriage Equality at the Supreme Court


25 Mar

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Tomorrow, the US Supreme Court begins the first of two days of hearings regarding marriage equality. On Tuesday, it will be whether California’s Prop 8 is legal (there are ways to get rid of Prop 8 without deciding the issue for the rest of the country). On Wednesday, it will look at the national Defense of Marriage Act versus states’ rights (which could also be decided without deciding the national question).

While it would be nice to have marriage equality throughout the country as chosen by the voters, it is past time for someone to just say equal is equal.

Pediatricians for Equality


21 Mar

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Posted in Discrimination, Gay Marriage, Healthcare, Politics, Science | Comments Off

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the US Supreme Court will be hearing two different cases dealing with gay marriage. While most people think the court will decide the cases narrowly (and on a state level instead of a national level), pretty much anyone who isn’t grossed out by same sex sex is working to make sure the Supreme Court decides in favor of equality for all citizens.

This includes the American Academy of Pediatrics, who made sure to put out a statement before the cases officially go to court saying that they support gay marriage.

Senator Rob Portman Supporting Gay Marriage


18 Mar

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I am very vocal about equal rights other adult US citizens, including the right to marry another adult, regardless of gender.

However, I do not believe Senator Portman lacks empathy or is a hypocrite for not having come to the same belief before his son came out as gay. Why? Because as in most things where social justice is concerned, we don’t honestly think beyond our default settings until confronted with a personal reason to do so. His default setting was conservative Christianity. But when confronted, he was able to grow past that.

Welcome to the equal rights movement, Senator.

Only Equal is Equal


10 Dec

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Yesterday was a day of weddings across Washington state. What was so special about December 9? It’s not like it was 12/12/12. It was the first day same sex couples could legally marry in Washington. On Thursday, they were able to get their licenses, but because of the 3 day mandatory waiting period, Sunday was the first day the weddings could take place.

I wasn’t a guest at any of the weddings, though I do know some couples who got married. And I want to say congratulations to them and all couples who are waking up this morning as newlyweds.

Secession


15 Nov

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After every election, one side or the other is unhappy. As a general rule, Democrats threaten to move toCanada, and Republicans ask to secede from the union. For Republicans secession is the only option because there’s no country with all the amenities of theUSand freedom from taxes and social programs.

I am, in this current round of posturing, amused by the fact that while over 100,000 residents ofTexashave signed the petition to letTexassecede from the union,Austinresidents have started their own petition to secede fromTexasand remain part of theUS.

Winds of Change


07 Nov

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Before this year, every time same sex marriage has come up for a vote of the people, it has failed. Thirty-two times, voters have voted for inequality. Yesterday, that changed.

In Maine, Maryland, and Washington, voters voiced their support for equality. Minnesota voters said no to a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.

Those who argue against equality still have 32 wins, but they are all in the past. Yesterday, the issue came up for votes in four states and voters in all four states voted for acceptance and equality. Hope and change- brought to you by the American people.

Current Politics


30 Aug

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This is the place where I get to be political. And given my self imposed word limit, it keeps me from rambling. The other day, a friend asked “How can you still believe in Obama?” Has he lived up to all of our collective hopes and dreams? No, no one could have. That’s political reality, especially in this very divisive political climate.

For me, the questions are “Do I think we’d be better off with McCain?” and “Do I think Romney can do better”. The answer is no. Mostly, I think we need to focus on changing Congress right now.

Celebrate Juneteenth


19 Jun

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Posted in Discrimination, Racism | Comments Off

Happy Juneteenth! Don’t know what Juneteenth is? I’m not surprised, but I am saddened. It is the anniversary of the day slavery officially ended in theUnited States. It’s a few months after the Civil War actually ended because that’s how long it took the Union Army to arrive inTexasand order that the roughly 200,000 slaves in that state be freed.

We are still not a society without prejudice. But if we want to start getting past that, then there are days we as a nation need to celebrate. I think the end of slavery is certainly worthy.

Almost There


02 Feb

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Last night, the same-sex marriage bill in Washington state passed the state Senate on a vote of 28-21. That is good. I don’t even mind that opponents will have time to gather signatures in order to get a referendum on November’s ballot. I think the voters will make their views clear.

I am angered by Senator Dan Swecker, not because he voted against the bill, but because he is concerned that it doesn’t do enough to prevent a “hostile environment for those of us who believe in traditional marriage”. Tables turned. I have no issues with bigots facing hostile environments.

Subverting the Cause


25 Jan

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Awhile back, I signed up to get the AFA (American Family Association) emails. Basically, their newsletters telling me who to boycott serve as notices to me for companies I should support.

I got one this week telling me I should “Pray for Home Depot Chairman Frank Blake to make wise decisions regarding his company’s direction.” And that I should boycott the company because they sent an email to AFA stating ““We have never changed our commitment to diversity and inclusion of all people, and we have no intention of doing so.”

Thank you, Home Depot, for doing the right thing.

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