August 01, 2009

No Excuses: Demanding Equality Face to Face

  admin   3 Comments

The other day I posted about using the August Recess as a time to be an advocate for the issues important to you. For me these include a slate of LGBT/GLBTQ issues such as state-wide protection from discrimination, hate crimes protections, an end to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) and stuff surrounding Marriage Equality. Of all my interests PA HB 300 is the top most priority, and my post the other day was focused on issue advocacy on the state level. That same day, HRC began the “No Excuses” campaign which is more about the national level.

On the one hand, I’m concerned and generally think it unwise to ask people to do too much. They will feel overwhelmed and most often, do nothing. On the other hand, there is a real battle going on that impacts everyone, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. any of us who want to see the Equality movement progress, must recognize that the time is now for concerted meaningful successes on every level from the local all the way up to the national. So, I urge you, to make Equality a major priority for you. Be involved at every level, from your local community all the way up. Be an active participant in bringing about the type of society where freedom and equality are had by all. Follow the link to do your part on the national level, for me may not have another opportunity for many years if we don’t make adequate progress now.

No Excuses: Demanding Equality Face to Face.

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Posted in: Activism, general   Tags: , , ,
  • http://www.TheDallasPrinciple.org JBinSFO

    I think the issue is not that folks will do too much, but that they aren’t doing enough. Our LGBT legislators can’t get anything passed in part because the other side FLOODS congressional offices with calls, petitions, letters, and visits. Our side sips tea and eats its cookies quietly.

    • http://thomascwaters.com admin

      Thx for the comment, and I totally agree that we need everyone to do more. We are in a time when every legislative vote on every action means something. Every loss we experience has major “costs” that we can not afford. A visual image that works for me, is to consider the struggle for equal rights is like a tug of war. A number of factors affect the ability of one side to gain enough momentum and power to win. Every loss we experience at any level- local, regional, state, or national- gives those who oppose equality some momentum and some leverage. And, given that they don’t “play by the rules” and heavily use fear mongering, and outright lies, it is doubly hard, but also twice as important.

      My comment was meant more from the standpoint of traditional grassroots organizing. If you ask people to do too many things, you risk the chance they will feel overwhelmed and do nothing. But these are extraordinary times and call for unusual efforts on our part, if we are to achieve the goals we seek.

  • http://encouragementlounge.blogspot.com/ H

    Hey Tom,

    I just wanted to tell you that I think in the last two weeks, you have really hit your stride with your blog. It has been good since I started reading, but it has gotten even better. There is more consistency to your voice and approach, and that gives it all a real strength.

    Cheers,
    Harriet