Real equality is for all people, and that will include those who seek to be married as well as those who do not. Focusing only on the right to marry misses the real issue, which is creating an environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity, and have the same rights and freedoms.
#1: When listening to #SOTU, remember: When a politician says “invest” he means “I want to spend your money on this”. #sotu Me: better than giving it to the rich oil companies. Spending is better that being robbed. #1: How is spending against your will not robbery?RT @tcwaters: Spending is better that being robbed. The night of the State of the Union (SOTU), I had this exchange with a follower on Twitter. and I think[Read More…]
I received this blog post from Carl Davidson, reposted here with permission By Carl Davidson Beaver County Blue Nearly 500 progressive and liberal organizers gathered at Pittsburgh’s Sheraton Station Square over the sunny but bitterly cold weekend of Jan. 22-23 to drawn out the lessons of their setbacks in the 2010 elections and shape a new course for the future. Under the theme of ‘Taking Pennsylvania Forward,’ the two-day meeting was mainly pulled together by[Read More…]
Equality PA, the ACLU, and HRC has been sponsoring a series of town hall sessions across the state to talk about the recent shifts in the PA legislature and what to expect in terms of LGBT Rights legislation. I attended two of these- the meeting in Erie on Wednesday Jan 27th, and the Pittsburgh meeting on Jan 28th, and I have a slew of thoughts racing around my head from these experiences. The ACLU of[Read More…]
However, from my perspective, just because he is an openly gay man, who works hard for his district, doesn’t make him “our champion.” I believe we can name a number of city council members who Kerr and others would name as friends and supporters for the LGBT community. One example: my own councilmember, Patrick Dowd who has been working with me, community members, and the Zone 5 police following last year’s gay bashings. Truly Bill Peduto is our champion. Natalia Rudiak is our champiuon, and so is Patrick Dowd.
January 26, 2011 – Allentown, PA – Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski today signed legislation to provide equal benefits to Same-Sex partners of City employees as they provide to married heterosexuals. The legislation, introduced by Council President Dr. Michael D’Amore, passed unanimously through City Council on January 19th. “Allentown must be a city of inclusion, a city where every person counts.†Stated Pawlowski, “I am pleased and proud to sign this legislation into law in the[Read More…]
I took this right off of the 2 Political Junkies blog– an excellent blog- check it out! And how about join some progressives to watch the State of the Union tonight. PA State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Highland Park) is teaming up with the Pittsburgh Chapters of Veterans for Peace and Code Pink and the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Single-Payer Healthcare- H.R. 676, to host “Conversation Cafés” during the 2011 State of the Union Address. Date[Read More…]
In the wake of the horrific Tucson massacre, a few themes have emerged in the public discourse. Some of these seem interesting, most all predictable, but at the same time, a number of themes don’t really make sense, and point out how the conservative movement, wants to have it both ways. This isn’t unusual. One of the things that often drives progressives crazy, is the incongruity and dissonance of various conservative positions and talking points.[Read More…]
I’ve written about this notion of the attempt by some Christian fundamentalists to take control of our government. some refer to it as the American Taliban, and in terms of this incident, Talabama. But all joking aside, everyone who cares about Democracy needs to be uncomfortable with what has happened here in Alabama. The 1st amendment to the constitution guarantees us a Freedom of Religion, and a Freedom from government sanctions/ forced Religion. I do[Read More…]
While the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) was very big news, this change that begins today, may be an even more significant step forward for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Americans. I would go so far as to say it is the most important change that could come about  (next to the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). “There are few moments in our lives that call for greater compassion and[Read More…]