Thank You for Your Patience

Please stand by as I regroup. I am adjusting and readjusting as I hold down the fort in Miami and deal single-handedly with some minor renovations on the house. Thanks for your patience.

The Real Threat to Marriage

Have you gotten wind of this yet? A radio station, in of all places West Virginia, gave away a free legitimate divorce for a Valentine's Day promotion.

Social conservatives are often outraged by the thought of gay marriage and blame gay-rights as a threat to the sanctity of this institution. The true threat to traditional marriage is the straight community and their nonchalant attitude; marriage isn't taken seriously anymore by many people. It is evident in all aspects of our culture from reality TV shows, to Vegas style nuptials and even to radio stations promoting divorce.

It seems that you can't escape reality TV these days, especially during the peak of the writers' strike. You don't have to be a fan to have noticed that there are television programs that actually promote the union of two strangers, in the short time period between the first episode and the season finale -- literally only a couple of months.

Then there are those that run off to Vegas and sign on the dotted line while in a drunken stupor. Even celebrities are in on the fun. Remember when Britney Spears married a long-time friend on a whim? I think it was for only a matter of hours.

Well, now here is the next insult to the sacred institution of marriage. I'll even give you a hint. It has nothing to do with two loving committed people of the same gender wanting to make a spiritual and legal commitment to each other. The threat once again comes from the straight community itself.

In the conservative southern state of West Virginia, a radio station gave away a free divorce for a situation "where maybe you despise your spouse and resent the entire day." This is according to Jay Nunley, the Program Director of WKLC-FM, referring to Valentine's Day. He spoke of giving away concert tickets in place of the divorce. "That's going to make you happy for a little while. This is the chance to make someone happy for the rest of their life."

The threat to marriage doesn't come from anyone in the gay community wanting to legalize or legitimize their unions. It comes directly from those who have the legal right to marry; the institution of marriage has turned into a trivial game, easily entered and easily escaped. One thing is for sure, those of us fighting for equal treatment under the law wouldn't take this American right for granted.

Senator Craig -- Guilty and Improper

Yesterday a six member Senate Ethics Committee, including three Democrats and three Republicans, concluded that Senator Craig was guilty as charged and acted improperly during his arrest in an airport sex-sting operation. The panel also admonished him for using $213,000 in campaign funds to pay for his legal bills.

In a letter, the panel told Senator Craig that they believe he, "committed the offense to which you pled guilty" and that "you entered your plea knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently." They also said that the Senator only tried to withdraw his guilty plea to avoid public disclosure.

This Senate Ethics Panel conclusion only solidifies Senator Craig's status as the first inductee into my Halls of Hypocrisy. Not that one needs to be reminded, but this is the married Senator who has fought tirelessly for decades against gay-rights legislation. In all of his arrogance, he continues to serve the state of Idaho and has the continued support of his poor gullible wife.

Florida Deputy Abuses Disabled Man

Warning: This video may be disturbing. If the video is not available, please check back. Youtube.com is temporarily down.


This video has been running on much of the national news over the last couple of days. It shows a partially paralyzed man, with some type of spinal cord injury, being dumped out of his wheelchair and on to the floor by a Hillsborough County, Florida deputy.

The man had been involved in an incident in October 2007 which resulted with him being charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement officers. At the time, he was also charged with blocking an intersection.

This video captured the abuse as the man was being booked into the county jail on January 29. The deputy, Charlotte Marshall Jones, has been suspended without pay. The supervisors, present at the time, have also been suspended but with pay.

This is a grossly disgusting act on the deputy's part. It turns my stomach to think that such abusive, uncaring, unsympathetic people exist in this world. Charlotte Marshall Jones should be fired and criminal charges should be filed against her.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said it will do whatever it can to make the situation right with the victim. Yeah, you think? If I were him, I'd be in touch with my attorney.

Obama Rising

It almost seems as if the stars aligned last night to give Senator Obama a three contest victory. He won the Primary races in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Senator Obama not only won these elections, but he won by large margins. His stump speech in Wisconsin was inspirational and the other candidates paled in comparison. Senator Obama is proving to be the uniter of the Democratic party, attracting some Republican voters in those cross-over states with open Primaries; this has his opponents from the other party already preparing their negative attacks.

Last night's Democratic Primary results:
DC
Obama - 75%
Clinton - 24%

Maryland
Obama - 60%
Clinton - 37%

Virginia
Obama - 64%
Clinton - 35%

Senator Obama has won 8 consecutive contests and is in the lead with 1,059 pledged delegates to Senator Clinton's 956. According to CNN, Senator Obama won across most demographic groups. In Virginia and Maryland, Senator Obama won 60% of the female vote. This group had been supporting Senator Clinton in other Primary contests. It could be that there is a general shift toward Senator Obama or it could be just one of those phenomenon unique to this area. Either way, Senator Obama is proving to be a formidable candidate.

One thing is for sure, Senator Obama is successfully reaching a small group of Republicans. Some states allow for voters to cast votes in the other party's Primary election. This is proving beneficial to Senator Obama as he attracts unlikely supporters with his inclusive message to all Americans. There is much anecdotal evidence of Republicans crossing-over to support Senator Obama in open Primary contests.

Last night Senator Obama was in Wisconsin to begin campaigning there before next week's election. He gave one of his awe-inspiring speeches, again speaking of one America. He offered hope to those feeling disenfranchised. He took on the old Republican establishment, and challenged their justification of the Iraq war. Just after Senator Obama concluded his address, the cable networks cut to Senator McCain's speech.

While Senator Obama delivered hope to thousands of energized supporters, McCain took his stale message to mere hundreds. McCain was uninspired and looked old and tired. He had Senator John Warner standing behind him along with other elderly white men. The contrasts between the two images of Senator Obama and Senator McCain were very noticeable. McCain's flat speech and tiresome fear-mongering clearly represented what America is ready to leave behind -- the "old" establishment (pun intended). It appeared as if McCain was hardly moved by his own words. It sounded like the usual rhetoric, nothing new, only emptiness.

Although McCain hardly appeared capable of taking on a fall challenge, don't be fooled; Obama supporters should beware. If Senator Obama wins the Democratic Party nomination, attacks from the other side will begin. There was already a hint of that last night in Senator McCain's speech. His opponents are ready to call him weak and inexperienced in an effort to win the General election. They will use fear to their advantage just like President Bush did to win his second term. They are ready to suggest that with Senator Obama in The White House, America will not be safe.

The only way the Republican Party will win against Obama in November, is if they can be successful in getting enough voters to buy into their false attacks. President Bush just said, the other day, that Senator Obama spoke of embracing Ahmadinejad of Iran. Of course, Senator Obama never said that, but the Republican spin machine is already twisting his words. Don't buy it -- not one word of it. If you support Senator Obama now, stick with him if he gets to the General election. If you are not yet convinced, consider joining the movement. He will bring positive change to America. Yes we can!

Broward County, FL Includes Gender Identity Protection

Broward County, home of Fort Lauderdale, a large gay tourist destination, passed an amendment this afternoon to include gender identity in its human rights ordinance. Broward County is now one of only a dozen municipalities in the state of Florida to have banned discrimination based on gender identity.

The amendment provides for workplace and housing protections, as well as public accommodations for transgendered people. It also makes harassment illegal, against gay or straight people that do not fit traditional stereotypes.

Just as Florida begins to grapple with a November ballot initiative against gay marriage or unions, Broward County proves to be a progressive pocket in the state. Congratulations to the fair-minded commissioners who were part of this movement and also to the citizens of Broward County.

Peace is Possible

This video on American-Iranian relations was posted yesterday at Huffington Post. It's a brief history of our two countries and shows how America actually derailed Democracy in Iran many decades ago.

America has a chance, at this point in history, to choose a President that can use diplomacy toward making peace, not just with Iran but with all American enemies. The candidate best likely to achieve peace through diplomacy is Senator Obama. Let's become the peacekeepers, not the aggressors. Elect Senator Obama.

Obama Won Big

Senator Barack Obama swept the weekend Caucuses and Primaries with wins in Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, Maine and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Senator also took home a Grammy Award for a recording of his book "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream".

According to CNN, Senator Obama now has 986 pledged delegates to Senator Clinton's 924. Although Senator Obama has the lead with pledged delegates, Senator Clinton has a slight edge over her opponent when you figure in the super delegates; that score is Clinton with 1,148 to Obama's 1,121.

It's still anyone's race on the Democratic side but Senator Obama is expected to do well in the Potomac Primaries tomorrow which includes Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Here's to you Senator Obama. Good luck.

Latest Postings This Week (Feb. 3 - Feb. 9)

New postings, so far, this week include:
1.) Pro-Gay-Marriage Film Producer Interviewed on Conservative Talk Radio - Charlotte Robinson, Emmy Award winning producer, was interviewed on conservative talk-radio about her new short film on gay-marriage. It was a productive exchange. Listen to the full interview here. (Friday Feb 8, 2008)

2.) Cher Making it Official - Cher made the official announcement about her new three-year act at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. (Friday Feb 8, 2008)

3.) "Jihadists Don't Believe in Human Equality" - During Mitt Romney's concession speech at CPAC, he insulted those seeking gay rights and then in his next breath, warned of how jihadists don't believe in human equality. Nice contradiction. (Thursday Feb 7, 2008)

4.) Mitt Romney to Quit Presidential Race - Mitt Romney announced that he is dropping out of the Presidential race, leaving Senator McCain and Mike Huckabee to fight for Republican votes.(Thursday Feb 7, 2008)

5.) One Step Forward, Two Steps Back - Although some advances are being made for gay rights, they aren't going far enough. Find out what developments are occurring in Oregon, New York and Florida. (Thursday Feb 7, 2008)

6.) It Ain't Over. . . - The results from Super Tuesday are in and the race for the Democrats goes on, while Senator John McCain emerges as the Republican front-runner. I explain why Senator Obama is the Democrats best choice for the party nomination. (Wednesday Feb 6, 2008)

7.) Hillary Clinton's Message for LGBT Americans - Senator Clinton released a statement on her commitment to the LGBT community. (Tuesday Feb 5, 2008)

8.) Political Headline News Today - 2/5/08 - A summary of current political headline news. (Tuesday Feb 5, 2008)

9.) Fiscal Conservatives, Really? - President Bush sets a new record for spending as his 2009 budget is released, calling into question his party's fiscal responsibility. (Monday Feb 4, 2008)

10.) Stolen Pleasures - A music video of the Pet Shop Boys' remake of a classic U2 song. Brings me back to the day. (Monday Feb 4, 2008)

11.) Religion & Politics: A Match Made In Heaven? (reposted from Sept. 07) - I reposted an article I wrote back in September of 2007 explaining how religious organizations lobby Congress against gay rights. I try to clearly explain why gay marriage is so important for legal protection. (Monday Feb 4, 2008)

12.) Floridians will Decide on Gay Marriage Ban - An anti-gay marriage group collected enough signatures to get an anti-gay marriage amendment on Florida's November ballot. Please vote "no" and spread the word to your family and friends. (Monday Feb 4, 2008)

Please link to the above stories by clicking on their respective titles. Feel free to look around at other postings you might have missed before as well. And, don't forget to cast your vote for the February poll regarding the influence of endorsements during the Presidential election. The poll can be found in this blog's upper-right-hand corner.

Blog: http://www.purposequest.blogspot.com/

Pro-Gay-Marriage Film Producer Interviewed on Conservative Talk Radio

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Charlotte Robinson, gay-marriage activist and Emmy Award winning producer and director, formerly of CBS and ABC news, discusses her new pro-gay-marriage film with conservative talk show host, Tom Fredriksen of Old Glory Radio. Charlotte's short film, can be seen at OUTTAKEonline.com.

The radio interview aired yesterday, February 7, 2008. It was rather civil and productive, with host Tom Fredriksen allowing Charlotte to educate his conservative listeners on the topic of gay-marriage. If you haven't already listened to the interview, click on the podcast player above. It is a surprisingly comfortable exchange.

Click on the podcast player below, to hear listener reaction to yesterday's interview with Charlotte Robinson. I must say, the host, Tom Fredriksen was very impressive.

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Cher Making it Official

Just as I reported in late January in my post, Cher to come out of Retirement, Cher has finally confirmed publicly that she will indeed be one of the headline acts at Caesars Palace.

It promises to be bigger and better than ever before. "I started in Vegas at Caesars, so I've come full circle," she said. "I'm back, and I plan to give my fans the best experience yet. I think everybody knows I only do things in a big way."

She has agreed to start her new show on May 6, 2008. Cher will be performing 200 shows over a three year time-period. Ticket prices will range from $95 to $250.

We only have three more years until we say "goodbye" again. You better get your tickets now.

"Jihadists Don't Believe in Human Equality"

During Mitt Romney's concession speech to CPAC, Conservative Political Action Conference, he took a huge swipe at "activist judges" and those seeking gay rights.

He also was inducted into my Halls of Hypocrisy, by stating that "jihadists don't believe in human equality". That's very funny, because Mitt Romney and conservative Republicans don't either. How hypocritical.

Thank God he's dropping out. Buh, bye!

Mitt Romney to Quit Presidential Race

As being reported by both CNN and MSNBC news, Mitt Romney is dropping out of the Presidential race.

On the GOP side, this leaves two candidates, Senator John McCain and Mike Huckabee. It looks like Senator John McCain will eventually become the Republican nominee, however, it would be a frightening thought imagining the possibility of Mike Huckabee emerging, by some divine providence, and becoming our next President.

Either way, we need to mobilize and unite to defeat any possibility of Senator John McCain or Mike Huckabee from becoming our next President.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

As our country continues to be divided about extending equal rights to its gay citizens, individual states are attempting to figure out where they stand on the issue. As one state progresses forward, another sinks deeper into the abyss of the dark ages.

Oregon was the latest to offer some type of protection for its gay community. The state finally extended a domestic partnership law after it was held up in court for a short period of time. Just this Monday, same-sex couples were able to legally apply for domestic partnership. This move provides gay couples with many of the responsibilities and benefits of marriage, but not all.

How can anyone reconcile that in their hearts and in their heads? Yes, it's a step in the right direction but the new law does not treat gay people as equal. Why only provide for some of the duties and protections of marriage, and not all? The mind-set in that logic is blatantly discriminatory.

Meanwhile, New York's appellate court decided it must recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages as equal to its recognition of heterosexual marriages. A court challenge, by a Canadian lesbian couple, led to this ruling. The lawsuit began when one of the women was denied health care benefits by her partner's employer. Because the two had entered into a civil union in the state of Vermont many years earlier, the court ruled they must be treated as any married couple.

The New York Times reported that the court concluded that gay marriages meet the state's "marriage recognition rule". The court said, “In our view, the Court of Appeals thereby indicated that the recognition of plaintiff’s marriage is not against the public policy of New York.”

Again this is a step in the right direction, but when and how does this ruling begin to apply to the other thousands of gay couples in the state? Of all states, New York has been slow to move on this issue; in the greater context of things this doesn't make too much sense. I'm confident, however, that it will only be a matter of time until the state makes things right, but it should have led the movement, not followed.

And now, as I've pointed out several times recently, Florida is on the verge of going in the opposite direction. This November the state will vote on whether to ban all forms of gay marriages and unions. The gay community needs its state representatives to lead on this issue. It has been rumored that Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, is against this proposed measure. If that is the case, then will he stand up for us? He is a very popular Governor with about 70% approval. He and others should speak out against the proposed amendment.

It can be defeated but only if we work to defeat it. The most important thing you can do as a Florida voter is to VOTE! And, don't forget to spread the word to your family, friends, and neighbors.

You can also join the fight by checking out and joining these organizations: Fairness For All Families, Equality Florida, and Human Rights Campaign Fund

It Ain't Over. . .

. . .Until the fat lady sings. The Primary race goes on for both the Democrats and the Republicans. Senator McCain appears to be the front-runner in the Republican race, while the Democrats continue to run neck and neck. Depending on who gets the Democratic nomination, the candidate will not only make the difference in claiming victory in the November election, but will also have the chance to bring America together to change our country's path. I believe this candidate should be Senator Obama.

Last night's Primary election was very exciting. Americans showed up to vote like they hadn't in decades. Voter turn-out was strong across the country. In Manchester, Connecticut for example, 70% of the registered voters showed up. These numbers are incredible. This morning the pundits are saying that a desire for change is what is being attributed to this Primary election's turn-out.

According to CNN, on the Democratic side, Senator Obama won the largest number of states, collecting 13 to Senator Clinton's 8; however, the delegate prize shapes things up a little differently. Although the delegate race is very close, Senator Clinton can claim victory for winning 825 to Senator Obama's 732. The state of New Mexico is still processing the state's election results, but as of this writing Senator Obama has a slight lead.

On the Republican side, Senator McCain won 9 states and the most delegates with 615. CNN also reports this morning that Romney comes in second place in both the number of states and the number of delegates, 7 and 268 respectively. Huckabee had a strong showing, perhaps given to him by divine providence, bringing home 5 states with 169 delegates.

It has been reported that the Primary elections being held over the next two weeks will tip in Senator Obama's favor. As we've seen this Primary season, however, the polls can be rather unreliable and both Senators Obama and Clinton are running an extremely tight race. It is still anyone's game.

There's one more point I'd like to make, the Republican base wants Senator Clinton to win the Democratic nomination. Why? Because she can and will mobilize Republicans like no one else can, regardless of party affiliation. She will bring them out in droves with the hope of defeating her. That's how strong their distain is for Senator Clinton.

Last night Ari Fleischer, former White House Press Secretary for the latest Bush administration, weighed in on CNN. Fleischer said that the Republicans pray every night that Senator Clinton gets the Democratic party nomination as this will mobilize their voters. This is being very clearly revealed to the Democrats. Statements like this have become more common lately and this is foreshadowing of what to expect if Senator Clinton becomes our next President. Not only do they think they can defeat her in November, but if unsuccessful, they would want nothing more than to destroy her.

Senator Obama does not have that built-in divisiveness. If Democrats want to win the November election and turn things around in our country, they need a candidate that can unite our people. It has been reported lately by Senator Obama's camp that he can and is attracting Republicans to his cause; if this is remotely true, then having Senator Obama as the Democratic nominee promises a much different course. The decision is up to us.

Hillary Clinton's Message for LGBT Americans

This message was issued to LGBT Americans last night by Hillary Clinton, concerning her commitment to LGBT civil rights.

As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what I sensed in my heart has been confirmed – America is embracing its LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as never before. On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask about ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. A woman will ask why she can be discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to everyone.

Let me tell you what I have been telling voters across America. I am fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans. For seven long years, the Bush Administration has tried to divide us - only seeing people who matter to them. It's been a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.

I will change that. The best evidence of what I will do as President is what I have already done.

I am proud of my record as First Lady, as a U.S. Senator and as a candidate for President in working toward the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans.

I am proud that as Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in 2006, I worked closely with LBGT community to develop a smart strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment. I am proud of fighting the FMA as divisive wedge politics at its worst.

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act which would grant the same benefits (including health insurance) to domestic partners of federal employees that are currently offered to employees' legal spouses.

I am proud to have authored the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, and fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act.

I am proud that I hired a National Director of LGBT Outreach within a month of announcing my candidacy for President and to have openly gay and lesbian staffers serving at all levels of my campaign.

I am proud to have a National LGBT Steering Committee of over 130 that includes openly LGBT elected officials, Board members and opinion leaders on issues ranging from transgender rights, to HIV/AIDS, to "Don't Ask Don't Tell".

I am proud to have marched in Gay Pride parades as both First Lady and as Senator and to have spoken in front of so many LGBT audiences ranging from the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, the Hetrick Martin Institute, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

I am proud to have fought Republican efforts to demonize and marginalize the LGBT community, and I will continue to do that as President.

We have so much work to do. When I am President, we will work together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to expand our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and assure that they are both fully inclusive of all people. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice - the traits that define our men and women in uniform - have nothing to do with sexual orientation.

My father was a conservative Republican, who held very traditional views for much of his life. Yet in his last years, it was a gay couple who lived next door who provided much of the compassion and comfort he and my mother needed as he grew ill. And it was that same neighbor who held his hand as he died. If my father can move, America can move.

To each and every LGBT American, I say this. You have done so much to help this country understand your lives by simply being open and honest about who you are and living your lives with dignity. Thank you for your courage. It is time that we recognize your hard work. I know that this country is ready for changes in the law that reflect the evolution in our hearts.

America deserves a President who appeals to the best in each of us, not the worst; a President who values and respects all Americans and treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they love. I want to be that President. I want to be your President.

Political Headline News Today - 2/5/08

It's Super Tuesday. 24 states vote in their Primary elections today.

On the Democratic side, Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are statistically in a tied race with an average of national polls putting them at 43% for Obama to 45% for Clinton. The total number of Democratic delegates up for grabs today is 1,681.

Senator John McCain is leading his opponents in all of the national polls by a wide margin, with 44% of registered Republicans to Mitt Romney's 29%. Mike Huckabee is relatively off of the radar with 18%. The number of Republican delegates being awarded today total 1,023.

If you are in one of these states, please vote. It's not just a right that is afforded to you, but it's also your responsibility to your country. We have the power to change the direction of America, but only in part, if we vote. If you'd like to share your experience at the polls today, please leave a comment below.

Fiscal Conservatives, Really?

President Bush announced his 2009 budget today. The total package? 3.1 trillion dollars. He set a new record for spending, up 6% from this year. He projected a federal deficit of $407 billion dollars. Who says the Republicans are fiscal conservatives? I think President Bush has taken away the credibility of that argument.

Now compare that to what only seems like yesterday when President Clinton had balanced the federal budget, the first President in American history to do that. When he left office, President Clinton left us with a surplus.

I often say President Bush has run our country into the ground, on so many levels. This only solidifies that opinion. Anyone care to disagree?

Stolen Pleasures

Ok, I have to admit I have completely stolen the idea to show this video from a fellow blogger. After the last two posts here, I figured I needed to lighten things up a bit, so what better a way than to provide a little Pet Shop Boys doing a remake of a classic U2 song.

So not to offend anyone, I'll also include a link to RainbowDishes, the blogger with great music taste. As he indicated on his blog, The Pet Shop Boys too remind me of my younger days, dancing with my friends at El Goya, that long-ago gay club in Tampa. Enjoy!

Religion & Politics: A Match Made In Heaven? (reposted from Sept. 07)

Editorial Note: With Florida considering a state constitutional amendment to ban gay unions and gay marriage in November, I thought this earlier post from September, was worth posting again. In this piece, I try to clearly explain what the big deal is for those opposing gay marriage vs. those supporting it. As time gets closer to the November election, I will probably post it again. Please feel free to share this with other people who might not understand what the fuss is all about.

Original Post:
It’s no secret to most of us that many mainstream denominations are against gay marriage. But are you aware that many mainstream religions actively spend money to lobby Congress, in an effort, to deny the gay community its basic legal rights?

For decades religion has had a presence in Washington, D.C. Most faiths are represented, including: Catholics, Southern Baptists, United Methodists, Reform Jews and Quakers, just to name a few. Some of these lobbyist groups serve as the voice for individual denominations, while others represent a larger body of associations. Religious lobbyist groups concern themselves with issues ranging from loosening immigration policy, to anti-abortion measures and of course, working against gay rights.

Many of the religious lobbyists have exerted their power to help push the passage of positive and important legislation, such as civil rights in the 1960s, ending the Vietnam War in the 1970s, and the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. However, over the last decade or so, there has been an enormous uprising against the gay community by many of these organizations. We have also seen the emergence of groups like The Christian Coalition, The Family Research Council, and the American Family Association all of which work to decry anything they deem to be “immoral”, including or especially, homosexuality.

The groups working to “save the institution of marriage” are not only attempting to claim the word, marriage, as their own, but are also attempting to deny the gay community their basic legal rights, as Americans. Not all of the religious lobbying groups are anti-gay. Episcopalians and The United Methodists, for instance, are known to be gay-friendly.

The fight in the gay community isn’t about faith, or religious belief; it’s about having legal and equal protection under the law. Let me be clear, it’s about legal rights, not religious beliefs! This is very important. In the larger picture, one truly has nothing to do with the other. The only binding force between the two is the word, “marriage”.

By denying legal and equal protection to the gay community, the law is denying hospital visitation, inheritance rights of property, and adoption of children to long-term same-sex couples.

So if as an example, I were to be on my death-bed at the hospital and my doctor told everyone to leave the room except my family, my partner of more than nine years would have to leave. He would legally be denied the right to hold my hand and comfort me through my final hours. Then after my death, my half of the home we both share (financially, domestically and spiritually) would be inherited by my next of kin. If my kin wanted to liquidate their share, then they could force my partner to sell his own house.

Granted, there are ways to legally protect property through the terms in a will, as well as the terms on a property deed. However, paying to protect one’s self through a legal contract does not guarantee that the legal contract won’t be contested in a court of law (and many have been). Also, drawing-up legal contracts is costly, often ranging into the thousands of dollars; whereas, if one were able to marry his/her same-sex partner these protections would simply be afforded to them like any other married heterosexual couple. It would be automatic protection, under the law.

Remember, these powerful religious lobbying organizations operate tax-free under the federal law. So, before the next time you or your church-going loved ones tithe, ask questions and do some light investigative work because your money could very well be going to deny yourself, or your family and friends their legal rights.

Below is an example of how giving money in church funnels its way to work against the gay community. Please understand that this example IS an accurate path that church money takes; however in all fairness, the Southern Baptist Convention is NOT THE ONLY group to lobby against gay rights. Click on the chart below to enlarge it.

Floridians will Decide on Gay Marriage Ban

I have written several times before on this topic; and, unfortunately, it has now come to be. Florida will decide in November 2008 if the gay community, and others, in the state will permanently be banned from every form of civil union or gay marriage. The anti-gay group, collecting signatures supporting an amendment to Florida's constitution, collected enough support to get their anti-gay marriage proposal on the ballot in the fall.

If passed by Florida voters, the amendment will affect all unmarried Floridians not just those of us in the gay community. Many from the straight community, including seniors, firefighters, teachers and police officers living together for financial purposes, will also be impacted by this.

The most important thing we can do is to spread the word and ask all of those who love and support us, to vote "NO" on the proposed Florida state constitutional amendment known as the so called "Marriage Protection Act". Equality Florida, a non-profit group seeking equality and justice for Florida's gay community, suggested talking to your circle of influence, stepping outside of your comfort zones and engaging the people in your neighborhoods and the places where you shop. We must not allow this kind of inequality to be permanently written into the state's constitution.

Two laws and a court decision already prevent gays in Florida from marrying. Why do we now have to write this into the constitution? If it succeeds in passing, our relationships will never be legally recognized. We will be legally prevented from visiting our life-partners in the hospital; we will be in jeopardy of losing our own homes upon the deaths of our partners; our children will be legally prevented from visiting a gay parent with whom they grew up in the event of a separation. And, the list goes on.

How does giving our community legal protection threaten traditional marriage? By not legally recognizing our relationships, the law would in effect, promote a lack of commitment and responsibility to each other. The law actually encourages us not to be faithful to each other. Why would Floridians and our government support that? This anti-gay group is attempting to mislead fair-minded citizens in the state. Their message is all about religion and fear. Since Massachusetts enacted gay marriage many years ago, heterosexual marriage hasn't collapsed. It won't anywhere else either.

Please join me by helping to defeat this ignorant and hurtful proposal in November. You can help by voting "NO", by spreading the word to other Floridians, by volunteering or contributing to organizations working for true equality. You can learn more by linking to these websites: Equality Florida and Fairness For All Families.

You can also read my other postings on this topic by clicking on any of these links here: Florida Gay-Rights Supporters Beware; Gay Floridians Still in Harm's Way; Attention Florida Voters: We Need Your Help; Religion & Politics: A Match Made In Heaven?

Latest Postings This Week (Jan. 26 - Feb. 2)

New postings, so far, this week include:
1.) MoveOn.org Endorses Senator Obama - The sometimes controversial anti-war group, MoveOn.org, polled its members and chose to endorse Senator Obama in the Democratic Primary election. (Friday Feb 1, 2008)

2.) Winner of the Democratic Debate was. . . - With minor differences separating the two remaining Democratic candidates, a seemingly agreed upon truce made for a rather civil debate on CNN. The Democratic Party looks strong and came out the overall winner. (Friday Feb 1, 2008)

3.) Poll Results - Obama vs. Huckabee - Quest's January 2008 poll set up a hypothetical November 2008 election between Senator Obama and former preacher turned governor, Mike Huckabee. The overwhelming winner was Senator Obama with 74% of the vote. (Friday Feb 1, 2008)

4.) Obama Gains on Clinton in National Poll - A new national Gallup poll shows Senator Obama has gained significantly on Senator Clinton. (Thursday Jan 31, 2008)

5.) A Device for "Foot Drop" - Good Morning America broadcasted a segment on a new device called the WalkAide, a.k.a. Brain in a Box. This device could help some, afflicted with spinal cord injury or disease, walk easier. (Thursday Jan 31, 2008)

6.) Political Compatibility Tool - A link to another website specializing in matching voters with Presidential candidates based on issue compatibility. (Thursday Jan 31, 2008)

7.) Political Headline News Today - 1/30/08 - A few highlights from recent activity in the Presidential Primary race. (Wednesday Jan 30, 2008)

8.) Miami's Gay Community will get Legal Protections - The City of Miami voted to amend the city's charter to include a Citizen's Bill of Rights. This act will include legal rights for the gay community. (Wednesday Jan 30, 2008)

9.) Florida Gay-Rights Supporters Beware - During Florida's Primary election, an anti-gay group was out collecting signatures in the hope of adding an anti-gay marriage amendment to Florida's November 2008 ballot. (Tuesday Jan 29, 2008)

10.) Another Kennedy Endorsement for Obama - Usually remaining neutral during the Democratic Primary election, Senator Ted Kennedy made a bold move in announcing an endorsement for Senator Obama. (Monday Jan 28, 2008)

11.) Updated Delegate Score by Candidate - A ranking of both Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates by their current delegate count. (Sunday Jan 27, 2008)

12.) Senator Obama Wins South Carolina - The inspirational Senator Obama, won the South Carolina Democratic Primary. (Saturday Jan 26, 2008)

13.) Caroline Kennedy Endorses Obama - The daughter of President John F. Kennedy endorsed Senator Obama in a New York Times Op-Ed, referring to him as a "President like my father". (Saturday Jan 26, 2008)

14.) Republicans try to Steal Democrats' Thunder - During media coverage of the South Carolina Democratic Primary election results, Florida Governor Charlie Crist interrupts with his endorsement of Senator McCain. (Saturday Jan 26, 2008)

Please link to the above stories by clicking on their respective titles. Feel free to look around at other postings you might have missed before as well. And, don't forget to cast your vote for the February poll regarding the influence of endorsements during the Presidential election. The poll can be found in this blog's upper-right-hand corner.

Blog: http://www.purposequest.blogspot.com/

MoveOn.org Endorses Senator Obama

As one of 3.2 million members of MoveOn.org, I was asked to cast my vote for one of the two remaining Democratic Presidential candidates. In return, MoveOn would only endorse a candidate, in the Democratic Primary election, if 2/3 of the voting members would choose just one candidate. With more than 280,500 MoveOn members voting, Senator Obama received 70.4% to Senator Clinton's 29.6% of the vote.

In MoveOn's history, this is the first time the progressive organization has endorsed a Presidential candidate during the Primary election and it is Senator Obama.

MoveOn is an anti-war organization known for its controversial tactics. You might remember the full page ad in The New York Times, referring to General David Petraeus as General Betray Us. Proponents of the troop surge in Iraq called MoveOn's actions despicable and repugnant. Republican Senator Jon Kyl called for the Democratic leadership to choose sides on whether it stands with MoveOn or General Petraeus. Many supporters started to distance themselves from the organization after this flap.

The question now is, will this endorsement help or hurt Senator Obama, especially if he gets the party nomination?

Winner of the Democratic Debate was. . .

The winner of last night's Democratic debate, between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama, on CNN, was the Democratic Party. It was a civil debate with very few barbs thrown at each other. Occasionally there was a gentle jab or two but the entire night was rather cordial, except for the bombs thrown at President Bush and his party.

It was almost as if the two candidates had agreed beforehand to play nice. This morning the pundits are saying that neither candidate wanted to rock the boat by doing nor saying anything too controversial; Senator Clinton is still leading in the national polls, despite the flap she received from her husband's inflammatory behavior over the last week or so. Meanwhile, Senator Obama has significantly made some ground in catching up to Senator Clinton in the national polls. So it seems that neither really wanted to put their current standing at risk.

What I took away from last night's debate was the Democrats look strong. Although, my support is behind Senator Obama, I have to admit that Senator Clinton seemed to have most of the substance last night and also appeared to get most of the air-time.

Whichever candidate receives the nomination, I'd fully support. Either would make me proud to call him/her my President. The two remaining Democrats are both similar in their positions, with very few distinctions. They may differ on how to offer health-care to all Americans or how to end the Iraq war, but both desire to achieve these goals. Clinton and Obama came across as a unified front, making it clear that they both have mirroring visions for our country but with perhaps different paths of getting there.

When asked at the end of the evening if either would consider running together on the same ticket, neither answered directly but left the possibility open for future consideration.

Poll Results - Obama vs. Huckabee

The results are in for the Quest poll in January. Last month produced a record number of unique votes for this blog's on-going monthly polls. 63 respondents answered the hypothetical question regarding which Presidential candidate they'd vote for in the November 2008 election.

The poll question and results were:

If the November 2008 Presidential election were held today and the candidates were as follows, for whom would you vote?

Barack Obama - 74%
Mike Huckabee - 12%
Third Party Candidate - 12%

Overwhelmingly, Senator Barack Obama won in this landslide hypothetical election with 74% of the vote to Mike Huckabee's 12%. The un-named third party candidate did just as well as Mike Huckabee; this doesn't bode too well for the right-wing, former preacher, Evangelical, Republican representative. My question now is, who are the Mike Huckabee supporters reading this left-leaning blog? Things that make you go "hmm".

Quest's February 2008 poll is regarding how influential endorsements are to you in the Presidential campaign. I urge you to participate by casting your vote. The poll can be found in this blog's upper-right-hand corner.

If you'd like to contribute with a topic for a future poll, I'd be happy to consider your input. The question does not have to be political in nature. It could be a "yes" or "no" question, or it could be a question with a list of possible individual choices. Please email your suggestions to purposequest@hotmail.com. Thank you.