Liveblogging From Augusta Civic Center

good Luck!

From being at all the Mass conventions I certainly know the feelings of excitement and dread, it usually becomes an up and down day but totally worth it to experience history in the making.

Looking forward to seeing the pictures.  Has you spotted the anti-gay Mike Heath yet?

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 08:51:05 AM CDT

Not yet

But Matt has. We'll no doubt see him testifying later.

BTW, the first opposition legislator went to the "parenting" example. Guffaws from the supporters...

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 08:59:55 AM CDT

Help!

I can't find the audio feed from that link above.

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 09:18:33 AM CDT

I had trouble, too

Go to "audio" and then "special programs" and it's listed under that.

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by: NicoleD @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 09:57:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Duh. Thanks!

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:48:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Tweeting from the Hearing

We're tagging Maine marriage hearing tweets with #marryME.  Pass it on!

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by: samritchie @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 09:23:45 AM CDT

how can you twitter?

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 09:33:49 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Check out our feed

With or without signing up:

http://www.twitter.org/ACLULGBT

Also tweeting this: GLADLaw

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by: samritchie @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 09:56:25 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oh!

It must have been you in the Press section; had I known I would have said hi! :)

Later in the evening (before I "hit the exhaustion wall" and left), I was sitting up and right side from a woman who was Twittering the final hour.

Great link!  

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:26:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

wow

The hearing are bringing tears to my eyes to hear the people talk about their lives, families that matter and with so much support.  This is what is so needed for equality.  People to tell their stories.  Wonderful!

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 09:27:12 AM CDT

This video feed is working great ...

http://files.mainecampus.com/l...

twitter.com/ChinoBlanco | youtube.com/ChinoBlanco

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by: Chino Blanco @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 09:57:12 AM CDT

"These people"

Now the other side gets their say and it's very noticable that they are all old people (no offense to the elderly) and all they are talking about it God's marriage but none are addressing the civil marriage issue.  Mad Dad David Parker from massachusetts is there too.

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 09:59:25 AM CDT

Lost connection

and where I'm not so familiar with laptops other than my own (damn my Ludditeness!), I was toast. So scribbled down notes, took pix and vids to transcribe later. Taking quick break to download stuff to Picasa/ clear card so I can get more later.

Wait until you hear the elderly couple I just chatted with- 2 ladies that just celebrated their 50th year together. They're due on around 6pm; sweethearts and I know they will do well.

The feeling in the building is very partisan- opposition is dour, angry, sullen and supportive are upbeat, happy and cheerful.

And yes, that is an honest appraisal imo.

David Parker from Lexington MA spoke earlier, then later 2 supporters just shredded his testimony. Those are gonna all be fun transcriptions!  

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 10:46:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

They ended up

being after I left (around 8pm?)- they were celebrating their 50th anniversary next year. Looked like Maine's version of Monty Python pepperpots- ie, exactly like every other damned woman in her 70s or 80s up here! ;)

THAT was what I think really shocked some of the opposition, who had been told/taught so much of their bigotry from their church leaders- how LGBT folk were NOT "big bad scary boogeymen from outer space", but MAINE NEIGHBORS.

Anyways, I met these ladies when I heard one mutter to the other, "where are they GETTING this stuff?" (regarding sex etc) So I turned and whispered back, "It's obvious, dear- they're pulling it out of their ass!" They both laughed and we started chatting after that; they have had a wonderful life together. Absolute sweethearts; reminded me of my great-aunts.

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:36:44 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

We saw them

The spoke after the Committee Chair said that each person in line could speak for 1 minute.  They were great.

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by: BB @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 09:27:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The elderly man

who said "these people" was featured on Susan Kimball's noon clip on WCSH.

I was writing down Mr. Vachon's statement; here it is:

"I don't want to be mean to these people, but marriage is for 1 man and 1 woman."

His wife was the traditional elderly Maine wife- ie, stood beside/slightly behind and said nothing, like a good potted plant should, and let her husband talk for her. Even though when he took the podium, he introduced himself then her.

They could have been well-dressed clones of my parents.

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:12:38 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

It figures . . .

my computer has gone all wonky, and can't get the feed to work.

Damned Virus software. 4th re-boot. . .ugh.

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by: ggw59 @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 10:44:52 AM CDT

WCSH live reporting

about 2500 people. "Supporters a sea of red"...

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:03:26 AM CDT

Up to 4000

is what I found late last night from various sources; supporter:opposition ratio estimated by media to be 4:1

I think both are probably accurate. If our numbers were even greater than that, I would NOT be surprised, though.

After the dinner break (5:45- 6:30), there was a flood of college kids from Colby, more couples, people who had been working/unable to attend earlier.

I helped out on the EqualityMaine front table before testimony started back up, getting everyone who came in to stop and fill in more blue postcards, as had been done all day. It was a huge stack of support garnered since 8am; I have no idea how many EQME got.

But here's the thing: only Maine natives of voting age were allowed to fill out those cards, as they were going to be submitted to the state senate/representatives of each person. To my knowledge, NO ONE FROM AWAY SPOKE IN SUPPORT- all of the testimony given by the supporting side was from MAINERS.

The opposition did NOT do this- they had David Parker from Lexington MA speak. And his testimony was (imo) beautifully refuted repeatedly.

The Judiciary committee also made available printout of both bills and comment forms to indicate support/opposition to LD 1020 and 1118 (we never DID find out why Rep. Les Fossel, 1118's sponsor, was not present at all yesterday).  

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:50:51 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I know of at least one other Mass person

State Senator Marian Walsh was there to tell about her experience with Marriage Equality in Mass.  She is a fairly social conservative Catholic and I remember her speech during the Mass Con Con brought most of the viewers to tears since she had changed her vote from voting for the amendment to against the amendment.

The first election after the vote the right put up a number of anti-gay people up against her but she won.  She's a lawyer with a Masters in Theology.  Yesterday she mentioned how her Catholic upbringing brought her to support Marriage Equality.

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by: BB @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 09:24:32 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

We have our fingers crossed for Maine

seeing as how Maine is where I caught "the gay", it's very important to me to see equality in that state. :)

Please keep those of us who can't chat or watch livestreaming from Augusta updated! (I'm at w*rk -- I can comment on a blog, but livestreaming video is verboten).

Thank you for working so hard for equality for all of us...go Maine!

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by: ElsieElsie @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:08:05 AM CDT

Ha!

On my way over to the hotel, I saw a man (50-60s) walking a cute little dog, who introduced her as "his daughter" and apologized as "she appears to have caught heterosexuality".

I told him I would pray for her, and we both lost it...

He was from Jonesport. I've also met folks from Machias, Windsor, Surry, Bar Harbor, Mt Vernon; speakers from Brewer, Old Town and St Agatha in Aroostook County- look it up on the map, folks; these are NOT southern Mainers! :)  

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:16:29 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

*snort*

Whenever someone says something religiously-inclined that implies we're worth less than straight people, I just look at them and say, "Bless your heart."

That's Southern for "Fuck you and the horse you rode in, bitch."

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by: ElsieElsie @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 13:02:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Maine SSM Public Hearing

We're getting into a shi'ia/sunni or Protestant/Catholic squabble here about "my version of Islam/Xianity is better than yours".  A guy from a religious persuasion that does not condone gay relationships has just called churches that bless SSM "liars."

But OMG! -- the eloquence of the 14-year-old with two moms and the old WWII Vet who sure had three days worth of stories if he could been given the time.  :)

Very impressed with this process.  A rabid fellow currently was reigned in by the Speaker and reminded that SO FAR the discussion had been civll.  Just went over the line.  Sheesh.

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by: Jake @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:15:23 AM CDT

Thx; please keep blogging!

I'll be back over there in another 10 minutes and HATE missing a minute of this.

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:17:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The religious arguments

of the people saying that only their God is the right god just kill me, and make me so angry.

I loved the vets talking, and especially the guy who told the story about working in the grocery store, and only at the end said that it was a straight interracial couple.

The girl, earlier, who started crying when she said she was sad her godmother couldn't get married like her parents could, set me off, and I had to explain to my bosses why I was sitting at work, crying.

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by: NicoleD @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:19:37 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

There was a 9 year old

who just broke my heart a few hours ago...

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:20:27 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Pastor with children

makes no sense about passing a marriage equality law would  shorten the life span of people. The anti-equality side are very dour.

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:17:31 AM CDT

Indeed they are

(damn; I hate how slow these vids are uploading on other laptop and so damned grateful to my wonderful Charlie for loaning me his extra!}

My freaking hero...

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:19:34 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Manly Man?

A poem on manly man?  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!

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by: UnitetheFight.org @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:19:53 AM CDT

Some more support

Just heard from a pediatrician who sees kids from all kinds of families and a fellow from the one of the psychologists' associations.  All kinds of professional support of evidence-based studies of how kids do in different kinds of families, etc.

Interspersed with the medical community's support are the personal statements of gay and straight individuals' own families' circumstances.  All are eloquent (no matter how nervous they might be), dignified, positive, and restrained from reactively antagonizing "the other side" (which courtesy has not been returned).

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by: Jake @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:39:21 AM CDT

The man who spoke

from the other side of Maine was there with his two daughter.  He served in the Armed Services and one of his daughters is gay and cannot get married.  This guy was a big lug of a guy and yet his testimony was so moving.  So many great personal stories

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:43:21 AM CDT

Yes, another post from Jake

I know this is my third post in 20 minutes but I am passionate about the debate in this particular state.  My partner lived and worked in Maine for 20 years before personal and economic circumstances brought him to Arizona -- and a few years after that, the internet brought me to him.  He still is very fond of Maine as a state (of mind).  In 2007 I visited the state with him for the first time since he had left, and he was very proud of the state he wanted to show to me.

Well, back to the hearing -- it seems we have the law, the science, the medicine, and civil precedence on our side; the other side has particular understandings of God and not-quite-reasoned opinions of what is best for all children on theirs.

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by: Jake @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 11:54:03 AM CDT

I really wish they didn't allow

bursts of applause.  I'm sure there'll be a fair amount of booing and hissing an laughing, too. It's unbecoming for a legislative hearing. I do hope that whoever is running this, doesn't refer to speakers by their first names, like the fellow in Vermont did during their recent hearings. I like doing 30 minute blocks per side instead of alternating speakers.

This is exciting.  Go, Maine!

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 12:00:54 PM CDT

Actually very little

booing and hissing- some, but not a single person had to be ejected.

And the applause was on both sides.

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 07:52:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Marriage will give homosexuals unfettered access to children to molest them."

I can't believe this people and how brainwashed they are.  Do they live in a cave somewhere?  What's scary to me is that they intentionally shut out all information that contradicts their bigoted points of view.

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by: UnitetheFight.org @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 12:02:50 PM CDT

Meanwhile, Nevada State Senate passes DP bill

Bill now goes to the House.  The bill carries all the "legal" aspects of marriage, however, a major "benefit" is left out. In order to get the bill pass committee, requiring the state or private sector to offer dp health benefits was excluded!!! WTF???   Oh well.

The Gov is already on record that he (adulteress Mormon Repug) will veto it.  Oh well.

But this is still a good thing all in all.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/new...

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 12:43:40 PM CDT

Someone from Maine - backstory please

Who is the wackjob from District 31?  What in heaven's name is she talking about?  The banks won't accept her mortgage payments?  The government is breaking into her house?

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 13:31:55 PM CDT

I've got to find out

because she listed my hometown...

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 19:57:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

All these people have

is their religion.  They do not want any separation of church and state.  Some of the people are really scary and this is probably a good thing for the people for marriage equality because it shows how bizarre the anti-gay side it.

"Can a manly manly be a wife" lol.

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 13:34:56 PM CDT

The rhetoric is heating up

My Nasty Meter is registering in the High Red zone.  Another onslaught of assault by some clergy and their believers against clergy supporting SSM.  I have only audio feed at present so I don't know what people look like when their voices climb to that tight-throated screeching howler monkey level, but some of these folks better be careful or they may be stroking out any minute.

It seems as the day winds on, the anti-voices are growing shriller and sharper and less and less reasoned.  What began as fairly standard conservative religious regurgitation has decomposed into accusations of bacteriological contamination (the only life gay sex can produce is bacteria!  I paraphrase).

I applaud the people who are able to keep order here.  They demonstrate the patience of -- to use a biblical metaphor -- Job.

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by: Jake @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 13:38:21 PM CDT

Thank EqualityMaine

Just walked in from 13+ hours at the Civic Center and can barely move let alone think... but do I have some great stuff!

Betsy Smith, Darlene Huntress, Matt Moonen, Ariel, Andrea, Vanessa and so many others that I sadly let the names of fall out my ears did such an amazing job.

Wait until you see the video of Betsy speaking... I'm gonna transcribe it hopefully tomorrow, with her permission. As well as many others; one couple gave me their notes and permission to use as well.

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 20:00:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks for the one the spot coverage

with more to come.  Will look forward to any amount you still have energy to transcribe.  :)

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 20:26:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

it appears

that the Marriage equality crowd clearly outnumbers the anti-gay crowd and they're not happy about that.

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 13:42:22 PM CDT

By afternoon

the opposition had thinned dramatically- by 6:30 when the final hours were setting up, it was probably less than 50 people on their side.

I've heard as many as 4000 people were there.  

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 20:02:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Maine

has some really great people speaking on behalf of the Marriage Equality bill.  It is so wonderful.

The number of straight allies speaking out is simply amazing.  I love how the marriage equality is reading from the same bible that the anti-gay side is using to keep discrimination.

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 13:52:48 PM CDT

It must be the crazy hour

The people testifying against this bill is really doing damage to their side with their bizarre and odd statements.

Like an accident, I don't want to see it but I can't keep my eyes away.

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 14:28:19 PM CDT

We had some

that could have been competing in the Olympics. The gold winner was around 7pm; silver went to the polygamy guy. Then lots of ties for bronze.

I was really concerned Gold was gonna get hauled out in a straitjacket; she was way past shrill and almost to frothing. Very scary little gramma who had already assaulted someone with her placard outside at noon- true story. The only violent episode I know of...

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by: Louise @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 20:05:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Reminds me

Of that little old lady at our CU hearing who stood at the mike after lunch recess had already been called and screamed about how she would she would rather see her grandchildren commit suicide than be gay. Class act.

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 20:53:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Good one.

We gotta laugh, or we'd cry.

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 21:40:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"I am here to speak for God."

'nuff said.

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 14:36:29 PM CDT

Is this a public hearing ...

Or Sunday School?

twitter.com/ChinoBlanco | youtube.com/ChinoBlanco

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by: Chino Blanco @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 14:45:53 PM CDT

hmmm

Jesus never said one freaking word about this subject in this fairytale book. . .and yet, these people won't give it up. . .ever.

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by: ggw59 @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 14:47:42 PM CDT

isn't this the point???

First opponent, Phil Curtis: "We will become legislated by Man and not Holy God".

Isn't this the way it is supposed to be?  We aren't supposed to be legislated by someone's God are we?

Paul Davis: I believe the basis of our society is a family. Children must have the blending love of a mother and a father.

When they say this crap, do they do so in the belief that gay families don't actually have children whether thay can marry or not?

Does anyone ever actually challenge these kinds of statements to these people's faces and make them try to justify them?

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by: timNC @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 14:51:34 PM CDT

The Historian

was cut off, but I really wanted to hear the rest of his testimony.

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by: ggw59 @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 14:59:03 PM CDT

Typical

the ustream feed cuts off ("off air") when the testimony goes into inheritance benefits and a personal story about the disgusting treatment we're subjected to in grief.

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by: ggw59 @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 15:11:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hope video of the religious freaks are up soon

So the religious bigots can be seen in all their glory (including any lawmaker with names, districts and all of it.) It needs to be a nice mashup to spread virally.

I've been so ill today that I missed this testimony. :(

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 15:10:19 PM CDT

I took a gazillion videos

Far more than I could possibly transcribe. Best guess is 3 dozen.

So am going to try to organize and set up a Youtube account, so people can view/ pick and choose from the open buffett!

Plus before I crashed last night, I scanned all local media for news story, their vids etc- gonna put up a new post of mostly links with descriptions.

OMG, having NEVER done anything like this, I can tell ya I feel like I got run over by a bus this morning!

And have a WHOLE NEW RESPECT FOR YOU AND AUTUMN (even more than previously)... trying to get every scrap of info, good and bad for balance, get the real flavor of the event, as well as actively support- damn, talk about multi-task job from hell! ;)

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:00:39 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Moved to tears

by the fellow who lost one partner to cancer and couldn't sign for the body because he wasn't the legal next of kin.  Now the man's new partner, who has been fighting cancer too, apparently is losing that fight and this man would love to be able to marry in Maine for whatever time his mate has left.

The bravery and dedication of the people in the State o' Maine is continually rewarding to hear and validating to experience even from down here in Arizona.

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by: Jake @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 15:10:30 PM CDT

There were alot of stories

that had us in tears. I'm posting the notes of one couple later, with their permission.

Charlie was there with me when this man spoke and we were both struck by the story. As I said to C, "OMG, he's about to be a widower AGAIN!"

Charlie had shown up unexpectedly for 15 minutes to say hi and see how I was doing (his biz trip got cancelled, so he did a 250 mile round-trip drive for nada!), so I was able to introduce him to some of my EQME friends. It was very poignant to realize that MY HUSBAND was there to support equal marriage for our neighbors. I was so thrilled that he did that.

Time and again, couples stood up and gave us their stories. Occasionally one would choke up- I saw one man, when his partner did choke, just gently put his hand on his back and rub and kept it there.

THAT'S WHAT MARRIAGE REALLY IS. It's not sex, it's not all fun and thrills- it's the unconditional love and support, through good times and bad, the sharing of joy and of pain, the complete acceptance you have for each other. It is a very special connection almost beyond description- and it takes so much work to make it.

When you hear the stories of people who have been together for DECADES and realize that heterosexual newlyweds of a year or so have more rights and legal recognition, it's a striking contrast. I think the judicial committee was truly struck by that point.

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:12:10 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Is there anyone else carrying it?

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 15:10:38 PM CDT

Addendum

Pam, I am a new reader and Blender, sorry to hear you are not at top form today.  I hope your circumstances improve soon.

There's a lot to be proud of today in Maine, and from what I read of your efforts in NC there's a lot to be proud of there, too.  ;)

I'm sure there will be video from today's hearing all over the place soon.

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by: Jake @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 15:14:55 PM CDT

Think about the children....

then the next guy was a minister and he acted like it was sunday morning and his church.  WTF?

(Pam hope your feel better)

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 15:46:30 PM CDT

"Listen to Thomas Jefferson"

Thomas Jefferson would kick you in the balls and tell you to get your fascist ass out of his country, you prick.

Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. ~ Isaac Asimov

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by: Baldran @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 15:49:53 PM CDT

I can't watch anymore.

Listening to these pigs spew their lies and hatred makes me physically ill.

Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. ~ Isaac Asimov

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by: Baldran @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 15:53:28 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

hate and arrogance on parade

goodness. all these poor folks worried that passage of this bill will take away their right to oppress folks they hate.  i have heard one woman claim she was speaking for god, because he couldn't speak for himself.  (?)  another worrying that folks getting married would increase sexually transmitted diseases.  another worrying that more children will be adopted if the homos can get hitched.  and of course, god hates homos.

at this point some preacher dude is speaking of the spiritual nature of families, and of course not recognizing that he and his flock have no monopoly on spirituality.  

the only person i've heard that hasn't invoked god, is worried that the bill will hamper the community's ability to form relationships,  and the law will make him unable to choose his relationships.  sounds like he believes this law will force him to get married to a man.

as usual, the folks seem unaware that there is a difference between their sunday school class and a legislative hearing.  gawd will not be mawked.  and all firmly convinced that their right to discriminate on the basis of their hate is much more important than the rights of people to simply live without discrimination.  that claiming they have strongly held convictions should give them license to do whatever the hell they want.

unfortunately its time to clock out and i have to stop listening now that the testimony has switched to the other side.  

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by: suejeffers @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 16:01:47 PM CDT

Fire alarm

The fire alarm went off forcing them to clear the building in the middle of the proponents time.

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by: AggieCowboy @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 16:27:48 PM CDT

yeah

I wonder who pulled the fire alarm....any guesses?

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 16:30:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Unbelievable....

Here I thought it was my live stream feed being funky.

Guess someone couldn't handle all the truth to power being spoken.

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 16:30:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I think it's those damn ads

that keeps screwing up the video.  Everyone one appears the video stops.  Is anyone else getting anything since they are back from the fire alarm.

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by: BB @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 16:44:59 PM CDT

What the Hell was that woman sobbing about...

Just got back and some woman was sobbing about Sweden and doing research...

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by: AggieCowboy @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 18:10:01 PM CDT

That was the "gold medal" winner.

Wasn't she something? I commented about her up thread. My new friend Mike D and I were just agog over her.

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:27:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Query

Can someone tell us whether a vote is going to be taken today by the (I assume joint) judiciary committee?  Does anyone know if this process is like many, that is, a bill does not usually get voted outta committee unless its sponsors are pretty dang sure it'll pass the respective leslative bodies?

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by: Jake @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 18:25:52 PM CDT

April 28

Looks like the Judiciary Committee will deal with LD 1020 again next Tuesday.  A "Work Session".  Whatever that is?
http://janus.state.me.us/legis...

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 19:21:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

committees

often separate the hearing from the executive (or working) session.  honestly, after a day like today, they have a lot to digest.






Lurleen on Twitter

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by: Lurleen @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 21:29:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Erratum

"legislative" bodies, that is.....

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by: Jake @ Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 18:54:43 PM CDT

there's no turning back the tide now

Regardless of what happens with the Marriage Equality vote next week in the committee I can only imagine that the people of Maine are really hyped up after yesterday.  To hear story after story about people who have been together years and are raising children, wow, there was so much emotion from real people not just "Adam and Steve" who no one can put a face to.

The hearing seemed to go very well and as Mary Bonauto said yesterday, it's not a question of whether Maine will have Marriage Equality.  The question is whether Maine will be one of the first states to lead the nation or lagging far behind.

If Maine Equality got all those people to show up and testify they were great.  Unfortunately, I think that what happened yesterday is exactly what was missing in California.

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by: BB @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 09:33:24 AM CDT

Maine has an asset California doesn't have

...actually, two. No, wait, three.

1. Much smaller state. Still a hell of a trip from north to south, but not the same. You can fit almost five Maines into one California. Most population is within a reasonable drive of the hearing, though. That really, really helps.

2. Legislative, rather than popular vote, action. Gives a central focus point for the best testimony.

3. EQME -- apparently a much more organized, effective operation than EQCA, which has learnt lessons from other states' experiences, including California's.

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by: ElsieElsie @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 10:09:22 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

OMG YES

Re: EqualityMaine.

I spoke with easily 2 dozen people from EQME yesterday at different points and am going to be posting Betsy Smith's testimony video next (loading Bob Talbot's first- gawd, does this take FOREVER...).

At some point, I want to do a sit-down interview with Betsy and/or Darlene regarding their organizational plan and follow-thru. Just exemplary work being done and incredible organization of volunteers throughout the state!  

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by: Louise @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 11:08:12 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Apples and Oranges.

Please don't forget that the California Legislature, not once but twice, passed marriage equality legislation.  There was so much support for equality in committee that hearings which where held did not garner the coverage that Maine had yesterday in this month of momentum for marriage.

The California voter initiative process is a whole other thing, and in the case of equality, a tragedy at that.

That being said, I know we will do a lot better in representing our stories next year when Prop 8 overturn initiative is up for a vote.

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 12:06:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oh, I'm aware of that...

...don't get me wrong.

But when it came down to the nitty-gritty, they had a slouch of a governator (okay, difference #4) on the legislative action and all the others applied when it came to prop 8.

It's apples and oranges in some ways, apples and pears in others. EQCA should have had debates around the state during the Prop 8 campaign...that could have made such a difference, I think.

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by: ElsieElsie @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 13:44:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]