Politely ask Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis why they are hosting a DNC fundraiser

No reason to be polite

"What the FUCK do you thinkl you're doing?"

is perfectly a propos.  

---

by: David Ehrenstein @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:27:36 AM CDT

Exactly!

No more excuses! We gave Obama a break when he said our relationships didn't have "God in the mix". We forgave him when he had Rick Warren speak at the inauguration. We looked the other way when he paid Donnie McClurkin to speak at his campaign event. BUT WHEN THIS MUTHERF'ER CALLS US CHILD MOLESTERS AND COMPARES OUR LOVE TO BEASTILITY ... it demands that we pull all support.

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by: Ralph4159 @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:34:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The last time I checked

it wasn't anyone from the LGBT community molesting the children. And you will find VERY few, if any LGBT that are into beastility. Its more like 99.9999% of the hetros are the offenders of the above. So they should clean up there closet firdt before even suggesting anyone from the LGBT community do these things.

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by: michelleny914 @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 15:37:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well, not ALL of the heteros

LOL...

Now 99% of the activity that occurs is hetero, yes (had a horse fucker reported right here in the Blend a few weeks ago!). But 99.9% of the heteros do not participate in said activities.

Slow. Down.

---

by: kevinchi @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 20:48:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

House Queens in Power

Oh, they are in the House of Representatives, right? Then I guess the name fits.

Disgusting.

---

by: kevinchi @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:32:06 AM CDT

Barney Frank's first loyalty

has always been to his bosses at the DNC.   We rank pretty low on his agenda (except for trans people, who are at rock bottom).  Tammy Baldwin has been showing more and more signs of moving in that same direction lately.  I had hopes for Jared Polis but...guess not.  The mere fact that a politician is LGBT is no guarantee that s/he will place principle above "party loyalty."  Leadership?  In American politics?  We'll see that right after we each get a trip to the moon on gossamer wings.

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

---

by: QScribe @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:39:15 AM CDT

I agree. AND ...

I would imagine that life inside Congress is a whole lot different that what it looked like in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.  There are political realities at play, and while it's easy to criticize, it could very well be argued by someone who's actually in Congress that "placing principle above party loyalty" would actually yield zero results in many cases.

Which is not to say that we shouldn't criticize; we absolutely should.  Our loud voices of protest are one way to move both individual legislators and political parties to understand what the will of the people actually is, and one could easily argue that the LGBT community has been quietly accepting crumbs for far too long.

But while we're criticizing, I don't think it does much good to assume that a Democratic LGBT Congressperson who attends a DNC fundraiser does so because of some kind of cowardice or other moral failing.  I think it's a whole lot more complicated than that.

I think we need to withhold our dollars (if not our votes, given the current GOP alternative) and let our elected representatives know that we demand action on LGBT equality, without denigrating the moral character of our potential allies, making an enemy out of someone who should and could be a friend.  I'm an idealist (some might say cock-eyed optimist, and to them I'd say, "who are you and why is your cock in my eye?") - but I think there's a way to do this, and there's a way to do this right.

"There are two kinds of people in this world -- the kind who separate the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't."  -- Gloria Steinem

---

by: red7eric @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:55:52 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Jared will write you back ...

... if you "friend" him on Facebook and he accepts your friend request.  I wrote on his wall over the weekend and he personally responded back within 24 hours.

"There are two kinds of people in this world -- the kind who separate the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't."  -- Gloria Steinem

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by: red7eric @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:46:55 AM CDT

I read an interesting article about him

(I keep up, b/c he represents my old district) - can't remember where, but somewhere online - that talked about how he is by far the most plugged-in Congresscritter; that he's tweeting, facebooking, texting constantly, to the consternation of both his staff and many of his colleagues.

That's a positive, in my book.

---

by: aggieric @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:22:55 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

When the President's agenda

includes our civil rights, I'll support him, but not until then.

You may not be gay, but you may be next.

---

by: LeslieK @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:47:45 AM CDT

Don't forget Aaron Schock

Oops...Never mind!

I think I'm in rare form, today

---

by: kevinchi @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:53:42 AM CDT

Heh. If Aaron were my topless waiter, *I'd* attend. ;-)

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by: aggieric @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:23:52 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Write to those named as attendees as well.

---

by: Mike in Texas @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:54:26 AM CDT

picket

We should PICKET the damned fundraiser. I would fly to DC to attend.  

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by: kukito @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 09:59:14 AM CDT

Pull the plug!!

This is excellent information, Pam!

A list of names to work on to begin contacting and pressuring the "important people" into pulling out of this mess until this party produces something of value...something that is overdue...something that delivers justice and change and hope...

Something that makes an effort to reverse the new damage they are inflicting.

We - They!  The A-list and the non-A-list too - must coordinate our efforts and seal our wallets shut today and in 2010 and until we are extended full citizenship in this goddamned country.

The trickle down theory of social justice does not work!

Stop enabling the DNC!!

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by: Patrick @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:02:59 AM CDT

Ya baby!

This is what I'm talking about. Getting active and not just complaining. FORCE them to cancel the fundraiser. Shame the A listers into pulling out of it. Great start. BTW, Tammy's email form only accepts people from district. Phone calls...

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by: Mr. Larry @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:12:06 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I have finally gotten fed up

I sent this letter to my Congresscritter, Jim McDermott, this morning:

Mr. McDermott:

The abject failure of the Democratic Party to support my fundamental civil rights as a gay man, culminating in President Obama's horrific and bigoted defense of the "Defense" of Marriage Act, forces me to withdraw from the Democratic Party. I will NOT, under any circumstances, donate resources to the party or to any Democratic candidate until the party as a whole takes seriously my dignity as a human being and my rights as an American citizen.

I know that you have been an ally of the gay community during your tenure in the House, and I appreciate your eventual co-sponsorship of HR 1024, the Uniting American Families Act. However, I do not feel that I can make any exception: the Democratic Party, as a whole, has denigrated me for the last time. Until and unless the party changes its ways, it -- and you -- will receive no money, no time and no votes from me.

My Senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, got this message. Only Murray got the first paragraph; in the required "Topic" drop-down list, her contact page listed neither Civil Rights nor GLBT Issues.

Ms. --:

{This communication is actually about gay rights, not natural resources. How telling that you have neither civil rights nor GLBT issues as possible topics.}

The abject failure of the Democratic Party to support my fundamental civil rights as a gay man, culminating in President Obama's horrific and bigoted defense of the "Defense" of Marriage Act, forces me to withdraw from the Democratic Party. I will NOT, under any circumstances, donate resources to the party or to any Democratic candidate until the party as a whole takes seriously my dignity as a human being and my rights as an American citizen.

You talk a lot about supporting gay rights, but to be honest, your lack of action is very disappointing. I have not been able to find any record of your support for S. 424, the Uniting American Families Act, and now I read that Mr. Reid is unable to find a sponsor willing to help repeal Don't Ask / Don't Tell. If you actually support the military, as you frequently and loudly proclaim, why are you not taking this one step to prevent the senseless loss of needed military personnel?

The Democratic Party, as a whole, has denigrated me for the last time. Until and unless the party changes its ways, it -- and you -- will receive no money, no time and no votes from me.

I don't know what good it will do, but I've had it with the Democratic Party. This cash cow has gone dry.

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même merde.

---

by: TechBear @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:09:16 AM CDT

Excellent

Patty Murray in particular has gotten a free ride on the Gay Dollar Express especially on DADT.

---

by: ggw59 @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:29:04 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I emailed Tammy last night and asked her, in light of

the DOJ filing and the Obama/Reid tennis game on DADT, to step down as a host.

I expect something of a mumbo-jumbo response, but I'll post it when I receive it.

---

by: aggieric @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:20:05 AM CDT

this little snippet causght my eye

"And doubtless there will be snags - there are still an awful lot of people who are genuinely (or in some cases cynically) NOT with us . . . and many of them own monkey wrenches, whether we like it or not."

Yep, and our "Fierce Ally" just took the opportunity to intentionally beat us over the head with the monket wrench!

---

by: timNC @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:37:35 AM CDT

Let me use my superpower:

You can ask, the answer will be along these lines...

'I'm going were the players are. You can't have a fit every time something you don't like happens. In politics you negotiate with your enemies a lot more than your friends. You're unrealistic and naive, I'm pragmatic and have access to power.'

This will be softened for palatability, and how condescending you perceive it to be will depend on how many decades of experience you have working the system in your city-state-country. You haven't made the A-list, though, so you just don't get it or you can't afford to have influence.

Now that you have your answer, anybody up for picketing the damn thing?

Whatever you say will be dismissed as whining about how the system works. Making a big noisy fuss on film, however, puts pressure on the insiders who aren't already with us.

The way to make Tammy say what you want her to say is to create a climate in which she has to explain to Joe Biden why her people are outside chanting and waving signs.

Trust me, the drug companies would never have considered me a serious partner in negotiations to solve a problem that they thought didn't exist--getting anti-virals into the hands of dying AIDS sufferers--had there not been sick, scared young men chained to their front doors.

What got us drug trials was not talking pretty to Congress, it was shutting down Wall St. We have insiders now, but they have to feel the heat from the rest of us.

If you want to address the gap between A-list gays and the rest of us who find the combination of retrograde insults and pandering to be unacceptable, asking them why they want to be in the room is a failed strategy.

Make them embarrassed with their fellow officials and you'll see some action. If I had the money and childcare I'd fly to DC to organize something, but one of you will just have to take this up instead. I'm too old for Hefty-tie handcuffs.

Step up, young-uns! The fun part isn't over! You can still be on TV for the movement!

But wait, there's more!

---

by: PhoenixRising @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 10:44:42 AM CDT

This is how it happens

Grassroots ideas, discussed and expanded upon, then passed along higher and higher up the food chain...

Keep it up, folks! And good on Andy, David and now Ben...

"It goes on one at a time, it starts when you care to act, it starts when you do it again after they said no, it starts when you say We and know who you mean, and each day you mean one more."

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by: Louise @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 11:11:25 AM CDT

Barney Frank is a waste of time

you cannot contact him unless you live in his district - he in notorious for not being available for contact.

Looking to him for gay rights leadership has always been a bad move - he isn't, and never was, a gay rights leader, he is a congresscritter who happens to be gay and who was outed against his will.

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by: tiponeill @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 11:26:56 AM CDT

Call him

Call him. I did. His office is getting a lot of calls (they told me so) and judging by the two people I've spoken with (I called twice - once about the DOJ brief and then about the fundraiser) they're taking them seriously. A statement against the DOJ brief from Frank is in the works, they said. Also from Baldwin where they the secretary described it as a "high priority".

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by: Dieter @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:34:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I called

I do wonder how much they are willing to listen, though. After all, I don't live in any of those constituent districts. While these three are the most powerful GLBTs in America, they don't retain or lose that power based on the GLBT community's feelings about them; their constituents can vote them out of office-I can't.

I did call, nonetheless, and who knows maybe if enough of us do, they'll feel moved enough to cancel the dinner. I have my doubts, though.

My dad was a steelworker
My mom was a kitchen girl
and that's why
I'm a socialist.
-from an old song I used to hum to myself

---

by: DaveB @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 11:33:04 AM CDT

Put that Money to Good Use!

It's a good idea to close to the purse strings to the Dems, let's put that money to good use.

How about supporting gay veterans?

It makes sense to support those who are working with veterans and legislators to both end DADT and help actual gay veterans.

Here are two good places to start, both of these are run by actual veterans as well:

Servicemembers United: http://servicemembersunited.org/

Service Women's Action Network "About Face" project: http://www.servicewomen.org/?p...

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by: ArmyVet @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:12:36 PM CDT

Just got a fundraising email from Obama

The important part is in a little box at the bottom of the emial.  um, no thanks bubba.

Last year, millions of Americans came together for a great purpose.

Folks like you assembled a grassroots movement that shocked the political establishment and changed the course of our nation. When Washington insiders counted us out, we put it all on the line and changed our democracy from the bottom up. But that's not why we did it.

The pundits told us it was impossible -- that the donations working people could afford and the hours volunteers could give would never loosen the vise grip of big money and powerful special interests. We proved them wrong. But as important as that was, that's not why we did it.

Today, spiraling health care costs are pushing our families and businesses to the brink of ruin, while millions of Americans go without the care they desperately need. Fixing this broken system will be enormously difficult. But we can succeed. The chance to make fundamental change like this in people's daily lives -- that is why we did it.

The campaign to pass real health care reform in 2009 is the biggest test of our movement since the election. Once again, victory is far from certain. Our opposition will be fierce, and they have been down this road before. To prevail, we must once more build a coast-to-coast operation ready to knock on doors, deploy volunteers, get out the facts, and show the world how real change happens in America.

And just like before, I cannot do it without your support.

So I'm asking you to remember all that you gave over the last two years to get us here -- all the time, resources, and faith you invested as a down payment to earn us our place at this crossroads in history. All that you've done has led up to this -- and whether or not our country takes the next crucial step depends on what you do right now.

Will you donate whatever you can afford to support the campaign for real health care reform in 2009?

It doesn't matter how much you can give, as long as you give what you can. Millions of families on the brink are counting on us to do just that. I know we can deliver.

Thank you, so much, for getting us this far. And thank you for standing up once again to take us the rest of the way.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

Donate

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Monetary contributions to the Democratic National Committee are not tax-deductible.

Lurleen on Twitter

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by: Lurleen @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:17:38 PM CDT

Fundraising? No thanks

I just got that message, too. I took the opportunity to unsubscribe from the list. The page for unsubscribing has a form for stating your reason. I definitely took THAT opportunity as well. Marriage = incest? BS!

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by: Denys Howard @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:30:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Here is my unsubscribe message

"I am a lesbian and will NOT have my marriage compared to incest by my government.  And I will no longer support a party that stands by sniggering while "fierce advocate" Obama stabs we LGBT CITIZENS in the back.  Get to work or get lost.  Is that clear enough?"

Lurleen on Twitter

---

by: Lurleen @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:42:08 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

a modest proposal

I'm OK with it if Sacha Baron Cohen, in his role as Bruno, attends the event. Along with a film crew.

Now, that is positive thinking!

---

by: coram nobis @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:21:09 PM CDT

And here's the good news ...

From the link contained in the second update:

Organizers, I'm told, are scrambling to get visible White House action on gay issues in advance of the June 25 dinner to prevent it from becoming a protest stage.

Yup, that's what we're talkin' about, right there.

"There are two kinds of people in this world -- the kind who separate the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't."  -- Gloria Steinem

---

by: red7eric @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:28:12 PM CDT

exactly !

get there if you can and protest , thats what indy media is for - they the organizers and the DNC know , that there is a storm a brewing and yes starve the DNC, not one more nickel from us - until they step up to our plate not their fancy dinner plates. Protest. You dine on fine wine , while the lgbt constituency many of which have no wine , no fine foods starve due to your congressional neglect. personally i loath the DNC  - they need a dusting and cleaning srsly. Insider cabals - good on those who withdrew , we are not going to get our civil rights through black tie , spa dinners. Its insider politics - but all they really understand is money..

Not one more cent - i like the idea of unsubscribing to any lists and giving your reasons. Throw us under the bus and be doomed. i am socialist , i am tired of the one business party - read Howard Zinn , its always always been like this. A people's history is a must read - a chapter or two at a time.  

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by: proudprogressive @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 14:02:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oh, the irony

there is a storm a brewing

And it's bigger thanm Maggie Gallagher ever dreamed of.

---

by: kevinchi @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 14:14:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

But how likely is it

that they can get anything meaningful done by next week?  My guess is, we'll get an announcement that Obama has appointed Joe Solmonese ambassador to Turkmenistan, or something equally trivial and equally obviously a sop.  And that will be it.  Any bets?

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

---

by: QScribe @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 16:21:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It seems we have our answer.

Health benefits are surely a big deal for civilian LGBT federal employees, but in the midst of this shitstorm, it's a baby baby baby step.

I don't think it's enough to stop a protest if the DNC fundraiser goes ahead as planned.

A Tweeter I follow called "Gay Rain Army" tweeted the following earlier this evening ...

Doesn't it feel awesome to not be the slightest bit mollified by health benefits for LGBT federal employees? That is empowerment. (21:02)

I remember when health benefits for federal employees would have been a "big deal" -- I'm so glad I'm not settling for crumbs anymore. (21:03)

I've always been quick to defend Obama, but I can't say I disagree.

"There are two kinds of people in this world -- the kind who separate the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't."  -- Gloria Steinem

---

by: red7eric @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 20:42:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not clear they're actually getting health care

The only benefit actually specified so far is "relocation benefits."  DOMA, so beloved of our president, may well preclude giving them much more.

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

---

by: QScribe @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 22:30:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Quesitons for Obama, the DNC...and us

http://mtmbloglife.wordpress.c...

---

by: jarrettcr @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:28:26 PM CDT

Andrew Tobias?

Thanks for being a good house faggot, dude.

Like Lurleen, I got a fundraising letter from the Organizing for America group, and I clicked to unsubscribe.  When asked why I was unsubscribing, I responded, "My support of this administration is suspended until President Obama repudiates the hate speech used to defend DOMA by his Department of Justice.  That was the final straw for me, and I am tired of supporting Democrats with my money and time when they in turn don't support me.  Being patient is no longer an option."  I would encourage you all to do the same with all Dem fundraising letters you get.

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by: ChristopherM @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:32:41 PM CDT

Always remember...

...Andy Tobias is a skillful employee of the DNC.  His job is to pry money out of your hands. He is a charming guy and quite talented at what he does. He uses every trick in the customer relations book including:

-Make it seem like he's secretly on our side.

-Repeat constantly how he understands our frustration, pain, outrage, fill in the blank.

-Reassure us that he has inside info that things will be taken care of quietly and soon.

Watch all his releases.  They really read like they are right out of How To Handle Angry Clients.

But his goal is always the same:  to get you to calm down and to get your money.

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by: DavidinPS @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:56:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

there's a metaphor in this, somewhere

But his goal is always the same:  to get you to calm down and to get your money.

Say, isn't that what a hustler does?

---

by: coram nobis @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:13:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Other Plans

I think I'll order Chinese take-out on that night and write checks to far worthier LGBT related organzations.

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by: Jon Michaels @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:44:07 PM CDT

Two small gestures

When I got today's health care e-mail from Obama, I unsubscribed from all future e-mails, citing his shameful and shameless betrayal. I have also, with sadness, told the Russ Feingold campaign that I will be giving no more money to any Democrat - even one as correct and courageous as him - because it really doesn't matter who controls Congress.

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by: figfest @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 12:48:14 PM CDT

For good measure

I've just e-mailed the Florida Democratic party to tell them not to expect any money or votes from me in 2010 or 2012 unless we see some progress PDQ.

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by: figfest @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 16:14:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Reactions from "progressives"

I've seen mostly the "more important things" argument, but I'm also starting to see the term "hissy-fit" thrown around a lot, in regards to the LGBT community's recent pushback against the Obama administration.  Make no mistake, if you see someone who purports to be a liberal or progressive using the term "hissy-fit" in relation to our community, that person is a homophobic piece of shit-lite and you should call them out directly on it.  I will not stand around and allow people to denigrate our community in that way, and I hope others will recognize the nuanced ways we're maligned as an entity every single day.

---

by: Bruno @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:15:29 PM CDT

Love this

I am sure that in another era, they would have said that "we simply do not know our place...."
Much like the "uppity nigger" comments heard in the 60's from so many who purported to be for civil rights, but "they must learn to be paitient"


"They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." - Andy Warhol



"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction" - Blaise Pascal

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by: TruthandLove @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:32:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

homophobic and sinister

The "hissy-fit" term is not far from the original canard that LGBT people are emotionally unstable. "Hysterical" is another such term -- not unlike a sexist terming courageous and assertive women as "shrill."

"Hissy-fit" is also not too far advanced from the days when LGBT people were labelled as mentally disordered, and subject to involuntary commitment or worse.

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by: coram nobis @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:55:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

i also unsubscribed to them as well , as they are having a gala too

and i gave the reasons = epic fail on lgbtq and so many other very important "peoples"  issues as well. Its a freakin borg. Deny us and be doomed. They are having gala's and we are getting the shaft. No thanks - take me off that list too. The election is over - i gave the system one more shot, by voting.  

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by: proudprogressive @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 14:29:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I didn't unsubscribe

I just hit reply and said I will not support someone who stands silently by while someone in his employ compares me to a pedophile no matter what the cause. I have no idea where the replies end up, but I figured I can do that everytime I get one of those emails. Someone must read them. Of course actually sending that email to the white house might have more of an effect...

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by: hubcap750 @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 14:39:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The overwhelming cowardice and mean spirited Democrats and Obama

NOT ONE F*CKIN' DIME to those LIARS!

   http://mikeresponts.files.word...

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:29:24 PM CDT

The 40th Stonewall Anniversary seems appropriate

Where was it we PAID for protection from police and mafia mix (sounds like DC to me) and STILL we get beaten, degraded, and f*cked over?

HELL NO!

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

---

by: peteyPornpig @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:32:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

What I know from my calls

Called all three offices earlier today to urge these three representatives to release statements condemning the DOJ brief on DOMA. Forgot to request that they not attend the fundraiser so I just called back about that. In sum, I was told by Frank's and Baldwin's offices that statements about the brief are in the works. Polis's office said they don't know yet about a statement and all three said they couldn't tell me yet whether they'd be attending the fundraiser.

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by: Dieter @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:29:34 PM CDT

not only are they attending They are HOSTING the DNC - gala

Bad enough to attend, but srsly hosting it ! lets not lose sight of that -  i appreciate the insider bullshit but by hosting this - they are saying oh hell yeah to all the Bullshit regarding the broken promises and rhetoric of the Democratic administration - and look further , look at health care, energy - Meet the new boss , same as the old boss. HOSTING the dinner ..the levels of betrayal are deep - they love the power , not their community. If they think our civil rights are going to be won by colluding with this - they do not know any social justice  history at all. even less than i do. sheesh.  

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by: proudprogressive @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 14:38:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

PROTEST THE DINNER

Those of us in Washington, D.C. should get together and picket the dinner with our partners, parents, siblings and friends and their kids with signs that say "Don't Pay to Play; We're Not Invited" with a picture of a GLBT Democratic donor giving money to Barney Frank.

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. - The U.S. Constitution Article IV.Section. 2. Clause 1

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by: Mbarber @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:45:59 PM CDT

YES - PROTEST THE DINNER

And who is Mbarber? Sounds suspiciously like Matt Barber. . . Hmmmm

Close the GayTM. Only give to candidates who have actually done something other than make promises - most are just pandering for our cash.

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by: JohnVisser @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 15:21:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Great Ideas

Pam, this is why you're the top blogger out there.  You make news while also providing news.  Thank you.  Thanks, too, to Blend readers for great suggestions.  I have been invited two two Democratic congressional fundraisers for members who represent my area and to whom I have given numerous donations over the year, including chairing one significant fundraiser two years ago.  I am emailing each one to say I have stopped giving to any member of Congress until he or she speaks up and out against the abominable DOJ DOMA brief and uses his or her influence to move LGBT issues off the back burner of Congress and the WH.  Money talks.  Instead of pay to play, it will be no play, no pay.  Love you and the Blend!!!

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by: Timm @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 14:11:39 PM CDT

and please don't forget inclusive Hate Crimes and ENDA

we must refuse , to be a third rail issue - if we collude we are guilty as well. Not one nickel until we have their attention and look at that - there you are Timm a dynamic fund raiser and this is how they view us all - well ..enough is enough. Money does talk. if we all unsubcribe to every democratic email many of us get perhaps it will register that our issues are not something we take lightly. And they will not play us because we hope. Until they step up to the plate - and work for us , not just lip service they get nothing. Demonstrations at the Gala and unsubscribe to all email lists today - maybe they will get the message we are serious not playing this game with them. Its time for a Stonewall moment.

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by: proudprogressive @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 14:46:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Timm

For some reason, my original post did not go up, so...

Pam, this is why you are the top blogger out there -- making news while providing us news.  I am also impressed by the passion and suggestions by Blenders.  I have been invited to two fundraisers for Democratic members of Congress who represent my area (the border line is one block from my house; I know both men well and chaired one very successful fundraiser for one of them).  I will now write to each of them to tell them I will no longer go to their fundraisers, or any others, until they speak up and out against the disgraceful DOJ DOMA brief and DADT, and use their positions (one quite senior) to bring LGBT issues off the back burner and to the forefront of Congress and use their influence with the WH to get them to do the same.  No play, no pay.  It's time to move to the front of the political bus.

Timm

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by: Timm @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 15:13:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sorry

for the double post.

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by: Timm @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 15:25:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Who is Charles?

Did I mention even Charles is coming down for this one?  (You will make him cross if you don't come, and we don't want that.)

I'm not on any general Democratic list..the national party hasn't been my friend for a while now...now I wish I were so I could write "unsubscribe" reasons like others of you here have done so I could add my action to the total...Get it DNC????

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 14:32:04 PM CDT

I've called every frickin' body. . .

I've called, emailed and faxed every politician from Biden on down, the DNC, the Equality Caucus, HRC, etc. I asked all of them why they have the "audacity of fund raising" from us after "bitch slapping" and ignoring us. I also asked groups like HRC why they are donating to the DNC with no action.

NO EXCUSES!! NO DELAYS!!


Close the GayTM. Only give to candidates who have actually done something other than make promises - most are just pandering for our cash.

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by: JohnVisser @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 15:19:38 PM CDT

Since this is a political, not legislative, function

messages should go to the Campaign Committees for these Reps, not their House offices. gets you past the constituents only filter too.

Tammy Baldwin for Congress
P.O. Box 696
Madison, WI 53701

608.663.6300 phone
608.256.2000 fax

General  Email
campaign@tammybaldwin.com

Barney Frank for Congress Committee
P.O. BOX 260
Newtonville MA 02460

Telephone: (617) 965-0119
email: info@barneyfrank.net

info@polisforcongress.com

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by: Ben Masel @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 16:17:35 PM CDT

Let the Spirit of....

Stonewall rise again on its 40th Anniversary.

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by: violadamore2 @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 19:53:31 PM CDT

Better the Cocophony of Silence

I think we should play the same game everyone else is playing on us. No need to get angry all over again. After all we didn't get angry enough When George Bush, The Clinton's The first Bush administration and even little Ronnie Reagan saw fit to ignore not only our cries for equality but us all together.

SO let them see our silence. No more money, no more support, no more going along to get along. They get nothing. We can go along with giving to others and supporting our community until someone (and i don't expect it will be a long time coming) recognizes how little they can do without us.

First and foremost I want a retraction from the DOJ for that brief. Recognition from the administration (from the top down) that our civil rights are not a low priority! And more than anything light a fire under Congress, for once again ignoring us completely after another election. Either that or we really should be about making some heads roll.

Soon enough we will realize that it doesn't seem to matter who is in office or why. We are suffering under whole institutions of bigotry and anti-gay actions that have nothing to do with who is in office or their support of our sexuality.

Always thinking about it...

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by: kudo451 @ Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 20:49:25 PM CDT