Rhode Island: NOM pollutes the state with its 'Marriage Day' on August 16

I wrote Tim Horton corporate website

and asked if this was a corporate policy or the policy of an individual franchisee to oppose GBLT equality. If/when they respond I'll post the response.

As Andy Towle pointed out it appears to violate corporate policy not to endorse religious and political events. So this  may be a rogue franchisee involved.

Regardless if it's corporate or individual, I'm fine with endorsing picketing and boycotting. I see no reason not to make an example of corporations that want to mix themselves up with issues of state and religion.

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by: Clarknt67 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 10:41:22 AM CDT

Damn Straight! I mean Gay

I wrote Corporate, I posted on my blog to spread the word and I AM Calling for a boycott.
http://www.back2stonewall.com/...

It really pisses me off. Even if they are mostly franchises it take alot of balls and bigotry to do that.

Also just so people know Blout Fine Foods who is also sponsoring Maggie The Cows Event sells seafood products that are resold at Panera Bread and Legal Seafood in the New England Area.

THEY must also be contacted.

Panera Bread Contact
http://www.panerabread.com/abo...

Legal Seafood Contact:
http://www.legalseafoods.com/i...

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by: Wolfie @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 10:56:19 AM CDT

What If?....

....1,000's of gay and lesbian parents and their children showed up for this event?   It's free, right?


Decades MORE of Psychological Abuse? - OR - Stonewall.  Nationwide.  NOW!

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by: John Bisceglia @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 12:18:42 PM CDT

I absolutely agree

Sorry, I didn't see your earlier post - I completely wholeheartedly agree.  This is EXACTLY what we should do.

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by: SFNative @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 12:22:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Get married at the event

hold a committment ceremony, gay couples ought to also participate in the renewal of vows....and bring the kids..

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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by: MauraHennessey @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 12:27:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Kiss in!

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by: Clarknt67 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:21:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

OOOh! Even Better!

The only thing I am a little Leary of is allowing the little children being raised by gay parents the nightmarish scenario of having to face down full grown adult hatred. If they are old enough to understand and deal with it then I would say parents make the call. But a "kiss-in" on the other hand could have very interesting ramifications. Especially if we begin to organize on them like flash mobs! So via cellphone and/or email/facebook we can just be there in front of the cameras peacefully protesting our desire to love who we want to love. And what the hell our str8 friends can even come too!

Always thinking about it...

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by: kudo451 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 15:19:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

yeah, after watching McCain/Palin rallies

and the Health Care town halls, I'd be very leary of exposing my kids to these folks. The are KKKrazee with Kapital Ks. Even teenagers don't need to see that yet.

I however, would be happy to get in their face. I hope that stupid witch comes to NYC soon.

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by: Clarknt67 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 20:19:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Have Every Gay Couple and Family Attend This Event

If this is truly a day of celebration of marriages and families, then every LGBT couple and family should attend this event and show everyone else that their marriages or would-be marriages should also be celebrated, and that their families should also be celebrated as well.  There is not a more powerful action that we can do than to come out, be ourselves, and represent LGBT people and the concept of diversity.  This is being billed as a celebration event, and therefore this is a grand opportunity for us to counter-celebrate, to make a stand and tell the rest of the world that we should also be celebrated.  We should not be just tolerated.  We should not be just accepted.  We should be celebrated.

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by: SFNative @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 12:20:24 PM CDT

It's not called "Timmie Ho's" for nothin'

Sad. Never liked them as much a Dunkin doughnuts or some ot the independents, but still

Tim Horton's, backing homophobia and discrimination
Official Doughtnut shoppe of polygamy supporters everywhere.

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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by: MauraHennessey @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 12:22:02 PM CDT

And who's behind the location of this mean spirited joke?

Taking place at the Alrich Mansion.  

In 1939, eighty-five acres of the Aldrich Mansion estate were transferred by the Senator's heirs to the Providence Diocese for a token sum. In 1946, Our Lady of Providence Seminary made the Aldrich Mansion its home.

Humm, do you think the Diocese is waiving the $7,500 fee?

Wonder if MERI (Marriage Equality Rhode Island) is doing anything around this travisty?

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 12:36:47 PM CDT

Tim Horton's has withdrawn their support.

That was quick!  Good work to everyone who wrote or phoned them.

TH claims they were, essentially, lied to by NOM (imagine that) and that they would, of course, never knowingly sponsor such an event.

But they never would have withdrawn if not for this morning's swift backlash from supporters of marriage equality everywhere.

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by: diablorobotico @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:03:02 PM CDT

Yay!

Great news!

Link, please? So we can spread the news?

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners

Click here for DADT photobook

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by: Louise @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:05:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Here you go!

http://www.timhortons.com/us/e...

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by: diablorobotico @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:07:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

A bit lacking

It's great that they withdrew support, but they failed to name the event in question, which leaves the issue rather vague.

Still, GOOD NEWS. Looks like Maggie will have to find her hate pastries somewhere else. Perhaps the Providence Diocese could provide her with a ladies' auxiliary to make cupcakes. Since they own the land this little christian hate soiree is using, an' all.

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:44:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Providence Diocese

is now a hate and disinformation organisation up there with Peter, Matt and Fred Phelps

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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by: MauraHennessey @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 14:10:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

They're the Catholic freakin' church! What did you expect? n/t

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 16:00:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Damage already done

Even with Tim Horton's withdrawing their support, the damage is already done.  All of the flyers have been printed with TIM HORTONS clearly listed as a sponsor.

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by: Guy in SF @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 14:31:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

But Maggie (or one of her creatures) lied to them to get the sponsorship

I'd think Tim Hortons could have a case against NOM for misrepresenting itself and causing Tim Hortons irreparable damage including an incalculable loss of business.

In addition, Maggot's lies to get the sponsorship ought to get trumpeted widely - it's all part of her group's campaign of deception. ANd it can be made to backfire on NOM.

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by: Joann Prinzivalli @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 17:02:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

We can dream but

No matter how many lies Maggie told to dupe Tim's in, Tim's won't retaliate. No corporation picks a fight with fundies. They want this to go away quickly and quietly.  

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by: Clarknt67 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 17:39:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes but equally damaging is the egg on

Maggie's face. She'll have to spin hard to explain why Tim's didn't show in support of her hate-fest.

Oh those evil, bullying homosexuals!

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by: Clarknt67 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 17:27:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sorry, Maggie

Not only have I lost my appetite, but you would have to pay me MUCH MORE than $10 to break bread with NOM!

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners

Click here for DADT photobook

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by: Louise @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:04:15 PM CDT

A better idea to celebrate marriage and make a statement to NOM?

Donate $10 to "No One 1/ Protect Maine Equality".

Thanks!

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners

Click here for DADT photobook

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by: Louise @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:09:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Menu

Maybe it's because I haven't had lunch yet, but I took particular interest in the menu. Was there a possibility that the hamburgers and hot dogs would be served without buns? Maybe the buns would stress their budget.  

"Oh, I thought you meant a specific plan. With maps and stuff." -Buffy

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by: Aspasia @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:22:34 PM CDT

Hot dogs and buns

would create too much uncontrollable excitement for some attendees. ;-)

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by: Guy in SF @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 14:34:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hee!

Very good chance!

"Oh, I thought you meant a specific plan. With maps and stuff." -Buffy

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by: Aspasia @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 14:41:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

heaven forbid

those hotdogs go in the buns...  I'm scared!

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by: flyerfier @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 15:05:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

This way

when they count the buns separately, they can claim they are serving an "8-course meal".

;)

Dena

Cisgender. Because "Genetic" (or non) is so 2006.

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by: Denabeth @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 19:48:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oh I see!

Like one of "dem dere" fancy joints.  

"Oh, I thought you meant a specific plan. With maps and stuff." -Buffy

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by: Aspasia @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 19:52:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I was wondering why Tim Hortons was singled out for the petition.

Were they just the largest of the sponsors? Every entity listed as a sponsor should have a nice bright light shone on it.

Anyway, the withdrawal of sponsorship by Hortons came so quickly. Did anyone point out the irony of their support since they are a Canadian company? You know, Canada, where folks like us don't have a problem getting married.

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by: Pollyanna @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 13:48:22 PM CDT

Well, whether or not they are still sponsors

their name and corporate identity lend credibility to the haters, the people working to impose the will of the Mormon leadership and the Catholic Church upon a secular state

Might be time to remind people that one of the other things on the church's agenda is keeping the statute of limitations on child rape short, to protect the church from justice, while the Mormon church is interfering to prevent raids on polygamous groups...

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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by: MauraHennessey @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 14:14:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

probably because

I think they received the most attention because most of the other listed sponsors do not have a national or international presence. So, having people from other places email a wedding photographer in Rhode Island just wouldn't be nearly as effective. I think the only other listed sponsor with any presence outside of RI is Blount Fine Foods, which is headquartered across the border in Massachusetts and is said to supply some local Legal Sea Foods and Panera Bread restaurants. But I don't know if they supply anyone outside of the area.

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by: DubNotDubya @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 14:28:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Northmark Bank?

Is that sponsor Northmark Bank? I cannot make out the image from the brochure.

"Neither Lifestyle nor Agenda"

http://tips-q.com

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by: davidhart @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 14:31:56 PM CDT

I did some internet sleuthing

it's Northmark Solutions Group based in RI.

http://www.northmarksg.com

There's contact info there, everybody voice your opinion on this!!!

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by: flyerfier @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 15:48:45 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well in this case I don't think size should matter...

All corporate sponsors should feel the sting of treating gay couples and gay people as invisible in the marketplace. After all if they have more than even one store as a corporation it is also likely they will have a service and support policy about the events they lend their corporate name too and likely they where also lied to by NOM. In either case the gay community and our str8 supporters should be made publicly aware of their misguided level of support against us.

Always thinking about it...

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by: kudo451 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 15:31:29 PM CDT

And by the way...

She really should do something about that hair. I mean doesn't that shiny black helmet headed hairdon't just give Darth Vader impressions?!?

Always thinking about it...

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by: kudo451 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 15:33:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Darth Vader impression

Is the only truthful impression Maggie's ever made. Let her keep it!

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by: Clarknt67 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 17:33:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Keep on working at it!!!

I'm sad to see this story has become hidden down on the top page... there is still work to be done.

I've emailed the other companies, expressing my regret at their choice of sponsorship.  The only company we have received an actual pull out is Tim's.  There are still the other companies on the list to prod on the issue!  

No responses yet, if I get one.. I'll be sure to post it up.

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by: flyerfier @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 15:38:05 PM CDT

Panera Bread & Legal Sea Foods

Another of the sponsors of this event is Blount Fine Foods.  Blount manufactures soup for Panera Bread and for Legal Sea Foods.  These companies need to be contacted as well.  Panera's contact page is here and Legal Sea Foods' is here.  Contact Blount here.

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

Lurleen on Twitter.

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by: Lurleen @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 15:54:56 PM CDT

Well according to their website

Blount Fine Foods has a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation at at least in hiring practices. So I would be surprised if that did not extend to politically hot topics like Marriage Equality. My guess is like Tim's they have been hoodwinked and bamboozled by the NOM people.
It may just be a matter of letting them know what the 411 is. As is the case I am sure with many of these organizations.

Always thinking about it...

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by: kudo451 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 17:44:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

They Sent me an Email

One of their execs asked me to call. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Tomorrow.

"Neither Lifestyle nor Agenda"

http://tips-q.com

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by: davidhart @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 18:07:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Statement from Blount Fine Foods

They posted a comment on Truth Wins Out's blog:

http://www.truthwinsout.org/bl...

David, when you talk to them, you can refer to what they posted there. Let us know how it goes.

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by: DubNotDubya @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 18:22:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

This is the note I just sent to Blount

To Whom It May Concern:

You are listed among the corporate sponsors of an upcoming "Marriage Day" in Rhode Island, sponsored by the National Organization for Marriage.  See: http://www.nomri.org/marriageday ...

It sounds innocuous enough, but the National Organization for Marriage, or NOM, is a polarizing and controversial group.  They say they're protecting marriage, but their critics say that they're just hating on gay people.  I happen to be one of those critics.

I couldn't help but notice that Blount Foods prides itself on a robust non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation in its listing of protected categories.  See: http://www.blountfinefoods.com...

I wonder, then, if you're aware of the very anti-gay nature of the group that you're supporting in Rhode Island.  Earlier today, Tim Hortons, a coffee-and-doughnuts chain based in Canada, pulled out of the NOM event.  See: http://www.timhortons.com/ca/e...  They state that a regional manager approved the sponsorship request without the knowledge of the main corporate office.  See: http://www.theglobeandmail.com...

I'm wondering if the same has happened to Blount Fine Foods, and am hoping that Blount will do the right thing in support of its gay and lesbian employees, or - at the very least - follow in the footsteps of Tim Hortons and simply refuse to take sides.

FYI, if you're unfamiliar with Maggie Gallagher, who leads NOM and will be speaking at the Rhode Island event, see: http://www.goodasyou.org/good_...

Respecfully,

[Red Seven]

PS ... I'm a big fan of both Panera Bread and Legal Sea Foods but am prepared to boycott both so long as their food is supplied by any organization actively working against my civil rights as an American citizen.  And I'm also prepared to tell my friends.  But, like I said, I really like those restaurants, and am very hopeful that I'll hear that you've done the right thing in the weeks to come so I won't have to stop going.

"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 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 18:38:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Very good, thanks.

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by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 18:51:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

excellent letter!

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

Lurleen on Twitter.

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by: Lurleen @ Tue Aug 11, 2009 at 08:49:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

good news for you

Blount is alledgedly pulling out. Truth Wins Out posted an email exchange where their spokesman expressed the company's intention to do so.

http://www.truthwinsout.org/bl...

I'm a little concerned that there has still, nearing end of business on the east coast, been (to my knowledge) no official follow up (press release, web site announcement).

And the company has not responded to my similar letter (but I've received two replies, one automated, on personal, but form, letter from Timothy's.

I thanks TM's and asked them if NOM had misled them about the nature of the event. (Couldn't help doing a little dirt digging.)

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by: Clarknt67 @ Tue Aug 11, 2009 at 13:41:51 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes, I got a note ...

... from corporate HQ.  They "will note be making a donation, soup or otherwise."

Awesome; I can go back to Panera.  I love their bagels.

"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 @ Fri Aug 14, 2009 at 07:51:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

That photo

I know that in the world of ideas, it's terribly faulty to attack someone based on their looks.  HOWEVER ...

That photo of Maggie Gallagher - she looks so ... mean.  I mean, honestly, even looking at it as objectively as possible, does she not know a single Bible-Beating photographer who knows how to take a decent headshot?  Furthermore, does the woman know how to smile?  She's just scowling at everyone who looks at that poster; is that supposed to sell tickets to this Christo-fascist bullsh*t party?

Ew.

"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 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 18:13:44 PM CDT

Maybe she could

hire the photographer that's listed as a sponsor.

Wait, they were probably hoodwinked like Tim Hortons...

Dena

Cisgender. Because "Genetic" (or non) is so 2006.

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by: Denabeth @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 18:20:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I have thought for some time

..she needs a new photo.  Perhaps a blingee?

We could have a Maggie blingee.com contest.  

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by: flyerfier @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 19:00:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I couldn't help noticing the typeface choices

seem more appropriate to a Halloween invite.

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by: Clarknt67 @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 20:24:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

in other words,

it's perfect!

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

Lurleen on Twitter.

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by: Lurleen @ Tue Aug 11, 2009 at 08:50:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Despite how many Roman Catholics there are (of all persuasions) in RI,

it's very difficult for me to believe RI won't in a pretty short while switch over to openly embracing marriage equality.

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by: oddjob @ Mon Aug 10, 2009 at 20:42:49 PM CDT

More great news!!!

Truth wins out is reporting that Blount Fine Foods has pulled out too!

http://www.truthwinsout.org/bl...

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by: Clarknt67 @ Tue Aug 11, 2009 at 00:02:13 AM CDT