BREAKING NEWS VT Gov. Douglas Issues Marriage Bill Veto Threat

Lets hope they have 100

  What a dumb ass reason, what a fucking idiot governor Vermont has.

If I make sense? it was quite by accident.

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by: HappyCat @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 13:59:39 PM CDT

A fraud and an ass

He's the one creating controversy where there isn't any.  If he wants the issue to "go away", the quickest way to accomplish that would be to go along with the majority--of the Senate, of the House, and of the people of Vermont, according to polls.

So Governor Douglas, fuck you for your cowardly lie about your motivations--with it's implication that we care less about the economy and about our fellow citizens than anyone else.

"Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain" -- Iowa state motto

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by: Sportin' Life @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:00:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

A fraud and an ass.

In other words, a Republican governor.

Cynic, n.  A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.  
-Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

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by: QScribe @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:36:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Seriously, I will be surprised...

...if we reach 100 on this.

I'm only a click away.

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by: JulieWaters @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 17:04:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

key excerpt

Marry in Massachusetts provided this key excerpt from the broadcast.

But like President Obama and leaders on both sides of the aisle, I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman. As you know, it's been a policy of mine not to announce whether or not I will veto a bill before it reaches my desk. But during these extraordinary times, the speculation about my decision has added to the anxiety of the moment and further diverts attention from our more pressing issues, and I cannot allow that to happen. For these reasons and I believe that removing any uncertainty about my position we can move forward more quickly beyond this debate, I'm announcing that I intend to veto this legislation when it reaches my desk.

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by: Lurleen @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 14:25:47 PM CDT

The gift that keeps on giving

Barack Obama's self-righteous churchy bigotry.

"Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain" -- Iowa state motto

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by: Sportin' Life @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:06:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's a good bet this will be with us for all four years

of Obama's presidency.  And I do mean four, not eight.  If he fucks up the "economic recovery" (by which he and his advisers seem to mean "Wall Street recovery") any more badly than he already has, he'll have trouble getting elected to anything at all.

Cynic, n.  A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.  
-Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

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by: QScribe @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:40:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I will be gloriously happy

If the DNC gets the chance to offer up another candidate instead of the incumbent come 2012, I will cheer to see (and be part of!) the entire LGBT community turning our backs on the lying christian bigot.

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:53:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I would have to agree

I'm almost ashamed that I spent over 100 hours in the state of NC to get him elected only to have him kind of stab a knife into me and other people. One of the only good things that I can say about Obama is that at LEAST he's NOT MCcain. If we had the latter, I can already see it now, the speed in which fascism and authoritarianism would spread. People from all kinds of communities and walks of life would be imprisoned by oppressors like Tony Perkins and the right wing set which so desperately wants all of us exterminated and eliminated at ANY cost. ANY COST. But I wouldn't put it too far from Obama to start doing so, since he apparently wants people from the right wing fascist fringes to go ahead and be a bigger part of his "inclusive" government. I'm kind of done watching the Democratic Party, no matter how "inclusive" they tend to be with our community. It seems sad.  

"It's hard to free fools from the chains they revere." ~ François Marie Arouet.

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by: TSinGarnNC16 @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 22:37:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

WCAX

(local VT) says it will have more on this story tonight at 6pm.

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by: Louise @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 14:33:11 PM CDT

the statement

Here's all of it:

Statement of Governor James H. Douglas Regarding Same-sex Marriage:

"The urgency of our state's economic and budgetary challenges demands the full focus of every member and every committee of this Legislature.  Ensuring that the federal recovery money is spent wisely, that the state budget is balanced and responsible, and that we do all we can to help our employers compete and create jobs is my top priority.

However, I recognize that legislative leaders have different priorities.  So long as same-sex marriage consumes the time and energy of legislators, I will urge lawmakers to act quickly so they can turn their full focus to the economic needs of Vermonters as soon as possible.

The question of same sex marriage is an issue that does not break cleanly as Republican or Democrat, rural or urban, religious or atheist. It is an intensely personal decision - a decision informed by all of those things and many more - an amalgam of experience, conviction and faith.  These beliefs are deeply held, passionately expressed and, for many legislators, infinitely more complex than the ultimate 'yea' or 'nay' required to fulfill the duty of their office.

For those on either side of the vote to sternly judge the other's morality and conscience is the only true intolerance in this debate and is a disservice to all Vermonters.  I have Republican friends who will vote for this bill and Democratic friends who will vote against - and regardless of their vote, they will still be my friends and have my respect when this issue is resolved.

Vermont's civil union law has extended the same state rights, responsibilities and benefits of marriage to same-sex couples.  I believe our civil union law serves Vermont well and I would support congressional action to extend those benefits at the federal level to states that recognize same-sex unions. But like President Obama and other leaders on both sides of the aisle, I believe that marriage should remain between a man and woman.  

As you know, it's been a policy of mine not to announce whether or not I will veto a bill before it reaches my desk.  But during these extraordinary times, the speculation about my decision has added to the anxiety of the moment and further diverts attention from our most pressing issues - and I cannot allow that to happen.  

For those reasons and because I believe that by removing any uncertainty about my position we can move more quickly beyond this debate, I am announcing that I intend to veto this legislation when it reaches my desk.

On such an intensely divisive issue as this, I expect all members will vote as their individual conscience indicates and in the best interest of their districts, and not as the political leadership dictates.  That said, I'm sure that legislative leaders would not have advanced this bill if they did not have the votes to override a veto.  I will accept the outcome of their vote either way.

In the meantime, I will turn my attention and energy away from this issue and back to the issue that matters most to Vermonters: to growing our economy and creating good jobs.

I respect the passionate opinions of individuals on both sides of this debate and hope that when the Legislature makes their decision, whatever the outcome may be, we can move our state forward, toward a bright future for our children and grandchildren.  We still have a great deal of work ahead of us and Vermonters are counting on us to work together to get the job done."

Let me add that he is guaranteeing this will become a "distraction" by issuing the threat.  The Legislature was on track to be finished with this by next week - not anymore.  Also, in my memory he has never, ever issued a veto threat during his entire time in office.  

Here's a statement by the Democratic leadership:

Today, Governor Douglas announced his intention to veto S.115, which has not completed the legislative process.

"The governor's announcement today undermines the legislative process is disrespectful to Vermonters who come to the people's house to weigh in on the important matters of our time," said Speaker Shap Smith.  "History will judge Jim Douglas on the wrong side of this issue."

"Today is a sad day for Vermont," said Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin.  "The governor may choose to veto a bill, but he cannot veto love and commitment."

The Vermont Freedom to Marry folks are organizing an action for Friday.

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by: Jess Wilson @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 14:38:43 PM CDT

Dignity while grovelling?

Another "Protest"? What will that look like....waving a sign and begging for this right as if we do NOT ALREADY deserve it as taxpaying Americans?  Writing another letter? Another phone call? Get a petition signed by folks who say we are "good enough"? F*CK THAT.

Tax Revolt so they know you are actually SERIOUS about demanding this right, and SERIOUS about holding government accountable to ALL citizens. Can you REALLY have DIGNITY when you grovel?  Heteros AND the Queers who refuse to revolt can pay our taxes; we stopped a long time ago.   Enjoy paying for YOUR government on April 15th, despite that government excludes your beloved family from family law.

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

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by: John Bisceglia @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 14:39:09 PM CDT

he thinks that marriage is not an economical issue?

I wish I could laugh, but I'm rooting for the house and senate to pass it again. there's no need for people to be discriminated against.  

"It's hard to free fools from the chains they revere." ~ François Marie Arouet.

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by: TSinGarnNC16 @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 14:42:03 PM CDT

So what are the chances

of getting a veto proof majority in the house?

I am the lizard queen!

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by: RainbowPhoenix @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 14:54:37 PM CDT

Hoping JulieWaters

or someone else in VT and more familiar can weigh in on that later...

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by: Louise @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:15:28 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

veto proof majority

I haven't seen the latest counts but here's what I know:

The bill passed the Senate 26-4 - it would need at least 100 votes in the House to be veto proof. I'm not sure we have the votes at this point. The heat is really on some Democrats from more conservative areas of the state but then again some Republicans like House Minority Leader Patti Komline have said they support the bill.  I don't have a clear sense of how today's move by the Gov. might impact some of that Republican support. One other interesting thing to note...if the Gov vetoes and the Legislative leadership decides to hold a veto session, it takes a 2/3's majority of the Legislators present to override the veto. So the number needed depends on who shows up for the special session.      

Of course what do I know...I really thought the gov would just let it become law without his signature.  

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by: Jess Wilson @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:32:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

more analysis

Here's a link to an article by my pal Shay Totten at Seven Days...http://www.7dvt.com/2009right-side-history

It's pretty thorough look although it hasn't been updated with this afternoon's news.  

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by: Jess Wilson @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:53:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks so much, Jess

You've done such a great job keeping us updated on this.

We need more war correspondents!!!

This makes me so mad I could spit. Guaranteed Gov. Lingle will follow the christian hate lead once the RNC calls this jackass "courageous" . And we don't have a veto-proof majority in the House. We're ONE DAMN VOTE SHY.

ARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:45:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Seven Days breaking news coverage

http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2009...

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 17:00:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sounds like you know quite a bit

To be fair, I think the Guv blindsided everybody with this announcement.

If the veto-override requirement is 2/3rds of who's in the room, that seems like an outcome worth fighting for.

But wait, there's more!

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by: PhoenixRising @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:23:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I was at work

Sorry.  I try not to blog from work :)

It looks like Jess did a great job of keeping everyone informed.

I'm only a click away.

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by: JulieWaters @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 17:07:42 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes, he did.

This is so damned awful...

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by: Louise @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 17:52:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

thanks

Though, it's actually Jessica - I just go by Jess!

I have a meeting in Montpelier tomorrow morning and plan to head over to the statehouse and gather some footage of the Freedom to Marry action.  I'll try to post some by the afternoon.  

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by: Jess Wilson @ Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 09:23:52 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oops!

Since my RL nickname is actually a boy's nickname, I'm had the same mistake made a time or two! ;)

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by: Louise @ Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 12:50:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

COUNTING THE CONSERVADEMS AND THE PROGRESSREPS.

 I wrote a letter and thread below. I agree. I do not see the votes.....with not enough moderate Republicans to overturn the theocratic Republicans and ConservaDems on the other side.

 My count is a dozen or more short of the needed override votes in the House. Is this what you see? Can these conservaDems be convinced to vote with the majority?

 In MA, of course, the conservaDems lost their seats to real Democrats in primaries and moderate Republicans who voted with us retained their seats, and the theocratic GOP solons had a narrow base of support left that was inadequate to hurt us any longer.

 These conservaDems are hiding in obscurity and anonymity. You need to shine a HUGE SPOTLIGHT on these wolves in sheep's clothing, and tell them what will happen to them if they seek to vote against us and run.

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by: BISHOPRAYMOND @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 18:09:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Let me make sure I got this right

He's going to veto a nearly completed bill that would only need a signature, sending it back for another round of debate, lawmaker time, effort, consensus building, etc... because supposedly it's a distraction.

Do these idiots actually expect us to buy crap that rancid? Hey Jim, be honest, just say you hate faggots, it's even quicker, because every queer in the state is going to go anti-Prop 8 on you. The wingnuts no longer rule the roost and we queers do have weight to swing around. You may be thinking you saved your job from your base, but I ensure you that every queer-supporting family in the state will make sure that the base is ALL you have. The data is already in. Those who support marriage equality stay elected, those who don't and aren't in wingnut districts aren't nearly as safe.

In short, say goodbye to your political aspirations, homophobe.

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by: Cerberus @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:04:01 PM CDT

What an asshole.

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by: Louise @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:08:24 PM CDT

Teaching Moment

"I believe our civil union law serves Vermont well ...I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman. ... I'm announcing that I intend to veto this legislation when it reaches my desk."

I believe he needs to be schooled in the historical fact that "separate, but equal" is inherently unequal.  

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by: Jon Michaels @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:09:27 PM CDT

You think he gives a damn?

This is about positioning himself with his base and his party, not about equality or anything like it.

Cynic, n.  A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.  
-Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

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by: QScribe @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 19:59:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's not though

he's already incredibly well positioned within his base and his party.  He's the only republican in Vermont who has a decent chance of winning anything in 2010.  

This isn't about positioning himself within his base and party.  He's the single strongest Republican in the state.  It's about desperately clinging to the power he's got.  

I'm only a click away.

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by: JulieWaters @ Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 04:31:31 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Toll free in Vermont...

800 649-6825

...

For those so inclined, to point out that Douglas's "reasoning" doesn't stand up to a minimal application of logic.  And to point out the nastiness of the implication that those who support equality are less concerned than others with the economic crisis affecting us all.

"Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain" -- Iowa state motto

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by: Sportin' Life @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:15:10 PM CDT

Pisses me off. . .

Beyond belief.  I know someone already stated here that Vermont Freedom to Marry is already planning an action, but it can't hurt to reiterate.  

They're planning a rally at the state house this Friday at 8:45am in protest against the governor's veto announcement.  They also have listed the House Judiciary Committee contact information to push them for more votes.

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by: UnitetheFight.org @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:24:00 PM CDT

Link to VT Freedom to Marry

Form Vermonters who need phone numbers, dates, times etc., go here.

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Lurleen on Twitter.

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by: Lurleen @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:37:41 PM CDT

make it stop

I'm getting so tired of politicians using this "I believe marriage should remain between one man and one woman" line and no one ever thinks to ask them, "Well...WHY? Why is it appropriate to separate an entire group of people from this civil institution if you think they should be afforded the same legal protections?" Because what? It's tradition? Not an excuse. Because it's your religion? Not an excuse.

This shit makes me tired.

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by: BrianAgenda @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:39:53 PM CDT

Good point and Obama and Clinton said the same thing

vanhattan

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by: vanhattan @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 20:29:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Governor is personally attacking a 17 year-old high school student

Latest FaBlog: A Loaded Pistol

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by: David Ehrenstein @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 15:55:02 PM CDT

Well done, David

THIS. This is why I support. Because this kid is only a few years older than my own. And I want a world where they can all live and love safely, with no fears or inequalities.

How any parent CAN'T want the same mystifies me.

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by: Louise @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:29:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Shame on Jim Douglas

who has a wife and 2 children of his own.

Shame on him, for wanting less for his constituents than he himself has.

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by: Louise @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:32:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Why are we surprised?

The man is a REPUBLICAN. Being from Vermont is not sufficient to overcome this obvious handicap.

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by: wvayens @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:04:15 PM CDT

Governor Scissorhands

"he has never, ever issued a veto threat during his entire time in office."

But when Symington was Speaker, she immediately dropped bills when the Gov said he wouldn't support them.

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by: Comrade Rutherford @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 16:24:09 PM CDT

I hope someone puts a cap in his ass

  Well, at least a boot.

If I make sense? it was quite by accident.

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by: HappyCat @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 17:46:25 PM CDT

Or maybe a pen in his hand?

Maybe we should all send him a dozen or so...

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by: Louise @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 17:53:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'M SHOCKED, SIMPLY SHOCKED, THERE'S GAMBLING AT RICK'S.

 It is not a prescient remark, made months ago by me and others, in LGBT blogs, that the election of the GOP governor last November would signal a veto for civil marriage that would pass House and Senate after judicial decision.

I wrote to the Speaker:

25 March 2009

Dear Mr. Speaker

As a native New Englander, and one whose ancestors, Francis Eaton and James Chilton, signed the Mayflower Compact, I am reminded of these words from that document:

Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.[5][3]

Now, it is time for " our better ordering and preservation " to frame for the last minority in this nation, " to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions......for the general good of the Colony."

As a dual parent in a same-sex union of thirty-three years duration - and several years under legal compact in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we speak for ourselves, and for our son, age six, who already recites the pledge of allegiance with his kindergarten class, and already feels the inferiority of station and rights that his two fathers and he are both given and denied.

We ask that equal justice under law is not defined by theocratic canons rather than by secular law accepting of pluralistic belief systems in our nation. As an episcopal prelate and clergyman for forty one years, I am aware that the definition of marriage has changed many times over the years and in various civilizations and nations. In the United States, the ban on interracial heterosexual marriages was only rescinded by Supreme Court decision in September of 1967. No religious ceremony is necessary in marriage, and only the federal and state governments bestow the legal rights of marriage to the couple.

Therefore, we ask that the State Senate bill making same-sex marriage legal in the State of Vermont be passed sine die in the state House of Representatives. We also pray that the Republican members of the Vermont state legislature  convince  the Republican Governor of Vermont to sign the legislation into law,

However, if the governor vetoes the legislation, as predicted by his ideological base of support, it is hoped that you and the Majority Leader and Whip can successfully override his veto. It is difficult to note that the Canadian Marriage Act has given federal and provincial equality of rights under law since July 19, 2005, and our sacred documents exclude minorities.

Sincerely,

The Right Reverend Raymond Eaton S-S., Ph.D. (Retired Bishop)
Albert Wade S-S, MSW, LCSW
Wade Norbert Thanh S-S, age 6

(our last name is concealed)

 There is a 3 to 1 majority in the House and about that in the Senate for Democrats, Progressives and Independents who caucus with the Democrats. So, it should be a slam dunk that the predicted veto could be overturned.

 Nope, can't do that, why?....the conservaDems of course. The Democrats with a social conservative agenda and win more easily as Dems than as Rethuglicans.

To put it simply, the votes to overturn are complex, and the governor can suggest that many other bills might be vetoed, or that certain favours may not occur, if he is overriden on this.

This is not a surprise. If he did not veto openly, his GOP political career, let alone his gubernatorial term, would be over. He has counted the votes, and the GOP think that there are enough homophobic conservaDems to stop an override.

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by: BISHOPRAYMOND @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 17:50:07 PM CDT

Updated VT legislator reaction

Via WCAX:

Democratic leaders called the governor's announcement an insult to the political process.

"We haven't even passed the bill. We shouldn't even talk about whether we will override it yet," said Rep. Shap Smith, D-Vt. House Speaker.

The move puts the pressure squarely on the House. It can override a governor's veto with a two-thirds majority. Speaker Smith says he works closely with Progressives and Republicans, but since gay marriage is such a personal decision, not all about political parties, he's not sure he has the votes. House Judiciary chairman Bill Lippert-- himself openly gay-- held back tears over his frustration.

"This touches the hearts of your neighbors and friends. It touches my heart. I am deeply disappointed the governor has interfered with this process at this time," said Lippert, D-Hinesburg. "But as the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, we will continue this work and we will move forward."

Governor Douglas said he thinks Democratic leaders would not have advanced the bill if they did not have enough votes to override a veto, but because the issue is so personal and divisive legislative leaders say there's no guarantee. But of course Douglas acknowledged he will have no choice but to accept same-sex marriages if the house can get the numbers.

As for the governor's intention of refocusing lawmakers' attention on the budget, lawmakers argue they can handle several issues at once through various committees and that gay marriage is not distracting them from work on the budget. Sen. Dick Sears, D-Bennington County, added that no matter what the governor wants them to do, the marriage debate is not going away because it's been a hot button issue for more than a decade.

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by: Louise @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 18:27:56 PM CDT

AS A DAD, I AM IN AWE OF EXCELLENT PARENTING....

 This attractive young man is beautiful inside and out. His Mom and Dad and extended family and siblings deserve my awe and my respect for such an excellent example of parenting.

 My prayer is that he continues and completes his education and finds a life partner who will propose marriage and they together have a family together. It is what parents of same-sex children hope for their own kids.

 It matters little to us, and it will matter little to James, whether his children are psychosexually gay or straight. We will want them to be healthy, happy and inculcate those values on their own progeny.

  After all, like James, our parents were great heterosexual moms and dads too.....and yes, some parents are two moms or two dads, and even one of each.

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by: BISHOPRAYMOND @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 19:27:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The young ones, can be the smartest and bravest of all...

As the young 12 y/o who said of his 7th grade teacher, one of 60+ of his students who will be attending his commitment ceremony in New York, in discussing the upcoming festivities. 'He's not gay.'... No, his 13 y/o friend said, 'That's right, he's bisexual, ask him."  So the reported did and, yes he is. 

Also in this man's world, a public school teacher for over 20 years. Only coming out in 2007.  Since that time, 6 of his students have come out to him.

The future is in the Under 25 generation! Even the McCains and Cheneys there know what's what. 

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

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by: Orion45 @ Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 03:50:08 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

What will the Governor Say to James?

http://www.tips-q.com/content/video-gay-teens-emotional-testimony-vermont-over-same-sex-marriage32109

"Neither Lifestyle nor Agenda"

http://tips-q.com

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by: davidhart @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 18:58:13 PM CDT

The Governor has told James to go fuck himself

Isn't that painfully obvious?

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by: David Ehrenstein @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 19:14:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

James needs to make another public statement

I saw the video of his and Gabby Benham's testimony. These two intelligent, beautiful young people (they are juniors in high school!) have the courage to stand in front of state legislators, supporters, their parents, people who will scream epithets at them, and have their faces put on national TV and all over the internet, to speak up for what is right. All the while the Governor is a spineless, hateful coward too afraid to do the same.

I would like to see James and Gabby in a TV spot tonight:

James: Today Governor Douglas threatened to veto marriage equality in Vermont. Today he said that he thinks I don't deserve real marriage rights because I'm gay. The governor just told me that I should leave my home to be equal.

Gabby: Today Governor Douglas told my family that we're not a real family, that my two amazing moms don't deserve real marriage rights. The governor is married with two children. Governor Douglas told me that we're not really citizens of Vermont, that we don't deserve what he has.

James: The Governor is wrong to tell the children of this state that they and their families aren't as good as he is. It's time for marriage equality. It's time to support ALL families.

Gabby: Call the governor's office [flash number] and tell him to sign the marriage equality bill. Call the House switchboard [flash number], and tell your Representative to support marriage equality in Vermont. It's time to support ALL families.

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 19:43:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The average reaction

When I brought this video to Andrew Sullivan's attention he emailed me back with a one word reply - "WOW."

The kid is impossible to demonize. As someone else said, he is Tony Perkins' worst nightmare. I have been trying to get Rachel to interview him - with no success.

I understand that James is the genuine article. Outright Vermont told me that he was ecstatic that I was able to get the video on the HRC website and he posted a really nice comment on Tips-Q.

Meanwhile, the margin might be wide enough in the Vermont House of override the threatened veto.

Spread the video!
Call and write the Governor!


"Neither Lifestyle nor Agenda"

http://tips-q.com

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by: davidhart @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 20:29:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wondered about Rachel too,...

But he may be under 18 and there probably are some rules, even if his parents agree.

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

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by: Orion45 @ Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 03:41:25 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Most politicians bend or break the law. Find something to impeach him.

Republicans like Douglas are about as bad as they get. But as bad as Douglas is the worst of the lot are Democrats like Bill Clinton who not only championed and signed DOMA but boasted about it to get bigot votes to get reelected. Second on the list is Obama who torpedoed same sex marriage with his infamous comment "gawd's in the mix" who said it to pick up bigot votes. gawd only knows what Obama will do or say to get reelected but it won't be pretty.

The differences between Democrats and Republicans in office are that some resemble the American Landrace breed and some are Angeln Saddlebacks. But they're all pigs.

The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

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by: donal1944 @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 19:00:35 PM CDT

THEOCRATS - CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT.

 OK- the Roman Catholic bishop of the diocese, or the entire state, is Papenfuhrer Joseph Ratzinger.

 Surprised ? Don't be. You thought it was his surrogate, Salvatore Mantano. In 1869-70, Pius IX convened the Vatican Council I. He had lost the Papal States and was a virtual "prisoner of the Vatican"- and so were his successors, until Mussolini created the Vatican City State in 1929.

 The two dogmas promulgated were the papal infallibility ex cathedra fidei and the universal episcopacy of the pope. This latter regulation stopped direct election of bishops and the selection of bishops by the Pope, who made him his surrogate. It means that Mantano is a proxy for the archreactionary Ratzinger. The short version is that we are all "instrically disordered perverts without redemption."

 The Catholics use the carrot and the stick. The stick is to excommunicate politicians who support us....and to reward politicians with PAPAL KNIGHTHOODS. Yep, they exist.
This is not the "Knights of Columbus", but real knighthoods issued first by the Papal States and now the Vatican City State. The local proxy bishop gets it from the Pope in Rome.
This is the same honour as HM, the Queen grants knighthoods to British subjects and Commonwealth subjects, or honourary knighthoods to Rudy Guiliani and Ted Kennedy.

 The Congregational Puritan Church is now called the United Church of Christ. You remember the infamous Obama pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright.....UCC.  Do you know the gay and gay-affirming Cathedral of Hope in Dallas...UCC. In short, the United Church of Christ is a liberal and gay-affirming Christian body. The  gay megachurch began as an MCC congregation and was incardinated into the UCC several years ago.

 Get this! Jim Douglas - the Republican governor of VT, is President of the UCC Board of Laymen in VT. Politics always makes for strange bedfellows.

 Someone asked. Yes, the Pope can confer some Papal Knighthoods on Protestants.....they are such cute uniforms.

 I should know. My Canadian father-in-law USED to be very homophobic....that is, until we made him a grandfather. He is a Knight Commander of Malta....a Papal Knight Commander of Pius IX with Star....a Papal Knight Commander of Saint Gregory the Great with Star....and a Knight Commander of the Holy Sepulchre.  In the last six years, I am sure that the cardinal archbishop and the pope would like to take some or all of them back.

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by: BISHOPRAYMOND @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 19:01:44 PM CDT

Raymond,

How old was your little guy when you got him? I know our Terence here and his partner have adopted two boys, one now about 6 the other just last year, as infants, have enjoyed some of his stories of raising them, in ? I think Atlanta area?

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

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by: Orion45 @ Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 03:38:40 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Here's his contact form

http://governor.vermont.gov/co...

I wrote saying "Your threatened veto of marriage equality allies you with failure and bigotry.

"Next time I travel through Vermont I'm keeping my wallet in my pocket."

What a day, what a day for an auto-da-fe

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by: revbob @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 20:06:59 PM CDT

I know better then to write him right now,

  I would tell him to go fuck himself and then die.

If I make sense? it was quite by accident.

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by: HappyCat @ Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 21:11:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

What a pair

Jim Cover-Your-Ass-Coward Douglas and Bigot Hypocrite Obama -- What a pair.

The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in time of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality. -- John F. Kennedy (inspired by Dante's Inferno)

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by: oldbrit @ Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 03:04:07 AM CDT

Vermont TV's report

Here's the URL for WCAX CBS channel 3 of Douglas announcing the veto.

http://www.wcax.com/Global/cat...

And Shap Smith's response is on there, too.

As I live about 20 miles north of the Statehouse, I am extremely disappointed in the Governor for tampering in the work of the legislature.

And one of my jobs is in the wedding business, I am astonished that the Republican governor is actively damaging small businesses in Vermont.  Gay marriage will notably increase destination weddings and I am already designing outreach and advertising to expand my business to same-sex couples.

The Governor has announced that he is deliberately impeding new business growth in his state!

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by: Comrade Rutherford @ Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 14:07:43 PM CDT