On November 4th, I asked my mother, a 78 year-old immigrant, recent American citizen, and religious, why she voted against Proposition 8 (meaning that she did not vote for a constitutional ban on gay marriage). She simply stated, "It's a civil rights issue. They are no different than me." I was really proud of her and the wisdom that she showed.
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THERE IS A SILVER LINING in the selection of Rick Warren, the anti-gay minister, who was invited to deliver the invocation at Barack Obama's inaugural swearing-in ceremony. BUT IT WILL TAKE two mass actions...see below.
First Action: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is scheduled to provide the "Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks" just prior to Rick Warren's appearance. She was very clear in her opposition to Proposition 8 (see YouTube video below). It is doubtful that we can get her to use the podium to make a political statement against Rick Warren BUT WE CAN DEMAND THAT SHE WITHDRAW FROM SPEAKING AT THE EVENT.
Contact Senator Dianne Feinstein: (1) Remind her what her position was on Proposition 8; and (2) Tell her to withdraw from speaking at the event:
415-393-0707 (office)
415-393-0710 (fax)
202-224-3841 (office)
202-228-3954 (fax)
www.feinstein.senate.gov (contains email link)
Dianne Feinstein Video Regarding Proposition 8
Second Action: When Rick Warren gives the invocation, turn your back to him. Spread this advice to everyone you know that will be attending the event. Post it on every blog. Send it to everyone you know via email.
For the record, I am not gay and I am not anti-Obama. I am pro-rights and progressive. This is a civil rights issue. The famous poem below says it all.
First They Came
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I was not a Jew.
[I add this]
When they came for the gays,
I remained silent;
I was not gay.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.