Monthly Archives: August 2010

(Community Matters) Some of the important findings in United States District Chief Judge Walker’s decision

Having considered the trial evidence and the arguments of counsel, the court pursuant to FRCP 52(a) finds that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional and that its enforcement must be enjoined.

Proponents in their trial brief promised to “demonstrate that redefining marriage to encompass same-sex relationships” would effect some twenty-three specific
harmful consequences. Doc #295 at 13-14. At trial, however, proponents presented only one witness, David Blankenhorn, to address the government interest in marriage. Blankenhorn’s testimony is addressed at length hereafter; suffice it to say that he provided no credible evidence to support any of the claimed adverse effects proponents promised to demonstrate.

During closing arguments, proponents again focused on the contention that “responsible procreation is really at the heart of society’s interest in regulating marriage.” Tr 3038:7-8. When asked to identify the evidence at trial that supported this contention,
proponents’ counsel replied, “you don’t have to have evidence of this point.”

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(Community Matters) Gov Kaine (Chairman of the DNC) addresing LGBT equality amibitions

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) Mother Jones’ David Corn’s interview of GOP Rep. Bob Inglis who was ousted by the Tea Party

(Community Matters) Troops in Iraq: when Pres Obama took office 2/09 – 144,000; by Jan 2010 – 112,000; end of May 2010 – 88,000; and by end of August – 50,000

Mike Allen Politico

(Community Matters) Full day today, hanging on the beach, touring the dunes in Eric’s jeep, visiting our friend Anne Packard in P-Town and dinner at Hal & Eric’s with Barbara, Ward Crommer & Joy McNolty.

Anne at her Gallery, underneath her painting, Provincetown at Sunset

Anne gave me a copy of her new book, Anne Packard Introspective.  I told her about Julie Speed and how they remind me of each other.  Pulled up Julie’s website and Anne liked her work, laughing when I showed her Adrift (laughing is good, it’s a fun scene).  Promised to send her a copy of Julie’s latest book.

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(Community Matters) however so well intentioned – albeit ineptly communicated – the Anti-Defamation League was wrong to speak out on the issue of a Muslim Center near Ground Zero. Whether or not one supports a Muslim Center near Ground Zero, ADL stands for religious tolerance. As a board member of the Austin ADL, I apologize to those let down by our otherwise strong stand for religious tolerance, equality and fairness and against bigotry & injustice in all forms.

ADL is and has been a beacon organization for nearly 100 years – no one bats a 1000. The work we do combating hate in schools and the communities in which we live is extraordinary, critical and increasingly called upon by law enforcement and public officials. I’m proud to work with and support ADL, though embarrassed we’ve damaged our brand by unintentionally lending cover to zealots’ garbage rhetoric being churned for political advantage

eg., Newt Gingrich said, “Muslims attacked this country and killed almost 3,000 people and now I’m supposed to be tolerant?”

The level of rhetoric further flaming American nationalism disturbs me as much as the Freedom Party of Austria’s efforts to mobilize around voters’ insecurities, fears and prejudice.

our position shortcomings sometimes also include a bias in the Palestinian/Israeli struggle, though that’s another issue

(Community Matters) Barbara Woghlemuth made a terrific dinner – including fresh sea bass & a cherry pie – for the four of us last night.  Hal McIntosh & Eric Varity (who’ve been together for 30 years) joined us.  I met these two at Kay’s memorial service 3, years ago and fast feel in love.

Barbara, Eric & Hal

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