Community Matters

(Community Matters) Much complexity and inevitable political strife continue to challenge our friends in Haiti. While the cholera outbreak appears to be “somewhat contained” Haitians are still too vulnerable to not worry about further, even more devastating outbreak. Though, agencies know what to do, how to combat it (and I believe most have funding), the physical and logistical hurdles are just not in Haitians’ favor. Nevertheless, to date, it’s been handled and contained much better than almost any would predict. The same is true with health care in general. Though, news reports suggest the availability of clean drinking water – especially in unsponsored camps – is increasingly a challenge. I’ve asked and there is still a priority for safe drinking water at the projects we’ve funded. In fact, through CharityWater, we’ve match funded a sustainable, fresh drinking water project in Titans Village, in partnership with Concern Worldwide.

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(Community Matters) Last week having lunch with a friend after the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell signing ceremony, we talked about the apparent randomness of events leading up to this legislative success. I found myself comparing events to a business entrepreneur’s success. Investors have learned to place their bets on entrepreneurs at least as much as on products/services. Business plans always change – the environments we assess definitely will change, the positions and alliances of stakeholders evolve, and competitors always surprise us. We’ve learned that the best entrepreneurs react agilely – and yes pragmatically – to an extraordinarily dynamic environment. I hadn’t previously thought of the concept of political entrepreneurs but I am doing so now. Though my analogy isn’t fleshed out, I do feel great that our community has “invested in Barack Obama” and though plans & timelines change, we’re seeing payoffs much higher than likely in any other outcome of the 2008 primaries and general.

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(Community Matters) Sam Harris’ most recent essay on HuffPost

Mr. Harris goes further than I would assuming inherent inequalities, though the reminder that most of us agree on equality of opportunity is important. I’m not at all interested in the idea of a pooled fund for donated trillions,  believing that private philanthropy (definitely including collaborative projects) is likely to unveil the true social innovation gems.

(Community Matters) guess I’m taking a bit of a break. Been having meetings, catching up at the office, reading, cooking and preparing for new years. Though, after so much travel and after DA/DT repeal, I’m just sorta exhausted – expect back at it post-New Years. Stay safe and warm.

(Community Matters) I’m just reading reports of a gay bashing downtown on Saturday, just outside Rain.  Towleroad report here

update: AAS report

(Community Matters) Enjoying Xmas at in Sealy with my folks. Eli, Luci, Eli & Paulina headed over from Houston. Preparing their pirates treasure hunt now.

In the holiday tradition, Steven put to work making the tortillas – the spouse of all married sons must . . . .

(Community Matters) Higher than 300 considered excellent; over 400 nearly unachievable. President Obama just scored a 714 in the lame duck

Hits: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; START; Unemployment benefits/stimulus measures; Food Security; 9/11 First Responders. Misses: expiring wealthy tax cuts; DREAM Act

(Community Matters) from my friend Dio to Steven

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) from an Advocate interview of President Obama

On the question of marriage equality, the president said his “attitudes are evolving.”

“Like a lot of people, I’m wrestling with this,” he said. “I’ve wrestled with the fact that marriage traditionally has had a different connotation. But I also have a lot of very close friends who are married gay or lesbian couples.”

The president also signaled that he and his lawyers are reviewing “a range of options” when it comes to the administration’s responsibility to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in the courts, especially since repealing it over the next two years will be a nonstarter with a Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

“I have a whole bunch of really smart lawyers who are looking at a whole range of options. My preference wherever possible is to get things done legislatively,” Obama said, drawing a comparison with repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

“That may not be possible in DOMA’s case,” he added. “That’s something that I think we have to strategize on over the next several months.”

(Community Matters) This morning’s signing of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal was much more emotional than I even expected. Such a large crowd for the signing that they moved it to the Interior Department auditorium rather than the White House’s East Room. As Jamie Citron (DNC LGBT Director) said, it was like an LGBT Oscars – lots of LGBT celebrities – folks who fought long & hard on the hill and in the trenches for this. Hard to express my appreciation to President Obama for making this happen – it ushers in a new era of LGBT equality throughout the country. And, as four-star General & Afghan Commander Petreaus said, any service members who can’t conform to the law, who can’t serve alongside gays & lesbians without prejudice will have to leave the armed forces – though, fortunately, the armed forces survey found that this should be very few. Listen to the President’s remarks here

White House, DNC, HRC, SDLN, GetEqual, MoveOn.org, former & current service members and many others represented in full force. Many who deserve credit aren’t even with us to share in the celebration. I enjoyed reminiscing about Tom Henderson & Scott Hitt with Jerry Cade as we waited in the security line. I sat with Kathy Nelson and spoke with Joe Solmonese and Marty Rouse. Also visited with my good friend Paul Boskind who is on the SDLN board and soon to be on the HRC board. Having a late lunch with MoveOn.org’s Ilyse Hogue – there will definitely be champagne.

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(Community Matters) day so full yesterday didn’t have a chance to blog. Intend to write about the conversation ST and I had on a San Francisco sidewalk w/ a stranger. He believes DA/DT repeal is even more pivotal than I’d thought. Says boys from all over rural America will be introduced to out gays and learn the standard is tolerance and friendship.

Much needed catch up w/ Sr y Sra Christie and la senorita Lily as well as Michael Mitchell and Cameron Lockley oer dinner last night – after all to brief catch up w/ Luke Hayes who’s mom sent wonderful treats from the Bronx 🙂

I’m currently on board plane soon to takeoff for DC, attending the DA/DT repeal signing. It was QT as of Sat but the signing has open up so much moved to a larger venue to accomodate more guest – as it should be, many, many long & hard working advocates made passage possible.

Steven was to join me, unfortunately last minute conflict. Alas, I’ll represent our family. Staying a Tabard tonight, having dinner there with a few friends. Moving to the Cohen/Cramer household tomorrow night for Xmas/Chanukkah with some of my favorite human beings. Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) Nate Silver (FiveThirtyEight.com) on the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Vote – especially the votes of Republicans

at SFO now, returning home – possibly just to pack a bag – invited to DA/DT signing