From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs about the Hate Agenda.

Bilerico Project Florida: Acceptance is Key to Combating LGBTQ Youth Suicide

Shakesville: Feminism 101: On Language and the Commodification of Sex Via Humor

Shakesville: Feminism 101: Girl Math

Open Left: Exposing Colorblind Racism Right Here At Open Left

Open Left: The "State of the Dream" & The 30-Years Conservative Nightmare

Pam's House Blend: The Unity of All Women: Horizontal Feminism

Shakesville: It Looks Like We're Going to Have a Mansplainer Thread After All

Think Progress: Report: States passed more pro-LGBT bills in 2009 than in the previous two years combined

Pam's House Blend: Cisgender And Cissexual Terminology - A Get-Along-Go-Along Moment

Shakesville: Some Simple Steps to Being Trans* Inclusive: Part I (Understand Cis* Privilege)

Shakesville: Rape Culture 101

Shakesville: Some Simple Steps to Being Trans* Inclusive: Part II (How To Make Your Organization Accessible and Safe for Trans* Individuals)

Pam's House Blend: Video: Women Bloggers Found: Has Feminist Blogging Gone Mainstream?

Shakesville: Feminism 101: Objectifying Women Doesn't Show How Much You Love Them; It Shows How Much You Hate Them

Shakesville: We Write Letters: Stop Sexist Op-Ed Practices

Pam's House Blend: Racial dialogue can be a walk in a mine-field...but it's worth it.

Shakesville: How Feminism Works

Shakesville: Feminism 101: On Anger

Shakesville: The Blindness of Privilege

Shakesville: Feminism 101: "Sexism is a Matter of Opinion"

Shakesville: Feminism 101: How are we supposed to take feminist bloggers seriously if they post about shoes?

Shakesville: Feminism 101: Feminism and Humanism

Shakesville: Feminism 101: Periods

Shakesville: Important Announcement

An Old Person's Guide to "No Homo"

Conniving and Sinister

(From Shakesville)

Mallory Wells - Florida Competitive Workforce Act Senate Workshop

Rachel On The Extremist Fringe Of The GOP

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

(Via Smooth Like Remy)

Conniving and Sinister

Rep. Mary Brandenburg Proposes Repeal of Adoption Ban

More than 2,000 children in Florida are awaiting adoption, and half of them have no family members able to provide them care. House Bill 3 by Representative Mary Brandenburg (D-Lake Worth) would give more foster children an opportunity for a family and a home by repealing the ban on adoptions by same-sex couples and individuals.

“Some children in Florida have been in foster care for years,” said Representative Brandenburg. “This is unacceptable. Every child in Florida deserves a loving, permanent home. That is why I filed a bill that repeals the state law that prohibits gay and lesbian people from adopting.”

It is well understood, and confirmed by pediatricians and child psychologists, that children thrive as part of a family. Happy, successful children can be raised by all kinds of families, including those headed by single parents, grandparents, and same-sex couples. In contrast, children stuck in foster homes are more likely to drop out of school, become teen-age parents, and face trouble with the law.

The ban on adoption by gays and lesbians costs the State of Florida approximately $2.5 million per year, according to the Williams Institute.

“When the Florida Legislature is struggling to meet the medical and education needs of our children, this ban makes no sense,” said Representative Brandenburg. “When the Florida Department of Children and Families allows gay and lesbian people to serve as foster parents, it becomes impossible to understand the ban.”

Florida is the only state with a statutory ban against same-sex individuals or couples adopting. Representative Brandenburg’s House Bill 3 would give many more foster children the opportunity for a family and a home. Senator Nan Rich (D-Sunrise) has filed identical legislation in the Florida Senate.

“This bill is about children’s rights,” added Representative Brandenburg. “It is about their right to become part of a family.”

Join Us for Lobby Week March 15-17

From Equality Florida:

Join Us for 2010 Lobby Week in Tallahassee
March 15-17, 2010. Register Today!

Dear Kenneth,

In just a few short weeks, the Florida State Legislature will be called to session. Your state elected officials will be making big decisions that will have a lasting impact on your life.

Lend your voice to support for three key bills that would:
Repeal Florida's Adoption ban
Pass workplace anti-discrimination protections
Secure statewide Domestic Partnership protections
I'm writing to personally invite you to join me in Tallahassee for Equality Florida Lobby Week 2010 March 15th-17th. Click here to register now!

Our staff and volunteer leadership teams work daily with elected officials, their staffers and our coalition allies to move these bills forward. But your participation in Lobby Week 2010 in Tallahassee, March 15-17 will make a bigger difference than anything else we can do all year.


Lobby Week 2010 is your chance to talk directly to Representatives, Senators and their staff members about why these bills are so urgently needed for LGBT Floridians and our families. Telling your story in person is the most persuasive way to gain support for equality and there is no better way to do that than face-to-face.

During Lobby Week 2010, Equality Florida will work with you to set up appointments and have professional trainers and materials available to help you hold effective, successful meetings with your Representative or Senator.

If you, a friend or a family member have experienced discrimination on the job, in trying to rent or purchase a home, or because of the anti-lgbt adoption ban, join us in Tallahassee March 15-17 and share your story with your legislators.

See you in Tallahassee,

Mallory Wells
Public Policy Director

Link

The Promise of 2010

From Equality Florida:

Just last month, we asked you to help us start off 2010 in the strongest financial position possible and set an ambitious goal of $10,000.

Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our target and raised $11,200.

We want to say "Thank You" for your overwhelming response and also let you know how we have already begun putting your donations to work for equality in Florida.

In 2010, every statewide seat will change hands making this an historic election year.

Because of your support we're ready with a team on the ground in Tallahassee to fight for full equality and our army of volunteers statewide is ready to work hard for pro-equality candidates!

Exciting Opportunities for 2010

Florida Competitive Workforce Act – This bill would add “sexual orientation and gender identity” to Florida’s existing anti-discrimination laws. In order for Florida to be its most competitive in attracting new business and talented individuals, we must ensure that employees are judged on merit, not prejudged by bigotry. The majority of the top companies in the country have adopted these protections. Cities and counties across our state include this language. It is time for equality to be the law. Ending discrimination is the right thing to do and the economically smart thing to do in our state.

On March 15 Floridians from all across the state will come to Tallahassee to ask their legislators to support this important legislation. Click here to join us.

Making Fair Adoption a Reality in Florida – Last year, two groundbreaking court decisions weakened Florida’s discriminatory ban on adoption by gay people. These victories did not go unnoticed by radical right extremists who believe that the definition of “family” should never include gay parents. We must prepare now to protect a successful outcome in the courts or continue our efforts to pursue a legislative repeal of the ban. We have spent more than a decade educating Florida voters on the harm inflicted by this hateful ban and polling shows our efforts are working. We must also work to ensure that the far right cannot use another Florida ballot measure to add this hateful ban to our constitution.

A New Political Landscape in Our Capitol – Over the next 12 months Florida will vote to replace our Governor, our Chief Financial Officier, our Attorney General, and every member of the Florida Senate and the Florida House. Equality Florida will lead the way, as we’ve done for over a decade, in surveying every candidate and informing you where they stand on issues important to you.

As always, Equality Florida keeps a full-time lobbyist in Tallahassee throughout the legislative session and our comprehensive Voter Guide tells you where all of the candidates stand on LGBT issues so you can make informed choices.

We are winning in Florida, year by year, because of the strong commitment of our members as donors and volunteers and pro-equality ambassadors across the state. Because members like you consistently respond when we call on you to do phoning, lobbying, rallying, donating, tabling, blogging and speaking up for equality in your schools, families, workplaces and with elected officials.

Like our past successes, our future victories will not come easily. They will result from our commitment to building and carrying out long-term plans and making significant investments in grassroots organizing.

Thank you for your continued support for equality in Florida. Here's to more victories ahead!

With sincere appreciation,

Nadine Smith

PS – We have a limited number of internships for the Spring 2010 semester
in the following areas: Communications, Public Policy, Development/Event Planning and with our Gay-Straight Alliance Network. We are also seeking a graduate student for our Research Fellowship.

Patrick Stewart talks about domestic violence

Powerful stuff:

NYS Senator Diane Savino speaks on the Marriage Equality bill

Conniving and Sinister

From Shakesville:

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the blogs about the Hate Agenda.

Natasha Chart: No Rescue From Democratic Misogyny

Adam Bink: Analysis and Improvement, Part 1

Melissa McEwan: "I have to help my friend and I don’t know how."

Melissa McEwan: Today in Rape Culture

Incertus: The Golden Rule

Melissa McEwan: Cowards

Adam Bink: Analysis and Improvement, Part 2

Adam Green: Dems who voted for the Stupak amendment to restrict women's rights

John Aravosis: Don't Ask, Don't Give

McJoan: What the Stupak-Pitts Coathanger Amendment Does

Melissa McEwan: On Female Filmmakers

Mallory Wells: Why healthcare matters for LGBT people

Nancy Imperiale: Fighting Words

Wonk Room: The House Health Care Bill Makes Progress For Gay Rights

Pam Spaulding: A few words on Maine and the dying hog of homophobia

Radical Russ: Why do marijuana dispensaries win and gay marriages lose on the same ballot in Maine?

Getting Back Our Power (From the Tea Party "Patriots")

Just as we have to assert our Sovereignty, I feel we need to take other action to restrict the power of our government.

After the New Year, I will be starting a Ballot Initiative here in the State of Florida, to set Term Limits. I am gearing for this Amendment to be placed on the 2012 ballot - which should be enough time to collect the necessary funds for the petition & collect the required number of signatures.

I recommend that States that have Ballot Initiatives should do the same. Below is a link that gives a list of States that have Ballot Initiatives for State Amendments, to Initiate New Laws, Overturn State Statutes, & Recall Officials.

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/States

I suggest you check this out, as your State may have an Initiative that you are unaware of. You may have more power than you think!

The Ballot Initiative is one of the most powerful tools that "We the People" have, as we are able to circumvent the Legislature. This is solely between the People & the State Division of Elections.

When I contacted the Florida Division of Elections concerning a Ballot Initiative that I was considering, they gave me three links. The first link gave a complete explanation of the procedure for setting up a Ballot Initiative. The second link gave a sample copy of a petition (it must be in a specific form). The third link gave forms that I needed to fill out. I found the Florida office to be very accommodating. One of you, in each State, would need to find out your specific procedures.

If you don't find your State listed under any of the options, you will have a more difficult time getting something like term limits passed. Obviously, your Representatives are not going to be thrilled with passing legislation that will restrict them in any way,

I suggest the best route would be to try to get your State to pass a law allowing Ballot Initiatives. You would have to find a representative who would be willing to submit this to your legislature. More difficult - but not impossible

What is most important is that we take whatever action is necessary to "take back our power". It is a matter of researching & investigating our options.

The best option would be to get a US Constitutional Amendment limiting terms - that would effect all States. At this time, the Federal Government does not allow Ballot Initiatives:

The US has no initiative process at the national level. In order for any federal initiative to be ever put to voters nationwide would require Congress to propose an amendment to the US Constitution which in order to take effect would need to be ratified by three-fourths of all the state legislatures or constitutional conventions because the frames of the US Constitution, in Article I, Section I, bestowed all of the legislative power upon the legislative branch of the federal government , the United States Congress.

So, we have to do it State by State.

Unruly Republicans Disrupt Health Care Debate

Scary Brown People

I hate Marco Rubio, but this ad is reprehensible:

This Modern World

(Click to enlarge)

Conniving and Sinister

From Shakesville:

Conniving and Sinister

From Shakesville:

Catalog of Hate for 10.24

10.24.09: Dail Kos commenter: "A black dyke reached for my breast many years ago, I kicked her in the face. She never did that again. Obama states WE HAVE NOT SEEN NOTHING YET.... Oh yes we have, it is HE...who has not seen nothing yet."

10.24.09: Dail Kos commenter: "Thank goodness there are Americans like Daryl who will stand up for REAL America. Not ex-cons like yourself who hate this place. Your citizenship should have been stripped long ago, you treasonous son-of-a-bitch. "Anti-Muslim"? I hope so. Just as your lame criminal ass is anti-Christian, I am glad to know that there are a few elected officials who are against the 'Religion of Peace.' You are a rotten motherfucker. I wish you ill will and the worst possible life. You are one angry minority asshole, and the US is better off without you, you leftist cocksucking gay-loving, Muslim-worshipping, Obama-bowing, flag-burning, dirt-praying, global warming-believing, Michael Moore-watching, Kos-blogging socialist asshole."

10.24.09: Matt Barber: "All I hear [Treki] saying is that the rest of the world cannot be forced to accept behaviors that are demonstrably destructive to both individuals who engage in those behaviors and to the society around them."

10.24.09: Dallas Police: Ticketed a woman for not speaking English.

10.24.09: Unknown: The racist Obama-Joker image is now a racist Obama-Joker Halloween mask.

10.24.09: Anonymous: "I Support Gays And All, But Don't Want THAT Taught In Schools!"