New Balance's "Make All Better" Letter...

Money Not Well Spent...

 

An open Letter:

"Dear New Balance associates, customers and consumers:
Earlier this year, a private donation was made by our Chairman to a political action committee that is affiliated with Mitt Romney. First, let me be clear that this was a private donation and not a contribution from New Balance. We encourage civic engagement at all levels and will always respect the right of any of our associates to engage in the political process as they see fit. We typically do not comment on private political donations; however, this situation is different. 

Mr. Romney recently signed a pledge that challenges same sex marriage and that has offended many including those in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Mr. Romney’s position on this issue is not reflective of Jim Davis’, my or New Balance’s position and support of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered community. As a company, New Balance embraces the differences in all people and we work tirelessly to create and sustain an environment where everyone – our associates, consumers, customers and guests – are treated with dignity and respect."

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

Historical First Same-Sex Marriages In New York!

I Do New York!

 

As a volunteer & advocate for our community, I'm usually in contact with an organization (often my favorite, The LOFT!) or group when I hear of any important issues or events effecting our community as I'm often looking to help since I'm not someone who waits around for a possible "missed opportunity" to make a difference.

July 24th was no exception...

With little sleep the night before, I awoke around 7am to get my morning going as I was eager to get started volunteering in such an historical & joyous event & to be around those that are special to me.

 

After picking up my friend, we were off on the hour journey to Greenburgh Town Hall (I decide to get there early as I figured there would be plenty of setting up).

Upon arriving to an empty parking lot & locked doors, I panicked & began making calls to find out if I was at the right place & if people were on their way. Well, it turns out we were a few hours early!

Finally, people began arriving & I was eager to get involved. With it pretty much being a catered event, the director of The LOFT asked me to be the "official photographer." So, with camera in hand, I began snapping pictures of everything from the arrivals, license applications, food to the best part, the "I Do's!" choreographed to the sounds of thunderous applause!!!!

Congratulations to some of New York's first who tied the knot & good luck to those who seek it in the future!

Many thanks go out to the Greenburgh officials, the judges, caterers & all who made that magical day possible (especially since they all volunteered their time)!

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

DADT's Official Execution Date Set

 60 Days & Counting...

With the stroke of President Obama's pen, the discriminative & destructive DADT has officially begun it's downward spiral into the history books of a shameful & unequal treatment of 1 of America's minority groups.

During the official signing, Obama said, "it undermines our military readiness & violates American principles of fairness & equality."

He went on to say: "In accordance with the legislation that I signed into law last December, I have certified & notified Congress that the requirements for repeal have been met."

DADT officially passes from the law September 20th, 2011.

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Pride In A Community

Community With A Big Heart

 

 

In Wake Of The May 22nd Tornado that devastated the community of Joplin, Missouri, the LGBT community is coming together to make a difference & can use your help.

The EF-5 tornado spared little in it's path including the loss of over 100 lives, destroying businesses, homes & the "Unity Spirit Of Christ MCC," a church founded by & for the LGBT community.

Ways you can help:

American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org

Spirit Of Hope MCC - (816)931-0750

GLO Center - (417)869-3978

Show Me No Hate - Ed Reggi showmenohate@gmail.com 

MCC Of Greater St. Louis - (314)361-3221 help@mccgsl.com

 Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Priorities, Priorities...

GOP's Upside Down Priorities...

At a time when American's are struggling to find work (let alone hold onto one since many have continued to move overseas) or who are in jeopardy of their unemployment benefits running out, worrying about putting food on the table, home foreclosures, health care insurance issues, debt, high taxes, the ongoing war in Afghanistan, illegal immigration, etc, the GOP has put together a list of the most pressing issues to deal with in order to "take America back."

At the top of the list are the following: 

• Health care repeal.
• Destroying families by targeting marriage equality.
• Denying a woman her right to choose.
• Monitoring average Americans who use FOIA.
• The White House.

Priorities, oh' the priorities...

As for last on the list, G-d help us all.

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Reload

You Betcha!

"Commonsense Conservatives & lovers of America" are to heed messages like this huh?

What does your "commonsense" tell you regarding this message from a right wing extremist such a Sarah "Mama Grizzly" Palin?

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Sarah Palin's Message Of Hope...

Process Of Elimination...

As the news of a mass shooting of 12 which included Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford (D) of Arizona outside a Tuscon, Arizona grocery store, Alaska's former GOP governor and presidential hopeful Sarah "Mama Grizzly" Palin's twitter featured this image (which has since been removed).

It's the extreme dark GOP ideology such as this that continues to plague & divide this country with anger and violence.

Christian morals uh Sarah?

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

The Numbers...

Uphill Battle

As the fight for equality in 2011 begins to ramp up & the majority of house seats begin to warm with GOP bottoms, this year promises to be one of further complication, but not of impossibility!

Make this the year to:

• Get off the couch
• Come out
• Speak out
• Help financially
• Volunteer

Quoting former President John F. Kennedy, "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

What can YOU DO for our community because now, your voice & actions are needed more than ever!

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

The War Is Over

The Enemy Has Been Defeated

You were born out of intolerance, you were born out of fears

Causing destruction of lives, not to mention numerous careers

You were strong, you were bold, faithful for 17 years

But now the time has come & you have to leave here

As you begin your journey into history, we celebrate with pride & cheer!

Today is a new day in America. A time for renewal & a time for hope in the land of freedom and Pride!

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Before The Cart

The Carrot...

 

Now that angry American voters have handed control of Congress back to the Republicans (those who voted for the GOP never learned) on a silver platter, many are saying "what the fuck?" as they get a real taste of things to come including increased taxes, raising the retirement age, corporate protections, no to anymore unemployment benefit extensions & not to mention a favorite "wedge" of the GOP, LGBT equality issues.

This time, the wedge is taken in the form of "keep the Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy or no compromise on DADT."

Yes, now, during a time of war when highly skilled people are discharged for being who they are, the likes of GOP's crusty Senator McCain, Congressman's Dana Rohrabacher, Fred Upton, Mark Kirk, Marine General James Amos & extreme homophobe Democrat Ike Skelton continue spewing their homophobic views on why DADT should remain all the while the Pentagon, numerous military personnel & a growing number of Americans have called for it's repeal.

Party of NO, the time to end hate & intolerance against your fellow American is now!

P.S. Democrats. Not only has your lack of a spine paralyzed you, it's impact will be felt more far & wide by so many. Thanks for nothing...

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Tidal Wave Of Uncertainty

Voter Anger To Bring Out Record Numbers

 

"Voting for change" What does this mean to you? How do you see this in the current election?

In voting for change, what will you be looking for in your party of choice?

Democrats:

Civil rights, health care, jobs, corporate regulation/reform, education, greener energy, campaign finance reform, strengthen gun control, reform intelligence community, protect social security, protecting the working man, pro-active judges.

 

Republicans:

Tax breaks for the wealthy, more jobs overseas, "moral police" - no to various civil rights/liberty issues, more collaboration of church/state, constitutional amendments, guns, non regulation of corporations, protecting the businessman, conservative judges.

Granted, not all politicians of their respected parties believe/support their parties issues but 1 thing is for sure, you can bet the other party is more likely to lean against it...

Could this truly be an election of change or will it remain business as usual. One thing's for certain, we've had enough...

Personally, our system is so broken, I believe it will take more than a miracle to fix. But for starters, a spine sure would be great...

 

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!