Another plea for Arizona

[Zerbie]

Arizonans are up against a marriage amendment ballot question, as many of you know already. Our fight appears to be far overshadowed by the one in CA, at least such is my impression.

Scouting around the web, I found this update about the No Prop 102 campaign. http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/200.../2756#comments
I signed up to volunteer easily a month ago and have not heard back so much as an email or a phone call. According to this update, the campaign has very limited resources and is focusing on Pima County (that's Tucson, a more progressive city, and it was Pima Cty that really delivered the fatal blow to Prop 107 2 years ago.) I understand we need to win in Pima Cty, but we also cannot afford to lose by any kind of margin at all in Maricopa Cty - that's Phoenix area, where I am.

If anyone is in a position to help out financially with this campaign, or know someone who might be, please bring Arizona to that person's attention.

Prayers are golden, too. We have to have hope. After all, we DID defeat a marriage amendment before. We were the first in the nation. Please don't give up on Arizona. If you can help, please do. Please send us your prayers, and your love, too.

http://www.votenoprop102.com/web/index.php

[Emproph]

You may want to get a hold of Jim (creator of BoxTurtleBulletin) personally.

As he said in the article you linked to:

Last week, I was selected to serve as co-chair of the Vote No on Prop 102 campaign. Vote No on Prop 102 is a broad based coalition of citizens working at the community level to conduct a grass-roots “retail” campaign to get out the vote and carry the message on Prop 102 to the different constituencies. We will be focusing our efforts on southern Arizona , but we are also interested in facilitating similar efforts elsewhere in the state.

You guys might even get along (He‘s in AZ you know?). He’s VERY dry with his articles (if you‘ve read BTB), presents the facts only, implies no ulterior motives - but instead asks very pertinent questions.

I don’t know what else to offer but encouragement at this time, but know that every time I see a story on the AZ 102 amendment, my blood boils the same as when I see articles on the CA and FL Amendments.

Not that that’s necessarily a good thing, but know that your plight is NOT going unnoticed by me.

Please know that I’m with you in mind and spirit.

-Patrick

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Emproph

You may want to get a hold of Jim (creator of BoxTurtleBulletin) personally.

What a brilliant idea! (I've already done so,.)




I don’t know what else to offer but encouragement at this time, but know that every time I see a story on the AZ 102 amendment, my blood boils the same as when I see articles on the CA and FL Amendments.

Not that that’s necessarily a good thing, but know that your plight is NOT going unnoticed by me.

Please know that I’m with you in mind and spirit.

-Patrick

Patrick, thank you. I have felt like AZ was unnoticed, so your response does make me actually feel better.

Slight digression to ask you, did the FL amendment make this Nov's ballot? Will FL vote on a marriage amendment this year? If so, I'd better start lobbying my parents for their votes. They live in Florida.

[Daniel]

It disheartens me to know that your senator- McCain- supports this amendment. Oy! However, it was also heartening to hear your governor- Janet Napolotano- come out in support of Obama this evening while wathing the Democratic Convention.

Inquiring minds want to know: does your governor support or oppose the admendement? And does she have any political infuence in this regard?

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Daniel

It disheartens me to know that your senator- McCain- supports this amendment. Oy! However, it was also heartening to hear your governor- Janet Napolotano- come out in support of Obama this evening while wathing the Democratic Convention.

Inquiring minds want to know: does your governor support or oppose the admendement? And does she have any political infuence in this regard?

I don't recall her taking a stance on it the last time. I think I would be surprised if she did so now.

Not the least bit surprised with McCain. He has supported the state amendment for years.

[Emproph]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

Slight digression to ask you, did the FL amendment make this Nov's ballot? Will FL vote on a marriage amendment this year? If so, I'd better start lobbying my parents for their votes. They live in Florida.

Yup, and they're lying just the same, it's infuriating. But one benefit we have is that it needs 60% of the populace to approve.

[tdogg]

I think Florida's initiative did make the ballot. FL, AZ & CA are the three states being watched by the opposition. Closely and constantly. All 3 are/will be significant nationally. I think California has the potential to have the most impact on other state's actions, but that does not reduce the significance of what's going on in FL or AZ.

CA has a very active group - Equality for all, that is pushing hard to make contacts of voters and discuss the initiative with them. They have a large volunteer base and part of that is due to the support of HRC. I haven't heard what HRC is doing for AZ or FL, it would be interesting to look at that. Perhaps one of the reasons why CA is so publicized is because of the HRC support, but the main reason is because of the Supreme Court decision legalizing same sex marriage (especially because it's 'marriage' and not civil union or partnership). Basically, the tides turned a bit when the initiative moved from preventing equal rights to taking away equal rights that were granted.

For myself, I need to do more research on the AZ and FL initiatives. I've been a little lacking in that area. In these economic times it's also difficult for people to set aside money for every cause, but that is probably the number one necessity to continue our struggle. Hopefully, Zerbie, Arizona has a group/some groups that are taking action state-wide, calling citizens, meeting & greeting, passing out information. Information is probably the key to people actually voting on an issue instead of jumping on someone else's bandwagon. It's too bad the gov won't take a stand, I think it would lend a lot of credence to voting no. We are very lucky in CA, our Republican governor has publicly and loudly opposed Prop 8.

And of course, we can always pray and send you our support Zerbie. But seriously, there must be other Arizonians here on Soulforce? And do you think, during your 7SN, that you will address the initiative there? Perhaps with the media attention, possible news articles and such, the word will get out a little more. I feel such desperation but very little direction on how I could personally do from here. When Equalityforall did the decline to sign action, we basically stationed ourselves in public areas (where we would be allowed - mainly at Targets, Walmarts, Trader Joes, and a couple other places) and talked to everyone we could. Looking for supporters who pledged to talk to family & friends, and also those on the fence willing to listen and think about it. I don't know anyone in Arizona, except for some business contacts, and it's against CA state rules to approach them with something like this. I just can't think of anyone else (but you and DH) who might be able to help locally.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by tdogg

I think California has the potential to have the most impact on other state's actions, but that does not reduce the significance of what's going on in FL or AZ.

Agreed on both points.

CA has a very active group - Equality for all, that is pushing hard to make contacts of voters and discuss the initiative with them. They have a large volunteer base and part of that is due to the support of HRC. I haven't heard what HRC is doing for AZ or FL, it would be interesting to look at that.

As far as I can tell, HRC is not funding our campaign AT ALL. While I understand the significance of CA and why they are sending resources there, I can't say express how greatly it bothers me to receive one funding plea after another from HRC asking me to donate to the campaign in CA without even MENTIONING the one in AZ. And I'm sitting in Arizona! Every time I get a message from HRC I say "What about us?"

Our AZ campaign is vastly underfunded. Just see Burroway's comments on Box Turtle from the other day. We don't have funds to mount a campaign outside of Tucson.



For myself, I need to do more research on the AZ and FL initiatives. I've been a little lacking in that area.

I'll save you the time and send you some links later.

In these economic times it's also difficult for people to set aside money for every cause, but that is probably the number one necessity to continue our struggle.

I think our opponents are counting on that. These campaigns are probably at least in part designed to bleed us dry. I couldn't donate more than a paltry sum to our own campaign, and donating to other states right now is completely out of the question.
That's why I'm so fired up to give volunteer time, but there is nothing for volunteers to do because the campaign has not been funded.


Hopefully, Zerbie, Arizona has a group/some groups that are taking action state-wide, calling citizens, meeting & greeting, passing out information.

Well, check out the link I posted a day or so ago - that isn't happening, for lack of support. We need to change this!


And of course, we can always pray and send you our support Zerbie. But seriously, there must be other Arizonians here on Soulforce? And do you think, during your 7SN, that you will address the initiative there? Perhaps with the media attention, possible news articles and such, the word will get out a little more.

That's what I'm trying to do. It depends on media picking us up, and I'm hoping with the amendment on the ballot it will give our event relevance in the eyes of the media.


I feel such desperation but very little direction on how I could personally do from here. When Equalityforall did the decline to sign action, we basically stationed ourselves in public areas (where we would be allowed - mainly at Targets, Walmarts, Trader Joes, and a couple other places) and talked to everyone we could. Looking for supporters who pledged to talk to family & friends, and also those on the fence willing to listen and think about it.

I have thought about having a similar pledge sheet at our vigil, and asked about 5 or 6 contacts for advice on whether and how to do that. No response.

It occurs to me however that since our vigil is sponsored by SF and Atticus, both of which are 501 c 3, I can't have anything there indicating how to vote.
So never mind.

[Emproph]

AZ Ballot Will Describe Prop 102 With Legally Accurate Language

Thanks to a deal between Secretary of State Jan Brewer and Attourney General Terry Goddard, the November ballot describing Prop 102, Arizona’s latest anti-marriage amendment, will remind voters that Arizona law already bans same-sex marriage. This clarification is especially important this year with all the attention being given to California, where same-sex marriage is currently available. Not only is there intense national attention on California, but a large portion of Arizonans live in California media markets.

But as he also says:

Similar language was placed on the ballot for a previous anti-marriage amendment in 2006. That amendment was defeated by nearly 3.6%, making Arizona the only state in the union to have turned back an attempt to further ban same-sex marriage in the constitution.

Ah, but then there's this:

Goddard, in turn, agreed to wording which informs those going to the polls that voting against Proposition 102 would leave Arizona with only a statute -- and without a constitutional amendment defining marriage.

[tymejumper]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

Arizonans are up against a marriage amendment ballot question, as many of you know already. Our fight appears to be far overshadowed by the one in CA, at least such is my impression.

Scouting around the web, I found this update about the No Prop 102 campaign. http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/200.../2756#comments
I signed up to volunteer easily a month ago and have not heard back so much as an email or a phone call. According to this update, the campaign has very limited resources and is focusing on Pima County (that's Tucson, a more progressive city, and it was Pima Cty that really delivered the fatal blow to Prop 107 2 years ago.) I understand we need to win in Pima Cty, but we also cannot afford to lose by any kind of margin at all in Maricopa Cty - that's Phoenix area, where I am.

If anyone is in a position to help out financially with this campaign, or know someone who might be, please bring Arizona to that person's attention.

Prayers are golden, too. We have to have hope. After all, we DID defeat a marriage amendment before. We were the first in the nation. Please don't give up on Arizona. If you can help, please do. Please send us your prayers, and your love, too.

http://www.votenoprop102.com/web/index.php

We are keeping our fingers crossed here in Michigan! I am trying to get the word out about marriage equality. I am sending in edatorials, talking to people about the fact I have no rights for my new wife and also what we are not able to have in protection for our families. I have joined the HRC, the Triangle Foundation(now here in Grand Rapids)! and also anything I can do for signing potitions.

I know its not much for Arizona, but I figure maybe, as we all are connected by about 6 people, all the online communities etc, someone will get the message there and vote against the amendment. Trying to do what we can here.

Also, my best friend lives in CA, and her family lives in AZ. She is also telling them to vote against it and tell all their friends also. THey are amazingly supportive of all the whole LGBT rights.

Until then, we will pray to all the Gods and Goddesses we know of!

[Zerbie]

Thanks, Tyme!

I think we all impact the whole picture. Just look at the influence one person alone can have, at its ripple effects. I am sure what you're doing is making a difference.

Thank you.

Keep the good-will comin' to AZ, folks. If anyone out there has spare change, please donate to the No Prop 102 campaign.

[tdogg]

Well, I too have issues with HRC and the constant plea for money. I know it takes money, I know the opposition has much more of it than we do. But it seems as vast an organization as HRC is, something would be happening in AZ and FL. I definitely feel your frustration, but of course nothing near the level you are feeling!

I guess, keep talking, keep spreading the word. If I can find some spare $$ will send it on. Any local news stations that might be interested in covering the 7SN event?? Esp if you have political speakers? I'm sure you've already explored that, I'm just kinda brainstorming with very little brain power....

[Zerbie]

Thank you, T.

I appreciate the brainstorming.

Mainly, bumping this, in hopes that some good will come of a plea for funding.