Trayvon

I'm still coming to terms with the realization that racism not only still exists in America, it seems to be thriving.  And once again, I learn new and wretched stuff about my fellow (in)human beings.

Divide and conquer, folks.  It's worked for centuries.

Go Moonbeam!!

A Most Unique Official Governor's Portrait Of Jerry Brown, by artist Don Bachardy

Way back in 1974, before many relocated themselves to this now-crowded and abused state, California's present Attorney General was elected Governor. His father, Pat Brown governed California for most of the 1960's.

But Jerry Brown was not your average governor. He opposed the Vietnam war, supported migrant laborers, and fought big oil before it was cool. He chose to live in an apartment near the state capitol, and never moved into the governor's mansion. He dated Linda Ronstadt, and appointed poet Gary Snyder to California's art council. Many governmental stuffed shirts found him odd, which he was. Conservatives decided that he was so odd, they labeled him "Governor Moonbeam." Jerry Brown was also the mayor of Oakland, in between being our governor and attorney general. He lost several bids for the presidency. He made some bad decisions and shady deals. In other words, typical politics.

Yesterday, I fell in love with Jerry all over again. He stepped up and stood up to Proposition 8, and seeks to overturn it! It was anticipated that he would go along with the November 4th decision, and instead he blew everyone's minds. Repeat after me: "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Thanks, Moonbeam. Brown asks state's high court to overturn Prop 8

Walking on the Moon - The Police

K.O. On Prop 8

Define Family

My San Francisco Family/December 1982

What is it about marriage? Some straight people believe that they own this alleged sacrament. Why is that? To me, it's an official declaration of love and devotion. I've attempted it and failed miserably. Still, I did get to experience the gift of my wonder-kids because of those unions. Or in spite of it? Because making and having the kids was the fun, amazing part. It would have been no less amazing had I not consented to taking those vows of forever love. We would still have been a family.

Anyway, just because I am not a fan of governmentally legitimized fucking, I still want my friends and family members to be allowed to love the person they chose to love. That's what all this whole thing is about...L O V E. The people that voted for and passed Prop 8 think they own love and commitment. Actually, they are hate-filled creeps.

The man and I have no annoying urge to marry- even after almost a decade of connubial relations. I can honestly say that I will continue to pass on the whole marriage thing-especially now that this state of my birth has decided to officially exclude an entire group of it's citizens from the same rights my partner and I are entitled to. Hey, until divorce rates for straight marrieds dip below the 80% failure mark... don't you dare tell me that marriage exists for you alone.

Prop 8 is a giant step backwards.Which makes the historic breakthrough victory on Tuesday feel truly bittersweet. It adversely affects loving families all over this state and country. And I'm angry when I am (again) reminded how far we have to go. Because their god told them to hate? Chalk up another one for your god. Haters.