National Equality March: Oct '09

National Equality March

Elected Officials Too Good to Pay Their Taxes?

A few weeks ago I heard rumblings that there are members of the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives behind on paying their state taxes. Then the AJC ran an article on the issue. Now, 11 Alive has tackled the issue.

There are 16 House Representatives and 3 Senators who are not up to date on their taxes. 11 Alive has placed calls to elected officials giving them a chance to comment on whether or not their taxes are paid. Click here to see who 11 Alive is waiting to hear from and who has cooperated with 11 Alive. The elected officials won't remain nameless forever. Once they have been served papers from the Georgia Department of Revenue and given time to respond, their names will available to the public.

Senator Eric Johnson (pictured above), Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, in some circles, is receiving credit for trying to crack down on his peers who aren't paying their taxes. Before you praise Senator Eric Johnson, please note that a majority of the lawmakers who are not current on their taxes have been delinquent for a couple of years or more. Why did Senator Eric Johnson wait so long to raise the red flag? Oh, I guess his candidacy for Lt. Governor has something to do with it.

A message for Senator Eric Johnson: At first, some of the good citizens of Georgia will probably fall for your "I care routine," but it won't take them to see you treat politics like a game of poker, and sir, you play dirty. Your actions show your interest lies within your desire for power. For the sake of your own dignity, please stop the pathetic pandering for votes, and do what an elected official should do-- genuinely look out for the citizens of Georgia.

Let us turn our attention to Senator Valencia Seay (pictured to the right). When 11 Alive called Senator Valencia Seay to ask about her Georgia tax status, well, she told 11 Alive it is none of their business. Woah---I did not see that answer coming from a Senator who has been serving since 2002. Is it just me or is Senator Seay telling her constituents and the rest of Georgia that she is above public disclosure?

Senator Valencia Seay serves as the Minority Caucus Vice Chair, which makes this matter even more disappointing. She is in a leadership position, and leaders should lead by example. I am happy that most of her peers are not following her example!

Contact Senator Valencia Seay to tell her to disclose whether or not she is current on her taxes. I especially urge the people of Senate District 31 to hold Senator Valencia Seay accountable. Is Senator Valencia Seay who the people of District 31 want respresenting them?

Senator Seay's Contact Information
Email: valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov
Capitol Office Phone: 404-656-5095
Capitol Office Fax: 404-657-9728

I sent my email to Senator Valencia Seay asking her to disclose whether or not she is up to date with her Georgia taxes. Of course, I will share what she has to say in I Was Born Doing Reference Work in Sin.


Remember: If we don't hold our elected officials accountable, who will?

UPDATE: Senator Seay speaks!

Senate Bill 16 (AKA the "Sunday Sales" Bill)

As I posted on Facebook:

Below is a note I sent to each member of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities in regards to Senate Bill 16. Feel free to copy and paste and send along.

I suggest putting in a call or fax since Wednesday is around the corner. Let's blitz the Senators with emails, calls, and faxes within the 24 hours before they meet!


On Wednesday, February 25, you have a Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee meeting. When the discussion turns to Senate Bill 16, I hope you will show your support for the bill.

I hope each Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee member realizes that support of Senate Bill 16 is not pledging support to Sunday alcohol sales. In actuality, it is allowing the people of Georgia a chance to voice their opinions through the voting process.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
David Shafer (Chairman): david.shafer@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-0048
Eric Johnson (Vice Chairman): eric.johnson@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-5109
Ed Harbison (Secretary): ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-0074
Gloria Butler: gloria.butler@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-0075
Steve Hensen: steve.henson@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-0085
Jack Hill: jack.hill@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-5038
Dan Moody: dan.moody@senate.ga.gov, (404) 463-8055
Jack Murphy: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-7127
Mitch Seabaugh: mail@mitchseabaugh.com, (404) 656-6446
Doug Stoner: doug.stoner@senate.ga.gov, (404) 463-2518
Ross Tolleson: ross.tolleson@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-0081
Renee Unterman: renee.unterman@senate.ga.gov, (404) 463-1368
Tommie Williams: tommie.williams@senate.ga.gov, (404) 656-0089

Day Without A Gay

Video from ATL Prop 8 Protest ~Rep Karla Drenner

First: A huge thank you to Justin for recording the speakers at the Prop 8 Protest at the Georgia Capitol.

In case you missed it: Yesterday, I posted pictures snapped with my trusty phone. Also, check out Collin Kelley's blog for more pictures.

The video below is of Representative Karla Drenner. Rep Drenner mentions something I have been fearing during the past couple of General Assembly sessions-- some of our elected officials will try to pull what I will tag Pulling An Arkansas. As Drenner says in the video, we need to wake up now. We need to have our game plan ready in December because we need to hit the ground running in January. You'll see more on this topic in my blog over the next couple of months.

Revisiting 2004: Calling Out Donors of GA's Amendment One

Later today I am protesting in two events regarding Gay Civil Rights; however, I can't help but think about the link posted by the lovely Kate Evans. The link is to the AntiGay Blacklist, which supplies the information of donors who stand against the LGBT community by supporting Prop 8 in California. While reading the list I couldn't help but think about how I didn't know any information regarding the donors supporting Georgia's Amendment One, which was approved by voters in 2004.

After playing Magnum PI, without the serious 80's stash, I discovered YES! MARRIAGE AMENDMENT ALLIANCE INC raised $75,115 while its cohort FOCUS ON THE FAMILY GEORGIA MARRIAGE AMENDMENT COMMITTEE raised $17,650, and from what I can tell, the $17,650 came from the institution itself.

The $75,115 from YES! MARRIAGE AMENDMENT ALLIANCE INC was collected from:
Capital Research Advisors, LLC--- $25,000 Donated
Kevin M. Stipe--- $12,500 Donated
Robert W. Reagan--- $12,500 Donated
Richard D. Gaby--- $25,000 Donated

In my web research, the only information I can find on Capital Research Advisors, LLC is here. Ken Graves is listed as the contact person, so I will try to reach him next weekend for answers.

Kevin Snipe and Robert Reagan are both CPCUs with Reagan Consulting. Robert Reagan "brings more than three decades of insurance industry experience to the company that bears his name. Bobby's expertise and integrity have ensured his reputation as a true authority within the insurance industry. He has consulted with many of the country's most successful insurance agents and brokers, and worked with many leading financial institutions on their insurance initiatives."

Kevin Snipe "has been with Reagan since 1991, and became a partner in 1995. He offers our clientele expertise in financial consulting in Mergers & Acquisitions (representing both buyers and sellers), agency valuation, value enhancement strategies, ownership perpetuation planning, and strategic planning."

I saved Richard D. Gaby for last because he has recently made the news. I do not want you to forget his $25,000 donation to manipulate the Georgia Constitution against LGBT Georgians. I find it interesting that his individual donations during this past two-year election cycle violate the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, better known as McCain-Feingold. McCain-Feingold places a cap of $108,200 on individual contributions in a two-year cycle, and Gaby has donated $130,200. (Click here to read the article on Mr. Richard D. Gaby in the AJC.) You are probably wondering who employs Richard D. Gaby? The answer to the question is easy; Gaby is the powers that be at Peter Island Resort.

Yes, Georgians,it has been four years since the Georgia Constitution was amended; however, I hope you are just as angry today as you were four years ago. Be angry for us. Be angry for California, Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas.

Protest! Voice your opinion any and every way you know how!

BOYCOTT! ! !

Remember the words of Martin Luther King, Jr---- Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Now, you know their names. You know where they work. Boycott them. Boycott their places of employment.

If our rights are not important to them, well, neither should our money.

Letter to Senator Dan Moody

Yesterday, I mailed a letter to Senator Dan Moody who voted against H.B. 1027. (Please scroll down to see my last post about Senator's Moody vote or click here.) I want to encourage all GA citizens to take a moment to write Senator Moody. I firmly believe we must hold our elected officials accountable for their political decisions. Feel free to copy any or all of my letter to Senator Moody, and please share the information regarding Sentator Moody's vote!


Friday, March 21, 2008

Senator Dan Moody
3977 Merriweather Woods
Alpharetta, GA 30022


Senator Moody

I contact you to express my extreme disappointment in your vote against H.B. 1027, a bill to require offenders to take certified anti-DUI courses, rather than dubious ones offered on the Internet and elsewhere. As if voting against a bill that benefits in and assists in ensuring the safety of Georgians is not bad enough, I am appalled that you based your vote on the attire of another elected official.

On more personal note: I think most people know someone who was injured or killed because of a drunk driver. Your vote against H.B. 1027 is an insult to those injured or killed and their families and friends.

I plan to contact as many of your District 56 constituents as possible to ensure they are aware of your vote (and your reasoning) against H.B. 1027.

Thank you for your time.

Cordially,

Dustin Brookshire

Blue Jeans Just Make You Vote No!

I am shocked and furious that Senator Dan Moody's voted against H.B. 1027, which is a bill to require offenders to take certified anti-DUI courses, because the presenter of the bill wore blue jeans. No, I am NOT making this up (see the AJC article below)!

I am happy that Senator Moody is not my elected official; however, I will send him a letter none the less. I think every person, if he/she searches her mind can think of someone who was hurt or killed in an DUI incident, and Senator Moody's vote against H.B. 1027 is a disgrace to those hurt or killed and their families.


The great Senate blue jean debate

Thursday, March 20, 2008, 04:54 PM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tradition is taken seriously in the state Capitol. Lawmakers do not address themselves by name, the better to avoid fistfights. Governors may enter legislative chambers only by invitation, the better to avoid coups.

The place is also one of Atlanta’s last bastions of formal business attire, for both women and men.


Thursday saw a rare, public confrontation among lawmakers over this last point. Sen. John Bulloch, a farmer from Georgia’s southwest corner, had just taken the well to present H.B. 1027, a bill to require offenders to take certified anti-DUI courses, rather than dubious ones offered on the Internet and elsewhere.

Bulloch was dressed in a jacket, a tie, white shirt — and blue jeans with creases so sharp they could pare an apple.

State Sen. John Bulloch (R-Ochlocknee) in blue jeans on Thursday. Elissa Eubanks/AJC
Sen. Dan Moody, a Roswell engineer, got to his feet. Moody is quiet but intense. He read to Bulloch the Senate rule that requires members to act with dignity and decorum.

Listen to the entire three-minute exchange by clicking here.
But here’s a condensed version:

Moody: Senator, do we have casual day in the Senate?

Bulloch: No, sir. I think the decorum rule that you just read says that we shall be appropriately dressed.

Moody: Do you consider yourself appropriately dressed today with a pair of blue jeans on?

Bulloch: I sure do. There a hundred percent cotton, they’re clean, they’re pressed, they have a seam in ‘em, and I think they’re just as appropriate as anything else I may wear….

Moody: Senator, would you consider tabling this bill and bringing it back another day when you’re appropriately dressed?

Bulloch: No, sir, I feel that would be a waste of the great people’s time — of the state of Georgia — and especially my fellow senators in this chamber.

Moody: Senator, would you mind if I vote against this bill because of your inappropriate dress today?

H.B. 1027 passed by a vote of 36 to 12. Moody indeed voted against it. Lawmakers often go one
another in tongue-in-cheek fashion from the floor, but — afterwards — the Roswell senator said this wasn’t one of those instances.

“I was very serious. We don’t let pages wear blue jeans,” Moody said. “I’m very protective of this chamber’s reputation.”

Bulloch noted that, in his part of Georgia, farmers grow cotton, not Dacron. And he’ll wear his pants whenever and wherever he sees fit.

Aside from the private — and in this case, public — condemnation by peers, enforcement of tradition at the Capitol is a chancy thing.

The late state Sen. Culver Kidd of Milledgeville was a famous, flamboyant inebriate. Zell Miller once said he could tell the time of day by the degree to which Kidd drifted from the perpendicular.

In 1992, Kidd went to the well to speak for a measure praising Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He wore a suit made from 160 cloth bags in which bottles of Crown Royal whisky were sold.

He’d had a tailor stitch the suit together. Presumably, Kidd emptied the bottles himself.

“Go get that S.O.B. off the floor,” Lt. Gov. Pierre Howard ordered Wayne Garner, then a senator but now mayor of Carrollton.

“I already looked,” Garner replied. “The rules say jacket and tie. They do not describe make or model.”

Kidd gave his speech in his Crown Royal suit. He later said he was going for irony.


Senator Moody's Contact Information
District Office:
3977 Merriweather Woods
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(404) 463-8055

Email:
dan.moody@senate.ga.gov

Senate Bill 148, First Committee Hearing

Senate Bill 148, the Saving the Cure Act, went before the House Science & Technology Committee today. No voting took place today as the committee only took testimony, which lasted for almost two hours. Dr. Marie Csete, who conducts embryonic stem cell research at Emory University, spoke against the bill by saying the omission of embryonic stem cell research in SB 148 is hostile judgment. Maybe it is just me, but I'm not thinking that is too sound of an argument; however, rumor has it that Dr. Csete's argument might be enough to sway two members of the House Science & Technology Committee. Dr. Csete is a perfect example of one of the two groups I mentioned in my last blog entry who oppose SB 148.

SB 148 does not prohibit or even discourage embryonic stem cell research; the focus of the bill is solely on non-embryonic stem cell research and establishing an umbilical cord blood bank. If Dr. Csete wants bills promoting embryonic stem cell research in the GA General Assembly she needs to contact her elected officials to 'get the ball rolling.' A passed SB 148 will not block such an initiative.

I understand that Dr. Csete is passionate about her field of study and feels the need to voice her opinion, and I am thankful we live in a country where Dr. Csete can voice her opinion freely, but I only wish she would think of the greater good that is possible by the passing of SB 148. Is Keone Penn, first person to be cured of sickle cell via an umbilical cord blood transplant, not evidence of the greater good?

Not to sound harsh, but also staying true to speaking my mind, I would hope a doctor would have a better argument than saying the omission of an item is hostile judgment. If I would have used such an argument way back when, when I was on the middle school debate team, the debate coach would have pulled me from the podium.

Again, I encourage you to review Senator Shafer's website for SB 148, the Saving the Cure Act. Navigate the site to read various letters of support and newspaper articles regarding the bill along with the names of organizations that support SB 148.

When you email the House and Technology Committee please copy Senator Shafer (David.Shafer@senate.ga.gov). For your ease, you may copy and paste the emails of the Science and Technology members from below:
amos.amerson@house.ga.gov; chuck@martinforgeorgia.com; xda92@mmm-law.com; david.casas@house.ga.gov; hardie.davis@house.ga.gov; kevinlevitas@bellsouth.net; marymargaret.oliver@house.ga.gov; barbara.reece@house.ga.gov; barry.loudermilk@house.ga.gov

Please share information regarding SB 148 with coworkers, friends, and family. Encourage them to contact the House and Technology Committee. With our support this bill can be released from committee and eventually passed in the House.

As citizens, it is our jobs to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions in the General Assembly. Their votes speak for us, so we must not fail to inform them of how to represent us, and if they fail to represent us we must take action at the polls .

Senate Bill 148, Saving the Cure Act

This week I received a thank you from Senator David Shafer (pictured to the left) for my blog entry on Senate Bill 148, Saving the Cure Act, which he sponsored. Honestly, I was surprised that Senator Shafer had discovered my blog entry regarding SB 148, but I was even more surprised that he took the time to contact me and provide me with an update on the bill. I understand that our elected officials are busy; most of them have the tasks family life along with a day job and then for 40 hectic days they serve us in the General Assembly. I hope the citizens of District 48 take notice of the thorough and dedicatedwork of Senator Shafer.

You might wonder where the idea for SB 148 originated. The bill is product of Keone Penn, who was cured of sickle cell anemia. Penn was the first recipient of an umbilical cord blood transplant, a transplant that saved his life. He has spoken to our elected officials about the battles he endured, the impact of his treatment, and having the opportunity to live sickle cell free. I don't understand how any elected official could vote against SB 148 after hearing Penn's story firsthand.

When I first discovered SB 148 from an AJC article, I did not know Keone Penn's story, and I could not imagine who, elected official or citizen, would want to oppose this bill. The bill supports NON-Embryonic Stem cell research and establishes an Umbilical Cord Blood Bank. Think of all the chances for research, all the possibilities to save lives that this bill gives to the citizens of Georgia. However, there are two groups that oppose SB 148. One group being those see the words "Stem Cell" and will not even give the bill a chance; the other group being people who support embryonic stem cell research and feel SB 148 is not enough. Since these two groups can't see past their prejudices, our support for SB 148 must outweigh theirs.

Also, check out Senator Shafer's page for Senate Bill 148, the Saving the Cure Act. As you navigate around the page you can find more information on the bill, various newspaper articles, and letters of support from citizens and organizations.

Good News: SB 148 passed through the Senate with a vote of 39 to 15. I am not going to discuss all the Senators who voted no; however, I want to spotlight two Senators: I am very disappointed in Senator Vincent Fort of District 39 (pictured to the right) for his vote of no, and I am disappointed and bothered that Nan Orrock of District 36 (pictured to the left) who serves on the Science and Technology, voted no against the bill in committee and on the Senate floor. Orrock was the only Senator on the Science and Technology committee to vote no. Senators Fort and Orrock are seasoned elected officials who in my opinion have worked to better our state, but in this instance they dropped the ball. When you have time I hope you will review the voting record for SB 148. Does your senator stand where you stand? If not, you need to voice your opinion.

The Fight: Now, SB 148 must be pass the House of Representatives. On Monday, April 9 at 2pm, SB 148 will go before the House Science and Technology Committee. SB 148 must pass through this hearing to make it to a vote on the House floor. If you are able, before 2pm on Monday, please contact the House Science and Technology Committee to let them know you want SB 148 to pass as submitted, no changes. In case you want to call the committee Monday morning feel free to call 404-657-8534 and voice your opinion. When you email the House and Technology Committee please copy Senator Shafer (David.Shafer@senate.ga.gov). For your ease, you may copy and paste the emails of the Science and Technology members from below:

amos.amerson@house.ga.gov; chuck@martinforgeorgia.com; xda92@mmm-law.com; david.casas@house.ga.gov; hardie.davis@house.ga.gov; kevinlevitas@bellsouth.net; marymargaret.oliver@house.ga.gov; barbara.reece@house.ga.gov; barry.loudermilk@house.ga.gov

Share this information with coworkers, friends, and family.

TAKE ACTION!

Pancakes Please, Hold the Discrimination

Paul called me at work yesterday and said, "You won't believe it. Two lesbians were kicked out of IHOP for kissing." Surprisingly, I was shocked; however, the shock lasted only for a moment. At times I find myself becoming too comfortable as a gay man, and I know it's because I live in Atlanta where gays are everywhere with rainbows shooting out of their asses, and they and their rainbows can hold hands in Piedmont Park without worrying about seeming out place, without anyone telling them to leave the park. I think sometimes I forget there is still much progress to be made. The issue with IHOP is a reminder of how there is still work to be done.

Read the article in the Kansas City Star regarding this issue.

How would you feel if this happened to you? If it happened to someone you loved? Wouldn't you want others to speak out against the discrimination? I urge you not to be silent regarding the IHOP issue. Tell everyone you know and ask them to spread the word.

THEN tell IHOP you're outraged at this act of discrimination by clicking here to send IHOP an email, or write them a letter:
IHOP Corp. Restaurant Support Center
450 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203