Meet My Virtual Friend Maureen Walsh

I'd like you to meet my virtual friend Maureen Walsh.  She lives in Walla Walla, Washington.  The delicious, sweet onion place.  Known for their increasing wine country as well.  I say "virtual" friend because we've never met.  But by golly, we've been awfully awfully close.  Last night for example.

We had finished a 14-day of training new flight attendants at our Flight Operations and Training Center near the SeaTac Airport and were back at the airport for our flight to Portland.  We had an extra hour so headed to the Pacific Marketplace for some delicious pasta.  Sat down.  Enjoying. And I'm staring across the table and right over to the neighboring table.  At this woman.  I knew her.  I just knew I did.  I stared and stared at her.  I think she knew it.  Man, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out where.  But more than even knowing her, I knew some story about her.  Something personal.....something about her family, crying or a heartfelt story of some sort.  But I couldn't place her.  A passenger of mine?  Neighbor?  TV personality?  Gosh.  I just kept staring and even followed behind her as she headed toward the gate areas.  It really bothered me until about halfway home, inflight.  THAT'S IT!

Maureen Walsh is a Republican congresswoman from Walla Walla, Washington.  About three hours drive to the east of us.  And I knew her story because I'd heard her story.  Recently.  A few weeks ago.  And you'll hear her story below.  She is one of those folks that I admire.  She is well deserving of honor and recognition.  For her ability to come to beautiful conclusions in her life.  For looking out for the equal rights of others.

So, I've never meet Maureen Walsh from Walla Walla, Washington.  But gosh, I was damned close.  Really, really close in fact.  I'm disappointed that I didn't take the step to walk six feet over to her and say hi.  I really would like to have given her a big old hug and thanked her.  For her life.  Her dedication.  And love.  Oh, and her inspiration too.  And her dedication to people over the task. 

Did You Know That You're a Predator?

Did you know that many of you are predators to prey upon our wives and daughters in public places. It's for real! Just ask the folks over at this site. I'd say they need some serious comments on their post, wouldn't you? 1-2-3....go for it! Comment away....here and on their site. What a pile of crap complete with a major amount of continued Fear Factor. Like a bunch of children running around with these voices in their heads. I must have missed that day in The Gay Agenda 101 that taught me how to prey on wives and daughters. This post came from my friend over at Burning or Building Bridges in the Community. Oh, and when you're over at the conservative site, don't forget to note the "Stop Hate Crimes Now" section in their right-hand side bar. (Que: Nausea.)

Oregon Domestic Partnerships Challenged

Check it out, folks. Two of Oregon's finest (Oregon State Republican Senator Fred Girod and Republican State Representative Sal Esquivel) have filed an initiative to repeal Oregon's brand new Domestic Partnership law (went into effect on February 4 and 1,300 couples have registered statewide). I don't think I can come up with adequate adjectives to express my disgust, sadness, and -- yes -- even some hatred. Suffice it to say that I've been on this website already nosing around. You'll find two sections of articles from Blue Oregon and Basic Rights Oregon. The odd part of this whole deal is that Measure 36 (the Oregon law that defines marriage as one man and one woman) still stands. It doesn't change that law at all. They got what they want! And at that time, they had this to say to we homosexuals:

"Same-sex couples should seek marriage-like rights through another avenue, such as civil unions."-- Tim Nashif, Oregon Family Council Director and an organizer of the Measure 36 campaign, Bend Bulletin 8/20/2004

"If same-sex couples need legal protection, they should consult their legislative representatives. If they need legislation to do that, no one is going to stand in their way."-- Defense of Marriage Coalition Executive Director Mike White, Lincoln City News Guard 11/10/2004

"The Coalition's amendment did not preclude the state of Oregon from creating civil unions, so that same-sex couples could have the same rights as married heterosexual couples."-- Defense of Marriage Coalition Spokesperson Georgene Rice, The Dalles Chronicle 9/30/2004

So, we went about getting the Oregon Family Fairness Act passed. And they just don't like it. Just like kids on the playground, the pouting has started. My only consolation is that I believe the god they claim to serve wouldn't have a thing to do with them. Oh, their day of reckoning is coming -- and I'm afraid that it's not going to happen how they think it will. I think that Matthew 25 calls it the separation of sheep and goats.

I have included links to both of the lawmaker's websites above by clicking on their names. They need to hear from you. Please.

Hitched -- At Last !!

After ten years plus a couple of months, we have finally been recognized by the state of Oregon as Domestic Partners. We just returned from the county building and were the 106th couple registered on this, the first day that same-sex couples have been permitted to be legally recognized. There were lots of volunteers from Basic Rights Oregon helping with paperwork, the paperwork process, and even handing out flowers. As we came out the glass doors, the lobby full of volunteers erupted into applause along with a television camera crew taking our photos. I don't think we can really get our head space around this whole deal. The significance of its impact. Its relevance in history. The sharp trendsetting edge that it is. It, my friends, is simply not just another day. And I don't know that it's a day that we ever truly expected to ever dawn. But it did....and we did! I guess that unless you've ever been a part of a group of people that were not treated with equality, fairness, and justice because of who you are as a person, it may be difficult to comprehend. I'm very proud to call myself his husband.....er, a.....wife? Whatever it is, we're quite happy.

Domestic Partnerships in Oregon...Judge Has Lifted Injunction!!

In late-breaking news, Federal Judge Michael Mossman has lifted his temporary temporary injunction on domestic partnerships in the state of Oregon. Both KGW and Gay Right's Watch are reporting that this conservative judge has sided with us in this case! Excellent news for those who were supposed to have been able to file back on January 1 for their Domestic Partnership in our state. Celebrate with us, would you?

More News Links:
Blue Oregon
Just Out

Biscuits and Civil Unions...An Unlikely Union

I'd like mine with honey and butter, please. And maybe just a bit of raspberry freezer jam. The biscuits, that is. Of course it wouldn't be the female dancers at Pirate's Cove and I can't imagine that it would be the male bartenders. You'll recall that I've written about this neighborhood icon in past a time or two. I can't help but think that it'd be fantastic as a place for our neighbors to gather for coffee. But, instead, we've got a strip club complete with (apparently) the best biscuits in town. Oh, and one of their most recent claims to fame has something to do with Maxim Magazine. Their sign read "Thanks Maxim Magazine" for the last month or so. God only knows what that could possibly mean. But what I'm really waiting for is the scene where all of the boys come with their biscuits to the yard. Stay tuned.

Portland Residents: This Wednesday, January 30, will mark a giant planned vigil in front of the U.S. District Courthouse in downtown Portland. If you're in the area, be there or be square: Wednesday at 5:30pm at SW 3rd and Madison. Details are here from Basic Rights Oregon. This will serve as a time to unite, stand up, and be counted in anticipation of Judge Michael Mossman's decision on the state of Civil Unions in the state of Oregon. Mossman will render his decision next Friday, February 1. With New Mexico and even Salt Lake City joining the ranks of providing equal rights and benefits to their citizens, it is most definitely time for Oregon to jump into the year 2008 with a giant leap of equal rights for all. Come on, Mossman....do it right!

Majadra and Other Frivolity

My friend Will at DesignerBlog and his sporty husband Fritz had me to their home in New Hampshire a while back. Fritz fixed a simple, but truly delicious, meal for me. I loved it so much that I'm reprinting it here for you:

Majadra

1 cup uncooked lentils
½ cup uncooked brown rice
I large chopped onion
½ cup olive oil
½ to I teaspoon ground cumin to taste
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Salt to taste
4 cups water

Boil lentils in the water for 25 minutes over medium heat. Do not drain. Sauté the chopped onion in the olive oil with the cumin, salt and pepper. Combine onion and rice with the lentils (for variety, add raisins, sultanas, chopped walnuts, almonds, and/or chopped dried apricots—use your imagination). Cover and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I found numerous recipes for Majadra on the internet...one of which called for a little paprika.....so mine received a half teaspoon of paprika if you like. I served it alongside halves of acorn squash baked in the oven with a little butter and maple syrup added ten minutes before they're done. The plate also looked rather dashing with quick-sauteed red pepper strips and sliced zucchini. Absolutely easy and delicious. Thanks, boys, for turning me on to this hot, sexy dish!

Updates on Other Comings and Goings

My sister is incarcerated and will be there until April sometime. She is doing well and seems as relaxed and "at home" as one can be living in a cell block with 62 women (two showers)....sounds kind'a kinky if you ask me. She's got one hell of a long road ahead of her. In some ways, this is the easy part. The good thoughts, prayers, and energy of you...my friends....has been the key here.

If you're in Portland, or near Portland, or want to be in Portland on January 30, we'll make it happen for you.....it's the March in front of our US District Courthouse in protest of the temporary restraining order placed on issuing civil union certificates in the state of Oregon. Check out this link and make your plans to bring ALL of your friends and join us.

We're all of a twitter about a possible upcoming trip to an unknown destination. We've found quite a bargain basement price on Lufthansa (does that give you a hint??). The price expires this coming week. If you're thinking about spending any time in Europe this winter, this is the week to book it....hit me up for details and I'll point you in the right erection....er, a.....direction.

Letter Writing Campaign.....Civil Unions Legislation

I am asking you to mount a widespread letter writing, phone calling, FAXing and emailing campaign to all of the following contacts. I am asking you to pass all of this information along to all of your email contacts, blogging contacts, and family and friends. Please, reproduce this information, post it, blog it, email it...anything! Anyone who is concerned for fairness in our state is welcomed to participate. I ask you to be polite, professional, and abstain from profanity or rudeness. Please, start today! Time is of the essence. I realize that it will take a little bit of your time and effort to get this accomplished. The results may very well be unmeasurable. All of these people need to know that their actions are not welcomed and we do not believe in inequality in Oregon nor anywhere else.

Suggested Text:
Dear ____________:
I am writing/calling to let you know that I disagree with your position on civil unions legislation in the state of Oregon. I believe in basic human rights for all people. I am asking you to consider the adverse effect that your decision/organization may have on children and families in the state of Oregon. I believe in fairness for all people and am asking you to carefully consider your position on House Bill 2007. Thank you for your attention.

Concerned Oregonians
15685 SW 116th Avenue
PMB 299
King City, OR 97224
888-303-1304
info@concernedoregonians.com

Chief Petitioner Janice Bentson
6495 Windsor Is. Rd North
Keizer, OR 97303

David Crowe
Executive Director
Restore America
P.O. Box 2225
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
503.639.7298
503.639.2579 Fax
david@restoreamerica.org
http://www.restoreamerica.org/

Oregon Family Council
PO Box 13367
Portland, Oregon 97213

Defense of Marriage Coalition
PO Box 30536
Portland, Oregon 97294
Office: 503-257-0444
Fax: 503-257-4834
info@oregonfamilycouncil.org

"Synchronize Watches for Operation Portland, Oregon"

Do you remember the line from the movie White Christmas on the Ed Harrison show when Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) was inviting all of the former military servicemen to come up to the Columbia Inn in Pine Tree Vermont? His quote on the show was: "The objective is Pine Tree, Vermont --- Synchronize watches for Operation Waverly..."

And I'm calling on each of you to synchronize your watches for Operation Portland, Oregon, to be held here in Portland on Wednesday, January 30, at 5:30pm. This will be a huge gathering in front of the federal courthouse in downtown Portland in a last-ditch effort to thwart the efforts of Judge Mosman in deterring domestic partnerships from becoming law in Oregon. I'm not sure exactly how this whole thing will come together, but it will. If you're actually able to be here in person, all the better. If it's a financial donation, great. If it's simply in spirit, very good. But I am asking you to get involved somehow in this most basic of fights for bottom line human rights.

We have just returned home from a candle lite vigil at The Q Center in downtown Portland. We were supposed to be celebrating this evening -- the state of Oregon was to have been issuing domestic partnership certificates starting this morning. But a federal court judge has placed a hold on the issuance of those very basic of rights certificates. His decision is due on Thursday, February 1, in court in Portland. The day that I'm asking for your help is the afternoon before. I'll be back with you with additional details. You'll find lots of links below to further your reading on this essential issue. The basic rights of the citizens of our nation must no longer be ignored. We're talking about civil rights, not anything special or unusual. Simply those that are afforded others already. At the vigil tonight, there were in attendance congress men and women, city commissioners, Portland City Mayor Tom Potter, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and a long list of others. They are fired up and have had it. And they ask all of us to invite every single person we know to be present here in Portland in front of the courthouse on January 30. I hope you'll give it some thought.

In the meantime, check out these sites for the complete story on this horrible issue:

Basic Rights Oregon
Gay Rights Watch
Contribute to Basic Rights Oregon Legal Defense Fund
Portland Mercury Blog

Kwanzaa Day 4 "Cooperative Economics"

Ujamaa (OOH-jah mah) means cooperative economics and is the fourth day of Kwanzaa. On this day of Kwanzaa, we pledge to develop our own businesses and to support them, to maintain shops, stores and industry that contribute to the well-being of our community and to drive out businesses (boycott, etc.) that take from our communities and give nothing back.

In Other News:

It's a sad day here in Oregon. Oregon was all set to begin issuing domestic partnership certificates to same-sex couples on January 1. Hundreds of couples were planning on being in line early on the 2nd (1st is a holiday)....and we were all set to go down and volunteer to process the couples. In horrible, late breaking news tonight, a judge has granted a stay on issuing the certificates. It will be put off at least until February 1. You can read about it in Gay Rights Watch, Blog Out, or on the Basic Rights Oregon site. I'm tired, folks. Really exhausted. And not feeling very pretty. And my attitude stinks.

Civil Unions in Oregon !!

BREAKING NEWS --

A group has failed to garner enough signatures to put Oregon's upcoming Civil Union legislation on the ballot for public vote. What that means is that beginning January 1, Oregon will join the ranks of states offering Domestic Partnerships for its citizens. A bit of hope in our dreary world.

And from my friends at Gay Rights Watch....

Domestic Partnerships in Oregon!

You'll never believe it. Oregon's senate sent a Domestic Partnership bill to the governor yesterday and he's expected to sign it. Gladly and happily. We'll be the 9th in the nation to have such a provision. And, thankfully and appropriately, the Oregon Family Council has stated that they will not seek the signatures to put the bill up to vote for Oregon citizens to decide on. This is the second pro-human being bill to be passed along to Governor Kulongoski in the last several weeks. Check this out too.

So, celebration cake and ice cream? A favorite cocktail? Clink a glass to us today, would you please?

Crossing The Bridge to Civil Unions

There is a breath of fresh air floating around recently. Fueled by a decidedly blue electorate (I just keep thinking "Go Big Blue") there seems to be new agendas and ideas coming next year...as there should be. God knows we've been beaten down, hated, and listed as secondary citizens long enough. Take a look at this article from Gay Rights Watch, a local blog that keeps us up to date on the comings and goings around Portland and Oregon. It appears that civil union legislation may definitely be on the agenda next session here in Oregon. We've now got our former nasty old House speaker out of that position (Minnis in the article). She's a real pro at staying in cahoots with local religious right folks and screwed us over bad in the last house session (god, I almost sound like a victim, don't I???). Looks like she'll (hopefully) be paying for it in 2007. Let's call it a year of victory, refreshing, and renewal. Drinks all around!!

Don't miss out on this beautiful video. You'd better grab a hankie. It definitely pulls at the heart strings but also is a good reminder for us to continue to cross the bridge in our lives. You know what I mean: press forward, look ahead, and keep on keeping on.

"Having put your hand to the plow, don't look back....." Enjoy, my friends, enjoy