Monthly Newsletter of the Alice B. Toklas Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Democratic Club
November 2005

'Special' GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Edition

Table of Contents

• Dates With Alice-- GOTV!!!
• Endorsements
• Co-Chairs' Report: The Fight of Our Lives
• Alice Honors Community Stars
• Reese's World: Perspectives from the Editor: The Politics of NO, or How I Learned to Sing thru the 'Special' Election Bug-A-Boo
• On the Mark in Sacramento with Assemblyman Mark Leno
• Alliance for a Better California
• Campaign for Teen Safety-- No on Proposition 73
• VOTE November 8th
• Alice Membership Form
  

Dates With Alice

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Alice Endorsements for November Election

San Francisco Elected Officials Treasurer Jose Cisneros www.JoseCisneros.com 415-861-7914 PO Box 410990 #362 San Francisco 94141 City Attorney Dennis Herrera www.DennisHerrera.com 415-643-8507 Herrera 2005 1116 Tennessee Street San Francisco 94107 Assessor Phil Ting www.PhilTing.com 415-661-2080 945 Taraval Steet, #219 San Francisco 94116

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November Co-Chairs' Report
THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES

A lot of people in the LGBT community are not focused on the November 8 special election. Our community worked hard to defeat George Bush last year, and many people are concentrating on other things this year. People are also looking ahead to the anticipated June 2006 constitutional initiative to ban marriage equality.

Our community must, however, focus on the November 8 election. We must vote, we must tell our friends and families to vote, and we must hit the streets to make sure that we have a huge turnout on election day.

The special election is about much more than union dues or teacher tenure or the best way to draw legislative districts. It is about the heart and soul of California. It is about whether California will continue to be a blue state. It is about whether LGBT people will still have a voice in the Legislature.

Let there be no doubt about it. This special election is not about public policy. We can have legitimate debates about how best to draw legislative districts or what the ideal budget process looks like. And, if the Republicans had been interested in those policy debates, they would have engaged in a more meaningful discussion with the Democrats. At a minimum, they would have placed the initiatives on the ballot during a regularly scheduled election.

Instead, they called a special election -- one that they knew would produce a very small turnout, 29% if we do nothing. They knew that they could ram through these right-wing initiatives without most people even noticing the dramatic impact that each would have on California's future.

And, they will have a dramatic impact if they pass. Prop 73, in addition to forcing teenage women to inform their parents that they are having an abortion, will define life as beginning at conception. Prop 75 will all but exclude unions from the political process and thus ensure that big business has the playing field to itself. This proposition will cut off the most significant funding source for the Democratic Party. Prop 76 will help the Republicans achieve their decades-long goal of starving government and returning us to a pre-New Deal society. Prop 77 will almost certainly result in more Republicans in the Legislature and the California Congressional delegation: more Republicans to vote "no" on pro-LGBT legislation.

And, once the right wing is done demolishing the unions, women's reproductive freedom, and funding for critical services, they'll turn their attention to us, the LGBT community, with their constitutional amendment next June.

The LGBT community must stand tall NOW and say "enough." We won't allow a Republican takeover of California. We need to stand shoulder to shoulder with the firefighters, nurses, teachers, and choice groups who are under attack now. And, once we help these allies prevail, they will be there for us. We will regroup for next June and beat back that attack as well.

We will not win on November 8, however, unless San Francisco, and the LGBT community in particular, produces a huge turnout. Thirty or forty percent isn't enough. Alice is thus taking on a large role in making sure that people get out and vote. We are walking precincts, tabling in the Castro, and working on election day.

Please join us in this effort. Please email info@alicebtoklas.org today to let us know that you will volunteer to make sure that we are able to do what it takes to win on November 8.

Scott Wiener and Laura Spanjian
Alice B. Toklas co-chairs

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Alice Honors Community Stars

Click here for full-size image                      photo by Nicholas Hodges

Alice celebrated its leaders and stars at its annual fall awards event on October 27. At Morgan Gorrono's amazing bar and lounge, Eight, awardees socialized with Alice members and numerous elected officials, including Mayor Gavin Newsom (who reminded us how important it is for us to get out the vote on election day), Assemblyman Mark Leno, Treasurer Jose Cisneros, Assessor Phil Ting, District Attorney Kamala Harris and Supervisors Dufty and Ma, among others.

Alice's fall awards event allows us to take a moment away from politics and thank the people that have worked so hard in our community to make it a better place:

Leadership Award
Presented by Assemblyman Mark Leno to RICH KOWALEWSKI
For his years of leadership, vision and ability to bring our community together and always see the big picture. His support and mentorship to LGBT candidates and elected officials is unparralleled. We will miss his pressence and spirit in San Francisco politics.

Robert Barnes Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented by Dean Goodwin (and, in spirit, by Community College Board Trustee Natalie Berg) to FRAN KIPNIS and MARTHA KNUTZEN
For their years of activism and organizing, making sure we continue to elect qualified LGBT candidates. Martha and Fran have been the backbone of San Francisco LGBT politics for over 20 years, putting gays and lesbians on the political map. Their hard work, committment and passion to electing LGBT community members continues to this day. The power of our community rests on their shoulders.

Volunteer of the Year Award
Presented by Susan Leal to RAFAEL MANDELMAN
For countless hours of precinct walking, phone banking and fundraising to ensure victory for LGBT candidates. Rafael works tirelessly to ensure we elect qualified democrats and stop the right-wing attack on our rights. From his amazing work starting up the SF Democratic Permanent Precinct program to being one of the most active Alice Board members, Rafael can always be counted on.

Community Service Award
Presented by Geoff Kors to THOM LYNCH
For bringing renewed spirit, community activism and leadership to the LGBT Community Center. Thom has made the Center what our community needed, a place to come together, whether it's ground zero for our fight for marriage rights or a space for young comics to test their stuff, the Center is the epicenter of LGBT life in San Francisco.

Unsung Heroes Award
Presented by Laura Spanjian and Scott Wiener to the TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER (TLC) and COMMUNITY UNITED AGAINST VIOLENCE (CUAV)
For TLC and CUAV's unwavering support to the family of Gwen Araujo. They have helped to educate thousands around the world about the importance of transgender people to the fabric of our society. Their work put a positive spotlight on transgender people and the need to fight for all of our civil rights.

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Reese's World: Perspectives from the Editor
The Politics of NO
or
How I Learned to Sing thru the 'Special' Election Bug-A-Boo
by Reese Aaron Isbell

What is there left to do when you're forced against a wall? When you don't want something and you don't ask for something and it's forced upon you, what are you left with? Arnold has forced us to have a 'Special' Election no one wants and no one likes, except for the right-wing special interests of his, and so we have to get out and mobilize and vote, and VOTE NO.

It ain't pretty and it ain't nice, but that's the reality of this 'Special' Election. All there is to say to this 'special' election is "No, No, No, No, No, No." "Six times No." "No on 73; No on 74; No on 75; No on 76; No on 77; No on 78." "No on 73-78." "Nix the first Six" statewide propositions. However you want to say it, it's a lot of 'NO.'

And tell me, who among us likes to say 'No' anyway. I mean, when one goes to vote, one generally likes to vote 'For' something rather than against. We like to vote 'for' politicians that support our rights and our beliefs. We like to vote 'for' policies in which we believe. We like to support our ideals.

But when the right-wing governor shows his true right-wing nature and puts on the ballot his right-wing proposals right out of the right-wing Rove/Bush playbook, we have to do what we can to tell him 'No.' And while this may not be that appealing, it's vital that we fight this right-wing play. We know what's at stake. Not only is this 'Special' Election all about seeing what they can get away with, but it's a precursor to more 'special' right-wing ploys to determine our lives and our voices next year and the year after.

Take Prop. 73. It's a stealth anti-choice measure that pretends to be a simple 'family values' measure that no one could disagree with. But we know the truth, we know the hidden agenda, we know the right-wing language and the deceptive anti-choice play, and we know we must vote 'No.' The point is that this is part of the larger anti-choice, religious right action by which we know they'll be swooping in with bolder and badder initiatives in the next year or two should this one pass.

And we know that they're waiting and watching to see how well it does, and the rest of these right-wing proposals, so that they can get the ball rolling on their anti-marriage equality ballot initiatives and other anti-people initiatives that they're ready to put on the ballot next year. The better they do this November 8th, the more prepared and excited they'll be to work against our rights next year and the year after on many an issue.

So while we don't like to go to the polls and vote 'against' anything, we must use this 'special' opportunity and vote NO as much as possible on the statewide measures. Just think like our strong Independent Women Destiny's Child and sing along with me as you vote:

We'll be Voting No, No, No, No, No (NO)
While we're Singing No, No, No, No, No (NO)

I don't think Arnold's ready for this Nelly.

All the Voters, Democratic, Throw them hands up at me!

Cuz Arnold's just a big bug-a-boo.

'Nuff said.

Reese Aaron Isbell, Editor

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On the Mark in Sacramento
From the Desk of Assemblyman Mark Leno

"We were beaten, tear gassed, and trampled by horses on that bridge. We paid a price, but that's what it took to bring voting rights for people of color in America."-The Honorable John Lewis, Democratic Congressman from Georgia.

In order to take part in our nation's democracy two hundred years ago, you had to be white, male and wealthy. Giving people of color and women the right to vote were hard fought battles that did not happen overnight. As we prepare for the November 8th Special Election, I would like to reflect on why our participation in the electoral process is crucial, and why we can't take it for granted any longer.

This year we celebrate two major milestones in the right to vote. Prior to the passage of the 19th Amendment, the right to vote was reserved for less than half the population-men. In particular, through disenfranchisement of men of color and poor men, only privileged white men took part in the voting process. Women were treated as the property of their fathers, and then of their husbands. Their voice in public matters was not heard and, when they did speak up through protests and civil actions, was belittled and ill-received. Prior to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the right to vote was systematically denied to almost all people of color-men and women-throughout the United States.

Due to the addition of Section 203 to our Constitution in 1975, language assistance was mandated for communities with large populations of limited-English speakers. When American citizens look to exercise their right to vote, it is of little use if they cannot understand the materials before them. In San Francisco, ballot materials are printed in many languages, and the ballot cards themselves are specifically printed in Chinese and Spanish along with English, to provide equal access to members of our community who may not be fluent in the English language.

Section 203 and other key provisions of the Voting Rights Act will be up for renewal next year in Congress. We must preserve these important provisions over the next year. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will be leading the charge for their renewal and for a national discussion on the integrity of our electoral process.

Thousands of courageous men and women fought for suffrage in America. People like Alice Paul, who refused to believe she was ahead of her time in demanding voting rights. Women had been campaigning for the right to vote since 1848. By 1917, Alice was frustrated with the slow progress of justice. She and others were sent to jail for their loud and constant protests, where she endured abuse in an attempt to silence her. Other heroes include Bob Moses, who in the summer of 1964 helped organize 900 volunteers to protect African Americans in Mississippi from the violence they experienced when attempting to vote. He and others had spent the previous three years going door to door, enduring the southern racism and violence to help register African Americans to vote. Unfortunately, it was not until two white activists and an African American activist were killed that summer that the nation finally took notice of the injustice in the South. Alice Paul and Bob Moses and thousands like them are true American heroes.

We honor each of these American heroes simply by voting in every election. The importance of voting has never been more clear. Governor Schwarzenegger has called for a special election this November 8th specifically to benefit from a low voter turnout. His right-wing agenda could never pass in a general election. He and George Bush are cynically betting that most of us are not paying attention and will stay home rather than vote November 8th. When Governor Schwarzenegger rants 'let the people speak' what he means is let as few people speak as possible so that he can usurp our democracy from the legislature and the voting public. Together we can stop him. Vote No on Propositions 73-78 and Yes on 79 and 80.

Ultimately, we must remember the words of Congressman John Lewis who wisely states, "We cannot forget that people sacrificed and died for the right to vote. They didn't die in Vietnam or Iraq. They didn't die in South America or Eastern Europe. They didn't die in Africa or Southeast Asia, they died right here in the United States, trying to exercise their Constitutional right to vote."

Yours, Mark Leno, Assemblyman, 13th District

P.S. The Fall Edition of "The Leno Report" is now available. Additionally, should you have questions or thoughts, please feel free to contact me at any time through my District Office at 415-557-3013 or keep updated on the web via: http:www.markleno.com

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Alliance for a Better California
Join us at the Alliance for a Better California Campaign
Alice Board Member Robert Haaland

Dear friends,

We are just days out from Election Day. Can you take Election day off and help us defend our state from radical right interests that are trying to take over our state?

I don't need to tell any of you what we have at stake, but let me assure you that our ability to fight to elect pro-worker leaders, safeguard choice, and provide a decent wage and health care for Californians is all in jeopardy if we don't win big on November 8.

We know that San Francisco will vote our way – but unless we have 1,200 volunteers on Election Day - turnout won't be high enough here to carry the rest of the State.

So, I'm hoping that once again you will step to the plate in a big way. The stakes are simply too high not to.

We need:

Election Day Volunteers: We need more than 1,200 people to take Election day off and volunteer in San Francisco to win. Six hundred from the local labor movement and six hundred from the community.

10-Day Volunteers: these folks are able to walk precincts, phone bank, and be available to do GOTV for 10-days preceding the election. You must be available for the following days: 10/28-30, 11/4-8.

4-Day GOTV Volunteers: people able to join us for the four days preceding the election to help with phones, precinct walks, and general field operations. You must be available the following days: 11/4-8

Already, you and many others have sacrificed so much on this campaign - now is the time that we all pitch-in and ensure victory.

Please contact me with any questions or to let me know the role you wish you play until Election Day at 415-503-5797. Our office is located at 1338 Mission Street, between 10th and 9th Street. Don't let Arnold Proposition you. Vote November 8th.

Thanks for making the difference.

Robert Haaland

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Campaign for Teen Safety-- No on Proposition 73

Keeping our teens safe is the main reason organizations like the California Nurses Association, the California Medical Association, Equality California, California NOW and most major medical organizations and women's health and civil rights groups in California oppose Prop. 73, an initiative that will appear on the November Special Election ballot.

While most parents rightly want to be involved in their teenagers' lives, parent-teen communication cannot be mandated by the government.

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, parents are the primary influence in their family's lives. Parents who are involved with their teens and those who communicate their own beliefs and values do not need a government mandate to help their families to talk. Parental notification laws don't protect teens, they hurt teens.

"Mandatory notification laws make scared, pregnant teens do scary things, instead of going to the doctor or a counselor to get the care they need," said Kathy Kneer, president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. "In states where parental notification laws make teens choose between talking to their parents or going to court, some teens resort to illegal or self-induced abortions - even though they know it's dangerous."

Notification laws, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, also result in teens delaying medical treatment.

Proponents of the initiative say that the judicial bypass provision set up in the measure would protect teens. But in the real world this law would put the most vulnerable teenagers in harm's way. "Think about it," Kneer said. "Suppose a teen lives in a home where her family might be having serious problems, or her parents might be abusive, or a relative may have even caused the pregnancy." Prop. 73 would force a scared, pregnant teen to go to court and reveal the most intimate details of her life to complete strangers.

"These teens don't need a judge, they need a counselor," Kneer said.

That's why organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, California; the California Family Health Council; the California Federation of Teachers; the League of Women Voters; and California Church IMPACT are among the many groups that oppose Proposition 73.

"We've got to start talking to kids about responsible, age-appropriate sexual behavior from the time they are young," Kneer said. "We need to foster an atmosphere where our sons and daughters feel comfortable coming to us for anything. Most parents want to know when their teens face difficult decisions so they can be helpful and supportive. But they also know that their daughters' safety is more important than their desire to be informed. That's why they oppose Proposition 73."

For more information about Prop. 73, visit the Campaign for Teen Safety - No on Prop. 73 Web site at www.noonproposition73.org.

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VOTE NOVEMBER 8TH

Make sure you, your family, your friends, your coworkers, your community, everyone votes this November 8th. San Francisco Voter information can be found here: http://www.sfgov.org/site/election_index.asp?id=4431
Statewide information can be found here: http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/statewidespecial.htm.

And, of course, don't forget Alice's endorsements when you VOTE.

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Alice Membership Form

Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club
1800 Market Street PMB#18
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: 415-707-2010
www.alicebtoklas.org
Alice Reports Editor: Reese Aaron Isbell, M.P.P.

General Membership Meeting 2nd Monday of each month

Month of November:
Monday, November 14, 2005
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street @ Octavia

You can now join online www.alicebtoklas.org/abt/joinonline.asp, or fill out the application below

Membership Application

Yes, I want to join the Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club!

__$35 Regular
__$100 Supporter
__$250 Sponsor
__$500 Champion
__$20 Special Needs
__Other

__I am renewing my membership        __I will be a new member

__I am a registered Democrat

Name ______________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________State: ______Zip: _____________

Phone: Day __________________________Eve: _____________________________

Email: _________________________________________

Please send checks payable to “Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club” and mail to:

Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club
1800 Market Street, PMB#18
San Francisco, CA 94102

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