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Table of Contents
August
Co-Chairs' Report
Real strength and wisdom versus perceived strength and simplemindedness - that is what differentiates John Kerry from George W. Bush. It is what this election is about. We believe that Americans want a President who makes our country more secure at home and makes America more respected throughout the world. John Kerry and John Edwards are the leaders to do just that. The Alice Political Action Committee (PAC) met all day Sunday, August 1, to interview candidates and listen to pro and con perspectives on local and state ballot issues. After nine hours of interviews, Q&A, and discussion, the PAC voted to make recommendations to the Alice membership, noted elsewhere in this newsletter, for endorsement for the November election for the Board of Supervisors, Board of Education, Community College Board, and state and local ballot issues. Alice members have already voted to endorse John Kerry for President, Barbara Boxer for Senate, Nancy Pelosi for Congress (and Speaker), Tom Lantos for Congress, Carole Migden for State Senate, and Mark Leno for the California Assembly. Remember, the PAC makes recommendations, but only the Alice membership can vote to endorse-and it takes 60% or more of the vote at Alice for a candidate to win an endorsement. We hope that you will attend the membership meeting on Monday, August 9, from 6:30 - 8:00P, in the Ceremonial Room at the LGBT Center to cast your endorsement vote. A member's dues must be current to vote on endorsements, so be prepared to renew your membership ($35) if it has expired. It's always good to remember Alice's history with regard to the impact of our endorsement. Alice endorsed Mark Leno for Assembly and we won! Alice endorsed Bevan Dufty for Supervisor and we won! Alice was the first political club to endorse Dennis Herrera for City Attorney, and even though we were told that Dennis could not win, we did! We followed suit with "impossible" victories for Mabel Teng for Assessor over incumbent Doris Ward and Kamala Harris for District Attorney over incumbent Terrence Hallinan. And Alice endorsed Gavin Newsom for Mayor over Matt Gonzalez and delivered enough LGBT support to help Gavin Newsom become "the most pro-gay Mayor in America." Alice has played a key role in passing the leadership torch to a "new generation" in San Francisco. We can be proud of our record in electing new leaders with fresh ideas who work together for the common good. Alice's endorsement matters and your vote counts. So please turn out to vote on August 9th. Also at the August 9th meeting, we will have a panel discussion-"Convention Delegates Tell All." Many delegates and alternates from Alice were elected at district and state caucuses as part of the California Delegation in Boston, including: Board of Equalization Chair Carole Migden, Mayor Gavin Newsom, Assemblyman Mark Leno, Treasurer Susan Leal, District Attorney Kamala Harris, City Attorney Dennis Herrera, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, School Board Member Heather Hiles, Alice Board Members Jeff Anderson, Anna Damiani, and Lisa Williams, Former Alice Co-Chair Matthew Rothschild, and Alice Members Lisa Chun, Michael Colbruno, Neil Sims, August Longo and Jeff Soukup. After the meeting, Alice will host a reception in honor of these delegates at Martuni's, near the LGBT Center. So please join us for a fun night of endorsements, conversation and cocktails! The California Democratic Party's Northern California Coordinated Campaign is opening its campaign office on Sunday, August 1st, on Market Street next to the LGBT Community Center. If you want to help Democrats win in 2004, this office is the place to be. Congratulations to Alice board members Owen Stephens and Luke Klipp who were recently elected President and Secretary, respectively, of the San Francisco Young Democrats. Owen and Luke are bright young leaders who have much to offer our community. See you on August 9th! Reese's
World: Perspectives from the Editor
Every day, Buff the Girlie-Man dutifully went off to school with completed homework in his backpack. He also prepared himself for the daily ritual of taunting, particularly from his archenemy, Annul the Bully, who hadn't done his homework, wasn't prepared for class, and preferred instead to ridicule him as a way to feel superior. On one such Monday morning, Buff the Girlie-Man stepped onto the bus to school and found Annul the Bully waiting to harass him in the back seat. Annul the Bully had spent the weekend partying around town, playing up his popularity, but not having done any of his homework. He knew he was falling behind in school, but in order to feel better about himself, he chose to pick on our hero Buff the Girlie-Man. "Hey, Girlie-Man, what did you do all weekend? Your homework!?" Annul the Bully snidely chastised our hero. "Yes, of course, our homework is due this morning." "Hey, Girlie-Man, you are weak and stupid." And with that comment, our hero Buff the Girlie-Man went back to his books and refused to listen to Annul the Bully any longer. In class, the students were handing in their homework. Annul the Bully didn't have any homework to turn in, and so he insulted our hero Buff the Girlie-Man instead. Our hero stoically withstood the maltreatment once again. Everyday at school was the same-- taunting, harassment, spit-wads, and name-calling from Annul the Bully. Our hero found it distracting and would sometimes get angry, but would never allow it to distract him from his ultimate goals of Pride in his work, graduation, and saving America from ignorance. In the end, on graduation day, our hero Buff the Girlie-Man found himself giving the valedictory speech to his fellow graduating peers while Annul the Bully was held back another year in school for failing to pass the grade. Annul the Bully shouted more names at Buff the Girlie-Man, but this time his shouts were drowned out by a chorus of cheers from the masses, and the rest of America, for Buff the Girlie-Man's intellect, resoluteness, endurance through adversity, and humble Pride. Buff the Girlie-Man was Proud of himself and his accomplishments. He knew that, if he worked hard enough, truth and justice would always win out in the end. And he could save America from utter ignorant destruction, and even help Annul the Bully. Reese Aaron Isbell, M.P.P.
The full membership will vote on the endorsements Monday August 9, from 6:30 - 8:00 at the LGBT Community Center. You can save time by renewing your membership online.
From the Desk of Assemblyman Mark Leno
In this month's column, I'd like to inform you of a few activities of mine over the summer. First, let's celebrate our victory in the United States Senate on the Federal Marriage Amendment! Our right-wing opponents couldn't even pull together a majority for their plan to befoul our constitution. There is still much work to be done, as they are not letting this stop them, but we are moving forward with a new strength and optimism. As you know, I authored Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 85, which, will officially put California on record opposing the Federal Marriage Amendment. In speaking on the resolution before the Judiciary Committee, I listed the various policy, judicial, and moral reasons in asking for support for this measure. However, I also followed my prepared remarks with a personal note, by telling my colleagues about my partner, his passing away 10 years ago, and how our relationship was as equal as any other marriage even if we did not have the legal recognition. I personally pleaded with my colleagues to join me in ending the discrimination and inequality. Unfortunately, not a single Republican joined me. With all of the talk about bipartisanship and 'moderate' Republicans, not a single Republican in the entire state delegation joined in voting for AJR 85. Following the passage of my resolution, I took it to George W.
Bush's backyard on June 21st and hand-delivered it to national I then sent a letter to mayors in 50 states asking them to stand with the California legislature against the discriminatory federal marriage amendment. The letter encourages mayors to urge state lawmakers to pass a resolution in their state similar to AJR 85. I wrote, "By standing united during this pivotal point in history, mayors of big cities across the country can help ensure our Constitution will not be used as a tool for discrimination. AJR 85 sends a strong message to the President, Congress and the rest of the nation that our constitution speaks to the great promise and hope of our nation, not to its fear and insecurity." I am working to urge the state legislatures from throughout the country to stand firmly against the Federal Marriage Amendment. Finally, once again Sacramento was late in delivering this fiscal year's budget. Why? The simple and direct answer is that California is just one of three states in the country that require a two-thirds majority vote to pass their annual budgets. The 2004-05 budget is the first submitted by our new governor, who as a candidate last fall professed that balancing the budget on time would be no problem. Most importantly, candidate Schwarzenegger demanded that the voters cut up the credit cards of profligately spending legislators. The irresponsible borrowing in Sacramento must end, he said. Next, he promised to root out the "billions and billions of dollars of waste, fraud, and abuse" in state government. Apparently the governor failed at unearthing those billions of dollars of waste, fraud, and abuse. The same guy demands that we must cut up the credit cards of irresponsible legislators because they will "rob you blind," is borrowing in unprecedented amounts. Had the governor stayed in Sacramento and exhibited calm leadership rather than traveling the state criticizing legislators who disagreed with him as thieving, untrustworthy children, and let us not forget 'girlie-men,' it is likely that the budget would not have been four weeks late in passing. As always, 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://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a13. Yours, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance
___________________________ BALiF's Fall Lunchtime Series On Legal Implications Of AB205: California's New Domestic Partnership Law On January 1, 2005, California's new domestic partnership law, the California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2003, will take effect. The stated purpose of this new law to extend the legal rights and duties of marriage to registered domestic partners to the full extent possible. Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedoms (BALiF), a nonprofit bar association, has organized a 7-program lunchtime series this Fall to examine the ways in which the new law will affect people in registered domestic partnerships. In addition to examining the rights an obligations of domestic partners under the new law, the series will also identify new areas of legal ambiguity, and areas in which the new law is expected to fall short in providing domestic partners with all the benefits and obligations of married persons. Speakers at each of the programs are lawyers, activists and other professionals who are leaders in their fields. Each program offers 1.0 or 1.5 hours of MCLE credit for lawyers. All programs will be held at convenient downtown locations, and a light lunch will be provided. The following topics will be explored: September 28, 2004: AB:205: Community Property To register for any of these programs, or for more information about dates, times, topics, speakers and locations, please visit the BALiF CLE website, http://balifcle.home.att.net.
In June I began the first of three parts of an interview Alice's own Leslie Katz, newly elected as Chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC), and asked her for her thoughts on the DCCC, her role as Chair, LGBT rights, and the upcoming national elections. She recently conducted the DCCC's first ever all-day Strategic Planning Retreat to hone in on common goals, detail specific action plans, and focus the DCCC agenda for the coming year. The second installment appeared in the July newsletter. This is the third and final part of the interview. Reese Aaron Isbell (RI): Well, I think your work on Equal Benefits shows that that's definitely do-able on a national level. DCCC Chair Leslie Katz (LK): Absolutely. RI: And if Kerry's elected, we'd have a voice and place to speak to showcase that. LK: Right. We've shown that it works on so many different levels. And that's exactly how we were so successful with the Equal Benefits Ordinance. We showed not only that it was viable but that it made sense. We were able to address all of the concerns that were raised. And now we've seen the incredible positive results of that, you know people don't think twice about it anymore. We're on to so many issues later and people forget how hard fought that was. And that was just seven years ago. RI: Tell me more about these changes in politics and society. LK: In talking about our families and what a difference it makes being out and being vocal. My absolute favorite story involves my mother. I came out, and we went through a few issues, but my parents were incredibly supportive. And a number of years later my sister had a girlfriend. And my ex who was still close with my mother, she said, "Well, what do you think of [my sister's] girlfriend?" And it was just after my mother found out that my sister was with a woman. So she was expecting my mother to say "Oh, it's absolutely not an issue, I went through everything with Leslie, I marched with her in the parades, no big deal, of course, it's great, I just want my children to be happy." And instead she said, "Well, actually, I have a problem." And my ex was a little startled, you know, because of all the parents she couldn't believe that my mother would have a problem. My mother continued, "Well, I have a problem, the new girlfriend, she carries a gun. She's a deputy sheriff. I have a problem with her carrying a gun." So that's where we want to get. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation, but as we all get out there and see changing mindsets that's the kind of response we get. I was blessed to grow up with rather liberal Berkeley family, but as we all come out, get active in our communities and professions, get married, we do change mindsets. RI: Oh, you're from Berkeley? LK: From DC, but we moved when Nixon took office, to get as far away as physically and spiritually as we could. RI: And they're still based in Berkeley? LK: My father passed away, but my mother's still there. Really the goal that our issues become so enmeshed in the fabric of the Party that we don't have to continue to struggle for our voice to be heard, and for marriage for example to be a divisive issue, it should just be embraced by the Democratic Party as 'of course, it's part of our fabric as the Democratic Party like civil and human rights.' And we've certainly seen what a difference even just a few years have made amongst the presidential candidates this year. Virtually all of the Democratic presidential candidates fell over themselves to be supportive of the LGBT community and what a treat for all of us. That made me proud to be a Democrat. You know, some may not have gone as far as I would have liked, and certainly recognizing that there's national issues to contend with, but having our torch bearers speaking out on behalf of our community, what a wonderful place to be. RI: I have so many different directions I could go, I mean there's so many more questions I could have, and I feel like I could talk with you all day and see what you think of this person, how do you feel about this issue, etc. But that would be a very long article. LK: Sure. Well, anyone in particular you wanted to ask about? RI: Oh, well, I was just thinking how you view concerns that have been raised about Kerry's stance on marriage, how you view supporting Kerry as an open Lesbian and an LGBT Democrat, and some of the issues that have risen within the Party and within the LGBT community particularly about supporting him. LK: I think we have to recognize that nobody is perfect in public office. It's rare that you're going to get anybody who's going to be 100% on all of the issues. I think Kerry has demonstrated a record, and a consistent record of support, for the LGBT community, even when it wasn't so popular-- in opposing DOMA, supporting ENDA. He's been there, he's got a 100% voting record under the Human Rights Campaign since he's been in the Senate. I think we should recognize that here's somebody who can be educated even further if need be but somebody who obviously gets our issues fundamentally, and that there's nuances that could be tweaked, but…. RI: Is that what you would say to someone who's saying 'well, he's not supporting my right to marry; why should I vote for him if he won't support my marriage?' LK: He supports so many other rights, we'll take the opportunity to educate him, and he's demonstrated a commitment to the community. I think he's, I'd like to think and I'm hoping that fundamentally he gets it and that he's playing politics. And given his opponent who is doing everything he can to take away not only our right to marry but just about every other right we could possibly try and have, on so many levels, never mind just as LGBT people, but across the board. I admit that he's not perfect, Kerry may not be perfect on all of our issues, but he meets so many others that to walk away from an election just because somebody isn't 100% perfect is cutting off your nose to spite your face. RI: And what do you say to someone who says 'Ralph Nader supports marriage'? LK: Does Ralph Nader support marriage? RI: Well, what do you say if somebody says that? LK: Again, I think there's pragmatism. Ralph Nader's made a number of homophobic comments in the past. I don't know if he fundamentally gets it or if he's trying to make these comments to win support. I would like to see a longer and stronger record of support for the community. I certainly appreciate his support for marriage, if in fact he does so, I don't know that he has said that he does. But again I think it's a matter of…. RI: Or, that 'the Greens support marriage' or whatnot? LK: You know, the Greens have a number of good ideas. And many of those are actually shared within parts of the Democratic Party. The two parties have a lot of shared values. And a number of ideas, and I think that the Democrats should embrace where their base came from. And that's something that the Democratic Party has to look at to make sure that we don't lose the ability to claim many of these issues because those have been Democratic issues as well. They're not just Green Party issues. But, given how much is at stake, certainly in this presidential year, we can't afford to lose the White House. We've seen how horrible George Bush has been in the four years that he has to stand for reelection. What he will do the next four years when he's got unfettered opportunities to erode our rights, terrifies me. Robert Reich came out with an article on that very point on what will happen when he doesn't have to stand for reelection. And again, my top priorities as Chair for the DCCC are to get Bush out of the White House and to keep Bill Jones out of the Senate. RI: Well, again, I want to thank you for sitting down with me and having this interview. It may be something we could visit time and again as issues come around and we could have regular talks about the DCCC and your role and such. LK: Thank you. I'd love that. Statements of Opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment FROM THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE
"So why are we doing this? Why are we doing this when we have only passed one appropriations bill? Why are we doing this when last week we just had a briefing on the impact of terrorism on this Nation and we haven't passed a Homeland Security bill? ... "Why are we doing this? "The only answer I can come up with is because this is political. It is to drive a division into the voters of America, into the people of America, one more wedge issue at a very difficult time to be used politically in elections." Read Senator Feinstein's entire speech.
"This constitutional amendment is an attempt
to appeal to our prejudice instead of to our compassion, to our
hatreds instead of to our hopes, to our fears instead of our dreams.
The constitutional amendment is an appeal to what is the worst in
us instead of what is best in us. We are better than that, or we
should be better than that."
_________________________ FROM THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor in opposition to H.R. 3313, the so-called Marriage Protection Act of 2004, which would strip jurisdiction from federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, preventing them from ruling on challenges to the federal Defense of Marriage Act. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
"Instead, we are gathering here to talk about discrimination,
to talk about undermining the Constitution of the United States,
to talk about dishonoring the oath of office that we take to protect
and defend the Constitution. I agree with those who say this bill
is ‘as wrong as wrong can be.' In short, this bill is bad law
and bad policy. That’s why it will not have my support." Read Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi's entire speech At the
Democratic National Convention On Saturday, July 24, the Democratic National Committee (DNC)'s Platform Committee completed the crafting of the Party's 2004 Democratic Party Platform, which will be presented to delegates at the National Convention in Boston later this month. This year's platform is the most inclusive in American history as it outlines positive recommendations on the issues relevant to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) Community. "John Kerry and the Democratic Party are the clear choice for GLBT Americans and all Americans who believe in equality and inclusion" said DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe. "Democrats have always fought for the issues that matter to the GLBT Community, and this year's Platform proves that we remain committed to our fight." Below are select issues covered in this year's platform:
You can read more about the 2004 Democratic Party Platform at http://www.democrats.org/platform/index.html. Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club General Membership Meeting 2nd Monday of each month 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 __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: |
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President
Bill Clinton succinctly framed the 2004 election when he 
Our
hero, Buff, was by day, an average ordinary kid in high school,
dodging the slings and arrows of bullying and hatred tossed from
his mean-spirited classmates. But by night, and on weekends, Buff
was the Girlie-Man-a tactical smart effective ignorance-fighting
machine whose mission was to save the world from low-test scores
and underachievement, and to fight for truth, justice, and the American
way.
Democratic
and LGBT leaders fighting Bush's federal constitutional amendment.
I attended a special event for the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee
at the Washington, DC home of Senator and Mrs. Edward Kennedy, which
was raising needed funds for thirteen of our Democratic Senators
running for re-election this year who are our allies in this crucial
battle for justice and who have committed to fight against Bush's
discriminatory amendment. I wanted to show our friends in Washington
that we stand with them in their fight to oppose using the constitutional
amendment process to single out a segment of the American population
for discrimination.
"Today,
Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans are looking for work, millions
more Americans do not have access to quality health care since President
Bush took office. Our children are not receiving the quality of
education that they deserve, to have the opportunity that is the
promise of our country. We are driving ourselves deeply into debt
with the irresponsible and reckless economic policies of the Republicans
here, giving our children obligations instead of opportunity. We
have our men and women in uniform in harm’s way without the
proper equipment, training, and intelligence to get the job done.
And we want them to be second to none, and we will make sure they
have what they need. But we must take the time to do that. But instead,
what are we doing?