weather storm

“On one level, our suffering is caused by bigotry and dogmatism and all these things, but ultimately we suffer because we don't understand how limitless we are. You could say that we live in a fantasy, that what we call reality is actually a dream.”—Pema Chödrön

PORTLAND, Maine — Voters in the northeastern state of Maine repealed a state law that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed, dealing the gay rights movement a heartbreaking defeat in the corner of the country most supportive of gay marriage.
Gay marriage has now lost in every single state — 31 in all — in which it has been put to a popular vote. Gay-rights activists had hoped to buck that trend in Maine — known for its moderate, independent-minded electorate — and mounted an energetic, well-financed campaign.

With 87 percent of the precincts reporting, gay-marriage foes had 53 percent of the votes.

"The institution of marriage has been preserved in Maine and across the nation," declared Frank Schubert, chief organizer for the winning side.
Gay-marriage supporters conceded early Wednesday.

"We're in this for the long haul," said Jesse Connolly, manager of the pro-gay marriage campaign. "For next week, and next month, and next year — until all Maine families are treated equally. Because in the end, this has always been about love and family and that will always be something worth fighting for."

At issue was a law passed by the Maine Legislature.
read the rest of the story at new york daily news


today's sound choice is a collaboration. the music is from the genius that is craig armstrong and it's combined with a massive attack cut called after the storm.  these audio tidbits are layered with an audio and visual track that was homemade in bristol in the summer of 2006. i actually love the sound of rain-no- it's not raining where i am today- (outside at least). here is a taste of craig armstrong's "after the storm" you can find this song and others on the "back to mine" compilation by talvin singh.

 




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national equality march 2009

Cleve Jones is organizing the "Equality Across America" march in Washington, D.C. this October.

Longtime gay activist Cleve Jones said that he has received approval for an equality march and rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for Sunday, October 11, which is National Coming Out Day.

Jones said that he's "100 percent confident the march will be allowed to proceed." He said organizers have been told "quite clearly and emphatically that there's no impediment to doing this."

Jones said that for now, the rally is being called "Equality Across America."

There has been vigorous debate in the community about whether to have a national march this year. Some have expressed concern about the event, saying that there isn't enough time to plan it and that resources should be used for other purposes. There's also been confusion as to whether space on the Mall would even be available.

Others believe this year is the right time for a march, citing inaction by Congress and President Barack Obama on LGBT issues.

"The biggest challenge is not getting people to view this march through the lens of previous marches," said Jones.

Previous national marches have been highly produced affairs, with celebrity speakers being flown in. Jones said that organizers for October's event are not planning an elaborate march and rally.

"We're doing a different type of thing," Jones said. "Bit by bit, we're making it clear to people that we're absolutely not going to spend millions of dollars on producing a march on Washington."

The rally will be on the west Capitol lawn, the portion of the National Mall closest to the U.S. Capitol building, said Jones.

written by seth hannigan for east bay area reporter... rest of article here

today's sound choice is jennifer hudson with "i'm telling you i'm not going"