April 7th, Edition 

Friends, 

HELP! - Please try to support the action Item above, I have already taken the morning off from work. Also, I hope to see many of you at the Quincy event being held for our local hero, Rep Ron Mariano at 6:00 under the Equality banner in Quincy Center. 

Thank you for the emails of support last week. I was worried that I had written to you with a bit too much motivation.  I'm encouraged by your positive feedback.  IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THOSE WHO WERE ABLE TO ATTEND THE QUINCY MARRIAGE QUALITY BANNER DEDICATION.  (photo 1) (photo 2)

My "operation photo-drop" (see info below) got off to a pretty good start.  Starting today, 11 photos (all of married couples so far) will begin arriving at the State House desks of our legislators.  The photos that have been sent, really tug at heart-strings; I have high hopes that this can make impact on decisions. Please try to forward this opportunity to as may people as you can; I'm willing to cover all costs, I just need a photo to print and home address so I can identify the right legislators.  For every photo sent to specific legislators, I have also sent a copy to Senate President Travaglini as he still has time to open his heart and prevent the petition from coming to vote.

I've also received a couple email from folks that stated they are trying to get editorials published THANK YOU!!  Another letter against us was published today. My husband Ed, just received confirmation that his letter will soon be published!  "LOVE YOU ED! - THANK YOU!" 

The offer remains open to others: if you are willing to submit letters, either I will get prewritten copies for you so all your need to do is edit or just send in to the newspapers listed below.

The  constitutional convention is nearly upon us and support as of late has been less than required to win. I know folks have priorities, but this is your chance to make a difference.  Please try. THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping in this fight for equal protection.

Your Friend, 

Jerry
 

NEW ACTION ITEM UPDATES:

ACTION / PROPOSAL #1
In the cases where friends do not have the time, I (we) WILL WRITE EDITORIALS FOR YOU.  I'll work with other friends that are still available for authoring and editing assistance. All you will need to do is edit at will and submit to your local papers.  The Patriot Ledger in particular is in need of attention as it is the paper that speaks directly to the legislators that need attention. 

PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO ME CONFIRMING THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO SEND IN AN EDITORIAL

 
  
ACTION / PROPOSAL #2
I have tried to spread the message from MassEquality that we need to mail written letters to our legislators asking to meet.  Unlike the editorial request, this is not something that I am able to track for progress, other than the one or two email that I have received from friends telling me that they have done so... So now, with your help, I propose that we STEP IT UP A NOTCH BY MAILING PHOTOS OF THOSE IN SUPPORT OF CIVIL MARRIAGE EQUALITY.  
  

OPERATION PHOTO-DROP! Submit your photos and messages to legislators ASAP
Friends, Spread the message to your family, friends and other contacts...  Submit your photo with a message to your legislators and Jerry will print oversized copies and deliver them  to the state house for you!  Since many of our senators and representatives are rejecting requests to meet; it is important that they see the faces of constituents who oppose the attempt to amend discrimination into our state constitution.   REMEMBER: In order to get your message directly to the correct contacts you will need to provide your name and address (phone number option)	Same-sex couples, heterosexual couples, single GLBTs, single straights, WE CAN ALL MAKE A MEMORABLE IMPACT.    Simple messages can be printed on the front.  Full letters can be printed on the back.   Send your Photo and message.  Jerry will print oversized copies and deliver to your legislators.
CLICK HERE to email Photos to Jerry Ringuette

Editorial Watch:

The table below will track all negative editorial letters in need of response.  We should try to gain 2 editorials in our favor for every 1 against. Local Media Write to the media closest to you Recent Opposition in need of your Response   Recent Support of Equality   State-Wide & Boston Boston Globe: Send Editorial   Make room for 'bias' in adoption Same-sex rights and bedtime rites YEAH! negative letter to left gets response!  We need similar for the Patriot Ledger Readers Re: the bedroom, it's none of your concern State-Wide & Boston The Boston Herald: Send Editorial     South Shore MA The Patriot Ledger:  Send Editorial   READER'S VIEW: Let the people vote on marriage amendment Pro-gay marriage crowd shows its hypocrisy Another attack on the Catholic Church READER’S VIEW: Catholic Charities READER'S VIEW: Gay rights winning at expense of children’s rights       Brockton/Taunton Area  The Enterprise: Send Editorial       Plymouth Area Old Colonial Memorial: Send an Editorial       Attleboro Area The Sun Chronicle:  Send an Editorial        Fall River Area The Herald News:  Send an Editorial        Taunton Area Taunton Gazette:  Send an Editorial       Carver Area MA Carver Reporter  Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Areas The Sentinel Wareham Area Wareham Courier Send Editorials for above media to Editor: Tamson Burgess       Duxbury Reporter, Halifax Reporter, Marshfield Reporter, Pembroke Reporter  Send to Editor Scott Smith       Kingston Reporter  Send to Editor: Charles Mathewson Kingston Area MA

P-L-E-A-S-E! Sign up and participate!  In the next two weeks, we have four opportunities to protect equal marriage rights. Join us this Sunday as we collect postcards to be delivered to legislators, or gather more information at an organizing meeting in Hingham organizing meeting or a forum in Quincy. Then sharpen your communication skills and become a better advocate for marriage at our March 30th media workshop.    Sign up for the following events today. For more information, contact Amy Mello at AmyMello@MassEquality.org or 617-878-2307.

With less than 2 months remaining, we still do not have the legislative support to defeat the marriage petition. We MUST try to prevent this measure from going to vote.  Polls show a sight majority of residents in support of equality.  Unfortunately, the demographic that supports us the most is also the least likely to get out and vote.