May 21st, Edition 

Friends,

This past week, we celebrated the second anniversary of the first legally recognized same-sex marriages in our country. I would like to say a quick HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to our friends Jim and Stephen, who celebrated their 2nd anniversary just yesterday.. CONGRATULATIONS!... 

MassEquality delivered flowers to all our representatives on our behalf, in celebration.  I'm not sure if the press took advantage of the event as I didn't see anything in the papers, although I did see an EXPLOSION of letters to the editor, and NOT all in our favor.  Just check the "editorial inventory table" below.  I can't repeat enough to all of you, the importance of writing in to your local papers as often as you can.  This is one of our strongest ways to get our message out to the general public.

There are "procedural" methods to defeat this petition that are already underway (AND JUST MIGHT WORK!).  Although it is good to know about them, it is VERY unfortunate that they have been published in the press, as I am sure our opposition has their own tricks up their sleeve that we are not aware of.  The first method made known is by having more than 100 legislators walk out.  If at least 1/2 the legislature is not present, then they do not have a quorum to proceed and must close the convention.  The second is an  effort lead by our leading lobbyist, Arline Isaacson and Senator Jarrett Barrios from Cambridge.  They have in motion, a strategy that has worked in the past.  A year ago, (very well planned in advance) they resubmitted a very harsh LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT to appear just in front of the citizen's petition on the constitutional convention's agenda (one topic before to be more specific).  Because this is a legislative amendment, they do not need 76% to defeat it, they just need a majority.  I THINK the logic behind this approach is that the legislature can now defeat this legislative amendment, and be able to say that they addressed the the issue, then walk out of the convention, refusing to vote a second time on the same topic.  If this works, then I think we should all send thank you notes to Rep Phil Travis (probably our BIGGEST BIGOT in the house) thanking him for his part in defeating the petition. This will make him so angry he will probrably spontaneously combust :-D he he he!

The methods above ARE NOT A SURE THING!.. our opposition is hard at work as well and could have their own ways to defeat us, we've already seen just how low they will go to gather signatures.  We HAVE TO keep trying to win legislative votes!..  We have been able to sway one or two more votes already, now we NEED everyone to take their efforts just one step further... If you have recently emailed your representative and senator, then send them a written letter, or greeting card, or photo (something that will get their attention).  If you've already written, then call their office, you will most likely not be able to talk to them directly but they WILL get a message that you took the time to call them. If you have a representative or senator that could be swayed, then PLEASE try to set up a 10 minute meeting with them; SEEING the faces of their constituents, makes a big difference. Even if they don't have time, the fact that you tried to meet sends a strong message.

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We now have around 141 of the 151 votes... WE STILL NEED 11 MORE to defeat the petition... 

WE ARE FACING A CRISIS OF COMPLACENCY (read more here) 
If you feel that perhaps you have not done enough to make a difference, you've now been given time to make even more impact. If you have friends that could support us, ask them to speak out for us in a written letter or phone call.  

"We're facing a complacency in the gay community and amongst our straight allies..." "They tend to think it's over, it's done, they're safe. They don't seem to recognize what a serious threat this new initiative is." Arline Isaacson,  Co-chairwoman of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus.

If your legislators are already on our side then contact others who are "on the fence" I am trying to get a list of those who might be swayed, from our contacts at MassEquality. Until then, PLEASE CONTACT Senate President Travaglini, and House Speaker DiMasi.  These two have legislative influence in the House and Senate and can make a big difference. 

Three other legislators of focus are right here in my town of Quincy.  In order of importance: Senator Michael Morrissey, Representative Bruce Ayers, and Representative Stephen Tobin.  

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We just won the support of one our leading democratic foes... 

Representative John Roger's official denouncement of the citizen's petition is a HUGE win for us, as he STILL believes that "marriage" is for hetero couples only. He is against this proposed amendment because it does not provide for any legal protections.  Hopefully his words will begin the trend with legislators that might have a similar stance. 

In a recent interview with Bay Windows, he also revealed a procedural trick that could be used to defeat the petition. Although it is good to know what can be done, we also know that our opposition has plans that are NOT being revealed.
   

ACTION ITEMS!...  Its not too late!

NEWSPAPER "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR" 
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. 

 
  
MAIL PHOTOS OF REAL PEOPLE
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 Lexington and discord Re: the bedroom, it's none of your concern Citizenship policies and same-sex partners   State-Wide & Boston The Boston Herald: Send Editorial     South Shore MA The Patriot Ledger:  Send Editorial   NEW:  Allow citizens to vote on marriage amendment NEW:  Let the people vote on gay marriage NEW: Rev. Swanson’s courage Contact lawmakers on marriage proposal Quincy church banner an ‘in-your-face’ disgrace Church banner insulting 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   NEW:  What it means to be married, a mom and gay NEW:  We needs to defend, not amend the constitution NEW: Civil marriage is a legal matter, not a sacred one Preserve same-sex marriage in state (Thanks Jim! )  (I got a word in too!) Gauging the ability of parents, gay or otherwise  (Thanks Laurie!) Church banner Anti-gay forces trying to desecrate our Constitution Religion in America Catholic hierarchy to blame in adoption issue Civil rights have grown since John Adams’ time (Thanks ED!)   Brockton/Taunton Area  The Enterprise: Send Editorial       Plymouth Area Old Colonial Memorial: Send an Editorial       Attleboro Area The Sun Chronicle:  Send an Editorial    THIS NEEDS A RESPONSE!: NEW:  LETTER: Please enlighten me on why gay marriage is legal NEW: LETTER: Stand up to opponents of gay marriage rights (Thanks JOE!) 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