Hello Everyone! Thanks to the help of HostDango.com’s Web hosting services, we now have a lightening fast server and our site should not be bogged down by traffic anymore… unless we suddenly reach 2 million hits/day, and at that point, who would complain? Please thank them in anyway you can. They donated the server to us and are working hard to keep our site afloat amidst the amazing influx of traffic! I’ll have a page up shortly with ways that you can help thank the businesses that are very generously donating their time and services to this cause!
PLEASE NOTE the following changes:
- In our server transfer, we did lose a great deal of comments but have backed them up. We will work hard to create a comments page so that people can see all of the great things you have said in the past 3 days.
- Thanks to the generosity of WetPaint.com, we now have a contacts and locations Wiki for everyone to better organize their city. That is located here: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com
- Emails – Please know that we are responding to emails as fast as we can. If you have submitted an email or comment requesting a change of location/contacts or addition of either for protesting, please submit that request again at our new wiki (But please check first to make sure the city isn’t already updated).
- You can use the wetpaint wiki to request changes and updates to contacts/locations in your area.
- Finally, you have made this all possible! I know our site has had some slow load times, but we honestly didn’t expect such a large reaction so fast! We peaked at 50K visitors/hour which are the numbers that crashed Friendster in its startup days! Please keep getting the word out and keep up the good work!
More to come soon! Thanks for EVERYTHING!
14 Responses
This pains me so much to see and hear about these futile efforts! I stood alone, protesting this proposition when I first heard about it. But, now that the wheels of democracy have turned, and we had our chance to represent ourselves, now, we fight? What a colossal failure to exercise our democratic freedoms! I have heard so many blaming those Mormons and the blacks for being the culprits. Yet, they are just as much a minority as us. WE MUST ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY! It was OUR FAULT for not mobilizing. Our fight was fraught with discontent, disunity, and discord. We have had so many opportunities to triumph and we have failed to unify effectively. Shame on us! Shame on our community!
Posted on November 11th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
A popular American movement in the early 20th century called the Eugenics movement. The idea was to separate people considered to be genetically inferior from the rest of society, to prevent them from reproducing.
Eugenics is usually associated with Nazi Germany, but in fact, it started in America. Not only that, it continued here long after Hitler’s Germany was in ruins.
At the height of the movement – in the ‘20s and ‘30s – exhibits were set up at fairs to teach people about eugenics. It was good for America, and good for the human race. That was the message.
But author Michael D’Antonio says it wasn’t just a movement. It was government policy. “People were told, we can be rid of all disease, we can lower the crime rate, we can increase the wealth of our nation, if we only keep certain people from having babies,” says D’Antonio.
He says back then, schools tested children regularly, and those classified as feeble-minded got a one-way ticket to Fernald — or to one of the more than 100 institutions like it.
“Idiot, imbecile, and moron were all medical terms. They were used to define various levels of retardation or disability. Moron was coined to describe children who were almost normal,” says D’Antonio. “I would estimate that at least 50 percent would function in today’s world well.”
On March 20, 1924 the Virginia Legislature (United States) passed two closely related eugenics laws: SB 219, entitled “The Racial Integrity Act and SB 281, “An ACT to provide for the sexual sterilization of inmates of State institutions in certain cases”, henceforth referred to as “The Sterilization Act”.
The Racial Integrity Act required that a racial description of every person be recorded at birth, and felonized marriage between white persons and non-white persons. The law was the most famous ban on miscegenation (anti-miscegenation law) in the United States.
The Sterilization Act provided for compulsory sterilization of persons deemed to be “feebleminded,” including the “insane, idiotic, imbecile, feebleminded or epileptic. These two laws were Virginia’s implementation of Harry Laughlin’s “Model Eugenical Sterilization Law” pub-lished two years earlier in 1922. The Sterilization Act was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Buck v. Bell 274 U.S. 200 (1927), which appealed the order to involuntarily sterilize Carrie Buck and her family, who were inmates in the Virginia Colony for Epileptics and Feeble-Minded.
Together these laws imposed the practice of “scientific eugenics”.
Dr. Joseph DeJarnette, director of the Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia, was a leading advocate of eugenics. DeJarnette was unsatisfied with the pace of America’s Eugenics sterilization programs. In 1938 he wrote:
“Germany in six years has sterilized about 80,000 of her unfit while the United States—with approximately twice the population—has only sterilized about 27,869 in the past 20 years… The fact that there are 12,000,000 defectives in the U.S. should arouse our best endeavors to push this procedure to the maximum… The Germans are beating us at our own game.”
By “12 million defectives”, DeJarnette was almost certainly referring to ethnic minorities, as there have never been twelve million mental patients in the United States.
Dr. DeJarnette wrote a poem expressing his devotion to eugenic sterilization, which he read aloud in public on several occasions:
Oh, why do we allow these people
To breed back to the monkey’s nest,
To increase our country’s burdens
When we should only breed the best?
Oh, you wise men take up the burden,
And make this you(r) loudest creed,
Sterilize the misfits promptly—
All are not fit to breed!
Then our race will be strengthened and bettered,
And our men and our women be blest,
Not apish, repulsive and foolish,
For the best will breed the best.
According to historian Gregory M. Dorr, The University of Virginia Medical School became “an epicenter of eugenical thought” that was “closely linked with the national movement.” Dorr quotes a term-paper from a UVA student in 1934 that reads; “In Germany, Hitler has decreed that about 400,000 persons be sterilized. This is a great step in eliminating the racial deficients
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/04/29/60minutes/main614728.shtml
http://healthandsurvival.com/2008/01/08/forced-sterilization-of-americans-eugenics-and-california/
http://www.gottshall.com/thesis/article.htm
Posted on November 11th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Yes, we were complacent and disorganized, on the whole. But:
1. These efforts are not futile. Have a little faith.
2. The people behind prop 8 accomplished something they never intended: they have unleashed a powerful force for positive social change. And we are that force.
Perhaps it was best that it happened this way. Prop 8 is unifying us now. And we will accomplish more that the invalidation of prop 8.
The eyes of the world are upon us now. And we are angry, and energized, and passionate. And we have before us a remarkably rare and unique opportunity.
We can move into a new era.
An era where a ban on gay marriage is as unthinkable as a ban on inter-racial marriage.
Not just in California, but in every state in the nation.
Let’s not look back. Let’s get on with it. Because now is the time, People.
This is our time.
Posted on November 12th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Bravo Sara!
“The people behind prop 8 accomplished something they never intended: they have unleashed a powerful force for positive social change. And we are that force.”
It would not have been if 8 had failed. JoinTheImpact would not exist. Arizona, Florida, the rest of the country, and the WORLD will benefit from the fact that 8 won…
Connecticut needs us to stand up too!
This is about acceptance, and tolerance, and CHANGE
Posted on November 12th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Some of us had friends, some of us had family members, and ALL of us had fellow citizens whose lives were affected by the voting in not only California, but Florida, Arkansas, and Arizona.
This is not just a “gay” issue, this is an equal rights issue. We are all citizens of this country. Citizen equal in mind, body, and spirit. Citizens who deserve to have full equality and protection under the law.
I think the best thing the movement can do is to “humanize” it. We ALL know someone who was in some way affected. We need to give them a name. We need to give them a face. We need others to know that these people are someone’s children, parents, siblings, and friends.
I am a straight single mother of 3 daughters. Right now my daughters live in a world where war is paid for by our country, and yet love is not supported. I don’t want my daughters to grow up in a world divided by intolerance. I owe it to them to support this cause. I owe it to my friend whose marriage is now in jeopardy. I owe to my friend who can no longer marry the person he loves. I owe it to everyone because we should ALL have equal rights and protection under the law.
Posted on November 12th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Our names are Don and Michael Fry-Bybee and we were officially married on Sept. 27th, 2008!!! and that day will go down in history cause that day we felt “HUMAN” “AMERICAN”! but on Nov. 7th, 2008 we felt “RAPED” “3-RD WORLD” we had our “basic human rights” taken from us!
The Yes on 8 ran a ugly campaign!! Sent out LIES! and HATRED same that HITLER spit out during WWII. That was wrong… prop 8 had NOTHING to do with religion…freedom of speech….education…it was basically about the “rights” that we want…we want the “right” to see our husband in the hospital! we want the “right” to have the same insurance as our husband. We want the “right” to have tax cut for married people.
But honestly what does how we want to live our life got to do with the other people and HONESTLY….what gets me is that they want to “PROTECT” marriage……….then PLEASE offer alcohol tests to all the “straight” people in vegas that get married EVERYDAY and get divorced the next day! come on now!!!!!
If you want to contact me for anything I have MORE and MORE to say!!!!!!
Posted on November 13th, 2008 at 1:13 am
I am personally in a heterosexual marriage, but I have friends who this issue affects extremely. Though I personally am not lesbian, I fully believe and support that all people have the right to equality and all people have the right to be with the person whom they choose to be with for the rest of their lives. I firmly believe that marriage is a profession of love..no matter who that is with. I also read comments on other parts of this site regarding the religious aspects of marriage. My husband and I were not married in a church..but I dont feel any less married because we didnt have a religious ceremony. I just believe that everyone has the basic human need of love and respect…and that every citizen of the USA has the right to profess that love in the eyes of everyone they know in a marriage ceremony/civil union. I know that I support you all as I have friends that I love dearly that this impacts. I do not like to see discrimination in any form. Thank you.
Posted on November 13th, 2008 at 2:20 am
I just want to say you guys are doing a great job. The site is fantastic and thanks, too, to all who are helping drive this.
I’ll be at the Walnut Creek, CA event on Saturday.
We Shall Overcome!
Posted on November 13th, 2008 at 4:59 am
I do not understand why we are fighting for the right to maintain and extend the laws that perpetuate the union of church and state. Marriage is a religious ceremony, first. It derives its cultural/societal status from religion. In our Western society, that is the Judeo/Christian religion. We accept the Federal and State governments managing religious practices because we have not adequately questioned them.
I do not believe the government should be involved in the business of marriage. I believe we should fight to remove this from our state and federal laws.
This is what I believe would solve all the pain. All marriage unions need to be replaced by civil unions, as far as government goes. Anyone can, if they so desire, be married in their church. Or anywhere for that matter. Be married if you want to. But it makes no difference to the government. The only thing that would matter to the government is the civil union, a legal, binding document filled out and sent in to the federal and state governments, signifying that two people have formed a legal union with respect to taxation, children, inheritance, power of attorney. Birth parents would still be subject to the same legal responsibilities for their children.
Please think about this and see how it could resolve the differences within our society. Those who are bound to the Western Christian fundamental religious beliefs cannot, in good conscience, accept what the GLBT commuities are asking. Many of them will transgress their religious beliefs by doing so. So, you are asking the impossible from them. Instead, abolish the relationship between marriage and the government. Let “the church” have complete control over it. Let the government control the legal ties that bind us, through legal documents that are completely equal and will exist without religious implications.
Posted on November 13th, 2008 at 6:37 am
We are protesting at our local city hall on Saturday. What’s next? We have to keep the pressure on, we have to continue to be visible. Has anyone heard whether there will be a march on the state capitol? We’re there. Just need the details.
Thanks, Sylvia
MVagainst8@verizon.net
Posted on November 13th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
While I am dismayed at the results of the outcome on prop 8, as an older guy, I am thrilled to see all the young people who have awakened to carry on the fight. My generation and ones before me made everything too easy for today’s youngsters. I think that led to our community’s initial lack of response to Prop 8, there was a “can’t happen here” mentality. I also think the No on 8 campaign suffered by not creating a message about Equal Protection Under The Law, which was at the core of the Supreme Court decision…but that’s history now.
I call what’s happening now the “Anita Bryant Effect”, (boy does that date me!). Anita Bryant was a former Miss America, and spokeswoman for Florida orange juice. Dade County, Florida tried to pass an early gay rights measure, and she campaigned against it with her christian vigor.
She ended up losing her lucrative orange juice gig, and basically disappeared from the scene. Her legacy was similar to what’s happening today, GLBT folk rising up to fight for equality.
Except you kids have the technology to do this in a manner unimaginable back in the day. Yes, it does take a “slap upside the head” to wake people up, but now that we’re here–let’s spread the fight and build a coalition across the USA!
See you at the LA City Hall on Saturday, I’m printing and postering until then. (We’ll be the older guys in leather- woo hoo!)
Posted on November 13th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I put up 200 flyers today in Los Angeles Arts District, Little Tokyo, and Silverlake. Partner came along in the evening. Best way to dispel anger and frustration…TAKE ACTION!
Part of the “Education process” for churches that abuse their tax exempt status by attempting to influence legislation is going to be a visit from the Internal Revenue Service. I called the IRS today and was told the “Obama flyer” was totally illegal.
The back of the flyer has four different churches identified, some small, some very large. They are all in California.
Churches are strictly limited to NON-PARTISAN educational voter guides. Attempting to influence legislation, which includes ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments can cause them to lose their 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
Source: http://www.irs.gov Publication 1828 page 6.
Next recourse is for everyone to file a complaint on Form 13909, which can be done anonymously. I will bring info sheets to Los Angeles protest with more information on how to proceed. I’d like help with the viral marketing of this idea. This is an excellent, non-violent, perfectly legal action to take.
If we don’t, because we’re too afraid of not looking “nice”, they will only do it again, and again, trust me, I’ve seen this for the last twenty years starting with Pat Robertson in 1988. I’m sick and tired of them making money off my back by demonizing me.
It’s better to negotiate from a position of strength, and get over being victims, which IMHO, was the weakness in the No on 8 messaging.
I’d also like the IRS to get about 10,000 complaints for each church listed on that flyer. They’re welcome to have their beliefs but they can’t use my tax dollars to buy the rope to hang me!
Let’s all have a peaceful, powerful, and fun time on Saturday!
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 2:25 am
I am a UK guy. I was amongst those working for change on marriage in the UK in the 90s I entered in to a Civil Partnership in 2005.
In the UK the campaign was for Civil Partnership. It conferred effectively, all the legal rights of marriage. We had to make some compromises to do it. Even so the effect of this legislation has been dramatic. There were so many people who had been waiting so many years to be able to declare and bind their relationships that there was a tide of gay “marriages” across the country. This changed public opinion in a major way.
We were seen at last as the people we really are. Responsible loving caring people who want to form stable relationships and have the provisions of the law support them, not be an obstacle to them. This is a REALLY big dividend, and it was worth making a few compromises along the way. Peoples attitudes have now changed so much that removing those last few difference would now be much easier if we chose to do it.
My partner and I are living in the backwaters of China at the moment so as you can imagine, organising a protest on your behalf here, especially at short notice, is really impossible, but my heart and my support goes out to you all. Keep united, I too have seen the effects of internal strife – as this little poem I wrote some years ago testifies…..
Broken hearted warrior
=================
When there are faces to be lit
Bigotries to be burned
And the oxygen of passion
is still plentiful.
Those who fight the fire that burns with their fire
Those who turn their back on the common foe
Those whose own bigotry gives succour to
The bigotry they seek to defeat
It is they who, when raging fire is turned to ashen pit
devoid of life, wanting no more of it
Will turn and say, No, not me.
It was them – I fought them you know
They didn’t fight the enemy, the way they ought.
The way I thought they ought.
I destroyed them and it is good.
And now I have the freedom to fight my way
And while they win their petty skirmishes
The enemy gathers himself up
Ready to win battles over which
we all shall weep.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
There is much I would like to say, but I’ll keep it brief.
First, I do not understand why Floridians have not joined this “campaign.” The right to marriage in Florida was also denied on November 4th.
I wish someone would contact Colin Powell – I wrote him a lengthy letter when he took the position of not allowing gays in the military. Recently, in his endorsement of Barack Obama, he cited the bravery of a young Muslim who gave his life for our country. Would he also have “praised” him if he knew the young man was gay? The bigotry of those who have gone before us – and continute to treat us in a bidgoted manner is beyond my comprehension.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
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