UNBELIEVABLE: Yes on 8 to out businesses that contribute to No on 8

[thoreau]

So YES ON 8 - is writing extortion letters to contributors to No on 8 promising to publish them on a list of companies that don't support 'traditional marriage'... and apparently such letters and unmitigated intimidation is not illegal.

These people are EVIL!

from the SF Chronicle:

Leaders of the campaign to outlaw same-sex marriage in California are warning businesses that have given money to the state's largest gay rights group they will be publicly identified as opponents of traditional unions unless they contribute to the gay marriage ban, too.

"Make a donation of a like amount to ProtectMarriage.com which will help us correct this error," reads the letter. "Were you to elect not to donate comparably, it would be a clear indication that you are in opposition to traditional marriage. ... The names of any companies and organizations that choose not to donate in like manner to ProtectMarriage.com but have given to Equality California will be published."

Sonya Eddings Brown, a ProtectMarriage.com spokeswoman, estimated that 36 companies were targeted for the letter and said those that do not respond with a contribution would be highlighted in a press release and on the campaign Web site.

She called the tactic "a frustrated response" to the intimidation felt by Proposition 8 supporters, who have had their lawn signs stolen and property vandalized in the closing days of the heated campaign.

Comments

Re: Granted, Civil Rights were not at stake but...

[major7.livejournal.com]

No. I do not feel that it is all that different.
I think we have a double standard sometimes.
Knowing full well how the gay community operates:
Are there gay groups that are publishing who is voting Yes on 8 and encouraging gay people to look at their associations with those groups?

Re: Granted, Civil Rights were not at stake but...

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

yes - the difference with the Yes on 8 is that they are saying 'donate to our side as well, or we'll publish your name in a press release'. meaning - a boycott of a community over a corporation's stance is one thing - but saying - either give us the same amount of money you gave No on 8 or we'll publicize you as an enemy of traditional marriage goes a step further.

But Did You Answer My Question?

[major7.livejournal.com]

Are there gay groups that are publishing who is supporting Yes on 8 and encouraging gay people to look at their associations with those groups?

Additionally, even from this side of the continent, I am reading about the pressure being put on celebrities and various organizations with what I feel is a thinly veiled threat: You know you really should be supporting our cause.....

Now, I know what you said about us coming from opposite sides of the political spectrum so if you'd rather me just keep my opinions to myself, in your journal, I will. But just know that I am against hypocrisy and the "do as I say, not as I do" mentality I have seen so much of lately in print and other media. If it is ok for me to do something, say something, print something, bring attention to something, post a picture, etc. then I can't tell someone else NOT to do it. And the opposite is also true.

I have been bashed, insulted, laughed at, cussed at, defriended, and linked to some of the worst names in history just because I have a different political view than others this election. I'm a big guy, I can take it. But it is surprising. I really thought people were more enlightened and would be willing to have a *real* discussion with not just people who support their point of view, but with others who may have a differing point of view. Sadly, I am finding that to more the exception than the rule.

Re: But Did You Answer My Question?

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

people unassociated with the official campaign put up a "dishonor roll" - and that is bad politics.

Do you think it's bad to ask successful celebrities like Rosie to pony up if they live in California?

I have to agree this is the most emotional, divisive, unfriendly political season I can remember. TO make sure things are even - now I'm getting hatemail from KOIT users because I'm running No on 8 advertising on a station they thought was "good for the family."

Sorry, I Do Not Know The Backstory On Rosie and Prop 8

[major7.livejournal.com]

But I do know that Rosie has taken on many issues alone without the support of other gays, and even if she never does another thing for the gay rights causes, Rosie, solely by being a shining example of loving partner and caring mom, and fighting the fights she has already won for our cause, has already done way more than her share.

But to go on and answer your question:
Do you think it's bad to ask successful celebrities like Rosie to pony up if they live in California?
It is not bad to solicit donations. And if someone wants to love or hate someone based on their donation is entirely up to them. If someone wants to choose which search engine they use, which cellphone program they buy, which movie star they want to go see, etc., based on whether or not they donate money to Prop 8 is their right. But just don't be a hypocrite. If you expect them to pony up, then you'd best be ponying up, too.
God is watching.... and so is Santa.

Re: Sorry, I Do Not Know The Backstory On Rosie and Prop 8

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

Santa is a liberal myth! everyone knows that.

no - thats God's a liberal myth and Santa is a consevative myth.

ohh...

I get so confused...

Re: Sorry, I Do Not Know The Backstory On Rosie and Prop 8

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

yeah - gays can sometimes be the worst and DO WHAT I SAY DO NOT WHAT YOU SEE ME DO. its tough.

I really appreciate that our discussions on politics while rough - stay above the belt and adult. THANK YOU for that.

Re: Sorry, I Do Not Know The Backstory On Rosie and Prop 8

[major7.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

Good For The Family

[major7.livejournal.com]

So many times we see our world through a gay-centric point of view. We are, however, a very small minority. The reason that "those people" call themselves "traditional" is because they are. The "traditional family" is a man, a woman, and the children. (Most of us come from such families.) Gay and lesbian families with children are almost as rare as a golden ticket to American Idol's Hollywood.

We live in a world where we are minorities! You do have to remember that a radio station is broadcast into many homes, and the radiowaves do not stop and ask where the occupants stand on political issues. The "Yes on 8" people will think that you are pandering to the "No on 8" people with commercials and vice-versa. Rock, meet hard place... with low_fat_muffin squished in between. It is up to your station to inform your listeners about the FCC ruling. Can you make your OWN commercial explaining the ruling? It shouldn't cost the radio station any money, and it would be then crystal clear that you are not taking one side over the other. And if you are going to take one side over the other, then you have to deal with your decision.

But still, it is a very sensitive debate for y'all in California. And I wish you success. I still think that it would have been an easier fight if the gay community had asked for Civil Union with all the benefits of traditional marriage, instead of calling it gay marriage.