Vote No, Virginia



The Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner last nite totally rocked. Saw people I haven't seen in a while, got my little bit of political activism into gear for the year, and ate bad food and drank decent wine.

Two major highlights of the evening on the political side:

1. Hearing Chuck Robb speak and watching the C-Span video of him speaking against DOMA way back in the 90s. He spoke so well, and reminded of what real political leaders are supposed to be. What a shame he didn't go for a re-match with George Allen this year. I know he was tired and wanted to retire in 2000, and only ran for re-election because there was no serious dem challenger to Allen, but what a total shame that he won't come back. We need voices of sanity, reason, fairness, and justice like his.

2. The launch of VOTE NO, VIRGINIA. This is Eq Va's response to the madness that is Virginia's anti-marriage constitutional amendment. They raised money, (two couples donated 100k each on the spot), and introduced the leadership of the Commonwealth Coalition. Their primary person positively rocks. She was positive and eloquent, and presented a sincere belief that we can win this fight.

That's really what it takes. If we enter in a defeatist manner and say "oh no, wah, we cannot win, VA is too conservative (as many said in Tim Kaine's run for Gov), why waste the energy?" then all is lost anyway. If we put our best into play, if we educate and appeal to the wisdom and fundamental fairness of people, we can defeat this nightmare.

It will take turnout. Huge turnout. Negativity about the inevitability of losing will decrease turnout. Positivity about the real possibility of being the first state to reject an amendment against marriage leads to victory.

Donate to The Commonwealth Coalition. Even if you don't live in VA, this is a crossroads in the battle. If we can stop HATE in its tracks here, we will send a clarion call that the battle is joined, the tide has turned, and the forces of hate that have had so much voice in our society during the Bush Disaster will no longer dominate the debate.

Posted: Sun - April 9, 2006 at 11:00 AM          
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