Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I have a great US Senator: Thank you Mrs. Boxer!
Dear Dr. Orey:
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for repealing the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of S.3065, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, which would repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and prohibit discrimination of service members on the basis of sexual orientation.
As you may know, a version of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act was incorporated into the Department of Defense Authorization bill for Fiscal Year 2011. Unfortunately, the minority members of the Senate have blocked the defense bill from being considered by the full Senate. I am hopeful that we will have another opportunity to consider this important legislation before Congress adjourns this year.
Most Americans believe that qualified young men and women should be able to serve their country regardless of their sexual orientation. Thousands of service men and women have been discharged from the military under DADT, costing taxpayers at least $290 million to replace discharged soldiers.
Be assured that I will keep working to end sure this hurtful policy as soon as possible and I will continue my efforts to achieve full equality for all Americans both in military and civilian life.
Again, thank you for writing to me on this important issue. Please free to contact me again about this or any other issue of concern to you.
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
I have a great Congresswoman...Thank you Mrs Matsui!
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October 5, 2010
Dr. Daniel C. Orey
Sacramento, California 95821
Dear Daniel:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the Student Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 4530). I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
You will be pleased to know that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 4530. As you know, this legislation would prohibit public schools from discriminating against a student on the basis of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. It would provide the federal departments and agencies with the authority to suspend educational assistance to institutions that violate these requirements.
H.R. 4530 was introduced in the House on January 27, 2010 and referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor, where it is pending further action. Please know that as a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I have continuously supported efforts that seek to promote civil rights and encourage equality, and I will persist in working with my colleagues towards equal rights for all Americans. Additionally, I will be sure to keep your support in mind should H.R. 4530 come up for a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Thank you once again for taking the time to share your views with me regarding the Student Non-Discrimination Act. To learn more about my work in Congress, or to sign up for periodic e-mail updates, please visit my website at www.house.gov/matsui.
Sincerely, DORIS O. MATSUI Member of Congress |
Via JMG: Celebrities Speak Out On Bullying
Last night CNN's Larry King hosted Nate Berkus, Tim Gunn, Wanda Sykes, Kathy Griffin and Lance Bass for an extended discussion on bullying and gay teen suicide. Bass revealed that he used to bully gay kids himself in order to provide cover to his own sexuality.
Via JMG: CALIFORNIA: Courage Campaign Staffer Attack By NOM Bus Tour Supporter
The Courage Campaign reports that the man pictured above attacked their cameraman during a stop on NOM's bus tour in California. The man, who claimed to be the owner of the property, angrily told Anthony that this was private property, and quickly struck Anthony in the arm, knocking the camera to the ground. Our tour camera has been damaged, and we’re not sure that footage can be recovered. (Update: Anthony is shaken up, but fine. Thanks to all of you for inquiring.) The Santa Ana police were quick to respond. They quickly stopped the Vota Tus Valores Bus from making a quick getaway, and a complaint has been filed with the police for battery. More to come on the legal proceedings as it comes in.NOM's latest hate tour has been even more unattended than the last one with little to no advance publicity for its stops. Many are wondering what the actual purpose of the entire tour may be.
Via JMG: Quote Of The Day - Daniel Radcliffe
"Learning about the suicide deaths of Tyler Clementi, Seth Walsh, Asher Brown, Billy Lucas and Justin Aaberg has been heartbreaking for me. These young people were bullied and tormented by people that should have been their friends. We have a responsibility to be better to each other, and accept each others' differences regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ability, or religion and stand up for someone when they're bullied. When a friend is feeling depressed or says they're thinking of killing themselves, we must take it seriously and get them help. You can make a difference in someone's life by learning the warning signs for suicide and how you can help someone who is suicidal by visiting the Trevor Project."My deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of these excellent young people. And to all the young people who are being bullied right now, you are not alone. Call the Trevor Lifeline at 866 4-U-TREVOR, because there's always someone there who will listen and who can help." - Actor Daniel Radcliffe, as quoted on MTV.com.
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