As you recall, Metcalfe is running for Lt. Governor. In spite of his lofty looney ideals, he's also pragmatically running for his House seat, too. Cause powerful is as powerful does. Something like that.
Metcalfe told the Post-Gazette that he isn't about to be some namby-pamby Lt. Governor. He'll govern like a man, for God's sake (literally). God help the gays, women, immigrants, veterans, environmentalists, poor people, and pretty much anyone who isn't a god-fearing, sermon-swallowing, blue eyed blond haired, baby popping patriot. Amen.
Mr. Metcalfe shrugged off the angry calls for his resignation that greeted his criticism. He has been similarly outspoken on issues such as gay marriage, charging that proponents of liberalized marriage laws were advancing "a homosexual agenda."
Mr. Metcalfe said he is optimistic that he will emerge at the front of the nine-candidate GOP field that includes Bucks County Commissioner Jim Cawley, who was endorsed last month by the Republican State Committee.
"I think that we have a very strong base of supporters across the state from our work on areas like the Second Amendment, pro-life, marriage, illegal alien issues," he said. "I think we're going to have a very good chance of upsetting the establishment and its hand-picked candidate."
You know my recent visit to the Marriage License office in Allegheny County has made me completely unsympathetic to defenders of marriage. The idea that allowing a 16 year old to marry while forbidding me at 39 to make that same decision is ... stupid. 16?
I suppose we have to give Mr. Metcalfe props for not using the terms "illegals," but otherwise it is the same shameful hate-mongering that continues to plague the Republican party.
Gotta love when the white guy with a hefty salary and a pension is critiquing "the establishment."
I don't often pull over in the middle of the work day to make a phone call, but today was an exception. When I received an email about a potential vote on the so-called "Marriage Protection" amendment, I dialed fellow blogger Maria Lupinacci of 2 Political Junkies and asked her to help me organize a blog swarm on the topic. Within minutes, she agreed and a few hours later, had a logo in my inbox. See earlier post for that!
We have a chance to "make some history" folks, according to the ACLU. Twice this amendment has come up in the Senate and both times it was defeated by procedural maneuvers. It has never been simply voted down.
This year, we have a chance to get that vote down once and for all so the Senate can focus on the business of governing this Commonwealth instead of monitoring my family like we are terrorists. Remember that 100+ day delay with last year's budget? Should we really waste a precious moment of the months leading up to budget negotiations on an issue that has already been legislatively addressed by the Pennsylvania DOMA?
Who to call. Call the Harrisburg office (use your cell phone). Email messages are not going to work on this one.
Mary Jo White (717) 787-9684 Butler (part), Clarion, Erie (part), Forest, Venango and Warren (part) Counties
** Special note that Senator White has spoken against this amendment in the past. Please thank her for that and ask her to vote no. This is a vote that can make an impact **
Jane Earll (717) 787-8927 Erie (part) County
Jane Orie (717) 787-6538 Allegheny (part) and Butler (part) Counties
Our friends who always appreciate a thank you
Jay Costa (717) 787-7683 Allegheny County
Wayne Fontana (717) 787-5300 Allegheny County
This is quite important. Many of the folks in this committee use Facebook, Twitter and so forth. I have a list here. Use social media to spread the word to your friends, family and contacts. Update your FB status.
We have an unprecedented 5 day (including the weekend) window to make contact with these Senators. I know you know gay folks and allies up in Jane Orie's district. Don't write her off. Let her know you are paying attention. Never underestimate yourself.
Back in 2008, 14 Pittsburgh blogs participated in our first Blog for Equality event to speak out against the attempt by the Pennsylvania Senate to amend our constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman, the so-called "Marriage Protection" Amendment. The "blog swarm" as it is sometimes described was successful, albeit not singlehandedly responsible for the failure of that legislation to make it out of committee.
Fast forward two years. The Senate is once again discussing this issue and we anticipate a vote in the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. More details from the ACLU of PA:
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Senate Bill 707 next Tuesday, March 16, at 11:30am. As you know, SB 707 is the latest incarnation of a state constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage.
Like many controversial, close votes, this could go either way.
It's not hyperbole to say that we have a chance to make history. We have never won an up-or-down vote on the marriage amendment. We've beaten this in the past by winning procedural maneuvers. But now we have that chance. Let's make the most of it.
So I am announcing Blog for Equality Pittsburgh 2010. I ask my comrade bloggers throughout the region (and the Commonwealth) to dedicate one post on Monday, March 15, 2010 to the topic of this amendment.
We have an official Blog for Equality Pittsburgh 2010 button for you to add to your post (h/t 2pj Maria)
If you'll send me a link, I'll update this page with a permanent archive of bloggers speaking out against embedding discrimination into our Constitution. The swarm is open to any and all bloggers so please spread the word. You don't have to be gay to disapprove of discrimination and you certainly don't have to have a politial blog to participate in a day of action. We have an unprecedented opportunity to vote NO on discrimination and allow the State Senate to move forward on the critical issues all of our families face.
More later on how you can help make sure this amendment is not voted out of committee.
And MyGov365.com which is still in beta is gathering feedback on the bill to pass along. I've been a beta tester and they were responsive enough to modify LGBT information already.
We have a shout out from Pam's House Blend via twitter ....
Local blogger Thomas Waters has been writing about this topic all month and has this post up with general information on the legislation.
Virginia does not include sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression as protected classes in the state's anti-discrimination laws. Some Universities, Colleges and private employers in Virginia do include some or all of these classes.
Recently, the Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) issued a legal opinion aka warning to the public academic community (recipients of state funding) that they could not unilaterally broaden the protected classes, something many students have worked tirelessly to accomplish. Response from the student community and groups like the Young Democrats was swift.
Response from nearby Maryland was swift, too. Maryland State Senator Richard S. Madaleno (D-Montgomery) issued this statement with regard to an employer deciding between Maryland and Virginia (all about the jobs!)
Madaleno, who is gay, wrote that new Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) are "turning back the clock" on gay rights, as Maryland's attorney general has announced the state will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Virginia voters in 2006 amended the state constitution to prohibit gay marriage.
Virginia Governor McDonnell blinked and decided to the "right" thing by issuing a useless directive instructing Virginians not to discriminate against LGBT persons. It has no enforcement-ability. It is a move designed to pander to the business community ("Please don't go to the state that has actual tolerance!") without protecting Virginia residents.
Virginia's legislature, on the other hand, tried to actually make discrimination against gays illegal.
Del. David Englin (D-Alexandria) also rose to address the House, recalling his parents and grandparents' stories of anti-Semitic discrimination by employers. Englin said the state must act to protect Virginia's reputation as a desirable place to do business because some companies might see the state as intolerant.
"Let there be no mistake - Ken Cuccinelli wants to hang a sign in front of the public colleges and universities of this Commonwealth that reads 'Gays need not apply,'" Englin said.
But Del. Robert Marshall, (R-Prince William) argued that gay people needed no "special protections" and said that the term "sexual orientation" was so broad that it would protect behaviors that could not be discussed in public.
Sound familiar? Well, it should, dear reader. Because Pennsylvania is not the far removed from this scenario.
Lack of protections in Pennsylvania? Yes, it is legal to refuse housing, fire people and kick them out of restaurants because we are gay or trans. A friend reported that this recently happened to her uncle in Beaver County. And there's not a damn thing he can do about it. CHECK
Universities with expanded protections? Yes, this has been an issue of contention but some public (and many private) Universities and Colleges include these classes in their anti-discrimination protections. CHECK
Wingnut Attorney General? CHECK
State threats against academic institutions? Yes, in 1999 the Commonwealth passed a law that exempted universities from providing domestic partner benefits in spite of municipal non-discrimination ordinances. Pitt eventually did the right thing, but the precedent for the State Government to meddle has been established. CHECK
Pending legislation? Legislation (HB 300) sits in the House awaiting movement. It will amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include gender identity, sexual orientation and gender presentation. Meanwhile, the Senate has for the third time introduced legislation to amend the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. CHECK
Differences? Our wingnut AG is running for Governor. The three main contenders for the Democratic endorsement all state support for HB 300. Wagner has an established, albeit uneven, voting record on LGBT issues but not support full LGBT equality. Onorato has no voting record, has taken no action to offer domestic partner benefits to his own employees and does not support full LGBT equality. By "full LGBT equality" I mean marriage.
Joe Hoeffel has an established voting record. Employees in his County have domestic partner benefits. He supports full and total equality for the LGBT community.
Based on their records, not their promises, who do you think is most likely to issue a "directive" rather than lead government to legalize equality?
To being the Virginia analogy full circle, who among these three men do you think will create a culture in Pennsylvania that welcomes businesses who value tolerance and equality because they need to attract the best and the brightest? Maryland is not that far away from Pennsylvania. Can we really risk losing employers and well-paying jobs by electing a Governor who will not stand FIRM against attempts to take us backwards?
We don't need marriage equality tomorrow to continue being economically viable. We do need an Executive Branch that is proactive in creating a more tolerant state culture for everyone.
Virginia is only for certain lovers. Let's make Pennsylvania for everyone. Joe Hoeffel for Governor. Donate today. Your $10 can make a difference.
Now is the time, according to Thomas C. Waters, for you to have a significant impact on the attempt to move the "Marriage Protection" amendment out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Check out his blog for details.
Two quick side notes of interest.
Senator Barry Stout's seat is up for grabs as he retires. Stout voted to move the marriage amendment out of committee in 2008. One strong contender for the seat is House Rep Tim Solobay who was one of a very few Western PA Democrats to vote AGAINST a similar amendment in 2006 (the House did not vote on this issue in 2008). I have a list of his district so now is also a chance to identify and elect an ally to reclaim a Senate seat from those who believe we should add discrimination to the PA Constitution.
One of cosponsors of this bill is a Western PA Democrat, Senator Kasunic from the Fayette/Westmoreland/Washington county area. Now is a good time to follow the link to see if you have friends or family in that neck of the woods. Now is a good time to make those real time phone calls (as opposed to email) so he knows what his constituents think about him being front and center in promoting discrimination.
I think this might be a race to watch if Bracken and Maggi give good primary challenges. Bracken looks good on MH funding which is near and dear to my heart.
The Wheatley/Payne race will certainly be interesting, but from an LGBT perspective both are good on our particular issues. From a "what the heck is going on in Pittsburgh politics" perspective -- it will be quite a ride.
Back here in the Northside, Ravenstahl (#Chet4Pgh) is an unknown entity. He's running on his brother's coattails and Luke has done nothing to be proactive on LGBT issues; he's all reactivity. I don't know anything about Keller and I can say that Tuinstra has been proactive in seeking out the LGBT Steel City questionnaire.
Very early feedback. But nice to have some races to watch. I hope they all return the questionnaire's for transparency sake.
Lehigh Valley Ramblings isn't swayed by the Onorato machine.
I've been feeling so run down this week that I haven't really surfed my usual blogs, relying on email and Twitter for the most critical news. The highlight of my week was learning that the cat we saved is literally expected to give birth in days. Thank goodness we got her there in time. She's in an expert foster home. Sweet girl.
There's a House hearing on DADT which has been live blogged and live tweeted. I'm increasingly fond of the live tweet, but find myself struggling to compose a blog summary. Maybe that's just because I'm under the weather.
Final word, the Steel City Stonewall Democrat have their questionnaires out. They are due back by March 14 and the endorsement meeting is set for March 28, 2010. To vote, you need to be a current member. Dues start at $15 and up. This could be the best indicator of what Western PA progressives are thinking (and how they are planning to vote). Be part of this decision. Join and support the gay political community.
If you care enough to read what is a significantly political LGBTQ blog, please care enough to help shape the LGBTQ endorsement. Membership starts at $15 per person. This is absolutely your best chance to make "one vote, one person" speak loud and clear about our community priorities.
On Sunday, March 28th Steel-City Stonewall Democrats (SCSD) will convene its membership to vote on which candidates will receive the organization?s endorsement for the May 18th, 2010 Primary Election. WHEN: Sunday, March 28th from 2:30pm - 5:00pm WHERE: Hyde Park Restaurant in the Del Monte Bldg, 247 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA15212 WHO: Candidates running for elected offices in the Pittsburgh Region including candidates for Governor and the U.S. Senate, Steel-City Members, others who value LGBT equality and political empowerment WHAT: Meet and greet over some free grub and cash bar; Hear candidate speeches and have a chance to ask questions, vote WHY: Become familiar with your elected officials and strengthen the voice of the LGBT community in the political process
HOW MUCH: free for Steel-City members (only members can vote), $5 for non members
To become a voting member of Steel-City Stonewall Democrats visit our website at www.steel-city.org
I'm very pleased that Steel-City Stonewall Democrats are on the search for a volunteer to focus solely on social media. I've been working on this project with other local LGBT social media users and really want to applaud the group for embracing these tools to support their mission. The job description is also attached to this post as a Word document that you can circulate.
This is a concrete way someone who has social media experience and a desire to be part of the solution can get involved. There are also opportunities for folks to serve as "aggegrators" to help keep the organization's followers, fans and tweeps well informed on issues related to the group's mission. What an excellent opportunity for Pittsburgh!
Please repost this information.
Volunteer Description:Social Media Editor for SteelCity Stonewall Democrats
Steel-City Stonewall Democrats, a chapter of the national Stonewall Democrats, is looking for an experienced social media user to coordinate social media activities for the organization.This position will require daily monitoring of political and LGBT information on a local, statewide and national level and the dissemination of this information to the members of the Steel-City Stonewall chapter. Steel-City Stonewall is a regional chapter of a National organization with over 90 chapters and offers a unique opportunity to engage individuals at a grassroots level to be involved with the LGBT movement and the political process.
This position will require daily monitoring of political and LGBT information on a local,statewide and national level and the dissemination of this information to the
members of the Steel City Stonewall chapter.The editor will recruit and oversee
volunteer aggregators who will feed relevant information to the editor to be reviewed and filtered by the editor for dissemination.Aggregators can include members of the organization as well as allies. Posting to Twitter/Facebook/related feeds twice
daily on weekdays and once daily on weekends. ** Can be shared duty. Monitoring
comments section of blog to ensure compliance with guidelines.
The editor will chair a social media committee and attend board meetings on a
bimonthly basis to coordinate projects with the organization leadership.S/he will maintain regular contact with the Executive Committee as well as the board liaison to the committee.The board will make themselves available to provide guidance as needed.
Posting priorities will be coordinated by the board. For example, if the board
identifies a critical race, the status updates should educate followers on relevant
mainstream media and blog coverage of said race. The individual should have experience using social media tools such as Twitter,Facebook, MySpace and Flicker among others and be able tocommit to 5 hoursper week with primary duties during weekday hours.
The editor will recruit and oversee volunteer aggregators who will feed relevant information to the editor to be filtered for dissemination.Aggregators can include members of the organization as well as allies.
Responsibilities will include:
Reviewing aggregated information as submitted by volunteers.
Posting to Twitter/Facebook/related feeds at least twice daily on weekdays and once daily on weekends. ** Can be shared duty.
Monitoring comments section of blog to ensure compliance with guidelines.
Recruiting social media volunteers to support this project and supervising their delegated projects.
Maintaining confidentiality of the SCSD membership list
Interested persons should contact Lance Friedman at lance@steel-city.org Please provide links to your twitter feed, blog and/or facebook page for review.
Found this on Twitter last night. It is a spreadsheet snapshot of how the candidates in these two races are using Twitter and Facebook AND how effectively they are using it.
Corbett is kicking ass.
He has the second highest number of Tweeps (400) and the second highest number of Facebook fans (1,565). The leading contends split those categories, so Corbett comes out the winner.
Whataattttt?
Progressives, wherefore art thou? How can the wingnuts be taking over Twitter and Facebook? Is social media becoming the new AM radio? Gulp.
(I did a quick peek at the numbers. They have changed in the past 24 hours, but the point is still valid).
Let's take a closer look at this.
HOEFFEL is updating Twitter and Facebook a few times each week, leaving room for improvement. These media sources are prime opportunities for Hoeffel to pick up huge numbers of followers with an affinity for the media and the message. He gets points for interactions. Still, I'm fairly socially connected and I'm not seeing the Hoeffelians work their social media magic for their guy. <rolls up sleeves>
ONORATO updates Twitter about once a month and Facebook at about the same rate. Very little interaction with the exception of people pleading with him to pay attention to their nooks of the state. I'm a little astounded that Onorato is basically ignoring these forms of media. Even my Dad is on Facebook and he's probably a Republican that Onorato could pick off if he reached out to him with his socially conservative message. Ah, I wonder if that's the rub ... I'm also perplexed that with all the $$ he seems to be raising, he doesn't have someone focused on social media.
WAGNER updates twitter at least daily and Facebook almost as often, but has very few followers relative to the other candidates. There's also quite a bit of comments on his FB wall. So he gets bonus points for using the media, but leaves me wondering if his base is a bit past the social media median age? Plus, here's a good example of how politics as usual is at play:
I'd personally find it more comfortable if Janice Snyder pledged her personal vote, rather than bringing her office into it. I don't want the Clerk of Courts in Fayette County to support a candidate. Maybe its just me?
KNOX is using Twitter several times a week. He's bungling Facebook. He has a personal page, but his fan page has 19 followers. There's one post. I can't take someone seriously who does this.
CORBETT is doing a good job. He is one of the few campaigns connecting FB to Twitter and back which accounts for consistent numbers in both categories. His tweets are consistent and interesting. His FB features photos, comments and interactions. Such as this.
You have the links to look up the others.
So, progressives and the people following Onorato and Wagner ... your charge is clear. The beauty of both Facebook and Twitter is that we the people can do some of the heavy lifting. We can "share" the Facebook pages with our friends and invite them to become fans. We can use Twitter's #FollowFriday and plain old shout outs to encourage our Tweeps to follow our candidate.
We can also drive content. Post our links and stories on Facebook. Use the @ function on Twitter to draw people's attention to the candidates Twitter accounts. Post links from the MSM to both. There's a lot you, dear reader, can do if you want to make an impact.
Now if you click to the Senate race, you'll see a different situation. The old white straight guy, Specter, is the new social media frontrunner. It isn't even close.
So what accounts for the difference? Both are statewide races so I don't think we can blame the Philadephia elite progressives for this one. Your thoughts?
