I don't like being told what to do.
I support Joe Hoeffel and I think an impressive turnout from the progressive base will help Sestak AND send a message that we are a force. I get that there are progressives who support other candidates and believe sincerely they are doing the right thing. Which they are. For them.
Regardless of the outcome, my admiration and respect for Joe as a statewide leader will not diminish. I'm not that kind of progressive.
I get that we have to hit the ground running on May 19 to ensure Corbett doesn't become the Governor, but you aren't going to win me over by pounding that in my head. I'm stubborn. And I have enough common sense that if Joe wins, I will be incredibly happy but not expect you to embrace him right off the bat.
I think the entire state is best served by a progressive candidate like Joe ... not just on social issues, but as a womb owning lesbian ... those issues matter. I've also connected the dots from social issues to economic issues a thousand times. I want to control my body and my future.
Regardless of the outcomes, progressive of all stripes will be part of the momentum toward November. Let's be adult enough to recognize the consensus is the tool, not demands. I honestly think Sestak changes the game and I'm really intrigued to see what shakes out.
I'm not retreating from my positions. Someone told me I've been hard on Onorato. I believe my opinions are based on his voting record and certainly do not stem from personal animosity -- I've never met him in person. It is my job to advocate for the candidate that will best serve my community -- my queer community and my community of women and my community of working and lower rung folks. That's doesn't make me mean, just insistent.
I invite all comers to continue the dialogue. I hope I've convinced you to vote and I appreciate the feedback that one lesbian can make an impact by simply refusing to be silenced. We need more LGBTQ voices to engage the system, not duck underneath it. That helps no one.
Holding elected leaders accountable is part of our job as advocates and activists. I hope Get Equal rolls into Pittsburgh and generates the connection between the queer community through the power of activism. Rest assured, we have battles left to fight. We have meetings with waffling legislators, but maybe we have a need for direct action as well. Maybe we need to sit in Joe Markosek's office instead of fruitlessly trying to get a meeting.
Marriage? Posh, let's be realistic. I want to preserve my job (HB 300), deal with bigots who hate on us (Hate Crimes), eliminate unfair taxes that keep me financially oppressed (Domestic Partner Equality Act) and protect LGBTQ kids (Foster Care Bill of Rights). Marriage equality could do a lot of that, tis true.
But I'm a realist. I wish to God Senator Daylin Leach was using his considerable skills to champion a Senate companion bill to HB 300. We need to freakin figure that dynamic out.
Enough for tonight. Vote.
sdf
