Governor Brownback promised during his campaign to clean up old and outdated legislation.
He actually followed through with this pledge and created the "Office of the Repealer". Groups can schedule meetings with this office to go over out dated Kansas Laws..
The Kansas Equality Coalition, an LGBT Equality group with 11 chapter statewide and a full time lobbyist saw an opportunity to get some discriminatory and UNCONSTITUTIONAL laws off the Kansas statutes.
Specifically the same sex sodomy laws, which were struck down back in 2003 by the Supreme Court of the United States in a case Lawrence v Texas.
After meeting with Gov Brownbacks office of the Repealer we knew that our request would most likely be lost or denied for some off the wall reason- you can tell the staff member taking our request was incredibly uncomfortable...
After hearing nothing the KEC decided to get a Repeal Bill started in the House and Senate..
The Bill was voted out of a Senate Committee to be heard and voted on, on the Senate floor- no Vote has taken place...
A similar House Bill was making its way through a committee this week when 2 of the committee members decided that this outdated and UNCONSTITUTIONAL law didn't need to be repealed...at least that is what their excuse it- so they amended the Bill and stripped the repeal language out...WHY is the question at hand...
Well we have a pretty good idea- they say that this UNCONSTITUTIONAL law repeal would have possibly slowed down other more pertinent legislation it was attached too... REALLY??? IT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL--how in the world could it have slowed down other Bills???
Oh yes-- I know-- because it was a law that had to do with GAYS..
What a sickening excuse that was given by Jan Pauls-- DEM of Hutchinson KS--Yes-- I said DEMOCRAT. Mrs Pauls - an attorney and former Judge knows the law inside and out-- she knows this was an UNCONSTITUTIONAL Law- she didn't want to REPEAL it- she wants it left on the books..WHY YOU ASK??
Because she has a problem with LGBT persons.. anytime she can she refuses to help on LGBT issues in the name of religion.
Pauls is the ONLY legislator that goes out of her way to testify AGAINST LGBT non discrimination laws anytime they are brought up in the Kansas Legislature which has been every year in the last five years.. According to her testimony- having protections for LGBT people is not necessary--as people don't know you are GAY unless you tell someone- so the GAYS need to keep their mouths shut...She understands that African Americans and people of color need protections because they cant change the color of their skin, but the gays-- they need to keep quiet and no one will every know and then they won't discriminate....she doesn't like having business owners, landlords having to hire/rent to LGBT persons because it could infringe on their religious principals.....AMAZING HUH????
Not repealing an UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAW, one that has been deemed that way for EIGHT years is nothing more that spitting in the faces of those on the Supreme Court.
Kansans need to say we have had enough...
If they are willing to not risk a false arrest or unconstitutional prosectution due to an outdated law being on the books - that is nothing but malfeasance of office- she is NOT supporting the KANSAS and US Constitution....
The law was on its way being repealed and they took the time to STOP the process.....
Doesnt sound to me like they want the law off the books to me.....
To learn more about this and other LGBT issues please go to http://www.facebook.com.kechutch/ or http://www.kansasequalitycoalition.org/
Thanks for reading.....
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Will Kansans ever say ENOUGH is ENOUGH??
Many Kansans do not understand that it is LEGAL to DISCRIMINATE!!??!!!
Some do, and apparently want it to continue....
Kansas House member Jan Pauls, Democrat of Hutchinson, is one that obviously wants DISCRIMINATION to CONTINUE.
Paul's, an 8 term Legislator, is the ONLY Representative to CONTINUALLY-year after year- testify AGAINST any NON-DISCRIMINATION Law that is introduced in the Kansas Legislature that would make discriminating against GLBT Kansans illegal.
The gist of her testimony is that employers and landlords as well as business owners should be able to hire, rent or provide services to who they want to without repercussion. She doesn't want employers and business owners "religious beliefs" being burdened by having to hire someone GAY...That is DISCRIMINATION at its best and when it infringes on peoples rights it is time to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Kansas- lets keep religion and politics seperate...
Discrimination is discrimination, plan and simple.. It needs to END and it needs to END NOW. If you continue to allow it- you might as well join the Phelps and help spread there vile rhetoric.
Where are all of the MODERATE/CENTRIST Kansans that say they are fiscally conservative but socially welcoming?
WE NEED YOU!
Help my friends and I end this ridiculousness...
Please consider donating your time, energy and money over the next several months so we can pass a NON- DISCRIMINATION LAW in KANSAS, or in our local cities. One way or the other we want protections--NOTHING SPECIAL as the opposition says we want-- just the Rights everyone else has.
As a GAY man, I loathe the idea that an employer has a right not to hire me or one of my intelligent friends or a landlord does not have to lease to us just because our sexual orientation...Come on Kansas...ISN'T IT WAY PAST TIME??? EQUALITY FOR ALL!!!
Close to 90% of Kansans personally know someone who is GAY or LESBIAN. They are our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, nieces, nephews, co-workers, neighbors and friends.
If you want to help, please join the Kansas Equality Coalition . We welcome EVERY law abiding, non discriminating Kansan who believes in diversity!! We appreciate your memberships and donations! Our opposition is well financed and very organized...you can help us by joining and getting involved.
Another way to HELP is to share this with everyone you know...Lets make Kansas known for EQUALITY instead of being the home to the Phelps clan...
Find our KEC Chapter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kechutch .
Thanks for listening...
Remember......please don't be silent....
SILENCE = ACCEPTANCE
Some do, and apparently want it to continue....
Kansas House member Jan Pauls, Democrat of Hutchinson, is one that obviously wants DISCRIMINATION to CONTINUE.
Paul's, an 8 term Legislator, is the ONLY Representative to CONTINUALLY-year after year- testify AGAINST any NON-DISCRIMINATION Law that is introduced in the Kansas Legislature that would make discriminating against GLBT Kansans illegal.
The gist of her testimony is that employers and landlords as well as business owners should be able to hire, rent or provide services to who they want to without repercussion. She doesn't want employers and business owners "religious beliefs" being burdened by having to hire someone GAY...That is DISCRIMINATION at its best and when it infringes on peoples rights it is time to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Kansas- lets keep religion and politics seperate...
Discrimination is discrimination, plan and simple.. It needs to END and it needs to END NOW. If you continue to allow it- you might as well join the Phelps and help spread there vile rhetoric.
Where are all of the MODERATE/CENTRIST Kansans that say they are fiscally conservative but socially welcoming?
WE NEED YOU!
Help my friends and I end this ridiculousness...
Please consider donating your time, energy and money over the next several months so we can pass a NON- DISCRIMINATION LAW in KANSAS, or in our local cities. One way or the other we want protections--NOTHING SPECIAL as the opposition says we want-- just the Rights everyone else has.
As a GAY man, I loathe the idea that an employer has a right not to hire me or one of my intelligent friends or a landlord does not have to lease to us just because our sexual orientation...Come on Kansas...ISN'T IT WAY PAST TIME??? EQUALITY FOR ALL!!!
Close to 90% of Kansans personally know someone who is GAY or LESBIAN. They are our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, nieces, nephews, co-workers, neighbors and friends.
If you want to help, please join the Kansas Equality Coalition . We welcome EVERY law abiding, non discriminating Kansan who believes in diversity!! We appreciate your memberships and donations! Our opposition is well financed and very organized...you can help us by joining and getting involved.
Another way to HELP is to share this with everyone you know...Lets make Kansas known for EQUALITY instead of being the home to the Phelps clan...
Find our KEC Chapter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kechutch .
Thanks for listening...
Remember......please don't be silent....
SILENCE = ACCEPTANCE
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act aka State sponsored BIGOTRY and HATE
The Kansas State Legislature Judiciary Committee has introduced a Bill- HB2260 that is called the "Kansas Preservation of Religion Act". This Bill has been introduced by social conservatives, which seem to be most of the Kansas legislative contingent, since the slaughter in Nov 2010. Moderates on the Right were more reliable in many instances than Conservative Democrats, but they are gone, voted out, or have had to move farther Right in order to protect their office -- I bet you never thought we would use those two words together describing one person....crazy huh??
HB2260 would create the "Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act." The bill would prohibit state and local governments from substantially burdening a person’s religious exercise unless the government can prove that the burden is advancing a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive way of advancing the interest. A person who has been burdened or is substantially likely to be burdened under this Act, could file a judicial proceeding and a court could grant remedies described in the bill. The bill would apply to all government actions including but not limited to all state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies, including the implementation no matter when it was enacted or adopted.
From a GLBT perspective- if this Bill gets passed ,we are, to put it bluntly, screwed...
This law would prevent GLBT activists from working with local municipalities trying to pass non-discrimination ordinances, something that many groups around the country have started doing since State and Federal lawmakers have become so afraid of the powerful well funded, well organized, Religious Right.
The Bill also allows for "remedies" - against the group who is burdening the Religious folks. The remedies range from basic injunctive relief to significant financial awards.
Any current non discrimination ordinances on the books are in jeopardy if this passes.
If you haven't figured out the impact of this Bill yet- think about this....
This Bills intent was to STOP local LGBT ordinances where cities decide to add sexual orientation and gender identity- perceived or otherwise as a protected class- such as Race, Color, Natural Origin, Religion, Sex, Age and Disability Physical already are. None of the current protected classes place a burden on someones religion but sexual orientation does--it apparently PISSES OFF another protected class- some persons religious view..especially FRED PHELPS...
My point is this-- this proposed law STRENGTHENS the Phelps cause-- strengthens his hate--no bones about it- HE HATES.. Now, this law would allow him to SUE every city or county that would try and pass a LGBT non DISCRIMINATION ordinance because its places an "undue burden" on "his religion".
Any Religious organization who favors this-and there are MANY, are no better than the crazy man PHELPS - who PROMOTES HATE AND BIGOTRY all in the name of Religion...
The attorney for the Kansas Equality Coalition said it best last week when testifying in front of the Kansas Senate.. Bigotry wrapped in Prayer is still Bigotry...Amen Pedro...you hit the nail on the head!
If you are as offended as I am about this Bill- HB2260- please don't think there is nothing that can be done- your voice can and needs to be heard...
Please click the link below - call and email everyone of these legislators listed and tell them to VOTE AGAINST HB226O-- Religion is already a protected class- and Being GAY is STILL ILLEGAL in Kansas..IT MUST STOP!!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7832129234#!/topic.php?uid=7832129234&topic=20347
Lastly- at a Democratic function this evening in Hutchinson- I had the opportunity to visit with Jan Paul's- Democratic House member from Hutchinson. I introduced myself and asked Mrs Paul's to vote against this Bill as it want nothing but a Bill making HATE legal. She told me she hasn't studied it a lot but that she was MOST LIKELY going to vote IN FAVOR of the Bill as employers should not be required to hire someone that conflicts with the employers religious beliefs....ABSOLUTELY AMAZING...
Are we in IRAN or are we in KANSAS????????????????????????
HB2260 would create the "Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act." The bill would prohibit state and local governments from substantially burdening a person’s religious exercise unless the government can prove that the burden is advancing a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive way of advancing the interest. A person who has been burdened or is substantially likely to be burdened under this Act, could file a judicial proceeding and a court could grant remedies described in the bill. The bill would apply to all government actions including but not limited to all state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies, including the implementation no matter when it was enacted or adopted.
From a GLBT perspective- if this Bill gets passed ,we are, to put it bluntly, screwed...
This law would prevent GLBT activists from working with local municipalities trying to pass non-discrimination ordinances, something that many groups around the country have started doing since State and Federal lawmakers have become so afraid of the powerful well funded, well organized, Religious Right.
The Bill also allows for "remedies" - against the group who is burdening the Religious folks. The remedies range from basic injunctive relief to significant financial awards.
Any current non discrimination ordinances on the books are in jeopardy if this passes.
If you haven't figured out the impact of this Bill yet- think about this....
This Bills intent was to STOP local LGBT ordinances where cities decide to add sexual orientation and gender identity- perceived or otherwise as a protected class- such as Race, Color, Natural Origin, Religion, Sex, Age and Disability Physical already are. None of the current protected classes place a burden on someones religion but sexual orientation does--it apparently PISSES OFF another protected class- some persons religious view..especially FRED PHELPS...
My point is this-- this proposed law STRENGTHENS the Phelps cause-- strengthens his hate--no bones about it- HE HATES.. Now, this law would allow him to SUE every city or county that would try and pass a LGBT non DISCRIMINATION ordinance because its places an "undue burden" on "his religion".
Any Religious organization who favors this-and there are MANY, are no better than the crazy man PHELPS - who PROMOTES HATE AND BIGOTRY all in the name of Religion...
The attorney for the Kansas Equality Coalition said it best last week when testifying in front of the Kansas Senate.. Bigotry wrapped in Prayer is still Bigotry...Amen Pedro...you hit the nail on the head!
If you are as offended as I am about this Bill- HB2260- please don't think there is nothing that can be done- your voice can and needs to be heard...
Please click the link below - call and email everyone of these legislators listed and tell them to VOTE AGAINST HB226O-- Religion is already a protected class- and Being GAY is STILL ILLEGAL in Kansas..IT MUST STOP!!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7832129234#!/topic.php?uid=7832129234&topic=20347
Lastly- at a Democratic function this evening in Hutchinson- I had the opportunity to visit with Jan Paul's- Democratic House member from Hutchinson. I introduced myself and asked Mrs Paul's to vote against this Bill as it want nothing but a Bill making HATE legal. She told me she hasn't studied it a lot but that she was MOST LIKELY going to vote IN FAVOR of the Bill as employers should not be required to hire someone that conflicts with the employers religious beliefs....ABSOLUTELY AMAZING...
Are we in IRAN or are we in KANSAS????????????????????????
Friday, October 15, 2010
Will you be wearing purple?
With all the recent media attention on anti-gay bullying, I feel I must speak up to show my opposition for anti-gay bullying..
In the last 45 days 12 kids that we know about, age 12 to 21, have committed suicide because they were bullied for being gay or perceived as gay. It truly breaks my heart to hear the stories. Life must have been very horrible for them to think that killing themselves would end their pain. I cannot imagine what was going through their minds right before the pulling of the trigger, tightening the noose around the neck, jumping off a 6 story bridge to a cold fast flowing river, cramming 30 pain pills into there mouth. They all must have felt so helpless and defeated, like no one was there for them, no one at all. Alone in a world where all they heard was how bad they were, how wrong they were, how they were an abomination to God, a freak of nature, dirty, sin laiden and perverted.
I want to share with you some of the hatred and rhetoric that one of the kids, Zach Harrington, sat through just hours before he went home and hung himself. Zach, who was 19 years old, decided to attend a meeting of the Norman City Commission with some friends . The Commissioners were going to be discussing a proclamation to make October Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender history month. Zach went to the meeting to show support and participate in what was his first experience with city government. He and his friends were excited that the Norman Human Relations Commission had proposed this proclamation - a first for the city, who touts inclusion in their motto.
That excitement must have turned into fear for Zach after sitting through 3 hours of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX3ETx-fHXY&feature=player_embedded
Not all the comments during the public comment portion of the meeting were as terrible and negative as this misguided man, but the majority were and many of them were eerily similar. As it turns out, a few of the Evangelical mega churches had put out a "call to action" and packed the commission chambers with its members to voice opposition for the proclamation. Over 300 people attended the meeting with the majority being the far right evangelicals. This is really what frustrates me...Where we all of the people who believe in tolerance and equality? Why weren't they speaking up? Could Zach still be alive today if the majority of the comments were in favor of the GLBT proclamation?
This coming week, Wednesday, October 20th, is a day that we can remember all these kids who are victims. Yes, I said it, victims. Victims of intolerance and hate. Victim's of a society that traditionally hasn't stood up for them and demanded changes, including nondiscrimination and anti-bullying laws. Victims of lies and misinformation. Speaking of misinformation, the man in the video really needs to get his facts straight, no pun intended....
This is my CALL TO ACTION for you..This Wednesday, October 20th, please wear purple. By wearing purple you can show your support of G:LBT youth and opposition to anti-gay bullying. By participating, you can take a stance and send a message that says, "I oppose anti-gay bullying" and "I will NOT stand by and allow anti-gay bullying to happen in my community".
Will you stand will me? Will you wear purple??
= ity ROCKS!
**here is a link to the entire 3 hour public comment section of the Norman City Commission.
http://normanok.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=163
In the last 45 days 12 kids that we know about, age 12 to 21, have committed suicide because they were bullied for being gay or perceived as gay. It truly breaks my heart to hear the stories. Life must have been very horrible for them to think that killing themselves would end their pain. I cannot imagine what was going through their minds right before the pulling of the trigger, tightening the noose around the neck, jumping off a 6 story bridge to a cold fast flowing river, cramming 30 pain pills into there mouth. They all must have felt so helpless and defeated, like no one was there for them, no one at all. Alone in a world where all they heard was how bad they were, how wrong they were, how they were an abomination to God, a freak of nature, dirty, sin laiden and perverted.
I want to share with you some of the hatred and rhetoric that one of the kids, Zach Harrington, sat through just hours before he went home and hung himself. Zach, who was 19 years old, decided to attend a meeting of the Norman City Commission with some friends . The Commissioners were going to be discussing a proclamation to make October Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender history month. Zach went to the meeting to show support and participate in what was his first experience with city government. He and his friends were excited that the Norman Human Relations Commission had proposed this proclamation - a first for the city, who touts inclusion in their motto.
That excitement must have turned into fear for Zach after sitting through 3 hours of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX3ETx-fHXY&feature=player_embedded
Not all the comments during the public comment portion of the meeting were as terrible and negative as this misguided man, but the majority were and many of them were eerily similar. As it turns out, a few of the Evangelical mega churches had put out a "call to action" and packed the commission chambers with its members to voice opposition for the proclamation. Over 300 people attended the meeting with the majority being the far right evangelicals. This is really what frustrates me...Where we all of the people who believe in tolerance and equality? Why weren't they speaking up? Could Zach still be alive today if the majority of the comments were in favor of the GLBT proclamation?
This coming week, Wednesday, October 20th, is a day that we can remember all these kids who are victims. Yes, I said it, victims. Victims of intolerance and hate. Victim's of a society that traditionally hasn't stood up for them and demanded changes, including nondiscrimination and anti-bullying laws. Victims of lies and misinformation. Speaking of misinformation, the man in the video really needs to get his facts straight, no pun intended....
This is my CALL TO ACTION for you..This Wednesday, October 20th, please wear purple. By wearing purple you can show your support of G:LBT youth and opposition to anti-gay bullying. By participating, you can take a stance and send a message that says, "I oppose anti-gay bullying" and "I will NOT stand by and allow anti-gay bullying to happen in my community".
Will you stand will me? Will you wear purple??
= ity ROCKS!
**here is a link to the entire 3 hour public comment section of the Norman City Commission.
http://normanok.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=163
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Is Kansas the "State of Hate"?......
I have been waiting to write this blog since I started blogging over a month ago. Living in the "State of Hate" is how my gay friends from other parts of the country describe where I live.
The reason they call Kansas the "State of Hate" is because of Fred Phelps. Everyone in the gay community, from coast to coast, knows the name Fred Phelps. Mr Phelps blames everything on America's tolerance for HOMOSEXUALS..He has blamed the Greensburg tornado, earthquakes, tsunami's and many other natural disasters on gay people. He and televangelist Pat Roberts both blamed 9-11 on gays. Phelps and his flock, which is mostly family, are most visible at the funerals of fallen military members. Anytime you see these idiots on national TV- the announcer says- "the Topeka Kansas based Westboro Baptist church protested today at.....", so everyone in country thinks that Kansas is nothing but a breeding place of biggot's and homophobes, like him and his followers.
Here is the GOOD NEWS!
Kansas is actually pretty hip! A recent survey of Kansans has reported that 79% of those surveyed think that GLBT individual's deserve the same protections afforded to every other Kansan and that sexual orientation should be a protected class just as race, religion, ethnicity and the disabled.
Even though the Kansas Legislature doesn't believe that, almost 8 out of every 10 Kansans do.
91 percent surveyed had NO idea GLBT people weren't a protected class. They did not know that their GLBT friends could be FIRED or NOT HIRED just for being gay. They did not know that landlords could deny them housing or evict them just for being GLBT.
For the last 3 years a group call the Kansas Equality Coalition has been trying to get legislation passed to have sexual orientation added to the Kansas discrimination laws. Each year the proposed bill never makes it out of committee.
In 2007, a legislator from Hutchinson, was the ONLY person to testify AGAINST the bill. She told her fellow legislators that she understood why African Americans needed protections- because they can't change the color of their skin. As for gay people- they don't have to tell anyone they are gay, so there is not a need to protect them. REALLY, no need to protect- tell that to the kids who have killed themselves this month due to anti-gay bullying- tell the 18 year veteran of a company who was fired the day after the owner asked him if he was gay...tell that to the kid who had to move from his apartment due to repeated vandalism on his vehicle- where FAG was spray painted all over it.
How many times have you ever wondered if someone is gay? If your honest with yourself, you will agree that we all talk about people, we are human, we are curious. If the employer you have been working for, for the last 10 years has never ever seen you at company functions with anyone, and your in your thirties, what do people think- especially if you are a butch woman, a feminine man.- seriously?? Keep your mouths shut, and don't tell anyone--yeah right-- that's like wearing a bill board--I'M GAY!- Its is called PERCEPTION- even if your not....It makes NO sense at all.
In subsequent years, 2008-2010, the same bill has not gotten out of committee.
People in Kansas need to stand up and say- enough is enough.. It is time to show the GLBT individuals of Kansas and the rest of the country that we are not a bunch of biggot's and homophobes, WE ARE NOT the "State of Hate" described by my out of state friend's, we don't support the Fred Phelps type of people.
One last thing about the survey. 89% surveyed said they knew someone who identified as GLBT.
That is up from 63% when the same survey was done in 1993. Looks like most of us know someone who would benefit from these protections or continue to suffer if they are not passed. Brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, teacher, student, doctor, mechanic, business owner and neighbor- we are everywhere you look- the question is, do you see us? The better question is do you want to see us?
I think you do Kansas!
Help make Kansas a better place to live for everyone!
Support Employment Non-Discrimination legislation in Kansas....
The reason they call Kansas the "State of Hate" is because of Fred Phelps. Everyone in the gay community, from coast to coast, knows the name Fred Phelps. Mr Phelps blames everything on America's tolerance for HOMOSEXUALS..He has blamed the Greensburg tornado, earthquakes, tsunami's and many other natural disasters on gay people. He and televangelist Pat Roberts both blamed 9-11 on gays. Phelps and his flock, which is mostly family, are most visible at the funerals of fallen military members. Anytime you see these idiots on national TV- the announcer says- "the Topeka Kansas based Westboro Baptist church protested today at.....", so everyone in country thinks that Kansas is nothing but a breeding place of biggot's and homophobes, like him and his followers.
Here is the GOOD NEWS!
Kansas is actually pretty hip! A recent survey of Kansans has reported that 79% of those surveyed think that GLBT individual's deserve the same protections afforded to every other Kansan and that sexual orientation should be a protected class just as race, religion, ethnicity and the disabled.
Even though the Kansas Legislature doesn't believe that, almost 8 out of every 10 Kansans do.
91 percent surveyed had NO idea GLBT people weren't a protected class. They did not know that their GLBT friends could be FIRED or NOT HIRED just for being gay. They did not know that landlords could deny them housing or evict them just for being GLBT.
For the last 3 years a group call the Kansas Equality Coalition has been trying to get legislation passed to have sexual orientation added to the Kansas discrimination laws. Each year the proposed bill never makes it out of committee.
In 2007, a legislator from Hutchinson, was the ONLY person to testify AGAINST the bill. She told her fellow legislators that she understood why African Americans needed protections- because they can't change the color of their skin. As for gay people- they don't have to tell anyone they are gay, so there is not a need to protect them. REALLY, no need to protect- tell that to the kids who have killed themselves this month due to anti-gay bullying- tell the 18 year veteran of a company who was fired the day after the owner asked him if he was gay...tell that to the kid who had to move from his apartment due to repeated vandalism on his vehicle- where FAG was spray painted all over it.
How many times have you ever wondered if someone is gay? If your honest with yourself, you will agree that we all talk about people, we are human, we are curious. If the employer you have been working for, for the last 10 years has never ever seen you at company functions with anyone, and your in your thirties, what do people think- especially if you are a butch woman, a feminine man.- seriously?? Keep your mouths shut, and don't tell anyone--yeah right-- that's like wearing a bill board--I'M GAY!- Its is called PERCEPTION- even if your not....It makes NO sense at all.
In subsequent years, 2008-2010, the same bill has not gotten out of committee.
People in Kansas need to stand up and say- enough is enough.. It is time to show the GLBT individuals of Kansas and the rest of the country that we are not a bunch of biggot's and homophobes, WE ARE NOT the "State of Hate" described by my out of state friend's, we don't support the Fred Phelps type of people.
One last thing about the survey. 89% surveyed said they knew someone who identified as GLBT.
That is up from 63% when the same survey was done in 1993. Looks like most of us know someone who would benefit from these protections or continue to suffer if they are not passed. Brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, teacher, student, doctor, mechanic, business owner and neighbor- we are everywhere you look- the question is, do you see us? The better question is do you want to see us?
I think you do Kansas!
Help make Kansas a better place to live for everyone!
Support Employment Non-Discrimination legislation in Kansas....
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Why I named my blog, Blog 462....your gonna love this!
I am sure a few of you wonder why I named my blog, Blog 462. This is one of those stories, that when you hear it, the hairs on the back of your neck might tingle.
20 years ago when I was an officer with the Reno County Sheriffs Dept, I was assigned a badge number, that number was 462. I had to use this number when communicating with the 911 dispatchers, when filing cases and writing tickets. I was only a deputy for few years before going into business. I didn't really think much of the number 462, until it started showing up in my life very frequently. The first time I remember seeing 462 after my deputy stint, was on a Memorial day, a year or so after leaving the department. I was decorating my fathers grave and noticed the cemetery had a promotion for the holiday weekend. They were offering plots, interest free, if you signed up during the long weekend. I thought to myself that I probably needed to considwer taking advantage of this deal, especially if they have a site close to my parents.They looked it up and I was able to purchase a plot right next to where my father and mother were so I decided to sign up. Once I got all the paperwork filled out they told me that I would need to make monthly payement for 4 years and handed me several pre addressed envelopes. To my surprise it was an easy address to remember- PO Box 462 Hutchinson. I told my family who was with me that address would be easy to remember as it was my badge number from the Sheriffs Dept..Little did I know that number would start apprearing to me everywhere I went.
As I tell friends about this number that seems to show up all the time. The first thing most of them say is, you better play the lottery. I "never have" and "probably won't" is what my typical reponse is. I think this number means more than that.
Most of you are probably thinking I am off my rocker, so I will share with you a couple of the wildest examples of when and where this number has shown up. This is where you might get that tingly feeling I talked about earlier.
It isn't uncommon that when I an purchasing something that my purchase rings up for $4.62 or my change from a purchase is $4.62. That happens very often and if I am with someone who knows about 462, they shake their head in amazement. Driving around- I will see tags with the numbers 462 or semi trailers that have an ID number of 462, or mile markers showing 462. Some days or weeks I see it more often than others.
One of the most prolific stories I have about the number 462 is when I was on a getaway weekend to Oklahoma City with my niece Stephanie. We were visiting some of her friends who she hadn't seen for a few years. On our arrival we met everyone in the hotel bar during happy hour. We were catching up, having a few cocktails, telling them about our drive into the city. On the way down we stopped to get gas and bought some snacks the purchase totalled $4.62. Steph told them all about my special number, how bizarre it was and how many times it happens, they all speculated on what it meant. We decided to check in so we could drop the luggage off in our room and then head out to enjoy some of OKC's nightlife. The desk clerk at the Embassy Suites handed me my key and it happened again, my number made an appearance- I got room 462!!! Steph's friends were going crazy but only after they made sure that I had not called ahead and requested the room...To this day when Steph sees her friends from OKC they always bring up 462 and want to hear more of my stories.
The most incredible story about 462 comes from San Francisco. Steph and I were traveling together again. I was getting an award for Regional Manager of the year from my company. She has never been to the California, so we turned the business trip into a min-vacation in SF. We stayed at one of the hotels on Powell Street. We checked in to the hotel on Sunday afternoon after a night of dancing and cocktails on a private charter in the bay. Our room wasn't ready when we arrived so we had to wait in the lobby for a few minutes. The hotels restaurant was not open and I was in need of a little hydration from to much celebrating the night before. I asked Steph to go next door to a little cafe I saw when the taxi dropped us off, and get us something to drink. I watched the Chiefs play on a TV in the lobby while she was gone. When she walked back in the hotel, I knew something was wrong. She had this look on her face that told me something is not right. I asked, "whats going on"? Thinking maybe she ran into problems at the cafe. She handed me the cup of Iced tea and said LOOK, LOOK at the cup! She had handed me a styrofoam cup and I could not believe what I was seeing...The cup had the name of the business CAFE 462, and thats not all, the address was in large letters were... 462 POWELL ST. We both looked at each other in total disbelief. My number and them my last name--WOW.. I know we were staying on Powell St- but come on,--CAFE 462 at 462 Powell St..We didnt say anything to each other for a few minutes...we were both just so blown away.....
I could write a book on all the times this number has appeared in my life. As I said before, who knows what it really means. Is it a pure coincidence? Does it mean anything? Some will say yes, some will say no, it's just 3 numbers.
To me though, as many times as it has shown up, I believe its a marker someone has given to me. A marker to let me know that the path I'm on is the path I'm supposed to be on.
As long as I continue to see 462, I will believe that. When I stop seeing 462, that's when I will become concerned.
A few recent instances where my number has shown up include my most recent power bill, it was $462. A couple of weeks ago I pulled up to a gas pump and the person before me got $46.20 in fuel. Just today, embarassing at it is, I got an overdraw notice from one of my bank accounts. It is the account I use for my paypal purchases. I bought something and I forgot to move some money into it from my checking.
My account was overdrawn $46.20. The paypal purchase I made that caused me to e overdrawn was an art print I was debating on buying-I didnt know if I should buy it...... looks like now, I made the right decision......
20 years ago when I was an officer with the Reno County Sheriffs Dept, I was assigned a badge number, that number was 462. I had to use this number when communicating with the 911 dispatchers, when filing cases and writing tickets. I was only a deputy for few years before going into business. I didn't really think much of the number 462, until it started showing up in my life very frequently. The first time I remember seeing 462 after my deputy stint, was on a Memorial day, a year or so after leaving the department. I was decorating my fathers grave and noticed the cemetery had a promotion for the holiday weekend. They were offering plots, interest free, if you signed up during the long weekend. I thought to myself that I probably needed to considwer taking advantage of this deal, especially if they have a site close to my parents.They looked it up and I was able to purchase a plot right next to where my father and mother were so I decided to sign up. Once I got all the paperwork filled out they told me that I would need to make monthly payement for 4 years and handed me several pre addressed envelopes. To my surprise it was an easy address to remember- PO Box 462 Hutchinson. I told my family who was with me that address would be easy to remember as it was my badge number from the Sheriffs Dept..Little did I know that number would start apprearing to me everywhere I went.
As I tell friends about this number that seems to show up all the time. The first thing most of them say is, you better play the lottery. I "never have" and "probably won't" is what my typical reponse is. I think this number means more than that.
Most of you are probably thinking I am off my rocker, so I will share with you a couple of the wildest examples of when and where this number has shown up. This is where you might get that tingly feeling I talked about earlier.
It isn't uncommon that when I an purchasing something that my purchase rings up for $4.62 or my change from a purchase is $4.62. That happens very often and if I am with someone who knows about 462, they shake their head in amazement. Driving around- I will see tags with the numbers 462 or semi trailers that have an ID number of 462, or mile markers showing 462. Some days or weeks I see it more often than others.
One of the most prolific stories I have about the number 462 is when I was on a getaway weekend to Oklahoma City with my niece Stephanie. We were visiting some of her friends who she hadn't seen for a few years. On our arrival we met everyone in the hotel bar during happy hour. We were catching up, having a few cocktails, telling them about our drive into the city. On the way down we stopped to get gas and bought some snacks the purchase totalled $4.62. Steph told them all about my special number, how bizarre it was and how many times it happens, they all speculated on what it meant. We decided to check in so we could drop the luggage off in our room and then head out to enjoy some of OKC's nightlife. The desk clerk at the Embassy Suites handed me my key and it happened again, my number made an appearance- I got room 462!!! Steph's friends were going crazy but only after they made sure that I had not called ahead and requested the room...To this day when Steph sees her friends from OKC they always bring up 462 and want to hear more of my stories.
The most incredible story about 462 comes from San Francisco. Steph and I were traveling together again. I was getting an award for Regional Manager of the year from my company. She has never been to the California, so we turned the business trip into a min-vacation in SF. We stayed at one of the hotels on Powell Street. We checked in to the hotel on Sunday afternoon after a night of dancing and cocktails on a private charter in the bay. Our room wasn't ready when we arrived so we had to wait in the lobby for a few minutes. The hotels restaurant was not open and I was in need of a little hydration from to much celebrating the night before. I asked Steph to go next door to a little cafe I saw when the taxi dropped us off, and get us something to drink. I watched the Chiefs play on a TV in the lobby while she was gone. When she walked back in the hotel, I knew something was wrong. She had this look on her face that told me something is not right. I asked, "whats going on"? Thinking maybe she ran into problems at the cafe. She handed me the cup of Iced tea and said LOOK, LOOK at the cup! She had handed me a styrofoam cup and I could not believe what I was seeing...The cup had the name of the business CAFE 462, and thats not all, the address was in large letters were... 462 POWELL ST. We both looked at each other in total disbelief. My number and them my last name--WOW.. I know we were staying on Powell St- but come on,--CAFE 462 at 462 Powell St..We didnt say anything to each other for a few minutes...we were both just so blown away.....
I could write a book on all the times this number has appeared in my life. As I said before, who knows what it really means. Is it a pure coincidence? Does it mean anything? Some will say yes, some will say no, it's just 3 numbers.
To me though, as many times as it has shown up, I believe its a marker someone has given to me. A marker to let me know that the path I'm on is the path I'm supposed to be on.
As long as I continue to see 462, I will believe that. When I stop seeing 462, that's when I will become concerned.
A few recent instances where my number has shown up include my most recent power bill, it was $462. A couple of weeks ago I pulled up to a gas pump and the person before me got $46.20 in fuel. Just today, embarassing at it is, I got an overdraw notice from one of my bank accounts. It is the account I use for my paypal purchases. I bought something and I forgot to move some money into it from my checking.
My account was overdrawn $46.20. The paypal purchase I made that caused me to e overdrawn was an art print I was debating on buying-I didnt know if I should buy it...... looks like now, I made the right decision......
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Connecting and Reconnecting...Just do it!
The other day I reconnected with a High school friend who I had not seen in close to 25 years. We went for coffee one morning and had so much to visit about that we continued our conversation over lunch. As I said we knew each other from High School, she was a senior when I was a junior. We weren't best friends, but we were friends and we had many friends in common. We worked for the same employer during our college summers, got to know each other and then lost touch, as most of us do after high school or college. The only time you would usually reconnect with HS friends is at a class reunion which I hadn't attended. I didnt want my classmates to know I was gay, thats another blog in itself...
Two or three years ago my neice Stephanie, who I raised since age 13, and is now 30, tried to convince me on a weekly basis to join this internet site called Facebook. She told me it was the "coolest thing you have ever seen".. She explained to me that you can get in touch with anybody, as long as they have a "page" on Facebook. Me being 42, and not fully understanding this Facebook thing or anything elase about social media, I declined.Who the heck do I need to get in touch with, I thought to myself . It seemed like a bunch of work. Besides, I was on my laptop for work 10 plus hours a day, 7 days a week and really didnt want to spend anymore time on it. She then told me about who she was "friends" with on this site. She started spewing these names and they were people who we both knew from our hometome, many were old friends who both of us hadn't heard from for a few years. I was kind of intrigued by this as it brought back many memories and made me wonder how they all were. A few weeks later when I was at Stephs home in Olathe, she brought her laptop over to me and showed me pictures of our friends new baby. The crazy thing was-,I had no idea that this couple was expecting. I felt ridiculously bad that I hadn't talked to these people that I used to call friends in over two years!!
She then pointed out that she had connected and reconnected with over 100 people in just a few weeks on this Facebook site. She had connected with co-workers, extended family, people who were in her wedding and several others that she had gone to High School and College with.
What kind of a friend was I, I thought to myself? These are people who I had broken bread with several times, spent many weekends going out partying with when we were younger and finally, a couple who I watched date, get engaged and then exchange wedding vows. What was I going to say when I called to congratulate them?
I finally got the courage to call. I told them how much I sucked as a friend for not staying in touch and I saw that they had a new member of their family on Stephs Facebook. They were so glad to hear from me, it was like our friendship hadn't skipped a beat, I was so relieved! We promised that we would stay in touch and not go years without talking ever again.
After that conversation I got to thinking what other friends of mine could have had kids or other major events in their lives that I had NO idea about? What was I missing out on? I called Steph and told her I wanted to do this facebook thing. I asked her if she would get me started. A week later I did it, I joined Facebook.
In the 2 years I have been on Facebook I have connected or reconnected with over 300 people. Pretty embarrassing for someone who didn't know who he wanted to connect with....
This blog ends with what I started it with,,.. My High school friend who I hadn't seen in 25 years found me on facebook. She asked to become my friend and we exchanged pleasantries, how are you doing, tell me about your family, what are you doing now? It was a great catch up session. A week or so later we chatted on the Instant Messaging. feature..to both of our surprise--WE WERE NEIGHBORS!! She lived 2 doors from me, just around the corner! I was shocked and so was she. Note to self- when new neighbors move in, go say hello!
If you have not utilized a social networking site like Facebook, you have no idea what you are missing out on!. There are many people for you to connect with and that want to cnnect with you. I dont know what I would do without it. If they took Facebook off line, I would have withdrawls! I check my account at least 4-5 times per day. I actually heard the other day that kids 14-21 check their accounts 20 times per day on average.It truly is addicting and a great way to reconnect and stay connected with everyone you want in your life.
So just "DO IT"...Join a social networking site- reconnect with friends you haven't seen or spoken with for years, whatever the reason, its never to late to reconnect! You will love it!
You never know, you just might find that a neighbor is a long lost friend!
Two or three years ago my neice Stephanie, who I raised since age 13, and is now 30, tried to convince me on a weekly basis to join this internet site called Facebook. She told me it was the "coolest thing you have ever seen".. She explained to me that you can get in touch with anybody, as long as they have a "page" on Facebook. Me being 42, and not fully understanding this Facebook thing or anything elase about social media, I declined.Who the heck do I need to get in touch with, I thought to myself . It seemed like a bunch of work. Besides, I was on my laptop for work 10 plus hours a day, 7 days a week and really didnt want to spend anymore time on it. She then told me about who she was "friends" with on this site. She started spewing these names and they were people who we both knew from our hometome, many were old friends who both of us hadn't heard from for a few years. I was kind of intrigued by this as it brought back many memories and made me wonder how they all were. A few weeks later when I was at Stephs home in Olathe, she brought her laptop over to me and showed me pictures of our friends new baby. The crazy thing was-,I had no idea that this couple was expecting. I felt ridiculously bad that I hadn't talked to these people that I used to call friends in over two years!!
She then pointed out that she had connected and reconnected with over 100 people in just a few weeks on this Facebook site. She had connected with co-workers, extended family, people who were in her wedding and several others that she had gone to High School and College with.
What kind of a friend was I, I thought to myself? These are people who I had broken bread with several times, spent many weekends going out partying with when we were younger and finally, a couple who I watched date, get engaged and then exchange wedding vows. What was I going to say when I called to congratulate them?
I finally got the courage to call. I told them how much I sucked as a friend for not staying in touch and I saw that they had a new member of their family on Stephs Facebook. They were so glad to hear from me, it was like our friendship hadn't skipped a beat, I was so relieved! We promised that we would stay in touch and not go years without talking ever again.
After that conversation I got to thinking what other friends of mine could have had kids or other major events in their lives that I had NO idea about? What was I missing out on? I called Steph and told her I wanted to do this facebook thing. I asked her if she would get me started. A week later I did it, I joined Facebook.
In the 2 years I have been on Facebook I have connected or reconnected with over 300 people. Pretty embarrassing for someone who didn't know who he wanted to connect with....
This blog ends with what I started it with,,.. My High school friend who I hadn't seen in 25 years found me on facebook. She asked to become my friend and we exchanged pleasantries, how are you doing, tell me about your family, what are you doing now? It was a great catch up session. A week or so later we chatted on the Instant Messaging. feature..to both of our surprise--WE WERE NEIGHBORS!! She lived 2 doors from me, just around the corner! I was shocked and so was she. Note to self- when new neighbors move in, go say hello!
If you have not utilized a social networking site like Facebook, you have no idea what you are missing out on!. There are many people for you to connect with and that want to cnnect with you. I dont know what I would do without it. If they took Facebook off line, I would have withdrawls! I check my account at least 4-5 times per day. I actually heard the other day that kids 14-21 check their accounts 20 times per day on average.It truly is addicting and a great way to reconnect and stay connected with everyone you want in your life.
So just "DO IT"...Join a social networking site- reconnect with friends you haven't seen or spoken with for years, whatever the reason, its never to late to reconnect! You will love it!
You never know, you just might find that a neighbor is a long lost friend!
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