So as everyone has heard (even internationally — oh the shame), Amendment One passed in North Carolina today by an astounding majority, even higher than predicted. However, I am very pleased to report that it failed failed FAILED in Mecklenburg County. So there’s that? I can be proud of our efforts here in the Charlotte area and know that we did our best. And yes, a 27.45% turnout is fantastic for a primary! As sad as that sounds. We’re obviously not France.
Here’s what I think one of the main problems was: people didn’t understand the full consequences of it and/or couldn’t see past the media and proponent’s constant framing of it as a gay marriage issue. That is, unfortunately, already illegal in the state, and this went so much farther that I don’t see how it would ever hold up against the 14th Amendment. I would love an unmarried, long-term committed heterosexual couple with 2.5 kids to take it to the Supreme Court and have it blasted into oblivion for how atrocious for everyone it really is. But we tried, oh we tried, to get people to listen to reason and it paid off! Just…Mecklenburg County isn’t enough in and of itself.
In addition, I’ve had an actual paid job on a campaign for county commissioner for the last 3 weeks. He didn’t win today so I’m again unemployed. But hey, that’s 3 weeks of income I didn’t have before and 3 weeks of invaluable experience teaching me that I NEVER WANT TO RUN FOR OFFICE. But if anyone needs a campaign assistant (*cough* manager), give me a call.
Okay, so my job isn’t actually over. There are yard signs all over the county I have to help pick up and thank yous for contributions to be done and campaign finance reports to finalize and a long list I don’t want to think about.
But tomorrow I get to sleep in. Boss said so.
"Although North Carolina already restricts same-sex marriage through a statutory prohibition, the amendment would change the constitution so that the state would not recognize or validate any “domestic legal unions” other than legal marriages between one man and one woman. Current domestic violence protections, child custody and visitation rights, and documents such as wills and trusts could be invalidated for unmarried partners, whether same-sex or heterosexual couples, if the amendment passes."
— column in the Charlotte Observer on just how terrible for everyone Amendment One would be. If you’re in North Carolina, please vote in the primary on May 8th and make sure this doesn’t pass. Voter registration ends April 13th. GO VOTE!
(Source: charlotteobserver.com)
"Right now, $4 billion of your tax dollars subsidize the oil industry every year - $4 billion. They don’t need a subsidy. They’re making near-record profits. These are the same oil companies that have been making record profits off the money you spend at the pump for several years now. How do they deserve another $4 billion from taxpayers and subsidies? … It’s outrageous. It’s inexcusable. And every politician who’s been fighting to keep those subsidies in place should explain to the American people why the oil industry needs more of their money - especially at a time like this"
—
President Obama (via kileyrae)
THAT is my President.
(via nefariousnewt)
(via stfuconservatives)
"It’s true that website-seizures-without-trials are not quite as lawless as indefinite detentions, since there are actual statutes conferring this power. But it nonetheless sends a very clear message when citizens celebrate a rare victory in denying the Government a power it seeks — the power to shut down websites without a trial — only for the Government to turn around the very next day and shut down one of the world’s largest and best-known sites. Whether intended or not, the message is unmistakable: Congratulations, citizens, on your cute little “democracy” victory in denying us the power to shut down websites without a trial: we’re now going to shut down one of your most popular websites without a trial."
— Glenn Greenwald on the Megaupload indictment and seizure. [Link] (via manicchill)
(Source: banquethall, via stfuconservatives)
