I have never been good at remembering important dates. It took moving 2500 miles away from my parents to remember their birthdays without looking at a calendar. I've been gay all of my life but it wasn't till this year that I remembered without being reminded by the HRC that October 11 is National Coming Out Day. Embarrassingly enough I still didn't remember that the Transgender Day of Remembrance is today. Thank you to Alley Hector at QPDX for reminding everyone, myself included.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder in 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Since then, the event has grown to encompass memorials in dozens of cities across the world.
Just in time for remembering those lost to violence simply for who they are (and who continue to be left out of protective legislation) Lynn and Pat Mulder, who son was killed for being gay, have submitted a question for the next Republican debate, scheduled for Wednesday, November 28th. Let's see how the candidates square their family values and compassionate conservatism when confronted with the reality of their dismissive bigotry.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
They've got Gordon Smith in their sights
I seriously doubt that loads of readers will be seeing this video short produced by the Oregon College Democrats for the first time, but for those one or two that haven't seen it on BlueOregon or LoadedOrygun, I am posting it here.
Gordon Smith is an embarrassment to what Oregon stands for as far as I am concerned and the OCD have done a great job of demonstrating why, and scarily enough, it really only scratches the surface of why Smith is bad for Oregon and for this country.
If you want to get active in helping to "retire" Smith, and I know you do, then head over to StopGordonSmith.com
Gordon Smith is an embarrassment to what Oregon stands for as far as I am concerned and the OCD have done a great job of demonstrating why, and scarily enough, it really only scratches the surface of why Smith is bad for Oregon and for this country.
If you want to get active in helping to "retire" Smith, and I know you do, then head over to StopGordonSmith.com
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Amanda Fritz is serious about citizen involvement and engagement
My list of reasons for supporting Amanda just keep growing. One of the great services that she has provided on her personal website is an ongoing piece called " Next up at City Council". It has helped me alot in being aware of what is happening in Portland, how the City is making its decisions and what those decisions are. Well, as City Commissioner, Amanda plans on continuing this service and even expanding upon it.Over at her campaign site, Amanda has posted descriptions of some of what will be available on her Commissioner site:
When I am a City Commissioner, three of the tabs on the front page of my web site will be "Next Up at City Council", "Coming Down the Pike", and "What was Done, What comes Next".
Next Up at City Council will have links to the Agenda, like the current series. There will be many more easy-to-find links to background documents and staff contact information (because I'll be able to find out that information, from the inside), and a quick "Give me your opinion on this" option because I'll want to know what you think. And, each Monday after I've heard the briefings from staff on the Agenda items, I'll post summaries on the lines of "This is what I've heard on this. This is what I'm thinking. These are the questions I'd like to know more about at the public hearing. Please comment/participate if you care."
Coming Down the Pike will be one-stop shopping for important issues being worked on in the bureaus I oversee. Too often now, citizens find out about public involvement processes too late to participate early enough to make a difference. And the City's web site is a maze where you have to know what you want to find, in order to find it. Part of my job as a City Commissioner will be making sure staff and citizens use time and resources efficiently and effectively, and work together on projects and policies.
What was Done, What comes Next is the third concept sorely lacking in City processes today. Citizens can find out the bare bones of the vote on items on previous Council agendas by going to the web site, but there is rarely any feedback from Council members about their votes - unless you have the time to attend the hearing or catch the rebroadcast on cable, which most people don't. Citizens who bother to give their opinion on City issues should be given more information about why their request was approved or denied. And when the City approves changes in policies or practices, there should be follow-up to make sure the changes work out as intended. Closing the loop - rarely done now. Should be done always. Will be, in my office.
I'm well aware that these plans won't knock the socks off most citizens. "Giving and gathering information to help citizens" sounds like something anyone could do. But nobody is providing these simple services currently. I will focus on basic needs that will help our city run more smoothly and efficiently, and make it easier for citizens to know what's going on. And to make a difference, if you want to.
Seems to me that something so simple should be a no-brainer for the Council but, as Amanda points out, no one has done it yet. Which is why I'm glad Amanda will be there to keep those folks grounded, not to mention continue to inspire the rest of us to get involved.
When I am a City Commissioner, three of the tabs on the front page of my web site will be "Next Up at City Council", "Coming Down the Pike", and "What was Done, What comes Next".
Next Up at City Council will have links to the Agenda, like the current series. There will be many more easy-to-find links to background documents and staff contact information (because I'll be able to find out that information, from the inside), and a quick "Give me your opinion on this" option because I'll want to know what you think. And, each Monday after I've heard the briefings from staff on the Agenda items, I'll post summaries on the lines of "This is what I've heard on this. This is what I'm thinking. These are the questions I'd like to know more about at the public hearing. Please comment/participate if you care."
Coming Down the Pike will be one-stop shopping for important issues being worked on in the bureaus I oversee. Too often now, citizens find out about public involvement processes too late to participate early enough to make a difference. And the City's web site is a maze where you have to know what you want to find, in order to find it. Part of my job as a City Commissioner will be making sure staff and citizens use time and resources efficiently and effectively, and work together on projects and policies.
What was Done, What comes Next is the third concept sorely lacking in City processes today. Citizens can find out the bare bones of the vote on items on previous Council agendas by going to the web site, but there is rarely any feedback from Council members about their votes - unless you have the time to attend the hearing or catch the rebroadcast on cable, which most people don't. Citizens who bother to give their opinion on City issues should be given more information about why their request was approved or denied. And when the City approves changes in policies or practices, there should be follow-up to make sure the changes work out as intended. Closing the loop - rarely done now. Should be done always. Will be, in my office.
I'm well aware that these plans won't knock the socks off most citizens. "Giving and gathering information to help citizens" sounds like something anyone could do. But nobody is providing these simple services currently. I will focus on basic needs that will help our city run more smoothly and efficiently, and make it easier for citizens to know what's going on. And to make a difference, if you want to.
Seems to me that something so simple should be a no-brainer for the Council but, as Amanda points out, no one has done it yet. Which is why I'm glad Amanda will be there to keep those folks grounded, not to mention continue to inspire the rest of us to get involved.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
John Kroger-Democrat for Attorney General
One of the great benefits of getting involved on some level with party politics is that candidates come to you, to speak and present themselves. I've ben fortunate enough to hear both John Kroger and Greg Macpherson speak at monthly Multnomah Democratic Caucus meetings and compare them both. While I was put off by several things that Macpherson said, I concentrated on the actual content of each candidate's prsentation. I have to say that for me, the choice was clear. I strongly support John Kroger for Attorney General of Oregon. I support him for several reasons. First and foremost, his agenda is very much based on protecting and defending the rights of all Oregonians. He has a whole picture outlook about law enforcement that includes not only aggressive action around addiction-related crime, but a strong prevention and core-cause component, as well. He also applies this view to aggressively going after corporate toxic waste dumping, instead of allowing them to continue with their less-than-above board practices.
This is a list of priorities, including the above-mentioned, that are posted on his campaign site:
*Fight meth aggressively, with more effective enforcement and a new plan for drug treatment.
*Hold every polluter responsible for the damage they cause to our health and our environment.
*Ensure that every single parent in the state gets the child support to which they are entitled.
*Protect consumers and retirees from scam-artists and crooked companies.
*Defend civil rights, a woman’s right to choose, and the rights of Oregon crime victims.
I know that Greg Macpherson has some solid backing and is a great legislator, but when I listened to both candidates and put what their priorities are and how they would address the Attorney General position, John Kroger is simply the more aggressive, energetic and plan-specific of the two. I believe that he would make the better, and stronger, Attorney General.
And here is the rest of it.
This is a list of priorities, including the above-mentioned, that are posted on his campaign site:
*Fight meth aggressively, with more effective enforcement and a new plan for drug treatment.
*Hold every polluter responsible for the damage they cause to our health and our environment.
*Ensure that every single parent in the state gets the child support to which they are entitled.
*Protect consumers and retirees from scam-artists and crooked companies.
*Defend civil rights, a woman’s right to choose, and the rights of Oregon crime victims.
I know that Greg Macpherson has some solid backing and is a great legislator, but when I listened to both candidates and put what their priorities are and how they would address the Attorney General position, John Kroger is simply the more aggressive, energetic and plan-specific of the two. I believe that he would make the better, and stronger, Attorney General.
And here is the rest of it.
Going Hungry
When I was growing up in Texas, particularly in the seventies, I knew we were not even close to well-off. I started baby-sitting at the age of twelve to be able to afford new school clothes, as did my brother. My mom raised my brother and I alone, and I remember living in Section 8 housing for a couple of years. I don't think she ever had less than two jobs until I was in high school. I remember times when we didn't have the world's most exciting food and I hated vegetables throughout my childhood because all I knew was the canned kind. I remember only liking them when we went to my grandparents' house for a holiday. I just figured that my grandmother was a much better cook than my mom was! I learned differently when I was introduced to frozen, and then fresh vegetables.
I remember alot of not always having what I wanted, or new clothes, or living in the not-so absolute best parts of town. But there is one thing that I do not remember ever experiencing, as a child. I don't ever remember being hungry. My mom made sure of that, even if it meant she didn't get to eat sometimes. I know that some part of me must remember a fear of going without food because even now, no matter what I'm going to the store to get, I absolutely will not walk out of there without an extra can of chili, or box of rice, or whatever. I need the security of knowing that if something happened, I would be able to eat for probably the next month without actually running out of food.
Now, I realise that the seventies are a far cry from today. I honestly don't think my mom would be able to do, today, what she did for us back then. While the formula that determines the poverty level hasn't changed in its 50 years of existance says that housing should take about 30% of a household's income, in reality, today that figure is closer to 50%. That means things like food lose out, as a priority. That means people go hungry. That means that organizations that exist to provide relief have to stretch their resources to the breaking point and beyond.
I'm posting some information and events that are coming up to benefit the Oregon Food Bank and Sisters of the Road. If you need their help get in touch with them. If not, than give your help to them.
The Oregon Food Bank is in particularly dire straits, as I've posted previously, and are really attempting to recover from a severe shortage of food. The OFB has several events planned over the next few months. Here are just a few:
Fill the Bag Food Drive
November and December, 2007
Watch The Oregonian for a special paper bag in November.
Fill the bag with nonperishable food and drop it off at a participating
Jiffy Lube or U.S. Bank. Sponsors include Jiffy Lube, U.S. Bank,
Weyerhaeuser, The Commerce Company, PODS,
Community Newspapers and Oregonlive.com.
*Last year, community members donated more than 100,000 pounds of food during the Fill the Bag Food Drive.
*Contact Raven Camara at rcamara@oregonfoodbank.org
or 503-439-6510, Ext. 209.
Secret Society Craft Sale
Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007
Secret Society Ballroom
116 N.E. Russell St. in Portland
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find the perfect holiday gift at the Secret Society Craft Sale. Thirty-six artists will feature unique, locally handmade gifts including jewelry, accessories, handbags, crocheted hats, clothing for adults & children, reconstructed apparel , soap & candles, glassware, clayware, plushies, cards & original artwork. Meet the artists while shopping and enjoy snacks and drinks.
*In addition, event organizers will hold a silent for a night at McMenamins Edgefield Bed and Breakfast, premium art supplies from Collage and many other items.
If you want to sponsor an event here you go:
To help sponsor the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival,
*Sisters’ Holiday Matching Grant Challenge will help expand your giving. November 1 through December 31, all donations to Sisters are matched 50 cents per dollar through the help of a generous group of individuals and businesses, and new donors will be additionally matched one-to-one.
Save the Date for Winterfolk’s 20th Anniversary
The event is on Saturday, February 2nd at the historic Aladdin Theater.
*Tickets will go on sale Dec. 15th in time for holiday gifts; they will cost $33 advance and $35 on the day of the show, and will be available at: the Aladdin Theater 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.(503) 233-1994; Music Millennium East 3158 E Burnside (503) 231-8926; Ticketmaster outlets (503) 224-4400/ 866-448-7849; and Artichoke Music 3130 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. (503) 232-8845. Doors are at 5:30, show is at 6pm
Guitar Raffle Tickets on sale now!
Get tickets at our office at 618 NW Davis, or at Artichoke Music at 3130 S.E. Hawthorne Boulevard; thank-you so much Artichoke! The guitar is a beauty. Todd Mylet of Portland Fret Works has hand-crafted a new steel string acoustic Mylet Concert Model guitar.
Retail value is $2200. The guitar is made of Sitka Spruce and Indian Rosewood with Ebony appointments. Its ebony fingerboard is inlaid with an oroboris (snake eating its tail). Comes with a hard-shell case. Todd builds only one or two guitars a year, and we are extremely lucky to have his support this year – thank you Todd.
-Bonus!-
In addition to the guitar, raffle participants can win 1 day (10 hours) of recording time at Billy Oskay’s Big Red Studio, valued at $750!
I remember alot of not always having what I wanted, or new clothes, or living in the not-so absolute best parts of town. But there is one thing that I do not remember ever experiencing, as a child. I don't ever remember being hungry. My mom made sure of that, even if it meant she didn't get to eat sometimes. I know that some part of me must remember a fear of going without food because even now, no matter what I'm going to the store to get, I absolutely will not walk out of there without an extra can of chili, or box of rice, or whatever. I need the security of knowing that if something happened, I would be able to eat for probably the next month without actually running out of food.
Now, I realise that the seventies are a far cry from today. I honestly don't think my mom would be able to do, today, what she did for us back then. While the formula that determines the poverty level hasn't changed in its 50 years of existance says that housing should take about 30% of a household's income, in reality, today that figure is closer to 50%. That means things like food lose out, as a priority. That means people go hungry. That means that organizations that exist to provide relief have to stretch their resources to the breaking point and beyond.
I'm posting some information and events that are coming up to benefit the Oregon Food Bank and Sisters of the Road. If you need their help get in touch with them. If not, than give your help to them.
The Oregon Food Bank is in particularly dire straits, as I've posted previously, and are really attempting to recover from a severe shortage of food. The OFB has several events planned over the next few months. Here are just a few:
Fill the Bag Food Drive
November and December, 2007
Watch The Oregonian for a special paper bag in November.
Fill the bag with nonperishable food and drop it off at a participating
Jiffy Lube or U.S. Bank. Sponsors include Jiffy Lube, U.S. Bank,
Weyerhaeuser, The Commerce Company, PODS,
Community Newspapers and Oregonlive.com.
*Last year, community members donated more than 100,000 pounds of food during the Fill the Bag Food Drive.
*Contact Raven Camara at rcamara@oregonfoodbank.org
or 503-439-6510, Ext. 209.
Secret Society Craft Sale
Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007
Secret Society Ballroom
116 N.E. Russell St. in Portland
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find the perfect holiday gift at the Secret Society Craft Sale. Thirty-six artists will feature unique, locally handmade gifts including jewelry, accessories, handbags, crocheted hats, clothing for adults & children, reconstructed apparel , soap & candles, glassware, clayware, plushies, cards & original artwork. Meet the artists while shopping and enjoy snacks and drinks.
*In addition, event organizers will hold a silent for a night at McMenamins Edgefield Bed and Breakfast, premium art supplies from Collage and many other items.
If you want to sponsor an event here you go:
To help sponsor the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival,
presented by First Tech Credit Union,
contact Clay Fuller,
503-297-2700.
To sponsor other events, contact Christine Hames at
To sponsor other events, contact Christine Hames at
503-282-0555, Ext. 221
Sisters of the Road is a fantastic organization with several fundraisers coming up:
Sisters of the Road is a fantastic organization with several fundraisers coming up:
*Sisters’ Holiday Matching Grant Challenge will help expand your giving. November 1 through December 31, all donations to Sisters are matched 50 cents per dollar through the help of a generous group of individuals and businesses, and new donors will be additionally matched one-to-one.
Save the Date for Winterfolk’s 20th Anniversary
The event is on Saturday, February 2nd at the historic Aladdin Theater.
Including: Peter Yarrow, Tom May, Chris Kennedy, JimPage withDickWeissman, Misty River, David Rea, Sky in the Road, and Rite of Spring.
*Tickets will go on sale Dec. 15th in time for holiday gifts; they will cost $33 advance and $35 on the day of the show, and will be available at: the Aladdin Theater 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.(503) 233-1994; Music Millennium East 3158 E Burnside (503) 231-8926; Ticketmaster outlets (503) 224-4400/ 866-448-7849; and Artichoke Music 3130 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. (503) 232-8845. Doors are at 5:30, show is at 6pm
Guitar Raffle Tickets on sale now!
Get tickets at our office at 618 NW Davis, or at Artichoke Music at 3130 S.E. Hawthorne Boulevard; thank-you so much Artichoke! The guitar is a beauty. Todd Mylet of Portland Fret Works has hand-crafted a new steel string acoustic Mylet Concert Model guitar.
Retail value is $2200. The guitar is made of Sitka Spruce and Indian Rosewood with Ebony appointments. Its ebony fingerboard is inlaid with an oroboris (snake eating its tail). Comes with a hard-shell case. Todd builds only one or two guitars a year, and we are extremely lucky to have his support this year – thank you Todd.
-Bonus!-
In addition to the guitar, raffle participants can win 1 day (10 hours) of recording time at Billy Oskay’s Big Red Studio, valued at $750!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Jeff Merkley Live-Chat Saturday
This notice was posted on Merkley's website. It looks like a good opportunity to ask some questions and see how he responds. Maybe suggest he light a fire under his campaign!
This Saturday, Jeff Merkley will participate in a live online chat Q&A session here at the Campaign Trail blog.
Here are the specifics:
What: Live-chat Q&A with Jeff Merkley
Where: www.jeffmerkley.com/trail
When: Saturday, November 17 at 2:00PM Pacific time
The session will run for about an hour. Jeff will answer questions submitted on a post that I'll create about 30-45 minutes before we're set to start at 2:00. This is so that questions can be submitted in advance of the start time to allow Jeff to start answering immediately at 2:00. Hopefully that will give us time to get lots of questions answered.
Here's how it's going to work:
Questions should be submitted to the comment thread of the Q&A post created on Saturday afternoon.
Questions will be answered in the order that they are received. Questions submitted of a similar nature will be consolidated into one answer, when appropriate.
If time allows, Jeff will answer follow-up questions and comments.
Comment moderation will be in effect to combat malicious and/or profane comments.
The live-chat will run from 2:00-3:00 PM.
And here is the rest of it.
This Saturday, Jeff Merkley will participate in a live online chat Q&A session here at the Campaign Trail blog.
Here are the specifics:
What: Live-chat Q&A with Jeff Merkley
Where: www.jeffmerkley.com/trail
When: Saturday, November 17 at 2:00PM Pacific time
The session will run for about an hour. Jeff will answer questions submitted on a post that I'll create about 30-45 minutes before we're set to start at 2:00. This is so that questions can be submitted in advance of the start time to allow Jeff to start answering immediately at 2:00. Hopefully that will give us time to get lots of questions answered.
Here's how it's going to work:
Questions should be submitted to the comment thread of the Q&A post created on Saturday afternoon.
Questions will be answered in the order that they are received. Questions submitted of a similar nature will be consolidated into one answer, when appropriate.
If time allows, Jeff will answer follow-up questions and comments.
Comment moderation will be in effect to combat malicious and/or profane comments.
The live-chat will run from 2:00-3:00 PM.
And here is the rest of it.
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