lifeonq.com

An Historic Election Night At An Historic Place

After watching the election returns last Tuesday at a Democratic event, I told my friend David that I wanted to stop by the King Center on the way home.  After Barack Obama’s historic vicotry, I was expecting a handful of people at the grave of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King.  What we found instead was a riot of happiness.  Here’s Life On Q’s video of the happenings on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta on November 4th, and early into the morning of November 5th, 2008.

One Step Forward, Three Steps Back for Full Equality in the 2008 Election

I still have not taken off my Barack Obama t-shirt.  I don’t think I have ever been so excited, relieved and encouraged by a Democratic candidate for president.  I was a Clinton loyalist in the 90s, and had a difficult time choosing between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in the primaries.  I ultimately decided to support Obama, because I was afraid Sen. Clinton would rally Republicans who have made an industry out of hating the Clintons, and because I sensed something radically different in Obama.  His campaign reminded me of the Howard Dean campaign that so engaged me in 2004.  Yet, here we are just a day or two after the election, and my hope is now mixed with disappointment.

The 2008 election cycle ultimately had a bitter, bitter, bitter sweet outcome for gays and lesbians.  Even as a gay supportive candidate was elected president, three states passed anti-gay marriage amendments.  Within 24 hours of hearing the President-elect say the word “gay” in his acceptance speech–within the first 90 seconds of his remarks–we learn that California, Arizona and Florida have now written their bigotry and hate into their state constitutions.

Reports are that it was the large turnout of minority voters in support of Obama that helped ensure the loss of gay rights in three more states. How ironic it is that it was the votes of people who have been the victim of discrimination that enacted more discrimination.  How ironic that the movement that Martin Luther King, Jr. started would be realized in this way.  (Dr. King was not anti-gay, nor was his wife Coretta.) How ironic that Californians voted to give chickens more leg room, but don’t think gay people should have the right to visit their partners in hospitals or include their partners in their wills after their death.

How ironic that a candidate supported so strongly tirelessly by the LGBT community would bring out an anti-gay vote.  I am still heartened by Barack Obama’s victory.  But now I’m also disheartened by the continuing crusade to deny gays and lesbians basic rights.  I guess that means my heart is in pieces.

Where to Watch Election Returns with Like-Minded ATL Democratic Voters

If, like me, you are looking forward to going out tonight to watch election returns roll in, in the company of like-minded fellow citizens, I thought I’d round a up a list of election return parties in the metro Atlanta area.  Here are some of your options:

Democratic Organizations and local bars/restaurants are hosting a number of election night events across town, most of which will get underway between 7 and 8 pm.  The more “official” and LGBT-specific events are listed first, followed by others in alphabetical order. If a different time is announced, it will be noted in the listing here:

Democratic Party Election Coverage, Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, GA The Democratic Party Website says that Amsterdam Atlanta has hosted six hugely successful watch events, including a Super Tuesday watch party and Convention Acceptance Speech watch party, each attended by approximately 500 supporters. Those events were covered on the Obama Website, in the AJC and on WSB-TV. Amsterdam has 6700 square feet of elbow room with a 1400 SF outdoor patio. There are 21 flat screen TVs, four large screen projectors and a state-of-the-art sound system.  The Democratic Party will officially be there to take in multichannel viewing of national as well as local results. I’m betting none of those screens will be tuned to Fox News.  The TVs will be tuned in at 7 pm and continue until 3 am.  There’s also a full service restaurant serving until midnight.  It’s going to be crowded.

The Barack Obama Official “Yes We Did” Celebration has been expanded to two Atlanta locations to include all supporters who want to celebrate together (until capacity prohibits further admission).  Both locations are on 19th Street (at Atlantic Station):  Fox Sports Grill and Ten Pin Alley. 6:29 pm - approx. 2 am EDT. A DJ will begin at 9 pm at Dolce Ten Pin. This is a free event (as are most others). There will be an Obama Celebrity Backdrop Wall, a red carpet, and a life-size Barack Obama.  Event Host Preston L. Harden, an Obama Delegate and member of the Georgia Young Professionals for Change, isexpecting news coverage.  He asks that you wear your OBAMA gear and bring your Obama signs.   Parking is available at Atlantic Station or take MARTA to the Arts Center Station and take the free shuttle to Atlantic Station. Kids are okay.

And still there’s more…

More »

Jim Martin Adds Endorsement from the League of Conservation Voters

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV), a Washington, D.C.-based organization focused on voter education and action on environmental issues, announced its endorsement of former State Rep. Jim Martin for U.S. Senate.  Martin is in a very tight race with Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss, who is rated at only 5 percent in LCV’s 110th Congress 2008 National Environmental Scorecard.  According to the LCV, Senator Chambliss has accepted $107,500 in contributions from oil and gas interests for his 2008 re-election campaign.  His signature negative advertising is therefore funded, in part, by oil companies.

Jim Martin’s positions on climate change and environmental policy make clean air and clean water priorities issues, and he advocates a strong investment in renewable energy technology to create jobs and boost our economy. In a statement announcing the endorsement, LCV President Gene Karpinski said:

“(Jim Martin) is an experienced public servant who will fight for the interests of Georgians. He understands that investing in a clean energy future will not only protect the environment, but also ensure our national security and create good jobs in Georgia.

“As drought and high gas prices ravage Georgia’s economy, Georgians know that the failed energy policies of the last eight years don’t work.  Senator Chambliss promises to maintain President Bush’s failed policies, while Jim Martin offers a new kind of leadership and a new energy policy that will repower America with clean, renewable energy.”

The LCV has also published a comparison chart (in PDF format) outlining the environmental policies of Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain.  Obama has a lifetime score of 86 percent vs. 24 percent for McCain.  And for 2007, the most recent year scored, McCain was given a 0 (yes, that’s zero) vs. 67 for Obama.

It is clear that Jim Martin is the cleaner candidate for U.S. Senate, in more ways than one.

If You’re Out There, John Legend Will Inspire You

Recording artist John Legend appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO Friday night, and performed his Obama-inspired song, “If You’re Out There” to close out Maher’s last pre-election show.  As he did in his performance at the Democratic National Convention, Legend’s beautiful song gave me goosebumps.  With election day less than 24 hours away, I’m posting a video of Legend performing “If You’re Out There” to inspire you.  You can also download a copy of the song for free from Legend’s page on Barack Obama’s Website.  If you’re out there, take a look or a listen, be inspired, and get out and vote tomorrow.