KnowThyNeighbor.org

GREAT Conversation Boston Globe!

Stories About Real Families Affected By Catholic Charities

KnowThyNeighbor.org applauds The Boston Globe's Human Interest Story, Four Families Changed by Catholic Charities by Patricia Wen, June 25, 2006 and its accompanying Audio Slideshow which provide the reader/viewer with personal stories and conversations surrounding Catholic Charities and its decision to end adoption services. KnowThyNeighbor believes firmly that dialogue, though sometimes uncomfortable, is THE most means to bring about change beginning from within.

The Four Massachusetts Catholic Bishops who after "studying" this issue said that they could not continue the practice of gay adoption (due to the Church's teachings on marriage) should read these personal accounts. First person stories of those who were adopted as a result of Catholic Charities, who became adoptive parents (one even details the good feelings toward Catholic Chariites as expressed by a lesbian couple), and one who as an adopted child was raised Catholic and to this day will tell you that he is very proud of that fact. The topic of Catholic Charities which will officially be ending its adoption services (this Friday) due its conflict with "Gay Marriage" is discussed here and some of the conversations may surprise you in a good way.

I find the "real" conversations of "real" people in stark contrast to the lead story in the same Boston Globe, They Cared For Children. Here we can see the unfortunate way in which the Catholic Church by way of the Vatican seemed to punish the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by ending a very essential social service that they seemed to be very good at--all because the Church was not allowed to discriminate against same-sex couples and gay people regarding adoptions. I suppose I can say that this sort of move once again will turn people away from the Catholic Church as its numbers are already at an all-time low, but that is not my wish. This is not about gay marriage, this is not about Church doctrine, this is about the children. Children that need the services of Catholic Charities Adoption Program and the very same children that are being "punished" indirectly. When are we as human beings and as Christians (either with a big "C" or a little "c") going to wake up? 'In so much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' (Matthew 25:40)
Tom Lang, Co-Director

Daily Show Video: Bill Bennett Goes Dumb on Gay Marriage

While gay citizens stand up and fight for their rights all over the nation, former US Secretary of Educaton Bill Bennett gets tied up in his own vaguery about why gay marriage is bad and looks stupid.  Watch for yourself...

Watch CNN Footage of KnowThyNeighbor Florida

Christ Church of Peace Pastor Gary DeBusk talks about KTN FLorida with CNN's Miles O'Brien.

KnowThyNeighbor.org Expands to Florida; Posts 450,000 Names Online

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Primary Contact: Tom Lang, Co-Director
Cell: (978) 335-0477

Secondary Contact: Aaron Toleos, Co-Director
Cell: (978) 821-4620

KnowThyNeighbor.org Expands to Florida; Posts Names of 450,000 Anti-Gay Petition Signers Online

Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, June 12, 2006 -- KnowThyNeighbor.org, the Massachusetts group that drew national attention for posting the names of anti-gay marriage petition signers online in December 2005, announced today that it has expanded its activities to Florida. KnowThyNeighbor.org has partnered there with the Christ Church of Peace in Jacksonville to post online the names of over 450,000 signers of The Florida Marriage Protection Amendment.

The names can be accessed at KnowThyNeighbor.org and ChristChurchofPeace.org.

The two groups have been working together since February 2006 when members of the Christ Church of Peace congregation contacted KnowThyNeighbor.org for help. Tom Lang, co-director of KnowThyNeighbor.org, says, "We are excited to be partnering with people of faith to protect the rights of gay citizens. It’s great to have a pro-gay, Christian group making such a strong statement on this issue and we are honored to have them with us."

The proposed Florida amendment would not only deny civil marriage rights to gays and lesbians, but also put civil unions and domestic partnerships in jeopardy. Lang explains, "The other side will accuse us of trying to intimidate voters but they are the ones who are threatening to take people’s rights away. When someone is sponsoring legislation to hurt your family, it is your right if not your obligation to find out who is behind it?"

KnowThyNeighbor.org expects that, as in Massachusetts, gay citizens in Florida who find the names of friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers on the website will be triggered into a state of activism and seek out conversations with those who would take their rights away. Lang explains, "These conversations can be uncomfortable for both parties but are desperately needed if people are to understand how important marriage and family are to the gay community."

The expansion to Florida represents a conscious effort by KnowThyNeighbor.org to move onto the national scene and its directors have been actively collaborating with citizen activists in other states. Co-director and webmaster Aaron Toleos explains, "The Republican Party has used the gay marriage issue as a tool to mobilize voters in this country. But their tactics have also given rise to a counter-movement that we plan to capitalize on as KnowThyNeighbor.org becomes a tool for grassroots organizing across the nation."

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Read the Boston Globe article.

What Is KnowThyNeighbor???

Our Presence at Boston Pride 2006

In light of many of the emails being sent to me regarding concern for KnowThyNeighbor's choice of a vintage Humvee to help carry our message signage (literally) which reads "Don't Ask for Equal Rights, Demand It!" I find this blog post necessary to clarify. I have received many positive emails, most were happy to understand that Deval Patrick and KnowThyNeighbor share the same theme song, Proud, by Heather Small. Which to note, was used on Queer As Folk, to mark its last show--an inspiration to the concept of KnowThyNeighbor.

But some emails dealt with this Humvee symbolizing masculine stereotyping, elitism, and classism. Then there were the environmentally conscious people who said that it is a gas guzzler and represented everything that is wrong with America. One man even wrote to say, "I also do not need a huge tank to reassure myself of my penis size, masculinity, or place in society. I will continue to actout, be proud, and not afraid to let my straight counterparts know that I am just that. And I will not pretend to be straight, straight acting, or pretend that I do not have a physical relationship with my partner. " WOE!!
I will address all these issues, because your opinions are important, however to this last gentleman I must ask, "Do you even understand what KnowThyNeighbor.org is?"

When we launched KnowThyNeighbor we were attacked by both the bigots and the Gay Lobby (MassEquality) as all about intimidation because we posted the names of the very people who considered us sub-human not worthy of Equal Rights. There was an intimidation going on here but it was on the side of VoteOnMarriage, Mitt Romney, some in our very own Legislature, the Catholic and Black Churches, etc. We all remember what it was like trying to buy groceries last Fall and seeing people lying to and deceiving voters in order to take away our rights--right there in front of us, with absolutely no assistance from AG Tom Reilly or the Secretary of State. But KnowThyNeighbor, posting the names of signers in order to force the GLBT Community to have those very important conversations with neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, business owners, was the group of activists singled out as "the bad ones, the militants" and used by both sides to further their agendas. The stories did not end at the end of the petition cycle. I have a better relationship today with some members of Article 8 than I do with some at MassEquality.

So why a Humvee? First of all, this is a parade, people! In order to have a float to attach large important signage, one needs a large vehicle. I do not like the smell and weight and gas usage involved with the giant deisel trucks necessary to haul a flatbed. Also, for music you need a gas run separate generator like a lawnmower engine to power it. This Humvee (which happens to be owned and driven by a man who is responsible for the Cape Ann Wet Land Preservation, so it's a necessity for him) is an antique. It comes with its own self powered generator and is powered by "eco-deisel) and in my opinion was the best vehicle for message, signage and music. This IS NOT the Arnold Schwartzenegger, cigar smoking run over your children and your pets on the way to the golf club vehicle!

And the message...yes there is a little "militant" in me. There had to be or I would have caved in to all of the attacks when we first began KnowThyNeighbor. But think of our signage, "Don't Ask For Equal Rights, Demand It!" What a better vehicle and message. BTW KnowThyNeighbor IS coming to other states.

And here is something that many would not know. The Humvee and our driver volunteers his vehicle for NorthShore Fourth of July Parades...For Republicans: Senator Bruce Tarr and Rep Brad Hill. His car is full of their bumper stickers around that time of year. These Legislators are on "our" side, however, it was in the spirit of KnowThyNeighbor that my husband called the owner of the Humvee and asked if we could rent it for Gay Pride in Boston. We honestly expected a negative answer due to his GOP affiliations. But Alex had "the meaningful conversation" and were happy to be told "YES." As a matter of fact, he said something in jest, which truly was amazing, he said, " if I see any bigots in front of me, I may just have to run them over, this is a real Humvee you know." Come meet us all at Boston Pride and remember to have those conversations--I am always surprised !

Tom Lang, Director

What Have YOU Done Today

To Make You Feel Proud

It's KnowThyNeighbor's Theme For Pride and we would like you ALL to join us RAIN or SHINE this Saturday at Boston Pride '06.  I am certainly proud of what KnowThyNeighbor has accomplished since last September but moreso I am proud of all of you who have supported our message by making the conversation about Equality an everyday occurance.

WHEN: Saturday, June 10th at 10 A.M. for formation (march begins at noon)

WHERE: Near the Boston Public Library on Boylston Street

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Our Antique Tan Humvee (owned and operated by the inspector of Cape Ann Green Space, Eco-Diesel powered, all terrain vehicle)

DRESS: We will have tee-shirts (and clear ponchos just in case) but try to wear a white top or shirt in case we run out of tee-shirts and we can deck you out in KTN stickers
***also we will have 20 rainbow flags for the brave yet fashionable souls to wear as "skirts." get the idea?***

MUSIC: Oh YEAH!  We have a DJ and Sound System (Weather Permitting)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:You will be the first to hear about a KnowThyNeighbor starting in another State--Our message is Loud and Clear!

CALL 978-335-0477 or EMAIL tom@knowthyneighbor.org to confirm

HAPPY PRIDE!!!        HAPPY FMA DEFEAT!!!       and   HAPPY KNOWTHYNEIGHBOR'ing!!!

Tom Lang, Director

***KnowThyNeighbor shares a THEME SONG with a Gubernatorial Candidate who will also be marching in Boston Pride this Saturday.  Can you guess his name?  Shaking his hand is well worth getting a little rain on your head!!!

Senate Rejects Federal Gay Marriage Ban

Definition of "We" as used in "We The People" means Gays Too

The Senate as anticipated has just rejected the Anti-Family, Anti-Equality Amendment to our Federal Constitution. If this Amendment had passed and was voted for, then our Federal Constitution would have been changed, enshrining discrimination and overshadowing the states' right to determine if they would grant Equality to gays and lesbians.

Senator Sam Brownback, (R) Kansas, is afraid that the Legislators will have to stand up for and be responsible for their vote. Can you imagine? Though a new Gallop Poll once again splits the Nation in equal halves on feelings of a Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Bravo to the Senate in setting a precident that the Constitution of the United States, OUR Constitution should NOT be changed to purposefully dis-allow a group of tax-paying, law-abiding citizens the rights to Equal Status. AND for not listening to Mitt Romney who once again had to go out of his way to push his (im)moral platitudes. I am glad that the Senate saw through his seemingly childish letter which stated that in Massachusetts Same-Sex Marriage has caused such atrocities as: the teaching of a fairy tale in which a prince marries another man, shocking some parents of young children and (the horrible) challenge of how the state birth certificate is written, with proponents seeking to swap the terms "Parent A" and "Parent B" for "mother" and "father.

EEK! Run for the hills! Or better yet Run for Utah! God bless and take a seagull in case you get hungry along the way. No salt needed...

As we often forget to thank those who understand what Equality means and are willing to stand by what is right. Here are our Senators in Massachusetts. I think you might recognize the names. Please call or email them today!

Kennedy, Edward M.- (D - MA)
317 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-4543
Web Form: kennedy.senate.gov/senator/contact.cfm

Kerry, John F.- (D - MA)
304 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2742
Web Form: kerry.senate.gov/v3/contact/email.html

Tom Lang, Director

Other Profiles in Courage and in Equal Rights for All:

Akaka, Daniel K. (D-HI) Kohl, Herb (D-WI)
Baucus, Max (D-MT) Landrieu, Mary L. (D-LA)
Bayh, Evan (D-IN) Lautenberg, Frank R. (D-NJ)
Biden, Joseph R. (D-DE) Leahy, Patrick J. (D-VT)
Bingaman, Jeff (D-NM) Levin, Carl (D-MI)
Boxer, Barbara (D-CA) Lieberman, Joseph I. (D-CT)
Cantwell, Maria (D-WA) Lincoln, Blanche (D-AR)
Carper, Thomas R. (D-DE) McCain, John (R-AZ)
Chafee, Lincoln D. (R-RI) Menendez, Bob (D-NJ)
Clinton, Hillary Rodham (D-NY) Mikulski, Barbara A. (D-MD)
Collins, Susan (R-ME) Murray,Patty (D-WA)
Conrad, Kent (D-ND) Nelson,Bill (D-FL)
Dayton, Mark (D-MN) Obama, Barack (D-IL)
Dorgan, Byron L. (D-ND) Pryor, Mark (D-AR)
Durbin, Richard J. (D-IL) Reed, Jack (D-RI)
Feingold, Russell D. (D-WI) Reid, Harry (D-NV)
Feinstein, Dianne (D-CA) Salazar, Ken (D-CO)
Gregg, Judd (R-NH) Sarbanes, Paul S. (D-MD)
Harkin, Tom (D-IA) Schumer, Charles (D-NY)
Inouye, Daniel K. (D-HI) Snowe, Olympia (R-ME)
Jeffords, James M. (I-VT) Specter, Arlen (R-PA)
Johnson, Tim (D-SD) Stabenow, Debbie (D-MI)
Kennedy, Edward M. (D-MA) Sununu, John E. (R-NH)
Kerry, John F. (D-MA)

Will Gays Become e-MACY-ated??

I Know I Will Unless I Get Some Answers

It seems that our beloved Macy's Department Store in Downtown Crossing, Boston has removed its Boston Pride "gay" manequins from its window display.  Macy's which had joined Mayor Menino, Deval Patrick, Shreve Crump and Low and a host of other local politicians and celebrities in welcoming the GLBT Community for Pride Week 2006, retracted the two male mannequins yet kept the Pride Week signage.

Could Macy's have bent to pressure from the Anti-Gay Article 8 Alliance which posted on its website MassResistance an appeal for supporters to contact Macy's and ask for the mannequins to be removed?  Brian Camenker of Article 8 (who came to fame in that stinky Fistgate scandal) has posted pics of these two attractive young male mannequins on his website claiming that they are "gay." Camenker says in a posting under the photo, "Very bizarre. One mannequin is wearing what looks like some sort of rainbow skirt. And when was the last time you saw male store mannequins with breasts like those? What's that all about?"

I'll tell you what that is all about Brian.  It is all about your odd and compulsive obsessions.  You are the one solely responsible for making "fisting" a household word (google it--it seems to be more prevalent in the straight community fyi) and now with this little piece of truly bent personal activism, you are causing the ripple effect of forcing average window shopping little old ladies into discussing whether or not the mannequins in their favorite stores are "gay."  Why don't you do something constructive with your time and have a conversation with these mannequins, take out your Little Black Book, and educate them that "splinters" may be God's wrath on their evil ways.

I am going to post a link again to MassResistance's plea to call the people at Macy's.  Come on, there are alot more of "us" hanging out in the men's department than "them."  Give the people at Macy's a call.  THIS IS IMPORTANT!  Let them know that you might just have to go on a hunger strike because of their removal of the mannequins.  Where would Macy's be if the Gay Community suddenly found itself e-MACY-ated?

Tom Lang, Director with thanks to Marc Snyder of QueerToday.com for being on this one

Is Kerry Healey a B - - - - ??

Possibly...But I Don't Think So

The word in question in the headline is "BIGOT" -- that five letter word that makes so many people uncomfortable.  Definition:   big·ot : 1. a person who holds blindly and intolerantly to a particular creed, opinion, etc.  2. a narrow-minded, prejudiced person - big·ot·ed /-g&-t&d/ adjective- big·ot·ed·ly adverb 

I have coined a much better word to describe the Republican Gubernatorial Candidate, the only one of six candidates who feels that our Constitution needs to be changed in order to make it legal to take away the rights and protections of gays and lesbians, their children and their families.  My word is "Poligot."  Definition:  poligot: (pronounced: pul' i get) 1. A person who appears to hold firmly to discriminatory or prejuduced beliefs and language for the sole purpose of political gain. 2. One who uses bigotry as a political tool.

This word in my opinion is a better but more shameful description of the current Lieutenant Governor Healey than "bigot" because it shows just how little clout gays and lesbians have in modern politics.  The GLBT community, its children and families are being used as fodder for Kerry Healey's aspirations of the Corner Office and what she owes Mitt Romney and all those who supported this truly morally corrupt administration.  Taking away the rights of any group of equal tax- paying, law-abiding citizens and throwing them into a second class status not only hurts this group directly but clearly damages society as a whole. 

It seems that this concept of Poligotry is not foreign to others who know candidates and politicians like Kerry Healey.  The Huffington Post's Daily Brief today, "Bush's Old Friend on Gay Marriage: 'I Don't Think He Gives A S--t About It" goes into detail about this tried and true tactic of scapegoating and faux moralization. Read More on Huffington Post   

I personally have the pleasure in my vocation to see Kerry Healey's friends quite often.  Always the topic of Equal Rights for Gays comes up and ironically I am not usually the orginator of this conversation.  These are Healey's lady friends, the Manchester-by-the-Sea/Beverly Farms "Toe Nail Club" (women who hire pedicurists and hair stylists, etc. and have at home pampering parties to which Mrs. Healey is a subscriber).  Invariably on the subject of Gay Marriage, Kerry's closest friends say the same thing, "Kerry is such a smart woman, I just don't understand her on this one..."   Well, I am always quick to shine the light... Political Opportunism.  However the polls and her opponents in the Governor's Race have tipped the scale against her on the issue that used to be such a "no brainer" for the GOP. 

So as we move into this 2006 Election Season, which like the hurricane season has already begun, let's hope that Kerry Murphy Healey (the former Fighting Sand Crab, from Daytona Beach, FL) also gets blown out to sea.  Massachusetts is no place for Bigots or worse yet, Poligots!

Tom Lang, Director

Who's Who

The Race for Governor

With the upcoming Massachusetts Democratic Party Nominating Convention this weekend which will determine who will be allowed to run in the primary in September (candidates need to secure 15 % of the Democratic Delegate votes to move to the primary), KnowThyNeighbor wants you all to be up to speed on both the Democrat, Republican and Other Party Candidates' stance on the proposed Constitutional Amendment and Same-Sex Marriage.

Democrats

Chris Gabrieli  Democrat for Governor

For Same-Sex Marriage

Against the current Amendment to Ban Future Same-Sex Marriages

Quote : "Same-sex couples deserve all of the rights and responsibilities of marriage as heterosexual couples, and I will strongly oppose any proposals that seek to limit this right."               

                     Deval Patrick  Democrat for Governor

For Same-Sex Marriage

Against the current Amendment to Ban Future Same-Sex Marriages

Quote: " The Goodridge Decision happened.  The SJC decided.  The Court got it right.  It's time to move on." "I oppose any constitutional amendment or efforts otherwise attempting to roll back same-sex marriage rights in the Commonwealth.  There are no ifs, ands or buts to my stance."

Tom Reilly  Democrat for Governor

For Same-Sex Marriage

Against the current Amendment to Ban Future Same-Sex Marriages

Quote: "Tom Reilly supports same-sex marriage and opposes efforts to ban it, including the proposed constitutional amendment.  As Governor he'll actively campaign to defeat it.  He believes gay marriage has worked very well in Massachusetts and that it is time for us to move on and deal with the other important issues facing our state."  (from Corey Welford, Reilly Press Contact)

Republican

Kerry Healey  Republican for Governor   

Against Same-Sex Marriage

For the current Amendment to Ban Future Same-Sex Marriages 

Quote: " Kerry is against same-sex marriage but for civil unions.  She is for the amendment to ban same-sex marriage and would vote for it if it reaches the ballot in 2008.  If elected Governor, Healey will work on civil union legislation."  When asked by KnowThyNeighbor what the language would be in Healey's "civil union" proposal i.e. "civil unions with all the rights of marriage" or "civil unions with rights 'to be determined,'" we were told, "it is premature to ask that as that would not be until 2008." ( from Amy Lambiaso, Healey Campaign Spokeswoman)

Green/Rainbow Party                       

Grace Ross Green/Rainbow Party for Governor

For Same-Sex Marriage

Against current Amendment to Ban Future Same-Sex Marriages

Quote:

Independent

                        

Christy Mihos Independent for Governor

For Same-Sex Marriage

Against current Amendment to Ban Future Same-Sex Marriage

Quote:  "Equal Rights for Everybody.  And that means Everybody."  (spoken by Christy on the State House steps when asked by a reporter if he favored same-sex marriage from Peter Pendergast, Mihos Press Contact)