Good As You

I agree with everything you said, Jeremy; you accurately expressed what most of us feel about this, I think.

If I had to make a choice, I would go with not doing it, and using the money for other causes.

David

If it's happening when congress is not in session, then I don't see the point. These resources are better spent on something tangible.

There is something to be said for keeping the momentum of this moment going. Is the best way to that a march? I am not sure. But here is take.

With all the talk about not being able to meet with our legislators, I say WTF? Every senator and representative has an office in their district. You do not have to go to DC to meet with them. Have you done that? Really? No? Why not?

If the intent is to mobilize the troops to go back and make change happen where it affects us most, I say it is wort it. If the intent is to foster connections among grassroots organizations across the country, I say it is worth it. If the intent is to let it be known we won't sit on the back of the bus anymore inside the beltway and our home states, I say it is worth it. If, however, we are going to party, there are much better things we could all be doing.

So I say let's do this but do it right. Speeches are great but don't accomplish much beyond preaching to the choir. Seminars an activism should be included. Workshops on fighting homophobia should be included. Events designed to get organizations to share best practices from acrosss the country should be included.

See you in October!

I support the rallies that we've been having. I've shown up at all but one of my local ones, from the biggies to the ones where only 30 or so people turn out. There is certainly a need for catharsis, and to hit the streets with either our anger or our jubilation.

But one fear that I didn't mention in the post: The false sense of accomplishment that can come from these kinds of events. I think some people feel that by showing up at these things, they have done their part for the week/month/year.

While it's crucial that we *do* turn out for these kinds of things when they happen, they are the fluff. They are show horses. They are the places to blow off steam, get inspired, etc. They are meant to be a catalyst, not an end.

So I guess I'm saying that if this rally does happen, I would want to ensure that it was a truly educational experience rather than just a party. I'm not sure what that will look/sound like exactly, but I think it is key.

"Have you done that? Really? No? Why not?"
Because I don't want to, Dennis. And I don't need to attend a workshop on fighting homophobia, either. Gawd. I'm 50, not 19.

I'm okay with another March on Washington, but plans should have started for it a year ago. I think it's too late for October.

"I think it's too late for October."

Another valid fear, K2.

I am not 19 either thank you very much. I also am not naive. As a resident of Florida, I have seen the same amendment that failed in Arizona pass in Florida. Why didn't we talk to the people that fought and WON in Arizona? There is plenty we can learn from each other. If you don't think so please step aside,K2, as we march right past you towards full equality.

Dennis, these things require planning. The other marches we did were planned more than a year in advance. It's naive to think this can be done in four months.

Jeremy, you lay out excellent reasons why not. I couldn't do it because I am Pagan, and go to Orlando to celebrate Samhain (falls on the same day as Halloween, and a really big deal for most practicing Pagans/Witches) with my former coven each year. My plane/hotel money goes *there*!

I call BS on the whole planning takes time thing. Join the Impact did a phenomenal job of organizing 400 marches around the WORLD a week after Proposition 8 passed. Call on this and other local organizations to plan.

It seems to me that is exactly what the folks calling for a march are looking for. Our grassroots organizations to step up to the plate once again and create this not the to-down approach that has happened in the past. In fairness I was a volunteer in 93, I met a lot of cool people (damn I met and talked to RuPaul right when he was a hot commodity!) But did I get anything out of it other than some feel-good affirmations,DADT and DOMA? No. To organize top down is what takes time. If groups around the country take little chunks of events I think we will be surprised at how much can be done in a short amount of time.

I really don't see much point. I think that since all same sex marriage battles are fought at a state level, it's much more important to be visible at a state level.

Not to mention the cost of putting something like this, and with the current economic woes, how many people could really afford to go?

I heard about this story this morning and sent out an e-mail to six people. I now have six people set to buy plane tickets on their credit cards as soon as this hits, and another 25 set to caravan and carpool out there. We're all saving time off for work for this, and we're saving money to pay for everything. In four months, even with the economy being what it is, we'll be able to get all of us there. In less than 8 hours, I've got 31 people ready to go, willing travel 1600 miles, to do this. Imagine what can be done in 4 months.

Don't give me this hoopla about not having enough time. If people actually get behind this, it can go places.

And yes, Congress is not in session. But if you think no one is going to be there, I have to disagree. I know for example, that most of Colorado's reps don't come back on long weekends like Columbus Day or Labor Day. Beyond that, if we have enough people, we will have media coverage. And that is something we desperately need.

This is going to be an excellent opportunity for us to get our message out loud and clear especially to those in Washington who believe that no action is good action on this front, to co-ordinate with other advocates from other states to build new strategies going forward, and to get energy built up going into 2010. It's a big congressional election year, and we have the opportunity with this to shape the argument regarding gay rights.

At the same time we are planning for this, we are also in contact with local GLBT groups to find out if they will be planning anything local to coincide with it. That way, for those who can't make the trip, there will still be something that they can do locally.

I get the feeling that the people who don't want this to happen are the same people who don't want our cases in front of the supreme court, who don't want another ballot initiative in California in 2010, that don't want us to press President Obama towards actually making some movement on repelling DOMA and DADT. In short, these come across as the same people who keep saying "now isn't the time. Just keep waiting and be patient." It also comes across that these people will be saying the same thing until the Sun explodes and destroys the Earth.

If we continue being patient, we will lose momentum. Not just within the GLBT community, but within the country in general. After 2010, it will be tough getting anything done on equality. The Dems will be gearing up for the next presidential election and they won't want to do anything earth-shattering.

Sorry for the long post. Just had a lot to get out on this. Thanks and have a great rest of the week everyone!