Darth Vader endorses Meg Whitman?

Meg Whitman won the Republican nomination for governor because she had more endorsements from the dark side of American politics. Newt Gingrich, Pete Wilson, Condoleeza Rice, Rudy Giuliani, and other members of the right-wing empire came together to promote Meg Whitman as one of their own. Meg Whitman even received -- and celebrated -- the endorsement of a man whose name is synonymous with being a master of evil: Dick Cheney.

That's why Courage Campaign California and the California Federation of Teachers decided to have some fun and see what happens when one of the most villainous people in recent memory takes to the streets of Los Angeles to campaign for Meg Whitman.

After spending 8 long years destroying our country, the right-wing empire is striking back at California. They're promoting Meg Whitman and backing Carly Fiorina -- who was even endorsed by Sarah Palin. It's up to us to lead the progressive rebel alliance against these forces of corporate wealth and power.

Click here to sign up with Courage Campaign California and join their "rebel alliance" to stop the corporate attack on California. They will keep you updated about the right-wing empire and let you know how you can help win progressive victories in 2010.

May 26, 2009: Prop 8 Decision Day

The California Supreme Court has just announced that on on Tuesday, May 26, they will release their decision on the fate of Proposition 8.

As the Courage Campaign put it, "The court will either uphold the Constitution, recognizing equal protection under the law, or uphold discrimination, taking away fundamental civil rights from a minority."

If you would like to hear the courts decision as soon as it is released releases it, the Courage Campaign is offering an email alert service that you can sign up for at:
www.couragecampaign.org/DecisionDay

And please remember, on Saturday May 30th, at 1:00pm, no matter what the court decides,
thousands of marriage equality supporters from across California will "Meet in the Middle for Equality" to celebrate or protest the Supreme Court's ruling at Fresno City Hall.

Nearly 100 organizations are mobilizing members for this amazing event in the heartland of California. "Equality Express" buses are leaving from several locations across the state. If you don't already have a spot reserved, think about car pooling with your friends to Fresno. For more information you can check out their web site at: www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com

The Courage Campaigns Latest Efforts

The other day I received an email from the Courage Campaign asking me to show my support for federal same-sex equal rights by signing their letter to President Obama asking him to keep his promise and allow the federal government to provide health benefits to all same-sex partners and spouses of federal employees.

For all of you who may not be on the emailing list for the Courage Campaign, I thought you might want to read the email I recieved and participate in their campaign.


"I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. That is why I support extending fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law." -Senator Barack Obama, in a letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, March 2008
President Obama has a unique opportunity to give hope and equality to thousands of same-sex couples across America.

No matter what happens in the fight to overturn Proposition 8, same-sex couples will not enjoy full equality until the federal government recognizes all of their rights, starting with the repeal of the "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) and the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

Right now, the President can take an important first step towards full equality by allowing the same-sex partners of federal government employees to receive health benefits, just like their straight colleagues. Currently, same-sex partners are banned from receiving these important benefits.

As the New York Times reported on Thursday, "two judges of the federal appeals court in California said that employees of their court were entitled to health benefits for their same-sex partners under the program that insures millions of federal workers." But, citing DOMA, the federal Office of Personnel Management has instructed insurers not to provide the benefits ordered by the judges.


President Obama now has a choice -- to uphold the benefit ban or to keep his campaign promise to provide same-sex couples all the benefits that their fellow federal employees receive.

Please show your support for federal same-sex equal rights by signing the Courage Campaign's letter to President Obama. Ask him to keep his promise and allow the federal government to provide health benefits to all same-sex partners and spouses of federal employees:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/keepyourpromise

The right-wing is already preparing to launch a major attack on President Obama over this issue.

Gary Bauer, a long-time leader of the religious right, told the New York Times last week that Obama would "provoke a furious reaction" among conservatives if he does the right thing by reversing the benefit ban. As we saw last fall, the right-wing will stop at nothing to promote inequality.

That's why we need to show President Obama that he has our strong support.

Please sign the Courage Campaign's letter to President Obama asking him to keep his promise and allow the federal govenment to provide health benefits to same-sex partners and spouses of federal employees. And please invite your family and friends to sign the letter as well:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/keepyourpromise

Together, we will ensure that all committed couples enjoy full equality at the state and federal level.

Cleve Jones
Founder, the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and historical consultant for the film "MILK"

"Don't Divorce my Family" Video

If you do nothing else today, please take a minute and watch this heart-wrenching video, it will be well worth your time...


"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

As I am sure you have all heard by now, Ken Starr, the prosecutor who led the campaign to impeach President Bill Clinton, has filed a legal brief on behalf of the "Yes on 8" campaign that would forcibly divorce the 18,000 same-sex couples married in California before the passage of Prop 8.

When Starr's legal brief went public in December, the Courage Campaign launched their "Don't Divorce my Family" campaign, asking their members to send in pictures with a simple message for Starr and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund. This video was inspired by the heartfelt pictures and messages they received.

After watching the video, please take a moment and add your name to the Courage Campaign's letter asking the Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case, and allow loving, committed couples to marry.

And please share this video with friends and family, the more people see it, the more they will understand the pain caused by Prop 8 and their hateful legal proceedings.

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/m2/4b660807/1bab1ab4/8afe3dd/40ba31e6/3816633232/VEsA/

Join The Impact on Saturday, November 15th

On Saturday, November 15th, at the exact same time across the country (10:30 PST) , thousands of people will march, rally and protest the passage of Prop 8. Will you help to make this grassroots event the tipping point for marriage equality in America?

Click here to find a "Join the Impact" rally in your area.

For more information, go to: http://www.couragecampaign.org/JoinTheImpact

Gender Auditors - Vote No on Prop 8 ad

The Courage Campaign, a California online progressive grassroots activists network of about 100,000 members, recently launched a somewhat humorous "No on 8" ad campaign.  The ad is obviously aimed at straight couples, but still worth checking out....

The Courage Campaign is an online organizing network of almost 100,000 members that empowers grassroots and netroots activists to make this a new era for progressive politics in California.