http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/group_rss/FaithProgressives Not all people of faith agree with James Dobson. We're progressives. We're people of faith. And we're speaking. Click here to join this group. Dear Representative Carroll, In reply to your last email; You said: "When you think a judge gets a decision wrong the best remedy is to appeal." Answer: You didn't read my account did you? To say that I think that the judge reached the wrong decision is insulting, offensive and derogatory. As my account exposes, Judge David R. Lass reached the wrong decision deliberately. He deliberately misstated the facts and evidence, he deliberately misapplied the laws, and deliberately abused his authority. He not only reached the wrong decision, he clearly reached a predetermined one. An appeal regarding the water rights was filed. That case was 04 SA 328. I submitted numerous pleadings and complaints to the Colorado Supreme Court regarding the collusion between the attorneys and judges, the lack of jurisdiction, the violations of law, etc. However, all my pleadings and complaints were struck from the record. You said: "I/we can help with legislative reforms that create /strengthen the judicial performance commission." Answer: The judicial performance commission doesn't work and should be abolished. Judges Lass, Ruckriegle, Ossola, and Petre are good examples of why it doesn't work. Instead, all judges and justices, should be term limited to four years or less. You said: "I don't think impeachment is the proper remedy unless a crime has been committed and if you think a crime has been committed the proper channel would be to report to the police and DA-not the legislature." Answer: 1. If you bothered to read my account, you would find that several crimes were committed. In all, Judge Lass violated, and allowed others to violate 22 laws. 13 of the 22 are felonies, and 9 of the 22 are State racketeering charges. I am herein adding 18-8-403(1)(a), 18-8-404(a)(b)(c), 18-8-405(a)(b), and 18-8-406 C.R.S. How much crime do you need? Show me where the general public is allowed to violate even one law without being held accountable? In addition to the violation of laws, Judge Lass violated the Judicial Cannons, Rules of Professional Conduct, the Constitution(s), his oath of office, and more. Article XIII, Section 2 of the Colorado Constitution provides that the governor and other state and judicial officers shall be liable to impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors, (it doesn't even have to be a felony), or malfeasance in office. I have evidenced both, high crimes and malfeasance in office. Article XIII also provides that the House shall impeach and all impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. You are clearly provided with the power and the law, so why do you refuse to use it? While you and the rest of the Legislators are refusing to use your powers to stop Judge Lass, he is continuing with the trial and issuing orders even though he has no authority to do so. I recently submitted two Motions to Dismiss and Vacate for lack of jurisdiction. Judge Lass denied my Motions, and instead of relying on his own Court record to show jurisdiction(there is none), and the right to continue, Judge Lass used the Opinion issued in 04 SA 328 wherein the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the doctrine of issue preclusion bars Appellants from collaterally attacking the lack of subject matter and in personam jurisdiction of the Summit County Court. Because all roads, in the abuse of authority, obstruction of justice, violations of law etc., lead to the Colorado Supreme Court, lets take a look at the jurisdictional findings of that Opinion, shall we? First of all, even though all my pleadings and complaints were stricken, the Justices still had full access to the entire record in Case No. 99 CV 277. The court record itself evidences that Judge Lass violated the laws, allowed others to violate the laws, abused his authority, and deliberately abused, violated, and denied me my civil rights to due process, contract freely, and right to be heard. The law recognizes that the Judgment in 99CV277 was not only void, but void ab initio. (From the beginning.) Instead of holding Judge Lass accountable, the Supreme Court Justices denied, circumvented and concealed his criminal conduct, and put the blame on me by saying I had the chance to litigate, and/or did litigate the lack of jurisdiction, and am now barred by the doctrines of claim and issue preclusion from challenging it. I re-read the transcript of 99 CV 277, and jurisdiction was not even mentioned once. The record shows that I hired four attorneys to represent me, my rights, and that of the Association. One was hired prior to the filing of the lawsuit, two were hired during proceedings to trial, and one was hired after the trial. Not one of the four ever mentioned subject matter or in personam jurisdiction, nor the lack thereof, to me or the court in any of the submitted pleadings before, during or after the trial. None. I stumbled upon jurisdiction requirements through law discussion groups and investigated it on my own. So no, I did not have a full and fair opportunity to litigate the lack of jurisdiction during the lawsuit, or at trial, and the record confirms it. For that matter, due process also mandates that the court confirm that subject matter and in personam jurisdiction exists. Again, the record does not evidence the court confirming its jurisdiction in any way except to deliberately misstate the facts and evidence in order to fraudulently obtain it. The Colorado Supreme Court then supported their findings with case laws. Case law is supposed to be used to support arguments in like or similar circumstances and determinations. Let's look at the ones they used: 1. Keystone v. Flynn, 769 P.2d 484, 488-89 n.6 (Colo.1989) This is a case regarding whether the District Court obtained subject matter jurisdiction while the parties had not yet exhausted all administrative remedies, nor had the Public Utilities Commission entered a final decision. 2. Insurance Corp. Of Ireland, Ltd. V. Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinea, 456 U.S. 694, 702, 102 S. Ct. 2099, 2104 n.9 (1982). This is a case regarding personal jurisdiction over a foreign party by sanction, under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 37(b)(2)(A). 3. O'Neill v. Simpson. 958 P.2d 1121 (Colo.1998). This is a case regarding a lack of jurisdiction based on defective service of process. 4. City of South Pasadena v. Mineta, 284 F.3d 1154,1157 (9th Cir. 2002). This is a case regarding 11th Amendment immunity. 5. In re Marriage of Mallon, 956 P.2d 642, 645 (Colo. App. 1998). This case is a case regarding lack of jurisdiction due to the husband not residing in Colorado for 90 days prior to the petition for dissolution being filed. 6. People in Interest of E.E.A., 854 P2d 1346 (Colo.App.1992). This is a case regarding a jurisdictional flaw because the minor child being the subject of a paternity suit, was not made a party to the suit. 7. In People ex rel. J.A.U. 47 P.3d 327, 331 (Colo. 2002). This is another case regarding paternity, and lack of jurisdiction based on mistake. While claim and issue preclusion may have applied to the above cases, none of them state that the reasons for lack of subject matter or in personam jurisdiction was based on the unlawful, fraudulent and malicious actions of the judge. Claim and issue preclusion does not apply when unlawful, fraudulent and malicious actions are committed by the judge. None of the above case law applies to my situation, the record, or the appeal brought in 04 SA 328. Citing one case law wrongfully is a mistake, citing seven wrongfully is deliberate and a cover-up. The Justices then stated that to overcome the doctrines of claim and issue preclusion, there would have to be a showing of "manifest abuse of authority by the trial court." Again, in spite of striking all my pleadings and complaints which did show manifest abuses of authority, they had the Court Record, and the justices cannot escape the fact that the record itself speaks to manifest abuses of authority by the trial court. They also reference Restatement (Second) of Judgment §12 cmt.a (1982). In the Restatement, a modern rule was added wherein finality rather than the validity of a case is given greater weight. They also say that finality over validity is in the public's interest. No, it is not in the public's interest to forego truth over closure in any case. Off the top of my head, this principle of law is unconstitutional and violates the Rules of Professional Conduct. It strikes at the very core of our judicial systems stand for due process, fairness, equality, and to get at the truth in every case. The Supreme Court Justices have a duty to strike this principle everywhere it is used, and remove it from everywhere it is written. The concept of finality over validity only ensures a revolving door employment for attorneys, clogs our courtrooms, and denies justice. Again, the quoted Restatement did not apply to my case, or the appeal brought in 04 SA 328. In their final argument, the Justices validly cite Restatement (Second) of Judgments §12 (1982). But, because they denied, circumvented and concealed Judge Lass's criminal conduct, they say the remedy doesn't apply. Here is what it says: Section 12, paragraph 1, states that a judgment may be attacked for lack of subject matter jurisdiction when; (1) The subject matter of the action was so plainly beyond the court's jurisdiction that its entertaining the action was a manifest abuse of authority; or . . . . The Plaintiff(s), not an Opinion, establishes the court's subject matter jurisdiction. The record evidences that the Plaintiff's in 99 CV 277 had NO standing to bring suit, they could show NO injury, and there was NO justiciable controversy. In short, Judge David R. Lass lacked subject matter jurisdiction, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SUBJECT MATTER!!!!!! Likewise, there was NO judgment on the merits, BECAUSE THERE WERE NO MERITS!!!!!! By deliberately not addressing or even explaining the abuse of authority, or criminal conduct committed by Judge Lass, the Supreme Court Justices Opinion is biased and can only be construed to be a cover-up. Judge Lass's use of the Opinion as a defense for his continuing actions shows not only cover-up, but collusion between himself and the Colorado Supreme Court Justices. Furthermore, because of the amount of officials involved, the amount of money and property involved, this is more than just a good ole boy type system. It is a criminal enterprise, and all roads lead to the Mullarkey Court. (www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/orgcrime/glossary.htm) The Opinion, and Judge Lass's reliance on it rather than his own court record, is yet another on ramp. The public will also be deceived by this Opinion as it will undoubtedly set precedence for someone else. They, not being privy to all the facts, and that crimes and abuses were intentionally denied, circumvented and concealed from the Opinion, will not be able to defend against it. How many more Opinions are there like this? Obviously, this case shows that a judge and/or justice can make a case, finding, or judgment have any outcome they want it to be, and the unsuspecting public has no clue. As long as the judge or justice signs it, the unsuspecting public will think that it must have been adjudicated fairly and by the rules and law, right? Again, how much crime do you need? How many more victims will there be who may or may not figure out what happened to them? If you want to look up this Opinion yourself, the Case No. is 04SA328. A google search will bring it up easily, and while I am only herein focusing on the jurisdictional findings, the entire Opinion can be shown to be geared towards protecting Judge Lass, the attorneys, and other public officials criminal conduct. The only remedy is impeachment, and I have herein made a partial but effective case against the Colorado Supreme Court Justices. If they are not stopped and held accountable, I as well as all other victims of this current corrupt judiciary, will hold you, and all the legislators, etc., liable for our losses of rights and property. And yes there are other victims. In fact, when I met with you in 2006 regarding this same case, Representative Wes McKinley told me that there had been another couple in to see him regarding Judge David R. Lass just two weeks earlier. Had something been done in 2006, I, as well as others would not have to be unduly enduring the continuing injustices today. I did everything right. I filed complaints with every agency, entity and officials who are in position and power to stop the corruption, and bring accountability to our judiciary. I didn't fail, you did, and they did. (In 2007, yet another person has contacted me regarding Judge David Lass.) 2. Regarding the second part of your statement, I did take it to Sheriff Minor and D.A. Hurlbert. They both told me they would not investigate or bring charges. In fact, Sheriff Minor even yelled his statement that he would do nothing about the corruption. Here are their phone numbers. Feel free to call and ask them why they won't perform the duties, obligations and responsibilities of their offices of public trust. Sheriff John Minor - 970- 453-2232, D. A. Mark Hurlbert - 970-453-2327. While your at it, here is the number to Summit County Commissioners Thomas Davidson, Bob French and Tom Long. Their number is 970 - 453-2561. I sent them a copy of the same account I gave you, and mailed it via Certified Mail No. 7007 3020 0002 4929 7947. Anyone can go to USPS.com, put in those numbers and verify that they did receive it. Ask them why I haven't heard from them, and ask them why they refuse to perform the duties, obligations, and responsibilities of their office of public trust. The number for Chief Judge Terry Ruckriegle is 970-453-2241. The number for Judges Ossola and Petre is 970- 945-5075 The number for County Attorney's Frank Celico and Jeff Huntley is 970 453-2561 The number for Summit County Planning Dept. is 970-668-4200 The number for Summit County Environmental Health is 970-668-4070 The number for Dept. Of Natural Resources is 303-866-3581 The number for Attorney General Suthers is 303- 866-4500 The number for Governor Bill Ritter is 303-866-2471 The number for Attorney Regulation is 303-866-6400 The number for the Judicial Discipline is 303-894-2110. The above is a shortened list, but call and ask these public officials why they refuse to perform the duties, obligations and responsibilities of their offices of public trust, and/or participated in the racketeering. Article XIII also provides that those who are not liable to impeachment are liable to removal. Will I hold them liable? You bet. Again, I didn't fail, they did. You said: "If you think the law itself is not properly written (which maybe lead to the wrong result in your case), we may be able to help." Answer: It is not the law itself. As I have shown, and which you continue to skirt the real issue, it is the people elected and appointed who do not follow, uphold, and/or apply the laws fairly and for the benefit of all. As I have shown, our laws are being prostituted for money and job security, and not for truth and justice. I will not respond to the rest of your e-mail because it is just more of the same skirting the real issues. I will however state that if this Governor and Legislature fails to use the power and rights we the people granted in Article XIII, I will in the future run a campaign to remove it from the Governor and Legislature, and put it in the hands of the people. Use it or lose it. I will be sharing this email with the public. Part of the reason is to show the people what it is really like to seek redress of grievances, the other part is to warn them of corrupt public officials. If I alienate you-the one legislator out of a hundred who has responded to me-so be it. When our judiciary is being allowed to render a Judgment/Opinion that fits any scenario but the truth, we have bigger problems than whether I made you mad. Ours is a government of, by and for the people, (a Republic), not the other way around. Halena Lewis Halen@axint.net Read my account at www.coloradoopencourt.blogspot.com Join my group to support judicial accountability at www.progressnowaction.org/page/group/OPENCOURT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPc http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPc/commentary#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:29:42 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPc Halena Lewis Halena Lewis 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqPc/ Joan Fitz-Gerald, Colorado Candidate for U.S. Congress Herein are excerpts from Joan Fitz-Gerald's ad for U.S. Congress. I answer the statements and provide first hand knowledge of why no-one should vote for Joan Fitzgerald. Statement: "You can count on Joan Fitz-Gerald." Answer: As my State Senator, I contacted Joan Fitz-Gerald regarding judicial corruption and criminal conduct within the 5th Judicial District in 2002, and again in 2006. She finally responded in 2006 stating she would look into my complaints, and that her aide would be contacting me. She did nothing with my complaint, her aide never called, and the corruption and criminal conduct within our Judiciary is continuing. So no, you cannot count on Joan Fitz-Gerald. Statement: "She'll change America" and "She'll bring change to Washington." Answer: How will she do that when she did nothing to change our corrupt and criminal Judiciary? She failed us at home, she'll fail us nationally, too. Statement: "She's tenacious" and "She's a fighter." Answer: She's a coward, and she's a liar. (See my first answer.) Statement: " She'll bring a sense of urgency to Congress." Answer: Really? I'm still waiting on the investigation into my complaint, it's been over two years, Joan. Statement: "Joan will work to get us out of Iraq." Answer: No she won't. Our young men and women are fighting and dying for our Country every day. What makes our Country great, and the envy of other countries, is our Constitutions, and laws. Joan Fitz-Gerald failed to uphold our Constitutions and laws when she refused to bring accountability to the corrupt and criminal Colorado Judiciary. She slapped the face of every man and woman fighting and dying in Iraq, and has shown her true concerns about their well being. She has shown she could care less about getting us out of Iraq, and that her only allegiance is to protect the wealthy. Statement: "Joan changed Colorado." Answer: Joan failed Colorado. No matter what accomplishments she stacks up on paper, she failed where the people needed her most, and that was to uphold our Constitutions, Laws, and our rights and freedoms. All the other accomplishments don't matter. If there was a truth pill every politician was made to take, Joan Fitz-Gerald's ad would state; You can't count on me, I am a liar, I'm a coward, I'll make promises I don't intend to keep, I won't uphold the Constitution's, the Laws, nor the oath I swore to do so, A vote for Joan Fitz-Gerald, is a vote for the same as before. I'm just a different face, After election, I'll pretend to work on tough issues that affect the working class, ignore the working class, and for the most part, sit on my ass and continue living off the public dole for another four years. Halena Lewis Halen@axint.net Don't vote for Joan Fitz-Gerald. We can't afford another four years of her forked tongue representation. My Judicial corruption case is told at www.coloradoopencourt.blogspot.com Join me in supporting a call for an investigation into our corrupt and criminal Judiciary at, www.progressnowaction.org/page/group/OPENCOURT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPB http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPB/commentary#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:15:21 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPB Halena Lewis Halena Lewis 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqPB/ July 7, 2008 Governor Bill Ritter 136 State Capitol Building Denver, CO. 80203 Certified Mail No. 7002 2030 0000 0388 5347 Dear Governor Ritter,      On May 22, 2008, I sent you a certified letter regarding the criminal conduct within our judicial and legal system. I detailed how my rights, water, and land was stolen from me through corrupt judges and attorneys. I also detailed that I have been unlawfully subjected to the Summit County Court for more than ten years, and that the criminal conduct is allowed and protected by Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey, and all the Colorado Supreme Court Justices. Instead of answering my letter with concern over the criminal state of the people’s judiciary, and helping to put a stop to it, you answered my petition for an investigation and accountability through an unsigned letter from a Citizen Advocate dated June 18, 2008. I herein answer your letter: 1. You said, “the Governor has no jurisdiction over the Judicial Branch.” Yes you do. When corruption is involved as it is in this case, you, Governor Ritter, have the authority and duty to ask that the CBI and/or FBI investigate and bring charges. You also have the authority to convene the Legislature in order to impeach the corrupt Judges, Justices, and other public officials. Every day they are allowed to remain in office, is another day that all Coloradans are in jeopardy of losing their rights and freedom. 2. You said, “the Governor’s office cannot intervene in court cases, overturn decisions made by judges, or offer legal advice.” I never asked for that. Nowhere did I ask that you intervene, overturn a decision, nor did I ask for legal advice. I asked you to do your job as Governor and call for an investigation and accountability. Again, you not only have the authority, you also have the duty. 3. You recommended that I my petition the Colorado Legal Services, and the Colorado Judicial Department instead. A. Colorado Legal Services does not handle corruption cases, nor do they have investigative authority. B. The Colorado Judicial Department is the State Court Administrator. The State Court Administrator does not have investigative authority. 4. A Citizen Advocate, also does not have authority to demand an investigation, only you do.      Governor Ritter, do not dismiss my worth of your time, nor dismiss my grievances as insignificant. The corruption is real, and our offices of public trust have been turned into a network of organized crime for the super wealthy and connected. The information I sent you on May 22, 2008 evidences that I am not a disgruntled litigant, but rather a victim of the lawless corruption within our Judiciary and legal system.      On June 20, 2008, Judge David R. Lass announced his retirement. He will be allowed to leave public office unaccounted, and allowed to resurface somewhere else. Isn’t this the same as the pedophile priests were allowed to do? Once there were complaints, they were moved and allowed to continue the abuse. By not holding Judge Lass to account for his criminal conduct, he also is a threat to the unsuspecting public everywhere. The criminal conduct will continue, because if he allowed such criminal behavior at work, he’s allowing the same in private life. He has shown his true character, and just as any other criminal, must be brought to justice. It will also be found that Judge Lass did not act alone. There are many more elected officials involved in this criminal network.      Just as Judge Lass has shown his true character, so too have all the other corrupt public officials who today are allowed to interact with the unsuspecting public. How many more victims will there be? In my case, my mortgage company is also being defrauded. How much longer will you allow the corruption to go on? Eventually, all will be brought to light. When it is exposed, what will you tell the people when they find out you knew about the corruption and criminal conduct within our Colorado Government, and did nothing to stop it? What will you tell God? Our Laws are rooted in the Ten Commandments, so this corruption is not only against man, it is also against God. Is He not worth your time either?      On its face, the amount of the corruption is eighty million dollars, crosses State lines, has cost the taxpayers millions, and is being allowed to continue. Imagine what an investigation will uncover. Governor Ritter, I will be expecting that you will use your authority to call for an investigation into the corruption and abuse of power. If there is more information you need, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address and phone number. Thank you for your time, and I will be expecting to hear from you soon. Respectfully, Halena Lewis Note: This letter and all future replies will be shared with the public. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/Cqyz http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/Cqyz/commentary#comments Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:34 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/Cqyz Halena Lewis Halena Lewis 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqyz/ On Saturday, July 19 from 1-3 pm Soulforce in Colorado will launch a discussion group exploring the wide-ranging oeuvre of nonviolent theory entitled "Readings in Nonviolence". We will meet at The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (1050 Broadway in Denver). I hope you might consider joining us. Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqmL http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqmL/commentary#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:42:14 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqmL Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqmL/ Just got this from my buddy Ray T: Wow! This just in. Related to your impeachment efforts. I am relieved to see it, in fact had virtually given up. Better months (years?) late than never. Maybe timing was indeed an issue, warranting postponement until now. I cannot think that deeply. Ray T. Forwarded message: To: hudlink@aol.com Subject: CVA: Vets Group Calls for Bush-Cheney Impeachment! Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 23:52:50 -0400 From: hudlink@aol.com Colorado Veterans for America 1437 S. Lewiston St. Aurora, CO 80017 720-296-1936 Veterans, their families and friends taking back America NEWS RELEASE Immediate Release Contact: Jim Hudson May 20, 2008 720-296-1936 COLORADO VETS GROUP CALLS FOR IMPEACHMENT OF CHENEY AND BUSH Colorado Veterans for America (CVA) today called for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush. CVA is a 2,000 member nonprofit group that has endorsed and worked for successful candidacies of U.S. Senator Ken Salazar, U.S. Representative John Salazar, U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, and Joe Rice, state representative, House District 38 in Littleton. Both the President and Vice President repeatedly lied to Congress and the American people to bring us and other nations to war against Iraq and to continue that war, said CVA Acting President Jim Hudson. And both willfully promoted and attempted to cover up U.S. policies of barbarous torture and brutality leading to death and disability of combatants as well as innocent Iraqi civilians. In doing so, both violated U.S. law, international law, and simple morality. And they undermined the worldwide dignity, integrity, and goodwill earned through the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of precious Americans lives in earlier just and necessary wars, Hudson added. CVA's members actively campaign for candidates that share the group's values by making individual contributions, marching with candidates in parades, campaigning door-to-door, phone banking, recruiting volunteers, sponsoring fundraising events in their homes, writing letters-to-the-editor, phoning radio talk shows, conducting press conferences, and holding demonstrations or push-back activities. #### http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/Cqsk http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/Cqsk/commentary#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 13:08:17 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/Cqsk John H Kennedy http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/5e4c96e6db734362f3_l5hmv2v71.jpg John H Kennedy 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqsk/ Dear friends, We hope you'll join us for a panel discussion featuring marriage equality activists Kate Burns and Sheila Schroeder, Ex-Gay Survivors Christine Bakke and Daniel Gonzales, and local student organizers Carly Schlotterer and Julia Johns at MCC of the Rockies (10th & Clarkson in Denver) from 1-3 pm on June 1st. Mark your calendar! ********** What is the difference between being "OUT" and being "SOULFORCE OUT"? At Soulforce's recent 10th anniversary celebration, Jarrett Lucas (Equality Rider and Director of Outreach for SoulforceQ) reflected on this question during a staff and volunteer organizer brainstorming forum. How can we continue to help and support each other as we turn our personal expressions of integrity and authenticity living as openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into a force for positive and transformative social change? We hope you'll help us answer this question when you join members of Soulforce, the Ex-Gay Survivors' movement, and local student activists for a panel discussion and town hall meeting at MCC of the Rockies (10th and Clarkson in Capitol Hill, Denver) on June 1st from 1-3 pm. Are you "OUT" or are you "SOULFORCE OUT"? Sincerely, Christopher Hubble http://christopherh-queermusings.blogspot.com cahubble08@gmail.com 303-241-3225 "When the bamboo forest goes, with it goes the sound of the flute." Hindu Proverb http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cqs3 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cqs3/commentary#comments Sun, 18 May 2008 18:23:46 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cqs3 Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 45 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqs3/ Former CO Lt. Gov Gail Schoettler has a great column this week in the Denver Post about John McCain's close association with some pretty hateful "men of God": One of the best outcomes of this election season just may be the "outing" of preachers who spout hate in the name of religion. Not that this is anything new. For thousands of years, religion has been used by the power-hungry to justify horrors inflicted on others and to whip up fervor against "outsiders" and "non-believers." . . . In an NPR interview, [McCain ally Pastor John] Hagee said that "All Muslims are programmed to kill and we can thus never negotiate with any of them." Hagee also enlightened us about Hurricane Katrina. "God caused Hurricane Katrina to wipe out New Orleans because it had a gay pride parade the week before and was filled with sexual sin." Then there's the ever-quotable Rev. Pat Robertson, who takes on women as well as gays, Muslims and other disagreeable groups. "The feminist agenda," he said, "is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians." These aren't kooks spewing venom about other human beings and religions. They are preachers who have huge audiences in their churches, radio and television programs, and national speaking tours. They continue to influence American politics despite their claim, as Rev. Dobson made recently, that they are not political. These "men of God" do us a great disservice by trying to mask their hatred in the garb of religion. Rather than focusing on solving problems, they try to whip up fury among their listeners by savagely attacking those who think, act and believe differently from them. Rev. Wright is not alone. We need to look just as closely at the words of other ministers who preach contempt and hate. In this election year, maybe America will begin to hold all vicious preachers accountable for their loathsome words. Amen. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqsG http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqsG/commentary#comments Fri, 09 May 2008 18:29:38 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqsG Bobby http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqsG/ Will he keep getting a free ride, or will the media ask him about this: http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqsM http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqsM/commentary#comments Thu, 08 May 2008 22:02:06 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqsM Bobby http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqsM/ Help out now If you want Cheney or Bush Impeached This is an Emergency Appeal for Donations for an Impeachment Ad in Roll Call, the Capitol Hill newspaper, that Congress Will Read next Tuesday. The Impeachment Group behind this effort to push Congress to adopt the 1973 Nixon Flooding Plan for impeaching Cheney is asking for your quick donation to help pay for an advertisement in Roll Call. We want to run this Impeachment Ad on Tuesday April 29 in Roll Call, the Capital Hill Newspaper that ALL members of Congress and their staffs read avidly. The ad answers House Speaker Pelosi's argument- echoed by many House members (perhaps yours)- that President Bush and Vice President Cheney will be out of office by January 30, 2009 so why bother with impeachment. If our Colorado Congressman don't "bother" with impeachment, they are permitting all the "high-crime precedents" that Nixon and Bush and Cheney have put in place to be used by future Presidents. And those "Presidential Precedents" will nullify Congress, overthrow the Constitution and our democracy-- and set up a "unitary executive" dictatorship. Impeachment NOW will Stop These High-Crime Precedents-Cold! This 1/4 page ad emphasizes "Presidential Precedents" to Congress. But it will cost $ 3,715 to appear in Roll Call. We desperately need contributions Now to cover that cost so your Congressional Representative and all others will see it on Tuesday, April 29. We are part of the way to the goal. Please Help Make This Happen. Your small donation matters. Make your contribution through http://Paypal.com to this Email Address: DemocracyForOregon@gmail.com for Credit Charge or Bank Account Transfers. To give by check: Make it Payable to Democracy For Oregon and mail to: 6428 SE 15th Ave. Portland, OR 97202 The Nixon flooding Plan is being advocated by the "We The People" National Coalition For Impeachment: Information is available here and Barbara Ellis' White Paper on the Nixon Flooding Plan . and this brief (1 page) document listing the reasons to follow this Flooding Plan prior to the November Election is: here PS: We have lots of Impeach Signs for you to carry every Saturday at Noon-1:00pm at East 6th and Speer in Denver where we do our weekly Impeach Cheney Protest in front of two TV Stations and Rep. DeGette's Office. Join us, the honking is tremendous and it is a lot of fun. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CqYb http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CqYb/commentary#comments Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:19:58 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CqYb John H Kennedy http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/5e4c96e6db734362f3_l5hmv2v71.jpg John H Kennedy 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqYb/ The myth that John McCain is a moderate is almost unreal. Very little about his long record says anything other than arch-conservative. That includes his record on matters relating to our nation's historic racial divide. Take, for example, the fact that McCain voted against the Martin Luther King holiday. Markos' post on this is a must-read. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqfX http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqfX/commentary#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:43:41 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqfX Bobby http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqfX/ 40 years ago today a shot was fired in Memphis, and America lost one of the greatest leaders in history. This is Dr. King on the night before he was shot: http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cqd9 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cqd9/commentary#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:14:36 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cqd9 Bobby http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqd9/ The wheels are moving to enshrine the current occupant of the White House on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. While it's clear the driving force to create this facility is to protect the secrets and offenses of the coWH, it is fun to see some critics having a laugh at W's expense. Still, there is soooo much work to be done correcting the damage he has done. America certainly does not deserve Bush McClone as the next President. Reprinted from an admired source (with a few choice edits) with an encouragement to share. The George W. Bush Museum is being planned at Southern Methodist U. DALLAS Methodists opposed to a George W. Bush Presidential Library, Museum and Policy Institute at Southern Methodist University here are mounting a last-ditch effort to block a nearly completed deal by throwing the decision to a regional church conference in July. Prominent features of the George W. Bush Library are: 1. The Hurricane Katrina Room, which will be perpetually under construction. 2. The Alberto Gonzales Room, where you can't remember anything and practice the phrases "…yes Mr. President…whatever you want, Mr. President." 3. The Texas Air National Guard Room where you don't even have to show up. 4. The Walter Reed Hospital Room, where they don't let you in. 5. The Guantanamo Bay Room, where they don't let you out. 6. The Weapons of Mass Destruction Room, which no one has been able to find. 7. The Iraq War Room. After you complete your first tour, they make you go back for a second, third, fourth, and sometimes fifth tour. 8. The Dick Cheney Room in the famous undisclosed location, complete with shooting gallery. 9. The Airport Men's Room, where you can meet some of your favorite Republican Senators. 10. Last, but not least, there will be an entire floor devoted to a 7/8 scale model of the President's ego. To highlight the President's accomplishments, the museum will have an electron microscope to help you locate them. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqTV http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqTV/commentary#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:49:25 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqTV Ralph T http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 128 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqTV/ I commented on this article in the 03-09-08 Denver Post on Bush's veto of the Anti-Torture Bill as follows. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CqTj http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CqTj/commentary#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:38:33 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CqTj John H Kennedy http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/5e4c96e6db734362f3_l5hmv2v71.jpg John H Kennedy 508 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqTj/ Hello friends, Sorry this is a couple days late... http://www.soulforce.org/email_campaign/email_2_14_2008.html http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqDb http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqDb/commentary#comments Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:04:18 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqDb Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDb/ Alan forwarded this Dobson email to me: "I am deeply disappointed the Republican Party seems poised to select a nominee who did not support a Constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, voted for embryonic stem-cell research to kill nascent human beings, opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, has little regard for freedom of speech, organized the Gang of 14 to preserve filibusters in judicial hearings, and has a legendary temper and often uses foul and obscene language. "I am convinced Sen. McCain is not a conservative, and in fact, has gone out of his way to stick his thumb in the eyes of those who are. He has sounded at times more like a member of the other party. McCain actually considered leaving the GOP caucus in 2001, and approached John Kerry about being Kerry's running mate in 2004. McCain also said publicly that Hillary Clinton would make a good president. Given these and many other concerns, a spoonful of sugar does NOT make the medicine go down. I cannot, and will not, vote for Sen. John McCain, as a matter of conscience. "But what a sad and melancholy decision this is for me and many other conservatives. Should Sen. McCain capture the nomination as many assume, I believe this general election will offer the worst choices for president in my lifetime. I certainly can't vote for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama based on their virulently anti-family policy positions. If these are the nominees in November, I simply will not cast a ballot for president for the first time in my life. These decisions are my personal views and do not represent the organization with which I am affiliated. They do reflect my deeply held convictions about the institution of the family, about moral and spiritual beliefs, and about the welfare of our country." There you have it folks. Will we see a resurrection of Gary Bauer's quixotic candidacy? Alan adds: don't be fooled into thinking this is an authentic display of moral conviction. Nothing of the kind--most of Dobson's complaints about McCain aren't related to the core "morality" planks Dobson hangs his hat on at all. For example, when Dobson talks about "free speech" with McCain what he's really talking about is McCain's hated tendency to support reform of political campaign financing, something Dobson learned a great deal about as he toured the country the last few election cycles shadowing various Republican campaigns. He doesn't like McCain because McCain wouldn't take part in the worst of Senate Republican judicial maneuverings to force corrupt or extremist (or both) candidates into federal judgeships. And he doesn't like McCain because he "uses foul language." No, the real problem here is the same problem all the GOP insiders have with McCain: though perhaps crazy, he doesn't play by their crony moneybag rules. So Dobson will sit 2008 out, and maybe all of American plutocracy with him. Cool by me. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cq88 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cq88/commentary#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:34:09 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cq88 Bobby http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 3 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq88/ Wow. I can't even think where to begin responding to this : Mike Huckabee, a Republican relying on support from religious conservatives in Thursday's hard-fought presidential caucuses, on Sunday stood by a decade-old comment in which he said, "I hope we answer the alarm clock and take this nation back for Christ." In an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," the ordained Southern Baptist minister and former Arkansas governor made no apologies for the 1998 comment made at a Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Salt Lake City. He gave the speech the same year he endorsed the Baptist convention's statement of beliefs on marriage that said, "A wife is to submit graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ." http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqKl http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqKl/commentary#comments Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:32:11 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/CqKl Bobby http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqKl/ The Colorado Springs Gazette reports: Dozens of New Life Church members had just left services Sunday when word arrived of a shooting attack on the congregation and they rushed back, searching for news of friends and family members. They all had the same questions: Who was hurt? Who was the shooter? Why did he target a church? Hard answers didn't come for hours, if at all... A few members speculated that the attack was motivated by hatred for Christianity, or New Life Church in particular. "You get a lot of weird looks when you say you go to New Life," said a member who declined to give her name. "It's just a lot of judgment because we're so big." Another New Life member saw a possible link with a shooting that killed two staff members at a missionary training center early Sunday in Arvada, a Denver suburb. "Something's going on," said Melanie Vaughn. "I think people are so bitter about Christians. There are a lot of issues, killing, stealing and destroying. I think some people think the church is an easy target." What happened yesterday was a tragic outburst of violence, most likely committed by a deranged psychopath. The only thing that could compound such a tragedy would be for Colorado's faith community to view it as reflective of any broader sentiment against Christians. It's not. It's one lunatic. Nothing any of these victims ever did or believed would make them deserving of this in the mind of a rational person. We have passionate debates in America, differences over religion, how it informs public debate, even the need for it at all; what distinguishes America from the rest of the world is our history of not killing each other over those disagreements. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cq2h http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cq2h/commentary#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:49:54 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cq2h Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 457 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq2h/ Dear Readers: A recent Denver Post article by Michael Riley published on December 3, 2007 (http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_7619693?source=commented-news) noted that Common Sense Issues, a "qualified nonprofit" associated with veteran Republican operative Patrick Davis, has taken its first shot at Democratic candidates. The Denver Post article points out that with a little more than 11 months to go before the 2008 Election that opponents in the hotly contested Senate campaign are likely to lob a wide array of attacks at each other looking for something that sticks. Apparently Common Sense Issues first attack (http://www.commonsenseissues.com/) calls into question Congressman Mark Udall's support of the US House Resolution 808 (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=hr110-808). The ad calls Udall a "Boulder liberal", using the phrase three times in less than 30 seconds, and erroneously gives him credit for the idea of a Department of Peace. The fact however is, as the Denver Post article points out, Udall is distancing himself from the concept and even says he regrets is original support of the bill. When I finished reading the Post article I'm not sure what upset me the most - the fact that the Republicans preferred campaign strategy STILL continues to be attack ads and misinformation rather intelligent debate on the issues; or, the fact that our Democratic leadership seems to "distance themselves" from anything that requires the courage to stand for their stated values for fear it may make them appear "soft". This is also just another example of why I'm a registered Independent and still in search of true leadership regardless of which Party it comes from. And while the ad takes a jab at Udall, it was the distortion of the proposed US Department of Peace that distressed me the most. The idea of a US Department of Peace and Nonviolence is not new - nor is it a liberal or conservative concept. While recently introduced as HR 808, the concept itself is as old as the Constitution and was first introduced at the Continental Congress by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately Dr. Rush was unable to convince his fellow statesmen to include the Department of Peace in the Constitution (or Universal Health Care and Equality for ALL men and women either for that matter however that's another story). The concept of a Department of Peace did not die however; in fact, a form of the US Department of Peace has been reintroduced in some form over 80 times throughout history. The latest attempt has been introduced by Rep. Dennis Kucinich NOT Udall (would have meant he showed leadership) and currently has over 65 co-sponsors and growing support across the Nation. There are also a number of States and Local Governments, and a broad cross section of the community service providers (Police Departments, Women's Shelters, Social Workers, etc.) who have also endorsed the concept. Contrary to the implication that creating a Department of Peace will somehow diminish our safety as Americans the truth is that the proposed cabinet level department is designed to reduce the level of violence we ALL experience in our lives - whether it's in the bedroom, boardroom, our communities or the world. The ad asks "doesn't he know people are trying to kill us" and I wonder if Common Sense Issues really knows WHO is trying to kill us. The truth is that we are more likely to be killed at home by someone we know than an illusive international terrorist. The health-related cost of rape, physical assault, stalking and homicide committed by intimate partners in America exceeds $5.8 billion each year. Of that amount, nearly $4.1 billion are for direct medical and mental health care services, and nearly $1.8 billion are for the indirect costs of lost productivity or wages. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States, April 2003.) And this is just the cost of domestic violence, when considering the full range of interpersonal violence a recent World Health Organization report estimated the cost of interpersonal violence in the U.S. (excluding war related costs) at $300 billion a year. [The Economic Dimensions of Interpersonal Violence, World Health Organization, 2004] The US Department of Peace mobilizes resources, research and proven approaches to prevent domestic and community violence at the root level. Specifically the legislation states that the US Department of Peace and Nonviolence will: 1. Work proactively and interactively with each branch of the Federal Government on all policy matters relating to conditions of peace. 2. Call on the intellectual and spiritual wealth of the people of the United states and seek participation in its administration and in its development of policy from private, public and nongovernmental organizations; and, 3. Monitor and analyze causative principals and make policy recommendation for developing and maintaining peaceful conduct. 4. Develop policies that address domestic violence - spousal, child, elder 5. Create new policies and incorporate existing policies regarding crime, punishment and rehabilitation 6. Develop policies to address violence against animals 7. Analyze existing policies, employ successful, field-tested programs, and develop new approaches for dealing with the implements of violence, including gun-related violence and the overwhelming presence of handguns; 8. Develop new programs that relate to the societal challenges of school violence, gangs, racial or ethnic violence, violence against gays and lesbians, and police-community relations disputes; 9. Make policy recommendations to the Attorney General regarding civil rights and labor law; 10. Assist in the establishment and funding of community-based violence prevention programs, including violence prevention counseling and peer mediation in schools; 11. Counsel and advocate on behalf of women victimized by violence; 12. Provide for public education programs and counseling strategies concerning hate crimes; 13. Promote racial, religious and ethnic tolerance; 14. Finance local community initiatives that can draw on neighborhood resources to crate peace projects that facilitate the development of conflict resolution at a national level and thereby inform and inspire national policy; and 15. Provide ethical-based and value-based analyses to the Department of Defense. When looking at the truth of what the bill would provide, one wonders exactly what activity Common Sense Issues or Udall have a problem with. Even though many of the activities HR 808 proposes are not necessarily new or different - what makes the Department of Peace unique and critical at this time is that it FINALLY brings the type of federal leadership and vision for domestic tranquility that has been the missing in our efforts to reduce violence in our homes, communities and the world for decades. As a person who has been working in communities at a grassroots level for the past 30 years I can tell you that HR 808 is the type of bill I've been waiting for. And while admittedly it isn't as comprehensive or well defined as I would like, it is the first time in years that I have had a glimmer of hope that as a Nation we are willing to take an honest look at the cost of violence in the world - both in human and economic terms. It confuses me that Mark Udall, who presents himself as dedicated to peace and the wellbeing of our Nation, would feel compelled to "distance" himself from this landmark legislation. It concerns me that he "wishes" he would have never lent his name in support of this historic effort to reduce the level of violence in our homes and communities rather than working to amend the bill if he has "problems" with parts of it. And it strengthens my resolve to find true leadership to represent my needs in Washington as it appears it will not be coming from Udall. Julieann Murphy Cross Brighton, Colorado http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/julieannmurphycross/Cq2N http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/julieannmurphycross/Cq2N/commentary#comments Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:52:55 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/julieannmurphycross/Cq2N Jul Jul 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq2N/ Which means it's time for some honored traditions. Thanksgiving turkey, Santa Claus at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, shopping, lights, and what has become my most favorite of traditions, "The War on Christmas!" </snark> I love Christmas. Really, I love the holidays. Pretty, happy lights all around, cold weather, going home to see the family, cookies, making donuts with my Gramma. But over the past few years, the folks over there on the sanctimonious right seem to have forgotten the meaning of the holidays and have instead turned it into a chance to play the oh-so-wronged victim card. Take the sheriff up there in Fort Collins. Here's a little bit of what he posted on the Larimer County website the other day: The Bull's Eye Briefing: Ft. Collins Boulderized: the Task Force that Denied Christmas By Sheriff Jim Alderden Ft. Collins is becoming more like the imbecilic borough of Boulder than many would like to admit; where social agendas substitute for common sense. Last week, Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly righteously ridiculed the recommendations of Ft. Collins’ Holiday Display Task Force on The O’ Reilly Factor. For the uninformed, the Task Force recommended that only “white lights and secular symbols not traditionally associated with any particular holiday” be permitted. It further recommended “removing red ribbons from wreaths and removing stars and ornaments from trees.” Acceptable symbols of winter include “snowflakes, snowmen, snowballs, ice skates, skis, penguins, polar bears, white lights, etc.” (Penguins? This is dangerous territory. What about those of us who were traumatized by Danny DeVito’s performance as Oswald Cobblepot in Batman Returns? Skis? What about the poor who can’t afford to go skiing? How elitist and insensitive!) The Task Force managed to avoid any reference to Santa Claus, AKA St. Nick, but one would assume the jolly old gentleman would be banned due to the association of saints with religion. While the secular progressives have tried to take Christ out of Christmas, supported and bolstered by the ACLU which is waging its own Jihad against Christianity, the majority of Americans, including those living in Larimer County and Ft. Collins, recognize and value our Christian heritage. Valuing our heritage while being tolerant of other religions! I don't know about you, but that rant seems to miss point of the holidays, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza, Winter Solstice or something else. No matter what you call your celebration of the holidays, shouldn't it really be about happiness, love, family and joy? http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/jencaltrideraction/CqHN http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/jencaltrideraction/CqHN/commentary#comments Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:54:56 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/jencaltrideraction/CqHN Jen Caltrider http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/a0b85e36b2ab047de9_pom6b1rss.jpg Jen Caltrider 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqHN/ Dear friends, I'm writing to ask for your help. On Sep 24, Soulforce in Colorado organized a marriage equality civil disobedience during which two of my friends, Kate Burns and Sheila Schroeder, entered the Denver clerk and recorder office to request a marriage license… and refused to leave after being denied. They were both arrested and cited for trespassing (links to video of the action below). Kate and Sheila stand trial on Dec. 17 and their legal team of three attorneys working pro bono are seeking affidavits by religious leaders willing testify that they or their organizations support full marriage equality. If you or anyone you know might be interested and able to complete an affidavit by Nov 23, would you please contact me or Kate and Sheila directly (kateburns303@comcast.net). I hope you have both been well, Chris The video for the Marriage Equality civil disobedience on September 24th in Denver (Kate and Sheila arrested) is now on YouTube and Google video. Many of you are in it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7luw6WKiI_E Also, Ron Zappolo hosted Kate and Sheila on his weekly news magazine Colorado 2031. Zappolo also interviewed Focus on the Family representatives Carrie Gordon Earll and Melissa Fryrear who oppose same-gender marriage equality. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1181419119680720526&pr=goog-sl Sincerely, Christopher Hubble www.HubbleBooks.com cahubble05@yahoo.com 303-241-3225 "When the bamboo forest goes, with it goes the sound of the flute." Hindu Proverb http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqHn http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqHn/commentary#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:16:48 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqHn Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 527 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqHn/