Ken Blackwell said gays are like arsonists and kleptomaniacs ...

[urbuddha]

:puke:

In Ohio's largest daily newspaper this past Sunday Ken Blackwell said that – like people inclined to be arsonists or kleptomaniacs – homosexuals can be “changed”.*

He labeled hardworking Ohioans who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) as transgressors “against God's law.”

I don't need to tell you that Ken Blackwell is a serious obstacle to equality for LGBT people in Ohio. Ohioans need officials who lead with vision - not division.

We are rolling up our sleeves. Equality Ohio has started work on a smart and aggressive get-out-the-vote plan called TurnOUT Ohio. The goal is to identify thousands of voters who support LGBT equality; stay connected to them; educate them; and make sure they get to the polls and cast their ballot on November 7. It is a statewide grassroots strategy that we know can make the difference. It has worked in Cincinnati and Cleveland Heights, and it has worked in other states.

We need your support today to TurnOUT Ohio. Please click here to help today with a contribution of $50, $75, $100 or whatever you can give.

Since 2004 things have changed for the better within our statewide community even if the shameful political gimmicks haven't. We have built political power, rallied together behind common goals, and fortified our commitment to Ohio's movement for equality.

We've evolved, but anti-equality extremists have not. That is why this time the advantage is ours.

We have 106 days. Without each and every one of you, we will not get the job done. TurnOUT Ohio will cost upwards of $50,000 to do it right. The plan is efficient with every dollar and calls for targeting key precincts. We've prepared and we now need your help. Make sure TurnOUT Ohio is a success – please contribute what you can to defend our rights during this election season.

Together, in November, we will show the political power of the LGBT and allied community.

Sincerely,

Bo Shuff
Director of Education and Public Policy
Equality Ohio

:kick:

[theHandpuppet]

1. The only thing that needs to be changed...

... is the corrupt and incompetent leadership in Columbus and the RW fundie lunatics who support them.

[Deep13]

2. against god's law

Can we assume that Blackwell will not be campaigning on Sundays because it is against God's Law?

[keithkam]

3. Just a reminder for July 31st

"4 pm Protest at Ken Blackwell's office, 180 East Broad St"

http://ohioworldcantwait.blogspot.com/

[rexcat]

4. There is nothing more shameful..

than using your religion to hide your bigotry! Blackwell is a complete asshole!

[mtnester]

5. I had a conversation with a young man yesterday who marched

in Columbus's gay pride parade with the Equality Ohio group.

Let me tell you, gays (my own son included) have had it rough with all the bashing and "you are a wedge issue" topics for the past two years, however, I can tell you, this PISSED the gay community in Ohio off - no, I did not say it upset them, it PISSED THEM THE FUCK OFF!

My son even called me and said, in his own loving sarcastic way "Mom, did you know I was as bad as a criminal? That God hates me?" Although I heard the humor in his voice, I also heard a tension there I have never heard before. Same with my young friend I spoke with yesterday, things CHANGED this week...they really did.

Blackwell - may you rot in a hell of your own making..God WILL judge you at the appropriate time and find you LACKING and cast you down where you belong with all your other friends, and may my own personal heaven be to have a VERY long, sharp stick, a soft cushion, and my favorite iced tea, and be able to poke Kenn Blackwell over and over with that sharp stick, saying "I told you so" for eternity.

Right after I hug my mother.

[OhioBlue]

6. I'm sorry your son is on the receiving end

of this hateful campaign tactic. It has disgusted me from day one with the "save marriage" propaganda. I don't even have the words to describe how despicable, hateful and underhanded I view this GOP strategy. Some people don't "get" that it had nothing to do with "protecting traditional marriage". It is a propaganda campaign simply targeting people's lessor instincts and telling them it is okay to be prejudice toward homosexuals. It turns back the clock of progress toward a tolerant society.

Blackwell thought that platform worked in '04 and is pushing his hateful, homophobic rhetoric even further. He's obsessed with the Gay issue - hell, they even tried to call Strickland gay - what a freakin' circus they have become. I'm glad the Gay community is pissed! They should be very pissed off at being the victims of this bull shit tactic. I also hope they work against the sons of bitches that are pushing the bull shit rhetoric.

Sorry to swear so much - I've just been nauseated over Blackwell's tactics. And, I'm losing patience with people in my circle of friends and family that "just don't like politics". I want to scream sometimes, G-dammit! It's not politics - it's your f'in job, it's your child's opportunity for education, It's the right of workers to organize, It's about you and your family's well being, and on and on...

The Gay community should be pissed, Union members should be pissed, women should be pissed, blue collar workers should be pissed, minorities should be pissed, etc... and they should get very vocal!

and... while I'm on my probably mis-placed rant.... It's time for many small business owners, the self-employed, true Christians, family farmers, etc. to wake up - the current crop of GOP represents nothing in their interest, they don't give a shit about them.

btw - I know I'm preaching to the choir... I just needed to vent... can't find volunteers... can't sell fund raising tickets... frustration was getting me today.... Damn red county.... you'll have days like this...