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Day One on the NOM Tour o’ #FAIL, Vol. 2: NOM’s California Dreamin’ that anyone would come to their events
September 27, 2010
NOM Exposed NOM Tour Tracker-California
For those who missed it, today is Day One of the second NOM-sponsored bus tour — this time in alliance with several other socially conservative organizations. We at NOM Tour Tracker are covering it again. More details on the tour and why we’re doing this can be found in my post here.
Because of the volume of stops, we’ll be doing daily or twice-a-day summaries of each day’s stops on this tour, (though we’ll have special devoted coverage for larger rallies/meetings/happenings as they occur). So below, you’ll see dispatches from Bakersfield, Visalia, Hanford and Madera, in travel diary-style. More to come from Roseville, their final stop today – Adam
by Arisha Michelle Hatch
Stop #1: Bakersfield
Only one stop into The Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles’ “Vota Tus Valores” bus tour (vote your values, for those who don’t speak Spanish), sponsored by the National Organization for Marriage, and we’re already questioning whether to take these folks seriously.
The tour bus arrived 15 minutes late to the Park at Riverwalk, which could have caused confusion if anybody had bothered to come (or if the tour had actually taken the time to invite people).
There was no setup for speakers, just Spanish music blaring from the bus, a few organizers handing out literature and an opportunity to be interviewed by a Univision reporter who was forced to guess the location after poor directions from the organizing staff.
“They had a party but nobody came,” said one member from the local Women’s Democratic Club who stopped by with two friends.
Only one “values-voter” stopped by, but she was not Latina.
“I was shopping at Target when I saw the bus across the street and wanted to see what it was all about,” she told me.
We initially counted 8 in attendance, but 7 were organizers that got back on the bus at the end of the stop.
We’re told that there are “a half a dozen” people in the tour bus, but I guess there was no compelling reason for them to actually get off the bus. We counted four Latino organizers in total, everyone else looks pretty white, non-Hispanic.
Like Louis from the NOM tour (hi, Louis!) the organizers were quick to offer us water.
I was speaking with Andy Blum, a spokesperson from American Principles in Action, another of the tour’s sponsors, when one of the younger non-Hispanic organizers approached me with water.
“Bubbly or flat,” he asked.
“Flat, I suppose.”
“Perhaps Perrier is inappropriate,” Blum interjected.
Why NOM would sponsor another #turnoutFAIL bus tour is completely beyond me. Do the people on this bus actually represent Latino/a values? Will they get their act together and actually turn out people?
Stay tuned, this could be very interesting (or, at least, funny).
Update (Adam): Also, Karyme Lozano, the Mexican-born telenovela (soap opera) star who recently had a “religious conversion” was in attendance with Vota Tus Valores, seen here with local reporters:
Lozano, while an anti-choice activist, was also crowned Queen of the 2008 San Francisco Pride Parade and is very supportive of LGBT individuals. For her to ally herself with NOM on this tour is disgraceful. Jorge Amaro has more on Lozano here.
Stop #2: Visalia
The Vota Tus Valores bus tour kept up its attendance average in Visalia — 1 person showed up.
“I vote according to God’s will,” said one Latina woman who happened to be in the park when the bus pulled up but refused to go on-camera.
If you’re keeping tally, the total attendance count is now 2.
Approximately 4 people sat at a picnic table in front of the bus, but it would be a stretch to say that they were even remotely engaged.
We’ll see what the scene is like in Hanford.
Stop #3: Hanford
This stop was even less well-attended than Bakersfield and Hanover (which is a nice way of saying that nobody was there), despite the event organizers’ protestations to the contrary.
The lackluster turnout afforded us the opportunity to meet and speak with Alfonso Aguilar, Executive Director of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles.
We didn’t get the chance to chat for very long before the bus driver honked the horn signaling that it was time to get on the road. We didn’t go too deep, but I did learn one thing: he’s comfortable with spin in the same way that Brian Brown is.
When asked if they actually engaged any Latino voters at the Hanford stop, Aguilar said “yes we did” (with a straight face) as an organizer named Thomas quickly chimed in to insist that they spoke to two people adding some off-handed comment about siesta that I didn’t quite catch (I don’t want to call anybody a liar so early in the tour, but there wasn’t a single person in that park).
“Our people work,” Aguilar added almost as if he was informing me of some new concept.
Ummm…maybe you should’ve thought about that before picking the time and location?
It may be too soon to tell, but Thomas appears to be compelled to fill Louis’ role over the next 42 stops (for those who didn’t follow the NOM “Summer for Marriage” tour, Louis was Brian Brown’s younger antagonistic tag-along who became a regular character featured on our blog).
The funniest thing so far (other than the Perrier) is that there’s actually an advance team traveling 30 minutes ahead of the tour.
From one organizer to another, here’s a tip: if you arrive at an empty location for a stop that you didn’t promote to begin with, choose a different park.
On to Madera.
Stop #4: Madera
In Madera, the advance team was able to wrangle up a few additional attendees: fifteen men from a local Christian men’s shelter were present to “show support,” including one man wearing an Obama shirt and a reformed neo-Nazi who was heavily tatotted with swastikas.
I was surprised that he shook my hand, but he later admitted that the white power movement was “part of his past.”
I spoke to them about immigration reform – most seemed in favor – as well as marriage equality which elicited a few awkward oppositional laughs.
The heightened attendance meant that Tus Valores actually pulled out a microphone and sound system. Alfonso addressed the crowd before introducing Karyme Lozano who spoke briefly to the crowd about voting your values (very generally).
We’re on our way to Roseville, where the tour folks are holding a “meeting” as listed on their public tour schedule- whatever that means. Stay tuned.
Update: Stop #5: Roseville
The Votabus arrived at their publicized meeting stop in Roseville – a chain Mexican food restaurant/”cantina” called “On the Border” just in time for happy hour.
For those unfamiliar with the restaurant, think Chili’s with a Tex-Mex twist (in fact the restaurant was originally founded by the same investment group). On The Border is a nationwide chain that also maintains international franchises in Puerto Rico, Canada, Egypt, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
As an avid Mexican food eater, I’m slightly offended if not amused by the choice. For an organization that says it values Latino-owned businesses, the choice is somewhat comical. A simple iPhone Yelp search reveals 30+ locally-owned authentic Mexican food restaurants within a 5 mile radius, but I digress.
Approximately 12 members from the bus are currently having dinner at a large table in the center of the restaurant. There’s not much Latino voter engagement going on unless you count the non-Latino waiter.
Are these guys serious?
Having technical problems? E-mail equalityontrial AT couragecampaign DOT org for assistance!
205 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Alan E. | September 27, 2010 at 10:10 am
Gotta read this one on the bus home!
2.
Lesbians Love Boies | September 27, 2010 at 10:11 am
ƃuıqıɹɔsqns
3.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 10:14 am
Yay! I was hoping ARISHA would be back!! woo Hoo!!
4.
nightshayde | September 27, 2010 at 10:16 am
More "crowds" numbering in the ones. Beautiful!
5.
Ann S. | September 27, 2010 at 10:18 am
ƃuıqıɹɔsqns
6.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 10:18 am
I'd like to see what the cost-per-attendee works out to be once this is over.
7.
Bonobo | September 27, 2010 at 10:19 am
Soooooo, the ones left on the bus are on the phones with local phone books? It's the only way I can see that they are actually reaching the people.
8.
AndrewPDX | September 27, 2010 at 10:20 am
I can't wait for Anonygrl's continuation of her wonderful BUS stories… this otta be fun
Thank you Arisha and all for once again chasing after this ugly chimera called #NOMFAIL.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Andrew
9.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 10:24 am
Quite curious about Karyme Lozano….thank you for link from Jorge so could read more… Anyone have add'l information about Karyme? Why she was Gay Pride 2008 now spokesperson for Nom?
10.
Ronnie | September 27, 2010 at 10:25 am
bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…..FAIL!!!!,,,,& now for a musical inerlude….<3…..Ronnie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAl92RN6le8
11.
Dave P. | September 27, 2010 at 10:27 am
And at some stops, it's not even numbering in the "ONES".
It's numbering in the "ONE".
And the "NONE".
12.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 10:28 am
Really? They blamed the lack of attendance on "siesta?" Did I read that correctly??????
13.
Sagesse | September 27, 2010 at 10:29 am
Welcome back Arisha!
If your philosophy of life is to defy logic, I guess logic's poor cousin organization isn't necessary either.
14.
Chris in Lathrop | September 27, 2010 at 10:29 am
I'd say people are already voting their values with this "tour"… by not showing up!
15.
Jonathan H | September 27, 2010 at 10:29 am
I'll have to remember to check on Wednesday and see if they're picked a location in Fresno. I'd like to make some sort of statement, even if it's just riding past on my bike and giving them the finger.
16.
Dick Mills | September 27, 2010 at 10:29 am
So, how soon will it be before Louis blogs about the overwhelming turnout that these first 4 stops racked up? Given his past history of sophistry, I would expect to hear about the scores, even up to fifties of thronging participants.
17.
Dave P. | September 27, 2010 at 10:30 am
Oh YEAH! It's like waiting all summer for the new fall season premier of your favorite TV show! Last season ended with a cliffhanger. What's gonna happen now??
18.
Kathleen | September 27, 2010 at 10:32 am
Nice to see you, everyone.
This latest escapade leaves me wondering if they just have a lot of money hanging around that they don't know what to do with…. so they get in a bus and drive around.
19.
Jonathan H | September 27, 2010 at 10:32 am
Yes, as you can see NOM is totally not the sort of bigots who reduce people to two-dimensional stereotypes, not at all!
20.
Ronnie | September 27, 2010 at 10:33 am
NOM is beyond stupid….the Latino people (for the most part) of America do not trust the American government….They don't trust the Repubs, they don't trust the Democs, they sure as all Hellen Hunt don't trust the Tea Party….& NOM thinks they are going to trust them ( a Fascist political organization)?…….Does NOM not know of what's going on w/Immigration?….What are they going to show up so that NOM can have those who don't have their documentation arrested?…….paaaa…lease…..Bad idea NOM…& a total waste of money…all those homeless people who could use that money……"Christian's" my….ASSume I won't call you a wasteful Bigot….. X( …Ronnie
21.
JonT | September 27, 2010 at 10:33 am
ƃuıqıɹɔsqns
22.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 10:33 am
Yeah, they'll just show everyone how much diesel they can gobble up for the cause. Wow, such power.
23.
Ann S. | September 27, 2010 at 10:33 am
Voting with their feet, huh?
24.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 10:35 am
Intriguing point! This whole NOM bus thing, like most everything they do, strikes me as just plain ODD.
25.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 10:35 am
And that cliffhanger just turns out to be a dream one of the characters had. What a letdown.
26.
Steven in Windsor/De | September 27, 2010 at 10:37 am
Welcome back Arisha!
Wow, NOM has just provided me with some entertainment for the next few days! They are a JOKE!
27.
Ronnie | September 27, 2010 at 10:39 am
Welcome back Arisha…I <3 You… ; ) …Ronnie
28.
nightshayde | September 27, 2010 at 10:42 am
Siesta.
Their supporters have jobs.
It's hot.
Pretty much the same as the first tour — except they replaced Tour #1's humidity with "siesta."
I'm starting to think the Jelly Belly stop is just because someone on the bus wants candy.
29.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 10:44 am
You make some good points Ronnie about the Latino community. They are not stupid….often minority groups have to know and understand both the minority AND the dominant culture simply to survive. Those in the dominant group do not.
The bus, the Perrier and all ….along with the concocted "gathering storm" ad, stock photos, lack of conviction do not inspire!
30.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 10:54 am
LOL Kate
I must be tired…the "diesel gobble up" comment made me laugh out loud! (So did Ronnie's McCain "I don't care" video earlier today…that truly was hilarious!)
31.
Lesbians Love Boies | September 27, 2010 at 10:54 am
resubscribing…ugh
32.
Alan E | September 27, 2010 at 10:56 am
According to their twitter feed, they are going to Jelly Belly because Reagan really liked them.
Also, we can now assume they are reading us again! What was the other guy's name again? The new Louis…
33.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 10:59 am
Thomas.
34.
Ann S. | September 27, 2010 at 11:02 am
They probably really liked Reagan, he gave them so much publicity. They commissioned a huge portrait of Reagan in jelly beans, which was hanging in the plant last time I was there. Whether they share NOM's anti-equality views is still a question I would like to see answered.
35.
Bob | September 27, 2010 at 11:08 am
that's what you call a crowd, thanks Ronnie
36.
Chris in Lathrop | September 27, 2010 at 11:16 am
Of course! Now that they've got this camera-angle thing down pat… and imagine if someone on the tour learned to photoshop… they might be able to show off a whole dozen or so people.
37.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 11:16 am
p.s. Thank you for the John McCain "I don't care what you say" video earlier….I enjoyed it several times…truly hilarious!
38.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 11:18 am
Hola, Thomas!
39.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 11:20 am
Hi Ann
I forgot Reagan liked Jelly Beans…or was that Dumbledore? hmmm….
I would say Ronald Reagan the President did NOT share NOM values!
40.
Ray in MA | September 27, 2010 at 11:21 am
We had the NOM Nut Cracker…(NOM Tour Tracker)…
now we have the NOM Cracker Tuerca.
41.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 11:21 am
s.
42.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 11:23 am
My car really needs new brakes…..or at price/head I could use a 2010 Nissan XTERRA!
43.
Richard A. Walter (s | September 27, 2010 at 11:25 am
Will catch up later.
44.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 11:26 am
Terrific, Ray!
45.
Ronnie | September 27, 2010 at 11:29 am
glad you enjoyed it…I hate that its so catchy though…the damn thing is stuck in my head now…lol….<3…Ronnie
46.
Laura O. | September 27, 2010 at 11:36 am
Judy, her partner, my daughter, and I just spoke to the manager, Frank, at On The Border. He called his area manager and he was told that this was not a company sponsored or sanctioned stop. At first when he was told he was extremely confused about this and had never heard anything about this stop by NOM. The NOM supporters have wrongfully named this unsuspecting restaurant as thier stop.
47.
cc | September 27, 2010 at 11:37 am
Roseville, oh I wish I had known I would have loved to stop by. Anyone know if they are still there or where they are at?
48.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 11:38 am
Wow — and they took advantage of that because it's a Mexican restaurant. What is the manager going to do about it?
49.
Kathleen | September 27, 2010 at 11:43 am
Here's the schedule: http://tusvalores.com/en/bus-tour.html
50.
Ken | September 27, 2010 at 11:46 am
Seriously. This is so pathetic it's not even worth reading, let alone following them to document it. I appreciate the effort, but maybe there's something better the tour trackers could be doing? This is obviously a tour not worth tracking
51.
cc | September 27, 2010 at 11:50 am
Oh Thank you.
Drat I was just there shopping. No sign of them, but then again I wasn't really looking for them anyway. That's Ok though. It looks like they will be in Sac tomorrow at 9am. Hopefully I can get out a bit before work and pay them a visit.
52.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Gregory, maybe I could get one, too. You know the cost per attendee is going to be huge. Even if they count Arisha and the cc gang in their tally.
53.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Hi Kate
the 1 Billion DADT cost we could buy a few CA ranches too! Love you!
54.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 12:11 pm
This refers to nom's letdown Hispanic tour NOT to Anonygrl's tale.
55.
Laura O. | September 27, 2010 at 12:12 pm
So we were all just told that the stop isn't really much of a stop and is more of a dinner meeting. We meet a lovely man named James who stood with us while we waited to see if there we any supporters, he was texting his wife back in Virginia who said she wished she could've been here with us. After several minutes of waiting and one very funny encounter with a rude man (which was caught on camera and will be posted later) we decided that no one else was coming. We bid James goodbye and then found a table next to the NOM supporters inside. We wanted to give a very special thank you to Frank our manager who gave us a queso on the house.
56.
Laura O. | September 27, 2010 at 12:17 pm
The manager was very nice to us when we went inside to eat gave us a seat next to the NOM supporters table and we were given a queso on the house.
57.
Ronnie | September 27, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I'm cross posting this from Freedom Fighters…..
http://www.advocate.com/Business/Equality_Allies/…
The Best Companies in the U.S.
With all the talk of boycotting those companies that don't stand strongly behind gay rights, here is a list of 25 of the best companies in the U.S. when it comes to gay issues.
By Advocate.com Editors
(my comment on Freedom Fighters for Equality)
Pretty much every major airline supports the "Gay agenda": American Airlines, Delta, Continental, JetBlue, & US Airways so to the anti-gays; boycott & never go anywhere u selfish little Fascist pigs…..& while you're at it don't use Google (every search is a click for Equality)…..Got a Toyota? (well u just paid for a Gay Pride event to happen)……Then there is Intel (pretty much every computer has a little bit of the "Gay agenda" in your anti-gay homes)…… ; )
<3…Ronnie
58.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Too funny! I can hardly wait to see the video. Ann, can you issue Laura O. and her daughter and Judy merit badges? This is WAY cool. Any chance James was someone from our P8TT site? I hope you'll post even more info.
Cheers to Frank for all your support. Now I definitely want to go to this restaurant.
59.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 12:20 pm
The "dinner meeting" excuse is pure BS — this restaurant, On the Border, was listed as a tour stop.
60.
Fred | September 27, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I don’t know if they are aware but the message written in the bus is wrong, however I rather for them not to know “Vota tus valores” menas “throw away your values” , I am sure what they mean to write is “Vota por tus valores”, which means vote for your values, Big difference
61.
Laura O. | September 27, 2010 at 12:24 pm
James told us that he was a subscriber to the website but that his wife was much more active than he (I didn't happen to catch her name).
62.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Their Spanish is frequently incorrect, Fred, but unfortunately not in that way — "botar" is the throw-away verb, and "votar" is the verb for to vote. This error was made by the OP on another site, likely because "botar" and "votar" sound identical but are spelled differently. It could be on its way to fast becoming an urban legend……..
63.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I hope they log on and see that we appreciate them.
64.
Fred | September 27, 2010 at 12:30 pm
on this one on there own they are their worst enemy the message written on the bus is wrong, however I rather for them not to know “Vota tus valores” mens “throw away your values” , I am sure what they mean to write is “Vota por tus valores”, which means vote for your values, Big difference
65.
Lora | September 27, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Me too! I would have loved to go!!
66.
Ann S. | September 27, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Badges for bravery, courtesy, promptness and route-finding to Laura O., Judy, and everyone in their party are hereby awarded. Please wear them with Pride!
67.
Lora | September 27, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Oh goody…they'll be just a few blocks from my house! I must go and join the massive crowds!!
68.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Lora — Be sure to get there at least 2 hours in advance so that you're sure to find a spot within that crowd.
69.
Fred | September 27, 2010 at 12:41 pm
sorry, my error, however the message is still wrong.
70.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 12:44 pm
You're correct — and they are wrong in other places, too, both on the bus and on their Spanish translation of their web site. I do wish that they HAD used "botar…." :}
71.
Kathleen | September 27, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Be careful not to get trampled by the mob.
72.
Bennett | September 27, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Oh no, this is too painful to watch. Get this tour over with already. I cant stand to see stupidity on parade. Poor tour trackers having to follow this thing around. Maybe they will get the message if even the tour trackers dont dignify this with their presense. So glad noone is showing up. They are not even scareing up any protestors? What a waste.
73.
draNgNon | September 27, 2010 at 12:59 pm
wait, what? don't use Google from the Advocate?
Google actually came out with a rare endorsement to vote NO on prop 8…!!!
74.
Dave in CA | September 27, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Okay, I just really, really gotta know. What does the 30 minute advance team do?
75.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 1:05 pm
I think they're claiming this for Madera:
Tweet:
tusvalores joined by quite a few enthusiastic supporters at our most recent stop. one more to round out a very full first day! #votabus http://www.votabus.com
about 5 hours ago
76.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 1:07 pm
They bribe people to show up.
77.
Ronnie | September 27, 2010 at 1:12 pm
No they are saying those are pro-LGBT companies…..
I'm telling anti-gay people not to use Google since they want to "boycott" pro-LGBT companies……<3…Ronnie
78.
Sagesse | September 27, 2010 at 1:13 pm
NOM in the news again, this time in RI
Anti-gay marriage group sues over RI election law
http://www.necn.com/09/27/10/Anti-gay-marriage-gr…
79.
Van in San Diego | September 27, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Hi Folks,
There are three stops in the San Diego area: Oceanside, Escondido (location TBA) and someplace way down in the very south of San Diego. Anyone planning to attend any of those? We've been talking about making signs depicting carly "outsourcing" California jobs overseas or is this just about marriage equality?
80.
Jonathan H | September 27, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Wait, up front? In cash?!
I mean, hypothetically, how big a bribe are we speaking about here?
81.
Sapphocrat | September 27, 2010 at 1:23 pm
This is the funniest thing I've read all week — thank you, Arisha, for some much-needed comic relief, and for exposing the absolutely pathetic Hate Tour.
I _am_ horrified by the obvious pandering — Spanish music, Mexican restaurants… My stars, I'm not Latina, and _I_ am insulted. How stupid does NOM think Latino/as are? What's next, a free screening of a Speedy Gonzales retrospective?
The "siesta" remark is the worst.
Nevertheless, I am highly amused by this rundown of the Hate Tour, and can't wait for the next installment.
Not sure I'll make it to either San Jose or San Mateo — but then, if things continue as they've begun, I won't see any reason to — NOM might "accidentally" count me among their many ones of supporters! LOL
82.
Sapphocrat | September 27, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Somebody tell them to stop counting squirrels and random insects among their supporters.
83.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I'm having a lot of fun, too – thanks so much, Arisha. Can hardly wait for the next installment!
84.
Suzanne | September 27, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Van, Escondido would be a fun stop to counter protest. Lots of North County fundies out thatta way.
85.
adambink | September 27, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Hi all- one more update added re NOM's final stop on the tour, in the post above. A Tex-Mex restaurant.
86.
adambink | September 27, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Au contraire, I think it's very valuable to inform NOM supporters/financial backers how their money and other support is being spent.
87.
Anna Bryant | September 27, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I want to be excited to follow this NOM tour and tweet their #fail, but I just can't seem to find it inside me to care…
88.
Dick Mills | September 27, 2010 at 2:01 pm
They are probably counting the number of dispersed "bottles of water" so that they can claim that that also is the number of attendees! Well, in Bakersfield we drank, I MEAN distributed 22 bottles of water, so that means that 22 people showed up…
89.
RebeccaRGB | September 27, 2010 at 2:07 pm
They can't even get one man and one woman anymore. ^.^
90.
RebeccaRGB | September 27, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Shhhhhhhh
91.
Sheryl, Mormon Mothe | September 27, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Ran these 2 phrases thru several free on-line language translators and each time got results about voting for your values or vote your values or he votes your values.
As for my take on the tour bus, I really think they are hoping people will just see the bus as it rolls across Calif and agree. Don't think they really intend much at most of the stops.
Anyone else going to be at the Concord stop?
Sheryl, Mormon Mother
92.
RebeccaRGB | September 27, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Dumbledore actually hadn't liked Bertie Bott's Every-Flavor Beans since he came across a vomit-flavored one in his childhood.
93.
Laura O. | September 27, 2010 at 2:16 pm
In Roseville they sat on a bench out in front of the restaurant until the bus showed up.
94.
Barry G. Wick | September 27, 2010 at 2:18 pm
4.25 people per rally….since most of them are .25 people already that means they've had 17 breathers per rally, but none up to the level of a complete person.
95.
Judy | September 27, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Oh, sorry. At first glance I read your name as Anita Bryant. I had to do a double-take.
96.
Sapphocrat | September 27, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Barry, you meant to write "mouthbreathers," didn't you?
97.
Judy | September 27, 2010 at 2:33 pm
ROSEVILLE STOP:
I'll just add to what LauraO has already posted.
Only one scruffy man in a white t-shirt professing the "stuff it up your ass" logic, and one older man who stood far away staring at us showed up looking for Carly Fiorina to actually be on the bus.
For our side, five of us showed up, including two straight allies. (All were there because of P8TT site.)
The bus arrived 10 minutes late, held up the entrance to the parking lot for 5 minutes, everyone got off the bus to go inside the restaurant.
Their excuse for no one showing up: It wasn't supposed to be a stop, just a dinner for the crew. Nevermind that Roseville is printed on the side of their bus with a star, like all the other stops.
Props for On The Border restaurant in Roseville, Galleria Blvd. The manager was very receptive to our concern about their use of his restaurant, immediately phoned his Area Manager, and gave us the free queso when we later sat down for dinner.
My theory: They don't care one whit if anybody shows up. They are getting all they want out of this by being able to SAY they have a bus tour, and flaunt photos of the bus. That's where they are making their money.
The four of us who went inside to eat dinner right next to the NOM people decided to call it the BUSted Tour.
98.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Great report, Judy. Did any of the NOMbies speak to the folks at your table during dinner?
99.
AndrewPDX | September 27, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Ooo… here's a thought… maybe NOM operates on the same fiscal calendar that most corporations do — October to September. They just realized that they have a lot of money they have to spend before the end of their fiscal year. So, they dream up this tour just so they can clear the budget for the year.
That makes a whole lot more sense than them actually thinking they'll get anywhere with their BUS-TED tour.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Andrew
100.
Judy | September 27, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Hi, Kate. They motioned in our direction to each other a few times. My partner and I wore matching Equality t-shirts, so we stood out, and Laura and her daughter each wore equality items as well. I overheard their prayer (thanks for the food they're not paying for), and some of them spoke Spanish. Other than that, no interaction. My partner was just a tiny bit louder than usual when she lifted her glass in toast, "To Equality", but I don't think they heard.
101.
Rhie | September 27, 2010 at 3:14 pm
How do you subscribe upside down?!
102.
Rhie | September 27, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Actual laugh aloud ^____^
103.
Tony Douglass in Ca | September 27, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Upside-down font, of course!!
104.
Rhie | September 27, 2010 at 3:18 pm
heh trust NOM to use something so low tech and not up to date as a phone book. Do none of them have a cell phone and the ability to use an app?
105.
Rhie | September 27, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Holy crap. I missed that. O.o
106.
Rhie | September 27, 2010 at 3:21 pm
I sincerely hope that's the case. I love Jelly Belly beans and would hate to give them up (although that would be better for my waistline lol).
107.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Ooooo – I wish I had been there. Did any of you understand the Spanish enough to know what they might have been trying to keep you from hearing?
108.
Chris From CO | September 27, 2010 at 3:31 pm
it all makes sence nobody could attend they were at a Ricky Martin concert.
109.
Kate | September 27, 2010 at 3:34 pm
NOM BUSted tour video:
http://dlvr.it/62lQm
110.
Tony Douglass in Ca | September 27, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Really, 35 seconds?? Guess that was the ONLY time ALL DAY that they actually had more than TWO PEOPLE!!! #FAIL!!!!
111.
Jonathan H | September 27, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Ooh, I wish you'd linked directly to YouTube. I hate to add hits to their site. Hey, what percentage of their web traffic do you think P8TT accounts for?
112.
draNgNon | September 27, 2010 at 4:07 pm
me too!
113.
draNgNon | September 27, 2010 at 4:57 pm
also this
http://www.projo.com/news/content/same_sex_marria…
Samples of the ads NOM plans to run in Rhode Island are appended to the lawsuit. One begins with a narrator saying: “Think legalizing same-sex marriage doesn’t affect your family?”
Then a “parent” asks: “Hi Emily, what happened in school today?” And the child answers: “I learned about a prince who married a prince. And I can marry a princess!”
The narrator: “Legalizing gay marriage has consequences for kids. Massachusetts schools teach second graders that boys can marry other boys. A California public school took first graders to a same-sex wedding, calling it a teachable moment. Kids have enough to deal with already, without pushing gay marriage on them.”
unnnngggghhhhh that just bends me out of shape
anyhow, the lawyer filing the lawsuit for them is apparently the same guy who kicked off Citizens United.
114.
Sapphocrat | September 27, 2010 at 4:58 pm
I bet that's the bunch from the Christian men’s shelter. I wonder what kind of coercion they used to get them there?
In any case, NOM has finally shocked me — if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed they'd show a video of this miserable excuse for a "turnout" to the public.
Yep, suckers– er, H8ers, you're really getting your money's worth… not! LOL
115.
Jonathan H | September 27, 2010 at 5:03 pm
This is another one of those situations where I really hope I'm wrong, but suspect that even if I am, I'm still kinda right.
116.
Jonathan H | September 27, 2010 at 5:28 pm
"Massachusetts schools teach second graders that boys can marry other boys."
Are they seriously complaining that their kids aren't being lied to in school? I mean, I really doubt there was some day marked on the calender for "Tell the kids that boys can marry boys!", but neither would I be surprised that a teacher mentioned this because, and I think this is an important point, boys can in fact marry other boys!
I'm not going to click the link, because I suspect I'd spend the whole night swearing. However, here's a game you can all play at home! Take this sentence and fill in the blank:
Here are a few examples to get you started!
"local museum"
"Catholic mass"
"Las Vegas strip club"
"European vacation with George Rekers"
Fun for the whole family!
117.
Christian | September 27, 2010 at 6:45 pm
You NOM Tour Trackers are soooooo bias with your picture taking. No more than 2 seconds after your took your pic in Hanford I took this one:
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/1715/nombussto…
… well, sorta
… ok I had a little help
… Weird things happen at 3:30am and insomnia sets in. Can you identify all of the Summer NOM Tour pics in this one?
118.
Owen | September 27, 2010 at 7:46 pm
LMFAO @ the On the Border thing
119.
Michael | September 27, 2010 at 7:54 pm
The strident anti-gay pressure group NOM is part of the overall radical conservative agenda which also supports anti-Latino laws like the "Papers, Please" law in Arizona. Militant conservatives do not give a hoot about Latinos, just their votes when it comes to passing abominations like Prop. 8. Once gay Americans are eradicated by groups like NOM, Latinos and Muslims are next on the agenda. So, my Latino brothers and sisters, those of you who side with hate groups like NOM do so at your own peril.
120.
Michael | September 27, 2010 at 8:00 pm
@draNgNon This is the same commercial the shrill anti-gay activists ran in California in 2008 for Prop. 8 and in Maine last year to defeat marriage equality there.
121.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 10:36 pm
I showed the my Hispanic partner (who is a literary critic in English and Spanish) and he GASPED!
122.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Yay! it was a bit of "trick" post…2 points for RebeccaRGB
…yes Dumbledore has a fondness for Lemon Drops….Almost time for a new Harry Potter Movie!
123.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 11:00 pm
My 9 year old son (4th grade) told me recently about a conversation with a classmate…. they were talking about dads…he had one classmate said "that's weird"(that your dad is with a man), My son simply stated "he loves me, that is all that matters" ….point of story…KIDS TALK about this anyway! My children have learned MANY "interesting" things at school. Home school is a wonderful option if do not like what public school offers. Such a silly commercial
124.
Tomato | September 27, 2010 at 11:01 pm
So NOM announces an official "stop" on their website. They choose some random unauthentic chain restaurant, without any permission and without checking with management that it's ok for their ones of supporters to show up, no warning of the influx…
1. That's rude.
2. That gives the innocent restaurant an "official" reputation as NOMbies that they may not want.
3. Bad press for the restaurant.
I think if I were the manager of that restaurant or the owner of the chain I'd be getting a little p.o.ed.
125.
draNgNon | September 27, 2010 at 11:05 pm
I am beginning to worry that NOM is a greater danger to free speech and open elections than they are to gay marriage. and no I’m not exaggerating. if NOM wins on this issue, on any level, there is more to stake than the rights of LGBT people to get married.
they have been doing this crap in a lot of states! the supreme court has already ruled on this issue! do they think that with enough suing that SCOTUS will change their minds?
they lost the ruling in Maine, but they have not seemed to care and have not complied with the law. they should be fined up the wazoo, and tossed in jail for contempt!
126.
fern | September 27, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Congratulation to you all, Belgium being 9 hours ahead of Cal. It looks to me you all working night and day for what I think is a just cause (even if I don't believe in marriage myself). You deserve a silver star for service rendered to the country.
127.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 27, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Thank Christian! I enjoyed the comment and the photo!
128.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 12:10 am
I agree Michael, they do not seem to really care about Hispanic community. I've been pondering about the message on the bus. Its a word-for-word translation almost intended for an ENGLISH speaking audience. Makes me wonder if the bus tour thing is NOT for Hispanic community but for the gringos who bankroll the whole NOM operation…or to "make a good impression" on non-Hispanic folks to demonstrate they are inclusive in a weird way….
Either Nom folks are really that illiterate and mis-managed…or are they really devious?
129.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 12:21 am
Welcome Fern from Belgium! Its a fight for equality, not necessarily for marriage…but the NOM camp sure seems to be obsessed with this mythical "traditional marriage"
130.
RAJ | September 28, 2010 at 12:24 am
I haven't been reading the Trial Tracker lately, but logging on this morning the town of Roseville caught my eye. I remembered it because during the prop 8 campaign, while tracking donations to the Yeson8 campaign, Roseville stands out as notable. Lots of money coming from this Sacramento adjacent community (along with Citrus Heights and Rocklin).
It may interest TT readers to know that in excess of $129,700.00 came in from Roseville residents to the Yeson8 campaign. That amount came in from about 59 separate donors, 54 of whom were identified as Mormon.
If only the NOM organizers had contacted the local Mormon Bishps and Stake Presidents they might have at least turned out 54 people. (The percentage of Latinos would have been low, but they would have had people).
131.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 12:28 am
good point! Mormons do know how to "get things done"….albeit mis-guided from our standpoint.
132.
RAJ | September 28, 2010 at 12:28 am
I should add that I was only tracking donations over $1000. Smaller donations would, of course, add to the total number coming from Roseville, and the dollar amount would have been even larger than the $129,000
133.
Rebecca | September 28, 2010 at 12:43 am
I dunno, are we sure we want to attend at all? Won't NOM just count us as members of the crowd and use it to inflate their numbers?
If you guys go, make sure you've got a nice big rainbow sign. : D
134.
Chris in Lathrop | September 28, 2010 at 12:48 am
Hey, for cash I'd show up and give them the ol' two-finger salute! >:)
135.
Judy | September 28, 2010 at 12:56 am
We couldn't really hear enough to tell what they were saying. They weren't a loud group. I don't think they knew each other. What was great was they were the only group in that room, with all other tables and booths empty when we asked to be seated in with them. It was obvious that we chose to sit exactly close, at a table. No one else was in that room for most of the dinner. Very cool.
The only one of them we spoke to was the advance coordinator, as he stood outside with the bus. I pulled my partner close and told him we were there because we want to get married. He was speechless. He's the one who told us Roseville was only for them to have dinner.
136.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 12:58 am
Oh, Judy — I love you! Great job.
137.
rf | September 28, 2010 at 1:08 am
I'm not so sure they want their "normal" supporters (white, christain, geriatric) intermingling or even knowing about their new purported audience for this tour. Have a feeling many of them would prefer to round up all Latino/as, regardless of citizenship status, country of origin (including the US), or whatever, and send them south of the border.
Those nooses on Larry Adams' poster could apply to more than just teh geyz.
maybe they stopped in Roseville to meet up with the local bishop or to give the local mormons some sort of ammo or talking point to use in the future in the church.
138.
Steve | September 28, 2010 at 1:10 am
They'll just go "Eeek. I don't want to marry a boy" and move on with life. They are acting as if just knowing about it makes them want to do it.
139.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 1:11 am
But first they'd want them to vote. THEN they'd bring on Larry the Noose.
140.
Judy | September 28, 2010 at 1:19 am
Have you heard that the Harry Potter author, J K Rowling, said she always thought of Dumbledore as gay… I count her as a supporter.
141.
Anonygrl | September 28, 2010 at 1:19 am
That's ok… with the NOM gaffs (like 2M4M) it makes perfect sense that they would be too dumb to get an actual speaker of Spanish to check the idiomatic meaning of their phrase.
On the other hand, perhaps they did it on purpose… now they can claim that the evil gays sabatoged their message.
142.
Anonygrl | September 28, 2010 at 1:20 am
Didn't Dumbledore also have a dish of licorice snaps in his office?
143.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 1:24 am
@MRBOOK — I just received your e-mail and have responded. Looking forward to your posting here! Welcome.
144.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 1:27 am
GREGORY — Where were you when I was posting for Spanish-speakers to e-mail me??????
145.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 1:31 am
I hate politics
146.
Judy | September 28, 2010 at 1:33 am
I love you, too, Kate. Pass the Thin Mints.
147.
Anonygrl | September 28, 2010 at 1:38 am
I wonder if we could interest the owner in supporting us, and we could, if he liked, let the LGBT community know it, and encourage them to support him.
Because putting another knot in NOM's knickers would be nifty.
148.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 1:43 am
His business was publicly announced as a tour stop on their web site. I would think that he would have something to say about that. It definitely gave the impression that his business supported the anti-equality stance of this "tour." In fact, when I first saw it, my first thought was, "Well, there's a restaurant I'll never matronize whenever I'm in Roseville." Very bad for business for a company that turns out to be OUR supporter!
149.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 1:45 am
Hi Anonygrl
maybe licorice…. I like that J.K. Rowling declare she as she wrote about Dumbledore, keeping in mind the character is Gay.. and he fell in love with Grindelwald…
JKR: My truthful answer to you… I always thought of Dumbledore as gay. [ovation.] … Dumbledore fell in love with Grindelwald, and that that added to his horror when Grindelwald showed himself to be what he was. To an extent, do we say it excused Dumbledore a little more because falling in love can blind us to an extent? But, he met someone as brilliant as he was, and rather like Bellatrix he was very drawn to this brilliant person, and horribly, terribly let down by him. Yeah, that's how i always saw Dumbledore. In fact, recently I was in a script read through for the sixth film, and they had Dumbledore saying a line to Harry early in the script saying I knew a girl once, whose hair… [laughter]. I had to write a little note in the margin and slide it along to the scriptwriter, "Dumbledore's gay!" [laughter] "If I'd known it would make you so happy, I would have announced it years ago!"
150.
Patrick | September 28, 2010 at 1:55 am
Would you please stop using divisive rhetoric like "anti-choice" and stop assuming that everyone who supports marriage equality stands with the left on every issue?
151.
nightshayde | September 28, 2010 at 2:00 am
Perhaps you could have a big rainbow sign that says, "NOM – don't count me on your attendance tally. I support Marriage Equality!"
152.
RAJ | September 28, 2010 at 2:01 am
Sorry, I'm stuck on this now, just glanced at the small donations list.
In Roseville, CA in addition to the 59 separate large donantions to Yeson8, there are 175 separate smaller donations — (under $1000). Because several of the same people made multiple small donations, this represents approximately 150 different donors (of these, there actually are a tiny smattering of Spanish surnames).
So, combined, upwards of 200 people shelled out bucks for prop 8's passage nearly 2 years ago, but yesterday, no show of support. Maybe it was the heat.
153.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 2:03 am
Hi Kate
It was your post that caused me to share with my dear hubby late last night after working 2 jobs, wanted to find the definitive answer…didn't have info yet so didn't email you…
I like to see the function of situations…the function of this is I am DETERMINED to buckle down and learn Spanish well…as many of my in laws 1st language is Spanish…. I too Googled the saying, as an admitted some times ignorant gringo, and it seemed fine to me….which (as I posted below) is the message on the bus really for non-Spanish speakers? Is it deliberate? or illiterate? Love you Kate!
154.
Anonygrl | September 28, 2010 at 2:04 am
As several people pointed out to me one day here when I was getting depressed about a conspiricy theory that would credit them for being VERY clever…
Never credit complex conspiricy when utter stupidity will suffice.
The least answer would be the most likely, said Occam.
155.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 2:07 am
Love YOU, Gregory! (And your literate partner, too.) My guess is that the NOMbies are simply illiterate in Spanish. Granted, that's not something to hold against them, though, UNTIL they start spending tons of money painting a bus with their errors and fairly insulting their audience in the process. It looks to me that they just ran it all through an online mechanical translator, much to their embarrassment (which I doubt they've yet either recognized or felt). Take a look, too, at their Spanish web site page…..
156.
bb | September 28, 2010 at 2:08 am
Fred, actually, "vota tus valores" is sorta correct. However, they are using it in the familiar tense; not formal. If you were talking to a stranger or to a respected family member, you'd say "vota sus valores".
BTW, "throw away your values" is "tire sus valores".
157.
Carpool Cookie | September 28, 2010 at 2:09 am
I am not a big Harry Poter follower, but wasn't there a big upset when the author said that the whole character of her LEAD was based on the "gay experience" (ie., the outsider who is feared and must hide amongst his own?)
Maybe that was blown out of proportion in the media, and isn't exactly what she meant.
I do like this comment in the article: "This stop was even less well-attended than Bakersfield and Hanover (which is a nice way of saying that nobody was there)"
: )
158.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 2:10 am
Voten. (plural polite command form, ustedes)
159.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 2:14 am
And then there's "Votabus," which translates (using their established "grammar") as "vote for the bus." VOTO is the noun. (Autobus de voto.) Maybe they were trying to save paint.
160.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 2:20 am
My partner immediately declared "The are advertising to throw away your values?" We didn't discuss the finer points but repeated what Fred said "Vota por tus valores" is correct….. he also said that doesn't really matter what they put… the Hispanic community and sense/smell their insincerity.
161.
Anonygrl | September 28, 2010 at 2:20 am
Perhaps both literal and figurative heat… many people who supported Prop 8 are apparently terrified of having that fact be known, lest the wrath of … someone… not entirely sure who… fall upon them.
That is, after all, why the witnesses dropped out of the trial, don't you know.
162.
Anonygrl | September 28, 2010 at 2:24 am
While I don't assume that everyone is on the same side as I am, I will continue to use "anti-choice" because I feel it better expresses the sentiments expressed by people who call themselves pro-life, as if somehow I was pro-death.
We can certainly disagree on that issue (and others), however, all the while standing together for equality.
163.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 2:38 am
PROPS to Anonygrl for most witty comment of the day!
"Never credit complex conspiracy when utter stupidity will suffice."
Touche!
164.
Steve | September 28, 2010 at 2:40 am
Ironically, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and (kind of) Mexico have full marriage equality. Way ahead of the US. A few other South American countries have civil unions or may on the way there.
165.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 2:49 am
Drumming fingers, waiting impatiently for the next exciting installment from Arisha…..
166.
Mark M. (Seattle) | September 28, 2010 at 2:57 am
LOL
LOVE IT!!!
167.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 2:59 am
Yes, there was some outcry about Dumbledore being gay…but over-all it endeared most even more to the character.
Funny what roads we travel in these P8TT conversations…..
…..I had an interesting experience some time ago working for a fast food company. I was invited to their headquarters in Atlanta Georgia for a week-long training/seminar. This trip coincided with the release of one of the HP books so I took it along (for enjoyment and also so I could carry on informed conversation my children when I returned from trip)
Some realized I was Mormon (at the time) BIG strike against me, as this company is completely oriented in traditional Baptist "values" (even closed on Sundays, even in Mall locations). But I was even more persecuted and SHUNNED for carrying around a book of the devil (aka Harry Potter). It took me a couple of days to catch on to the "horror" I was creating carrying the book around….My hotel roommate politely informed me…
The "Christian Values" described above…and NOM sort of applies is just bizarre to me…*shaking head with disbelief*
168.
Mark M. (Seattle) | September 28, 2010 at 3:01 am
How does using the term anti-choice equate with 100% leftist ideals?
I will continue to use this term as appropriate for thsoe I am usign it in reference to.
169.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 3:01 am
Good to see you, Mark. All this checking-in-but-not-posting stuff you've been doing just doesn't cut it, my friend….. :}
170.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 3:03 am
171.
Gregory in Salt Lake | September 28, 2010 at 3:06 am
Ditto! (because that is the meaning I assign to anti-choice too)…ps. Hi Mark M!
172.
Judy | September 28, 2010 at 3:08 am
It is interesting that the fellow protesters who came to Roseville last night were both "lurkers" to the P8TT site. Neither of them had ever posted here, yet have been steadily with us ever since the trial. While we wait for our next official installment I thought I'd raise a glass to our fellow lurkers, and let them know they are all "celebrities", as James called the frequent posters on this site. Lurkers are family, too.
Laura did acknowledge that she did indeed have some cookies, at least.
Here's to the lurkers!
173.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 3:08 am
Yes, even Mexico, which permits ssm in the capital city of DF, requires that said marriages are recognized throughout the entire country. Still ahead of the US.
174.
Kathleen | September 28, 2010 at 3:09 am
I'm solidly with Anonygrl on this. The opposite of "pro-life" is "anti-life." The opposite of "anti-abortion" is "pro-abortion." So if people who disagree with me on this issue characterize themselves as being pro-life or anti-abortion, it suggests that I must be anti-life and pro-abortion, but I'm neither.
What I support is the right for a woman to have a choice and, if she chooses abortion, then to have it available in a safe medical setting. I characterize my position as being "pro-choice" and the opposite of that is "anti-choice."
175.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 3:11 am
I'm SO impressed that Judy's lurkers here chose to come out of their lurkership by showing up in Roseville. How wonderful for you to have met James (and Laura at least via James's phone call to her). I do wish James and Laura would join us here on the board, too…..
176.
fiona64 | September 28, 2010 at 3:12 am
So, this is NOM's "I am a jelly doughnut" moment?
Love,
Fiona
177.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 3:14 am
Oh, Fiona! You always know the perfect thing to say. I am so envious of how quick and astute you are. I will be laughing the entire day now.
178.
fiona64 | September 28, 2010 at 3:15 am
This.
These NOM folks (hi, Louis!) are collecting lots and lots of money from their supporters to fund this bungle. Let's show the folks who gave up their hard-earned cash exactly what bang for the buck they got.
Love,
Fiona
179.
Jonathan H | September 28, 2010 at 3:17 am
Heck, I'd have said "forced-birth activist", and I wouldn't have been assuming that everyone agrees with me on everything. Or anything, for that matter.
"Divisive rhetoric" is one of those phrases that sounds like subtle censorship to me. I don't like being told what I can and cannot say.
180.
fiona64 | September 28, 2010 at 3:17 am
This is exactly the same ad that they ran in CA to drum up support for Prop 8.
Love,
Fiona
181.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 3:18 am
Taking it a step further ….. perhaps this is NOM's Jelly Belly moment. (Who here will be meeting them at that tour stop?)
182.
Lesbians Love Boies | September 28, 2010 at 3:19 am
We are all different. I like the connotation of pro-choice. I fall into a middle characterization: semi-pro-choice.
183.
fiona64 | September 28, 2010 at 3:24 am
This.
In spades.
Love,
Fiona
184.
Judy | September 28, 2010 at 3:39 am
Laura and her daughter did post (for the first time) from the restaurant last night. see postings by Laura O.
James was texting his wife in Virginia. I'd like to hear from her, too.
In my toast to the lurkers I'm raising a Diet Coke on ice, by the way.
185.
fiona64 | September 28, 2010 at 3:56 am
I'll be at work during the three SF Bay Area stops, so won't be able to be there.
Do they really think that people are going to take off in the middle of the day to listen to hate speech? Really?
Love,
Fiona
186.
Curt | September 28, 2010 at 3:58 am
I'm still confused. Is Louis Russian or an American citizen?
187.
Lesbians Love Boies | September 28, 2010 at 3:59 am
They certainly don't seem to think through their tours. Unless this isn't really about the Latino vote, but the Latino retired conservative who will give them more money.
188.
fern | September 28, 2010 at 5:30 am
Gregory in SLT, equality for access to marriage, equality for all rights and duties, but no one is equal.
I also stayed in Provo with a family (near skunk creek I'll never forget the smell), in the living room they had this picture of the founders of SLT with a white medal proving their ancestor was one of the builders of the city the picture had B Young in the middle and two or three rows standing up behind him, I visited the choir and his house and the rooms for his wives. Mormons are good people, like most people I got to know it's religious leaders who should be put to death like they do in China.
"Basic Religion Test Stumps Many Americans
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN"
this in the NYT I buzzed it on Yahoo.
189.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 5:49 am
Yay to Laura O. and her daughter who kindly posted the info as it transpired!
190.
Bob | September 28, 2010 at 6:01 am
Re the link above to Box Turtle, check the comments on new posts heading Just another dead gay kid Asher Brown aged 13 bullied to death at school.
RIP ASHER
191.
Kathleen | September 28, 2010 at 6:43 am
Why would you think he's Russian? (this is likely a subtle joke going over my head).
192.
Chris B | September 28, 2010 at 7:38 am
I wonder if NOM just woke up one day and decided to have another tour. Did they do ANY notification of the churches in the areas they are visiting? I can't believe they can't get anyone to show up, esp. with the Prop 8 ruling to fuel their followers.
I noticed the press release on their website (tusvalores) has a date of Sep. 23, 4 days before the tour started.
Or maybe it doesn't make sense to do a tour in CA in the heat of the summer?
193.
PhillyKarl | September 28, 2010 at 7:44 am
I see four distinct views on abortion and a woman's right to choose.
Pro-abortion + anti-choice. You believe that some babies really NEED to be aborted, and that the government should make those abortions mandatory. "Suzie, you can't possibly be thinking of hiding your pregnancy from the ObamaCare fetal deformity Death Panel! That's so Wrong! Guards! Security! Arrest this woman!)
Pro-abortion + pro-choice. You believe that some babies need to be aborted, but that the woman should have the right to choose for themselves. " Jenny, that baby you're carrying is making you look so unbelievably fat! It's going to ruin your figure, and no guys are going to want to party with you anymore! You really need to get rid of that thing, but if you want to screw up your life and keep it, well, that's your decision."
Pro-life and pro-choice. You believe that abortion should only be performed in the most dire of circumstances – if ever – but believe that the woman should have the right to choose for themselves. " Alice, that fetus may be nothing more than an internal parasite, but it IS after all a HUMAN parasite. I think you can find a reason you're happy with to bring it to term, but the decision is yours to make"
Pro-life and anti-choice. You want the government to either ban all abortions, or only allow them under the most limited of circumstances – like rape and incest. " Valerie, I know things look dark right now, what with being raped by Uncle John again and carrying his child, but God does not make mistakes. Things happen for HIS reasons, not for ours. Would God allow this to happen to you if He didn't have a purpose? Of course not! That's why we made it illegal to abort it"
194.
fern | September 28, 2010 at 8:05 am
To Steve and Kate,
beside Hussong's cantina in Ensenada I don't know much about Latin America, but I can tell you about Spain, it's a reaction to Franco's dictatorship, If Belgium got SSM is one the Dutch example second plenty of the Belgian politicians were gay in the closet. One out of the closet became prime minister and is now president of the socialist party, there are plenty of "jokes" about him some funny some gutter level, nothing like "die you faggots" French and Belgian French are more subtle than that.
Going to a bar in Belgium is not going to a bar in California, in Belgium it's possible to meet magistrates or lawmakers and talk talk philosophy or history, arts, I even got to play softball going to a bar called the "Montana feed and fuel company", I knew the owner from Munich and the following Wednesday I was on practice on the field.
I hope this cheers you up a little so you can keep on fighting, you can start to worry when Pakistan accepts SSM.
Love you all.
195.
Kate | September 28, 2010 at 8:15 am
Fern, your posts are always so interesting!
196.
fern | September 28, 2010 at 8:21 am
Thanks Judy,
I'll drink to the lurkers too, since "je suis un voyeur de Belgique", It's just past 1220 hours military time and poured maself another lum&cloke…
Keep up the good fight.
197.
fern | September 28, 2010 at 8:25 am
correction.
1220 GMT and it's diet plepsi bult toujours with rum..
198.
fiona64 | September 28, 2010 at 8:34 am
PhillyKarl, none of those options make the pregnant woman look very intelligent. That's really unfortunate. Every woman who terminates a pregnancy puts thought into the matter.
Love,
Fiona
199.
fern | September 28, 2010 at 8:39 am
Louis is French of cource he is from thees royal family of which Jacque Prévert in his book "Paroles" said what is this family they've have Louis I…. XIV, XV, XVI, XVIII??? They can't even count straight.
200.
fern | September 28, 2010 at 8:50 am
Rum et al v me!
Belgium is two hours behind GMT so It was 1020 hours GMT not 1220 which is my time.
GMT is the time used by the navy in the U.S. all passes given to sailors are in GMT time that is for u.s.s. Constellation and u.s.s Jouet both of them in San Diego at the time and to my knowledge, I do not know about the others.
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203.
Rhie | September 29, 2010 at 6:55 am
Jonathan – I agree. The tone argument (of which "divisive speech" is part) is not very helpful.
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Google Optimizer…
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