Prop8TrialTracker needs your help

March 3, 2011

By Adam Bink

Friends: Prop8TrialTracker needs your help to keep going.

P8TT has been on the front lines of the Prop 8 trial for over a year. Since we launched to cover the trial in Judge Walker’s courtroom, we have received over 4.2 million pageviews and now over 102,000 comments. Consider:

Together, we covered the Prop 8 trial better than anyone, becoming the #1 Google result for “Prop 8 trial”
Expanded to be one of the leading sites covering and driving action on successful repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Lead the way in fighting back against NOM by exposing the fraud, hate and #FAIL that they and their two bus tours embody to the national media and public, landing massive numbers of press hits, including Newsweek
And jumping into fights to win the freedom to marry in states around the country, such as our recent success in New Hampshire

Now, as we enter the next phase, we need your support to keep our lights on.

We need to raise approximately $12,000. It’s a specific number because it didn’t just come out of a hat; as someone who organizes action online and has a deep respect for people’s hard-earned money, I am a firm believer in calculating needs and telling people what their contributions what exactly their contributions will go towards. Every dollar will go to cover costs of maintaining P8TT (including writers, technical support, web hosting) through the summer, as well as helping fund several of our actions around Prop 8, such as collecting hundreds of stories of couples wanting to marry, putting them on TV, and filming them so as to persuade the public and the courts. $12,000 won’t cover all the expenses (if we raised $18-20K, we could really rock and roll on some awesome projects we’ve got cookin’!), but it will maintain this site that we have all come to call our community.

But that’s not the only reason to give. We’re also asking because we as a community are not being seen, and we need to step it up.

Two days ago, California Supreme Court refused to trade in its summer recess for the sake of same-sex couples waiting. Meanwhile, the 9th Circuit is considering lifting the stay and we have to bring visibility to the stories of couples waiting- some even dying, like Ed of Riverside, CA, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and would like to marry his partner before he can’t recognize him anymore- to create the environment to lift the stay.

In Maryland, legislators are horse-trading their votes for couples’ fundamental freedom to marry. In New Hampshire, where we organized (and you funded) Camp Courage trainings and drove people to an incredibly successful public hearing, we won for the time being, but not yet permanently. We are also considering jumping into other fights

We need to be more visible. We need to make the courts and the public see us and our family and friends. This site is a huge part of that.

So please contribute with a tax-deductible donation so we can make them — judges, legislators, and Americans around the country — see us. Contribute so Prop8TrialTracker can remain the #1 Google result for “Prop 8 trial,” and so we replicate our success stories on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” on the NOM bus tours, and in New Hampshire.

Most importantly, please contribute so our community can remain together and strong. If you can make a recurring monthly contribution, which helps provide P8TT with a more steady source of funding, please do so here.

And thank you for all that you do.

Segue, Genesis: Maggie again pits our civil... Why I keep coming back to Prop8TrialTracker

876759 CommentsProp8TrialTracker+needs+your+help2011-03-03+16%3A22%3A58Adam+Bink Leave a Comment

1. Ed Cortes | March 3, 2011 at 1:27 am

Isn't there a PayPal link, too?
2. Richard A. Jernigan | March 3, 2011 at 1:43 am

Thanks, Adam. Will do what we can here in NC. And I am hoping that this is one of the fights you are talking about jumping into, as we are fighting to stop SB 106 from going into effect. A "Super DOMA" that would not only ban marriage equality, but also strip away what few protections the LGBT community has here in NC.
3. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 1:45 am

Thanks Richard, and absolutely.
4. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 1:45 am

Checking!
5. Ed Cortes | March 3, 2011 at 1:51 am

Contributed…
6. Gregory in Salt Lake | March 3, 2011 at 2:00 am

lol! didn't know you have to "check" too : ) subs…
p.s. I appreciate the details and specific amount needed to raise….contrast this to Brian Browns pleas for unspecified $$$ for ambiguous purposes….
7. Ronnie | March 3, 2011 at 2:03 am

Universal Studios Orlando Florida LGBT & Straight Ally employees (members of StudiOut, over 575 members strong) say "It Gets Better"…….<3…Ronnie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFaxHKw66dM
8. Richard A. Jernigan | March 3, 2011 at 2:04 am

Thanks, Adam. That would be a big help for us also!
9. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 2:08 am

Here you go. The contribution can't be updated in the thermometer, but is appreciated just as well!
http://www.couragecampaign.org/paypal
10. Alyson | March 3, 2011 at 2:12 am

Donated. Thanks for the clarity in your post. I appreciate that too in contrast to the fear mongering extremist tactics of politics today. The honest truth telling straight forward approach is such a breath of fresh air. (you all and Rachel Maddow are my political heroes right now!).
11. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 2:18 am

Thanks, Ed!
12. Sagesse | March 3, 2011 at 2:18 am

Subscribing from work…
13. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 2:38 am

I wholeheartedly believe in providing details. At OpenLeft, we even went so far to details health insurance and web hosting costs. People should know what they're paying for.

Thanks for helping out, Gregory.
14. Ronnie | March 3, 2011 at 2:38 am

NH House Panel Votes 15-0: No Marriage Equality Repeal in 2011 http://www.towleroad.com/2011/03/nh-house-panel-v…

<3…Ronnie
15. Michelle Evans | March 3, 2011 at 2:44 am

Not much, but just contributed what Cherie and I could. Wish it could be a heck of a lot more.
16. Michelle Evans | March 3, 2011 at 2:47 am

Slightly OT for the contributions, but wanted to pass along to anyone who might be in the area that there will be a special event this evening in Mission Viejo, California. Below is the blurb and address for the event. Cherie and I are planning to attend.

–An Evening of Equal Rights–

Tapestry UU Congregation will be hosting an evening celebrating the struggle for marriage equality. This free event will feature a guest talk by Dr. Davina Kotulski, author of Love Warriors. Following, there will be a screening of the documentary Freedom to Marry, which documents the days following San Francisco’s legalization of same-sex marriage

An Evening of Equal Rights
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2011
Time: 7 PM – 9 PM
Location:
Tapestry UU Congregation
23436 Madero Drive, #140
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
17. Sagesse | March 3, 2011 at 2:52 am

Scratch another state from BB's list, for 2011 at least . Enjoying a schadenfreude moment.
18. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 2:58 am

Thank you, Alyson. As I wrote to Gregory above, it is one of my core philosophies as an online organizer. People should know why we believe their signature on a petition will help change something, or what their contribution will go to fund, or why providing a story of wanting to get married will help change public attitudes.
19. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 2:59 am

Thanks, Michelle!
20. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 3:00 am

I should add, helping spread the word to friends, family and colleagues, is INCREDIBLY helpful. Let's all pitch in!
21. Papa Foma | March 3, 2011 at 3:03 am

Kevyn, Felyx and Thom on board. Appreciate your energy and drive, Adam!
22. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 3:11 am

Woo! Thanks!
23. Richard A. Jernigan | March 3, 2011 at 3:11 am

OT, but Kathleen, I just got one of those notifications from the courts. Why is Judge Walker no longer assigned to this case?
24. Ann S. | March 3, 2011 at 3:21 am

Probably because of his retirement.
25. Richard A. Jernigan | March 3, 2011 at 3:24 am

I forgot all about that! I hope he enjoys his retirement, especially since he has done so much this past year to further equality! I guess I will have to find an address to which I can send him a new Scentsy warmer as a thank you gift. After all, now that he is retired, I think he is allowed to accept appreciation gifts!
26. Kathleen | March 3, 2011 at 3:29 am

UPDATE Perry:

Reassignment Order from District Court – Case is reassigned from Judge Vaughn Walker to Chief Judge James Ware. http://www.scribd.com/doc/49956812

As most of you know, Judge Walker recently retired, so all of his cases have to be reassigned. This is strictly a formality at this point and will only become relevant if the case has to be remanded to the District Court for any reason.
27. Don in Texas | March 3, 2011 at 3:31 am

From Taegan Goddard's Political Wire: [Em[hasis added.]

Gingrich Woos Evangelical Christians
The Los Angeles Times has a great piece on how Newt Gingrich "is courting evangelical Christians as he lays the groundwork for a possible presidential campaign, hoping to find favor among a group that will play a pivotal role in picking the 2012 Republican nominee."

"In recent years, Gingrich has met privately with pastors best known nationally for their campaigns against same-sex marriage, sharing deeply personal details about his marital history as he expresses contrition for his past actions."

Gingrich "has also provided financial and strategic support for their causes" – most importantly their crusade against same-sex marriage.
28. Kathleen | March 3, 2011 at 3:34 am

My earlier comment seems to have disappeared.. or maybe I put it in the wrong comment?

Anyway, just wanted to say once again what a worthy cause Courage Campaign is and how much I appreciate what you do.
29. Don in Texas | March 3, 2011 at 3:47 am

OK, we need about 200 people to kick in an average of $50 each to get to that $12,000 goal.

Please join in the effort!

Thanks, Adam, for all that you and the Courage Campaign are doing to bring equality to America.
30. AnonyGrl | March 3, 2011 at 3:47 am

OK… I saw the title with the words "Gingrich, Woos and Christians" and my brain, which obviously needs some lunch, turned it into "The Grinch, Whos and Christmas."

Is there any way we can send Newt up to the top of Mt. Crumpitt for the duration of the election season?
31. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 3:59 am

Oh, thanks Kathleen.
32. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 4:05 am

You know, Don put it in a way that always reminds me of what Howard Dean said.

Way back in 2004 (way back, ha) George Bush was set to raise $200 million for his reelection (numbers since blown away by Obama) and at the time it looked like an impossible figure to match for the Democrats.

Howard Dean came around and put it simply: we need 2 million people to give $100, and we will match Bush. I remember at the time the idea was so simple. We can do this.

Don puts it right- we have way, way, way more than 200 people who read this site daily. Even if you can't give $50, find another person who can combine with you to do so. And we'll get it!

And thanks, Don.
33. Richard A. Jernigan | March 3, 2011 at 4:09 am

And Kathleen, allow me to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for all you do here!
34. Andy Szekeres | March 3, 2011 at 4:24 am

I am in for $50 a month. Keep up the good work Adam!
35. Dave in ME | March 3, 2011 at 4:32 am

Watching late…
36. Kate | March 3, 2011 at 4:34 am

I'll be pitching in, in honor especially of Kathleen and with deep appreciation for all the legal stuff she keeps track of and explains truthfully to us.

Are the Peterplumber matching donations being counted here toward this goal?
37. Mark M (Seattle) | March 3, 2011 at 4:39 am

Pay day is tomorrow…once the bills get paid we'll make a donation.
Keep up the great work!
I for one would be lost, and would feel so alone without this site and the P8TT family.
38. Dave in ME | March 3, 2011 at 4:40 am

Yeah, I just got this too.

"ORDER REASSIGNING CASE. Case reassigned to Judge Hon. James Ware for all further proceedings. Judge Hon. Vaughn R. Walker no longer assigned to the case. (mjj2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 3/2/2011) "

Dave in Maine
39. Dave in ME | March 3, 2011 at 4:43 am

Well, now that he's runed marriage for teh normal people, he can sit back and let the USA crumble while he uses his toaster ovens he got for making teh people gay-marry.

Dave in Maine
40. JPM | March 3, 2011 at 4:45 am

Donated. Keep up the good work!
41. Southern Bell | March 3, 2011 at 4:53 am

We need all the help we can get in NC, mainly a media campaign so people can 'see' what LGBT ppl are really like since they 'swear' they don't know us. Richard did you see that HRC gave to EqualityNC? http://goqnotes.com/10148/equality-nc-receives-te…

Also, for people not familiar with what NC climate is like, check out this recent news article: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/03/01/1021125/ga…
42. Maggie4NoH8 | March 3, 2011 at 5:03 am

Donated too….

Out of my tithing fund even!
43. Maggie4NoH8 | March 3, 2011 at 5:04 am

Donated too….
44. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 5:39 am

Thanks Andy!

Folks, you can also make a monthly donation like Andy using this link:
https://secure.couragecampaign.org/page/contribut…

It helps us have a more regular funding stream so there's less "feast and famine", and we have to ask less.
45. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 5:41 am

The matching donations a few week ago were actually for a separate project- our state work in NH, Maryland and elsewhere. This is just for P8TT and Prop 8 work.

Thanks for your donation, Kate.
46. JohnfromNL | March 3, 2011 at 6:34 am

The thermometer seems to be programmed incorrectly. $2,559 dollar is about 21% and not 25% of $ 12,000 dollar.
47. Richard A. Jernigan | March 3, 2011 at 6:35 am

Thanks, Southern Bell. I had NOT seen that yet, so thank you for sharing it. And yes, for anyone here on P8TT who has no idea what we are facing in NC, please take the time to read the article from the Raleigh News and Observer. We are in worse shape in NC than anyone realizes. I will be so glad to be in Asheville this weekend, where we will get to meet Constance McMillan, Christine Sun, and Dan Fotou. I will really need this event to help restore my energy for the fight ahead. And it WILL be a fight. We have got a long hard battle ahead of us in this state thanks to the Tea Partiers who have hijacked the General Assembly. And they took over BOTH houses of it.
48. Kathleen | March 3, 2011 at 6:42 am

I think the 25% mark is where the red line next to it is – i.e, half way between the 3rd and 4th line from the bottom. The thermometer is reading just above the 3rd line, as it should for ~21%.
49. Kathleen | March 3, 2011 at 6:53 am

Wow. What a hate-bag Bill James is. From the article,

<blockquote cite="">Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill James, a longtime supporter of the ban, said the amendment would make a moral statement.

"The purpose is not just to prevent Massachusetts people coming down," he said. "It's also to put a big letter of shame on the behavior. We don't want them here. We don't want them marrying. If you're going to do it in San Francisco, it's your own business."

He was in the news at the end of last year, too: http://www.towleroad.com/2010/12/mecklenburg-coun…
50. JohnfromNL | March 3, 2011 at 6:56 am

Yes, you're right. Thank you for pointing this out to me.
51. Ronnie | March 3, 2011 at 7:00 am

"We don’t want them here."

Then why are you taxing them Bill James?…Hmmmmm…. : / ….Ronnie
52. adambink | March 3, 2011 at 7:34 am

Thanks Mark!
53. JonT | March 3, 2011 at 8:46 am

☮
54. grod | March 3, 2011 at 9:30 am

@adambink
Why is employer a required rather than optional field? Unless required in USA for purposes of donations, hardly seems like a necessary field or your business. Just saying G
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