Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada & Las Vegas

www.thecenterlv.com

Stonewall Candidate Forum II

On Monday July 7th, we will be hosting the second in a series of three candidate forums. For this forum we have invited all Southern Nevada Democratic Candidates for State and Local offices to participate. The forum is to begin at 6:30 pm after a short social from 6-6:30 Location The LGBT CENTER at 953 E. Sahara Ave.. Questions are to be submitted prior to the forum commencement so we can be sure everyone will have an opportunity to ask their questions.

Be sure to bring a friend or potential new member.

From Americablog

Why We Matter

You Would Think They Would Know

Those of us on the Endorsement Committee have been running into some of the old "lifestyle v choice" lingo. Hit the link for what we should expect from our candidates.

From The Internet

DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE
http://interdependencedeclaration.org/]]>
We the People, in order to promote a just, peaceful, sustainable world, do hereby declare our interdependence with all our sisters and brothers throughout the earth. We are equal and connected.

Our current economy and its technological base are unsustainable. The viability of humans and other species has been compromised. Injustice, poverty, and war injure our global community and we must address the structural causes.

The time to act is now. We must rise to meet our responsibility to care for the earth and all its inhabitants.

We will work to achieve this:
     •     In our hearts. We commit ourselves to the values of diversity, tolerance, and justice and will enact our commitments with our time, life choices, and financial resources.
     •     In our local communities. We shall promote policies which encourage individual growth and collective actions which support close-knit, caring communities.
     •     In our economic, political, and social institutions. We shall hold our institutions accountable for the consequences of their actions by engaging in informed civic partipation at all levels.
     •     In larger communities with diverse populations and needs. We shall consider the consequences of our decisions so that potential harm is anticipated and avoided. Sustainable           energy, just distribution of resources, peaceful reconciliation of disputes, meaningful work, and basic healthcare for all must be the norm.

Starting from where we live, we must do what we can individually, and support each other's efforts collectively, so that we may become a beacon to others worldwide. By speaking up for peace, equality, and a sustainable economy, we can help give the world a better choice and new hope for the future.

Stonewall Democrats Partner with HRC in Vegas

HRC in a move to make up for some bad decisions in the past has reached out to Stonewall Democrats, ACLU and LGBT Centers across the USA to partner in some training sessions that will educate our members on How to run a Campaign and become "Grass Tops" as they call it as opposed to grass roots.

]]> HRC has moved political activism forward with Camp Equality. The Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada proudly cosponsored the event held at the Las Vegas LGBT Center June 28th and 29th and look forward to other endeavors in the future.

All of us learned a lot including the seasoned veterans like Gary Peck, Candice and Judy.

HRC has also pledged a half million dollars to the ongoing California marriage battle, Nevada Stonewall Democrats are also working on a plan to be announced in the near future to help our California LGBT community.

Stonewall Democrats will also be asking more of a committment from HRC to work deligently on having transgendered descrimination included in ENDA and to in the future never leave anyone in our community out it is ALL or NOTHING.

This is an important year for all of us there is a lot we need to do to insure EQUALITY for all. We need to partner up and form coalitions to acheive our goals and this CAMP EQUALITY was a step in that direction.

So Gayly Forward we go to a Successful NOV. 2008 and beyond.

[L2R: LGBT Center Director Candice Nichols, Shelley Berkley Field Director Matthew Dempsey, Stonewall Chair Judy Corbisiero and HRC Moderator Anthony Hayes prep for Las Vegas activist panel.]

Camp Equality Las Vegas was attended by Stonewall members JimWalsh, Patrick Patin, Terry Wilsey, Chandler Levrich and Chapter Chair Judy Corbisiero. The training was a rousing call to LGBT political empowerment at all levels of campaign activity. The HRC Camp Equality training team moves on to Cincinnati, Ohio for the next camp site.

Where John McCann Stands on LGBT Issues

I Gotta See This

Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrief
June 24, 2008

Click here to read today's Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrief
http://www.smartbrief.com/latestIssue.jsp?i=57764&l=5993914

TODAY'S HEADLINES

TOP STORY
* SLDN: Women more impacted by military ban in 2007
POLITICS AND POLICY
* Groups ask Calif. high court to stop vote on marriage ban
* Frank: Nunn is deal-breaker for LGBT voters
VIEWPOINT
* Marriage should be tie that binds all couples
* Spaulding queries readers about the Obama record
ISSUES AND SOCIETY
* New study raises old question of whether people are born gay
* Couple marries, then is revealed as two men
* Trans man's pregnancy helps increase dialogue on cultural shift
* Obituary: Michael Shernoff, 57, therapist, writer on AIDS
* Jerusalem Pride to take place after high court refuses to intervene
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
* Profile: Gill Action Fund
MARKETPLACE
* Ethicist: Job interviewer shouldn't come out to applicant
* GLBT Corporate Roundtable to join Pittsburgh pride event
MEDIA MIX
* British TV spot with two men kissing taken off air
Click here to read today's Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrief
http://www.smartbrief.com/latestIssue.jsp?i=57764&l=5993914

News From The Democratic Party

Good morning/afternoon everyone,

We had a very successful weekend in AD13 and SD6. The team got out to walk precincts surrounding Estelle Neal Park in the northern part of the city. In all, 73 people participated. Thanks so much to those of you who braved the heat. I know that Senator Titus (Candidate, CD3), Allison Copening (Candidate, SD6), and Andrew Martin (Candidate, AD13) all appreciate your commitment to getting Dems elected.

This week we have several meetings set for Organizers to meet their Assembly District Leaders. If one has not been set for you, please give me a call.

This weekend, the County Party will be having their “Celebrate America” event and Senator Titus will be hosting house parties in Laughlin, Cal Nev Ari, Searchlight, and attending a Precinct Captain training in Boulder City.

Rob Disney

702.737.8683

202.415.5166

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam

The campaign of Sen. John McCain has tapped LT. Gov. Brian Krolicki to serve as Nevada campaign chairman:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651094.html

With both presidential candidates scheduled to visit the state this week, Molly Ball reports on Nevada’s role as a top battleground state this presidential election cycle:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651109.html

Molly writes in her Political Notebook on 39-year-old joining the Obama fellowship program, a new Rasmussen Reports poll that shows Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain in a close race, State Sen. Steven Horsford’s announcement of a series of “Nevada Speaks” forums, a look at Rep. Berkley’s financial disclosure; and Titus’ hiring of her campaign team, along with her inclusion on the DCCC’s Red to Blue list:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651114.html

A Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce study released today found state and local government workers in Nevada earn 28 percent more than workers in the private sector:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651119.html

Jane Ann Morrison writes in her column on the SAGE commission:

http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651099.html

Phoebe Sweet reports that the BLM failed to notify Sen. Reid about their plan to institute an almost two year moratorium on new solar plants on 119 million acres of federal land they manage in six western states:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/23/blm-leaves-reid-out-loop/

The Sun’s Emily Richmond looks in on Assemblyman Lynn Stewart participating in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/23/kids-learn-about-legislation-two-way-professional/

Charlotte Hsu reports on the budget cuts being all the talk on college campuses in Nevada:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/23/college-campuses-talk-all-about-budget-cuts/

Retiring Washoe County educators are lamenting the lack of minority teachers:

http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS18/80622026&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews

The RGJ’s Martha Bellisle has the latest in the ongoing eTreppid court case:

http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/NEWS01/806230334/1321/NEWS

(Related, Scandalmonger blogs on the recent updates in the eTreppid case as well):

http://votegibbonsout.blogs.com/votegibbonsout/2008/06/etreppid-case-just-got-weirder.html

Geoff Dornan reports on legislative leaders seeking to find common ground on the budget crisis:

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20080623/NEWS/868089146/1006&parentprofile=1058

Dornan also has an article on special sessions becoming more common in Nevada, with seven special sessions having been convened in just eight years:

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20080623/NEWS/624982325/1006&parentprofile=1058

Sven with My Silver State blogs on one of Nevada’s federal lawmakers’ recent votes on two bills:

http://mysilverstate.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=682

Joe Coopers posts the results of his “10 Questions for State Sen. Dina Titus” Q&A:

http://www.politickernv.com/jkcooper/1925/10-questions-state-sen-dina-titus

Dr. David Damore writes on PolitickerNV regarding the special session and the myriad of issues revolving around the state’s budget crisis:

http://www.politickernv.com/ddamore/1924/special-session-mission-accomplished

Scandalmonger blogs that a source has told him Rick Eaton, head of the Nevada’s Department of Homeland Security, left his office Thursday at the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) and took his Homeland Security staff and the Carson "Fusion Center" with him. The source claims that attempts to move a state office have to be vetted through IFC:

http://votegibbonsout.blogs.com/votegibbonsout/2008/06/anybody-seen-rick-eastman.html

Golden Rainbow Huge Success

22ND ANNUAL RIBBON OF LIFE FUNDRAISING PRODUCTION SHOW IS BIGGEST IN GOLDEN RAINBOW'S HISTORY

2-Day Event Raises More Than $300,000; All Money Stays In Clark County

LAS VEGAS ( June 15, 2008) - This weekend's "Ribbon of Life" production show raised more than $300,000 for Golden Rainbow to support people affected by HIV/AIDS in Clark County. The total was the largest ever raised by the organization from the show.

Golden Rainbow President Carol Hunter said, "We are thrilled and overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude to the Las Vegas community. Here we are, in a down economy, and Las Vegas rallies behind us to raise the most money we ever have. It's staggering, and we are so grateful."

More than 300 performers from nearly every production show in Las Vegas volunteered their time and talent for the production. Stars appearing in the show included John O'Hurley, Miss Nude World Vanna Lace, and George Wallace, who spontaneously donated a $5,000 check during his stand-up performance, which brought the audience to its feet.

Appearing in the show were the casts of Folies Bergere, Jubilee!, La Cage, Le Reve, The Lost Vegas Crew, Mamma Mia, Missy Cochran Entertainment, Mosaic, No Boundaries Dance Company, O, Phantom The Las Vegas Spectacular, Spamalot, Tim Searcy, Tony & Lloyd, Tony & Tina's Wedding and the Hot Flash Hoofers, who traveled from Vancouver, British Columbia, to appear in the show.

The event was staged at Le Théâtre des Arts at Paris Las Vegas, which donated the theater space and multiple other amenities for the production.

All money raised stays in Clark County to support Golden Rainbow's mission to provide permanent housing, direct financial assistance and to fund prevention education programs.

There are more than 8,300 people with HIV/AIDS in Clark County, including 40 new cases that have been reported so far this year.

Thank you to all of our generous supporters!

What Does The Governor Do When He Doesn't Like Domestic Partner Benefits?

He fires the pivotal PEBP Board members who voted for it.

Read the full article from NevadaAppeal.com here

]]>

Why Democrats Cannot Jump Ship In November

WHY WE CAN’T ELECT JOHN MCCAIN
]]>

Voted 95% of the time with Bush
In favor of privatizing Social Security
Will destroy the Supreme Court
In favor of Bush’s plan to cut Medicare
Voted against the SCHIP (children’s health care plan,) reauthorization of SCHIP
Voted for $13 Billion subsidies for big oil, voted in favor of the nuclear energy industry and against subsidies for solar energy producers
Strong proponent of Yucca Mountain, voted for it each time it’s come up
Has stated he is willing to stay in Iraq 100 years or whatever it takes (Whatever it takes for what?) $5,000 per second, $12 Billion per month being spent on Iraq, 75% of Iraq citizens don’t want us there, can’t be won militarily (Gen. David Petaeus)
Opposed Jim Webb’s GI Bill
McCain believes the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) law is "adequately funded," so states and schools shouldn't look for any additional federal dollars in a McCain budget. Doesn’t speak about it much; is waiting until fall when more people will be paying attention to schools.
A threat to Nevada’s NCAA sports betting industry, opposes it
Proponent of overturning Roe v Wade – from his website:
John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench.

Opponent of Gay Marriage – from his website: The family represents the foundation of Western Civilization and civil society and John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman.

Opposed Ending Discrimination Against GLBT Americans in the Workplace. Senator McCain cast a deciding vote against the federal Employment Non Discrimination Act.

Opposed Protecting GLBT Americans from Hate Crimes. Senator McCain voted three times against expanding the federal hate crimes law to include sexual orientation.

Proponent of Discriminatory Military Policy. Senator McCain supports Don't Ask, Don't Tell and does not believe that gays should serve in the military.

Opponent of Equal Benefits for Same-Sex Couples. Senator McCain voted for the Defense of Marriage Act which prohibits same-sex couples from receiving federal rights and benefits in any state.

Actively Supported State Ban on Domestic Partnerships. Senator McCain campaigned for a ban on same-sex relationship recognition in his home state of Arizona - even appearing in a campaign television ad.

McCain supported a 2005 state initiative to "change Arizona's Constitution to ban gay marriages and deny government benefits to unmarried couples." Result of the election: Same-sex marriage ban rejected in Arizona in historic first Arizona became the first state to defeat an amendment to ban same-sex marriage Tuesday, bucking a strong national trend by refusing to change its constitution to define marriage as a one-man, one-woman institution. The measure also would have forbidden civil unions and domestic partnerships.

''We knew all along that once voters were informed about the true impact…they would oppose this hurtful initiative,'' said Steve May, treasurer for Arizona Together, which organized opposition to the measure. ''They made the right decision.''

The people of Arizona voted in opposition to the ban that McCain actively supported.

Supported the Confirmation of Anti-GLBT Equality Judges. Senator McCain voted to confirm President Bush's judicial nominees who had taken anti-GLBT positions. He has pointed to Justice Samuel Alito as a role model for future Supreme Court appointments.
Supported a Discriminatory HIV/AIDS Policy. Senator McCain supported a Jesse Helms strategy to cut off funding for prevention efforts aimed at the gay community and voted to prohibit foreign nationals with HIV from immigrating to the United States

McCain Voting Record

Ban on same-sex marriage is unRepublican; leave it to states. (Nov 2006)

Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)

Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)

Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)

Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)

Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)

Voted YES on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. (Dec 1995)

Voted YES on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)

Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)

Require 90 day delay for compliance before ADA lawsuits. (May 2002)

Limit interstate class-action lawsuits to federal courts . (May 2002)

Rated 0% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)

Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)

Rated 0% by NARAL (abortion rights)

WHY WE CAN’T ELECT MCCAIN, MCBUSH, GRAMPYMCSAME TO A THIRD BUSH TERM:

We are currently importing 65% of our oil
Gas is at an all time high
Will allow big oil companies to develop our energy policy
1.8 million Americans are facing foreclosure
The dollar is at an all-time low
Clinton left a $7 Trillion surplus which has all been squandered.
We currently have a $10 Trillion deficit

MCCAIN

Wrong temperament
Wrong on the economy, admits he knows little about the economy
Wrong on the war
George Bush clone

Thank you Jeaninie Spicer for putting these facts together and sending it to us. I am sure our Stonewall Members appreciate seeing this.

Something amusing...

This was posted on YouTube (via http://www.waynebesen.com/ ).

A little comedy diversion:

]]> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiQJ9Xp0xxU

[The web site will be changing a little and we are open to all suggestion for making it YOUR Stonewall website.

So while we are figuring out how to embed video directly, send your comments to:

chandler77 (at) aol (dot) com ]

Obama Campaign Names Two Stonewall Democrats to Leadership Team

Former Executive Director to Lead Obama LGBT Vote efforts ]]> Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats congratulated the Obama for America campaign for naming two Stonewall Democrats to leadership positions with the presidential campaign. On a conference call this morning with reporters, Deputy Campaign Manager Steve Hildebrand announced that former Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Dave Noble would serve as the Director of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Vote. The news follows the announcement last week of Brian Bond as the Director of Constituencies. Bond, a Stonewall Democrat member, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council at the Democratic National Committee.

"Senator Obama has chosen two outstanding advocates for equality to help guide his campaign through the general election," said Jon Hoadley, Executive Director. "I am personally thankful to both Dave and Brian for maintaining a strong working mentorship with our Stonewall Democrats chapters on electoral issues. These are two individuals who truly understand successful grassroots organizing, especially across communities of color, faith and organized labor. With their appointments, Senator Obama is signaling that his campaign is moving beyond models of simple outreach to the LGBT community and into a potentially transformative organizing partnership not yet seen in presidential politics."

Dave Noble, a native of Rhode Island, will serve as the Director of the LGBT Vote for the Obama for America campaign. Noble brings with him an extensive knowledge and experience in grassroots organizing including his role as Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. There, Noble has worked with Stonewall Democrats significantly on electoral issues and community organizing. During the 2004 election cycle, Dave Noble served as the Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats. As Executive Director, Noble built the electoral and voter mobilization ability of the organization while recruiting prominent LGBT Democrats - including Chrissy Gephardt - to serve as organizational spokespeople during the election cycle. As Executive Director, Noble also emphasized coalition building and moved the organization into electoral partnerships with communities of color, organized labor and youth including founding the Young Voters Alliance and the Stonewall Student Network (now Stonewall Young Democrats). Noble maintains a strong history of grassroots organizing among communities of faith, color, organized labor and youth.

"We are thrilled that Dave and Brian will continue to build on the partnerships they maintain with Stonewall Democrats chapters to mobilize LGBT and pro-equality voters," said Laurie McBride, Co-Chair of the Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors. "Both the Obama campaign and the Stonewall Democrats share a grassroots organizing model which builds national change from the ground up. We have full confidence in Dave and his ability to educate and mobilize the LGBT community in this incredibly important election year."

Brian Bond, a native of Missouri, will serve as the Director of Constituencies for the Obama for America campaign. In that role, he will oversee organizing efforts across various communities of the American family including communities of color, faith, organized labor, women and LGBT Americans. At the Democratic National Committee, Bond has worked with Stonewall Democrats' Pride in the Party program (www.PrideInTheParty.org) which has increased the number of LGBT Democrats participating in party politics, including as delegates to the Democratic National Committee this summer in Denver. Bond also pressed for greater representation of communities of color and organized labor among LGBT participants at the state party level and worked with the transgender community to update election protection guides to ensure transgender people are not turned away from the polls. Additionally, Bond has mentored individual Stonewall Democrats chapters with advice and support during his tenure at the DNC.

For a high-resolution photograph of Dave Noble: stonewalldemocrats.org/dnoble.jpg

(Photo Credit: National Stonewall Democrats. Dave Noble meets with Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Jon Hoadley and interns regarding electoral programs for 2008)

Members on NPR speak about PEBP Board decision

Stonewall members Michael Ginsberg and David Parks discuss the PEBP Board decision to extend Domestic Partners benefits on NPR's State of Nevada.

You can listen to the excerpt here.