The Ryan Thomas Collection

California State Attorney General Jerry Brown revised the diction of Cal. Prop. 8 to properly reflect its effects, both to the state Constitution and the economy. Revisions included two key items that has Prop 8 supporters up in arms and going back to court.

The new court battle surrounds the major changes in language used in Prop. 8, which now states it will, “eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry.” The original petition uses language that stated the amendment would make “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” Supporters of Prop. 8, such as Jennifer Kerns, spokesperson for the Protect Marriage coalition, say the new language is “inherently argumentative” and could “prejudice voters against the initiative.”

There seems to be a general consensus that the change in language will make it more difficult to pass the initiative. The general consensus being clearly shown by Prop. 8 supporters going to court and equal rights supporters claiming victory. The language now reflects the truth of the initiative and that its passage would actually takes away rights of citizens. It is explicit, clear and concise. Additionally, as the state Supreme Court has ruled in favor of same-sex marriage and granted the right to marry to all Californians, the language is now honest.

Another small, but interesting change to Prop. 8 language deals with the fiscal impact of the prop. The fiscal impact on the state is now described as a loss in sales tax revenue in the tens of millions in the next years should it be passed.

In other Prop. 8 news, Northern California utilities provider, PG&E, has donated $250,000 to NO on 8-Equality California. Taking it one step further, PG&E is becoming a founding member of the new Equality Business Advisory Council created to gather more support from the business community against Prop. 8. This type of monetary support is financing television campaigns against Prop. 8 and allowing for field offices in SF, LA and SD to open. It will hopefully ostracize other businesses that have donated to efforts to pass the proposition, such as the owner of the Manchester Hyatt (San Diego) and Terry Caster, owner of A-1 Self Storage, whose family has donated $293,000 to date in favor of Prop. 8.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Sphere: Related Content

Lesbian – homosexual woman or a resident from the Greek island of Lesbos.

This will continue to remain true as an Athens court has ruled against a ban of referring to homosexual women as lesbians, a term also used to refer to residents of the island. The Greek court ruled that there was no substantial evidence that this double use of the word justified their contention; adding that it the word does not define their identity.

Most Greeks refer to the island after its capital, Mytilene. However, the plaintiff stated in court that worldwide use of “lesbian” as a sexual term violated the human rights of the residents within Lesbos and was a disgrace to them. The court disagreed and in turn charged the plaintiff 230 euros for court fees.

The gays win again!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Sphere: Related Content

The announcement that Starbucks will be closing 600 stores nationwide has motivated Americans to act. The locations of all 600 stores were released to the public resulting in an uproar of loyal Starbuckers ready to fight. Supporters are calling it the “Save Our Starbucks” campaign. These supporters are writing letters, calling headquarters and circulating petitions to save their corner coffee shop, rather the corner Starbucks.The uproar nationwide practically resembles former hysteria raised by Starbucks when it originally broke through to all local neighborhoods and wiped out local coffee houses.

The reaction to these store closures displays the good and the bad of modern America. On a positive note, it shows the willingness and ability of Americans to use their power of petition to fight for a cause they believe in strongly. On the flip side, the cause is Starbucks coffee.

In a day when energy costs are skyrocketing and President Bush wants to drill for more oil rather than invest in new energy technologies, people are in an uproar over Starbucks closures. The caffeine drug has made Americans CRAZY. In a day when environmental issues are proving to poorly alter humans’ way of life, whether through natural disasters or climate change, Americans are fighting to keep a Starbucks open.

Above all, the pure comedy in all of this is its vivid display of American laziness. Starbucks locations are a dime a dozen. CROSS THE STREET! WALK A BLOCK! There WILL BE another one right there! Or God forbid, MAKE YOUR OWN!

Oh America! Your privacy rights are being trampled on by the Right. Your backyard is flooding or on fire because of climate change and your car is running on E because of extortianate fuel prices. Silence. Fuck with your elitist coffee and you’re in an uproar. At least you’re still willing to fight for something.

(Photo provided by The Ryan Thomas Collection. All rights reserved.)

Popularity: 5% [?]

Sphere: Related Content

Cirque de Soleil Leaves Vegas and Hits the Streets

Popularity: 17% [?]

Sphere: Related Content

Doug Manchester, owner of two San Diego area hotels including the Manchester Hyatt (downtown San Diego) and the Grand del Mar Resort, has donated $125,000 to fight for the passing of Proposition 8. Proposition 8 is the California prop to amend the California State Constitution to state marriage as a union between a man and a women. If this prop passes, it will effectively reverse the State Supreme Court decision earlier this year in favor of marriage equality in the state.

The fight for equality leading up to November’s vote is huge and such a large sum of money donated to fight for inequality must be countered with a stronger boycott of Mr. Manchester’s businesses. The list of donors to this horrible cause continues to grow and the best way to stop such large donations is to continue to boycott.

A call for a boycott of the Manchester Hyatt and the Grand del Mar Resort has been made. Spread the word to your family and friends to avoid these properties. www.boycottmanchesterhotels.com

If you need alternate places to stay or visit in the San Diego area, visit one of the Evan’s Hotels. The Evan’s Hotel family has faithfully supported and continues to support equality both amongst its employees and within the local San Diego community. www.evanshotels.com

Popularity: 13% [?]

Sphere: Related Content

 

 

 

I was told a long, long time ago I was born with inalienable rights. Someone mentioned something about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I heard I am to equate these factors with America. And I do.

 

America.

 

It is for this reason, I am proud to be an American, but that does not mean I must blindly follow. Follow the powerful down the well beaten path. I will not participate in all American ideologies. I am not unpatriotic.

 

Americans have constantly dissented from the natural discourse;

The discourse of this nation’s ideologies.

They have done so utilizing their inalienable rights;

Their right to liberty;

Their right to protest.

 

My country is still at war.

A war, I don’t support.

I am angry and frustrated.

The leader of this great nation does not listen.

Violence ravages a foreign land.

 

My tax dollars are used to kill people in a far off land.

Peace survives in my city.

The violence and terror has not come here.

I am told this is because my nation has killed,

It has killed thousands in that far off land.

 

 

 

I am told my government is securing my liberty;

Securing my inalienable rights.

The irony of obstructing justice and liberty,

In order to secure it.

Republicans are losing their ground.

 

We, as American people, are no longer fooled by the tools of our blind leader.

The “Silent Majority” of the 1970s has been loud for too long.

On this, America’s 232nd birthday, let the pillars that this grand nation was built upon,

Rise above the childish games of the ignorant Right.

 

Protecting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness does not start in international warfare.

It begins at home.

It begins with hope.

 

Happy Independence Day America!

Declare your independence from a broken system… www.barackobama.com

 

(Photos provided by The Ryan Thomas Collection. All rights reserved.)

Popularity: 3% [?]

Sphere: Related Content