Coming soon to America, unless people wake up. Britain's new "Sexual Orientation Regulations" will take effect in April, and leaders of both the Catholic Church and Church of England are warning their government and people of its dire effects. (Has this law defined "sexual orientation"? We doubt it.)
We've already seen the Catholic Church in Massachusetts back down after a little pressure from the homosexual lobby and a Governor who favors adoptions by homosexuals who have a "legitimate interest." (And in Massachusetts, we don't even have a law on the books concerning adoption and "sexual orientation" of the adopting couple, just an administrative regulation!)
See the article in LifeSiteNews, "Catholic Church will Drop Schools, Charities and Adoption Agencies if Laws Force Homosexuality, UK Archbishop Warns: Laws would force churches and faith-based organizations to allow to gay groups to use facilities" (11-28-06):
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham Vincent Nichols has issued a strong warning to the Government over new pro-homosexual legislation, saying the Catholic Church will no longer cooperate with the government on schools, charity programs and adoption agencies if the government attempts to force the Church to accept homosexuality.
Archbishop Nichols said the government was "engaged in an intense and at times aggressive reshaping of our moral framework", taking on a role it has “no mandate or competence” to carry out, The Evening Standard reported earlier today. “[T]hose who are elected to fashion our laws are not elected to be our moral tutors,” Archbishop Nichols said....
The Catholic Church has said it will close down the seven adoption agencies it runs if the law forces the Church to place children with homosexual couples. That threat carries significant weight, the Standard reported, since 1 in 20 adopted children are placed in homes through the Catholic agencies.
The Sexual Orientation Regulations, which will take effect in England in April, are ostensibly aimed at preventing discrimination against homosexuals in the workplace. The impact on Christian communities will likely be significant, however, as the regulations would prevent churches and faith-based organizations from refusing to permit homosexual groups from using their facilities. Christian or Muslim businesses could be sued for refusing to accept homosexual clients--hoteliers and printers would not be free to withhold their facilities and services from same-sex couples or clients.
Leaders in the Church of England have warned the measures will leave vicars vulnerable to lawsuits if they refuse to bless a same-sex union. In Northern Ireland , the Sexual Orientation Regulations will be enforced with fines between £500 and £1,000 for a first offence, and up to £25,000 for subsequent offences.
Read coverage from The Evening Standard.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
Paganism at the State House
There's been an amazing liberalizing trend in American churches in recent decades, nowhere more noticeable than in the "marriage" debate. [photo credit: Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry]
At the last convening of the Constitutional Convention at the Mass. State House on Nov. 9, the wacky pseudo-Christians were out in force with their religious symbols and clerically dressed spiritual leaders to oppose the marriage amendment. (See Religious Coalition for Freedom to Marry photos.)
On our side, we're all wondering what these people really believe. How truly bizarre this paganization of American religion is becomes clear in this report from Peter Jones of "Christian Witness to a Pagan Planet." (Thanks to Mission America for posting "Sexual outlaws, neopagans rule at prestigious theology meeting.") This sort of queer-theory, pagan insanity dominates our college campuses -- and now our legislative bodies? -- which helps explain the huge number of young people at the State House demos!
Christian Witness to a Pagan Planet
NewsCWiPP #32, Letter from the Front
From Dr. Peter Jones
(c) 2006 CWiPP
Having spent three days with 11,000 professors of religion and Bible at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) and the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) in Washington DC., I'm glad to be back in the peace of my Californian study. Every year, in the academy, orthodox biblical Christianity decreases in representation, while radical liberalism increases. ...
Since 1991 I have witnessed the radical agenda stretch the liberal envelope to unimaginable extremes. I have deliberately attended the "cutting edge" seminars, since what the "cutting edge" conceives soon becomes acceptable to the liberal majority. Here is a sampling of this year's offerings:
--In her plenary address, Diana Eck, president of AAR and professor at Harvard, introduced herself as a Montanan, a Methodist and a Massachusetts-recently-married gay -- to enthusiastic applause. Her great contribution is the promotion of religious pluralism in America, but religious pluralism is often accompanied by sexual pluralism; [Eck and her lesbian live-in companion are "co-masters" at Harvard's Lowell House -- a true disgrace.]
--In The Contemporary Pagan Studies Consultation, academic witches and warlocks conferred on the spiritual power of "fire circle drumming," in which fire represents "hardly contained desire." The audience heard about "Paganistan," the thriving Wiccan community in Minnesota, and a lecture entitled "The Pagan Explosion," documented that paganism has grown 38 fold in the USA in the last eleven years and 250-fold in Australia in the last five years;
--In The Theology and Religion Section: Jim Wallis' God's Politics, Wallis reduced the Christian message to a modern version of a social gospel for the Democratic party. An "evangelical feminist" railed against the genocidal foundation of America and called for the deconstruction of "normative heteropatriarchy." One small but bright light came from a Canadian scholar who accused Wallis of nationalistic idolatry for making America, rather than the church, the source of Gospel action;
--In a review session of Christ and the Single Savior, Yale professor Dale B. Martin's homoerotic interpretation of the New Testament teaching on sexuality began with a professor from Harvard Divinity School introducing herself by saying: "I do not know where I am in relation to Christianity." Such confusion was hardly lifted when a Yale professor of theology asked Martin where Jesus had gay sex. Martin replied: "In the park, which is what the gospel writers meant by 'garden.' " This trivialization and eroticization of Jesus Gethsemane suffering elicited not a single objection from the numerous theology professors in attendance;
--In The Queer Theory and LGBT Studies in Religion Consultation a paper "showed" the deep theological meaning of homosexual bathroom graffiti. With the verbal verve of a rap artist, gross sexual perversion was transformed into a noble response to "the dominant hegemonic power-structures of white, heterosexual, capitalistic society." Another gay theologian argued that there was no genetic "binary template" (male/female) so we are all sexually becoming whatever we wish to be;
These professors constitute an armada of brain-power deployed on our campuses to form the thinking of the rising generation. They are succeeding.... [Read more...]
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Romney Not Well Received by D.C. Conservative Group
It seems Mitt Romney isn't as popular with conservatives -- even before our report -- as the press makes it seem. The conservative monthly The American Spectator recently held a dinner where Romney gave a dud of a speech.
Here's the report by Richard Miniter on the Politics Central blog (11-17-06):
Rumsfeld Up, Romney Down
Conservatives at the American Spectator’s annual dinner applauded soon to be former SecDef Don Rumsfeld, but gave a disappointed thumbs down to presidential hopeful Mitt Romney. Pajamas Washington editor Richard Miniter was in attendance.
... Mitt Romney, the Republican governor of Massachussetts, hopes to move into the White House in 2009, but failed to ignite even the American Spectator’s stalwart audience. His speech was a waterfall of platitudes, seemingly ripped from the pages of a 1964 edition of Reader’s Digest. In a reprise of his stint running the Olympic Games in Utah (natch!), he told the story of an American athlete crying when he won the gold. Was he crying because he was number one in the world? Romney asked. No, he was crying because American had won. Everyone at my table rolled their eyes. Later, I surveyed members of the crowd, asking open-ended questions about the Romney speech. Several women said they thought he was attractive for his age, but their responses ranged from “Sounds like my grandmother” and “I can’t believe he gave us some cut and paste speech.”
No one mentioned the Mormon angle. He was just seen as a telegenic dud.
The next night, at the Federalist Society’s yearly black-tie bash, I asked National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez—“KLO” to her friends—and Romney’s biggest booster what she thought of her man. She pointedly said that Republicans should keep their options open for 2008. It seems that support for Romney is cooling among conservatives.
Here's the report by Richard Miniter on the Politics Central blog (11-17-06):
Rumsfeld Up, Romney Down
Conservatives at the American Spectator’s annual dinner applauded soon to be former SecDef Don Rumsfeld, but gave a disappointed thumbs down to presidential hopeful Mitt Romney. Pajamas Washington editor Richard Miniter was in attendance.
... Mitt Romney, the Republican governor of Massachussetts, hopes to move into the White House in 2009, but failed to ignite even the American Spectator’s stalwart audience. His speech was a waterfall of platitudes, seemingly ripped from the pages of a 1964 edition of Reader’s Digest. In a reprise of his stint running the Olympic Games in Utah (natch!), he told the story of an American athlete crying when he won the gold. Was he crying because he was number one in the world? Romney asked. No, he was crying because American had won. Everyone at my table rolled their eyes. Later, I surveyed members of the crowd, asking open-ended questions about the Romney speech. Several women said they thought he was attractive for his age, but their responses ranged from “Sounds like my grandmother” and “I can’t believe he gave us some cut and paste speech.”
No one mentioned the Mormon angle. He was just seen as a telegenic dud.
The next night, at the Federalist Society’s yearly black-tie bash, I asked National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez—“KLO” to her friends—and Romney’s biggest booster what she thought of her man. She pointedly said that Republicans should keep their options open for 2008. It seems that support for Romney is cooling among conservatives.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Gov. Romney: Another voice from the past on illegality of YOUR gay "marriages"
A mere three days before the sodomy "marriages" were to begin in Massachustts, a brilliant posting on the Boston Globe's constitutional law blog (May 14, 2004) explained our constitutional crisis. Dwight Duncan, Professor of Constitutional Law at Southern New England School of Law, apparently agreed with the analysis by Jonathan Goulding which he posted on that blog. Duncan now seems to be "missing in action" -- though if this constitutional legal analysis was valid then, why is it not valid now? (Professor Duncan, where are you?) Duncan's post (from 5-14-04):
Here's my friend Jonathan Goulding's commentary on our strange constitutional crisis provoked by the judicial imposition of gay marriage. Jonathan is a second-year law student at Ave Maria School of Law in Ann Arbor, Michigan and a long time Massachusetts resident.
The train is moving. It will soon be unstoppable as officials create and then begin administering the mechanics of same-sex marriage for the state of Massachusetts. Standard marriage forms are even now being revised. Town clerks are preparing for their new duties. Perhaps the most persuasive indicator that same-sex marriage will arrive in some form in Massachusetts on May 17 is that Governor Romney's legal counsel has instructed magistrate judges to resign if they cannot, in good conscience, marry same-sex couples.
Yet on that date, if the rule of law is ultimately followed, same-sex marriage will no more exist in the state of Massachusetts than when its constitution was ratified over two hundred years ago. It is my position that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court made legislative action a prerequisite for same-sex marriage. My authority is the Court's opinion itself, Goodridge v. Department of Public Health.
For those who have not had the time or the inclination to read the historic opinion, the Court made the following two important findings. First, the Court found that current Massachusetts law does not provide for same-sex marriage. Second, the Court held that this state of affairs violates the Massachusetts constitution. Based on these two conclusions, the Court expressly directed the legislature to take appropriate action and to do it within 180 days.
Regarding the fast approaching deadline, the legislators have done nothing except to request an advisory opinion of the Justices, inquiring as to the validity of 'Vermont style' civil unions. The legislature received a sharply worded answer in the negative. And so, come May 17, all the citizens of Massachusetts will have is the Goodridge opinion.
It is fundamental that the power of any state official to do anything comes from-and only from-delegated authority. In particular, the authority of town clerks to issue and file marriage licenses and of the Department of Health to create procedures relative to marriage flows directly from the Massachusetts statutes cited in Goodridge. Therefore, when the Court found that those statutes did not permit same-sex marriages, the Court effectively denied town clerks and Department of Health officials the ability to confer marriage upon same-sex unions until the legislature takes further action.
Principles of our democratic republic demand that law be created by duly elected representatives. Those in the executive branch or in subordinate agencies-for example, town clerks-are not permitted to create law on an ad hoc basis. When, as has happened in Massachusetts, a state's highest court allows time for a legislature to change current statutes, procrastination on the part of the legislature does not empower those responsible for implementing existing law to proceed as if the statutes had been duly changed. Simply put, state officials may not implement a legislative scheme that does not yet exist. Yet, if the train keeps moving, that is exactly what will happen in Massachusetts on May 17. Town clerks, magistrate judges, and the entire executive branch are all gearing up for same-sex marriage. If the people of Massachusetts value their democratic principles, they will consider again the significance of May 17. Aside from an entry of the Court's judgment declaring that the lack of provision in the law for same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, nothing more will result. There will be no provision for valid same-sex marriages.
Importantly, the Goodridge Court could have written its opinion so that legislative action was not a prerequisite for same-sex marriage. The Court could have construed Massachusetts law as currently written to provide for same-sex marriage. Alternatively, the Court could have created a form of common law marriage that included same-sex unions. Either would have had the immediate effect of creating same-same marriage in Massachusetts. For obvious reasons, however, the Court chose to do neither. Radical changes to law should involve, to the greatest degree possible, the cooperation of all of the co-equal branches. Without delving into the Court's claim that the world's oldest functioning constitution suddenly now requires same-sex marriage, it is to the Court's credit that it crafted an opinion mandating legislative action prior to same-sex marriage arriving in Massachusetts.
It is unfortunate that Governor Romney and others are undermining the democratic process by refusing to recognize this. The result is that Massachusetts may shortly have hundreds or even thousands of "married" couples of dubious status. If, in due course, the rule of law is honored, these marriages will be invalid for lack of enabling legislation.
There are undoubtedly those who would support the current trend. That the failure of the legislature to act in a timely fashion should give state officials carte blanche to effectively create law based upon the principles articulated in Goodridge is itself a dangerous principle to espouse. In essence, it will be legislation without the legislature. The founders did not contemplate such a thing when they framed our governments over two hundred years ago. Neither did the Goodridge Court six months ago. The people of Massachusetts would do well to keep this in mind.
Here's my friend Jonathan Goulding's commentary on our strange constitutional crisis provoked by the judicial imposition of gay marriage. Jonathan is a second-year law student at Ave Maria School of Law in Ann Arbor, Michigan and a long time Massachusetts resident.
The train is moving. It will soon be unstoppable as officials create and then begin administering the mechanics of same-sex marriage for the state of Massachusetts. Standard marriage forms are even now being revised. Town clerks are preparing for their new duties. Perhaps the most persuasive indicator that same-sex marriage will arrive in some form in Massachusetts on May 17 is that Governor Romney's legal counsel has instructed magistrate judges to resign if they cannot, in good conscience, marry same-sex couples.
Yet on that date, if the rule of law is ultimately followed, same-sex marriage will no more exist in the state of Massachusetts than when its constitution was ratified over two hundred years ago. It is my position that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court made legislative action a prerequisite for same-sex marriage. My authority is the Court's opinion itself, Goodridge v. Department of Public Health.
For those who have not had the time or the inclination to read the historic opinion, the Court made the following two important findings. First, the Court found that current Massachusetts law does not provide for same-sex marriage. Second, the Court held that this state of affairs violates the Massachusetts constitution. Based on these two conclusions, the Court expressly directed the legislature to take appropriate action and to do it within 180 days.
Regarding the fast approaching deadline, the legislators have done nothing except to request an advisory opinion of the Justices, inquiring as to the validity of 'Vermont style' civil unions. The legislature received a sharply worded answer in the negative. And so, come May 17, all the citizens of Massachusetts will have is the Goodridge opinion.
It is fundamental that the power of any state official to do anything comes from-and only from-delegated authority. In particular, the authority of town clerks to issue and file marriage licenses and of the Department of Health to create procedures relative to marriage flows directly from the Massachusetts statutes cited in Goodridge. Therefore, when the Court found that those statutes did not permit same-sex marriages, the Court effectively denied town clerks and Department of Health officials the ability to confer marriage upon same-sex unions until the legislature takes further action.
Principles of our democratic republic demand that law be created by duly elected representatives. Those in the executive branch or in subordinate agencies-for example, town clerks-are not permitted to create law on an ad hoc basis. When, as has happened in Massachusetts, a state's highest court allows time for a legislature to change current statutes, procrastination on the part of the legislature does not empower those responsible for implementing existing law to proceed as if the statutes had been duly changed. Simply put, state officials may not implement a legislative scheme that does not yet exist. Yet, if the train keeps moving, that is exactly what will happen in Massachusetts on May 17. Town clerks, magistrate judges, and the entire executive branch are all gearing up for same-sex marriage. If the people of Massachusetts value their democratic principles, they will consider again the significance of May 17. Aside from an entry of the Court's judgment declaring that the lack of provision in the law for same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, nothing more will result. There will be no provision for valid same-sex marriages.
Importantly, the Goodridge Court could have written its opinion so that legislative action was not a prerequisite for same-sex marriage. The Court could have construed Massachusetts law as currently written to provide for same-sex marriage. Alternatively, the Court could have created a form of common law marriage that included same-sex unions. Either would have had the immediate effect of creating same-same marriage in Massachusetts. For obvious reasons, however, the Court chose to do neither. Radical changes to law should involve, to the greatest degree possible, the cooperation of all of the co-equal branches. Without delving into the Court's claim that the world's oldest functioning constitution suddenly now requires same-sex marriage, it is to the Court's credit that it crafted an opinion mandating legislative action prior to same-sex marriage arriving in Massachusetts.
It is unfortunate that Governor Romney and others are undermining the democratic process by refusing to recognize this. The result is that Massachusetts may shortly have hundreds or even thousands of "married" couples of dubious status. If, in due course, the rule of law is honored, these marriages will be invalid for lack of enabling legislation.
There are undoubtedly those who would support the current trend. That the failure of the legislature to act in a timely fashion should give state officials carte blanche to effectively create law based upon the principles articulated in Goodridge is itself a dangerous principle to espouse. In essence, it will be legislation without the legislature. The founders did not contemplate such a thing when they framed our governments over two hundred years ago. Neither did the Goodridge Court six months ago. The people of Massachusetts would do well to keep this in mind.
HomoFascist Thuggery Outside & Inside State House
GLBT activists are proud of their behavior seen in these videos from the November 19 State House rally. Watch the videos from a "gay" blog here.
What the mainstream media did NOT report, of course, was the verbal violence unleashed against the VoteOnMarriage ralliers, the Governor, and other speakers at that event. The effort to drown them out by rowdy shouting, chanting, booing, hissing, and name-calling was appalling thuggery.
The "proud parents" of this lawlessness, chief lobbyist Arline Isaacson and MassEquality director Marc Solomon, can be seen standing in front of the booers, looking smug and approving.
The vile behavior on the street captures the essence of the suited-up violence the homofascist lobby does inside the State House. "Constitution? What's that?"
What's amazing is that 109 Massachusetts legislators think these people deserve their respect -- and more, special privileges.
What the mainstream media did NOT report, of course, was the verbal violence unleashed against the VoteOnMarriage ralliers, the Governor, and other speakers at that event. The effort to drown them out by rowdy shouting, chanting, booing, hissing, and name-calling was appalling thuggery.
The "proud parents" of this lawlessness, chief lobbyist Arline Isaacson and MassEquality director Marc Solomon, can be seen standing in front of the booers, looking smug and approving.
The vile behavior on the street captures the essence of the suited-up violence the homofascist lobby does inside the State House. "Constitution? What's that?"
What's amazing is that 109 Massachusetts legislators think these people deserve their respect -- and more, special privileges.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Connecticut Case Shows: "Civil Unions" On Slippery Slope to "Gay Marriage"
True conservatives, those who understand you can't compromise with evil, have been warning for years of the danger of allowing "civil unions" (and those marriage amendments which do not specifically ban civil unions). Here's all you need for proof that we have been right:
GLAD (Gay & Lesbian & Bisexual & Transsexual Advocates and Defenders), the attorneys who pushed for Vermont civil unions and Massachusetts homosexual "marriage", are now arguing that the earlier passage of civil unions legislation in Connecticut PROVES that homosexual relationships deserve the same level of government sanctioning as heterosexual marriages.
From Bay Windows (11-29-06):
GLAD files marriage suit with CT Supreme Court
Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) filed a brief with the Connecticut Supreme Court Nov. 22 in its lawsuit to extend marriage to same-sex couples in that state, Kerrigan and Mock v. Department of Public Health. GLAD’s suit lost at the Superior Court level when Justice Patty Jenkins Pittman ruled that granting couples the legal rights of marriage through civil unions did not amount to unconstitutional discrimination. Yet GLAD attorney Ben Klein said GLAD will argue before the Supreme Court that the legislature’s passage of the civil union law makes their case for full marriage equality stronger.
Klein said the basic principle of equal protection under the law is that people who are the same should be given equal treatment. By granting same-sex couples all the legal benefits attached to marriage Klein said the legislature showed that committed same-sex relationships were equivalent to heterosexual marriages.
“[The civil union law makes our case] more compelling because the legislature has already established a policy that gay and lesbian couples are the same with respect to the marriage laws. So there is no justification under the marriage laws for treating them differently,” said Klein.
Kerrigan and Mock was originally filed in 2004 on behalf of eight Connecticut same-sex couples denied marriage licenses. GLAD expects the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in the case sometime next spring.
GLAD (Gay & Lesbian & Bisexual & Transsexual Advocates and Defenders), the attorneys who pushed for Vermont civil unions and Massachusetts homosexual "marriage", are now arguing that the earlier passage of civil unions legislation in Connecticut PROVES that homosexual relationships deserve the same level of government sanctioning as heterosexual marriages.
From Bay Windows (11-29-06):
GLAD files marriage suit with CT Supreme Court
Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) filed a brief with the Connecticut Supreme Court Nov. 22 in its lawsuit to extend marriage to same-sex couples in that state, Kerrigan and Mock v. Department of Public Health. GLAD’s suit lost at the Superior Court level when Justice Patty Jenkins Pittman ruled that granting couples the legal rights of marriage through civil unions did not amount to unconstitutional discrimination. Yet GLAD attorney Ben Klein said GLAD will argue before the Supreme Court that the legislature’s passage of the civil union law makes their case for full marriage equality stronger.
Klein said the basic principle of equal protection under the law is that people who are the same should be given equal treatment. By granting same-sex couples all the legal benefits attached to marriage Klein said the legislature showed that committed same-sex relationships were equivalent to heterosexual marriages.
“[The civil union law makes our case] more compelling because the legislature has already established a policy that gay and lesbian couples are the same with respect to the marriage laws. So there is no justification under the marriage laws for treating them differently,” said Klein.
Kerrigan and Mock was originally filed in 2004 on behalf of eight Connecticut same-sex couples denied marriage licenses. GLAD expects the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in the case sometime next spring.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Open Letter to Rep. Jay Kaufman on His Vote to Violate Constitution & Commit Treason
To: Rep. Jay Kaufman (15th Middlesex district)
From: Robert Paine, Esq.
Re: Your editorial on your illegal vote to recess the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention without voting on the marriage amendment
(Link to Kaufman's editorial: "A Difficult Vote, An Easy Judgement" [sic] )
You wrote, Representative Kaufman:
"The Constitution obligates legislators to exercise judgment on which proposed Constitutional matters are placed before the electorate for a vote. The two-step legislative review prescribed by the Constitution would be meaningless if John Adam’s intent had been for the Constitutional Convention to serve simply as a pass-through agency for voter initiatives."
I have practiced law for many years, during which time I've frequently argued before the SJC. I've been consulted on constitutional law by high officials of the federal government, asked to write federal legislation with major constitutional implications, and asked by a sitting Congressman to run for Congress. I work on and have personally won cases with national impact and international publicity and -- without exaggeration -- I've done considerably more research on the court rulings pertinent to "homosexual marriage" and the relevant parts of the Massachusetts Constitution than all members of the Legislature, their staffs, and Governor Romney and his staff, combined. Sad to say, this is not even much of a boast, since previous court rulings and the Constitution itself have hardly been consulted on the matter of homosexual marriage.
Allow me to correct your fatuous and idle boast. The Constitution very clearly orders you and our other servants to vote on the floor on any amendment brought before you that has met the constitutional requirements. You swore in the name of God, not only to obey, but to uphold and defend that Constitution. Your failure and that of your smug, dishonest, hypocritical colleagues is an act of criminal perjury -- a felony.
Despite your legally absurd rationalizations, you are in the act of conspiring against the foundation of democracy, against the supreme law of this Commonwealth, the social compact that distinguishes the law-abiding from the outlaw. You are committing a felony which is punishable by time in prison and disbarment from elective office. Two generations ago, before it became cute to hijack democracy from your superiors, the sovereign people, you would have been arrested, convicted and imprisoned. The Founding Fathers would have tried you not only for criminal perjury, but also for sedition. If you do not know the meaning of that word and have no dictionary, here is its meaning: treason.
In your self-righteous defense of sodomy "marriage," the outrageous preferences currently being given to homosexuals in adoption and foster-parent proceedings, and violation of childhood and parents' rights by schoolroom sodomy propaganda, you are sabotaging our republican form of government in which the people, not you, are sovereign.
Your right is to vote "yea" or "nay." But you have no "right" to violate the people's sovereignty or to betray their constitution with your lies. Even "Justice" Margaret Marshall and her outlaw judges on the SJC had enough honesty to admit what your are lying about: They ruled in 2002 that Senate President Birmingham had violated the Constitution when he took his turn at treason -- in exactly the same sort of criminal conspiracy you are now involved in. How short are the memories of liars. Young American soldiers and sailors have died to defend the right of self-government and the constitutions that you are trashing.
You are a fraud. I have no idea whether you believe in a God or not, but you swore a solemn oath followed by "So help me God." In lying to others and to yourself now, you are unable to hide the obvious: You took the name of the Lord God in vain and thus, when your time is up in this world, you will answer not only for your criminal conspiracy against my children's and your children's constitution, their democratic rights, their culture, their innocence and their future. You will answer also for the arrogance of your cosmic lie which echoes its dishonesty from one end of the universe to the other, takes up residence within you and will grow like a parasite within your soul. You mock the name of the Lord God who made your flesh, breathed life into you and in whose name you swore a sacred oath.
Representative Kaufman, you and your distinguished partners in this high crime against current and future generations will answer for your part in condemning children to the ruthless, arrogant, blind experimentation of childhoods defined by intentional deprivation of one of the two distinct kinds of parents that Nature and Nature's God intended for them. Their fingers will point at you when your time comes. You will never escape their piercing eyes.
None of us are so stupid as to think you believe this nonsense you are claiming as an excuse to commit a felony. Here it is again. Your own lies will ring in your ears forever: "The two-step legislative review prescribed by the Constitution would be meaningless if John Adam’s intent had been for the Constitutional Convention to serve simply as a pass-through agency for voter initiatives."
The two-step review that John Adams wrote into the Constitution compels two votes on the amendment itself. That is the purpose of a Constitutional Convention. Were it not so, Maggie Marshall, a felon-conspirator herself, most assuredly would have told you so. Look in the mirror and ask why American servicemen and women are now dying to protect a constitutional system of self-government that you are subverting. Some day, your children or grandchildren may ask you that question. If not, the souls of dead American heroes going back more than two centuries will ask, and so will the God who gave the inalienable rights that you, like the communists and Nazis, steal from your fellow man.
Reread the "Rights of the Inhabitants" portion which John Adams made the basis of the entire form of government. It should expose as a silly lie your ridiculous claim that our public servants have the right to stop us from modifying our form of government.
Article IV. The people of this commonwealth have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves...and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right (not) by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in Congress...
Article V. All power residing originally in the people, and being derived from them, the...officers of government...legislative, executive, or judicial, are...are at all times accountable to them.
Article VII. ...the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to...reform, alter, or totally change the (government)...
Why did John Adams make this the basis of the Constitution that you are now subverting with lies and cowardice and conspiracy?
Article VIII. "In order to prevent those, who are vested with authority, from becoming oppressors..."
Adams, like Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and so many others, knew that the likes of you, Rep. Jay Kaufman, would show up sooner or later, and that the people might not be prepared for your deceits. You, sir, are the enemy within. Look in the mirror and you will see that of which our Founding Fathers warned when they included in the Federal oath of office the phrase (I will defend the Constitution) ... "from enemies, domestic and foreign."
May God have mercy on the souls of those selling the innocence and the inalienable rights of their own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in return for the worthless approval from the lawless barbarians tearing down our Constitution and our society.
Sincerely,
Robert Paine, Esquire
From: Robert Paine, Esq.
Re: Your editorial on your illegal vote to recess the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention without voting on the marriage amendment
(Link to Kaufman's editorial: "A Difficult Vote, An Easy Judgement" [sic] )
You wrote, Representative Kaufman:
"The Constitution obligates legislators to exercise judgment on which proposed Constitutional matters are placed before the electorate for a vote. The two-step legislative review prescribed by the Constitution would be meaningless if John Adam’s intent had been for the Constitutional Convention to serve simply as a pass-through agency for voter initiatives."
I have practiced law for many years, during which time I've frequently argued before the SJC. I've been consulted on constitutional law by high officials of the federal government, asked to write federal legislation with major constitutional implications, and asked by a sitting Congressman to run for Congress. I work on and have personally won cases with national impact and international publicity and -- without exaggeration -- I've done considerably more research on the court rulings pertinent to "homosexual marriage" and the relevant parts of the Massachusetts Constitution than all members of the Legislature, their staffs, and Governor Romney and his staff, combined. Sad to say, this is not even much of a boast, since previous court rulings and the Constitution itself have hardly been consulted on the matter of homosexual marriage.
Allow me to correct your fatuous and idle boast. The Constitution very clearly orders you and our other servants to vote on the floor on any amendment brought before you that has met the constitutional requirements. You swore in the name of God, not only to obey, but to uphold and defend that Constitution. Your failure and that of your smug, dishonest, hypocritical colleagues is an act of criminal perjury -- a felony.
Despite your legally absurd rationalizations, you are in the act of conspiring against the foundation of democracy, against the supreme law of this Commonwealth, the social compact that distinguishes the law-abiding from the outlaw. You are committing a felony which is punishable by time in prison and disbarment from elective office. Two generations ago, before it became cute to hijack democracy from your superiors, the sovereign people, you would have been arrested, convicted and imprisoned. The Founding Fathers would have tried you not only for criminal perjury, but also for sedition. If you do not know the meaning of that word and have no dictionary, here is its meaning: treason.
In your self-righteous defense of sodomy "marriage," the outrageous preferences currently being given to homosexuals in adoption and foster-parent proceedings, and violation of childhood and parents' rights by schoolroom sodomy propaganda, you are sabotaging our republican form of government in which the people, not you, are sovereign.
Your right is to vote "yea" or "nay." But you have no "right" to violate the people's sovereignty or to betray their constitution with your lies. Even "Justice" Margaret Marshall and her outlaw judges on the SJC had enough honesty to admit what your are lying about: They ruled in 2002 that Senate President Birmingham had violated the Constitution when he took his turn at treason -- in exactly the same sort of criminal conspiracy you are now involved in. How short are the memories of liars. Young American soldiers and sailors have died to defend the right of self-government and the constitutions that you are trashing.
You are a fraud. I have no idea whether you believe in a God or not, but you swore a solemn oath followed by "So help me God." In lying to others and to yourself now, you are unable to hide the obvious: You took the name of the Lord God in vain and thus, when your time is up in this world, you will answer not only for your criminal conspiracy against my children's and your children's constitution, their democratic rights, their culture, their innocence and their future. You will answer also for the arrogance of your cosmic lie which echoes its dishonesty from one end of the universe to the other, takes up residence within you and will grow like a parasite within your soul. You mock the name of the Lord God who made your flesh, breathed life into you and in whose name you swore a sacred oath.
Representative Kaufman, you and your distinguished partners in this high crime against current and future generations will answer for your part in condemning children to the ruthless, arrogant, blind experimentation of childhoods defined by intentional deprivation of one of the two distinct kinds of parents that Nature and Nature's God intended for them. Their fingers will point at you when your time comes. You will never escape their piercing eyes.
None of us are so stupid as to think you believe this nonsense you are claiming as an excuse to commit a felony. Here it is again. Your own lies will ring in your ears forever: "The two-step legislative review prescribed by the Constitution would be meaningless if John Adam’s intent had been for the Constitutional Convention to serve simply as a pass-through agency for voter initiatives."
The two-step review that John Adams wrote into the Constitution compels two votes on the amendment itself. That is the purpose of a Constitutional Convention. Were it not so, Maggie Marshall, a felon-conspirator herself, most assuredly would have told you so. Look in the mirror and ask why American servicemen and women are now dying to protect a constitutional system of self-government that you are subverting. Some day, your children or grandchildren may ask you that question. If not, the souls of dead American heroes going back more than two centuries will ask, and so will the God who gave the inalienable rights that you, like the communists and Nazis, steal from your fellow man.
Reread the "Rights of the Inhabitants" portion which John Adams made the basis of the entire form of government. It should expose as a silly lie your ridiculous claim that our public servants have the right to stop us from modifying our form of government.
Article IV. The people of this commonwealth have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves...and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right (not) by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in Congress...
Article V. All power residing originally in the people, and being derived from them, the...officers of government...legislative, executive, or judicial, are...are at all times accountable to them.
Article VII. ...the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to...reform, alter, or totally change the (government)...
Why did John Adams make this the basis of the Constitution that you are now subverting with lies and cowardice and conspiracy?
Article VIII. "In order to prevent those, who are vested with authority, from becoming oppressors..."
Adams, like Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and so many others, knew that the likes of you, Rep. Jay Kaufman, would show up sooner or later, and that the people might not be prepared for your deceits. You, sir, are the enemy within. Look in the mirror and you will see that of which our Founding Fathers warned when they included in the Federal oath of office the phrase (I will defend the Constitution) ... "from enemies, domestic and foreign."
May God have mercy on the souls of those selling the innocence and the inalienable rights of their own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in return for the worthless approval from the lawless barbarians tearing down our Constitution and our society.
Sincerely,
Robert Paine, Esquire
Alan Keyes Explains: Romney Started "Gay Marriages"
Word is getting out among prominent pro-family leaders and politicians around the country on Gov. Romney's responsibility for homosexual "marriages" in Massachusetts.
We hear that a prominent national figure has just told pro-family legislators from 27 states (at a conference in Dallas last Saturday) the real story behind the issuance of "gay marriage" licenses in Massachusetts: Gov. Mitt Romney unconstitutionally implemented them!
Also, Dr. Alan Keyes truly understands what has happened and what is happening: a total surrender by pro-family leaders fawning over Gov. Romney. After meeting with MassResistance staff and affiliated legal researchers recently, examining the documents we presented to him and taking the time to do his own research on the subject, Dr. Keyes is now explaining to those who are open-minded that Romney alone -- and in violation of the law, the state Constitution, and his oath of office -- imposed homosexual "marriage" on Massachusetts.
See the posting on Keyes's RenewAmerica web site:
http://www.renewamerica.us/news/061116keyes.htm
Keyes cites Romney as sole author of Massachusetts gay marriage policy: Nov. 5 'God and Country' speech in Pensacola, FL
November 16, 2006
RenewAmerica staff
In a "God and Country" speech last week at Chuck Baldwin's Crossroad Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, Dr. Alan Keyes said that Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is alone responsible for his state's gay marriage policy--not the state's supreme court, as widely perceived. While Gov. Romney--a contender for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination--publicly claims to be opposed to gay marriage, Keyes pointed out that Romney unwisely "forced" gay marriage on Massachusetts of his own initiative in 2004.
Romney claimed at the time that a 4-3 decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court calling for legislation that would authorize gay marriage required Romney to institute a same-sex marriage policy. But the truth, according to Keyes, is that Romney took pre-emptive action to impose gay marriage without any requirement to do so by the court.
Said Keyes, "Mitt Romney, who's now running around the country telling people he's an opponent of same-sex marriage, forced the justices of the peace and others [in the state system] to perform same-sex marriage--all on his own with no authorization or requirement from the court."Noting that the court's "decision did not make any change in the law," Keyes inquired of his audience: "Since [the court's] decision didn't make any change in the existing law of the state of Massachusetts, and since the legislature has not acted on the subject, you might be wondering how it is that homosexuals are being married in Massachusetts.
"Keyes answered his own question:"[This] tells you how twisted our politicians have become. On the first day [after the court's deadline for the legislature to act, Romney] forces homosexual marriage through in the state of Massachusetts without any warrant or requirement from the court. And the day after that, he goes to a conference sponsored by Focus on the Family to announce what a strong supporter he is of traditional marriage. Ah! God help us, please."
We hear that a prominent national figure has just told pro-family legislators from 27 states (at a conference in Dallas last Saturday) the real story behind the issuance of "gay marriage" licenses in Massachusetts: Gov. Mitt Romney unconstitutionally implemented them!
Also, Dr. Alan Keyes truly understands what has happened and what is happening: a total surrender by pro-family leaders fawning over Gov. Romney. After meeting with MassResistance staff and affiliated legal researchers recently, examining the documents we presented to him and taking the time to do his own research on the subject, Dr. Keyes is now explaining to those who are open-minded that Romney alone -- and in violation of the law, the state Constitution, and his oath of office -- imposed homosexual "marriage" on Massachusetts.
See the posting on Keyes's RenewAmerica web site:
http://www.renewamerica.us/news/061116keyes.htm
Keyes cites Romney as sole author of Massachusetts gay marriage policy: Nov. 5 'God and Country' speech in Pensacola, FL
November 16, 2006
RenewAmerica staff
In a "God and Country" speech last week at Chuck Baldwin's Crossroad Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, Dr. Alan Keyes said that Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is alone responsible for his state's gay marriage policy--not the state's supreme court, as widely perceived. While Gov. Romney--a contender for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination--publicly claims to be opposed to gay marriage, Keyes pointed out that Romney unwisely "forced" gay marriage on Massachusetts of his own initiative in 2004.
Romney claimed at the time that a 4-3 decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court calling for legislation that would authorize gay marriage required Romney to institute a same-sex marriage policy. But the truth, according to Keyes, is that Romney took pre-emptive action to impose gay marriage without any requirement to do so by the court.
Said Keyes, "Mitt Romney, who's now running around the country telling people he's an opponent of same-sex marriage, forced the justices of the peace and others [in the state system] to perform same-sex marriage--all on his own with no authorization or requirement from the court."Noting that the court's "decision did not make any change in the law," Keyes inquired of his audience: "Since [the court's] decision didn't make any change in the existing law of the state of Massachusetts, and since the legislature has not acted on the subject, you might be wondering how it is that homosexuals are being married in Massachusetts.
"Keyes answered his own question:"[This] tells you how twisted our politicians have become. On the first day [after the court's deadline for the legislature to act, Romney] forces homosexual marriage through in the state of Massachusetts without any warrant or requirement from the court. And the day after that, he goes to a conference sponsored by Focus on the Family to announce what a strong supporter he is of traditional marriage. Ah! God help us, please."
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Mass. Family Institute Called for Executive Order to Block "Gay Marriages"
Ron Crews, former president of the Mass. Family Institute, called on Gov. Romney back in early 2004 to issue an Executive Order to block illegal homosexual "marriages". Few seem to recall this now, but Crews was advocating for a forceful reminder from the Governor that since there was no new law passed to establish homosexual "marriage", nothing would be changing on May 17, 2004. (And no such law has been passed since!) So Romney could have -- and should have -- made it clear, through Executive Order, that we must all follow the law on the books, and not allow phony "homosexual marriages" to commence.
Has Mass. Family Institute changed its mind? Do they now think these phony "marriages" are legal? Or -- because Romney failed to enforce the law in 2004 -- that they magically became "legal" marriages?
Ron Crews said:
3-9-04: One alternative, he said, is to convince Gov. Mitt Romney to issue an executive order to city and town clerks halting the issuance of marriage license to same-sex couples... [Patriot Ledger]
4-11-04: "We're still hopeful Romney is going to act in what we believe to be his full constitutional authority, to delay and/or prevent the implementation of the Supreme Judicial Court decision" granting marriage licenses, said Ronald A. Crews… For Romney, the options for holding off the May 17 change might include issuing an executive order ... [Boston Globe]
4-12-04: "It is our hope that the governor will use his full authority as the chief executive to delay the implementation of the SJC decision. We believe he has constitutional authority to act," Crews said, saying one of the options was to issue an executive order. [Boston Globe]
Has Mass. Family Institute changed its mind? Do they now think these phony "marriages" are legal? Or -- because Romney failed to enforce the law in 2004 -- that they magically became "legal" marriages?
Ron Crews said:
3-9-04: One alternative, he said, is to convince Gov. Mitt Romney to issue an executive order to city and town clerks halting the issuance of marriage license to same-sex couples... [Patriot Ledger]
4-11-04: "We're still hopeful Romney is going to act in what we believe to be his full constitutional authority, to delay and/or prevent the implementation of the Supreme Judicial Court decision" granting marriage licenses, said Ronald A. Crews… For Romney, the options for holding off the May 17 change might include issuing an executive order ... [Boston Globe]
4-12-04: "It is our hope that the governor will use his full authority as the chief executive to delay the implementation of the SJC decision. We believe he has constitutional authority to act," Crews said, saying one of the options was to issue an executive order. [Boston Globe]
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Officials Who Violate Their Oath of Office Are Guilty of a Crime
By John Haskins
Under the Massachusetts Constitution, any public official who swears the oath of office and then willingly violates that oath it is subject to the criminal penalties of perjury -- a felony. That includes Governor Mitt Romney, much of the legislature, at least four judges on the Supreme Judicial Court, as well as Attorney General Tom Reilly, who has a duty to file criminal perjury charges against those now violating the Massachusetts oath of office. In an era of bolder citizenship and stronger, more serious Christianity, they would be subjected to citizen's arrest by a great troop of armed Massachusetts citizens, and they would be convicted and imprisoned for what they are now doing.
Obviously, the Massachusetts Constitution is not discriminating in the below article against Quakers by holding them to a higher legal standard or subjecting them to more severe criminal punishment for the same act. Therefore the meaning is plain and inescapable: Failure to "bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" and to "support the constitution thereof" is a crime.
Article VI. Instead of the oath of allegiance prescribed by the constitution, the following oath shall be taken and subscribed by every person chosen or appointed to any office, civil or military under the government of this commonwealth, before he shall enter on the duties of his office, to wit:
"I, A. B., do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , and will support the constitution thereof. So help me God."
Provided, That when any person shall be of the denomination called Quakers, and shall decline taking said oath, he shall make his affirmation in the foregoing form, omitting the word "swear" and inserting instead thereof the word "affirm;" and omitting the words "So help me God," and subjoining, instead thereof, the words "This I do under the pains and penalties of perjury." [see Constitution, chapter VI, Art. I].
Article VII. No oath, declaration or subscription, excepting the oath prescribed in the preceding article and the oath of office shall be required of the governor, lieutenant governor, councilors, senators or representatives, to qualify them to perform the duties of their respective offices.
Under the Massachusetts Constitution, any public official who swears the oath of office and then willingly violates that oath it is subject to the criminal penalties of perjury -- a felony. That includes Governor Mitt Romney, much of the legislature, at least four judges on the Supreme Judicial Court, as well as Attorney General Tom Reilly, who has a duty to file criminal perjury charges against those now violating the Massachusetts oath of office. In an era of bolder citizenship and stronger, more serious Christianity, they would be subjected to citizen's arrest by a great troop of armed Massachusetts citizens, and they would be convicted and imprisoned for what they are now doing.
Obviously, the Massachusetts Constitution is not discriminating in the below article against Quakers by holding them to a higher legal standard or subjecting them to more severe criminal punishment for the same act. Therefore the meaning is plain and inescapable: Failure to "bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" and to "support the constitution thereof" is a crime.
Article VI. Instead of the oath of allegiance prescribed by the constitution, the following oath shall be taken and subscribed by every person chosen or appointed to any office, civil or military under the government of this commonwealth, before he shall enter on the duties of his office, to wit:
"I, A. B., do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , and will support the constitution thereof. So help me God."
Provided, That when any person shall be of the denomination called Quakers, and shall decline taking said oath, he shall make his affirmation in the foregoing form, omitting the word "swear" and inserting instead thereof the word "affirm;" and omitting the words "So help me God," and subjoining, instead thereof, the words "This I do under the pains and penalties of perjury." [see Constitution, chapter VI, Art. I].
Article VII. No oath, declaration or subscription, excepting the oath prescribed in the preceding article and the oath of office shall be required of the governor, lieutenant governor, councilors, senators or representatives, to qualify them to perform the duties of their respective offices.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Alaska Legislature Exposes Romney's Dishonesty in Implementing "Gay Marriage"
The Alaska legislature just voted to ignore a court order to implement "domestic partnership" benefits for state employees. Their action exposes Mitt Romney's dishonesty claiming he had to implement the SJC's "gay marriage" ruling here! So why are the Massachusetts Family Institute and their "pro-family, conservative" legal experts still covering up for Romney?
(See "Senate passes same sex legislation and adjourns." And note the misleading headline! You'd think they were reporting on a victory for "same-sex rights".)
This Alaska story has received little play in the mainstream media. After all, who wants to hear about constitutions upheld, and judicial tyranny restrained? Our legislators should follow the example of their compatriots in Alaska, and read anad follow their own state constitution! Our associate John Haskins writes:
This story totally debunks the mythical "authority" of the Goodridge ruling that Romney has brilliantly used to implement the anti-family agenda he has had his entire career -- since long before he tried to banish the Boy Scouts from the Olympics for not accepting homosexual scoutmasters.
It is not possible that Alaska's constitution is any more clear than Massachusetts' in denying judges any power to tell the legislature or the governor what to do. Every supposedly "pro-family conservative" lawyer and law professor or pundit who has swallowed Mitt Romney's absurd story now has to explain this case. Are the Alaska legislators lawbreakers -- or is Mitt Romney? Our Governor violated his oath of office and ordered public officials to ignore the marriage statute, and instead to act on the wishes of the judges without even waiting for the Legislature to legalize homosexual "marriage" (as the judges themselves said would be necessary).
Reality checks like this story are reaching more and more people around the country. The cover-up of Mitt Romney -- and of the illegality of his homosexual marriage licenses - by lawyers, law professors and groups billing themselves as "pro-family conservatives" is failing.
From the Anchorage Daily News (AP), 11-20-06:
The state Senate Monday joined the state House in defying a court order to provide health insurance for gay partners of state employees. Senators voted 11-6 to pass a bill that prohibits the state's commissioner of administration from implementing regulations that would set up a benefits plan for gay couples.
They also voted 12-5 in favor of an advisory vote on the ballot next spring that would ask voters if a constitutional amendment to overturn the order-ordered [sic] benefits should be placed on the 2008 ballot.
Majority Republicans said lawmakers should decide questions regarding benefits for state employees. Minority Democrats said the bills do nothing but set up an unnecessary fight between the Legislature and the courts.
© Copyright 2006, The Anchorage Daily News
(See "Senate passes same sex legislation and adjourns." And note the misleading headline! You'd think they were reporting on a victory for "same-sex rights".)
This Alaska story has received little play in the mainstream media. After all, who wants to hear about constitutions upheld, and judicial tyranny restrained? Our legislators should follow the example of their compatriots in Alaska, and read anad follow their own state constitution! Our associate John Haskins writes:
This story totally debunks the mythical "authority" of the Goodridge ruling that Romney has brilliantly used to implement the anti-family agenda he has had his entire career -- since long before he tried to banish the Boy Scouts from the Olympics for not accepting homosexual scoutmasters.
It is not possible that Alaska's constitution is any more clear than Massachusetts' in denying judges any power to tell the legislature or the governor what to do. Every supposedly "pro-family conservative" lawyer and law professor or pundit who has swallowed Mitt Romney's absurd story now has to explain this case. Are the Alaska legislators lawbreakers -- or is Mitt Romney? Our Governor violated his oath of office and ordered public officials to ignore the marriage statute, and instead to act on the wishes of the judges without even waiting for the Legislature to legalize homosexual "marriage" (as the judges themselves said would be necessary).
Reality checks like this story are reaching more and more people around the country. The cover-up of Mitt Romney -- and of the illegality of his homosexual marriage licenses - by lawyers, law professors and groups billing themselves as "pro-family conservatives" is failing.
From the Anchorage Daily News (AP), 11-20-06:
The state Senate Monday joined the state House in defying a court order to provide health insurance for gay partners of state employees. Senators voted 11-6 to pass a bill that prohibits the state's commissioner of administration from implementing regulations that would set up a benefits plan for gay couples.
They also voted 12-5 in favor of an advisory vote on the ballot next spring that would ask voters if a constitutional amendment to overturn the order-ordered [sic] benefits should be placed on the 2008 ballot.
Majority Republicans said lawmakers should decide questions regarding benefits for state employees. Minority Democrats said the bills do nothing but set up an unnecessary fight between the Legislature and the courts.
© Copyright 2006, The Anchorage Daily News
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Gov. Mitt Romney & Same-Sex "Marriage" Timeline
©2006 MassResistance (11-23-06)
Mitt Romney demonstrates his commitment to homosexual "rights" before becoming Governor of Massachusetts in January 2003:
o 1994 Campaign vs. Ted Kennedy for U.S. Senate: Romney pledged he “will provide more effective leadership” than Kennedy on homosexual rights; endorsed by Log Cabin Republicans.
o 2000-2002: As head of Salt Lake City Olympic Committee, Romney banned Boy Scouts from participating.
o 2001 Called first citizens' petition to define marriage “too extreme” and “bigoted” because it banned civil unions.
o 2002 campaign for Governor: Romney makes promises to GLBT community, according to leading Boston homosexual newspaper; endorsed by homosexual activist Log Cabin Republicans.
o Nov. 18, 2003 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) rules that same-sex marriage is protected in the Mass. Constitution, and gives the Legislature 180 days to act (“Goodridge” ruling).
o Nov. 18, 2003 Romney responds to SJC ruling with four-sentence statement implicitly recognizing SJC’s authority, says only remedy will be a constitutional amendment: “I disagree with the Supreme Judicial Court. Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman. I will support an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution to make that expressly clear. Of course, we must provide basic civil rights and appropriate benefits to nontraditional couples, but marriage is a special institution that should be reserved for a man and a woman.”
o Nov.-Dec. 2003 Romney reportedly working with Legislators promoting “civil unions”.
o Jan. 2004 Romney silent on proposal to remove four SJC justices through Bill of Address (put forward by Article 8 Alliance / MassResistance).
o Feb. 4, 2004 SJC tells Legislature that civil unions for same-sex couples will not satisfy its interpretation of the Mass. Constitution; only full-fledged marriage will do.
o Feb. 5, 2004 Romney publishes editorial in Wall Street Journal laying all blame on the SJC for problem in Massachusetts. Suggests other states strengthen marriage statutes and pass constitutional amendments. Says don’t “attack … gays, singles or non-traditional couples.”
o Feb. 2004 Romney’s Legal Counsel tells Justices of the Peace (under Romney’s authority) they will be able to claim “conscientious objector” status and refuse to perform same-sex marriages.
o Feb.-May 2004 Pro-family leaders and columnists urge Romney to defy court, and issue Executive Order to block same-sex marriage; no public comment from Romney.
o March 12, 2004 As Legislature postures on constitutional amendments, Romney continues to say amendment to Mass. Constitution is solution.
o March 26, 2004 Word leaks out that Romney’s Dept. of Public Health (DPH) and attorneys are planning training sessions for Town Clerks and preparing same-sex marriage licenses.
o March 29, 2004 Romney tells Republicans in Mass. legislature to vote for Travaglini-Lees “compromise amendment” which would ban same-sex marriage but establish civil unions (and would not go to voters before Nov. 2006). Republican legislators had earlier opposed this amendment because of the civil unions clause, and it passed only due to their changed votes.
o March 29-31, 2004 Romney seeks stay of SJC ruling until constitutional amendment issue is settled, but Atty. General Reilly refuses to take Governor’s case before SJC. [Did Romney believe that same court that issued Goodridge ruling would seriously consider his request for a stay?]
o March 30, 2004 Romney says he’ll “abide by the law of the land as it exists on May 17” and says he would not order town clerks to defy court edict. Romney says he’d not explored the Constitution section giving him power over “causes of marriage” and whether it gives him any legal power to stop same-sex marriage (according to spokesman).
o April 12, 2004 Romney spokesman says training sessions for town clerks will begin “with plenty of room to spare before May 17.” Ron Crews of Mass. Coalition for Marriage states hope for an Executive Order to halt the marriages.
o April 15, 2004 Romney files emergency bill in Legislature to seek stay of SJC ruling, and is rebuffed and reprimanded by Senate President Travaglini.
o April 15, 2004 Romney’s DPH Registrar of Vital Records informs town clerks by letter of training sessions before SJC ruling becomes effective.
o April 16, 2004 Romney announces his administration is scheduling training sessions for May 5-12 with licenses changed from “husband/wife” to “Party A/Party B”.
o April 17, 2004 Mass. Dept. of Revenue (under Romney) declares SJC ruling the new “law”.
o April 22, 2004 Romney does not comment on Rep. Goguen's filing of Bill of Address for Article 8 Alliance/MassResistance to remove the 4 SJC judges, or Article 8’s revelation of Chief Justice Marshall’s violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. (Marshall had appeared as keynote speaker at homosexual advocacy group dinner in 1999 advocated extension of “rights” for homosexuals, and failed to recuse herself from ruling on same-sex marriage though she had publicly expressed her bias.)
o April 26, 2004 Romney’s chief Legal Counsel, Daniel Winslow, issues directive to Justices of the Peace to resign (or be fired, fined, or sued) if they are unwilling to perform same-sex marriages (exact date not given on document).
o April 29, 2004 Romney writes to 49 other Governors to inform them he’ll uphold section of Mass. marriage statutes banning same-sex marriages for out-of-state couples.
o May 5-12, 2004 Town clerk training sessions held. [GLAD – Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders -- is only source on content of sessions; perhaps they were responsible for content?]
o May 15, 2004 Romney issues proclamation: May 15 is “Gay/Straight Youth Pride Day”. Romney’s “Governor’s Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth” events include parade, GLBT activism (with prominent transsexual radical activists), and a GLBT prom – two days before same-sex marriages are to begin.
o May 17, 2004 Same-sex marriages begin across Massachusetts. Romney issues brief statement: “All along, I have said an issue as fundamental to society as the definition of marriage should be decided by the people. Until then, I intend to follow the law and expect others to do the same.” [What law? Original marriage statutes clearly defining marriage as between a man and a woman were –and are -- still on the books, unchanged by the Legislature. So Romney is not enforcing the actual law—just a court opinion.]
o May 18, 2004 Romney begins enforcement of section of marriage statute banning out-of-state couples marrying in Mass. if that marriage would be illegal in their home state, while other intact sections of the marriage statute (“man” and “woman”) are ignored.
o June 22, 2004 Romney testifies before US Senate Judiciary Committee for federal marriage amendment and blames Court for situation in Massachusetts.
o Oct. 29, 2004 Romney signs new law eliminating blood test for STDs as requirement for marriage license (Ch. 388 of Acts of 2004). [Note: this is the only part of marriage statutes changed to satisfy demands of same-sex marriage]
o Dec. 2004 Romney has no comment on bills filed by Article 8 Alliance / MassResistance for 2005-6 session: to remove four SJC judges; strengthen definition of marriage in statute; and declare same-sex marriages since May 17, 2004 null/void and without statutory basis.
o Feb. 21, 2005 Romney makes speech before South Carolina Republicans, then is accused of “flip-flopping” on civil unions by homosexual lobby. Romney also negatively refers to demands by the homosexual activists that birth certificates be changed to read “Parent A/Parent B” (instead of “father/mother”), arguing he had no authority to make such a change [though he had no such qualms about changing the marriage license].
o June 16, 2005 Romney joins VoteOnMarriage (VOM) amendment effort, which would recognize same-sex marriages prior to amendment taking effect, and not ban civil unions. (Romney says VOM is superior to the Travaglini-Lees compromise amendment.) Romney also announces support of VOM’s proposed bill promoting partnership benefits for any couple wanting them (see “Benefits Fairness Act” filed Jan. 2006). Romney says he’s opposed to removing the four SJC judges. Calls for a “high degree of respect and tolerance for people whose lifestyle and choices and orientation is as they may choose.”
o July 22, 2005 Romney says only Legislature can change birth certificates from “father/mother” to “Parent A/Parent B”.
o Sept. 14, 2005 Travaglini-Lees compromise amendment defeated in Legislature.
o Nov. 2005 Romney tells Federalist Society that judiciary must be grounded in Constitution and law and precedents, and only the Legislature and people can change that base.
o Jan. 2, 2006 Boston Globe reports Romney issued special Governor’s ceremonial marriage licenses to 189 same-sex couples in 2005 (including to homosexual activist state senator), claiming he did not refuse because he was evenly applying the “statute”. [Note: There is no new statute establishing same-sex marriage.]
o Jan. 11, 2006 Romney files “Benefits Fairness Act” with VoteOnMarriage, which is roundly criticized by GLBT lobby, and shelved in Committee as late-filed bill.
o March 10-14, 2006 Romney says laws require Catholic Charities not to discriminate against same-sex parents in its adoption placements [but there’s only an administrative regulation]. He says same-sex couples have "a legitimate interest" in adopting children.
o June 2, 2006 Romney sends letter to US Congress arguing for federal marriage amendment.
o June 28, 2006 Romney urges Legislature to vote on VOM amendment, and addresses importance of following Constitution.
o Sept. 30, 2006 Romney says he has to “follow the law,” and accept Mass. Superior Court ruling stating Rhode Island lesbian couple can marry in Massachusetts (following an earlier SJC ruling addressing Rhode Island’s lack of prohibition of same-sex marriage).
o Oct. 15, 2006 Romney addresses nationally broadcast “Liberty Sunday” (Family Research Council) event in Boston. Blames SJC for Mass. problems, says we need an outpouring of respect and tolerance for all people regardless of different choices they make, and as a nation we must reject discrimination and bigotry. Calls for support of federal marriage amendment.
o Nov. 19, 2006 Romney holds rally on State House steps announcing he’s delivering a copy of the Constitution to every Legislator who voted to recess the Constitutional Convention (to avoid the vote on the VOM amendment required by state Constitution). Romney also announces he’s appealing to the courts. [But he says nothing about the SJC precedent of Dec. 20, 2002, ruling that the Legislature must vote in this situation, which already affirms that he should call Legislators back.]
Mitt Romney demonstrates his commitment to homosexual "rights" before becoming Governor of Massachusetts in January 2003:
o 1994 Campaign vs. Ted Kennedy for U.S. Senate: Romney pledged he “will provide more effective leadership” than Kennedy on homosexual rights; endorsed by Log Cabin Republicans.
o 2000-2002: As head of Salt Lake City Olympic Committee, Romney banned Boy Scouts from participating.
o 2001 Called first citizens' petition to define marriage “too extreme” and “bigoted” because it banned civil unions.
o 2002 campaign for Governor: Romney makes promises to GLBT community, according to leading Boston homosexual newspaper; endorsed by homosexual activist Log Cabin Republicans.
o Nov. 18, 2003 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) rules that same-sex marriage is protected in the Mass. Constitution, and gives the Legislature 180 days to act (“Goodridge” ruling).
o Nov. 18, 2003 Romney responds to SJC ruling with four-sentence statement implicitly recognizing SJC’s authority, says only remedy will be a constitutional amendment: “I disagree with the Supreme Judicial Court. Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman. I will support an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution to make that expressly clear. Of course, we must provide basic civil rights and appropriate benefits to nontraditional couples, but marriage is a special institution that should be reserved for a man and a woman.”
o Nov.-Dec. 2003 Romney reportedly working with Legislators promoting “civil unions”.
o Jan. 2004 Romney silent on proposal to remove four SJC justices through Bill of Address (put forward by Article 8 Alliance / MassResistance).
o Feb. 4, 2004 SJC tells Legislature that civil unions for same-sex couples will not satisfy its interpretation of the Mass. Constitution; only full-fledged marriage will do.
o Feb. 5, 2004 Romney publishes editorial in Wall Street Journal laying all blame on the SJC for problem in Massachusetts. Suggests other states strengthen marriage statutes and pass constitutional amendments. Says don’t “attack … gays, singles or non-traditional couples.”
o Feb. 2004 Romney’s Legal Counsel tells Justices of the Peace (under Romney’s authority) they will be able to claim “conscientious objector” status and refuse to perform same-sex marriages.
o Feb.-May 2004 Pro-family leaders and columnists urge Romney to defy court, and issue Executive Order to block same-sex marriage; no public comment from Romney.
o March 12, 2004 As Legislature postures on constitutional amendments, Romney continues to say amendment to Mass. Constitution is solution.
o March 26, 2004 Word leaks out that Romney’s Dept. of Public Health (DPH) and attorneys are planning training sessions for Town Clerks and preparing same-sex marriage licenses.
o March 29, 2004 Romney tells Republicans in Mass. legislature to vote for Travaglini-Lees “compromise amendment” which would ban same-sex marriage but establish civil unions (and would not go to voters before Nov. 2006). Republican legislators had earlier opposed this amendment because of the civil unions clause, and it passed only due to their changed votes.
o March 29-31, 2004 Romney seeks stay of SJC ruling until constitutional amendment issue is settled, but Atty. General Reilly refuses to take Governor’s case before SJC. [Did Romney believe that same court that issued Goodridge ruling would seriously consider his request for a stay?]
o March 30, 2004 Romney says he’ll “abide by the law of the land as it exists on May 17” and says he would not order town clerks to defy court edict. Romney says he’d not explored the Constitution section giving him power over “causes of marriage” and whether it gives him any legal power to stop same-sex marriage (according to spokesman).
o April 12, 2004 Romney spokesman says training sessions for town clerks will begin “with plenty of room to spare before May 17.” Ron Crews of Mass. Coalition for Marriage states hope for an Executive Order to halt the marriages.
o April 15, 2004 Romney files emergency bill in Legislature to seek stay of SJC ruling, and is rebuffed and reprimanded by Senate President Travaglini.
o April 15, 2004 Romney’s DPH Registrar of Vital Records informs town clerks by letter of training sessions before SJC ruling becomes effective.
o April 16, 2004 Romney announces his administration is scheduling training sessions for May 5-12 with licenses changed from “husband/wife” to “Party A/Party B”.
o April 17, 2004 Mass. Dept. of Revenue (under Romney) declares SJC ruling the new “law”.
o April 22, 2004 Romney does not comment on Rep. Goguen's filing of Bill of Address for Article 8 Alliance/MassResistance to remove the 4 SJC judges, or Article 8’s revelation of Chief Justice Marshall’s violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. (Marshall had appeared as keynote speaker at homosexual advocacy group dinner in 1999 advocated extension of “rights” for homosexuals, and failed to recuse herself from ruling on same-sex marriage though she had publicly expressed her bias.)
o April 26, 2004 Romney’s chief Legal Counsel, Daniel Winslow, issues directive to Justices of the Peace to resign (or be fired, fined, or sued) if they are unwilling to perform same-sex marriages (exact date not given on document).
o April 29, 2004 Romney writes to 49 other Governors to inform them he’ll uphold section of Mass. marriage statutes banning same-sex marriages for out-of-state couples.
o May 5-12, 2004 Town clerk training sessions held. [GLAD – Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders -- is only source on content of sessions; perhaps they were responsible for content?]
o May 15, 2004 Romney issues proclamation: May 15 is “Gay/Straight Youth Pride Day”. Romney’s “Governor’s Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth” events include parade, GLBT activism (with prominent transsexual radical activists), and a GLBT prom – two days before same-sex marriages are to begin.
o May 17, 2004 Same-sex marriages begin across Massachusetts. Romney issues brief statement: “All along, I have said an issue as fundamental to society as the definition of marriage should be decided by the people. Until then, I intend to follow the law and expect others to do the same.” [What law? Original marriage statutes clearly defining marriage as between a man and a woman were –and are -- still on the books, unchanged by the Legislature. So Romney is not enforcing the actual law—just a court opinion.]
o May 18, 2004 Romney begins enforcement of section of marriage statute banning out-of-state couples marrying in Mass. if that marriage would be illegal in their home state, while other intact sections of the marriage statute (“man” and “woman”) are ignored.
o June 22, 2004 Romney testifies before US Senate Judiciary Committee for federal marriage amendment and blames Court for situation in Massachusetts.
o Oct. 29, 2004 Romney signs new law eliminating blood test for STDs as requirement for marriage license (Ch. 388 of Acts of 2004). [Note: this is the only part of marriage statutes changed to satisfy demands of same-sex marriage]
o Dec. 2004 Romney has no comment on bills filed by Article 8 Alliance / MassResistance for 2005-6 session: to remove four SJC judges; strengthen definition of marriage in statute; and declare same-sex marriages since May 17, 2004 null/void and without statutory basis.
o Feb. 21, 2005 Romney makes speech before South Carolina Republicans, then is accused of “flip-flopping” on civil unions by homosexual lobby. Romney also negatively refers to demands by the homosexual activists that birth certificates be changed to read “Parent A/Parent B” (instead of “father/mother”), arguing he had no authority to make such a change [though he had no such qualms about changing the marriage license].
o June 16, 2005 Romney joins VoteOnMarriage (VOM) amendment effort, which would recognize same-sex marriages prior to amendment taking effect, and not ban civil unions. (Romney says VOM is superior to the Travaglini-Lees compromise amendment.) Romney also announces support of VOM’s proposed bill promoting partnership benefits for any couple wanting them (see “Benefits Fairness Act” filed Jan. 2006). Romney says he’s opposed to removing the four SJC judges. Calls for a “high degree of respect and tolerance for people whose lifestyle and choices and orientation is as they may choose.”
o July 22, 2005 Romney says only Legislature can change birth certificates from “father/mother” to “Parent A/Parent B”.
o Sept. 14, 2005 Travaglini-Lees compromise amendment defeated in Legislature.
o Nov. 2005 Romney tells Federalist Society that judiciary must be grounded in Constitution and law and precedents, and only the Legislature and people can change that base.
o Jan. 2, 2006 Boston Globe reports Romney issued special Governor’s ceremonial marriage licenses to 189 same-sex couples in 2005 (including to homosexual activist state senator), claiming he did not refuse because he was evenly applying the “statute”. [Note: There is no new statute establishing same-sex marriage.]
o Jan. 11, 2006 Romney files “Benefits Fairness Act” with VoteOnMarriage, which is roundly criticized by GLBT lobby, and shelved in Committee as late-filed bill.
o March 10-14, 2006 Romney says laws require Catholic Charities not to discriminate against same-sex parents in its adoption placements [but there’s only an administrative regulation]. He says same-sex couples have "a legitimate interest" in adopting children.
o June 2, 2006 Romney sends letter to US Congress arguing for federal marriage amendment.
o June 28, 2006 Romney urges Legislature to vote on VOM amendment, and addresses importance of following Constitution.
o Sept. 30, 2006 Romney says he has to “follow the law,” and accept Mass. Superior Court ruling stating Rhode Island lesbian couple can marry in Massachusetts (following an earlier SJC ruling addressing Rhode Island’s lack of prohibition of same-sex marriage).
o Oct. 15, 2006 Romney addresses nationally broadcast “Liberty Sunday” (Family Research Council) event in Boston. Blames SJC for Mass. problems, says we need an outpouring of respect and tolerance for all people regardless of different choices they make, and as a nation we must reject discrimination and bigotry. Calls for support of federal marriage amendment.
o Nov. 19, 2006 Romney holds rally on State House steps announcing he’s delivering a copy of the Constitution to every Legislator who voted to recess the Constitutional Convention (to avoid the vote on the VOM amendment required by state Constitution). Romney also announces he’s appealing to the courts. [But he says nothing about the SJC precedent of Dec. 20, 2002, ruling that the Legislature must vote in this situation, which already affirms that he should call Legislators back.]
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Romney: Call Legislature Back Into Session!
On the rally at the State House last Sunday (Nov. 19), we ask: Why didn't Romney call the Legislature back into session then -- if necessary, with the help of State Troopers? The 109 Legislators who voted to recess violated their oaths to follow the Constitution by refusing to vote on the citizens' petition to define marriage.
Why did Romney just announce his appeal to the courts? The clock is ticking... Does he really think that his lawsuit -- filed with the same Supreme Judicial Court that issued the "Goodridge" opinion -- will accomplish anything? And even if the Court rules the right way (as it did in Dec. 2002, on the Pawlick marriage amendment, to no avail), only the Governor can enforce bringing the Legislators back to vote.
The Governor can be reached at 617-725-4005. Time to demand he call the Legislature back!
Here are observations from our friend, the Rev. Michael Carl, on the State House rally on Nov. 19:
Greetings,
Why don't we take a survey to find out if we the people will bombard Romney's office, demanding that he exercise his Constitutional authority to announce that Goodridge v. the State Board of Health is null and void.
According to the Massachusetts Constitution, Part Two, Chapter Three, Article V,
"All causes of marriage, divorce, and alimony, and all appeals from the judges of probate shall be heard and determined by the governor and council, until the legislature shall, by law, make other provision."
The Governor is the Constitutional officer responsible for settling marriage issues. Thus, Romney had, and has until January 2, the power to act to tell the world that the SJC's opinion in Goodridge v. the State Board of Health is illegal, unconstitutional, and an blight on the legal and moral landscape of this Commonwealth and the nation in which we are a member. He also has the constitutional authority to call the Legislature back into special session and prescribe that they take a vote on the people's amendment.
Why are we so mild and weak? Why don't we have a measure of nerve that's at least as big as that of the folks in the homosexual lobby? The editor of Bay Windows boldly claimed that the legislature owed them their willing disregard of the Constitution. She demanded that the Legislature disobey the law, something they were only too willing to do!!! If the editor of a publication serving the immoral in our society can make such a bold demand, why can't we be at least as assertive in our cause of righteousness? It's time that we take an aggressive stand and demand that our weak-kneed, spineless, waffling officials tell the homosexuals where to get off!!! What in the world is wrong with us? Have we lost our nerve? Don't we have the courage of our convictions? Why can't we see that we're fighting for the soul of our nation? What is it going to take before we will finally open our eyes to see that our elected officials are happily playing the fiddle while our nation burns around them?
We are going to lose this battle, if we haven't already, and we're still gullible enough to believe Romney cares. He's grandstanding again. He stood up on the State House steps holding out a meatless bone to entice us into thinking he really wants to do something about the homosexual marriage issue. He's still doing the same thing the rest of the amoral, gutless wonders in the GOP have done for over a decade. They've courted the "Values Voters" with hollow platitudes and an endless number of empty pontifications. When are we going to realize that the GOP regarded us as being equal to the Capitol staircases--something to walk on while they climbed the rungs of power?
Look where it got us. Nowhere. All we got was one little piece of federal legislation that yes, outlawed an extremely grisly procedure. Yet, that law only covered a small fraction of the total number of babies slaughtered in our abortion mills every year. And that law was thrown out by a couple of black-robed, tin-horned federal potentates within a month or two of its signing. The culture is sliding further into the moral abyss as we in Massachusetts are still willing to dance with a milquetoast, lame-duck governor whose eyes are filled with the twinkle of White House-shaped stars.
The time for whistles and bells is over. It's now time to act.
Rev. Michael Carl
Lynn , Massachusetts
Constitution Party of Mass., Co-Chairman
"All things are possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23)
Why did Romney just announce his appeal to the courts? The clock is ticking... Does he really think that his lawsuit -- filed with the same Supreme Judicial Court that issued the "Goodridge" opinion -- will accomplish anything? And even if the Court rules the right way (as it did in Dec. 2002, on the Pawlick marriage amendment, to no avail), only the Governor can enforce bringing the Legislators back to vote.
The Governor can be reached at 617-725-4005. Time to demand he call the Legislature back!
Here are observations from our friend, the Rev. Michael Carl, on the State House rally on Nov. 19:
Greetings,
Why don't we take a survey to find out if we the people will bombard Romney's office, demanding that he exercise his Constitutional authority to announce that Goodridge v. the State Board of Health is null and void.
According to the Massachusetts Constitution, Part Two, Chapter Three, Article V,
"All causes of marriage, divorce, and alimony, and all appeals from the judges of probate shall be heard and determined by the governor and council, until the legislature shall, by law, make other provision."
The Governor is the Constitutional officer responsible for settling marriage issues. Thus, Romney had, and has until January 2, the power to act to tell the world that the SJC's opinion in Goodridge v. the State Board of Health is illegal, unconstitutional, and an blight on the legal and moral landscape of this Commonwealth and the nation in which we are a member. He also has the constitutional authority to call the Legislature back into special session and prescribe that they take a vote on the people's amendment.
Why are we so mild and weak? Why don't we have a measure of nerve that's at least as big as that of the folks in the homosexual lobby? The editor of Bay Windows boldly claimed that the legislature owed them their willing disregard of the Constitution. She demanded that the Legislature disobey the law, something they were only too willing to do!!! If the editor of a publication serving the immoral in our society can make such a bold demand, why can't we be at least as assertive in our cause of righteousness? It's time that we take an aggressive stand and demand that our weak-kneed, spineless, waffling officials tell the homosexuals where to get off!!! What in the world is wrong with us? Have we lost our nerve? Don't we have the courage of our convictions? Why can't we see that we're fighting for the soul of our nation? What is it going to take before we will finally open our eyes to see that our elected officials are happily playing the fiddle while our nation burns around them?
We are going to lose this battle, if we haven't already, and we're still gullible enough to believe Romney cares. He's grandstanding again. He stood up on the State House steps holding out a meatless bone to entice us into thinking he really wants to do something about the homosexual marriage issue. He's still doing the same thing the rest of the amoral, gutless wonders in the GOP have done for over a decade. They've courted the "Values Voters" with hollow platitudes and an endless number of empty pontifications. When are we going to realize that the GOP regarded us as being equal to the Capitol staircases--something to walk on while they climbed the rungs of power?
Look where it got us. Nowhere. All we got was one little piece of federal legislation that yes, outlawed an extremely grisly procedure. Yet, that law only covered a small fraction of the total number of babies slaughtered in our abortion mills every year. And that law was thrown out by a couple of black-robed, tin-horned federal potentates within a month or two of its signing. The culture is sliding further into the moral abyss as we in Massachusetts are still willing to dance with a milquetoast, lame-duck governor whose eyes are filled with the twinkle of White House-shaped stars.
The time for whistles and bells is over. It's now time to act.
Rev. Michael Carl
Lynn , Massachusetts
Constitution Party of Mass., Co-Chairman
"All things are possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23)
Voices from the Past: Romney Could Have Halted "Gay Marriages"
Romney could have stopped homosexual "marriages" from happening on May 17, 2004. Instead, he instead facilitated and created those marriages. When this national nightmare began with the Court ruling in November 2003, many voices called on Romney to act through executive order, or otherwise defy the court ruling. Why have many of those voices fallen silent over the past three years?
Romney could have issued a simple statement that the Court had no authority to enforce its unconstitutional opinion. He could have issued an Executive Order that no changes be made to the marriage license (which read “husband” and “wife”), and that no office holders under his authority facilitate or perform homosexual “marriages.”
Remember: The Court had not even “ordered” the state to print new “marriage” licenses, or that the Justices of the Peace and Town Clerks had to implement same-sex “marriages” on May 17, 2004. (The Court had no authority to order that in any case.) The Legislature passed no new law, leaving the old marriage laws (stating “husband” and “wife”) on the books. So there was no new “law” for the Governor to enforce. Romney -- through directives to his Executive branch employees -- implemented “homosexual marriages”.
But prior to May 17, 2004, many (including some who now hail Romney as the “defender of marriage”) understood that he could block “homosexual marriages”. They should now acknowledge that he could still correct his error by Executive Order.
Here are some of the voices from late 2003 through May 2004:
Article 8 Alliance/MassResistance, 12-03
Since shortly after the Court's ruling, our group called for defiance of "Goodridge", removal of the four judges through a Bill of Address, and an Executive Order from the Governor. We have consistently held these positions. We wrote in late 2003: "The Governor must issue an executive order openly defying any further action by the Superior Court and ordering that: Neither the Department of Public Health nor any public employee in Massachusetts may disobey the current marriage laws; and same-sex marriage licenses will NOT be legally recognized in Massachusetts."
CitizenLink (Focus on the Family), 2-4-04
"Gov. Mitt Romney could issue an executive order to town clerks not to issue marriage licenses to homosexual couples — as he did after the Nov. 18 ruling [this is erroneous; he did not issue any order then] — until after the matter is settled once and for all. [State Rep. Vinny] DeMacedo said he didn't know if the court would accept that action or not, but added it was clear now what the issues really are in the debate." (Karla Dial, CitizenLink.com)
Jan LaRue Legal Counsel, Concerned Women for America, 2-5-04
"Jan LaRue, chief counsel for CWA, dismissed the notion that same-sex "marriage" was now inevitable in Massachusetts. 'The court expressly refused to strike down the state's marriage laws,' LaRue said. 'They are still on the books. The court did not order the Legislature to grant same-sex marriage. It gave the Legislature 180 days to take whatever action 'it deemed appropriate in light of the ruling. Amending the Constitution is appropriate action. If the amendment is passed, the Governor should issue an executive order forbidding the issuances of licenses except to opposite-sex couples in accordance with the marriage laws.' ” (Talon News)
Patrick J. Buchanan, “Mitt Romney: Meet Calvin Coolidge” 2-9-04
“What's a governor to do? … Defy the court. Romney should step out in front of the state press corps and read a statement that would stun America, rally social and judicial conservatives of both parties, and bring every network camera in the nation to Boston: ‘I have read the court's decision, and while I respect the court, I cannot respect its decision. There is no basis for it in law. There is no basis for it in precedent. There is no basis for it in the letter or spirit of the constitution of our Commonwealth nor in the intent of the men who wrote that constitution… And as I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the Commonwealth, I intend to disregard the court order of last November…. I will neither propose nor will I sign any bill from the legislature that places homosexual unions on a moral and legal plane with traditional matrimony. To do so would violate my oath, conflict with my beliefs and trample upon the convictions of the people of this state.' After issuing his statement, the governor should take up leadership of the fight to put on the state ballot a constitutional amendment restricting marriage in Massachusetts to men and women. What would the Massachusetts high court do? Declare Romney in contempt? Order Romney's arrest? Tell state employees to start accepting requests from homosexuals for marriage licenses? Romney could tell the employees to politely reject such requests….” (syndicated column, “Mitt Romney: Meet Calvin Coolidge”)
Ron Crews, Mass. Family Institute/Coalition for Marriage, 3-9-04
"Ronald A. Crews of the Coalition for Marriage said there are options to pursue, even if the Legislature balks again at taking the first step to ban gay marriage in the wake of the state Supreme Court ruling that barring gays from marriage was illegal. ‘‘We do believe there are other options to delay the implementation of the ruling,'' Crews said. One alternative, he said, is to convince Gov. Mitt Romney to issue an executive order to city and town clerks halting the issuance of marriage license to same-sex couples, which would start on May 17 under the supreme court ruling." (Patriot Ledger)
Ron Crews on 4-11-04
" 'We're still hopeful Romney is going to act in what we believe to be his full constitutional authority, to delay and/or prevent the implementation of the Supreme Judicial Court decision' granting marriage licenses, said Ronald A. Crews… For Romney, the options for holding off the May 17 change might include issuing an executive order that would tie the matter up in court, for example, or changing state rules to make the licenses virtually impossible to get. But Romney's spokesman sounds resigned to the issuance of licenses on May 17. 'Going forward, our options are extremely limited,' said Eric Fehrnstrom, the governor's communications director. Romney will not be obstructionist or act outside the law, he added, but the governor is open to legal ways to stop the marriages...." (Boston Globe)
Ron Crews on 4-12-04
"Ron Crews, leader of the Massachusetts Family Institute and an outspoken critic of gay marriage, said, 'It is our hope that the governor will use his full authority as the chief executive to delay the implementation of the SJC decision. We believe he has constitutional authority to act,' Crews said, saying one of the options was to issue an executive order." (Boston Globe)
"FRC's Perkins says federal legislators should take heed. 'All eyes are now on Governor Mitt Romney, who is the last defense for marriage in Massachusetts,' he says."(Agape Press)
[This seems to imply Romney could somehow act on his own to stop the marriages.]
Robert Knight, Director, Culture & Family Institute, Concerned Women for America, 3-30-04
[Note: Knight (now at Media Research Center) has continued to point out Romney’s culpability in the Massachusetts “marriage” nightmare.]
"Supporters of traditional marriage are urging Romney to intervene via an executive order that would allow the legislative process to proceed. 'It's now up to the governor to put the brakes on this madness,' says Robert Knight of the Culture and Family Institute. 'He needs to make it clear that the law has not changed, and that on May 17, homosexual couples cannot make a mockery of God's institution of marriage.' (Agape Press)
Hadley Arkes, Professor of Jurisprudence, Amherst College, “The Missing Governor” 5-17-04
"EXECUTIVE FAILURE: The deeper failure must go to the man who stood as governor, holding the levers of the executive. And if it is countdown for marriage in Massachusetts, it is countdown also for Mitt Romney, whose political demise may be measured along the scale of moves he could have taken and the record of his receding, step by step, until he finally talked himself into doing nothing, or nothing much. …if the constitutional authority was really with the governor, to act for himself and the legislature, then it made the most profound difference that the governor flex that authority now himself: He could invoke his powers under the constitution; cite the error of the court in seizing jurisdiction wrongfully for itself; and order all licenses of marriage to be sent on to Boston, to his office, until the legislature, in the fullness of time, settled its policy on marriage…. Is it now too late? That isn't altogether clear. Today has become the decisive date only because of the holding of the Supreme Judicial Court. But this argument over the error of the court, or the wrongful taking of jurisdiction, does not expire on May 17. That argument is still open, which means that it could be plausible for the governor to make that move at any time. But why should he make that move when receding has now become his signature tune?" (“The Missing Governor,” National Review Online)
Mathew Staver, Esq., Liberty Counsel, 5-18-04
“Staver also believes action can be taken by Gov. Romney and the state legislature. The Massachusetts constitution specifically gives the executive branch authority over marriage, he noted, with the provision that the legislative branch can delegate authority over marriage to other branches. The legislature has delegated only four such matters to the judiciary – divorce, alimony, annulment and affirmation. The executive branch, through the governor, is empowered to issue an executive order refusing to implement the ruling, Staver contends. The Massachusetts legislature also is empowered to pass a law stating that courts have no authority to redefine marriage.” (WorldNetDaily)
Staver also commented on out-of-state couples, 5-17-04
"While Gov. Mitt Romney, who backed off an earlier edict that couples applying for licenses needed to show proof of residency, seems unwilling to prosecute the scofflaw clerks, attorney Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel is more than ready to do so. 'We'll file suit against the town clerks that violate the 1913 law,' Staver told CitizenLink today. 'One . . . clerk said how would he know if they could get married in their home state? Nobody recognizes same-sex marriage, that's pretty obvious. (Romney) has the authority to issue an executive order to put a stop to this now. He just has to exercise it. He started off well, but he's gotten a little timid. Now is the time for people of courage to step forward.'' (CitizenLink, Focus on the Family)
[We point out that what applies to the 1913 law would also apply to the marriage statutes (one man/one woman) still on the books! Romney could block ANY “homosexual marriage” since those laws have not changed!]
Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family, 5-18-04
" 'The documents being issued all across Massachusetts may say 'marriage license' at the top, but they are really death certificates for the institution of marriage as it has served society for thousands of years.' Dobson … said he's distressed the decision to legalize marriage for same-sex couples was fueled by a politically correct agenda with 'no regard for the rule of law' … 'This is not the first time a tyrannical court – in this case the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court – has force-fed the people a liberal agenda disguised as the rule of law,' he said. 'But it may be the most devastating example of that kind of judicial activism.' " (WorldNetDaily)
[In other words, there was no real, valid “law” the Governor had to uphold in issuing the licenses. But Dobson, then and now, wants to ignore that it was the Executive branch that facilitated the “marriages”.]
Romney could have issued a simple statement that the Court had no authority to enforce its unconstitutional opinion. He could have issued an Executive Order that no changes be made to the marriage license (which read “husband” and “wife”), and that no office holders under his authority facilitate or perform homosexual “marriages.”
Remember: The Court had not even “ordered” the state to print new “marriage” licenses, or that the Justices of the Peace and Town Clerks had to implement same-sex “marriages” on May 17, 2004. (The Court had no authority to order that in any case.) The Legislature passed no new law, leaving the old marriage laws (stating “husband” and “wife”) on the books. So there was no new “law” for the Governor to enforce. Romney -- through directives to his Executive branch employees -- implemented “homosexual marriages”.
But prior to May 17, 2004, many (including some who now hail Romney as the “defender of marriage”) understood that he could block “homosexual marriages”. They should now acknowledge that he could still correct his error by Executive Order.
Here are some of the voices from late 2003 through May 2004:
Article 8 Alliance/MassResistance, 12-03
Since shortly after the Court's ruling, our group called for defiance of "Goodridge", removal of the four judges through a Bill of Address, and an Executive Order from the Governor. We have consistently held these positions. We wrote in late 2003: "The Governor must issue an executive order openly defying any further action by the Superior Court and ordering that: Neither the Department of Public Health nor any public employee in Massachusetts may disobey the current marriage laws; and same-sex marriage licenses will NOT be legally recognized in Massachusetts."
CitizenLink (Focus on the Family), 2-4-04
"Gov. Mitt Romney could issue an executive order to town clerks not to issue marriage licenses to homosexual couples — as he did after the Nov. 18 ruling [this is erroneous; he did not issue any order then] — until after the matter is settled once and for all. [State Rep. Vinny] DeMacedo said he didn't know if the court would accept that action or not, but added it was clear now what the issues really are in the debate." (Karla Dial, CitizenLink.com)
Jan LaRue Legal Counsel, Concerned Women for America, 2-5-04
"Jan LaRue, chief counsel for CWA, dismissed the notion that same-sex "marriage" was now inevitable in Massachusetts. 'The court expressly refused to strike down the state's marriage laws,' LaRue said. 'They are still on the books. The court did not order the Legislature to grant same-sex marriage. It gave the Legislature 180 days to take whatever action 'it deemed appropriate in light of the ruling. Amending the Constitution is appropriate action. If the amendment is passed, the Governor should issue an executive order forbidding the issuances of licenses except to opposite-sex couples in accordance with the marriage laws.' ” (Talon News)
Patrick J. Buchanan, “Mitt Romney: Meet Calvin Coolidge” 2-9-04
“What's a governor to do? … Defy the court. Romney should step out in front of the state press corps and read a statement that would stun America, rally social and judicial conservatives of both parties, and bring every network camera in the nation to Boston: ‘I have read the court's decision, and while I respect the court, I cannot respect its decision. There is no basis for it in law. There is no basis for it in precedent. There is no basis for it in the letter or spirit of the constitution of our Commonwealth nor in the intent of the men who wrote that constitution… And as I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the Commonwealth, I intend to disregard the court order of last November…. I will neither propose nor will I sign any bill from the legislature that places homosexual unions on a moral and legal plane with traditional matrimony. To do so would violate my oath, conflict with my beliefs and trample upon the convictions of the people of this state.' After issuing his statement, the governor should take up leadership of the fight to put on the state ballot a constitutional amendment restricting marriage in Massachusetts to men and women. What would the Massachusetts high court do? Declare Romney in contempt? Order Romney's arrest? Tell state employees to start accepting requests from homosexuals for marriage licenses? Romney could tell the employees to politely reject such requests….” (syndicated column, “Mitt Romney: Meet Calvin Coolidge”)
Ron Crews, Mass. Family Institute/Coalition for Marriage, 3-9-04
"Ronald A. Crews of the Coalition for Marriage said there are options to pursue, even if the Legislature balks again at taking the first step to ban gay marriage in the wake of the state Supreme Court ruling that barring gays from marriage was illegal. ‘‘We do believe there are other options to delay the implementation of the ruling,'' Crews said. One alternative, he said, is to convince Gov. Mitt Romney to issue an executive order to city and town clerks halting the issuance of marriage license to same-sex couples, which would start on May 17 under the supreme court ruling." (Patriot Ledger)
Ron Crews on 4-11-04
" 'We're still hopeful Romney is going to act in what we believe to be his full constitutional authority, to delay and/or prevent the implementation of the Supreme Judicial Court decision' granting marriage licenses, said Ronald A. Crews… For Romney, the options for holding off the May 17 change might include issuing an executive order that would tie the matter up in court, for example, or changing state rules to make the licenses virtually impossible to get. But Romney's spokesman sounds resigned to the issuance of licenses on May 17. 'Going forward, our options are extremely limited,' said Eric Fehrnstrom, the governor's communications director. Romney will not be obstructionist or act outside the law, he added, but the governor is open to legal ways to stop the marriages...." (Boston Globe)
Ron Crews on 4-12-04
"Ron Crews, leader of the Massachusetts Family Institute and an outspoken critic of gay marriage, said, 'It is our hope that the governor will use his full authority as the chief executive to delay the implementation of the SJC decision. We believe he has constitutional authority to act,' Crews said, saying one of the options was to issue an executive order." (Boston Globe)
Genevieve Wood, Family Research Council, 3-30-04 "Wood… says the next step in the battle over marriage belongs to Romney. She urges the governor to remain strong in defending marriage, noting that supporters of traditional marriage are already working on a new amendment and making efforts to change the current one before it appears on the 2006 state ballot. 'There's a lot that can happen over the next year,' Wood says. 'I think what's most important right now is for the governor to stand firm [and] not allow any marriage licenses to be handed out on May 17.' " (Agape Press)
Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council, 3-30-04"FRC's Perkins says federal legislators should take heed. 'All eyes are now on Governor Mitt Romney, who is the last defense for marriage in Massachusetts,' he says."(Agape Press)
[This seems to imply Romney could somehow act on his own to stop the marriages.]
Robert Knight, Director, Culture & Family Institute, Concerned Women for America, 3-30-04
[Note: Knight (now at Media Research Center) has continued to point out Romney’s culpability in the Massachusetts “marriage” nightmare.]
"Supporters of traditional marriage are urging Romney to intervene via an executive order that would allow the legislative process to proceed. 'It's now up to the governor to put the brakes on this madness,' says Robert Knight of the Culture and Family Institute. 'He needs to make it clear that the law has not changed, and that on May 17, homosexual couples cannot make a mockery of God's institution of marriage.' (Agape Press)
Hadley Arkes, Professor of Jurisprudence, Amherst College, “The Missing Governor” 5-17-04
"EXECUTIVE FAILURE: The deeper failure must go to the man who stood as governor, holding the levers of the executive. And if it is countdown for marriage in Massachusetts, it is countdown also for Mitt Romney, whose political demise may be measured along the scale of moves he could have taken and the record of his receding, step by step, until he finally talked himself into doing nothing, or nothing much. …if the constitutional authority was really with the governor, to act for himself and the legislature, then it made the most profound difference that the governor flex that authority now himself: He could invoke his powers under the constitution; cite the error of the court in seizing jurisdiction wrongfully for itself; and order all licenses of marriage to be sent on to Boston, to his office, until the legislature, in the fullness of time, settled its policy on marriage…. Is it now too late? That isn't altogether clear. Today has become the decisive date only because of the holding of the Supreme Judicial Court. But this argument over the error of the court, or the wrongful taking of jurisdiction, does not expire on May 17. That argument is still open, which means that it could be plausible for the governor to make that move at any time. But why should he make that move when receding has now become his signature tune?" (“The Missing Governor,” National Review Online)
Mathew Staver, Esq., Liberty Counsel, 5-18-04
“Staver also believes action can be taken by Gov. Romney and the state legislature. The Massachusetts constitution specifically gives the executive branch authority over marriage, he noted, with the provision that the legislative branch can delegate authority over marriage to other branches. The legislature has delegated only four such matters to the judiciary – divorce, alimony, annulment and affirmation. The executive branch, through the governor, is empowered to issue an executive order refusing to implement the ruling, Staver contends. The Massachusetts legislature also is empowered to pass a law stating that courts have no authority to redefine marriage.” (WorldNetDaily)
Staver also commented on out-of-state couples, 5-17-04
"While Gov. Mitt Romney, who backed off an earlier edict that couples applying for licenses needed to show proof of residency, seems unwilling to prosecute the scofflaw clerks, attorney Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel is more than ready to do so. 'We'll file suit against the town clerks that violate the 1913 law,' Staver told CitizenLink today. 'One . . . clerk said how would he know if they could get married in their home state? Nobody recognizes same-sex marriage, that's pretty obvious. (Romney) has the authority to issue an executive order to put a stop to this now. He just has to exercise it. He started off well, but he's gotten a little timid. Now is the time for people of courage to step forward.'' (CitizenLink, Focus on the Family)
[We point out that what applies to the 1913 law would also apply to the marriage statutes (one man/one woman) still on the books! Romney could block ANY “homosexual marriage” since those laws have not changed!]
Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family, 5-18-04
" 'The documents being issued all across Massachusetts may say 'marriage license' at the top, but they are really death certificates for the institution of marriage as it has served society for thousands of years.' Dobson … said he's distressed the decision to legalize marriage for same-sex couples was fueled by a politically correct agenda with 'no regard for the rule of law' … 'This is not the first time a tyrannical court – in this case the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court – has force-fed the people a liberal agenda disguised as the rule of law,' he said. 'But it may be the most devastating example of that kind of judicial activism.' " (WorldNetDaily)
[In other words, there was no real, valid “law” the Governor had to uphold in issuing the licenses. But Dobson, then and now, wants to ignore that it was the Executive branch that facilitated the “marriages”.]
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Romney's Sparse Statements While Imlplementing "Gay Marriages"
Governor Romney could have used the "bully pulpit" to address homosexual "marriage", and halt the insanity overtaking the Commonwealth in the Spring of 2004. But he NEVER did. Rather, he avoided public comment. He often sent his spokesman out, not matter how highly significant the question.
11-18-03 “I disagree with the Supreme Judicial Court. Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman. I will support an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution to make that expressly clear. Of course, we must provide basic civil rights and appropriate benefits to nontraditional couples, but marriage is a special institution that should be reserved for a man and a woman.”
3-26-04 The “president of the Massachusetts Towns Clerks' Association, said she notified clerks this week about the training after she was informed about it during a visit by an official from the state's Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, the division within the state Department of Public Health that oversees the issuance of marriage licenses…. But a spokeswoman for Romney, who as head of the executive branch of government controls the Department of Public Health, declined yesterday to acknowledge that the training was scheduled…. Romney would not publicly comment on whether he will ask the SJC to stay its decision until after the Constitutional Convention, which will reconvene next week…. State officials also are preparing forms, scheduled to be available by May 17, with gender-appropriate language for same-sex couples who request marriage licenses, Hutchenrider [Town Clerks’ Assoc.] said. "The attorneys are going over them," she said. (Boston Globe) [That would mean the Governor’s attorneys…]
3-31-04 “Romney reiterated his commitment Tuesday to abide by the law of the land as it exists on May 17 and said he would not order city clerks to defy the court edict. There is a section in the state constitution that gives the governor the power to weigh in on the "causes of marriage," but Romney said he had not explored whether this clause gives him any legal power to stop gay marriages.” (AP, 3-31-04) [Meanwhile, his attorneys were busy preparing the new “marriage” licenses and training sessions.]
4-15-04 Statement by Romney on Filing Emergency Bill to Seek Goodridge Stay: Romney said the legislation “will allow me to protect the integrity of the constitutional process” and “preserve the right of the citizens to make this decision rather than having it made for them by the Court.” Meanwhile, the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics will today release a letter to city and town clerks notifying them of regional information sessions that will provide a forum for instructions on how to proceed with gay marriage should the Governor be unsuccessful in obtaining a stay of the Goodridge decision. [Governor’s office]
5-17-04 On the day homosexual “marriages” began, Romney said, “I intend to follow the law and expect others to do the same.” [What law? The marriage statute had not changed.]
11-18-03 “I disagree with the Supreme Judicial Court. Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman. I will support an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution to make that expressly clear. Of course, we must provide basic civil rights and appropriate benefits to nontraditional couples, but marriage is a special institution that should be reserved for a man and a woman.”
3-26-04 The “president of the Massachusetts Towns Clerks' Association, said she notified clerks this week about the training after she was informed about it during a visit by an official from the state's Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, the division within the state Department of Public Health that oversees the issuance of marriage licenses…. But a spokeswoman for Romney, who as head of the executive branch of government controls the Department of Public Health, declined yesterday to acknowledge that the training was scheduled…. Romney would not publicly comment on whether he will ask the SJC to stay its decision until after the Constitutional Convention, which will reconvene next week…. State officials also are preparing forms, scheduled to be available by May 17, with gender-appropriate language for same-sex couples who request marriage licenses, Hutchenrider [Town Clerks’ Assoc.] said. "The attorneys are going over them," she said. (Boston Globe) [That would mean the Governor’s attorneys…]
3-31-04 “Romney reiterated his commitment Tuesday to abide by the law of the land as it exists on May 17 and said he would not order city clerks to defy the court edict. There is a section in the state constitution that gives the governor the power to weigh in on the "causes of marriage," but Romney said he had not explored whether this clause gives him any legal power to stop gay marriages.” (AP, 3-31-04) [Meanwhile, his attorneys were busy preparing the new “marriage” licenses and training sessions.]
4-15-04 Statement by Romney on Filing Emergency Bill to Seek Goodridge Stay: Romney said the legislation “will allow me to protect the integrity of the constitutional process” and “preserve the right of the citizens to make this decision rather than having it made for them by the Court.” Meanwhile, the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics will today release a letter to city and town clerks notifying them of regional information sessions that will provide a forum for instructions on how to proceed with gay marriage should the Governor be unsuccessful in obtaining a stay of the Goodridge decision. [Governor’s office]
5-17-04 On the day homosexual “marriages” began, Romney said, “I intend to follow the law and expect others to do the same.” [What law? The marriage statute had not changed.]
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Constitutional Amendments Defining Marriage Questioned
Conservatives should keep "gay marriage" out of the courts, say two lawyers who served in the Justice Dept. under Presidents Reagan and Bush I.
David B. Rivkin Jr. and Lee A. Casey argue in an op-ed in the New York Times (11-17-06) that constitutional amendments defining marriage are a bad idea. It is a matter which should be left to state legislatures. Indeed, the very fact that even our hideously liberal legislators here in Massachusetts have still not passed a statute legalizing homosexual marriage says a lot about the wisdom of this. Our legislators haven't had the nerve to bring it to the floor for debate and vote, and they're hoping that no one notices this has not yet be done!
Once our side concedes that a basic concept such as marriage needs to be further defined in a constitution, we're in trouble. Especially in Massachusetts, where the constitution actually refers to marriage, and therefore already assumes the traditional meaning of marriage, our constitution does not need amending! (And the current VoteOnMarriage proposal would just open up a new can of worms, allowing current homosexual "marriages" and civil unions. By not nullifying these concepts, the amendment would imply that they are acceptable.) When will we have to start defining concepts such as parent, or religion, or education in constitutional amendments? Where will it stop? From the op-ed:
...Moreover, the meaning of marriage, as important as it is, is no more crucial than many other issues of individual autonomy and morality that have also historically been decided by the legislatures. These include adoption and child-welfare laws, as well as a host of criminal and other regulatory measures of the greatest moment.
Indeed, cluttering state constitutions with the disposition of many difficult social issues — and this process will probably go on, and even accelerate, especially if all of the states choose to define marriage in their constitutions — is likely to empower the judiciary more. This paradoxical and unwelcome result would arise because some of the newly enshrined constitutional definitions and guarantees are sure to conflict with one another, leaving the courts the only venue for resolving the tension. Conservatives should find this outcome highly unpalatable....
If state legislatures were free to define and re-define marriage, we would have genuinely political solutions to an especially difficult and incendiary issue. Very few people do not hold deep convictions regarding same-sex marriage. To enshrine the definition of marriage in a state’s constitution removes the issue from the give-and-take of the normal political process. That process rarely produces an absolute victory for any side, but it also rarely results in absolute defeat. The outcome is never final; the defeated party can rally, regroup and try again....
By contrast, a constitutional amendment resolves a policy issue with a sufficient finality to prompt a more or less permanent sense of injustice and bitterness on the losing side....
David B. Rivkin Jr. and Lee A. Casey argue in an op-ed in the New York Times (11-17-06) that constitutional amendments defining marriage are a bad idea. It is a matter which should be left to state legislatures. Indeed, the very fact that even our hideously liberal legislators here in Massachusetts have still not passed a statute legalizing homosexual marriage says a lot about the wisdom of this. Our legislators haven't had the nerve to bring it to the floor for debate and vote, and they're hoping that no one notices this has not yet be done!
Once our side concedes that a basic concept such as marriage needs to be further defined in a constitution, we're in trouble. Especially in Massachusetts, where the constitution actually refers to marriage, and therefore already assumes the traditional meaning of marriage, our constitution does not need amending! (And the current VoteOnMarriage proposal would just open up a new can of worms, allowing current homosexual "marriages" and civil unions. By not nullifying these concepts, the amendment would imply that they are acceptable.) When will we have to start defining concepts such as parent, or religion, or education in constitutional amendments? Where will it stop? From the op-ed:
...Moreover, the meaning of marriage, as important as it is, is no more crucial than many other issues of individual autonomy and morality that have also historically been decided by the legislatures. These include adoption and child-welfare laws, as well as a host of criminal and other regulatory measures of the greatest moment.
Indeed, cluttering state constitutions with the disposition of many difficult social issues — and this process will probably go on, and even accelerate, especially if all of the states choose to define marriage in their constitutions — is likely to empower the judiciary more. This paradoxical and unwelcome result would arise because some of the newly enshrined constitutional definitions and guarantees are sure to conflict with one another, leaving the courts the only venue for resolving the tension. Conservatives should find this outcome highly unpalatable....
If state legislatures were free to define and re-define marriage, we would have genuinely political solutions to an especially difficult and incendiary issue. Very few people do not hold deep convictions regarding same-sex marriage. To enshrine the definition of marriage in a state’s constitution removes the issue from the give-and-take of the normal political process. That process rarely produces an absolute victory for any side, but it also rarely results in absolute defeat. The outcome is never final; the defeated party can rally, regroup and try again....
By contrast, a constitutional amendment resolves a policy issue with a sufficient finality to prompt a more or less permanent sense of injustice and bitterness on the losing side....
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Romney Calls Rally to Show He Cares about Constitution
What a laugh. Now Gov. Romney and VoteOnMarriage announce a rally for the DEAD marriage amendment this Sunday 11/19. Looks like another pre-presidential campaign event to us. We hope pro-family activists are wiser than to fall for it.
If Romney really cared about the Constitution, and his oath to uphold it, he wouldn't have single-handedly implemented homosexual "marriages" back in 2004. If he really cared, he'd correct this error before he leaves office.
Watch out America: You can't trust Romney.
If Romney really cared about the Constitution, and his oath to uphold it, he wouldn't have single-handedly implemented homosexual "marriages" back in 2004. If he really cared, he'd correct this error before he leaves office.
Watch out America: You can't trust Romney.
Very Special Interests Controlling Mass. Legislature
"Special interests" controlling our Legislature: Check out this example -- where chief lobbyist William Conley of the Mass. Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus (transphobic, aren't they?) put his money. You may recall that Mr. Conley, former member of the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, is on leave from his lobbying job after being arrested for sex solicitation of U. Mass. college boys. [photo: Boston Phoenix]
You can pull up info on candidate contributions at: http://www.efs2.cpf.state.ma.us/EFSprod/servlet/WelcomeServlet
Bill Conley gave these elected officials or candidates contributions:
Governor-elect Deval Patrick
Secy. of State Bill Galvin
Speaker DiMasi's Comm. for a Democratic House
Rep. Sal DiMasi
Rep. Gale Candaras (now Senator-elect)
Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera
Rep. Michael Costello
Rep. James Eldridge
Rep. Mark Falzone
Rep. Michael Festa
Rep. Patricia Haddad
Rep. Stephen Kulik
Rep. Barbara L'Italien
Rep. Liz Malia
Rep. Kathi-Anne ["it's hard to find a spouse"] Reinstein
Rep. Carl Sciortino
Rep. Robert Spellane
Rep. David Torrisi
Rep. James Vallee
Rep. Steven Walsh
Sen. Robert Antonioni
Sen. Steven Baddour
Sen. Stephen Buoniconti
Sen. Harriett Chandler
Sen. Robert Havern
Sen. Brian Joyce
Sen. Brian Lees (supposedly a Republican)
Sen. Robert O'Leary
former Sen. President Tom Birmingham
former Sen. Linda Meconium [not the real spelling...]
former Rep. Michael Cahill
Anne Manning (2004 candidate vs. Rep. Joyce Spiliotis)
Angus McQuilken (2005 candidate vs. Sen. Scott Brown)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Nightmare Books from a GLSEN Social Worker
Elementary story books to watch out for: These are Laura Perkins' recommendations for K-3 reading. She's the GLSEN radical activist employed by the Newton Public Schools as a "social worker" -- meaning she takes little children and indoctrinates them on transgenderism and transsexuality, and gives them nightmares.
See the article by Tom Mountain in last week's Newton Tab: A 3rd-grade child's father is undergoing a sex-change operation; then the child will have two mommies! So a "teachable moment" just happened to come about, and the school social worker steps in. Her mission is to make the classmates to accept this bizarre situation. (If they have nightmares about the daddy's penis removal, they're "transphobic"!)
This is all done in the name of "equal rights," "diversity" and "safety." The GLBT activists' slogan is, "Your children are OUR children." -- they belong to the state, and in Massachusetts that now means GLBT activists.
It's amazing how that movement has co-opted legitimate concerns such as racial injustice or ethnic differences, and equated them with homosexuality and trans perversions beyond imagining. So there are also some perfectly fine books on this list, put to a twisted use. (It's the class discussions that are dangerous.) Here are just a few excerpts from Laura's "social skills" reading list:
I Don't Want To! A child is able to change his negative feelings about trying new things, when he finds out he is actually enjoying school.
Oliver Button Is A Sissy A boy is teased by other boys because he takes dance classes, and doesn't participate in boyish activities. His classmates change their attitudes about him when they see what a good dancer he is. Great for discussions about gender issues, assumptions, and changing one's feelings about someone.
The Best Friend's Club A story about kids ganging up against someone, and about an individual being courageous enough to stand up for a friend. Great for discussions. Memorable.
Fat Fat Rose Marie A story about kids ganging up against someone, and about an individual being courageous enough to stand up for a friend. Great for discussions. Memorable.
Asha's Mums A girl with lesbian mothers is told by her teacher and a classmate that "You can't have two mums." Great for leading into discussion of fairness, respect, and the importance of understanding differences.
My Two Uncles A girl tells about her gay uncle and his partner. The story includes family tensions because the grandparents have a hard time accepting the relationship but at the end of the story are closer to accepting it than they were in the beginning.
Daddy's Roommate Good! Fun and upbeat, a boy tells about his gay fathers' relationship.
A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman An extraordinary life; a person of courage and resistance and continued activism. Important.
Gloria Goes to Gay Pride It is a celebratory day, but not without awareness of prejudice. Good for discussing fear of differences, and groups that have been discriminated against and persecuted.
How Would You Feel if Your Dad Was Gay? Good book addressing the issues of children whose parents are gay, and what the children have to face in school from peers and teachers.
Who's in a Family? About different kinds of families, and it does include gay families.
Richard Wright and the Library Card Based on a scene from Black Boy, this book tells the story of how Richard Wright gained access to the public library, where black people were not allowed in the earlier part of the 2Oth century, through the help of a co-worker. Again, a story of discrimination and resistance and alliance.
Families are Different Does not include gay or lesbian families, and the omission is a good vehicle for discussion.
Yoshiko and the Foreigner A Japanese woman falls in love with a US officer. Children love the struggles the officer has with the Japanese language. Great for discussing the difficulty of being in a country without knowing the language. A wonderful story about assumptions, being suspicious of people from different countries, respect for other people's cultures, accepting differences.
See the article by Tom Mountain in last week's Newton Tab: A 3rd-grade child's father is undergoing a sex-change operation; then the child will have two mommies! So a "teachable moment" just happened to come about, and the school social worker steps in. Her mission is to make the classmates to accept this bizarre situation. (If they have nightmares about the daddy's penis removal, they're "transphobic"!)
This is all done in the name of "equal rights," "diversity" and "safety." The GLBT activists' slogan is, "Your children are OUR children." -- they belong to the state, and in Massachusetts that now means GLBT activists.
It's amazing how that movement has co-opted legitimate concerns such as racial injustice or ethnic differences, and equated them with homosexuality and trans perversions beyond imagining. So there are also some perfectly fine books on this list, put to a twisted use. (It's the class discussions that are dangerous.) Here are just a few excerpts from Laura's "social skills" reading list:
I Don't Want To! A child is able to change his negative feelings about trying new things, when he finds out he is actually enjoying school.
Oliver Button Is A Sissy A boy is teased by other boys because he takes dance classes, and doesn't participate in boyish activities. His classmates change their attitudes about him when they see what a good dancer he is. Great for discussions about gender issues, assumptions, and changing one's feelings about someone.
The Best Friend's Club A story about kids ganging up against someone, and about an individual being courageous enough to stand up for a friend. Great for discussions. Memorable.
Fat Fat Rose Marie A story about kids ganging up against someone, and about an individual being courageous enough to stand up for a friend. Great for discussions. Memorable.
Asha's Mums A girl with lesbian mothers is told by her teacher and a classmate that "You can't have two mums." Great for leading into discussion of fairness, respect, and the importance of understanding differences.
My Two Uncles A girl tells about her gay uncle and his partner. The story includes family tensions because the grandparents have a hard time accepting the relationship but at the end of the story are closer to accepting it than they were in the beginning.
Daddy's Roommate Good! Fun and upbeat, a boy tells about his gay fathers' relationship.
A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman An extraordinary life; a person of courage and resistance and continued activism. Important.
Gloria Goes to Gay Pride It is a celebratory day, but not without awareness of prejudice. Good for discussing fear of differences, and groups that have been discriminated against and persecuted.
How Would You Feel if Your Dad Was Gay? Good book addressing the issues of children whose parents are gay, and what the children have to face in school from peers and teachers.
Who's in a Family? About different kinds of families, and it does include gay families.
Richard Wright and the Library Card Based on a scene from Black Boy, this book tells the story of how Richard Wright gained access to the public library, where black people were not allowed in the earlier part of the 2Oth century, through the help of a co-worker. Again, a story of discrimination and resistance and alliance.
Families are Different Does not include gay or lesbian families, and the omission is a good vehicle for discussion.
Yoshiko and the Foreigner A Japanese woman falls in love with a US officer. Children love the struggles the officer has with the Japanese language. Great for discussing the difficulty of being in a country without knowing the language. A wonderful story about assumptions, being suspicious of people from different countries, respect for other people's cultures, accepting differences.
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