We cannot be quiet or silent or comforted: Prayer Vigil and Rally for Trayvon Martin

"We are determined to raise our voices. We cannot be quiet or silent or comforted. Some say we march and we organize until they arrest Zimmerman. We say that's just the first step on a long journey. We must raise our voices and our efforts until change comes in racial profiling for every Trayvon, my sons, your sons, your brothers, your nephews, and your cousins." - Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II

DATE:     Saturday, March 31, 2012

TIME:     10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
PLACE:   The Dr. Marting Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens
                 1100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
                 Raleigh, NC 27610

Wake County Branches of the NAACP is holding a Prayer Vigil and Rally for Trayvon Martin tomorrow, Saturday, March 31 at 10:00 AM in Raleigh. The branches have invited the President of the North Carolina NAACP to speak at the program, which will take place at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens at 1100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

"We must make this a Movement and not a Moment. President of the Raleigh/Apex Branch of the NAACP. "Stand with us on Saturday as we stand against injustice!"

- Rev. Portia Rochelle, President, Raleigh/Apex NAACP

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NAACP Branches in Wake County Hold Prayer Vigil and Rally for Trayvon Martin, NC NAACP President Invited to Attend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 30, 2012

For More Information:           Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137

Rev. Portia Rochelle, Pres., Raleigh/Apex NAACP Branch

919-662-5006

For Media Assistance:            Rob Stephens, 336-577-9335

(RALEIGH) The Wake County Branches of the NAACP will hold a Prayer Vigil and Rally for Trayvon Martin on Saturday, March 31 at 10:00 AM in Raleigh. The branches have invited the President of the North Carolina NAACP to speak at the program, which will take place at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens at 1100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

"We are determined to raise our voices," said Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II. "We cannot be quiet or silent or comforted. Some say we march and we organize until they arrest Zimmerman. We say that's just the first step on a long journey. We must raise our voices and our efforts until change comes in racial profiling for every Trayvon, my sons, your sons, your brothers, your nephews, and your cousins.

"We must make this a Movement and not a Moment," says Rev. Portia Rochelle, President of the Raleigh/Apex Branch of the NAACP. "Stand with us on Saturday as we stand against injustice!"

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

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Barber: "No Evidence" Gays are Targets of Violence, Discrimination

Barber shows just how stupid he really is..

Liberty Counsel's Matt Barber says attempts to prevent anti-LGBT violence and discrimination are a "Trojan Horse" to suppress freedom

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Overpopulation Is A Lie according to Michelle Duggar:

"Because really, the entire population of the world, if they were stood shoulder to shoulder, could fit in the city limits of Jacksonville. So if you realize that aspect of it, you realize that we're nowhere near being overpopulated. We’ve had other countries coming to our doorstep, asking us to please let their people know that they need to have more children. They are seeing that their death rates are outnumbering their birth rates and they’re in crisis." - Michelle Duggar, speaking to the Christian Broadcasting Network.

see what happen when you lose a lot of blood doing birthing.. The brain can’t handle this type lost and a lot of brain cells die..  After 19+ kids her brain has turn to a jelly sponge.. and the Christian Right is at the controls… 

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V4MNC:An Honor: Not only do I get to defend marriage in NC, but I performed my sister's wedding today

I wonder how many gay folks worked on this wedding, Food, cake, drinks, the dress, the flowers.. Oops let’s not forget the Photographers, Videographers, and makeup folks..

They don’t want us to have the right to get married, yet it’s ok for us to plan their fucking wedding day..

What would happen if we (gay wedding people) boycott this spring and summer and fall season..

Face it without us their wedding would be as fun as a thunder storm..

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NAACP to Hold Awards Banquet Honoring NAACP Legend Ms. Carolyn Coleman and Keynote Speaker Congressman G.K. Butterfield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2012

For More Information:     Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137

                                         Atty. Jennifer Marsh, Interim Executive Director, 919-682-4700

For Media Assistance:     Rob Stephens, Office Manager, 336-577-9335

NEWS ALERT

NAACP to Hold Medgar Evers Awards Banquet Honoring NAACP Legend Ms. Carolyn Coleman and Featuring Congressman G.K. Butterfield as Speaker

            (RALEIGH) - The Southeast Region V of the NAACP will hold its Annual Medgar Evers Awards Banquet tonight, named in honor of one of the organization's martyrs from Mississippi. Evers was shot and killed by a member of the White Citizen's Council in Jackson, MS on June 12, 1963 when he was serving as a field secretary for the NAACP.

            The banquet will take place in the Raleigh Convention Center (500 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC) in Ballroom C, beginning at 7:30 PM. The Southeast Region of the NAACP is made up of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. 

The NAACP Southeast Region is pleased to have the Honorable G. K Butterfield of North Carolina's 1^st US Congressional District as the keynote speaker for the Awards Banquet.

            This year the Medgar Evers Awards Banquet will honor another NAACP freedom fighter: Ms. Carolyn Coleman. Ms. Coleman currently serves as the first Vice President of the North Carolina NAACP and Secretary for the National NAACP Board of Directors, the governing body for the organization. She is also serving her third term as a Guilford County Commissioner.

            Ms. Coleman has been involved in the NAACP at least since her student activism days at Savannah State University, where she was born. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in history and a minor in economics and sociology. She has done further study at Memphis Theological Seminary and holds the Masters of Science degree in adult education from North Carolina A & T State University. 

Previous to her work as a Commissioner, she served as the Special Assistant to Governor James B. Hunt for eight years. In this position, she advised the Governor on policy, personnel, legislation and concerns pertinent to the minority community. 

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

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Maggie Gallagher on Starbucks support for Marriage Equality

"Starbucks has voluntarily decided -- as a corporation -- to associate its brand with a major political issue, the CEO just confirmed. I was in the room. I heard him. Customers across the world have a right to know that contrary to the promises made by the corporation in the Middle East and elsewhere, Starbucks does subsidize political causes. Drinking a cup of Starbucks coffee, sadly, means supporting gay marriage. Speak out, and stop being invisible to powerful men like Schultz. The business of America may or may not be business, but the business of corporations is to make an honest profit by serving all their customers well, both those who favor and those who oppose gay marriage." - Maggie Gallagher

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VoteforMarriageNC: targets NC African American Community

First they target the kids, now they are targeting the African Americans of NC.

However the video did end with a group a young teens..

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Freedom to Marry Announces Win More States Fund

No North Carolina or Maryland, we are left out as usual then we are need by them..

Campaign Aims to Raise and Spend $3 Million in State Battles in 2012

Press Contact:

Jackie Yodashkin

Communications Director, Freedom to Marry

jackie@freedomtomarry.org 

917-620-4502

New York – Today Freedom to Marry announced the Win More States Fund to raise at least $3 million dollars, every penny of which will be spent directly on the work of winning in five 2012 marriage battleground states: Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Washington.

“Winning marriage at the ballot in even one state will take away the last desperate talking-point our opponents use to disparage the gains we are making across the country,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide.  “In each of our battleground states, Freedom to Marry is taking a lead role alongside local families and leaders, adding talent and resources on the frontlines to do the critical work necessary to win.”

Donations to the Win More States Fund will be channeled strategically into targeted campaigns where and when most needed, supporting grassroots organizing, television and radio spots, new media programs, and more, aimed at winning in these five states. Yesterday saw the first victory in a Win More States Fund battleground when the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted down legislation that would have repealed the state’s two year-old freedom to marry law.  Freedom to Marry was the largest financial investor in the campaign with staff deeply involved, and will continue its work to preserve the freedom to marry in the Granite State.  

“There are many challenges and opportunities tapping donors this election year, and by maximizing donations strategically through the Win More States Fund, contributors and state campaigns will get the added bang for the buck of Freedom to Marry’s team and the lessons learned from prior battles,” Wolfson added.  “Our bipartisan victory in New Hampshire shows we know the winning recipe.”

Freedom to Marry has already raised $700,000 toward its initial $3 million goal – including a kick-off donation of $250,000 from Freedom to Marry supporters Sean Eldridge and Chris Hughes – and, in turn, has already invested $350,000 into ongoing campaigns to defend marriage in New Hampshire and win the freedom to marry in New Jersey.  "With numerous marriage cases heading to the Supreme Court, there is nothing more important than growing momentum and winning the freedom to marry in more states.  Freedom to Marry is leading the charge to win marriage in more states in 2012, which is why Chris and I are proud to contribute to the Win More States Fund," said Sean Eldridge, president of Hudson River Ventures.

Richard Carlbom, Campaign Manager for Minnesotans United for All Families, the campaign to defeat an anti-gay amendment at the MN ballot in November said of the fund, "Freedom to Marry has been a key partner in paving the way for a victory in Minnesota at the ballot box in November. They've rolled up their sleeves, built bridges for our campaign, and are committed to fighting to win.  I am thrilled that Freedom to Marry is adding this powerful way to encourage more donors to contribute more urgently needed resources into the work we're doing together."

In addition to these battleground efforts, Freedom to Marry has long invested in public education that creates the climate for changing hearts and minds, as well as the law.  In 2011 Freedom to Marry launched its national persuasion campaign, Why Marriage Matters, raising and spending an initial one million dollars on message development and delivery, including the creation of television spots and videos and deployment of powerful messengers and personal stories.  Freedom to Marry also seeks to triple that level of investment to continue making the case for why marriage matters across the country, growing the national majority for marriage that creates a climate for elected officials and judges to rise to fairness.

***

Freedom to Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.

 

But watch, if we vote down this Amendment see how fast this group will claim to have help in every step….

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Freedom to Marry “win more states fund” but NC isn’t one of them

Via press release:

Today Freedom to Marry announced the Win More States Fund to raise at least $3 million dollars, every penny of which will be spent directly on the work of winning in five 2012 marriage battleground states: Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Washington. “Winning marriage at the ballot in even one state will take away the last desperate talking-point our opponents use to disparage the gains we are making across the country,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide. “In each of our battleground states, Freedom to Marry is taking a lead role alongside local families and leaders, adding talent and resources on the frontlines to do the critical work necessary to win.”

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Thought I would share this, Since I don’t believe not one word of it..

March 21, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jim Tynen (919) 834-2099
James.Tynen@NCCivitas.org

Civitas Poll: NC Voters Reject Governor's Tax Increase

They Say: Cut Other State Spending to Retain Teachers 

Raleigh, N.C. – Nearly seven out of 10 North Carolina voters reject raising the sales tax by 15 percent, as proposed by Governor Bev Perdue, to boost funding for education, according to a new Civitas poll.

Of likely voters, 69 percent are opposed with 57 percent strongly opposed. In contrast, 26 percent supported raising the sales tax, with 15 percent strongly and 11 percent somewhat favoring it.

When asked specifically about teachers who were hired using temporary federal stimulus funds, when given a choice voters favor cutting spending in other areas over raising taxes by a 39-point margin, 53 percent to 14 percent, with another 14 percent saying to not renew the teachers' contracts.

“People in North Carolina are against Governor Perdue's proposal for higher taxes even when it is tied directly to retaining teachers,” said Civitas Institute President Francis X. De Luca. "Voters appear to be saying government has to live within its means, the same as hardworking families."

The Civitas Poll is the only regular live-caller poll of critical issues facing North Carolina.  For more information on Civitas polling see http://www.nccivitas.org/category/poll/.

For the full results and crosstabs, click here.

Full Text of Questions:

Do you support or oppose increasing the state sales tax by 15% in order to increase funding for education?

26%     Total Support

69%     Total Oppose

15%     Strongly Support

11%     Somewhat Support

12%     Somewhat Oppose

57%     Strongly Oppose

4%       Don’t Know/ No Opinion

1%       Refused

What do you think is the best way for North Carolina to handle the issue of the teachers who were hired using temporary federal stimulus funds?

14%     Raising taxes in order to retain the teachers

53%     Cut spending in other areas in order to retain the teachers

14%     Do not renew the teacher's contract

2%       Other

15%     Don’t Know

2%       Refused

For the full results and crosstabs, click here.

This poll of 600 likely 2012 general election voters in North Carolina was conducted February 27-28, 2012 by National Research, Inc. of Holmdel, NJ.  All respondents were part of a fully representative sample of probable 2012 general election voters in North Carolina.  For purposes of this study, voters interviewed had to have voted in 2006 or 2008 or be newly registered to vote since November 5, 2008. (November 5 is the day after the election)

The confidence interval associated with a sample of this size is such that: 95 percent of the time, results from 600 interviews (registered voters) will be within +-4% of the “True Values.” True Values refer to the results obtained if it were possible to interview every person in North Carolina who had voted in the 2006 or 2008 general elections or is newly registered since November 5, 2008.

###

Very poll that this group does is always in their favor.. Which in itself is impossible.. Also look who is putting this out.

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BCGOP: Amendment One Endorsement

 

For Immediate Release

Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012

Contact:     Nathan West, BCGOP Communications Director, nathan.west@buncombegop.org, 828.808.0873

BCGOP Amendment One Endorsement

Asheville: In May, our primaries will be held, and in these primaries Buncombe County voters will have the opportunity to forever preserve the definition of marriage in our State. As the only Southern State left that has not done so, we are finally getting the opportunity to take this to the people.

Amendment One modifies our North Carolina State Constitution to say that "Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State." Why is this important? While this definition is already on the books in legal form, voting YES will prevent future Activist Judges and Politicians from taking away, what has been known since the dawn of time, the true definition of Marriage between one man and one woman.

There are many who do not want the preservation of this definition to pass. President Obama has recently injected his thoughts against preserving marriage in North Carolina. Millions of dollars are being poured into North Carolina by outside groups like the California Democrats who have mobilized against this Amendment in OUR State. They are touting this as an Anti-Gay Marriage amendment. It is not. This is an amendment to preserve the definition of marriage in OUR beautiful State of North Carolina; this is why we need your help.

Join us in our efforts. The Buncombe County Republican Party will be actively working to get out the YES vote for this amendment. We have appointed two members as Co-Chairs with the Vote FOR Marriage group, Dorothea Alderfer and Gail Harding; they will be steering our efforts moving forward. If you would like to volunteer or contribute please contact Dorothea Alderfer at dalderfer2567@charter.net or for more information please visit www.voteformarriagenc.com

Sincerely,

Henry Mitchell
Chairman, BCGOP

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NC NAACP President's Opening Statement for the 59th NAACP Annual Southeast Conference in Raleigh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2012

For More Information:     Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137

                                         Atty. Jennifer Marsh, Interim Executive Director, 919-682-4700

For Media Assistance:     Rob Stephens, Office Manager, 336-577-9335

Statement Presented at the Opening of the

NAACP Southeast Region 59th Annual Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, NC NAACP President

with State Conference Presidents and Representatives from Seven Southern States

March 22, 2012

Martin Street Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC 

---

We want to welcome everyone to the 59th NAACP Southeast Regional Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute and welcome the State Conference Presidents from the Mighty Southeast Region V of the NAACP: Ms. Gloria J. Sweet-Love of Tennessee and Chair of the Southeast Region Leadership Caucus; Dr. Lonnie Randolph of South Carolina; Mr. Edward Dubose of Georgia:  Ms. Adora Obi Nweze of Florida; Atty. Derrick Johnson of Mississippi and Mr. Bernard Simelton of Alabama.

We also want to thank Rev. Dr. Earl Johnson and the Martin Street Baptist Church for being a constant friend to the Movement and the NAACP, exemplifying the role a pastor and a church should play in fighting against systematic injustice in our communities.

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Brian Brown isn’t happy after Today’s New Hampshire’s Marriage Vote.

"We are very disappointed in the failure of the New Hampshire House of Representatives to pass compromise legislation restoring marriage and providing for civil unions for same-sex couples. This was the law prior to marriage being hijacked by legislators who accepted hundreds of thousands in campaign contributions from gay marriage supporters without ever telling voters they intended to redefine marriage. We consider any vote cast against HB 437 to be a vote in favor of gay marriage, and we will act to hold every legislator accountable for such a vote.

Will someone get me a violin please… and get Brian some tissues for his eyes..  Face it Brian, we are winning slowly but steady…

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Past President Jimmy Carter Endorses Marriage Equality

"Homosexuality was well known in the ancient world, well before Christ was born and Jesus never said a word about homosexuality. In all of his teachings about multiple things -– he never said that gay people should be condemned. I personally think it is very fine for gay people to be married in civil ceremonies. I draw the line, maybe arbitrarily, in requiring by law that churches must marry people. I’m a Baptist, and I believe that each congregation is autonomous and can govern its own affairs. So if a local Baptist church wants to accept gay members on an equal basis, which my church does by the way, then that is fine. If a church decides not to, then government laws shouldn’t require them to." - Jimmy Carter, speaking to the Huffington Post.

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Union County Support of Amendment 1

Yes Folks, those bigots over at Voteformarriagenc, has gotten another County to sign on board of their hate bus..

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF VOTER PARTICIPATION IN THE MAY 8,
2012 VOTE TO AMEND THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION
PROTECTING MARRIAGE
THAT WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly passed NC General
Statute 51-1.2: An Act to Provide that Marriages Recognized Outside of this
State Between Persons of the Same Sex are Not Valid”, and the United States
Congress enacted federal statute 1 U.S.C. §7, known as the “Defense of
Marriage Act” which mandates that for purposes of “determining the meaning of
any Act of Congress, or any other ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the
various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word
‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as
husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite
sex who is a husband or a wife”, and
WHEREAS, the Union County Board of Commissioners resolved April 6, 2009 to
support giving voters an opportunity to support or deny an amendment to the
North Carolina Constitution defining marriage, and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly further directed that a referendum be placed
on the May 8, 2012 ballot, to ask the following:
"[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage
between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that
shall be valid or recognized in this State."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Union County Board of
Commissioners endorses this Amendment to the North Carolina Constitution
which states that the only domestic legal union that is valid or recognized in
North Carolina is marriage between one man and one woman; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union County Board of Commissioners
encourages voter participation on this important issue to be voted upon on May
8, 2012.
Adopted this 19th day of March, 2012.
Attest:
______________________________
Lynn West, Clerk to the Board
Union County Board of Commissioners
_______________________________
Jerry B. Simpson, Chairman
Union County Board of Commissioners

 

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NC NAACP Releases Open Letter to NC Association of County Commissioners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2012

For More Information:     Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137

                                         Atty. Jennifer Marsh, Interim Executive Director, 919-682-4700

(DURHAM) The North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP is releasing an open letter to the NC Association of County Commissioners today regarding some Boards of County Commissioners' attempts to gain the authority from the General Assembly to pass Voter Photo ID laws for their local elections. Tonight the voter-suppression campaign asks the Wake County Board of Commissioners to vote on a Local Resolution.  

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Paul Coble on Voter ID, Claims this isn’t apart of his campaign for Office.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners (thanks to Coble) will take up a resolution at this Monday’s meeting in support of the Voter ID bill (House Bill 351).

The County Commissioner’s meeting is scheduled for 2:00pm today on the 7^th floor of the Wake County Courthouse. If you want to sound off, the public comment period runs from 2:30pm to 3:00pm.

It is very clear that Paul “I want to like my late Uncle” Coble is using his Wake County Commissioner office as an extension of his Campaign for the Republican nomination for the 13th congressional district seat in congress.

The Republican pass the Voter ID bill, but Governor Perdue VETO it, the  republican control NCGA failed to override it. So, little bigoted jerks like Coble seeks to help them on the county level.

even the watch dogs of our local Government knows what Coble is doing,

“The Wake County Board of Commissioners is back at the business of interfering in state-level matters (and providing a free platform for Commissioner Paul Coble to run for Congress),” Policy Watch staffer Rob Schofield said in the group’s blog, “The Progressive Pulse.”

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Pat McCrory Fundraiser in Wilson NC

Well it would seem that ex-sheriff of Wilson County will be hosting a fundraiser for Pat McCrory at his home.  Yes, it’s lovely home, well back in 1995 it was.. Been there seen it..

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Preparing for the NC Marriage Protection Amendment Vote (on May 8) (for the Amendment) (protest anyone??)

They will be in Wilson on the 23rd of March..

Time: March 23, 2012 from 11am to 1pm
Location: Wilson Community Church (WCC)
Street: 2301 Montgomery Drive
City/Town: Wilson, NC 27893
Website or Map: http://wilsoncommunitychurch.…
Phone: 919-284-0116 (or email: vkm@embarqmail.com)
Event Type: workshop
Organized By: Virginia Morris
Latest Activity: on Thursday

Event Description

“There is no issue of greater significance to this state than the way we will define marriage. It is the definitive issue of this generation.” -- Rev. Mark Creech, Executive Director of the Christian Action League

On May 8th, North Carolinians will vote in the primary on where they stands on the definition of marriage, and we need to do all we can to help NC preserve traditional marriage in our state.

"According to a poll released earlier this month by Public Policy Polling, support for the Marriage Protection Amendment has declined with 56 percent of voters surveyed in January supporting the amendment to preserve traditional marriage by protecting it in our state constitution.  In October, support for the amendment stood at 61 percent, according to the same poll. This is a 5 percent drop in support in just two short months." (Source: christianactionleague.org/news/urgent-christian-action-alert-campaign-for-marriage-needs-funds) Now is the time to get involved!

What can you do? Well, on Friday, March 23, from 11am to 1pm, Wilson County area clergy will be gathering at Wilson Community Church for an informative and empowering workshop where Rev. Mark Creech (Executive Director of the Christian Action League) will address the issues surrounding the Marriage Protection Amendment and some possible ways the Wilson community and its Christian leaders can become involved.

NOTE: A home cooked meal will be provided for participants. More details will be provided as the planning proceeds.

-     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -

For more info about Rev. Mark Creech and the Christian Action League, please go to christianactionleague.org.

-     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -

To learn more about the May 8th Marriage Protection Amendment vote go to www.VoteFORMarriageNC.com.

wow in Wilson, no small supply of bigots there… I know Live there for 7 years..

the church is the old Movie theater behind KFC on 42.. just before Forest Hill rd intersection.

Lot of room for a protest or rally..

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Durham Republican Party County Supports Amendment 1

Well, we know now where these Bigots Stand..

Resolution Supporting Amendment 1 to the North Carolina Constitution

1. Whereas in the primary election on May 8, 2012, voters will be asked to
approve the following amendment to the North Carolina State Constitution:Sec. 6. Marriage.

Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.

2. Whereas, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts legalized marriage
beyond that between a man and woman in 2003 by a narrow 4-3 decision based
on its interpretation of the Massachusetts State Constitution;

3. Whereas, the voters of Massachusetts have been denied by their legislature
the opportunity ever to vote on this issue;

4. Whereas, 29 states have responded to the Massachusetts decision by
adopting marriage amendments to their constitutions in order to prevent courts
altering the definition of marriage in opposition to the will of the people;

5. Whereas our legislature is providing the opportunity for North Carolina citizens
to vote on this important issue;

6. Whereas the proposed amendment does not change the existing law in North
Carolina;

7. Whereas courts and legislatures have used the power of the state to coerce
religious institutions to accept government dictated definitions of marriage,
thereby limiting our religious freedom;

8. Whereas the amendment does not limit the rights of private parties to contract;

9. Whereas the traditional institution of marriage is a bulwark for liberty and the
common good;

10. Whereas this amendment in no way diminishes the existing rights and
liberties of all North Carolinians;

11. Whereas the citizens of North Carolina have the right, duty and obligation to
amend their constitution to protect our liberties;

12. Whereas, this amendment protects us from a fundamental change in our law
by the judiciary or legislature without the vote of the people;

13. Whereas, the citizens of North Carolina can revoke this amendment in the
future should they so wish;

14. Whereas this amendment enhances and protects the popular sovereignty of
all North Carolinians;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE DURHAM COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY:

Expresses its appreciation to the North Carolina Legislature for providing
for a popular vote on this amendment, insuring that the voice of the people
is heard; and

Supports the adoption of this Amendment to the North Carolina State
Constitution; and

Recommends that all voters vote YES on this question; and
directs that this resolution be communicated to our Senators and Members
of Congress, and all other parties, elected officials and the citizens of North
Carolina as appropriate.

Signed:
_____________________________________
Theodore Hicks, Chairman
Resolution passed by voice vote at the Durham County Republican Party
Convention on March 17th, 2012

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NC Gas Prices

if you think this is bad just wait until July 1, when North Carolina will have another increase in the state Carolina gas tax.

and the price is to up very soon.. Obama has ask Congress to end Big Oils tax credits

President Obama urged Congress Thursday to vote in the coming weeks to repeal billions in oil industry tax breaks in an attempt to parry growing Republican attacks on the White House over high gas prices.



“I am asking Congress to eliminate this oil industry giveaway right away,” Obama said during a speech at Nashua Community College in swing-state New Hampshire.

“I want them to vote on this in the next few weeks. Let’s put every single member of Congress on record.”



Yes I would love to see who in Congress is on the Big OIL payrolls..  Congress give them tax breaks and let them off paying royalties for years in hope to keep gas prices down, a while Big OIL profits goes up and up and up, setting new records highs.. 

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Wow, VoteformarriageNC has block me on twitter, but I still can see and follow..

wow,I just don’t know why the good ole bigots at VoteForMarriageNC would block me from following them on twitter which is stupid since you still can follow them by not signing in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

however I did get to see the post I wanted to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WOW, the backs of the Durham GOP Bigots having a meeting I sure is about Amendment 1. Which I’m also sure was full of lies thanks to Tami and her office of paid bigots…

Anywho Tami Fitzgerald (Executive Director of the bible-beating, womb-controlling, LGBT-hating North Carolina Values Coalition) recently pissed her panties when President Obama Come out against NC Amendment 1.

Vote FOR Marriage NC Responds to President Obama’s Statement against the Marriage Amendment

“Not only did President Obama state during his election battle in 2008 that he believes marriage is the union between one man and woman, but he said that for him as a Christian, it is also a sacred union, invoking the name of “God” as his source.  Unfortunately, his recommendation against the Marriage Protection Amendment would leave the definition of marriage up to an activist judge instead of the people of our State.  President Obama has no business inserting himself into the people’s business in North Carolina.  The people of North Carolina cannot sit by and let marriage as the union of one man and one woman be destroyed by a handful of political activists or by activist judges.”

So, she afraid that one or more so-called Activist Judges will over turn NC Marriage Law. There is only one problem with this NC doesn’t really have any Activist judges waiting in the shadows to over turn that law anytime soon. 

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NC Governor’s Office tweets

Kudos to @barackobama for opposinig Amendment 1 - it's poorly written & will hurt children and families across NC. bit.ly/FO9Zje

— NC Governor's Office (@ncgovoffice) March 16, 2012

Amendment 1 is wrong: the Constitution is for guaranteeing rights, not taking them away. We must protect all NC families.

— NC Governor's Office (@ncgovoffice) March 16, 2012

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NC NAACP President's Statement Read this Morning Announcing Regional Conference and Commenting on NAACP Presentation to United Nations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2012

For More Information:     Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137

                                         Atty. Jennifer Marsh, Interim Executive Director, 919-682-4700

Statement Read by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 10:00 AM 

Martin Street Baptist Church

Raleigh, NC 

Announcing Southern NAACP State Conferences Converging on Raleigh for Civil Rights Training Institute and 

Comments on NAACP at UN Meeting about Geneva Voting Rights Violations. 

(RALEIGH) - Today, Wednesday, March 14, 2012, we the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP are here in Raleigh to announce a major gathering in North Carolina of seven Southern states next week. Also today, across the Atlantic Ocean, NAACP leaders are in Geneva, Switzerland presenting evidence of the violations of the voting rights of African-Americans and other minorities to the United Nations.   We are gathering in Raleigh next week to mobilize against forces that would steal, suppress and segregate the African-American and minority vote. The attacks on voting rights here in North Carolina, across the South and across the Nation are an international shame for this country, worthy of being brought to light on the international level. Both in Geneva and in Raleigh, we build upon the organization's 103 year-old struggle for equality and justice.  

Sixty-five years ago, in 1947, W.E.B. DuBois of the NAACP also addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council with a speech titled "An Appeal to the World: A Statement on the Denial of Human Rights to Minorities and an Appeal to the United Nations for Redress." The Appeal was a study of the denial of the right to vote and other forms of discrimination in the United States. Shortly after this speech, President Harry Truman created the first civil rights commission.

This week, the NAACP will send a delegation to the United Nations in Geneva Switzerland. Prompted by the most massive assault on voting rights in modern memory, Chairman Roslyn M. Brock and President Benjamin Todd Jealous will lead the delegation and present before the UN Commission on Human Rights on the threats to voting rights in the United States.  In the past 12 months, more states have passed more laws blocking the vote of more US citizens than in any year since the rise of Jim Crow.

The NAACP will be holding a series of meetings with UN officials throughout the week to discuss voting rights in the United States. On Wednesday, March 14, the NAACP will lead a panel discussion in the Palais des Nations called "Voting Rights and People of Color in the United States."

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McDowell commissioners endorse marriage amendment

Another county joins Vote4marriagenc group by passing these type of resolutions.

The McDowell County Commissioners voted 4-1 Monday to approve a resolution about the upcoming referendum on a proposed amendment that would define marriage in the N.C. Constitution as between one man and one woman. The resolution passed by the commissioners not only encourages people to vote on this issue but also endorses the passage of Amendment One.

Commission Chairman David Walker said he entirely agrees with this proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would limit marriage. He said it is needed to “preserve the family unit as defined by the word of God.”

just how many more county will support his amendment?????

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Return America to speak at the Thomasville,NC Marriage Rally

April 7, 2012
Marriage Rally
Will be held at the center of town at the gazebo
Thomasville, NC
10:00 AM

also they will be hosting a Marriage Rally on the Lawn of the Halifax Mall too 

April 20, 2012
Return America Marriage Amendment Rally
Will be held on Halifax Mall behind the Legislative Building
Raleigh, NC
11:00 AM

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Bam Bam Peter LaBarbera is coming to NC on March 28

Looking forward to speaking for (real, man-woman) #marriage at the #NC Family Policy Council banquet in Raleigh March 28. #tcot #ssm

— Peter LaBarbera (@PeterLaBarbera) March 10, 2012

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Defense of Marriage Amendment Panel | Caldwell County Public Library

Copy from Protect all NC Families event site

March 12, 2012 - 6:30pm

Caldwell County Public Library

120 Hospital Ave.

Lenoir, NC 28645

See map: Google Maps

Defense of Marriage Amendment Panel Discussion - come out and be heard by speaking AGAINST these panelists and their support of Amendment One.

Caldwell County Public Library

6:30pm social time, 7:00pm panel begins 

Confirmed panelists:

Dan Soucek - NC Senator

Mary Frances Forrester - from Concerned Women for America, and wife of traditional marriage champion Sen. James Forrester - sponsor of this legislation on the ballot in May.

Tami Fitzgerald - lobbyist from VoteForMarriageNC and NCValues

TJ Rohr - Libertarian Lenoir City CouncilmanNicole Revel - CCRW member, young person, and liberty advocate

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Protect All NC Families Wine Tasting Fundraiser

• • Saturday, March 24, 2012

  • 12:00pm until 7:00pm

• Wine Flights for $10 ($8 w Student ID) - Sample 3 Red & 3 White wines and we'll donate $5 from each flight to Protect All NC Families to help them in their mission to educate the public about the harms to all NC families if Amendment One passes in May. http://www.facebook.com/ProtectNCFamilies

Christopher's Wine & Cheese

110 Sunset Drive (Corner of Sunset Drive & Main Street), Blowing Rock, NC 28605

View Map · Get Directions

 

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Talking About Amendment One | United Church of Chapel Hill, Mar. 18

Click here to download the flyer below.

Click here to register for the event now.

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VoteFORMarriage NC has their Resolution they would like you to sign..

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For those who use the Bible against Same-Sex Marriage

From Jen Jones FB page,

Our youngest voters believe it to be the playbook for modern politics, including this episode written 12 years ago. Will you hold up as well as The West Wing?

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Rep. Cleveland on extreme poverty.wmv

heard it for yourself, there is no true Poverty in NC

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Alabama state Senator Scott Beason Proposes Legislation to Prohibit ‘Women and Non-Whites’

can you believe this shit.. Proof the GOP wants up back in the 50’s.

no voting rights women or any non-white males..

Alabama state Senator Scott Beason already has had hints of a racist record within his tenure as part of his state’s legislative branch. It seems that he now has another piece of legislation that he would like to introduce as soon as possible especially with the upcoming 2012 elections fast approaching.

His new piece of legislation titled, “Voting for Americans in America by Americans” has many civil rights groups up in arms. Apparently the new law would only allow white, heterosexual, Christian, male land-owners to vote in elections. Beason said he wants to “bring America back to its founding with the traditions and core values that we once held as a nation. There is no room for women or non-whites in those values.” In doing so, he would be trying to skirt around the Constitutional Amendments already in place that allow all American citizens the capability to vote in public elections.

This piece of legislation is still in its preliminary stages with many of his fellow law makers urging him against this bold move. They are trying to convince him that if people didn’t already think he was a raging racist before after calling African-Americans “aborigines” then they most definitely will now.

When trying to contact state Senator Beason’s office, they refused to divulge any new information or answer any questions. We will just have to wait and see if this new bill comes to life within the state Senate of Alabama

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NAACP Releases Statement on Recent Illegal Voting Charges in Iredell County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 9, 2012

For More Information:     Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137

                                         Atty. Jennifer Marsh, Interim Executive Director, 919-682-4700

    Mr. Skip McCall, Statesville NAACP Branch President,    

    704-873-0348   

RECENT ILLEGAL VOTING CHARGES IN IREDELL COUNTY

While the NAACP never relishes when citizens are charged with criminal offenses, recent indictments regarding possible voting fraud violations have proven that the current laws to protect against fraud are working well in Iredell County and North Carolina. No matter how these cases are finally adjudicated, it is clear that the laws that we already have on the books are sufficient. There is no need to politicize this incident or try to justify the adoption of voter ID laws because of this incident. The truth is a voter ID law will result in the disenfranchisement of almost 500,000 North Carolinians, significantly impacting African-Americans, Latinos, poor people, students, the elderly and other minorities.

We currently use signature attestation to certify voters are who they claim to be. Violations of our voting laws carry a felony penalty and the court system adjudicates those who violate the law.  The tried and true methods of candidates and their representatives watching the polls, and examining the addresses of those who voted worked well.  These procedures for protecting the dignity and integrity of the voting process have worked for hundreds of years. This is a situation that would not have been prevented by a voter ID requirement.

Guilt or innocence is not a matter for us to decide but for the courts to determine. We respect that all accused parties are innocent until proven guilty. We also respect the right for this case to proceed through the court system based on its merits. We are pleased that the system that protects the integrity of our elections worked.  The laws against voter fraud are tough.  While respecting the rights of all who are involved in this matter, the criminal justice system will now seek to determine the guilt or innocence of those citizens who have been charged, and then determine the appropriate punishment for anyone found guilty. 

The Statesville NAACP respects the rights of all people who have been charged with a criminal offense.   And the Statesville NAACP also respects the work of the investigators and prosecutors that proved once again we have strong protections in place to prevent voter fraud.   

###

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

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Ellmers: Don’t want those tolls either.. NO TOLLS ON I-95

This is about the only thing I would support Her on,

“After announcing my opposition to tolls on I-95 last week, I have now taken the next step by drafting legislation to prevent the proposal from taking place. I hope this bill will generate the support of the entire North Carolina Congressional Delegation in order to protect our economy from the crippling harm these tolls would impose on our citizens and businesses. More information on these bills can be found in this newsletter”

I have to wonder where Hagan and Burr stand on this issue..

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We miss one, Stanly County Commissioners Supports Amendment 1

Stanly County Commissioners join Wake & Brunswick in approving a resolution endorsing the #marriage amendment.#ncpol pic.twitter.com/gD2sFraR

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Return America group will host yet another marriage rally in support of North Carolina's Vote For Marriage NC campaign:

 

 

 

Let hope there is a large counter protest as well…

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Signed copy of the Brunswick County Commissioners resolution for Amendment 1

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Email-Share: Fitzsimon and others--Thursday evening

Chris Fitzsimon and others from the respected NC Policy Watch, a project of the NC Justice Center, are in Greenville this Thursday for an event.  Please help spread the word about this program on Thursday, March 8, at 7 pm about what is happening in our state government.  It is entitled

Out-of-Control Tour Stop

Bought, Paid For & Out-of-Control

It’s time to rein in NC’s far right lawmakers

You can get more information here:

http://statevoices.salsalabs.com/o/509/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=198

You may have read Chris Fitzsimon's columns in various places.  Regardless of one's political orientation, it is important that we pay attention to and discuss the work of our political leaders in Raleigh.  The legislation they produce impacts our city and all our lives.  This event will likely be lively and informative.  Unfortunately, I have City Council that night, but plan to come by IF Council ends on time.

The event is at the UU, 131 Oakmont. Greenville NC

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VoteFORMarriage NC and Tami F. getting worry over the up coming May 8th ballot vote.. (it just may not be slam dunk after all)

Tami and her Group  is running scare, this piece from Daily Kos has them shaking in their heels.

In addition to the opposition’s 30 staff members, 7 field offices, 117 partner groups, and 20,000 phone calls they’re making per week, our opponents are working with 225 congregations and are bringing in the NAACP as well as Chad Griffin – a paid media consultant who is the founder of the Americans Foundation for Equal Rights and also the new President of the Human Rights Campaign (read more here). The opposition is also using MoveOn.org to collect signatures and has even gotten People For the American Way to blast their list with lies about the Defense of Marriage Act.

She sent out a major call for help to stop the lies and distortions being spread by us radical activists. Just how does she want her fellow bigots to send in the cash wagon.. Starting with 20 bucks or more to help her keep the record Straight…

also it was noted this from Daily Kos,

“I can't imagine a more effective way to strike the fear of God into the hearts of marriage equality opponents than to see (another) southern state vote down an amendment like this" –Daily Kos

MMM, Tami just don’t know what to do. If NC is the first state to voted down this Amendment these bigots just won’t know what to do.. I’m sure Tami will wet her pants and Tony Perkins just might throw his bible  out the window.. Lets hope the window is open at the time..

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Students Occupy NC Board of Governors to Oppose Tuition Hikes

NC students march and storm board of governors in opposition to tuition hikes. [Rev. Barber Speech, Mic-Check Announcing Opposition, Andrew Payne Arrested, Mic-Check in Disgust, Seize Room, Governors slip out the Back Door, Student GA Highlights] For more details email ncdefendeducation@gmail.com or visit occupyncsu.org www.occupycolleges.org http://studentsoccupy.nationbuilder.com/ - - - Nationwide Petition A Call for Student Syndicalism!

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The Brunswick Resolution

The Commissioners of Brunswick County voted on a Resolution supporting Amendment 1.  Last nite vote was 4 to 1.

Today the Vote for Marriage NC, our local bigots headed by Tami Fitzgerald when to their Facebook asking their supports to thank the Brunswick County Commissioner for passing the said resolution.

We need to be more vigil in watching all of NC County Commissioners sites, looking at their agendas. The days are counting down, we must win this one..

UPDATE:

now they are asking their member which county should be next..

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Congresswomen Renee Ellmers : Tolls on 95 are not the answer

Last week, I submitted a letter expressing my opposition to current plans to use tolls to pay for improvements to Interstate 95. After hearing from numerous constituents from surrounding areas about their concerns, it is clear that NCDOT did not demonstrate that these improvements could be implemented without a toll as required by law. While our highways need to be updated to meet growing needs and usage, it should not come at unnecessary costs to businesses and the surrounding communities.

For years, eastern North Carolina and I-95 corridor residents have suffered the burden of rising gas taxes - which are already the sixth highest in the nation. While highway expansion and maintenance projects continue in our state, the question remains: where have our already high tax dollars gone and why should we expect a new tax in the form of tolls to be any different? Any improvement in our highway system should not come at the expense of our economy and attracting business to our state...especially the hardest hit, economically-depressed areas along the I-95 corridor and eastern North Carolina.

Under proposals by the Perdue Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), a new pilot program to expand Interstate 95 would require new tolls along the highway to pay for 90 percent of the $4.4 billion project. These tolls will place an undue burden on commuters and businesses, causing a number of perverse incentives including redirected traffic to secondary roads, loss of income to businesses, and further stress to the neighboring economies.

Click to read the full letter to the Federal Highway Administration.

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Momentum to defeat Amendment 1 grows

Join us: http://www.protectallncfamilies.org/momentum - since we fell one vote short in the legislature and Amendment One made it onto the ballot, the Coalition to Protect ALL NC Families has built an incredible amount of momentum thanks to you.

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An Open Letter to Rev. Franklin Graham and the Evangelical Christian Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2012

For More Information:       Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137

                                           Atty. Jennifer Marsh, Acting Director, 919-682-4700

Click Here for a PDF Version of the Letter

March 5, 2012

North Carolina NAACP: Religious Leaders Forum

From One Born Again Evangelical to Another:

An Open Letter to Rev. Franklin Graham and the Evangelical Christian Community

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:35

"You have heard that it was said, 'love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:43

To all in the U.S. who are loved by God and called to be saints. 

Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Rev. Graham,  

As your North Carolina sisters and brothers in Christ, we hope that these words find all things well with you and your family.

We acknowledge your recent apology for questioning the faith of President Barack Obama.  As we were preparing this letter, the newspapers reported that you had issued an apology to the President for "any comments I have ever made which may have cast any doubt on the personal faith of our president." According to these reports, you apologized "to him and to any I have offended for not better articulating my reason for not supporting him in this election." You apparently went on to say that you could not support him because his position on abortion and same-sex marriage were in "direct conflict" with Scripture.  

You encourage us with this apology. Few people find it easy to critically examine our own language and motives, even though most of us know that we do not always fully understand ourselves.  Surely the Bible teaches that we are all made of earthly clay and now see but through a glass, darkly, but one day face to face.  This gives us hope that our letter, even in this political season, will point toward a more positive and permanent dialogue in our common faith community.

It seems to us that your apology is helpful and yet narrow and almost grudging.  And we feel a reluctant confidence that you and many other Evangelicals will continue to disparage President Obama and the faith of other Christians through a critique that pushes him and many of us outside the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith.   

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Brunswick County Board of Commissioners to support Marriage Ban

Brunswick to join Wake Co. in supporting Amendment 1. So how many more Counties will come out against us?? How many will turn their backs on their LGBT communities..

As written it supports Senate Bill 514, the "Defense of Marriage" act, the legislation that authorized a referendum on whether the state should amend its constitution to define legal marriage as "between one man and one woman" only.

More information on the legislation is available here.

Monday's meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Sandifer Building at the Brunswick County Government Center near Bolivia. The board may enter a closed session one half-hour prior.

The complete agenda is viewable here. 

J. Resolution Supporting the Defense of Marriage Act .............................................................. pg. 120

Update I found it. Click here, large pdf 

I couldn’t find the resolution, here is County Commissioners info

The Brunswick County Board Of Commissioners is comprised of 5 representatives, who are elected by districts. The commissioners now are elected to serve a four-year term.

Phil Norris Vice Chairman, J. Martin Cooke, Charles Warren, Scott Phillips, William M. Sue Chairman

You can write, fax or e-mail your County Commissioners at the following address:
P.O. Box 249
Bolivia, NC 28422
Fax: 910-253-2004
Phone: 910-253-2017 or 800-442-7033
E-mail: commissioners@brunsco.net

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT

WHEREAS Senator Peter Brunstetter has sponsored Senate Bi11514 a bill to be entitled AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE THAT MARRIAGE
BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN IS THE ONLY DOMESTIC LEGAL UNION THAT SHALL BE VALID OR RECOGNIZED IN THIS STATE and

WHEREAS all voters in North Carolina shall be asked to vote to wit

()FOR  ()AGAINST Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between a man and
a woman is the only domestic union that shall be valid or recognized in this State and
WHEREAS the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners finds that it is in the best interests of the citizens of Brunswick County to support said ballot initiative

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Brunswick County Board of
Commissioners to thank the Brunswick delegation to the North Carolina General Assembly for
supporting Senate Bill 514 the Defense of Marriage Act on behalf of the citizens of Brunswick
County

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this Resolution be forwarded to the local
Legislative Delegation to the North Carolina General Assembly and to the North Carolina
Association of County Commissioners
Adopted this5h day of March 2012
William M Sue Chairman
Brunswick County Commissioners
ATTEST
Deborah S Gore NCCCC
Clerk to the Board

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Paul Coble for Congress

He thinks he can fix Washington,  Like many before him, he claims he can balance the budget..

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NC Groups against Amendment 1 has Brian Brown Worried

Brian Brown from NOM is worry that we here in NC against Amendment 1 that in the last days before the May Ballot vote, that we will launch a massive campaign blanketing the NC TV and radio with lies and scare tactics. I guess he scare that we might actually win..

See email letter from Brain Brown..

Dear Marriage Supporter,

I'll keep this short, but the need in North Carolina is urgent.

We've just learned that gay marriage supporters in North Carolina have been stockpiling mountains of cash.

It's looking almost certain that in the final days before the election, they will launch an all-out air war, blanketing North Carolina TV and radio with ads full of lies and misinformation about the Marriage Protection Amendment—using scare tactics to maximum effect before we have a chance to respond.

It's a bold strategy—but we can't let it succeed. And the only way we can fight back is if we have the resources to get our message out to voters. In a fair fight, the truth will prevail—but without the resources to mount an aggressive ad campaign of our own, it won't be a fair fight.

He is afraid that we will be the first southern state to vote this ballot measure down,

If our opponents were to steal victory in North Carolina, it would be devastating for the cause of marriage nationwide—and they know it.

So lets really piss them off and vote this down.. lets be the first and only southern state to vote down this constitutional Amendment concerning marriage.. Let’s show him and the world that NC won’t go back to those days of Jim Crow.. Lets show them that NC is ready for future

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Press Release: LGBT March in Mississippi Shut Down by Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 1, 2012

Media Contact: Zach Magee, GetEQUAL Mississippi Lead Organizer, zach_m12@yahoo.com

Police Tell LGBT Mississippians It’s Illegal to Be Openly Gay in the State

Permit for Rally Denied at Last Minute, Citing “Safety Concerns”

JACKSON, MS — Gay Mississippians tried to rally in Jackson this morning to draw attention to the need for equality under the law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) residents of the state, but were turned away by the police. Despite having applied for a permit for a march in the city to highlight LGBT discrimination, organizers were informed shortly before the event that their permit had been denied and they had no right to rally in the city.

The primary organizer of the march, Bob Gilchrist, had organized the event on Facebook, and was expecting a large crowd for the march. The permit was denied even though event organizers were finalizing details to secure required liability insurance. When informed by police that the permit had been denied, those assembled for the march quickly changed plans under the threat of arrest if they were to proceed.

“Mississippi is notorious for basic human rights violations,” said Bob Gilchrist, the event organizer. ”It’s a shame that, in 2012, the state is still maintaining that reputation.”

Zach Magee, a Mississippi native who helped with the organizing behind the march, said, “I can’t believe the state is still maintaining a campaign of fear and intimidation to oppress state residents. Mississippians organized this march and Mississippians were going to attend this march — if the police can’t maintain safety while also permitting gay Mississippians’ freedom of speech, then I don’t know why they’re in the business of law enforcement.”

“As a Mississippian forced to flee my home state to seek equality elsewhere, this decision by the Jackson police is reprehensible,” said Robin McGehee, GetEQUAL’s executive director and a Jackson native. “Despite Mississippi’s long history of racial, gender, and economic discrimination, the state continues to use deceptive tactics like insurance requirements to prevent people from simply walking down the street as openly gay. You would think that Mississippi would have learned its lesson and would try to shake off the chains of its discriminatory past, but this action by Jackson police will simply cement the state’s reputation as the leader of bigotry and discrimination.”

Event organizers partnered with an existing rally at the Capitol building this morning to get their message out, and are currently exploring ways to take action publicly in the future.

Founded in 2010, GetEQUAL is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and our allies to take bold action to demand full legal and social equality, and to hold accountable those who stand in the way. For more information, go to www.getequal.org, www.facebook.com/getequal, or www.twitter.com/getequal.

###

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Burr: Senators Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Cyber security

Proposal strengthens information sharing and encourages private sector innovation

Washington, DC - U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dan Coats (R-IN), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Richard Burr (R-NC) today introduced the Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology Act (SECURE IT), their proposal to protect and secure our nation against cybersecurity attacks.

“The SECURE IT Act strengthens America’s cybersecurity by promoting collaboration and information-sharing, updating our criminal laws to account for the growing cyber threat and enhancing research programs to protect our critical networks,” said Senator John McCain. “This legislation will help us begin to meet the very real threat of cyber attack.”

“We are all in agreement that we need to make our nation’s cybersecurity a top priority. I believe we have come up with a strong common sense approach that will help prevent the spread of cyberattacks from network to network and across the Internet, by removing barriers to sharing information about threats, attacks, and strategies for improvement,” Senator Hutchison said.  “Our bill focuses on giving businesses the tools they need to protect themselves from the looming threat of cyber criminals, and increased requirements for notification of threats to federal agencies.”

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HRC: New President Email Press Release from Joe.

When I decided to begin the next chapter of my career, I could not have imagined a better successor as president of the Human Rights Campaign. Just a few minutes ago, HRC's board of directors appointed Chad Griffin, a brilliant visionary and strategist, as the organization's next president.

While you know him as the mastermind behind the federal lawsuit to overturn California's

Proposition 8,

Chad's spent his career taking on the toughest fights against entrenched, well-financed interests. He's passionate about our equality and more importantly, has a proven track record of consistently delivering results. Already, the fight to overturn Prop. 8 has prevailed in two federal court rooms.

Chad Griffin has the leadership qualities critical to propel our movement for equality forward and I am so proud that he will succeed me this June leading HRC.

A native of Arkansas and a veteran of the Clinton White House, Chad was inspired by young people in taking on this new endeavor. He told the board this morning, "All over this country in big cities and small towns, there are families and young people who long to be accepted for who they are, and who want be treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone else. Today's generation of young people, and each generation hereafter, must grow up with the full and equal protection of our laws, and finally be free to participate in the American dream. As HRC president, I'll approach our work with a great sense of urgency because there are real life consequences to inaction."

With your support, HRC has won historic victories over the past several years. In addition to passing marriage equality in New York, the District of Columbia, Washington and Maryland, repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, and convincing the Obama administration to stop defending DOMA, HRC also spearheaded successful efforts to pass hate-crimes protections, secure equal hospital visitation rights for same-sex partners, and much more.

But following our recent string of advances, anti-LGBT leaders are trying to dismantle what we have built, brick by brick. That's what makes Chad's leadership – and HRC's work in Congress and in communities across the country – and your voice – even more crucial.

I think of HRC as a family. Over my seven years as president of this great organization, you've been there to help us make tremendous progress for our community. I know that you'll continue to be there as Chad fights to propel our movement forward. He is uniquely qualified to lead HRC into the future.

Sincerely,

Joe Solmonese
President

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