I’ve made this badge for the Join the Impact campaign (well, just edited and added the state name). You can get the code here.
If you are a supporter and have a site or blog, please add it, or to your forum sig. Whatever, if you’re in a position to do it, you know what to do!
In an earlier post about the Prop 8 backlash, I mentioned the fact that the CEO of Cinemark, which runs a chain of theaters, contributed thousands of dollars to the anti-gay Proposition 8 in California and a boycott was in order.
Is this kind of response over-reacting? Is it religious bigotry to fight back against those whose “faith” led them to contribute to the Prop 8 campaign? Should we lovingly nurture them until they see the error of their ways? Tbogg put it well:
The kind of person who contributes money to deny their fellow citizens their civil rights are not someday magically going to be part of the solution: they’re the problem. These are not people to be reasoned with; they’re ignorant, they’re haters and they’re bigots and the only thing people like that understand is power.
So when they stick their noses in other people’s affairs, they forfeit the right to be considered just another “ordinary person”. They’re involved and they would be foolish to expect that those other people in whose private affairs they have meddled wouldn’t return the favor. As they say: you pays your money and you takes your chances.
You don’t get to heaven above by trampling someone else’s heaven on earth.
I don’t and won’t deny these bigots their right to practice their faith, and to be active politically within all legal perimeters. But I am done coddling them, or being silent while they deny me and others our rights. The next time someone from LDS comes to my door, they are going to get a serious earful. (I’ve already started practicing, because I want to make sure my whole list of grievances gets covered before their sorry asses are out of the range of my very loud voice.)
Anyway, among the many events and actions coming out of the passage of Prop 8 is a blacklist of the individuals, organizations and their businesses that contributed to its passage.
Cinemark Theaters is a major target of this blacklist/boycott effort, not just because of the amount of the contribution or the high visibility of the chain, but because of the upcoming release of the Sean Penn film Milk, which is about gay rights hero Harvey Milk. The No Milk for Cinemark campaign makes the very significant connection between the film and the boycott: “Don’t let Harvey Milk’s legacy finance your oppression.” (Facebook group)
As I posted before, the Cinemark theaters in Oklahoma are:
Ada
- Cinemark North Hills Cinema 6 (1106 North Hills Shopping Centre)Broken Arrow
- Cinemark Cinema 8 (3812 S Elm Pl)Oklahoma City
- Cinemark Tinseltown (6001 Martin Luther King Blvd.)Tulsa
- Cinemark Movies 8 (6808 S. Memorial)
- Cinemark Tulsa (10802 E 71st St South)
- Cinemark IMAX® Theatre (10802 E 71st St South)
If you are outside of Oklahoma, note that their theaters also go by the names Tinseltown, CineArts and Century.
I have previously posted about how much I am looking forward to this film, and how much it means to me, but I will be going to another theater to see it, or waiting for the DVD if no other chain near me screens it. If you want to join me in avoiding Cinemark (until further notice, not just this film, as far as I’m concerned) and/or tell other folks about the boycott, this flyer can help (pdf).
The film is set for wider distribution in the US on Nov. 2 and then nationwide on Dec. 5, which is the earliest we’d see it around here. But no schedules are available that far ahead. I’ll be checking for when and where Milk will be screened in Oklahoma, and post the news here.
Update [2008-11-16 23:45]: Nancy in NYC has a brilliant post about this up at Pam’s House Blend, Oh no you didn’t! (Why it’s not ok to support Prop 8, then hide behind the Constitution), and at Open Left, Paul Rosenberg takes the need to challenge the right-wingnuts on their hypocricy a step further, noting that
Now, however, it’s very clear that letting this stuff slide because it’s so idiotic is simply not an option.
and
There is word for this sort of total disconnect from reality: psychotic. And that, quite literally, is what we are up against: organized psychosis.
We’re going to have a special report later today about the Join the Impact! rally on the steps of city hall in Oklahoma City. but here are links to photos
DarlaJane’s Flickr set
Trey (one of the organizers) has some photos of OKC event at Towle Road (use the menu to check out the albums from Tulsa also, as well as cities around the country.
Gossip Boy (OKC Gay news site)
Other reports and photos from across the nation:
Towleroad
Andrew Sullivan’s Daily Dish
Pam’s House Blend Join the Impact! Flickr Group
Join the Impact! National Flickr Group
Last but not least, the sites where the action was organized (and probably future actions will be too)
National: Join the Impact! Blog | Join the Impact! organizing wiki | Facebook | Twitter
Oklahoma: OK section on wiki | Facebook
And, Tulsa also had a event. See videos from justinfeed and shelton26ash (brief, but better audio).
Update to my earlier announcement about the Oklahoma City rally planned in conjunction with the nationwide action on Saturday 11/15.
The Saturday rally has been moved to the OKC City Hall, 200 N. Walker,
just west of the County Courthouse, or just east of the police
station.
Latest news from the organizer:
OKC Impact! Update! November 13, 2008
First of all, there has been another location adjustment made, it seems we were double booked for the steps of the State Capitol Building, so the rally has been moved back to the City Hall, which is at:
200 N. Walker
Oklahoma city, OK
73102Sorry about the confusion!
Meeting Time and date: Saturday, November 15th at 12:30 P.M
We will be having a pre-action and sign making gathering
When: Friday, November 14th at 7 pm ‘til as long as needed.
Where: The address is 1147 NW 79th Street - Oklahoma City . That’s within a block of Western Avenue by the Western and Wilshire intersection. Call 537- 7763 if you need directions.
If you can bring sign making supplies: poster boards, paints, markers, slats ¼” wooden slats, staple guns, chips, dip, drinks, etc. Nothing required though.
We have a few speakers currently lined up for the demonstration, for example:
C. Sean Spivey
Jim NimmoCarpooling is encouraged, and carpool groups will be meeting at Angles at 11:30 am and will head to the City Hall at noon. Please, let me know if you‘re going to be offering rides from Angles Club.
Angles Club
2117 NW 39th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73112Guy Peters and Katie Austin have offered to help with recording the rally. If anyone else wants to assist with the documentation, feel free.
Aviva Pressman has offered to help lead us in song.
Based only on the Official Facebook Event Page, we currently have 144 confirmed participants, 251 potential participants, and 950 have yet to respond.
In an email exchange, Trey (local organizer) said this was just the beginning, and that future events will probably be planned. I’ll post any news I get here at Peace Arena.
Important update - change of location for OKC event:
The Saturday rally has been moved to the OKC City Hall, 200 N. Walker,
just west of the County Courthouse, or just east of the police
station.
Original post:
Just got a notice of the Oklahoma City event in solidarity with the countrywide Join the Impact! No on Prop 8 action this Saturday. I am so bummed that this is taking place at the same time as the Peace Fest (no one’s fault, this is a nationally coordinated action that just got born, and the Peace Fest is an annual event on the 2nd weekend in Nov.)
But for those in OKC not already committed to a table at the Peace Fest like I am, YOU can — and should — attend both events. Because we’re lucky, considering our politics in this state, to have activists organizing in our midst. Show your support and keep the progressive agenda moving forward.
Hello all!
I thought I’d update everyone on what has been accomplished so far. Today, I went to the Division of Traffic Management and got our permit, so we’re official now! The rally will be taking place on the steps of the Capitol Building on N.E. 21st ST. and Lincoln Blvd.
NEEDS:
Someone that has and can set up a public address system.
Someone to lead group songs (National Anthem, We Shall Overcome, etc)
Speakers. Young and old. Be a voice that is recorded in the history books.
Signs…make an extra one for those who may need it. Spanish language signs would be an excellent addition.
Photographers and videographers. Help record this historical event.
Carpooling – Anyone willing to meet at a central location and share rides. Fill your cars people. Meet at Angles parking lot beginning at 11:30 am and head to the Capitol at noon. Sign your car up.
I would like to have a sign and banner making meeting before the rally, perhaps on Friday. If anyone can volunteer or recommend a time and place, it would be greatly appreciated!
Get the word out – Text message all your friends. Mass email. MySpace bulletins. Put signs up announcing the gathering. Be inventive.
Bring your flags and your signs and your spirit. Oh and a jacket, because it’s going to be chilly.
Here are some tips that were offered by the Equal Rights March:
1. Read these links regarding the right to protest.http://www.aclunc.org/issues/freedom_of_press_and_speech/demonstrators_and_the_constitution_a_legal_overview.shtml
http://www.nyclu.org/node/1047
2. After reading this information, you should understand that you may be required to have a permit for the protest you are planning. Contact your local government to determine the local procedures and if necessary obtain a permit.
3. If you have problems with your local government contact your local ACLU affiliate (http://www.aclu.org/affiliates/index..htm) or the National Lawyers Guild (http://www.nlg.org). If you are having trouble finding a local lawyer contact Gill Sperlein at sperlein@aol.com 415-378-2625.
4. Keep in mind: You will have fewer problems if you are at a classic protest forum like the steps of City Hall. Avoid blocking the streets. Avoid going on private property. You may want to have a couple of people serve as witnesses. These folks should take video, photos or notes and should not be involved in any activity that would lead to their own arrest.
Protest Tips:You are welcome to bring signs, but make sure the sticks for picket signs are no thicker than 1/4 inch.
This is a peaceful protest. We want a spread a message of love, not war! There are likely to be anti-gay demonstrators we have to remember to not sink to their level!!
The backlash against the Proposition 8 campaign in California has only just begun. Americablog and Pam’s House Blend are two blogs that are keeping up with the fast moving story. Protests, petitions and boycotts are underway, including major organizing through Facebook and Twitter. This Saturday, cities across the country will have demostrations in solidarity. Andrew Sullivan called this new movement “Stonewall 4.0“.
Oklahoma cities OKC, Tulsa and Stillwater will also be participating in “Join the Impact” demos this Saturday (note that in OKC this event conflicts with the annual Peace Festival at the Civic Center Music Hall).
Earlier today, the director of a musical theater in California stepped down when it was discovered that he contributed to the Mormon Church’s support for the anti-gay legislation.
Contributors are being uncovered through legal means — donations to such political campaigns are tracked just like for candidates. The latest find: The CEO of Cinemark Theatres — with facilities throughout the US and the world — gave $9,999 for the promotion of hatred, injustice and bigotry.
People certainly have the right to make such donations. But those who are at the receiving end of their actions also have rights, and they are going to use those rights to demand full equality under the law.
Here are the Cinemark locations in Oklahoma if you care to avoid them:
Cinemark Theaters in Oklahoma
Ada
- Cinemark North Hills Cinema 6 (1106 North Hills Shopping Centre)Broken Arrow
- Cinemark Cinema 8 (3812 S Elm Pl)Oklahoma City
- Cinemark Tinseltown (6001 Martin Luther King Blvd.)Tulsa
- Cinemark Movies 8 (6808 S. Memorial)
- Cinemark Tulsa (10802 E 71st St South)
- Cinemark IMAX® Theatre (10802 E 71st St South)
In 1963 (a year after Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), she testified before the UN and asked them to intervene, give black South Africans rights in their own country, release political prisoners. The UN did nothing and for her trouble, the white minority government stripped her of her South African citizenship.
She finally went back to South Africa after Nelson Mandela became its president. But by that time she was a citizen of the world. She contributed a huge talent to the universe and lived to see South Africa a democracy, Mandela free, and even the son of a Kenyan elected president of the United States.
According to reports, she fought for good causes until the very end, dying from a heart attack earlier today just minutes after performing her signature Pata Pata in Italy on behalf of a writer whose work exposed the mafia-like Camorra.
I’m not a big music buff, but the only singer I’ve heard who has anywhere near the chops of Makeba is Laura Love.
There are lots of YouTubes of Makeba from her long career, but I found many of them had less than acceptable audio. This shows a retrospective of album covers and still photos.
The good folks at Service Employees International are at the forefront to make serious health care reform a top priority in the new Obama administration.
Dear Friend,
Throughout the Presidential campaign Barack Obama made health care a priority. Now that we’ve voted, the work begins to keep health care on the map. I just pledged to keep health care on the map, will you? Please make the pledge to keep health care on the map in 2009.
http://action.seiu.org/healthcaremap/
Every advocacy group is reveling in the results of the election, looking forward to working in a world and in an administration where reason and civility and reality are at the fore. In the previous post, I excerpted a number of the messages they have sent to supporters with a call for renewed energy and action.
But only Michael Moore captured the entire symphony of the moment, from giddiness to prayerful awe, recalling our progressive history and evoking the prospect of a new joyful community of democratic citizens where science and art are embraced and supported.
It’s like a dream come true, and while Mike says “pinch me” I do not want to wake from this particular dream.
Pinch Me …a message from Michael Moore
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
Friends,
Who among us is not at a loss for words? Tears pour out. Tears of joy. Tears of relief. A stunning, whopping landslide of hope in a time of deep despair.
In a nation that was founded on genocide and then built on the backs of slaves, it was an unexpected moment, shocking in its simplicity: Barack Obama, a good man, a black man, said he would bring change to Washington, and the majority of the country liked that idea. The racists were present throughout the campaign and in the voting booth. But they are no longer the majority, and we will see their flame of hate fizzle out in our lifetime.
There was another important “first” last night. Never before in our history has an avowed anti-war candidate been elected president during a time of war. I hope President-elect Obama remembers that as he considers expanding the war in Afghanistan. The faith we now have will be lost if he forgets the main issue on which he beat his fellow Dems in the primaries and then a great war hero in the general election: The people of America are tired of war. Sick and tired. And their voice was loud and clear yesterday.
It’s been an inexcusable 44 years since a Democrat running for president has received even just 51% of the vote. That’s because most Americans haven’t really liked the Democrats. They see them as rarely having the guts to get the job done or stand up for the working people they say they support. Well, here’s their chance. It has been handed to them, via the voting public, in the form of a man who is not a party hack, not a set-for-life Beltway bureaucrat. Will he now become one of them, or will he force them to be more like him? We pray for the latter.
But today we celebrate this triumph of decency over personal attack, of peace over war, of intelligence over a belief that Adam and Eve rode around on dinosaurs just 6,000 years ago. What will it be like to have a smart president? Science, banished for eight years, will return. Imagine supporting our country’s greatest minds as they seek to cure illness, discover new forms of energy, and work to save the planet. I know, pinch me.
We may, just possibly, also see a time of refreshing openness, enlightenment and creativity. The arts and the artists will not be seen as the enemy. Perhaps art will be explored in order to discover the greater truths. When FDR was ushered in with his landslide in 1932, what followed was Frank Capra and Preston Sturgis, Woody Guthrie and John Steinbeck, Dorothea Lange and Orson Welles. All week long I have been inundated with media asking me, “gee, Mike, what will you do now that Bush is gone?” Are they kidding? What will it be like to work and create in an environment that nurtures and supports film and the arts, science and invention, and the freedom to be whatever you want to be? Watch a thousand flowers bloom! We’ve entered a new era, and if I could sum up our collective first thought of this new era, it is this: Anything Is Possible.
An African American has been elected President of the United States! Anything is possible! We can wrestle our economy out of the hands of the reckless rich and return it to the people. Anything is possible! Every citizen can be guaranteed health care. Anything is possible! We can stop melting the polar ice caps. Anything is possible! Those who have committed war crimes will be brought to justice. Anything is possible.
We really don’t have much time. There is big work to do. But this is the week for all of us to revel in this great moment. Be humble about it. Do not treat the Republicans in your life the way they have treated you the past eight years. Show them the grace and goodness that Barack Obama exuded throughout the campaign. Though called every name in the book, he refused to lower himself to the gutter and sling the mud back. Can we follow his example? I know, it will be hard.
I want to thank everyone who gave of their time and resources to make this victory happen. It’s been a long road, and huge damage has been done to this great country, not to mention to many of you who have lost your jobs, gone bankrupt from medical bills, or suffered through a loved one being shipped off to Iraq. We will now work to repair this damage, and it won’t be easy.
But what a way to start! Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States. Wow. Seriously, wow.
Yours,
Michael Moore
