Historic, For All The Right Reasons

A proud day

I am so proud to be a New Yorker today that I could bust.  We have a great governor in David Paterson and I am excited to support his efforts in our state.  Thank you, Governor, and thank you, Pam.  Finding his words here on my favorite blog is like that happy incident of two great things coming together that created the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.  Too much to love.  My best and my thanks to you both for the great work you do!

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by: ChlorineX @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 13:59:35 PM CST

Thank you

It's good to be here at PHB.

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:39:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I second every word and line

except for the one about the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. I reiterate, however, that I fully support the sentiment otherwise. Thank you!

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by: avocado @ Thu Nov 06, 2008 at 20:47:36 PM CST

[ Parent ]

With all due respect, Gov. Paterson,

How can you come to an LGBT site and not acknowledge what a total failure last night was for LGBT Americans, and Sen. Obama's roll in that disaster?  Senator Obama utterly failed to take a principled stand against writing discrimination into our constitutions.  What is so optimistic about a president elect who ran on the LGBT Jim Crow ticket?  Maybe he'll change once in the White House, but on his way to getting there he did civil rights damage that can't be repaired in my lifetime.  Your failure to acknowledge this is an insult to all the LGBT Americans (if we can still be called that) hurting this morning.  What are you going to do to help insure that a President Obama finally stands firmly for equal protection of the laws, not special rights for heterosexuals?

Lurleen on Twitter

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by: Lurleen @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:00:50 PM CST

The math speaks for itself...

We should have won by a landslide.  But

In LA Obama got........... 1,845,000
In LA we got ..............1,296,000
The difference is.........451,000

Statewide the bigots got...  5,163,000
Statewide we got ......... 4,760,000
The difference is ........403,000

We lost in LA! That's hard to believe. But the reason is clear. If Obama had fought for us instead of betraying us we'd have won by the differences in LA County alone, to say noting of San Diego, Riverside, Sacramento and San Bernardino.

With Democrats like these who needs Republicans.  


The looter rich much prefer working with Democrats like Obama and the Clintons - they're greedier, they fool more people and they're able to get away with a lot more than Republicans.  

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by: donal1944 @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 16:02:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Welcome Governor

Have just signed up (thank you for the link).

"It goes on one at a time, it starts when you care to act, it starts when you do it again after they said no, it starts when you say We and know who you mean, and each day you mean one more."

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by: Louise @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:05:05 PM CST

Thank you and congratulations

Governor, thank you for reaching out to an LGBT-oriented site.  I hope this is the beginning of a dialogue where we can work together to determine how best to move forward a progressive agenda, including expanded civil rights and access to marriage.

As a former New Yorker now living in Washington State, it's great news to hear that the Democrats appear to have finally wrested control of the NY Senate.  I'm friends with Sen. Tom Duane and know how much you have been looking forward to this day.  Can you share what this change means for the prospect of same-sex marriage in NY and any general thoughts on the most effective ways we can support you and the NY Legislature to move this forward?

I'm particularly interested in this because Washington State is also in a position to move forward on gay marriage, now that Governor Gregoire has won re-election and the Democrats here have achieved 2-1 majorities in both our House and Senate.

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by: Smartypants @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:13:44 PM CST

Welcome, Governer!

Glad to have you here and look forward to your contributions....

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by: fq5757 @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:25:09 PM CST

Thank you.

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by: Governor David A Paterson @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:41:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Kudos

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for posting at the Blend Governor Patterson.

"Why Martha!  Your Sunday chapel dress!"

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by: sput @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:25:16 PM CST

I beg to differ...

Last night, Americans rejected the politics of cheap rhetoric, distracting attacks, and exclusionary patriotism in favor of honest discussion, clear priorities, and a dedication to finding real solutions.

They didn't reject the politics of cheap rhetoric when it came to the anti-gay ballots...

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by: Kamikapse @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:37:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

welcome governor!

Thank you for your wise words.  I'm looking forward to your entries.

And Pam, you got the Governor of New York to be a diarist for your blog?  Ummm....that's pretty amazing!  Congrats, and thank you for all you do!

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by: ChristopherM @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:38:33 PM CST

Welcome!

Welcome to the Blend Gov. Paterson. I'm so glad to see you here, and I hope to see you posting often. As you know, for me at least, last night was bittersweet. I'm so very glad to be a part of such an historic event; the election of the first African American to the highest office in the land. I'm also very glad to see the Democratic Party making such large gains, both in the federal as well as state elections. I think it bodes well for our future.

However, as you know, the LGBT family also suffered some major setbacks yesterday, which many here are very disappointed about, specifically the constitutional marriage bans that have passed in at least two and probably three states, as well as the ban on same sex couples adopting in one state. I hope that you can offer us hope for your state making changes in the near future on same sex rights and offer suggestions for us to help in your state as well as federally.

Again, welcome, and I hope to see you here often.

http://rainbowreflections1.blo...  

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by: Fiona @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 14:56:55 PM CST

Thanks for your leadership Governor Paterson

We've all got high hopes for NY based on the State Senate results.  It was painful to be left behind on such a great night for our country, so please help us keep moving forward.

"Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain" -- Iowa state motto

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by: Sportin' Life @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 15:15:23 PM CST

Hello, Gov. Paterson

I just signed up to be a volunteer at your website, and I wanted you to know that it was because of your post here at the blend.

Thanks for reaching out to our community after this odd election day of historic triumphs and heartbreaking setbacks.

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by: Morry @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 15:22:41 PM CST

Welcome Governor

May I send a special welcome from the transgender contributors and readers at The Blend. We really appreciate your engagement of the widely diverse readership here.

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~~Autumn~~

As if there were safety in stupidity alone.
--Henry David Thoreau

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by: Autumn Sandeen @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 15:29:50 PM CST

Welcome governor

I live next door in Quebec Canada, where gays are fully equal, same sex marriage is met with a shrug. Gay rights have been won in Canada and the country didn't fall apart.

My hope and prayer for New York state and the U.S. as a whole is for the same. Thanks for reaching out to us and I look forward to your contributions.  

"Many people say I embarrass them with my humility" - Abp Peter Akinola

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by: toujoursdan @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 15:32:37 PM CST

The US does have a long way to go.

I wish that I could have given your comment a "5".  After last night I started to believe that if the busy bodies want to change constitutions, they should be countered with a new amendment.  It should become illegal in this entire country for a majority to determine minority rights.  It didn't work well for women, African Americans, and it shouldn't be an option for same sex marriages.  To alter a slogan from your neck of the woods, "My America includes LGBTs".  

I also want to welcome Governor Paterson to PHB.  It does my heart good to see that there are fellow allies who are in positions where they can actually accomplish something positive.  Sometimes, like last night, it feels like we can't do anything to help our LBGT friends and family members.  Seeing that you are here was what I needed to see today.  Thank you.  

My America includes LGBT families.

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by: Mena @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 16:35:29 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Welcome, Governor!

I think that it's totally awesome that you're posting here!  But like others here have said, the LGBT community at large sees Barack Obama's election in a number of different lights - all simultaneously.

We know Obama will be more receptive than Bush to establishing full and equal rights for America's LGBT "citizens", but whether he will actively push for equality remains to be seen.  Most of us haven't forgotten that it was a Democrat who signed both DOMA and Don't Ask, Don't Tell into law.

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by: Jami @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 15:36:27 PM CST

Welcome Governor!

As a former resident of NY and where my family calls home we're all very proud of you.  Welcome to the Blend, and we look forward to hopefully much positive news (and exclusive Pam's House Blend updates) in the coming year with the state senate now in the hands of more progressive Democrats.  Thank you for all you've done for our fine state.

"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it." -- Thomas Jefferson

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by: Daimeon @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 16:28:32 PM CST

Welcome, Governor Paterson

I am honored to have you aboard the 'Blend.

I moved to NYC in 2006 and am thrilled to have you at the helm of my beloved new home.

Thank you so much for the unconditional support you give to all of the citizens of your state.

Julien

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by: Julien Sharp @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 16:29:48 PM CST

Welcome

Welcome Governor.  I hear such wonderful things about you from Andy Humm and Ann Northrup at Gay USA each week.  I am excited that you have a Democratic Senate to work with in NY.  That is quite an accomplishment.  Use it well!

Richard Seward in Cherokee, California

The fight for full LGBT Equality is NOT over.  Be strong and be ready to really fight!  And read my blog in your spare time! http://ravenhurst-ravenhurst.b...

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by: Dagon @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 16:39:44 PM CST

Welcome Governor Paterson

I've been following your own story with great interest. New York in your hands almost makes me wish I still lived there. I don't know how long you've been exposed to the Blend, but below are links to some of the best recent pieces I've read here and used repeatedly as references for a variety of important topics. Looking forward to your participation.

Marriage Rulings (including NY)

The "Gay Agenda"

The necessity of hate crime legislation

Scientific distortion in anti-gay propaganda   (Related: Testing the Premise: Are Gays A Threat To Children? from Box Turtle Bulletin. Also from BTB: Examining federal hate crime statistics.)

Racial Profiling

Faith and the Financial Crisis

I hope you find these as useful as I did.


____________________

Donate to Carmen's Place

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by: jackalope @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 16:48:37 PM CST

A beginning not an end

Gov. Paterson, I'm sure you realize that for some of us last night was a hard beginning.  It is clear that we have much work to do to change the hearts and minds of many, including evangelical women of color.  I'm hoping Pam and her crew can provide some leadership on this issue.  I feel pretty unequal to the task at the moment.  I just don't know where to start.  Your leadership in the mix will be valuable and appreciated.  

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by: Troy @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 17:05:17 PM CST

welcome, Governor

As a lifelong resident of a commonwealth whose voters chose recently to discriminate against me and my partner, I have been pondering relocation;  and your participation here gives me hope that New York will make a better home before long.

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by: greatwhitebear @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 17:35:27 PM CST

It's a genuine pleasure to see you here, governor

But, with all due respect

Last night, Americans rejected the politics of cheap rhetoric, distracting attacks, and exclusionary patriotism in favor of honest discussion, clear priorities, and a dedication to finding real solutions.

With respect to gay Americans they did no such thing.  If anything, they did the reverse.  And they did it with the complicity of Barack Obama.  This is hardly reason to celebrate.

I had never heard of Obama till he made his famous convention speech.  My first impression was that he was brilliant, and what the Democratic Party--and the country--needed.  I had the highest of hopes for what he would give America.  

No more.  His "God is in the mix" bullcrap--about a purely constitutional issue, not a religious one---has put the seal on it.  I expect nothing good to come of his administration for gay people and quite possibly a great deal of harm.  The parallel with the Clinton administration is impossible to escape.

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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by: QScribe @ Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 17:51:10 PM CST

Welcome Govenor Patterson,

  I think it is great that you have posted here on Pams House Blend.  I thank you for what you are doing for equality for ALL people.  The election of President Obama is something many people thought they would never see in their life time.  I agree with others here that a joyful occasion has been over shadowed by the writing of Discrimination into several state constitutions.  And it is also a historic election as it is the first time in history that Eliminating Citizens rights has been added to a Constitution.

 I am sure that if things were a bit different, the welcome you recieved here would have been more joyful.

 Thank you for what you do for Equality for ALL.

If I make sense? it was quite by accident.

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by: HappyCat @ Thu Nov 06, 2008 at 02:09:19 AM CST

Welcome and thank you

Governor Paterson...Welcome to the Blend.  I'm fairly new as a community member here myself, but I'm a long time reader of the blend, and I wanted to extend a thank you to you.  You are obviously a Governor who understands what true equality is, and willing to work with all of us to get there.  For that I thank you.  

My partner and I are currently VA residents, but if you can make marriage happen for us in NY we might just move...god knows we've talked about it enough.

Again thanks, and welcome.

Please, take it personally, because that's how I meant it.

K

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by: Tweetyrider @ Thu Nov 06, 2008 at 05:56:18 AM CST

Thank you, Governor Paterson

Another former NYC resident here.

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by: halloweenjack @ Thu Nov 06, 2008 at 11:26:58 AM CST

Thank you, Governor Paterson

And welcome!

It seems to me it was more than just a "rejection" of the last 8 years, it was a downright repudiation.

jon

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by: jonpincus @ Thu Nov 06, 2008 at 15:23:02 PM CST

Governor, I agree with your comments above...

... and look forward to your insights regarding the challenges that face our country during this historic transition in executive and legislative branches of our "we the people" government.

As a former New York resident I'll confess, Ithaca-NY is still my favorite place on earth.

Cheers.

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by: peacemonger @ Thu Nov 06, 2008 at 18:42:26 PM CST

Howdy Governor

And welcome from Texas.  Much appreciate all your good thoughts and good work on behalf of the LGBT community up there in New York.  It's fair-minded people like you in government that are making such a huge difference in the lives of queer people all across the country.  Because with every victory for equal rights, minds change, attitudes change, one by one everywhere.  And that brings us closer to the day when there really will be liberty and justice for ALL in this great land.

Like the man said, the greatness of America is that it can change, and we can perfect our union.  Now down here in the deep red states, progress is mighty slow; and believe me when I tell you it's still 1950 here in small town Texas in lots of ways.  4 out of 5 people here in my rural county just voted for McCain over Obama.  And 9 out of 10 voted two years ago for the state constitutional amendment banning all and every form of gay unions in Texas.  

So we have a long, long way to go here; I'm past the half century mark now, I dont know if I will ever see full equality here in my lifetime.  But I believe CHANGE will come one day even to my remote little town far out on the prairie.  And I'm so grateful that you and others are showing how its done, leading the way for all minorities, all Americans.  Eventually our leaders and our people here in the Lone Star State will wake up and catch up with you.  Texas won't be mired forever in its racist, homophobic past.  I have great hope now that we have a new President and a new day has begun in America.  

So thanks for all you're doing, Governor, and best wishes to you.

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by: Russ @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 14:18:43 PM CST

Thank you and welcome, Gov. Paterson

from St. Louis MO.

I am not as negative as some here, though I am still disappointed, naturally, that so many anti-gay amendments and referenda have passed nationwide.

I'd like to take some optimism from Pres.-Elect Obama. In late 2006, I didn't believe he had a chance in 2008, but was impressed by Iowa and amazed by the end of Super Tuesday. Yes, he did! And with attention to planning and to reaching people with the right message, the LGBTQIA communities may achieve more than we think we could.

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by: NancyP @ Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 01:25:40 AM CST