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unplug

unplug magazine asks you to unplug from your current modes of thought and look at life in a new way, whether this means unplugging from our toxic consumer culture, mainstream society, the tv, or a limiting mindset. author megan prusynski explores life's alternatives and discusses activism, progressive thinking, and moving towards a "green" & sustainable life.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Fight the H8! Nationwide Protests 11/15

The election was a bittersweet one for many progressive Californians like myself, since we elected the first African-American president and banned gay marriage all in one fell swoop. We're still trying to figure out how that happened. Gay marriage bans were also passed in Florida, Arkansas, and Arizona. The passage of these bans was a serious blow to equality and justice in this country. I am still in shock that Proposition 8 passed in California. I thought one of the most progressive states in the nation would know better. Unfortunately, the Mormon Church was behind the Yes on Prop 8 crowd, and funded a huge advertising blitz in the last weeks of the election.

Even though these measures passed, the fight for equal marriage rights continues. You can get involved by participating in the November 15th protest against hate. Here's a rallying cry from Join the Impact:

Let's move as one full unit, on the same day, at the same hour, and let's show the United States of America that we too are UNITED CITIZENS EQAUL IN MIND, BODY, SPIRIT AND DESERVING OF FULL EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW!

On the steps of your City Hall on November 15th at 10:30am PST / 1:30pm EST, our community WILL take to the streets and speak out against Proposition 8 and all of the other pro-equality losses that we have faced in our lifetimes, in our parents' lifetimes, and for many generations before us.

Find a protest in your area today, and fight the H8! You can sign a petition seeking to repeal Proposition 8 here.

Labels: activism, human rights, news/current events, politics

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Change Has a Chance!

What a historic, amazing election. I have never been prouder to be an American. We finally elected an African-American president, Bush and company will soon be history, and change will finally be possible. It's about time this election madness was over, and I'm glad there was a good outcome.

The election also brought a great victory for animals here in California - Proposition 2 passed! This historic ballot measure will make the cruel gestation crates, battery cages, and veal crates used by California's factory farms a thing of the past. The lives of 20 million farm animals will be improved in this great step in the right direction. Another victory for animals happened in Massachusetts, where greyhound racing was banned. Animals everywhere thank voters supporting these measures, and it looks like Obama will be a great advocate for animals as president.

California may have improved things for animals, but it's still uncertain whether things will improve for same-sex couples. Proposition 8, which makes a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman, narrowly passed. Opponents of the proposition are still hoping that when all votes are counted, things will turn around. I sure hope they're right. What a blow to equality and human rights. I guess the fight continues!

Hopefully Obama will make good on his promises to bring much-needed change to this country. I am definitely counting down the days until January 20th when we can finally have a changing of the guard. It has been wonderful to be a part of this historic process, now, viva la revolution!

Labels: animal rights, news/current events, politics