Dear Readers (and now I know you are out there),

I am posting an email Angie sent out today. Angie is my lawfully wedded spouse (at least until Tuesday) and the love of my life (for always). Push is coming to shove about Prop. 8: the yessers have been caught blackmailing businesses, lying, and shouting hate speech at gay men and lesbians. This is no longer “only” a civil rights issue; it is also going to have a big impact on the acceptance or rejection of violence, prejudice and externalized hatred of a group of people. Yes, it is a group of people to which I–along with many of my loved ones–belong. I take it personally when a stranger tells me to find God and a man because I am depraved. I take it personally when I hear that Pro-8 protesters were shouting, “dyke” and “fag” to passersby at the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, CA. But I hope you take it personally, too. Because, as the pastor said, if you don’t speak up when they are coming for us, who will be left to speak up when they are coming for you?

On a somewhat lighter note, Angie is offering Limericks for donations to No on 8. Here is her email:

As most of you know, I’m  not a big sender outer of mass emails. And I’m
even less a big sender outer of requests, especially for money. Today, for
selfish and unselfish reasons, I’m taking a step outside of my normal chill
and let chill attitude and asking you for help. And I’m a little sweaty
doing it, so bear with me.

Obviously, I’m opposed to Proposition 8. You’ve probably already heard about
the blackmailing of businesses in San Diego, the lies in the television ads,
the number of community leaders, politicians and celebrities that oppose
this amendment to the California constitution. And maybe, if you’re in
California, you voted or plan to vote against the proposition. If you did or
will, thank you.  MoveOn.org has just posted a $3 million goal just to MATCH
the funding our opposition currently has going into this high visibility
weekend.

So, I’ll make you a deal. Donate to http://noon8.org. Or
http://www.eqca.org. Talk to your friends about supporting gay and lesbian
families in California, even if you don’t live here.

In return, not only will you have the warm fuzzy feeling you get from being
on the right side of history, I will personally write anyone who donates $25
or more a limerick. If you donate $100, I’ll even make it funny. Topic of
your choice. Of course,I have no way of knowing if you donated, you just let
me know. Send me an email that says “Gimme a Limerick, Lady!” or “This had
better be funny” in the subject line. Heck, if you’d prefer a short video on
the sexy parts of plants, I can arrange it. [Note from Ed.: I have linked to my contact and will forward responses to Angie. You may also comment on this blog to receive your Limerick.]

Thank you for your help in this crazy time and I hope everyone has a great
election weekend. And feel free to pass this offer on to anyone you know.

Angie

Next blog we’ll get back to craft with thoughts on late-life genius and cranking out a novel fast . . . For more information on my online course that starts NOW, and other writing insights, go to http://www.elizabethstark.com Thanks! Elizabeth