The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was introduced in 1994 with the goal of protecting workers from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Now, 16 years later, we are closer than ever to passing this historic legislation, but we need your help to get it done.
This week, May 17-21, is the EMERGENCY ENDA National Week of Action. Fair Wisconsin and other pro-fairness groups from across the country are taking action and urging supporters to contact their members of Congress to ask them to support an inclusive ENDA.
To contact your representative, call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202.224.3121, give the operator your zip code and asked to be connected to your Representative. When you are connected, give your name and address so they know you are a constituent. Then, express your support for ENDA, like in this statement:
“Discrimination is a real problem that affects real people and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people need basic job discrimination protections. I support the inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and urge you to support fairness and the protection of all American citizens, despite sexual orientation or gender identity. Please vote for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act”
For more information, check out endanow.com.
Current Mood:
Hey there! & 
On my soapbox
So here’s my question…
There are at least 19,000 homeless people in Detroit, by some estimates.
So here’s my question…
Why is this huge building sitting empty since the 1940′s growing moss?
Current Mood: On my soapbox
R.I.P. Senator Kennedy
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives — in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education’s promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.
In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that’s one reason he became
not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.
I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.
His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we’ve all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.
For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today — to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.
Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
Gen. Colin Powell Remarks on the Death of Senator Ted Kennedy
“I knew Senator Kennedy very, very well. He was a great legislator, marvelous representative of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and I considered him a very close friend.
I have known him for something like 46 years – if I count, properly longer, more like 47 years. And I knew him at the very beginning of his career when he first got out of the Army, and he started to run for office.
He was for the underprivileged. He was for the poor. He was for those who did not have health care. He was for the reduction and elimination of racial barriers.
And so Ted Kennedy was somebody who reached out for all of those who were not yet benefiting from the American dream. And he strongly believed that America had the potential to give all of its citizens an opportunity to lead a good quality, healthy life.”