Comments on: RE 2010 Update: Eugene Hedlund New Campaign Manager; John Henning Bye Bye

By: @RobertStGenis

@RobertStGenis — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:26:13 +0000

Proposition 8 passage was a stab in the heart to so many of us. The Supreme Court allowing it to be written in to our constitution is almost unconciousable. Unfortunately, our state has a governing process that allows the free will of the people perhaps too much voice in the process. That is a different campaign to address.

It is most unfortunate that so many, including many whom I greatly respect and have worked with over time, are believing there is any reason why we should wait for our rights to be restored. This shows an apathy that often is discouraging in our community in California. Let us all step up to the plate and move this forward. Determination and persistence will be the answer to our achieving our equality permenantly.

By: John L

John L — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:12:58 +0000

I am under no illusion that this is a difficult task – Truth be told, it is not so easy getting any ballot qualified even if you have the money – easier yes, but money isn't always the determining factor (That's not to say it doesn't help though). I am ready for marriage equality today, 2010, 2012 – which ever is sooner. So I will continue to gather signatures. We should support anyone who honestly is supporting the cause. I just don't want to say in the future "It's too bad I didn't do all I could." I say this about my effort on Prop 8 the first time around. Never again!

By: lovelylesbo

lovelylesbo — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:40:27 +0000

wow, there's still a chance for 2010? That's wonderful!

Thanks for posting the website – I'll help with whatever they need to get this going.

I can't believe anyone would want to wait until 2012 to get our rights back – LGBT stand up and demand our rights!

By: Tweets that mention RE 2010 Gets New Campaign Director Eugene Hedlund | RENWL -- Topsy.com

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:19:37 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by renwl.org, renwl.org and Lisa Kove, John Patmos. John Patmos said: RT @renwl: Blogged: RE 2010 Update: Eugene Hedlund New Campaign Manager; John Henning Bye Bye http://goo.gl/fb/E2TP [...]

By: Eric Ross

Eric Ross — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:15:24 +0000

In regards to the number of volunteers that showed up, we actually had record numbers in San Diego, and pretty big numbers in LA. Unfortunately there was bad weather (I’m sure everyone reading this is well aware of the storm that hit California all of last week) that kept a lot of people showing up on that specific day; however volunteer interest has been growing significantly over the last few weeks and we already have a lot of commitments for February 6th. The huge turnouts in some of the main regions of the state last weekend are very promising. A straight friend of mine put it pretty bluntly to me. He said, “Do you think you should be equal? Or do you think you should be equal in 2 years?” Every day that goes by is another day that we allow discrimination in the constitution. For anyone that truly believes in equality and wants to do something to achieve it, join the statewide event on February 6th. You can get more information about the event by signing for the email list on http://www.RestoreEquality2010.com. I’ll be out on the streets and I hope you all will be there with me because we’re stronger when we stand together.

By: anon

anon — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:07:59 +0000

Unless a Daddy or Mommy Warbucks shows up and forks over at least several hundred thousand dollars to get paid signature-gathering going (and we're talking $2 a signature starting Feb. 1 – goes up 50 cents a sig as each month passes) within the next few weeks, there is no way 2010 is going to happen. It's rumored that Henning and others have been approaching large donors and have been flatly turned down. Jim Neal did do some matching funds for RE 2010, but it's peanuts compared to what's needed. There was a statewide signature-gathering event last weekend, but I hear that the turnout was nowhere near what's needed. There's another statewide event scheduled for Feb. 6, and I think the same result will be the ultimate writing on the wall.

I feel very sorry for the very earnest, well-intended and convicted people who were working on this effort. I'm afraid that it's going to get ugly in the next few weeks as the reality sets in and the blame game begins – and there's blame to go 'round on this failing effort at all levels.

Be clear: RE 2010's grassroots organizing structure was the result Steve Hildebrand and the Courage Campaign suggesting the election of an IAG and the creation of a statewide structure last summer in Los Angeles. Courage offered no feedback on the plans that were made in San Francisco last August (I hear Rick Jacobs was too busy having a late lunch in San Francisco's Financial District to stay for the entire meeting), leaving these well-meaning, but inexperienced people to flail-fail. The real story here is that this efforts failure is indicative of Courage's methodology for field organizing not quite living up to their slick branding. Scratch beneath the surface, and there's no "there" there. How's that for leadership?