The facts about Same-Sex Marriage in Maryland

Protestors in Annapolis. Photo courtesy of WBAL.

Things are heating up in Annapolis now. Legislation on redefining marriage within the state of Maryland is making its way through the General Assembly from both sides. The Senate peacefully passed its version of the bill (SB 116) with amendments by a narrow 25-22 vote on Thursday, February 24. This was 1 more than the 24 votes it needed to pass the bill. Now the bill is making its way through the House. There was a hearing on the bill in the House Judiciary committee last Friday, which had a not-surprisingly heavy turn-out. Delegates debated various amendments on March 9 on the floor. Next step? The Big Vote.

In its original form, this legislation would redefine the definition of marriage as it is stated in the state’s constitution under Maryland Family Law, Section 2-201, which says that “only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid in the state.” Amendments were debated during the second reading of the bill, which took place on Wednesday on the House floor. These included provisions that would protect teachers and families from being forced to participate in education within public school systems on the basis of religious beliefs. There was one amendment that proposed changing the name of the bill from “The Civil Marriage Protection Act” to “Same Sex Marriage” Finally, there was an amendment that would have made the passage of the bill contingent on the passage of another bill still in committee (HB 963). However, none of the proposed amendments were successful.

Although this bill has been pushed rather quickly through both chambers, the bill’s progress was put on a hold in the House Judiciary Committee as two Democratic delegates, who co-sponsored the bill and were believed to be strong supporters, refused to vote in Tuesday’s committee meeting. This brought progress to a screeching halt, particularly shocking those who were hoping to see it passed as quickly and easily in the House as it had in the Senate. Delegates Carter (D-Baltimore) and Alston (D-Prince George’s) did not show up to the voting session, meaning they could not commence voting on the legislation. Delegate Carter, who says she still supports same-sex marriage, is hoping that by doing this, she will bring attention to two of her bills which she says are of equal if not more importance. Delegate Alston admits to having second thoughts despite co-sponsoring the bill, explaining that she needed more time to pray about how she will ultimately vote. Even Delegate Stukes has withdrawn his support, saying that he had been under the impression that the legislation would allow civil unions, not marriage.

The debate is heated on this legislation.

When it comes to arguments for the bill, proponents took a bleeding-heart approach in their testimonies, advocating that it was time to extend “rights” to all Marylanders and the need to stand up for and recognize love. As the primary sponsor of HB 55, Delegate Luiz Simmons argued during the hearing that there is no evidence that marriage for same-sex couples would diminish the institution of marriage or of procreation. In response to arguments that God does not approve of same-sex relationships, he inanely stated “God has not signed the witness list.” Other panelists, who included openly gay Delegates Heather Mizeur and Anne Kaiser, along with other supportive legislators and citizens, made the argument that simply creating civil unions in the state would ultimately create a second-class citizen status for homosexuals. Senator Raskin, in a written statement, said that it is a “fundamental wrong” not to provide the fundamental right of marriage to all Marylanders.

On the other hand, opponents of HB 55 and SB 116 took a traditional stand, arguing for the same sentiments that guided the founders. Delegate Don Dwyer, the most publicly staunch opponent of the bill among Republican legislators in the House, bravely and poignantly opened his testimony in prayer. The arguments against the bill ultimately say that this is not a civil rights issue; marriage is a religious institution recognized by the state, and it is not up to the legislators to attempt to re-define it. They also argue that allowing same-sex marriage would alter and harm our society because marriage is for the purpose of creating new life, and children need both a mother and a father. Multiple former homosexuals even protested that the gay lifestyle is unhealthy and dangerous based on their personal experiences. They claimed that homosexuals are simply rebelling against moral foundations while forcing legislators and Americans in general to embrace their lifestyle lest they be deemed bigots or old-fashioned.

This is not an easy issue and cannot be taken lightly. So many peoples’ lives are involved and affected directly by the results of this legislation. Not only will it affect the institution of marriage within this state, but it will also make a serious impact on the economy, the social structure, and the education system to which we are accustomed. The Delegates in Annapolis are likely to vote on this issue by the end of this week. Many predict that it will pass the House and that it is highly likely that it will end up in referendum for the people to decide. Whatever happens, this issue is without a doubt the most crucial and dominant piece of legislation to be introduced in the 2011 session.

Baltimore County Night in Annapolis

Every year our legislators invite county Republicans down to the state capital for a chance to meet and chat with the who’s who of conservative Annapolis politics. 

This year’s reception will occur this coming Monday night from 6-8 pm in Rm 170 of the State House of Representatives building. 

This is a great opportunity to see how your government works.  You can tour the State House, see where sessions take place, meet with delegates and senators, and enjoy some very yummy food.  It’s well worth the trip.

For those of you wishing to carpool, contact Augie.  He has space for five and will be leaving the Catonsville area around 5:00 pm.

If you’re looking to drive on your own, you can either park at the Navy Stadium and take the shuttle over to the House building or you can park in a garage and walk over.  We hear Gotts Court garage is by far the cheapest.

We hope to see you there.  Seriously, don’t miss this great opportunity.

For Baltimore County Republican Central Committee members, a meeting will follow the reception. 

Let the Maryland conservative grassroots movement begin!

Don Irvine, Chairman of Accuracy in Media

Maryland Young Americans for Freedom hosted a meeting on Saturday at the Stained Glass Pub in Glenmont where YAF affiliates from national and local conservative groups met to discuss the future of Maryland and the importance of grassroots movements like ours.

Key speakers during the meeting included Don Irvine, Chairman of Accuracy in Media and Accuracy in Academia; Brendan Madigan, former Conservative Republican candidate for Comptroller in 2010; Sam Hale, candidate for Maryland State Chair; Jordan Marks, Executive Director of Young Americans for Freedom; and Tonya Tiffany, who spoke to us about the Maryland Conservative Action Network.

Young Americans for Freedom celebrated its 50^th birthday this

YAF MD State Chair Adam Cassandra

year, but it is just getting started in Maryland. YAF State Chair Adam Cassandra spoke about the future of YAF in Maryland, and how we are really working on starting chapters in both high school and college campuses. We are in the midst of starting our own chapter at UMBC and are looking forward to providing students on our liberally-drenched campus with an outlet for their conservative opinions.

Part of the grassroots conservative effort has to do with communication. It is crucial for different groups to have some sort of unity in order to spread the word. Tonya Tiffany brought our attention to the Maryland Conservative Action Network, which provides the opportunity for different groups to coordinate ideas and events in order to get the information and ideas to everyone in the most effective way. There is an Inaugural Conference event on January 8^th at the Doubletree Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland, from 9:00am – 5:00pm during which Charles Lollar and numerous other outstanding conservative figures will be speaking about this wonderful opportunity. Please register ahead of time for $40 in order to guarantee a spot. Otherwise, it is $50 at the door. More information can be found at the MD CAN blog: http://mdcan.wordpress.com/.

Jordan Marks, Executive Director of YAF

It can often be discouraging to be anything other than a Democrat or liberal in this deep-blue state in which it is nearly impossible to get a Republican elected, which was seen all-too-clearly in the 2010 elections. That is why Maryland needs this grassroots conservative movement to motivate citizens on principle and progress on the foundations that make this country great. Jordan Marks, Executive Director of Young Americans for Freedom, stated his desires, which are certainly shared by everyone by conservative Marylanders everywhere: “I would love to see Maryland get taken over from the bottom.” This is the epitome of grassroots, and it all starts with you and me.

What about “Young Americans for Freedom”?

It’s no secret that the state of Maryland is the deepest of blues as far as political parties are concerned. For this reason, it is nearly impossible to have any red candidates elected in the metropolitan area and surrounding, which is where 2/3rds of the state’s population is located.

That is why there is such a need for the strong presence of Young Americans for Freedom within this state, particularly on college campuses. There is a certain stigma associated with the name “Republican,” causing people to turn away from it regardless of principle. Recently, this political party has lost its clout nationally, largely due to the fact that citizens in Maryland are unaware of what Republicans – or conservatives, libertarians, etc. – really stand for.

Young Americans for Freedom helps bridge this large gap while helping young people understand what they really believe. YAF’s mission is to instill in young people all over the nation the values and principles on which this nation was founded while keeping it fun and interesting. It helps to remove the focus from the two-party divide to focus on the principles that drive our decisions.

Several notable figures are involved in the founding of Young Americans for Freedom, including Barry Goldwater, Republican nominee for president in 1964, and one of the greatest and most successful conservative presidents in United States history, Ronald Reagan. These brilliant, conservative men were at the forefront of YAF, which would not be what it is today if not for them.

Currently, UMBC is working with Maryland YAF in starting our own branch in the near future. Myself along with several students, with the support of the UMBC College Republicans leadership are looking into starting our own chapter in an effort to create a larger presence of like-minded individuals who may not realize they are like-minded but really don’t want to associate with a party.

I am personally so excited to be working with this organization. Youth in Maryland will now have an outlet from which they can gather information on issues in such a way that does not have a political party attached to it. I cannot wait to see how YAF grows in this state, and what it will do to the grassroots conservative movement among college students and young professionals!

For any of you who are interested in learning more about this amazing organization can go to their website: www.yaf.com. There is also going to be a State Meeting for the Maryland YAF branch this Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 1pm at the Stained Glass Pub next to the Glenmont metro in Silver Spring. Please come if you want to learn more about how Young Americans for Freedom is looking to grow within Maryland.

Get Involved: AFP December Meeting

Yes, the election is over, but that doesn’t mean you get to drop of the face of the earth for three years.  That goes for you too, Mr. Hooe.   We have to stay fresh, educated and involved.  If you’re free on December 2, or even if you have to reschedule dinner with your Aunt Gertrude, I’d highly reccommend the trek up to Towson for this AFP Meeting.  The topic of discussion will be redistricting.  This is a huge threat state and countywide for conservatives.  As if the state isn’t blue enough, right?  Greedy, power hungry douchebags.

And if you are going, let me know.  I’d love to have someone take some notes and pictures so we can report about it here on the blog.  Unfortunately I have plans that night, so yes, I’m trying to con one of your avid readers into doing my dirty work.  Sue me.  Hey, I’d give full credit to my source.  I’m not that kind of girl, peeps.

Regardless of whether you’re willing to be my eyes and ears, just go.  The AFP are a driving force for conservatives in Maryland.

 

December Meeting

Americans for Prosperity Baltimore County

DATE: December 2nd

TIME: 7:00pm – 8:30pm

LOCATION: Towson Library

320 York Road
Towson, Maryland 21204-5179

We will be discussing re-districting!!!!

~What Maryland Congressional Districts may look like after the Governor finishes carving~

The Picture of One Party Rule!

Also; the new look of the Baltimore County Council, and our strategy of how we will inform them that we have the flame and we will be holding it to their feet. It’s time to push for full reform of the pension system and term limits. Join Us !!!

The Downward Spiral of PG County Continues

Today nine more people were arrested in PG County, three of which were police officers.   Now we have cops involved in helping to smuggle cigarettes and tobacco to evade taxes.  Is anyone else out there just scratching their heads?  What the hell is going on down there?  And can I just ask this question?  Why wait until after the election to make the sting?  Clearly the feds have been watching them for a while.  Were they just waiting for underwear and toilets  to enter the picture before they could act?

And Dems demonize us.  Interesting, really!  This type of corruption WOULD NOT HAPPEN IN A BALANCED, TWO PARTY STATE.  Sure, there’s corruption in politics even when there is representation from the other side.  It’s sad but when people believe they’re above the law, what do you expect?  We see the same sort of crap in Hollywood.  The difference is this:  there are absolutely no checks and balances in PG County.  If I were a betting woman, I’d say there’s more to this mud pit then meets the eye.  There’s probably so many people with their hands in the cookie jar of corruption, it’s not even funny.  And it wasn’t funny to begin with.  I’m not saying that there aren’t corrupt Republicans.  We’re all human and we’re all capable of doing wrong.  But I wonder (and I have not studied this scientifically) if you were to do case studies on corruption in politics, what would you find?  Would you find that it festered in places where both sides were equally represented?  My guess…not so much. Misdeeds are not fond of the light, and when you have people of differing opinions breathing down your neck, it’s a little hard to hide all those imperfections.

So why is it that places like PG County continue to vote in one stinking party?  Are they uneducated?  Are they so indebted to the Democrat party that they can’t imagine voting for anyone else?  Is it a race issue?  I really don’t think so.  Do you know why?  The people of Prince Georges and other neighboring counties had the opportunity to vote for a black congressman, a man who was running against an old, white man.  What was wrong with Charles Lollar?  It certainly wasn’t the color of his skin as I’m pretty sure that African Americans make up a large part of the vote in PG County.  No, it was because he had an R next to his name.  Same thing happened to Michael Steele in 2006.  Young, energetic black man running against a slightly older than middle aged white man and he lost.  I remember watching African American leaders referring to Steele as an Oreo, black on the outside and white on the inside.  Now, there is no mistaking.  I’m a white girl.  Can’t change that.  Had no say in that, but hearing a man like Steele be harassed because he had the gall to be black and a Republican was absolutely disgusting to me.

You can’t convince me that it’s a race issue.  It’s not.  It’s a one-party brainwashing issue.  The people of PG, Montgomery and Baltimore City have bought into a big, flipping lie.  Somehow they believe that the Dems are there saviors.  Let me ask this.  Are they better off today?  Or are they stuck in an endless cycle, always dependent on the government to survive.  Really, what have the Democrats done for them?  Seriously!  Someone please explain to me what exactly is so great about the Democratic party.  They’re no different today than when they were standing on the steps of schools in Alabama opposing the end of segregation.  They just got better at hiding their true desire to enslave those less fortunate then them.  And it’s true, they don’t discriminate.  They don’t care what your race is or your gender, your economic status or your sexual preference.  They want to enslave you all, wringing the wallets of those that have and those that work while hypnotizing the less fortunate with milk and honey.  It kind of reminds me of the Matrix.  What they don’t see won’t hurt them right?

Except we can see, and with the help of the web and free media, word spreads rather fast.  Those of us unplugged have a message to send.  Beware peeps.  Their are some mighty hungry watchdogs monitoring your every move.  A word to the wise, for those politicians up here in Baltimore County, who might be tempted to take a payback or a bribe, beware.  We’re watching.

 

Young Blood Goes Straight for the Top

Last night at the monthly PVRC meeting, Mike Esteve, current Chairman of the Maryland Federation of College Republicans, announced his candidacy for the MDGOP chairman.

This 20 year old go-getter has done more in his youth than most of us attain in years of political advocacy.  The question remains though, can he bring true leadership to an already struggling party?

I’ve known Mike personally for a while and I have to say that despite his youth, he certainly has the fortitude and guts to bring about much needed change in this state.  Of course, even Mike understands what he’s up against.  Big names have been rumored to be throwing their hat in as well, people that have been around Maryland GOP politics for many years.  My question is this: do we need more of the same?  Will that really shake things up in this state?

Mike brings vision, youth, a squeaky clean slate, and quite frankly, balls.  He’s not ignorant or naïve though.  He is fully aware of the challenges before him.  Chances are, he’ll get clobbered in this venture.  Most people won’t even take him seriously simply because of his birthdate.  If we’re all standing around complaining about the establishment, the top down mentality, why then are we unwilling to challenge the process? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.  How will we ever truly succeed in turning Maryland a shade of purple if we’re unwilling to try new things? If we’re unwilling to challenge the status quot? If we’re unwilling to take risks?

I get that there’s a pecking order, but who’s to say we can’t challenge it.  For a 20 year old, Mike has an impressive resume including working on several campaigns, as well as single handedly organizing the tea party in Baltimore.  What he lacks in birthdays, he makes up for in vision.

Last night as he spoke we could all feel the energy welling up within us.  We could see the path ahead and though the terrain was rough and unchartered, you got the sense that no one seemed to care.  They were willing to follow where ever this man would lead.  And that’s saying a lot considering the room was filled with people who were just beginning to peak out from under their post-election hiding places.

I challenge you to this: Don’t judge a book for it’s shiny new cover.  Maybe it’s time we buy a book that doesn’t have a weak spine, loose binding, or missing pages.  Maybe it’s time to reestablish the establishment.  Just a few minor thoughts.

Spending Money in Likeminded Places

Wow, how I’ve missed just sitting on my couch spouting off about whatever happens to blow through my mind.  You can tell campaign season is ramping up because I can barely find time to breathe, much less write.  However, an idea did creep in this morning, and I can’t seem to get it out of my head, so I thought I’d share.

Many times, we talk about supporting local businesses who support us, but do we really know which businesses are Out and Right?  I know of a few, but it might actually be easier to pick out a Left-leaning business than one that is conservative at the core.  In the last Gubernatorial election, several local businesses agreed to put up Ehrlich signs just to be badgered into taking them down.  I don’t remember anyone taking down an O’Malley sign.  I’m guessing we’re just too good a people, right?

Maybe we should be the advocates for conservative businesses.  My guess is that there are far more of us than them.  I’d like to highlight a business or two a week, who consents of course.  Maybe they’ll even offer up a gift card or two for me to give away on the blog.  What do you think?  If you own a local business, are a conservative, and want to be spotlighted for our readers, just send me at email at Hillary@ElectWhisler.com!  I’ll post them on a first come, first serve basis.  Of course, I may have to come check out your business, especially if you’re a restaurant.  What?  I like to try new things.  If you know a business owner that could benefit from this, please let them know.

Back in the Groove

Wow, I don’t know about you, but the holidays took me out.  Don’t get my wrong, it’s, by far, my favorite time of year, but in the wake of it, I’m flat out pooped.  Tomorrow, I begin my road back to normalcy, but before I do, I thought I’d take a trek down an all too familiar path…the dreaded and mostly unattainable New Year’s resolutions.

To create a true list would require me to sit down and reflect, which, quite frankly, takes time.  With three kids under 5 and several part-time unpaid career paths that add up to more than one full time gig, I have no time for self actualization.  So I’ll just take a moment and throw out a few things I’m like to accomplish this year.

1) Help put AT LEAST ONE Representative in Office who represents my beliefs.  Currently, there are none.  Of course, I’d love to get in 4, Steve Whisler, Augie (yes, it’s just Augie now), Al Nalley, and Bob Ehrlich, but believe I’ll settle for one…any of them will do.

2) Write at least one op-ed (AKA rant) a week.  I’ve noticed in the past month or so, I’ve been slacking in the sarcastic tirade’s department.  Without an outlet, my pent up frustration will inevitably filter down to my unsuspecting husband and my potato masher.  Believe me, he prefers I let it out here.

3) Attend at least one rally this year.  Can I just say how hard it is for me to post all of these protests and rallys to the blog knowing I can’t attend.  So, my goal is to pick one, find a babysitter, and go.  Any suggestions as to which one I should choose?  There are just so many.

4) Find someone who loves kids and would like to watch mine for free so I can gallivant around to events, such as Happy Hour, fundraisers, kick-offs, and Target (oops, did I shamelessly throw in something apolitical?).

5) Convince at least 2 (maybe 3) young mom’s to crossover into the wonderful world of local politics.  I’m telling you, what goes on in the County Council and the State Legislature affect our day to day lives more than anything done on the National Level (at least for now).

Well, there they are, 5 New Year’s Desires.  I’m not going to call them Resolutions, because they aren’t that thought out, but if anyone would ask me why I chose to dive into the muck that is politics, I’d list the five things above.  Of course I’d reword the babysitting one and say something like, “To spend some time with grown ups.”

What’s on your “Desire” List for 2010?