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Growing up in the Yakima Valley, I often heard discussions---passionate at times, about the possibility of the central and eastern part of the state succeeding from Washington, forming a new state and the people I grew up around would have called the new state, "Lincoln". Most of those folks are dead now, but I still hear the idea from time to time.
There are a number of issues that define the difference between the east and the west, none more poignant today than the expansion of homosexual domestic partnerships---"the bridge to homosexual marriage," according to Rep. Jamie Pederson.
The Seattle Times has written an article titled, "Gay Rights Support Stops at Cascades." I have also linked the map of the state which shows voting county by county. It is very revealing.
The Tacoma News Tribune said this morning, in reporting the defeat of homosexual marriage in Maine, "There, but for the grace of King County, would have followed Referendum 71."
Ten counties, all in the Puget Sound area, are providing the vote count lead to approve SB 5688, while the other 29 counties are rejecting it. King County is King.
Nationally, the City of Seattle is very near the top in homosexual population. The Seattle Metro Area (Puget Sound) is also very near the top of all cities and metro areas in the country.
Here are some demographic stats, some personal thoughts and a few initial action items for Faith and Freedom Network and Foundation.
First, Wikipedia gives the following demographics:
*12.9% of the City of Seattle is homosexual , second only to San Francisco.
*Seattle is second, nationally, only to San Francisco, in the number of homosexuals living in the city.
*Seattle Metro area (Puget Sound) is second only to San Francisco in both percentage---6.5% and number of homosexuals---154,835.
While most all newspapers in the state strongly and actively supported---including selective reporting at times, SB 5688, the papers in eastern Washington certainly do not reflect the views of their readers. Both the Spokesman Review in Spokane and the Yakima Herald -Republic strongly supported "the bridge to marriage," yet look at how the counties voted.
A great amount of money was given from the metro area, including $100,000 from Microsoft, $73,500 from the Human Rights Campaign, $32,000 from the ACLU and $32,000 from the National Education Association (NEA).
Equal Rights Washington, the state's leading homosexual advocacy group, says they will be opening an office in Spokane to now focus their efforts east of the mountains. Josh Friedes, the director, says they will be identifying areas where they "can make progress."
Some thoughts.
They are right. Education makes a difference---even if it is misinformation. Or even a lie. In fact an ancient prophet has written that, "God's people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
Postmodernism has given us "many truths".
If the present vote count continues as it is, and I have not yet personally conceded that it will, Washington will have crossed the threshold of redefining marriage and the family. If homosexuals restrain themselves, it may be a year or so before the first lawsuit is filed. It will go something like this: The state has given me "everything but marriage," but is denying me the name "marriage". I am being discriminated against because I am homosexual. The suit will not be primarily about marriage, but discrimination. I doubt they will wait. And I doubt they will lose the litigation, because the approval of SB 5688---which is, remember, "not" about marriage, will be the basis for their litigation. No SB 5688, no legal position for the suit. The state DOMA will become irrelevant.
The homosexual marriage issue will certainly be revisited, however, while preparing for that eventuality, it is absolutely necessary to systematically educate the public.
Good news and action items:
Upwards of 200,000 people have been identified as willing to take a stand for natural marriage and the family. And are willing to remain active to defend these deeply held beliefs. We are much stronger today, than we were when we began discussion and prayer as to how we should respond to SB 5688 early this past spring.
Not only is our grassroots network greatly expanded, but there is a better understanding among people of faith and social conservatives as to what the battle looks and feels like.
The fury of the press was not unexpected. We treated them with respect, although that was often not reciprocated. And we will continue to do so.
The relentless public attempt to undermine R-71 from within the faith community was not expected. We knew there would be those who would not support our efforts, but had no idea it would be taken to that level. We have learned from that experience.
We are moving forward with a much broader, wiser and deeper base than when we began.
We are now developing a specific program to further expand the faith based network and begin an organized state wide educational program---county by county and community by community.
We will be considerably more active and more visible during the upcoming 2010 Legislative session.
We are making plans to help elect new law makers who will support those beliefs that are important to people of faith and social conservatives. There are some vulnerable seats and we will be targeting them in the future.
Many of you have financially supported Faith and Freedom for a number of years, some have begun more recently. Thank you for standing with us.
Going forward, your financial support will be even more important and necessary.
All donations to our educational outreach are tax deductible. And your name is not required to be disclosed on our annual report to the IRS. Unlike the PAC which is used for direct advocacy of candidates or referenda and initiatives.
We are substantially increasing our educational programs. I realize we are sometimes more inspired to give in a crises or campaign, however, the future lies in getting our message to people in meaningful and understandable ways. With our expanded network in place, it is the time to move forward.
I am not tired, weary or discouraged in any way, but thank you for the encouraging emails. They mean a great deal to me personally. I believe God has called me to this and I believe He will guide us and provide the necessary funding.
Please consider a tax deductible donation to Faith and Freedom Foundation.
Thank you and God bless you.
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Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom
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