Ellen Cohen

Volunteer to help the Ellen Cohen campaign. ellencohen.org. Ellen Cohen has a challenger in November, as I was told at The Caucus meeting this April. We need to re-elect this State Representative who respects our cherished ideals, looks out for the interests of Texas, and strives to make the local economy work for all of us.

Join them for the campaign kick-off at the chocolate bar; the in-place for political discussion unless you are not into that sort of thing. Then it is just chocolate. I believe it is the chocolate bar at Rice Village; where commerce in merchandise is joining commerce in ideas.

Re-electing Representative Ellen Cohen is an excellent idea and a worthwhile project if you want to volunteer. I have spoken to Ellen in Austin personally. She worked hard and was effective in her capacity managing and directing The Women's Shelter.

It was a heck of a drive to Austin, but worth it. You can only get so far without getting involved in politics. Also, the Redbuds were blooming. (The grow in the craggy terrain of California as well.) Also, they are purple, not red.

Ellen Cohen cares about historical accuracy in schools for our children. And if that doesn't send you to the Chocolate Bar I don't know what will. Ellen is an effective leader.

ellencohen.org/

The Caucus Endorsements

Judge, 234th District Court: Tanner Garth
http://tannergarthforjudge.com/

Judge, 270th District Court: Lee Arellano
http://www.arellanoforjudge.com/
-"If I am fortunate enough to win the primary and general election I pledge to be a fair minded and even handed jurist, using all of my experiences to assure JUSTICE FOR ALL."

Judge, 308th Family District Court: Bruce Kessler
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kessler-for-Judge/277291366158?v=info
(The above link is to Facebook)
-"Bruce Kessler is the only candidate who is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, indicating special competence in the practice of Family Law."

Judge, 311th Family District Court: Deborah Wright
(I was not able to find a link that seemed appropriate)

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2: Denise Graves
(Sorry, I am still looking for a good link)

This link is to an article in The Baytown Sun. Apparently, there were four Democrats vying for the spot for justice of the peace on the primary ballot. Now, for all of the above endorsed positions, we are in a Democratic primary runoff. Hows that for photo-finish politics?

I was honored to attend The Caucus meeting where some of these endorsements took place. Some meeting time was set aside for advocacy. For instance, we are supposed to be returning our Census forms.

The meeting I went to was held the first Wednesday of March. And you are welcome there, even if you are not a member. Memberships to The Caucus are inexpensive. Even I can afford the dues. And they do so much for the GLBT Community.

It would be easy for anyone to become a member of The Caucus and help guide this organization forward. Its easy, and, its a great place to meet GLBT-friendly candidates face to face. Plus, as I like to tell my friends, non-profits are the best place to meet nice people because they are the ones who tend to care about the community. After all, they are volunteering.

Technically, they are non-partisan, but, there are a lot of Democrats and not too many of anyone else.

Go to the Democratic convention and join one of the resolutions committees. Help guide the Democratic leadership forward. It is called democracy for a reason. And we need you to be there.

James Legare

"The race for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2 will certainly go to a Democrat, as no Republican candidates filed to run. Voters at the Democratic primary contest will effectively choose the only candidate on the ballot come November. " - The Sentinel

Sunny and cool

Sunny and cool...

That's the forecast for Saturday, and the best way to take advantage of it is to work for equality by getting out and volunteering for Annise Parker and all the Caucus's endorsed candidates! RSVP at info@thecaucus.org or come to the Caucus office at 10 a.m. at 1915 Commonwealth. We'll be talking to voters and making sure they get to the polls.

Make sure you use this great weekend for a great cause. Sign up to volunteer for any time until Election Day here.

Houston GLBT Political Caucus
Mailing: PO Box 66664 | Houston TX 77266-6664
Office: 1915Commonwealth @ Welch, Suite 104 | Houston TX 77006-1841
713-521-1000 | fax: 309-423-7531 | theCaucus.org

From Carl Whitmarsh

Congratulations to those men and women who merited and were rewarded with endorsement of their candidacies by the HGLBT Political Caucus. Special congratulations also go to President Kris Banks who is being universally applauded for running a fair, speedy and orderly meeting.....(in other words Kris knows Roberts Rules of Order!)

THE CAUCUS ENDORSES

The Houston Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgendered Political Caucus met on Wednesday evening to endorse candidates in the 2009 Houston municipal elections as well as HISD Board of Trustee elections.

Those candidates screened and then endorsed by majority vote of the membership assembled are:


* Ronald Green Houston City Controller
* Lane Lewis Houston City Council District A
* Anne Clutterbuck Houston City Council District C
* Wanda Adams Houston City Council District D
* Michael Laster Houston City Council District F
* Ed Gonzales Houston City Council District H
* James Rodriguez Houston City Council District I
* Herman Litt Council At Large, Position 1
* Sue Lovell Council At Large Position 2
* Melissa Noriega Council At Large Position 3
* Noel Freeman Council At Large Position 4
* Jolanda "JO" Jones Council At Large Position 5
* Alma L. Lara HISD Trustee, District I

Previously endorsed for the Office of Mayor is the Honorable Annise Parker

The HGLBT Political Caucus, founded in 1975 and the South's oldest Gay Civil Rights organization is currently headed by President Kris Banks.

Kristopher A. Banks, President
HGLBT Political Caucus
PO Box 66664 | Houston TX 77266-6664
www.thecaucus.org
kristopherabanks@gmail.com
281-797-1507

-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carl Whitmarsh
American, Texan, Houstonian
and DEMOCRAT


For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die
Senator Edward Moore Kennedy D-Mass
Address to 1980 Democratic National Convention, New York City

From The Caucus

Volunteer for Pride...

Join the Caucus as we find new pro-equality voters at the Houston Pride Parade! We are proud to be partnering with Equality Texas and Houston Votes, talking to attendees before the parade, June 27, seeking those interested in joining us in the fight for GLBT rights.

Come to the GLBT Community Center at 401 Branard at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, for a training. If you cannot make it, please e-mail Kris Banks at kbanks@thecaucus.org. After we talk to voters, join us as we...

...March with the Annise Parker Campaign!

Annise Parker has invited to Caucus to join her campaign in the Houston Pride Parade! Join us in the fun as we support our endorsed candidate for mayor of Houston.
Houston GLBT Political Caucus
Mailing: PO Box 66664 | Houston TX 77266-6664
Office: 1915Commonwealth @ Welch, Suite 104 | Houston TX 77006-1841
713-521-1000 | fax: 309-423-7531 | theCaucus.org

Turn Anger into Action: from The Caucus

This message was sent to me from The Caucus:

Take Action for Our Candidate, Maverick Welsh

Dear Caucus,

At the Caucus, we are doubly sad today. First of all, we are sad for our friends in California, where the state supreme court reaffirmed Proposition 8, which took away the right to marry from same-sex couples.

But even the supposed "good news," that same-sex marriages performed before the proposition passed will remain valid, serves as nothing but a cruel mockery for Houstonians and Texans. Those marriages may remain valid in California, but the moment those same-sex couples pass the Texas state line, they have no rights. That’s because a Texas constitutional amendment, passed in 2005, took those rights away.

We are aware that federal action will likely be necessary before we have marriage equality here. We are aware that the announcement of Judge Sotomayor’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court may have more to do with us achieving equality than the announcement of the California decision.

But we want to make sure our community and those who support us are aware that there is action they can take to advance equality right here in Houston. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people must stand behind the members of our community who are ready to lead. Openly gay and lesbian candidates like Annise Parker, who is running for mayor, and Maverick Welsh, who is in a runoff in just three weeks for Houston City Council.

You can take action for Maverick this weekend. On Wednesday, May 27, we will be making calls to pro-equality voters in District H from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Caucus headquarters at 1915 Commonwealth. We will be blockwalking this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. E-mail Kris Banks at kbanks@thecaucus.org to sign up for a shift.

You can also turn your anger to action by donating to the Caucus or by joining the $9 for '09 campaign. We are mailing District H voters to let them know about Maverick and the runoff, and we need more funds for printing and postage. Mail means votes, and every bit you can give helps.

You can help make a big change for our community. Join us.

P.S. We hope to see you at our monthly meeting next week on Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at 1827 W. Alabama. Our community has been in the news lately in regards to immigration law. Hear renowned attorney John Nechman discuss how this volatile subject affects us.

Kris Banks, President

Houston GLBT Political Caucus

This was the message with some emphasis added by me.

Please join The Caucus
Wednesday. The meeting is open to the public.

Hear this valuable information about your rights.
The Caucus meets every first Wednesday of the month. In this case, it is June 3rd.

From the Caucus Meeting, Feb 4

For Immediate Release
February 4, 2009


Contact: Kris Banks, President
281-797-1507
kbanks@thecaucus.org
Beth Tudor, Marketing and Communication Chair
713-410-3511
btudor@thecaucus.org

HGLBTPC PAC ENDORSES ANNISE PARKER FOR MAYOR

HOUSTON – City Controller Annise Parker earned an early endorsement in the race for Mayor of Houston from the Houston Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Political Caucus tonight.

"Annise Parker is the most qualified candidate to lead Houston as our
nation struggles through a severe economic crisis," said Caucus
President Kris Banks. "Like the rest of our city, the Houston GLBT
community is bracing for tough times in the coming months and years.
We need a steady, experienced hand to guide us.'

"Parker's proven leadership and record of fiscal responsibility and
sound economic policy will ensure that Houston can continue to fund
our most important priorities – public safety, stronger neighborhoods,
infrastructure and quality city services.'

"With this endorsement, our members send a strong message:
Qualifications matter now, more than ever. And no one is more
qualified than Annise Parker to lead our city though tough economic
times."

TheCaucus

The Caucus Meeting

Wednesday, February 4, 7:00 pm
Havens Center
1827 W. Alabama, Houston 77098

Our February meeting will be on Wednesday the 4th, at 7:00 pm.

There will be a reception prior to the meeting starting at 6:30 pm. Come by early to socialize and grab a bite to eat.

Caucus Meeting January 7th, 7PM

Dear Reader:

The Houston GLBT Political Caucus will have their monthly meeting at the Havens Center, 1827 W. Alabama. There will be a reception at 6:30.

This is an organization that I am a member of. They need volunteers and additional members.

Please come and meet terrific people who work to make Houston a better places for the GLBT Community by improving the political environment.

They strive to advance our civil rights.

Soon to be Election Day!

I volunteered for the HGLBT Pac recently pushing endorsement cards. They said I did a good job! I got to meet some wonderful people, including a judge running for a Civil Court Seat. It was a little over three hours and I drank plenty of water provided by the thoughtful people at HGLBT Pac.

The Caucus endorsed OBAMA but that is not why I volunteer for them.

I volunteered a couple of times for the Chris Bell campaign. We are hoping he gets the powerful State Senatorial Seat that will be filled via a special election. ("Special" means confusing.) Unfortunately, Michael Skelly and Rick Noriega are behind by a few points.

I also did some block walking in my neighborhood for the Democratic Party. It's not my fault if they don't do well.

Volunteering for The Caucus

I volunteer for, and am a member of The Caucus. It is the oldest organization of its kind in the south. The purpose of The Caucus a.k.a HGLBT PAC is to promote the civil rights of the GLBT community (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans-gender.)

The Caucus

There are many things that The Caucus does to promote the civil rights of the GLBT community. We screen candidates using a questionnaire, endorse candidates that are sympathetic to our rights, work to ensure that voters are registered. And, finally, we work on behalf of candidates to help them get elected.

Our Rights

Our rights, in the GLBT community, and the rights of everyone really are under siege. As two examples I will use Habeas Corpus, and FISA. These relate to the right to not be imprisoned without due process, and, be secure in our letters and effects. While FISA was an existing law in the US that provided some compromises to our right to privacy, Habeas Corpus dates back to the 13th century, and, an English king.

Habeas Corpus became part of Common law which is a tradition upon which our nation's laws are based. FISA dates to the 1970s, and, provided that the President could spy on us only under certain circumstances. He had to get the permission of a judge, sometimes after the fact. Habeas established a very broad right. FISA compromised the right to privacy, but, maintained that the President could not spy on anyone and everyone at will.

Both Habeas Corpus and our right to privacy have been severely infringed upon under the Bush Administration. Although, there has been a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Habeas Corpus that may have re-established it. The fact that the Bush Administration has been spending seven years skating on the edge should bring comfort to no one.

The authors of the U.S. Constitution recognized that the powerful tended to aggrandize power unto themselves and provided for a separation of powers, checks and balances, to counteract this fact.

GLBT Rights

If the government can take away the rights of a certain group, for example the GLBT communities' rights, can they take away the rights of anyone? What about the right to marry someone of a different race? Did we always have that right?

If we do not stand up for each others rights, soon, we will have no rights of our own. Help organizations like The Caucus and strengthen all our rights. We are in the same boat. If we crash upon the rocks we are all sunk.

Terms:

Habeas Corpus: Can be thought of as "Show me the body." It keeps the powerful from locking people away indefinitely without legal proceedings. Dating from the 13th century, this is how you challenge your own imprisonment.

The Caucus address for volunteering: 1915 Commonwealth at Welch, Suite 104

FISA: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Outlines under what circumstances our phones may be tapped.

Flag Image: From Wikipedia.

GPO Access -An annotated text of the US Constitution

http://www.motherjones.com/toc/2008/09/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magna_carta

Happy Hour at The Meteor

Members of the Caucus will be on hand for happy hour at The Meteor, 2306 Gennesee, Thursday, July 31st, 7-9pm.