acknowledgement

Hello Friends;

  When I see a post, a journal entry, a story of some sort of legislation, I try to ask myself what it means 20 years down the line.  I also try to understand the reasoning and history of the issue so that I can see what has brought about this particular thing - be it legislation, policy change, or even attitude - and what it means to the people drafting it.  Even, does it mean different things, perhaps, to the people who draft it and the "audience".
  Most often I end up with a big shrug and a lot more confusion.  But, sometimes I see things and it gives me hope.  Not, perhaps, so much for the small step of the moment, but more for the direction that step is going.  This is such a case.  I'll give you the story from the ACLU blog - you can find it on my side bar.

  New HUD Rule Delivers for LGBT Americans



Last year, we told you about a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding equal access to HUD housing programs regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Among the key requirements of the rule is a prohibition on inquires regarding sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as a prohibition on using sexual orientation or gender identity as grounds for decision-making in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) programs. Additionally, the rule brings the definition of “eligible families” into the 21st century by including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).


This afternoon, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that the final rule will be published in the Federal Register early next week, meaning that it will take effect in just a little over one month from today! Needless to say, this is a tremendous step forward in efforts to stamp out discrimination against LGBT people in housing.

Of critical importance, the rule will require all organizations that operate HUD-assisted or HUD-insured housing facilities to serve LGBT Americans looking for shelter and housing—including religious organizations. As a coalition of more than 30 civil rights organizations (including the ACLU) wrote to HUD last year, once a religious organization chooses to provide housing services or programs with the aid of federal funds and benefits from HUD, it cannot shield itself from traditional safeguards that protect civil rights in the provision of those services. Those religious organizations that provide wholly private housing services will be unaffected by this new rule. We are pleased that HUD said that all organizations must provide equal access to HUD housing programs and did not sanction the use of religion to discriminate.

As Secretary Donovan stated last year at the time of the publication of the proposed rule, “This is a fundamental issue of fairness. We have a responsibility to make certain that public programs are open to all Americans. With this proposed rule, we will make clear that a person’s eligibility for federal housing programs is, and should be, based on their need and not on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The ACLU could not agree with Secretary Donovan more strongly. This new federal rule will move us one step closer to an America where decent, affordable housing is available to all Americans.


You see those last few words?  "...to all Americans."   Or, that earlier line:  "...we will make clear that a person's eligibility for federal housing programs is, and should be, based on their need and not on their sexual orientation or gender identity".      When a portion of one's country tries so diligently to deny a person his/her personhood, identity and value, it is so very encouraging to have the "official" portion step forward, even if just a small step, and declare us all as valuable Americans.

No Second Class!

A good vid for all dog lovers

Hello my fellow flea chasers;

  I saw this vid today on Wimp.com and wanted to share it with you.  I hope it is never needed, but always remembered.  Oh, and as a note:  I have no idea if this is correct.  I can only assume it is.  It was found here:  http://www.wimp.com/dogcpr/

 

Say it loud! We are NOT second class!

Sometimes, when things are going slow, it seems like they are going no where.  But, if we simply look behind, what a trip it's been.  Thank you to all you who have gone before us, blazing a trail.

hugs;

What if?

 
...What if...

• What if I found someone, and that someone found me?
• What if that someone held me in the cold stormy nights and made me feel safe?
• What if that someone held me in those storm filled nights and I helped them feel safe?
• What if that someone lifted me up on the grey mornings?
• What if I found the strength to help them face the fog of morning?
• What if that someone made the sun shine for me?
• What if that someone was my flower to shine over?
• What if that someone pushed me to excel in everything I do?
• What if that someone luxuriated in my confidence of them?
• What if that someone helped me to love my neighbors?
• What if that someone was able to love others because I helped?
• What if that someone was my everything, my hoped for, my needed?
• What if I was that light in the darkness for my someone?
• What if it didn't matter that we were both men?

How Sweet a Second Chance

Hi Friends;

  I saw this on Wimp.com.   The vid, of course, is not mine.  But, it seemed such a heart puller.

We forget the magic of just one second chance.  Just one moment where instead of being kicked, shunned, or even feared, we can find someone to love us.  Thankfully, most of us will never be in such dire straits as this poor girl, but it makes it no less real, no less needful to be loved, wanted, needed, and cared for.
  Not everyone is able to do for this little girl as these folks.  It takes a special person to project such love and safety.  You see, these are people who are willing to be bit to show love.  But, we are able to do this in other areas.  Would you believe I have a story...

.... this week at work my inspector came to me with parts that were bad.  They came out of the machines in good shape, but the assembler had used a lubricant to get them to go together better.  Unfortunately, that also makes them fall apart easier.  Well, that was the first question I asked of the assembler and got a "no".  I made some adjustments to the machine and scratched my head as I moved on to the next problem.  It was a short time later that the assembler came to me and admitted her lie.  I was angry, and a fair bit disappointed.  I told her that I'd rather be told something I don't want to hear than be lied to.  We ground up that parts and made them again - the nice part of plastics - and I let my inspector know of the solution.  But, there were question...
- why didn't I write her up?
- why didn't I doc her pay?
- why didn't I yell, scream, throw things?
   That's the retribution the inspector wanted for the assembler doing things she knew was against policy.  And, perhaps I should have.  But, by forgiving her, I allowed her to learn from her mistakes and also know that if she came to me with a mistake that I wouldn't take it out on her hide.  I actually solved my problem earlier by her honesty than I would have by her deception - though if no deception I'd not have had the problem in the first place.
  So, did I forget?  Did I just shrug my shoulders and believe all would be perfect in the future?  Of course not.  But, I am hoping that I've built someone up rather than tear them down.  I'm hoping that the violation will actually bring about an improvement.

Why does all of this come to you today?  I watched a video on Scotties site (HERE) and how deeply it has called out to me that everyone needs a second chance.  Let there be discipline/punishment, but let there be restoration not condemnation.