Next Please

Dear Jack,

So Yesterday I was supposed to hear back regarding one of the jobs I interviewed for. As it is now Friday, and the job was to start Monday, and I have not heard anything, I am assuming I did not land that job. So it goes. I am still hopeful to find something, and will keep trying. According to one of the job seeking accounts I have, there are 6 applications that have been pulled for the next level of review. Any of those jobs would be wonderful.

Tonight I am making turkey chili and am a little excited at it. I guess I'll get the domestic bug out of my while I can afford to do so, and still under severance.

As far as everything else, not much going on. I created an IntegrityNYC blog and hopefully we can do stuff to update it and promote iNYC. We are also trying to get a celebratory Eucharist set up, but may have to postpone it till September. That is mostly, so we can raise funds to cover the costs.

Well that's all I have today.

The Search

Dear Jack,

I am looking for a new job, as my old job is no more. All is good, so no worries. I've been applying to stuff for the past four hours, hoping that as potential employers arrive at work and check their email, my resume will be one of the first things they see.

Michael is still in Anaheim, and I he can't come home too soon, but for us that means Friday. I miss him. A lot. Daniel F. is back from Nebraska and Dirk, Dan, Frank and I met him at Michael's Restaurant for dinner last night. It was good to see him, and he brought back goodies from a Czech bakery back in Nebraska.

Dirk and I also met up and saw Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I rather enjoyed it. I've read already how people are complaining that it modified some parts of the book. One person said that it was one thing to leave something out and another to change things. The reality, is that a screenplay based on a book always has to change and modify the storyline. There was nothing that was outrageous, although I had wished more memories were included.

They Came First for the Communists - Martin Niemöller

Dear Jack,

My old Program Challenge teacher Ms. Crooks is the first person who shared this quotation with me. She did a special section on the Holocaust, and I have always found myself interested in reading about this time in history where there was so much evil, yet still hidden hope. This poem has many variations because it was based on speeches given by The Rev. Martin Niemöller. He is quoted with not knowing for sure what the exact form was. The form I have below is the one that is commonly used on Holocaust memorials.

They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I was a trade unionist
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one left to speak up.

--The Rev. Martin Niemöller

Favorite Quotation - 0004

Dear Jack,

This quotation comes from the Most Rev. Edmund Browning upon his installation as Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in 1986. It is one that has been quoted often by those of us who are in support of LGBT full-inclusion in the Church. In 1991 General Convention, t-shirts were even created with this grand quotation:

This church of ours is open to all. There will be no outcasts.

-- The Most Rev. Edmund Browning, 1986

Special Date

Dear Jack,

Today we had 12:34:56 7/8/9. I've heard this will be the only time in my life time that we will get this.

Favorite Quotation - 0003

Dear Jack,

I have tried hard to find the origins of the below quotation. Socrates does not have any surviving manuscripts, and thus all we know is based upon other writers. The most prominent is Plato. It appears that the most logical origin is Diogenes Laertius' Lives of the Philosophers. Anyways here is the quotation as I find it, the quotation as it is rendered in Greek, and the common translation with which most are familiar.

I know nothing except my ignorance.

--translated by C. D. Yonge

ἓν οἶδα ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα

--attributed Greek text

All that I know is that I know nothing.

--common English translation

from Lives of the Philosophers, Book 2, Section 16 by Διογένης Λαέρτιος.

Favorite Quotation - 0002

Dear Jack,

This passage from John means a lot to me, as it is the basis for the Anglican Communion's motto. I want to know what truth is.

καὶ γνώσεσθε τὴν ἀλήθειαν, καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια ἐλευθερώσει ὑμᾶς.

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

--NRSV translation

from the Gospel According to John (8:32)

Favorite Quotation - 0001

Dear Jack,

This is a quotation that has stuck with me since I first heard it uttered by Fr. G. Leon Watts, my former rector at St. Simon's. This verse is used in the BCP as an offertory sentence, and it reminds me of my old home parish and my early formation in the Episcopal Church.

καὶ περιπατεῖτε ἐν ἀγάπῃ, καθὼς καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς καὶ παρέδωκεν ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν προσφορὰν καὶ θυσίαν τῷ θεῷ εἰς ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας.

Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God.

--NRSV translation

from the Epistle of Paul to the Church in Ephesus (5:2)

Too Much Pride

Dear Jack,

This weekend was Pride in NYC. It was the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. I organized IntegrityNYC's marching contingency. This meant that I assisted St. Luke in the Fields with the Eucharist on the street, then marshaled the volunteers who held the IntegrityNYC banner.

Our friend Neil came down from Rochester-ways to attend. It has been great having a guest in the house. On Saturday we had some friends over for dinner. It was nothing special, just some pasta, salad, and fruit compote. All in all it was a good night.

Pride Day was busy. I arrived at St. Luke's at 9:15am. The trolley they wanted was unavailable, and instead, a greyhound-like bus pulled up. We were supposed to kick-off at 12:30, but we didn't actually step off till 1:30ish. By 5:30 we were at the end. The weather was BEAUTIFUL. It was probably the best pride march I've been in. Midway on down, we picked up Bishop Gene Robinson who was visiting the Presbyterians at 5th Ave Presbyterian Church.

After the parade, we rushed to St. Luke's for the Evensong and picnic. The sermon was very life-affirming, given by a priest from Long Island. Bishop Andrew St. John and Bishop Gene Robinson were also there.

We had dinner with Mike M. and Demetrius at Cowgirls.

My friend Neil's blog has some good pictures: "Marching With Episcopalians" & "And More...Down Christopher Street"

You'll note the good picture of me and Bishop Robinson that Neil took.

Anyways in all the excitement, I've injured my ankle, and find it troublesome to walk. I even called in sick today as a result, and spent most of the day with my foot propped up and a pad on it.

NY Senate Coup

Dear Jack,

Today is the first day after the GOP coup in Albany with the Senate. There is so much going on with this that I don't even know where to begin.

So I gather, the minority party of Republicans made a motion to change leadership of the Senate, claiming a new majority caucus which included two democrats, Espada and Monserratte. In the middle of the coup, members of the Democratic majority called for the session to close, and it was hammered out. Most democratic senators left the chamber, after turning the lights out on the remaining senators. The republicans remained, claiming that one could not use the gavel to end the session in the middle of a vote. As a result, the republicans have claimed a coalition majority with Espada (D) as the President of the Senate and Skelos (R) as the Majority Leader. Gov. Patterson has said that he will recognize Smith as the Leader until the Senate can resolve the issue and confirm who the new Majority Leader is.

As a result, it looks like dealing with this power change will dominate the remaining part of the session. Now Espada has said that he will push to have the so-called "Gay Marriage" bill brought to a vote under this new coalition. It is unclear at this time of Skelos will do this or not. If Smith retains leadership, obviously there will need to be some time spent addressing this situation. Regardless, the sufferers are not the Senators, but the constitutnets and those who would be effected by the important bills still left to be resolved including DASA and GENDA, as well as Education and Landlord/Tenant rights.

It would also be unclear that if Smith retains power if he would bring the Gay Marriage bill to a vote. Many claim that Smith made a deal with Espada, Diaz, and Kruger to not bring it to a vote when they agreed to his leadership back in January. It is also unclear if Diaz, Kruger or other democrats will join the Republican-led coalition caucus. The NY Times reports that many have already been contacted about retaining their positions on committees and the stipends associated with them if they were to accept the new leadership.

There are several things that disgust me here:

• Billionaire Tom Golisano, formerly of Rocherster, now a Florida resident, claims to be a financial backer of this coup, and on NY1 said he would allocate as much of his personal funds as he deemned necessary to ensure the new coalition government takes charge. This type of wholesale purchase of a state government should be ILLEGAL. It is lobbying at its worst. It makes Golisano the leader of NY and the only constituent of the senators who are bought by him. Any senator who took funds from Mr. Golisano should be removed.
• It is very telling that the only two democrats who signed on with the Republicans were two facing criminal investigations. Espada already has been fined thousands of dollars for tax fraud related to his campaign financing, and for not disclosing his contributions. Additionally, he is under investigation for possible funds being funneled through a non-profit to his campaign. This is not to mention that he is being investigated for not living in his district! Monserratte of Jackson Heights is currently under investigation for a domestic violence case almost a year old. His girlfriend had charged him with slashing her in the face with glass. A few weeks later she recanted and said it was all an accident, and that she had fallen on the broken glass in his hand.
• It is not surprising that Espada and Monserratte would be shady enough to change their voting affiliation like this for political favors. It is more embarassing that the Republicans would utilize them to do so! What is worse, is that if this government is approved, Espada would act as govenor whenever Gov. Patterson left the state, or if he become incapacitated. If we wanted a criminal for a governor we could have just kept Spitzer and his prostitute.
  
• I also think of the many interns and office aids that may face unemployment as their jobs are changed because of this.

One wonders who exactly the Senators and Golisano were trying to help. Right now it feels like "themselves" is the answer. They should all be ashamed of themselves at least, voted out of office at best, and in a just world, charged legally for wasting the citizens of NY's tax dollars in this escapade.

Queens Pride 2009

Dear Jack,

Today was Queens Pride 2009. It was the 17th pride in Queens. I marched with Western Queens for Marriage Equality and OUT Astoria. Our groups were combined with a faction called "Bridesmaids for Marriage Equality" as well as Lavish Lounge and several politicians from western Queens. Altogether we had about 40-50 people in our joint contingency.

We were led by a friend on bagpipes Paul R. Afterward I helped out at the hospitality tent. It was a long day, and it ended with a group of us meeting at Lavish for the Latin night/Pride event.

It was a good day for Marriage Equality, as Parade Founder, District Leader and Councilmember Candidate Danny Dromm was interviewed by NY1 stating that this parade and other parades like it can drastically influence the opinion of citizens to call their senators and vote for Marriage Equality.

Rally in Queens

Dear Jack,

Today we had a rather successful rally here in Queens. We had an estimated 2500 people at the rally. Michael and I spoke representing OUT Astoria. There were a few sound problems, but other than that I think the rally was a massive success.

I'm hopeful that we made an impact.  With so many people there, one really felt like the community was coming together.  It was empowering to say the least.  Thanks to Marriage Equality NY for helping fund the event!

Prop 8 Upheld

Dear Jack,

Today, it was announced that Prop 8 would be upheld. The only benefit is that the 18,000 marriages that were performed before Prop8 would also be upheld. I am following on several blogs the reactions of people in CA, specifically in San Francisco. It is exciting and scary at the same time. Today, in NYC we will be having our own rally at 6 with a march from Sheridan Sq to Union Sq. Michael will be in attendance, and I'll be at work. My hopes and prayers will be with them all.

Now is the time to stand up, and to make a difference. How long can we continue to go sidelined? We are liked if we are campy and funny, or turning straight people into metrosexuals. We are demonized if we ask for equal rights. Now is the time of Rosa Parks, where we sit down and refuse to move, despite the fear we possess, or the consequences of our civil disobedience. We must act now.

Favorite Quotations (Updating Post)

Dear Jack,

Below are some of my favorite quotations. Some are notable, and some are mundane. As time goes on, I will be updating my quotations and re-posting this post to show the additions:

Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage. Render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the week; help the afflicted; honor all men; love and serve the Lord rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost be upon you and remain with you forever. Amen.

BCP

We do not live for ourselves, and all our energy, all our gifts are directed to abundant life for the other.

Right Reverend Duleep de Chickera, the Bishop of Colombo, 20 Jul 2008

No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

John Donne, Devotions upon Emergent Occasions XVII, 1623

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Where there is charity and love, God is there

Early Christian Hymn

Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation... It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is thus shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.

Robert F. Kennedy

Also, as truly as God is our Father, so as truly God is our Mother. And that he shows in all and namely in these sweet words, where he says, 'I it am'. That is to say, 'I it am, the might and goodness of Fatherhead; I it am, the wisdom and the kindness of Motherhood; I it am, the light and the grace, that is all blessed love; I it am, the Trinity; I it am, the Unity; I it am, the high sovereign goodness of all manner of things; I it am, that makes you to love; I it am, that makes you to long, the endless fullness of all true desires'"Also, as truly as God is our Father, so as truly God is our Mother. And that he shows in all and namely in these sweet words, where he says, 'I it am'. That is to say, 'I it am, the might and goodness of Fatherhead; I it am, the wisdom and the kindness of Motherhood; I it am, the light and the grace, that is all blessed love; I it am, the Trinity; I it am, the Unity; I it am, the high sovereign goodness of all manner of things; I it am, that makes you to love; I it am, that makes you to long, the endless fullness of all true desires'

Julian of Norwich

There are those who insist the Holocaust never happened - who perpetrate every form of intolerance — racism, antisemitism, homophobia, xenophobia, sexism, and more — hatred that degrades its victim and diminishes us all. Today, and every day we have an opportunity, as well as an obligation to confront these scourges.

President Barak Obama, 23 Apr 2009

Jury Duty

Dear Jack,

So this past week I had Jury Duty. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. A day of waiting, and then in the end, it all got settled out of court. Still, I am free from jury duty for 6 years now. I was also lucky that I had to go to the Queens County Courthouse in Long Island City rather than the one out on Sutpin Blvd.

On Friday, we went to the Powhatan and Pocahontas Democratic Club Annual Dinner. We sat with Dirk and his mother, and he received an award. There was tons of food, and it was all pretty good.

Saturday I helped at church with a Memorial service. I was exhausted and tired afterward. My back apparently is still not completely 100%, as holding the torch for the short time I did, caused it to flare up.

Sunday was the AIDS walk and the Broadway Impact Marriage Event. That was fairly well attended. It was cold, and I wasn't feeling the best at that point. We had dinner with Daniel and Paul at Michael's Restaurant.

Not much else going on here.