Well, I was going to post a couple of curious and titillating tidbits this morning--including a story in the India Times that reports a link between laptop usage, scrotal temperature, and infertility in men (which mom and dad would prefer as the reason behind my childlessness instead of my penchant for boy-kissing). But then, something came up.
See, this past Monday, Governor Blanco issued an Executive Order banning discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc, etc, and sexual orientation in the state government. (A PDF version of the Order is available here, if you're interested.) Now, of course, the American Family Association and the rest of the right-wingnuts are in a tizzy and are urging their constituents to pelt the Governor with hate email so she'll rescind the Order.
Obviously, thwarting their efforts, even slightly, is enough to make my day. My week, even. So I amended the text of the AFA email to voice my support of our inclusive (if inarticulate) governor, then sent it in. How's about you do the same? Even if you're not from around these parts, you're a potential tourist--which may make you even more valuable in Governor Blanco's eyes. Talk about wanting to vacation in a tolerant atmosphere. Talk about GLBT contributions to Louisiana's cultural economy (a big buzz-term with her these days). Talk about the faboo day spas we run. Whatever.
Anyway, here's how you reach her
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Governor
Louisiana Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Primary Phone: 225-342-0991
Secondary Phone: 225-342-7015
Fax: 225-342-7099
E-Mail: Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
And here's the letter I wrote. Feel free to use it in whole or in part, if you like.
Dear Governor Blanco,
I would like to thank you for your recent passage of Executive Order KBB 2004 - 54, banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the Louisiana state government. As someone who has witnessed a great deal of homophobia and discrimination over the years, I can say that I have often been tempted to leave Louisiana in favor of someplace more tolerant. Thanks to your foresight, future generations of GLBT residents won't need to ponder such a move because their fellow Louisianans will understand that such discrimination is simply wrong. Your Executive Order will undoubtedly have positive economic impacts, too, as businesses are much more likely to invest in states that foster environments of tolerance.
Again, I thank you for your thoughtfulness and commend your leadership and business savvy. You will, indeed, get my vote again--and that of my friends--in the future.
So, what are you waiting for? Go to it! Santa's not the only one who's watching your ass...
