By Tracy Simmons favs.news If you don’t have plans tomorrow, and if you’re on the pro-side of marriage equality, then you may want to attend the Washington United for Marriage Town Hall and Canvass, which will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Spokane Falls Community College. According to the group’s Facebook page, “We will be looking at where the campaign sits at this moment, what you can do to help, and how Spokane can be the deciding factor in victory this November.” Following the meeting attendees will canvass the area and have face-to-face conversations with voters. On a less controversial note, every Thursday in March The Oak Tree is hosting “Turning the Table: A Food Revolution” at Salem Lutheran Church from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Rev. Kris Christensen, of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, is facilitating the workshop, which examines local food injustices. The sun is shining into my office window as I type this and it’s really making me want to get outside and enjoy the warmth. Maybe I’d even go for a hike if the wilderness had wi-fi. But for now, I’m happy reading about these inspirationaljocks who scaled Mt. Kilamanjero to honor veterans. It seems I’m not the only one addicted to technology. Bishop James E. Waggoner Jr. of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, wrote that he listens to his smart phone when he goes for walks. He’s figured out how to use his phone as a spiritual guide. Find out how here. I have the mindfulness bell downloaded on my phone. Does that count?
Some big names in Christian rock are coming to town. Big Daddy Weave on March 14 and 15, Aaron Shust on April 24 and Third Day in May. Positive Life Radio has details. Finally, bring your appetite with you to Temple Beth Shalom on Sunday for the annual Kosher Dinner. I can’t stop thinking about Challah. Be sure to check SpokaneFAVS on Monday for photos of the big event. Have something you think should be included in next week’s wrap-up? Email it to [email protected]
The mindfulness bell does count!
Yay! $.99 well spent 🙂
I’ve debated whether or not to make this comment and hope my tone is one of “respectful dialog,” not confrontation, as my disagreement here is with a term that is in general usage, it is not with any individual user of that term, especially not with Tracy. The term “marriage equality” bothers me because it seems disingenuously, over-simplistically manipulative (which actually makes it very smart advertising.) What American wants to be on the “against” side of anything to do with equality? Indeed, people for legalized gay marriage are encouraged to use the term “marriage equality” for that very reason — it actually does influence people toward acceptance. (See http://my.firedoglake.com/teddysanfran/2011/10/28/why-we-call-it-marriage-equality/ ) There should be room for genuine, sincere philosophical beliefs on both sides of this issue; many of us who are against legalizing gay marriage do not hold that belief out of a desire to take away something from anyone, but out of a desire to preserve something essential. I am similarly bothered by “Washington United for Marriage”; those of us against legalized gay marriage are not against marriage.
My efforts toward respectful dialog were incomplete, which is what I was worried about and why I was reluctant to post in the first place:) So here is my PS – I am not saying Tracy is disingenuous, overly simplistic or manipulative!!! The term “marriage equality” is in general use now and I’m commenting on just the term!
Hi Diane,
You’re not being confrontational at all. I thought twice about using the term “marriage equality” because of that very reason. Organizations like Glaad, Washington United for Marriage, etc. are encouraging that term because “gay marriage” sounds so…. unpoetical. I went for a more conversational style in this post…
I hope my tone is also respectful, but I’m not sure that LGBT couples who have waited for decades for the chance to be publicly acknowledged as full persons under U.S. law by celebrating a real, true, genuine marriage like anyone else are all that concerned about whether their chosen term for it satisfies the personal beliefs of those who would halt their efforts. Being against equal rights for marriage is being against equal rights for marriage. It’s not really a gray area — especially for those considered second-class citizens in states where marriage equality is yet to be recognized.
I don’t mean to sound harsh but, do try to think of the perspective of those who are LGBT and want to get married, and don’t share your personal belief that their marriage isn’t sacred.