Judge's low ratings
Early voting has begun and some people have asked me about Judges who are up for retention. I strongly urge you all to vote "no" on Susan McDunn.
Please pass the word to your family and friends as well: No on McDUNN!!
She has not learned anything from her homophobic rulings against a lesbian couple who were trying to co-adopt, even after her Presiding Judge removed her from the case and the Appellate Court chastised her for her inappropriate actions. She receives consistently low ratings from the bar associations and is totally devoid of self-reflection, always blaming others. The Chicago Tribune encourages a "no" vote on her as well.
It's been over 20 years since a judge was denied retention so the odds are long that she will be turned out. But it is time to return Susan McDunn to the private sector so that she can no longer do damage to our fellow citizens.
Please spread the word! No on Susan McDunn!!
Sincerely,
Tom Chiola
Chicago
Another option for gays
Dear Editor:
Your partner takes you for granted. No, I'm not talking about your romantic partner, although that person might also take you for granted. It's your political party that takes you for granted, and while I'd like to say it's their fault, I can't. In truth, the only people the Uptown gay community can blame for the lack of progress on marriage equality is the Uptown gay community.
I know why you did what you did. You wanted to develop a healthy, constructive relationship with the Democratic Party. You didn't want to be hostile or rock to boat; you wanted to be a faithful partner in a progressive political movement that would realize long overdue civil equality. In this, your goals were admirable.
But your relationship has gone stale. The Democratic Party has come to expect your vote, expect your support, and expect to receive both without any reciprocation. Worse still, that party may actually postpone progress for fear that it will undermine their monopoly on the "gay vote." In the last few decades, you have watched what used to be a great relationship mutate into one where you are patronized, disrespected and abused.
Take marriage equality as an example. Last year, HB 2234, a bill that would have made Illinois the 10th state to adopt civil unions, was introduced to the legislature with 12 democratic sponsors. With majority control of both the Senate and the General Assembly, plus a Democratic governor, Democrats should have been able to pass this bill. Instead, the vote was postponed twice, and then the bill was sent back to committee, effectively tabling the discussion indefinitely. Even with majority control of the government, democrats couldn't muster the political courage to fight for your rights. This begs an important question: if they won't do it when they're in charge, when will they do it?
It's time you started thinking about yourselves and your own needs by voting outside the Democratic Party. This isn't cheating. It is sending the message that you cannot be taken for granted, by anyone, for any reason. You are saying that you will vote for any politician looking to help you recognize your goals. The Libertarian gubernatorial candidates, Lex Green and Ed Rutledge, as well as libertarian attorney general candidate Bill Malan have all embraced marriage equality in Illinois, and vowed to pursue civil unions if elected. Voting for these candidates will send a clear message to Democratic politicians "put out or get out."
The Uptown gay community's love affair with the Democratic Party needs some spice. Get some satisfaction this November by bringing a third party into the picture.
Sincerely,
Robert Ross
Chicago
ALSO IN THIS SPECIAL SECTION:
ELECTIONS '10: Windy City Times' General Election Guide www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29128
ELECTION: Guide to the gays - The Nov. 2 general elections feature several openly gay and lesbian candidates for office. www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29129
ELECTIONS '10: printable charts - Windy City Times' General Election Issue includes interviews and printable charts www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29130
ELECTIONS '10: LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Sheila Simon on her office and equality www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29131
ELECTIONS '10: GOVERNOR Scott Lee Cohen on LGBTs, comeback www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29133
ELECTIONS '10: Readers weigh in through letters www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29134
ELECTIONS '10: VIEWS Bill Brady http:// www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29140
ELECTIONS '10: VIEWS Don't tread on LGBT voters? www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29141