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| Jerry Prevo, the force behind discrimination against the LGBT community in Alaska. |
I was very hopeful that THIS time the LGBT community would finally get the protection from discrimination that ALL citizens deserve.
I was mistaken:
With more than 90 percent of the precincts reporting late Tuesday, 58 percent of voters had voted against Proposition 5, the equal rights ordinance that was far and away the most controversial and emotional component of this spring's election.
The opposition to the ordinance was spearheaded by the Alaska Family Counsel's Jim Minnery, a lapdog for strident anti-gay crusader Jerry Prevo, who also preached against the ordinance from his pulpit at the Anchorage Baptist Temple.
And apparently even though Minnery ignorantly informed potential pro-discrimination voters that they could register and vote on election day, they STILL managed to bring out the numbers necessary to vote the ordinance down.
And this was NOT simply a case of Christians voting against the ordinance, there was also plenty of support FOR the bill by various Christian leaders in the area.
However Jerry Prevo has much influence in this town, and an expansive e-mail list with which he inundates people with misinformation and fear inspiring rhetoric.
And if all of that was not bad enough, the turnout in opposition to the bill also meant that Mayor Dan Sullivan easily won his bid for reelection.
Go figure.
I went to bed last night with such hope for our city, and I have to admit it is extremely disappointing to wake up to this. Come on Anchorage, I know you can do better.
Update: Gee who'da thunk it? Apparently there is a very good chance that the election was impacted by fraudulent voting.
Read more over at Bent Alaska.
If this Prevo guy is politicking from the pulpit his church should lose tax exempt status. Gay folks pay taxes too and should not be forced to subsidize these attacks. Time to hit these unchristian 'cinos' where it hurts.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 300%! I was just going to comment on this as well so I was happy to read your comment. TAX JERRY PREVO'S CHURCH NOW!!! I remember a time when Anchorage was very different. These so-called self- professed Christian yokels need to a reality boost. They twist scripture to fit their obsessive fanatical thinking. Jerry isn't really a minister; he ordained himself as so many of these fanatical phony Christians have done.
DeleteSo,how does someone lodge a complaint against Prevo's church with the IRS?
DeleteOr do Anchorage citizens have to sue?
I would think a formal complaint would do the trick.
Amen! It is long past time to start pulling tax exemptions.
DeleteThat would be interesting for all of us...I know that preachers in MI do the same thing, and look how many churches Santorum visits and gets blessed at (not that it is helping his sorry butt!) Still, we either have separation of church and state, or we will become a CHRISTIAN theocracy, and that would not be anything like what their precious 'Founders' intended. It is fine to interpret issues for your flock, but you cannot tell them who to vote for...where is the IRS on this?
DeletePrevo has connections within the Alaska State Legislature and went through them to gain the examption status.
DeleteHe has knitted himself well within the Republican party on the local and state levels. I think he'll be in Florida as a Republican delegate OR if not him, some members of his church.
Alaska government is corrupt and he is part of it!
All churches should pay taxes, regardless of whether they back a candidate or not. As should charitable contributions to any church affiliated charity.
DeleteWhy do churches make collections for capital improvements to property, and then get off without paying taxes?
Are covens considered tax exempt, and if not, why?
The church I used to belong to is embroiled in a massive cover up of priests who molested children, they've collected funds to fix capital improvements on Churches and Schools they're now closing down because of "lack of attendants", they're going to make a killing.
Sorry about your city's election results, Gryphen. How can such a beautiful state be so backwards politically. Our dear she-devil, SP, certainly is responsible for much of the prejudice. Just be patient and don't do anything you'll regret. ( like I probably would do). We need you for bigger battles ahead, John.
ReplyDeleteJust like the Taliban, the theocrats will lie, cheat or steal, because serving their fanatic religious code is more important that ethics or morality.
ReplyDeleteO/T
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is not as O/T as one might think.
"If I knit you a uterus will you stay out of mine"
http://www.governmentfreevjj.com/
ReplyDeleteSorry, here is the link including a spreadsheet of who needs to get a knitted uterus of their own.
Thank You, Jane. I think it's a brilliant way to get the message across in a visual way that they can easily understand. Very clever!
DeleteAlaska doesn't embody the "independent spirit" it once used to. It has been hijacked by the rapture ready crowd. Sorry about this for all of Alaska. Until you inhabit the state with more rational thinkers, you will net these results as well as all the crap that goes along with it. Looks like you're bracing for another "great law" the stand your ground measure is coming your way. Ick. I think it's time to partition the country, much like India and Pakistan did. We can have dumbfuckistan for those who believe the way the "rill american's do and the USA for the rest of us. Think Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, SC...in terms of what to expect from the new "sovereign nation" of DFS. I'll take a liberal state any day of the week over one of those ignorant back waters.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. My family has been in Alaska since 1956 and we were a very different state then. Anchorage was very different until these jerks came up here and ruined it with their idiotic idealistic religious beliefs. I've had enough and I'm actually leaving Alaska for good this summer. I can't take this anymore. I'm fed up with what Anchorage has become!
DeleteLong time Alaskan, moved 12 yrs ago from Fbks and no more high utility bill, gas bill, grocery bill, heating bill, high priced homes etc. I go visit relatives every year and can't wait to come home, it's claustrophobic, there is nothing there I miss except some family. I can go to the beach in a couple hours, go to the mountains in 1 hr, hunting, fishing, pick cherries and peaches off the trees and enjoy day trips around my area. Alaska has changed in so many ways and not for the good! Welcome to the wide wide world!
DeleteAs someone who lives far away from Alaska (Michigan), I think that it is unlikely that rational people are going to be attracted to Alaska for some time. Sarah Palin and her ilk have done a lot of damage to the state's image. Alaska is likely to attract Sarah Palin mental wannabes for quite a while. Just so long as they do not settle in Michigan.
DeleteDid anyone notice how quickly Sullivan got out in front last night on Channel 2 and 'accepted' his 'supposed' second term? He did so even though it was announced the voting places were in chaos!
ReplyDeleteMinnery (Prop 5/Vote NO side of issue) encouraged folks to get out and vote/run the voting places via an email (shown on TV too). Folks overwhelmed the voting places it appears and learned that there were not enough ballots for them to cast their votes. Some of the folks even traveled to other voting places to cast their votes and were turned away due to lack of ballots! How many votes were lost yesterday that should have been counted in and for all the issues? Was Sullivan really 'legal' in accepting a second term? Did Prop 5 REALLY go down?
The woman who ran the election process should be fired. I'm curious too - due to Minnery's involvement, how many of the 'christian' group came in from the Valley to try and cast a vote and create the havoc at the voting places throughout town?
Was there corruption in the voting process yesterday? The guy running the big church - Prevo - should be made to pay real estate taxes for ALL of the properties they own since he talks to his group often about how they should vote on the various issues. Yes, he does this from the almighty pulpit! Church and state, Jerry? Remember, they are suppose to be separate. I'm sick of the regligious right pushing their beliefs on the rest of us!
I think the vote should be redone! I call foul! The Anchorage Daily News hardly covered the issue of the problem at the polls yesterday! You had to look for it and I found it on Page 14 (yes, the LAST page of the first section!) Who, may I ask, influenced it not being put on the front page where it deserved coverage?
The voting held yesterday (and lack thereof!) needs to be investigated...to include Prevo, Minnery, Sullivan, the gal running the election - and whomever or whatever might be brought forward from said investigation!
I swear to God, we are like a third world nation in Anchorage having to fight for the authenticity of our vote! It is just friggin' amazing! I question the results that have been put forth to the Anchorage people.
Yeah, that guy Prevo not only needs to pay taxes on all the property HE and HIS SON own, but they should have to pay taxes on the collection box too! It's not a church--it's a political body!
DeleteFraudulent voting ? no way ...
ReplyDeleteo/t
Actress Mira Sorvino, the U.N. goodwill ambassador against human trafficking, told the meeting that "modern day slavery is bested only by the illegal drug trade for profitability," but very little money and political will is being spent to combat trafficking.
"Transnational organized crime groups are adding humans to their product lists," she said. "Satellites reveal the same routes moving them as arms and drugs."
"Transnational organized crime groups are adding humans to their product lists," she said. "Satellites reveal the same routes moving them as arms and drugs."
Sorvino said there is a lack of strong legislation and police training to combat trafficking. Even in the United States "only 10 percent of police stations have any protocol to deal with trafficking," she said.
M. Cherif Bassiouni, an emeritus law professor at DePaul University in Chicago, said to applause that "there is no human rights subject on which governments have said so much but done so little."
Laws in most of the world criminalize prostitutes and other victims of trafficking but almost never criminalize the perpetrators "without whom that crime could not be performed," he said.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/03/human-trafficking-victims_n_1401673.html
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
in the United States "only 10 percent of police stations have any protocol to deal with trafficking
Considering attitudes, it could be far worse around Alaska.
Trafficking is happening in Alaska too! The traffickers are going after many young Alaska native women in the bush. We are not doing anything about this crime against women in Alaska, but yet these stupid, tyrannical so-called Christians are denying the rights of gays, lesbians, and transgenders! Why aren't they fighting the rights of women who are being brutalized by these sociopathic traffickers. It could be that many of the men in this so-called church are some of the traffickers. Give me a break! Why aren't they taking on this issue?
Deletecould be that many of the men in this so-called church are some of the traffickers.
Delete====
Bingo! I betcha you are spot on. How do they finance their activities against equality?
Whether it is Alaska or somewhere else. The Prevo, Minnery, Sullivan cabals are capable of voter fraud as well "modern day slavery is bested only by the illegal drug trade for profitability". Corruption is corrupt and not exclusive to voter fraud only. They dip their sticks wherever for power and to promote their ignorant fear and misinformation campaigns.
Delete8:49 Your note has nothing at all to do with what I said went on in the Anchorage voting process yesterday. Think you are just trying to change the subject and move away from the issue I am bringing forth!
ReplyDeleteI do think there are questions that should be addressed that call for an investigation! There could very well be fraud in the process....don't kid yourself!
O/T means "off topic", they actually agreed with what you said re:voter fraud and not hijacking your comment nor detracting from it in any way. It happens all the time and nothing personal nor nefarious is meant by it.
Deleteo/t
ReplyDeleteGryphen, I'm amazed that you haven't already posted a clip of Jon Stewart's take on Palin on the Today Show. It's one of the funniest things I've ever seen! Here's a link so everyone can see it:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-april-3-2012/good-morning-real-america
I was bummed to hear about this when I woke up and heard it on NPR.
ReplyDeleteThen I looked on the internet and saw Jon Stewart blasting your half term quitter and laughed.
then I saw this :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/expd/7045326417/in/photostream
Not all Christians are against civil rights. Several decades ago my husband and I stood on a street corner in the most conservative town in our county gathering signatures. We were volunteers gathering signatures on an initiative very similar to this Alaska one. It was very interesting. When we explained that all we were asking was the right to a job and a place to live, many, many said, "of course". They might not agree with something like gay marriage, but a job and a home. They thought everyone should have a right to these. I have faith that Alaska will overcome these anti-Christ "christians". They sure don't represent this Christian.
ReplyDeleteTotally O/T:
ReplyDeleteSarah Palin Has A Serpent's Heart has posted this pic to add to your library of "She ain't pregnant!"
Sarah nearly seven months pregnant? You betcha them scarves and coats hide it so well! No one will suspect a thing!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairbanksheartwalk/5348641080/in/set-72157625679879995
Where's the bump? Is that during the same time that Tood hooked her up with the Tripp lady at All About You? I think the paper work said she was not pregnant. Instead the massage was for some liposuction work. IMO the church people from Wasilla have a lot to do with Todd and Sarah hiding all their secrets. So much to investigate. The IRS is a good start.
DeleteThe sooner tax laws and status for churches are changed the better. They get a pass and they use the money to spread hate and lies on Americans.
What pregnant woman undergoes a procedure that hasn't been tested and approved by the FDA, especially one carrying a child with Down Syndrome? Lipodissolve goes under several names, is a combination of drugs used to get rid of localized fat, but it's effectiveness is questionable and takes several visits. Shailey called it "lipodissolve".
Deletehttp://www.lipotreatmentfacts.org/lipofaq.php
O/T but set up your dve for April 11 - our lovely first lady, Mrs. Obama, will be on the Colbert Report :)
ReplyDeleteHappiness is an ABT member headed south with a Change Point member under each arm.
ReplyDeleteThat is funny!!!
DeleteVoter Fraud? What are the chances of this being proven? Is anyone willing to do something?
ReplyDeleteI no longer live in Alaska, but still find this deplorable. Is there any way to proove voter fraud and/or discredit Mr. Prevo? For that matter, Dan Sullivan. Where there is smoke there is fire. So where is the fire?
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ANCHORAGE?
ReplyDeleteTHE ANCHORAGE POLICE DEPT!
THEY ALLOW PEEPING TOM PIMP DADDY TODD PALIN TO EXPLOIT WOMEN.
THAT'S WHAT'S WRONG WITH ANCHORAGE
Anchorage has a corrupt government and a corrupt police force. It's as simple as that! They are protecting the corrupt Palin family!!! Barf, barf, barf!
DeleteWhat's wrong with Anchorage you ask?
ReplyDeleteThis review is from: Boys Will Be Boys: Media, Morality, and the Coverup of the Todd Palin Shailey Tripp Sex Scandal (Volume 1) (Paperback)
This book needs to go mainstream. Todd Palin was the shadow governor of Alaska, as depicted in previous books. Now, Ms Tripp exposes that he is also a pimp. He is involved in illegal activities. He is not the upstanding Christian husband Sarah Palin wants you to believe he is. Thank you Shailey for your truthfulness. Hopefully, the Palins will be exposed for their horrible shenanigans and will be punished. Sarah Palin should not be given any forum to influence the American populace ever again. The best revelation in the book is that Sarah Palin stated on a medical form that she was not pregnant in March 08, was able to lie flat on her stomach for a massage and did not look pregnant when on her back or standing!. Nor did Shailey feel a fetus in Sarah's abdomen when she was massaging her abdomen. How can that possibly be??
The sooner tax-exempt status for churches ends the better.
ReplyDeleteWho is this Jim Minnery? How does he make his money?
ReplyDeleteFrom his offering plates.
DeleteSen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voted in favor of the proposition, telling the Alaska Dispatch, "I think this is overdue and we make sure that within this community that there’s no discrimination and there’s no tolerance for any discrimination at all." She also voted to end the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in December 2010. Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) also supported the measure.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/04/prop-5-anchorage-alaska-vote_n_1403784.html?ref=politics
For once Murkowski and I share a like position on this issue. Too bad she couldn't convince Mayor Sullivan to be of like mind!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not from Alaska, but these laws are against gay rights really piss me off. LGBT people are workers, business owners, and tax payers. They also tend to have higher disposable incomes. I'd gladly join them in boycotting companies that don't support their basic human rights.
ReplyDeleteMaybe voting with our dollars would help advance the cause.
So if voter fraud is proven, it must mean a lot more people voted for equality. A recount could easily fix that.
I'm in awe of all the healers in this state who are standing up for women's health and privacy in this repub state? Wait a minute...where are they? There'll whooping it up for their one-percenter guy. Way to co-op ya'll.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised no one has commented on the fact that Dan Sullivan (is this the same man who was involved in the fake baby bump pictures of $arah Palin?) has his hands in very inappropriate places. If those are his daughters (or someone else's daughters), one of his hands is on one of the young ladies behind, the other is overly close to the other young ladies breast area. Not a very fatherly place to put his hands if those are his daughters, and with his wife looking on and stuck in awkwardly in the back.....
ReplyDelete