[NEohioPAL]A Personal Appeal - Please Consider

[RFWB2000 at aol.com]

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I'm posting this message as a personal appeal to the many talented and diverse artists that make up our community here in Northeast Ohio.

I often stay away from political statements, as I have immense respect for the individual's right to an opinion. Our society is often enriched by thoughtful, open-minded, intelligent, and critical discussion of opposing viewpoints. But often times, in the spin and hype of hotly contested election times such as now, the direct personal application of these issues eludes us.

In addition to electing our nation's leader tomorrow, Ohio voters are also faced with Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as legally recognizable between only heterosexual couples. It has many other far-reaching consequences, including the nullification of existing recognition of domestic partnership between unmarried HETEROSEXUAL couples as well as same-sex partners (i.e. common law marriage, etc).

I'm writing today to ask you to please consider your friends and colleagues who will be directly affected by this amendment. This is not just a theoretical or philosophical issue. It has very real, tangible consequences for many people you know personally, including myself. I wanted to come forward and put a face on this issue, and stand up as one of MANY individuals with a very personal stake in the outcome of tomorrow's voting. Regardless of any personal feelings on this issue (religious, moral,political, et al), I ask you to show your support and respect for your colleagues when casting your ballots tomorrow. 

For more information on the reprecussions of passing this amendment into our state constitution, please visit www.outforjustice.org.

This email is NOT intended to generate another string of responses aimed at the NeOhioPal community. I welcome responses, both positive and negative, but please consider whether or not the content of such responses merit being posted to the entire list or should remain private.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and regardless of your position or political affiliation, be sure to get out and vote.

Regards,

Ryan Bergeron