It's Official: Gravel Invited to the HRC

what happened?  where was Mike ?  i read about AFL-CIO debate this morning on AOL, and as usual they dont include Mike.

Is this debate going to be televised? When and where will it be televised? Does anyone know?

There are many, many conservatives who are devastated by the NeoCon ravages of the Republican Party.  You would be surprised how many of these are within the Military and the Civil Service.  They are looking for the promise of an America restored.  We can win their favor by vowing to heal and restore not only the best that "Liberal" means, but also the best that "Conservative" used to mean.  This joint effort at restoring a truly functioning America will attract the kind of huge majority that may suprise us.  Politics is in need of losing the revenge tendency.  Politics needs to be about a kind of "governance" that connects to every citizen. We need a President who is comfortable in knowing himself.  Mike Gravel is the best combination of "maverick" and "good-hearted counselor" who listens deeply to feel what heals best.

As a reference to my note, check out The Transparent Society by David Brin.  You may also find a transcript or audio/video of his recent talk on Air America Radio.

This is my first comment on this site. I was once an Obama supporter until I heard Mike speak at the 1st debate. Since then, I check youtube and this site daily to hear, see, and learn about Mike. I'm excited in the movement from the like-minds of myself and seeing that we made a difference getting Mike into these debates! No more "politics as usual"!!! GO MIKE! Live well and peace to all...

 

Rodo

This is my first comment on this site. I was once an Obama supporter until I heard Mike speak at the 1st debate. Since then, I check youtube and this site daily to hear, see, and learn about Mike. I'm excited in the movement from the like-minds of myself and seeing that we made a difference getting Mike into these debates! No more "politics as usual"!!! GO MIKE! Live well and peace to all...

 

Rodo

Mike, I am very happy for you and our country. Keep on not being a disappointing candidate and keep speaking your mind. Tally ho to the White House, m'lad! =)

What bothers me about elections is the way the press covers only select candidates. Honestly, until the youtube debates, I'd never heard of Gravel. Having missed the live broadcast on CNN, I read the transcripts. Then, I wanted to know who took the train and bus. I did a youtube search to see what this guy looked like. Then I found this page and hesitantly clicked on the "Issues" tab. I say hesitantly because on the other candidates pages, there is no proud mention of gay issues, much less LGBT. Comments that sound supportive are buried somewhere amidst the political gibberish, but upon closer inspection, more of the same isn't support. I am in a bi-national relationship, meaning my partner is in Argentina. He can't even visit my family with me. I've lived there--Buenos Aires, a city with civil unions and open immigration, free healthcare and education--for seven years. I'm not sure that we would rush out if we had the chance. What we need is the option. My mother was diagnosed with Lupus yesterday and the arms I turn to for support are thousands of miles away with no change in sight. The "equal rights" the candidates speak of when they support civil unions aren't really equal when marriage involves federal benefits as well. After fearing there wasn't a Democrat that would stand up for me and my rights, I'm comforted to know there is Gravel. I'm glad he took the train and bus because now I know who I will vote for. 

"If there's judging to be done, let it be done in Heaven...not in Congress."

I've been a supporter of the HRC for a while and it's very confusing to me that they wouldn't immediately accept Gravel-I'm glad they finally did. I'm a new supporter and this is my first comment. I'm actually 17 and this will be my first election. I did as much as research as I could and found that a few of the candidates I thought might be decent were completely wrong for my desires for a president. Then I found Dennis Kucinich-who I still think is not a bad candidate, but Gravel-you are the absolute best for the position of president and you have my utmost support. It is so very rare that a straight man truly stands up for the rights of the LGBT community-and I admire you a great deal for it. Win or lose-I'm behind you all the way because, as another comment I read here said, I refuse to pick the lesser of two, three, or a dozen evils. I have yet to find a stance on this website or anywhere else supported by Gravel that I do not agree with-and whether the world at large appreciates it or not, I greatly appreciate the courage and honesty here and will do my best to support this campaign in every way I can.

 

 

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." - Gandhi

This is my first post on this blog, and fittingly so.  I'm a politically active 21 year old from Southeast Missouri.  I supported Howard Dean in 2004, and I began this cycle supporting Barack Obama. 
But today I remembered something.  After voting for John Kerry in 2004 (even though I didn't like Kerry), I swore to myself that I would never vote for "the lesser of the two evils" ever again.  I even remember saying that I should've voted for Nader.
Today, I want to reclaim that promise to myself.  I've donated to Obama three times already, and now I'm wondering if I should've waited to spend money on a candidate that stands for more of what I believe in.

Today I pledge that I will stop supporting candidates that are too afraid to support equal rights for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people -- People like me. 

I want to stand up for a candidate who stands up for me.

You now have my unyielding support, Senator Gravel.  I'm all yours.

========================

"Those who are willing to give up essential liberty for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."  -Benjamin Franklin

Dear Senator Gravel,

I just wanted to say thank you for all the hard work you are doing on behalf of the GLBT community and the rest of America. You are a true American hero, and the nation is grateful for your many years of service. Never forget that.

Well My Fellow Americans, We Got Him On The Debate..Does This boost Your confidence??..It Should. Work Hard for what you love. Act with truth and confidence..we Will Make this Happen ;-)

"Peace Whenever Possible, Anything is.." Brian Medley

I Thank You Mike,For Acting..scrath that..Being a Prime example of a Man.

You Have My FULL Support.

 Medley

I'm not sure if I should bother sending this question to the HRC debate center because I feel it may be too difficult of a question for the other candidates:

All 8 major candidates have expressed that equal rights for GLBT Americans is important. However, when I look at the websites for the campaigns, I notice that these intentions are expressed under the issues section for only three candidates - Bill Richardson, Dennis Kucinich, and Mike Gravel. With that in mind, why should the GLBT community support any of the other candidates who don't feel that our struggles are important enough to merit discussion on their campaign websites?

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell. ~Buddha

I'm so proud of everyone!! We can do this!! Tell everyone you know to send money!! Let's take this to the f***ing White House!!!!!

Indeed, it's good to know that our calls and emails were heard. The Human Rights Campaign did the right thing and paid attention to those who really matter: the people.

Now, if the HRC truly wants justice for LGBT rights, they'll give Gravel the critical attention he so deserves. Thank you!

This is absolutely amazing! Way to make your voices heard! I think Mike Gravel may not have the biggest base as of yet, but by far the most dedicated. This is an amazing thing, and we have ourselves to thank. Getting his message out is extremely important. As a first time voter in 2008, I can't wait to make my first vote for someone so deserving, Mike Gravel.

This whole situation (and the issue of CNN's exclusion of Gravel as well), has made me proud of the system we have today. Where a group of people can get together and have an influence against injustice the old fashioned way, grassroots campaigning. I'm getting more and more idealistic, like Gravel, everyday. And I'm buying into the Gravel mantra that one man CAN make a difference. I'm only 15, but I always thought that phrase was sooo cliched, but I realize its true.

i bet the others are scared now, it will be very interesting

go mike!! 

Thank you so much to all that called and wrote in to get Gravel in this debate. We have got the top teir scared I found this video on you tube check it out. All I know is come FALL we are all going to need to rally even more forceful if the plan in video works out the way Hillary and Edwards wants it. Don't let them eliminate GRAVEL stay and fight, we should all start preparing NOW!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-WsvQhVmhc

Thank you for taking the time to express your views regarding Senator Gravel and the Presidential Forum on Logo Television. It is a welcome sign to see members of our community so engaged in following the 2008 Presidential campaign and the platform of the various candidates. The goal for the forum has always been to provide our community with a chance to hear from the candidates on issues most important to GLBT Americans.

 

Although we stand by the notion that having a criteria for candidates is important for a political forum, we also heard an enthusiastic response from a portion of the community who wanted to hear from Senator Gravel. Therefore we extended an invitation for him to participate in this year’s forum. It is also worth noting that HRC’s original decision is not unique or completely without precedent. Senator Gravel was also not extended an invitation to the CNN Presidential debates but petitioned the decision and was consequently invited by CNN.

 

We hope you will tune in on August 9^th to hear from confirmed candidates Senators Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, and Chris Dodd--and hopefully Senator Gravel. For more information please visit www.hrc.org. Thank you!

 

Respectfully,

Member Services

The Human Rights Campaign

Of course, we know you will. And please: press Hilary on DOMA and make explicit its stark implications. Get her on the record about it. Demand that she promise to lead the charge for its repeal. If she won't, demand to know why. Force her to defend the indefensible. Expose hypocrisy, let her know we have not forgotten and that some people still believe in Equal Protection under the law as a paramount consitutional value.

Good job, callers!  

 

I can't WAIT to hear Mike Gravel destroy these fools on EVERY ISSUE!!!!

I like Mike!

 

 

 

It's my first post to the Gravel website and I'm happy to do it with such great news. Another win for Gravel means an even better chance at president. Give em Hell Mike.

Super duper!!

When I last made contact with those poor HRC Interns at the phones, there were calls for Mike Gravel to be in the debates every 2 minutes!

Great Job Everyone!

Thanks,

Norton

It's good that the HRC realized that to leave Gravel out was rather ill planned and poorly executed, but the change of heart I think shows that they are listening to their community and perhaps next time they will not look to financing as a source of qualification

sorry for the double post...

 The "debate" and Mike's snub  were the lead-in for the first hour on Michaelangelo Signrile's Sirius OutQ show this morning.

I am heartened that my calls and several emails were apparently heard.

Congratulations to everyone and thank you for your hard work.

Go put the HRC out of business, Mike!

 

Maybe the top tiers will drop out in fear now, or they will even cancel it. That would probably work to Mike's advantage in the end if they did. :)

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. -- Benjamin Franklin

Vote for Mike Gravel, anything else would be insanity!

Victory! This presidential forum will be another great event in the history of America as Mike Gravel shows the nation and the world his wonderful stances on Gay rights! I cannot wait!

I heard that Obama, Clinton, and Edwards plan to go... but all of the other candidates have either not confirmed or have declined... what will happen if it is only Gravel, Obama, Edwards, and Clinton?