Nikki>>>It feels like the Apocolespe/or end of the world.Isn't there anything we can do??sorry just had to get it off my chest,anyone have any imput?<<<

Well - the first thing we're doing is getting on with our lives - as a very out and open gay couple. We've both been out for 30+ years, and there's no way either of us is heading back into some closet because we have a homophobic prick in the White House. It's quiet, in-your-face activism.

The second thing is economic boycott of red states and their products, as well as a boycott of WalMart, et al - the companies that fund the administration and their discriminatory policies. No Omaha Steaks. I was at work a few days ago and noticed a new product that was emblazoned on the back with "made with Nebraska Corn." I tossed it back on the shelf with disdain (as only a gay man can do, I might add!) and a regular customer asked me what was wrong with it. I told her it was "Nebraska" and I wouldn't buy anything from them because of their homophobic state policies. Her brow furled a bit and she replied that she wouldn't buy them, either, and would mention to her friends not to buy things from "red states" either. Small steps.

Next thing is NOT giving money to the national Democratic party, but, instead, supporting candidates on the local level. The national committee has allowed the religious right to set the agenda for "morals" in this country - and they've made themselves look just like them. Voters have no option to vote "liberal/progressive" because these qualities no longer exist on the national level. The supposed liberals have crawled their rocks and refuse to stand up and reclaim the L word as meaning CARING for each other and the planet. By refusing to use the word "liberal" they acknowledge it as a dirty word.

And, of course, letter-writing. Write to Chambers of Commerce, Tourist Boards, etc., and tell them you'd LOVE to hold your company meeting/family reunion/whatever in their state and/or city. Ask them to send you their policies on non-discrimination. Write the major Hotel chains in those cities and let them know you won't be staying there because of the discriminatory practices of the state. Let them know that they are losing business because of the state laws or policies.

And, for Pennsylvanians, removing Rick Santorum from office in 2006. taht's one election I'll definitely be working on.

And, finally - don't give up. Keep fighting. LIVE your life openly. It's a lot easier for your neighbors to vote against gay rights when ther're thinking of all those homos in San Francisco. It becomes more difficult when they know they're voting against you.

Trust me, I feel your pain. [V] Bush getting reelected was one of my worst nightmares come true. And now we're dealing with a huge plague of homophobia sweeping across our nation. When my new column (Like a Plague) is posted, you'll see I've made a few suggestions for things we can do to make a difference during this time. Don't give up. Keep fighting. --Josh