Slog
News & ArtsSunday, January 29, 2012
Homo Let's File an Initiative to Vote on Rob McKenna's Marriage
Posted by Dominic Holden on Sun, Jan 29, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Posted Friday and moved up, because we're serious.
Do we have a lawyer in the house? We need your help. Attorney General Rob McKenna has finally admitted that he opposes same-sex marriage but that if loving couples want marriage equality, he thinks everyone should get to vote on them.
If McKenna believes that he—and everyone else—deserves the right to vote on our marriages, we should all get the right to vote on his marriage, right? Fair's fair.
This requires an filing an initiative to the people. Rob and Marilyn McKenna have been married for 25 years and their love is up to them, true, but what if the legal recognition of their bond could be permitted or revoked at the will of voters? What would voters choose?
So we need an attorney's pro bono help. Our task for you, lawyers: Send us the text for an initiative to annul the marriage of Rob and Marilyn McKenna, as legally binding as such a measure can possibly be, and I'll see that it's properly filed with the state and printed on petitions. Send your submissions here. We'll even send Rob a copy of the petition for his signature. Considering that he believes marriage is a matter everyone should vote on, he can't possibly refuse, right?
4
This tickles my funny bone ... and is a nice change from listening to bigots who proclaim it's their business to vote on specific civil rights.
6
Actually, you should file this initiative. When they reject it, get a pro bono lawyer to appeal. I'm serious. This could have major implications as far as precedent goes!
Or, at the least, completely piss off lil Robbie.
Or, at the least, completely piss off lil Robbie.
7
How about an initiative that requires all Washington marriages to be voted on. No marriage license will be issued by the State of Washington unless it is approved by a majority of voters.
9
State bills of attainder are expressly forbidden by the Constitution, but (IANAL) bills of attainder are generally understood to involve criminal proceedings, not civil ones. As this is a purely civil proceeding, it would seem at least arguable.
That said, yes please.
That said, yes please.
10
McKenna's stance on same sex marriage is almost identical to that of Barack Obama. Are you going to propose we force a vote to invalidate his marriage to Michelle? Probably not. Trying to force a vote to invalidate McKennas 25 year marriage is basically a petty personal attack that makes you no different than the political BS Karl Rove dished out in 2004.
But by all means, attack him for this and create a wedge issue, asking everyone to not vote for McKenna in November and on the same ballot, ask everyone to vote for Obama. Sheesh, do you honestly not see how stupid you sound when you push this garbage?
But by all means, attack him for this and create a wedge issue, asking everyone to not vote for McKenna in November and on the same ballot, ask everyone to vote for Obama. Sheesh, do you honestly not see how stupid you sound when you push this garbage?
11
It is my understanding that a state law can not single out an individual for any reason. No matter how it is worded, if the effect is to single out Rob, it won't make it to ballot.
12
@7:
I say we go full-Eyman on that -- require a 2/3 majority to allow each marriage.
That's after the happy couple has collected enough signatures to get their vows on the ballot.
I say we go full-Eyman on that -- require a 2/3 majority to allow each marriage.
That's after the happy couple has collected enough signatures to get their vows on the ballot.
13
@11 There's a solution to that problem that the legislature uses all the time. Just pass a law that applies to all people of X age living in Y city with Z circumstances. Do it right, and you can write a bill that affects only one person or entity, without ever naming them. One of the most common is bills that apply only to cities over X population, designed to affect only Seattle.
14
@10 - Obama has said he wants the states to decide. McKenna has said he wants the people to vote. Big difference. Don't understand it? Hit the books.
16
@10: It's not "identical" to Obama's, you just guzzled that hot load of lies without paying attention. While Obama is evolving and has stated he is moving towards acceptance, McKenna shrugged and admitted he thinks it's strictly 1 man/1 woman, period.
17
Dom, you’ve been working for Dan too long. Life is not a stage for political theatrics, at least in the long run. Funny web sites and parody initiatives only go so far. Sooner or later you have to do the real work and that is to sincerely make the case for same-sex marriage in our state by exploring and developing effective communications. This is a serious issue, and you should take it seriously.
18
Reminds me of This Hour Has 22 Minutes and their initiative to force Canadian conservative initiative-enthusiast Stockton Day to change his first name to Doris.
20
@17 You are boring me to death already. People don't always need to be lectured. It can make them feel attacked. They need to have their eyes opened. By leaving humor and satire out of your bag of tricks for "effective communication" you are advocating a very limited strategy.
I'm for having each marriage put to a public vote!
I'm for having each marriage put to a public vote!
21
Way to go, Dom. Now you're just proving the bigots right when they say the gays are out to ruin 'traditional' marriage!
22
@14 "Obama has said he wants the states to decide. McKenna has said he wants the people to vote."
It sounds like both dont want to answer the question and would rather let someone else make the decision.
BTW, I am 100% for same sex marriage.
It sounds like both dont want to answer the question and would rather let someone else make the decision.
BTW, I am 100% for same sex marriage.
24
@10 Hell, yeah, I'd vote against Obama's marriage! He deserves a taunting for whatever the fuck he said to Kucinich on that plane, at the very least, not to mention Rahm, Geithner, Summers, off-shore drilling... (append laundry list of liberal complaints.) That's all fairly off-topic, but whatever.
25
But re. McKenna: YES PLEASE. I'll chip in 10 bucks toward the filing fee, if needed. Too bad I can't bankroll a full sig. gathering effort like Kemper (Not)Freeman.
26
@22 - except, what constitutes a legal marriage has always been left up to the individual states. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "... by the power invested in me by the state of (fill in the blank)..." So it's appropriate that a nationally-elected official defer to each state. It's not appropriate for a state-wide elected official to shirk his duty and suggest it's appropriate for the majority to vote on which rights it will extend to which minority, and which they'll keep for themselves.
27
I would be willing to put some cash up for this. I know it won't go anywhere, but making the statement is enough. I'll start the cash flow, $50. Serious.
28
@17, I think you miss the point of satire. Maybe if some people realize how silly it is to vote on McKenna's marriage, they'll realize that it is silly that the public should be allowed a vote to allow me to get married.
I think this is brilliant.
I think this is brilliant.
29
Basic civil rights should never be up for a popular vote.
The mayor of Newark said it best a few days ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Z7tl7Vy…
The mayor of Newark said it best a few days ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Z7tl7Vy…
30
Great idea.
Also - how about giving Jay Inslee some press? As I've mentioned before, for such a handsome politician, he has zero visibility.
Also - how about giving Jay Inslee some press? As I've mentioned before, for such a handsome politician, he has zero visibility.
31
Dominic, don't be an asshole.
State Constitution, Article II, Section 24.
The legislature shall never grant any divorce.
State Constitution, Article II, Section 24.
32
@17: "Political theatrics" and making a sincere case are hardly mutually exclusive.
This is reductio ad absurdum, which is a classic debate strategy. If you believe the rights of gays should be decided by popular vote, then why shouldn't the rights of Rob McKenna be decided by popular vote?
The point is pretty obvious - only way to miss it is if you want to miss it.
This is reductio ad absurdum, which is a classic debate strategy. If you believe the rights of gays should be decided by popular vote, then why shouldn't the rights of Rob McKenna be decided by popular vote?
The point is pretty obvious - only way to miss it is if you want to miss it.
34
Dom: set up the "text annulment to XXXX" and you've got five bucks from me. Not much maybe, but I'll get you started.
This is a great idea (in agreement with @32), and you might as well get our bucks while this idea is hot. If nothing else, you will likely make the news, and make him a laughing stock for a day.
This is a great idea (in agreement with @32), and you might as well get our bucks while this idea is hot. If nothing else, you will likely make the news, and make him a laughing stock for a day.
35
@30
Here, playing basketball at Ingraham High School
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2…
And absolutely agree about your point @33.
Here, playing basketball at Ingraham High School
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2…
And absolutely agree about your point @33.
36
I keep thinking about Senator Al Franken's point: just because it becomes legal that does not mean that heterosexuals would be required to divorce and marry a same sex partner.
As long as Al and I do not have to divorce our respective wives and marry each other, I see zero problem with the proposed change in law.
As long as Al and I do not have to divorce our respective wives and marry each other, I see zero problem with the proposed change in law.
37
@29
Yes they should. A bunch of Internet parrots bleating "Basic civil rights should never be up for a popular vote" ad nausaeum doesn't make it a fact.
It's just somebody's opinion and not a very well thought out one.
Yes they should. A bunch of Internet parrots bleating "Basic civil rights should never be up for a popular vote" ad nausaeum doesn't make it a fact.
It's just somebody's opinion and not a very well thought out one.
39
This is absurd, unreasonable, and offensive. It's completely inappropriate to talk about annulling or forcibly divorcing the McKennas.
However, since "civil unions provide all the same rights and privileges as marriage" it is perfectly appropriate, and should cause no inconvenience or hardship to the McKennas to declare that their marriage has been converted into a civil union, with the attendant forfeiture of all federal benefits.
However, since "civil unions provide all the same rights and privileges as marriage" it is perfectly appropriate, and should cause no inconvenience or hardship to the McKennas to declare that their marriage has been converted into a civil union, with the attendant forfeiture of all federal benefits.
41
This would be an entirely appropriate use for WA's absurd initiative process. I would help gather signatures.
42
I think, with respect to achieving same-sex marriage in WA state, this prank/action is likely to backfire.
You'll be providing recent, hard-won, converts a reason to, again, distance themselves from your side.
You'll be providing recent, hard-won, converts a reason to, again, distance themselves from your side.
43
This is a great idea.
And hopefully the voters will annul Rob's marriage.
It will be a great precedent.
Then,
when thousands of California homosexual "marriages"
are annulled by Prop 8;
and when voters in many states vote by margins of 80%
to outlaw homosexual "marriage"
Queer,Inc can bend over,
spread its cheeks
and take it like a man without whining and squealing.....
And hopefully the voters will annul Rob's marriage.
It will be a great precedent.
Then,
when thousands of California homosexual "marriages"
are annulled by Prop 8;
and when voters in many states vote by margins of 80%
to outlaw homosexual "marriage"
Queer,Inc can bend over,
spread its cheeks
and take it like a man without whining and squealing.....
44
American politics has become nothing but a freak show. So I support this just because it adds to the freak show.
Damn...it is so FUN to live in an empire going through the collapse.
Damn...it is so FUN to live in an empire going through the collapse.
45
I like the idea of a bill that ENDS marriage in WA State - converting all existing marriages here to civil unions.
46
I happened onto this posting, and it's so cute!
What a terrific use of "irony!"
I think this kid "Dominic" will do very well as he goes from midle school to high school Creative Writing classes!
I especially like that Dominic realizes that the best "irony" doesn't use a sledgehammer approach to humor, but a delicate use of writing.
What a terrific use of "irony!"
I think this kid "Dominic" will do very well as he goes from midle school to high school Creative Writing classes!
I especially like that Dominic realizes that the best "irony" doesn't use a sledgehammer approach to humor, but a delicate use of writing.
47
Okay.
As stated earlier, an initiative cannot single out single individual. Neither should it single out a single party. And it can’t just target those against same-sex marriage. Therefore, to add authenticity to this initiative, and to fully illustrate the absurdity of voting on marriage rights, and also to broaden its appear, there is no choice but to have Jay and Trudi Inslee’s marriage annulled as well. I wouldn’t vote for such an initiative otherwise.
As stated earlier, an initiative cannot single out single individual. Neither should it single out a single party. And it can’t just target those against same-sex marriage. Therefore, to add authenticity to this initiative, and to fully illustrate the absurdity of voting on marriage rights, and also to broaden its appear, there is no choice but to have Jay and Trudi Inslee’s marriage annulled as well. I wouldn’t vote for such an initiative otherwise.
51
@47 - As you seem to be a regular, I sincerely wish you were witty. As it is, you sound like an adult in a Peanuts special.
52
@51: Oh please, just because I might not always know what I'm talking about does not necessarily mean it isn't true.
53
@42, agreed.
I only see a downside to this idea.
When you get enough votes, take yes for an answer. Continuing to negotiate people feelings by acting like a jerk will have little benefit.
Baby, bath water.
Save a hate filled response for a broader response should McKenna prove to be the rule and not the exception.
WWEMD
What Would Ed Murray Do?
I only see a downside to this idea.
When you get enough votes, take yes for an answer. Continuing to negotiate people feelings by acting like a jerk will have little benefit.
Baby, bath water.
Save a hate filled response for a broader response should McKenna prove to be the rule and not the exception.
WWEMD
What Would Ed Murray Do?
55
If everyone's gonna vote on Rob McKenna's hetero marriage, I want everyone to vote on my hetero marriage, too.
56
Much like Goldy's "Horse's Ass" initiative, this will be thrown out before it even gets close to the ballot. This McKenna initiative will have about the same effectiveness deterring opponents of same-sex marriage as Goldy did deterring Tim Eyman.
How about making sure Inslee wins? Or is that too mature?
How about making sure Inslee wins? Or is that too mature?
58
As a good-will gesture to demonstrate that our side is reasonable, why not make the initiative invalidate the marriages of only those citizens who vote to overturn the marriage equality law?
60
Dominic, it's tiresome to point out to you, but lawyers (unlike pseudo-journalists at The Stranger) are governed by rules of professional responsibility.
Asking a lawyer to help you draft this ill-conceived piece of shit is like asking a doctor to beat up McKenna.
Do your own dirty work.
Asking a lawyer to help you draft this ill-conceived piece of shit is like asking a doctor to beat up McKenna.
Do your own dirty work.
61
Sorry. Same-sex marriage is not normal, natural, or a civil right.
Sure most straights (especially in seattle) play along because it doesn't really matter in the long run. Because this once great republic is doomed anyway (Thanks baby boomers!).
But outside of this Slog echo chamber...well you know,
Even your favorite President is not for same-sex marriage.
Sure most straights (especially in seattle) play along because it doesn't really matter in the long run. Because this once great republic is doomed anyway (Thanks baby boomers!).
But outside of this Slog echo chamber...well you know,
Even your favorite President is not for same-sex marriage.
62
In my earlier posting about how witty this kid Dominic is, I was in such an excitement at discovering what a writer this ninth-grader is that I accidentally typed "midle" instead of "middle!"
Oh, my!
I think Dominic, if he strives hard at his craft, could be the next "Goldy!"
This gem that Dominic wrote on this posting is just wonderful!
I just love his subtle use of satire! Not like some beginning writers who write with a sledgehammer!
Oh, my!
I think Dominic, if he strives hard at his craft, could be the next "Goldy!"
This gem that Dominic wrote on this posting is just wonderful!
I just love his subtle use of satire! Not like some beginning writers who write with a sledgehammer!
64
Go ahead and pass it.
Even if you get 2 thirds of the vote Gregoire will countermand it and raise the McKennas' sales tax by 0.10 percent.
Even if you get 2 thirds of the vote Gregoire will countermand it and raise the McKennas' sales tax by 0.10 percent.
65
It's obvious there's something very wrong with Rob and Marilyn McKenna's marriage. This needs to be investigated ...pronto!
On another note, what is wrong with these closet right-wing freaks??? Stop pretending you are anything but reactionary neanderthals.
On another note, what is wrong with these closet right-wing freaks??? Stop pretending you are anything but reactionary neanderthals.
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