Rev. Johnathan goes to congress

[Rev. Johnathan Jones]

Hi Folks,
 
If you follow the following link you will find a story on the Lobby to Congress I attended yesterday.
 
http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=HRC&CONTENTID=36338&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm
 
The lobby was to make an addition to the original Civil Rights legislation of 1968 to include crimes against women, GLBT people to be classified as "Hate Crimes". There were of 200 Clergy, Rabbi's, Imam's and religious leaders from the entire 50 Unites states.
 
I had a fantastic and fruitful time. I met with the staff of Sen. Ted Stevens: the staff promised to send a memo to the Senator and urge the senator to look at the information we provided. Pointing out that Stevens supported similar attempts of passing such legislation in the last 10 years. (Stevens is one of two Federal Senators representing Alaska he is Republican)
 
I personally got to spend 30mins with Senator Lisa Murkowski, she was friendly and receptive- when I pushed her to confirm her support of the legislation she said, "I was a lawyer before a Senator, I don't sign on without reading". However, she listened to my stories and paid attention. She said, "Even if we don't believe the same things, we should respect each other and their right to live theirs lives as they choose" (not Murkowski's exact wording but you get the picture). I felt positive after that meeting. Unfortunately the meeting went longer than expected she had to rush to a next meeting and I didn't wish to detain her any longer by asking for a photo shoot! (I would have looked a photo of the first time I met an US Senator. (Murkowski is the 2nd Federal Senator representing Alaska she is Republican)
 
I met with the staff for Congressman Don Young, who took me into the hallway to speak with me (at least Stevens and Murkowski offered me a chair and table). He barely listened to what I had to say- he responded without thought to what I had been saying- "well, we have to be financially conservative and responsible- and people my age don't think the way that people your age think." I stopped him and asked how old he was. He said, "25". (I am 27) I grabbed my bag and said thanks for your time and left the hallway. He was rude, obnoxious and totally unconcerned with our efforts.

But I believe I have represented the GLBT community of Alaska well and our allies. And I hope that maybe someday Senator Murkowski will think of our meeting and decide to cosponsor and support the "Anti-Hate Crime Legislation Act".
 
I have added some photo's for you to enjoy, (they should be in the gallery)
thank-you for letting me represent you, it was an amazing and life-changing experience.
 
Lobbyist for a day- Rev. Johnathan Jones

[Oni]

You can find pic's of Johnathans Lovely trip here.
http://furshockstudios.furrynet.com/index.php?action=gallery;cat=1