As we prepare for the 2012 campaign year, we are bombarded with messages from political candidates. Thanks to Facebook and Twitter I have friends and colleagues from left to right and everything in between. The chatter is all over the place – each party shouting “they know what is best for America” “what this country needs/doesn’t need” the most important thing to U.S. Citizens is (insert your favorite party talking point here) jobs, the economy, no new taxes, immigration, family values, keeping President Obama in the White House, getting President Obama out of the White House….the din is so loud that most people have completely tuned it out. People are lowering their heads wishing it was November so they could vote for the party they decided they would support on November 5 2008.
Luckily for Minnesota, not everyone feels that way. My cousin Rick Hansen and his friends Dusty Seitz, Matt Lewis, and DanLinstroth are lifelong friends, who grew up in Minnesota. They believe our state is a special place to live and their community means very much to them. They all follow politics but are not fired up about any one politician this year. A few months ago Matt hosted a MN United Event, he invited his 3 buddies and a new friend, Mike Schardin. They all found their new political passion. They want to do what they can to defeat the proposed constitutional amendment which would ban marriage for same-sex couples in Minnesota.
Rick, Dusty, Matt, Dan & Mike are music lovers, musicians, employees, entrepreneurs, business owners, athletes, artists, young, busy, and yes, some are married. Now, they are also energized – they want to use their talents, networks, friends and family to raise money for Minnesota United For All Families. Why are they doing this? The group said: “just because we are five straight guys doesn’t mean we feel we can sit this fight out while our friends and family are denied opportunity for the same happiness we can find”. So what do five fun hipsters do when they care deeply about an issue? They throw a big party and YOU are all invited!
Please join Rick, Dusty, Matt, Dan, Mike and now, me, on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 from 7:30PM – 9:30PM at Minnesota Orchestra Hall. The event is free. Please register here for planning purposes:
http://tinyurl.com/7nzwybc Donations are requested, this fight is going to be expensive.
The evening will feature remarks from members of the Minnesota business, arts, and faith communities as well as the Minnesota legislature. In addition to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres , entertainment will be provided by members of the Minnesota Orchestra and premier jazz pianist George Maurer.
So while the politicians are screaming about what is supposed to be important to you – come party with these five fun guys. They have a message that is vital to our community: equal rights for our families, friends, colleagues and fellow Minnesotans. Please join this tremendous coalition as we stand up to defeat the amendment that would ban marriage for same-sex couples in the Minnesota constitution.
Very cool, Wendy! Thanks!
I agree that Matt, Rick, Dusty, Dan, and Mike are leading a very important fight to raise awareness that there are many of us in the state that are not blind to the happiness of others!
Thank you Wendy for bringing attention to this very important
cause. Plus, what a great way to raise money and awareness. To
Matt, Rick, Dusty, Dan, and Mike: Thank you for your commitment to what is sure to be a difficult 11 months working to defeat the marriage ammendment. I am looking forward to the event at Orchestra Hall!