Episode Seven

Hello, and welcome to episode seven of The David Terhune Show. My first guest today is a live video of Bootfoot performing Mrs. Monday and Cairo County. Eleanor Imster and I wrote and played songs together for many years in the 1980's. We were known as Bootfoot and, for a while, The Fraidy Cats. Actually, our first name was Harry-O, because Eleanor thought that if she named the band after her brother, he would come to our show. He didn't make the performance, so the next logical name was Bootfoot. We've been joined by many great musicians over the years (see the credits below), and our percussionist, Patty Lenartz, played tambourine at this reunion performance in Brooklyn on October 21, 2009. This date was also, coincidentally, my 24th anniversary as a civil servant for the City of New York. Staying civil that long is a feat in itself. So please, click and enjoy Bootfoot!

(dum, dum, dum.. waiting for the song to end...) Thank you, Bootfoot! That was great. Ok, now we move to my next guest, an email I sent to New York State Senators last week encouraging them to vote for the Marriage Equality Act. Governor David Paterson had called the Senate into a special session to consider his new budget and the same-sex marriage bill. I concentrated again on the 39 senators who oppose or are undecided on the issue of marriage equality. I hoped a short and sincere email would tip the scales:

Dear Senator,

I am writing to you with the hope that you will be supporting the Marriage Equality Act (S4401). In the past, New York State has proudly held aloft the banner of justice, and this bill is an opportunity to fill a glaring gap in that emblem of equality.

I am confident that your good judgment and sense of fairness will result in the passage of the Marriage Equality Act.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Well, it didn't work. My guest failed to bring the issue to a vote, and the governor is still trying to focus the Senate on this important bill. But it was great to have you on the show, and better luck next time!

Before I go, I just wanted to mention that I had my 100th letter-to-the-editor published in amNY this week. You can view and comment on it at http://dterhune.blogspot.com/2009/11/ho-ho-ho-amny-published-my-100th-letter.html. Thanks for tuning in, and safe drive!

Bootfoot credits (over the years):
Marc Fagelson (bass), Rich Grula (guitar), Eleanor Imster (vocals), Patty Lenartz (percussion), Michael Shelley (guitar), David Terhune (instruments), Kevin Terhune (guitar), Rob Terhune (bass).

Episode Six

Hello, and welcome to The David Terhune Show. Today I'd like to perform my hit song, Your Name Backwards, live from our studios in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. If you'd like to sing along, just follow the bouncing ball (ball not included).

When I first saw you, I didn't know what to do

I liked your sweatshirt, and the shape of your head

And I forgot everything that worried me when you told me your name backwards

When I first kissed you, I knew what I had to do

At your apartment we drew animals in bed

And I forgot everything that worried me as you wrote out your name backwards

We told each other the worst thing we'd ever done

But we looked at each other, and I saw the kindest women I'd ever met backwards

I kept your secret, you promised me you'd keep mine

And we walk together for lunch across the Brooklyn Bridge

And I forgot everything, and I told you everything

And you showed me everything when you told me your name backwards

When you told me your name backwards

Episode Five

The David Terhune Show comes to you today from Wellfleet, Massachusetts. My family and I are on vacation, enjoying the ponds and wildlife (see photo). Of course, there's plenty of time to relax and read the papers.

Theodore B. Olson is known for successfully arguing the case that sealed George Bush's election in 2000. A story about him in the New York Times this past week highlighted his current legal challenge - the nation-wide recognition of same-sex marriage.

www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/us/19olson.html

I wrote this letter in response:

Theodore B. Olson's support of same-sex marriage helps explode a myth that the issue is divided along party lines. The debate over marriage equality is not a confrontation between conservative and liberal ideologies. It is not a matter of politics or religion. It is a civil rights concern, as Mr. Olson deftly demonstrates in his legal challenges. His position makes it clear that the true dividing line is between fulfilling our Constitution's promise of equality and allowing the biases of the unenlightened to dictate what rights are available to Americans.

Another Times article that caught my attention concerned "prosperity preachers."

www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/us/16gospel.html

Apparently, when a person continuously donates money to these prosperity ministries, the prayers of the preachers ultimately reward the donor, who is seen, in the eyes of God, as extra-special and extra-deserving by virtue of the donations:

While reading your article on the Copelands and their fellow prosperity preachers, I was struck by their brazen appeal to greed and spiritual vulnerability. By claiming that those who give money to their ministries receive divine preferential treatment, they reduce God to a purveyor of snake oil, promising miraculous relief for a price. Perhaps their existence can be justified by the hope they provide their followers, but I think their cynical view of human nature overshadows any optimism they might offer.

Episode Four

I received three more responses to my letters to New York State Senators in support of the Marriage Equality Bill. However, one of these replies was from a senator who simply forwarded my letter to the senator who directly represents me, Daniel L. Squadron. So, I can’t really count that one. To date, of the 39 letters I mailed in May, I’ve received four serious responses, or 10%. Since then the Senate passed through an embarrassing power-struggle gridlock, with senators jumping parties and legislation put on hold. Now that a Democratic majority has again been restore (for the time being), it looks like marriage equality will not be considered until the fall.

But before I present those letters and my responses, I want to share a dialogue I heard on the radio between WNYC radio host Brian Lehrer and Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. from the Bronx. Senator Diaz is one of the most outspoken opponents of gay marriage in the Senate and held a rally the same day as the Marriage Equality Rally I attended. What was remarkable about their conversation was Sen. Diaz’s laughter as Mr. Lehrer asked a crucial question – how is anyone hurt if New York permits gay marriage?

Brian Lehrer: Why do you care who gets married? Who would get hurt by this?

Senator Diaz: Everyone gets hurt.

BL: Everyone gets hurt?

SD: Everyone gets hurt. (starts to laugh)

BL: I don't get hurt. (Diaz chuckles heartily) How do you get hurt?

SD: (laughing) Everyone gets hurt.

BL: (while Diaz continues to laugh) How do you get hurt?

SD: (laughing) How do I get hurt? (composes himself) My belief get hurts. My, my, my, my, uh, understanding of family values get hurts. My belief in the Bible get hurts.

For an issue that supposedly takes on biblical proportions for Senator Diaz, his jovial response seems to indicate that even the Senator himself cannot take his position seriously. I know that Sen. Diaz is passionate about his stand on same-sex marriage, but that moment on the Brian Lehrer Show revealed a conscious or unconscious admission that the rationale for opposing marriage equality is… laughable. Also, how can one’s beliefs be hurt? Are not beliefs based on personal convictions, despite those with contrary views? I do not believe in murder, yet people continue to murder. Is my belief then shaken and called into question? Of course not. Perhaps the senator is truly concerned because he knows, deep down, that civil rights must triumph over any credence that opposes equality. (By the way, Sen. Diaz has not responded to or acknowledged my letter to him.)

Here is the response I received from Senator Darrel J. Aubertine. Sen. Aubertine represents the counties of Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence:

Thank you for contacting me to express your view on marriage equality in New York State. I understand the importance of this issue to so many people in this region and throughout the state.

While I am not ready to vote in favor of same-sex marriage, I have listened to the stories of many affected by this issue and I take seriously all issues of discrimination. I share your view that everyone deserves equal rights and justice under the law. Though we may not see eye to eye on same-sex marriage, there are many issues where I am certain we share common ground.

I look forward to having more open and respectful discussions on this issue as I continue to work for you and my constituents.

Darrel J. Aubertine
State Senator

My reply:

Thank you for your thoughtful reply to my letter supporting the Marriage Equality Bill. Please take a moment to consider my response.

You write that "everyone deserves equal rights and justice under the law." I agree with you, but I wonder how you can reconcile that statement with your opposition to marriage equality. In New York State, gay rights are specifically protected by the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act. If NYS legally acknowledges the rights of gay citizens (as well as the need to formally protect those rights), then is it not inconsistent to deny them the same privileges as heterosexuals?

I am somewhat encouraged by your statement that you are “not ready to vote in favor of same-sex marriage,” suggesting that at some point you may be prepared to take that position. Perhaps you already understand the inevitability of marriage equality. As we have seen with other civil rights causes, including the struggle of women and African Americans, arguments that oppose basic rights ultimately break down logically and morally. I hope that your commitment to equality and justice convinces you to not only vote in favor of gay marriage but to also persuade your colleagues who oppose this bill to join you.

I would be interested in your thoughts on the relationship between the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act and the Marriage Equality Bill.

Senator Brian X. Foley is from Long Island:

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the issue of marriage equality. Citizens who keep in touch with their elected officials play a crucial role in our legislative process.

As your senator, I am pleased to take your views on the issue of marriage equality into account. I am proud of my legislative record in support of enhancing rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community and your input is part of my deliberative process and will aid me in making a responsible decision on the issue.

I sincerely hope that you will continue to communicate with my office on this and other important issues throughout the year. From reducing property taxes to delivering aid to our schools, to ensuring that my constituents have access to quality, affordable healthcare, I am committed to improving the lives of working-families through Suffolk County.

If my office can be of any further assistance to you on this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (631) 360-3365.

Brian X. Foley
Senator

My reply:

Thank you for your thoughtful reply to my letter supporting the Marriage Equality Bill. Although you did not commit yourself to a position on same-sex marriage, I am encouraged by your pride in your legislative record concerning the LGBT community and your openness to deliberation on this issue.

Some of the senators I have written have responded by offering civil unions as an alternative to gay couples. This solution is one that satisfies the contractual necessities of marriage, but does not address the emotional necessities. The Marriage Equality Bill is as much about expressing love as it is about guaranteeing civil rights. Marriage is in many ways a public pronouncement of a couple's love and commitment. That marriage becomes an identity for the two, forever joined and facing the challenges of life together. Of course, that is when the marriage works out. But all loving couples should have the ability to marry, because when marriage does work, the union makes our society stronger.

Perhaps you already understand the inevitability of marriage equality. As we have seen with other civil rights causes, including the struggle of women and African Americans, arguments that oppose basic rights ultimately break down logically and morally. I hope that your commitment to LGBT issues convinces you to not only vote in favor of same-sex marriage but to also persuade your colleagues who oppose this bill to join you.

Please keep me informed of the status of your position on this bill.

Senator Vincent L. Leibell, representing counties between Rockland and Columbia, thought he could pass along my letter to another senator:

Thank you for your letter concerning the Marriage Equality Bill.

As is customary for the New York State Senate to have the representing senator respond to his or her constituents, I have forwarded your letter to Senator Daniel L. Squadron for his consideration.

Sincerely,

Senator Vincent L. Leibell, 40th Senate District

And my response:

I was disappointed in your reply to my recent letter supporting the Marriage Equality Bill. You wrote that “it is customary for the New York State Senate to have the representing senator respond to his or her constituents,” and forwarded my letter to Senator Daniel L. Squadron. However, I have received four letters to date engaging in a discussion of marriage equality from senators who do not directly represent me. You are the only senator who evoked this practice.

While I appreciated receiving a response from Senator Squadron, I was already aware of his stand on same-sex marriage. I am interested in your own thoughts on the issue and how you plan to vote when the bill is presented to the Senate.

Although Senator Squadron represents my specific location in New York State, all state senators represent the interests of my family. I would appreciate the kind of response that you would provide to one of your own constituents.

Sincerely,

David Terhune

(I took the photo above at the Marriage Equality Rally, NYC, May 17, 2009)

Episode Three

Episode Three of The David Terhune Show was supposed to be a thought provoking discussion of the complex reaction to Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to The Supreme Court. But for some reason I have been receiving text messages, phone calls and faxes asking for The Gramma Show. The request itself is somewhat puzzling, as I am not aquainted with this program. Yes, my mom appears from time to time on my show as a guest or a mother or what have you. But I would hardly characterize her cameos as a bonafide show. Okay, she has a theme song, but that's it. A theme song does not a show make, as they say.

So, instead of grappling with a weighty issue of social and political import, or maybe even learning the identity of the latest senator to respond to my marriage equality letter, The David Terhune Show presents something my mom did with a camcorder that has a theme song but isn't a show. Enjoy.

Episode Two

After I sent the 39 emails to New York State Senators who do not support the Marriage Equality Bill, the auto-replies started pouring in. Actually 13 of these senators (or one-third) had auto-replies set for their email accounts. Most read like this:

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your recent e-mail. I appreciate the time you have taken to correspond with me. Your comments and suggestions are very important to me and an integral part of the legislative process. As such, you can be assured that I will remain mindful of your thoughts and concerns.

With more people communicating with my office by e-mail, I now receive thousands of e-mails each week. I will make every effort to respond to your correspondence as soon as possible. If you have not already done so, please forward your name, address and phone number to my office.

Once again, thank you for contacting me with your views.


However, two senators, William T. Stachowsky and Andrew J. Lanza, responded with a substantive reply. While I am sure that the text is a standard response to inquiries like mine, I was impressed that each senator had a position prepared and was able to provide it to me within days of my email.

Senator Stachowsky represents the Buffalo area.

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your recent note outlining your views on same sex marriages in New York. The points raised in your letter are well taken, and I can certainly understand your strong feelings of this matter.

All over the nation major legislative battles have been waged over same sex marriage. In Spring, 1996, Congress passed the “Defense of Marriage Act” which provides that no state will be required to recognize same-sex marriages granted in another state. It also states that the federal government will not recognize such marriages. Traditionally, federal and state governments have recognized the validity of marriage licenses granted in any state. Although other states have tackled this issue by enforcing old statutes or enacting new ones that deal with same-sex marriages, New York has not enacted any law pertaining to this issues to date. In fact, there are many legislators who support legislation that would make marriage absolutely void if contracted by 2 persons of the same sex, regardless of whether it is recognized or solemnized in another jurisdiction.

Personally, I feel that New York should enact a statute permitting “civil unions” which I believe would address the concerns expressed by some New Yorkers, especially when it comes to partners making life altering decision, or becoming eligible for family benefits such as health or life insurance.

In closing, I hope I’ve adequately expressed my position on this issue. In the event you have any further comments or questions I would be happy to hear from you.

Sincerely,
WILLIAM T. STACHOWSKI
STATE SENATOR
58TH DISTRICT


Senator Lanza's reply was more succinct. He represents Staten Island.

To Whom it May Concern:

Thank you for your recent correspondence with my office regarding same sex marriage legislation. There has been no vote yet on this issue within the New York State Senate, as Senate Democrats have not brought it to the floor. I believe that no one should be treated unfairly, which is why I support civil unions as the preferred approach on this issue. I believe that we should legislatively secure equal benefits for same sex couples, without changing the definition of marriage. Accordingly, I do not support the legislation as it is currently proposed.

Once again, thank you for your recent correspondence with my office. Please, do not hesitate to contact my district office 718-984-4073 with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

ANDREW LANZA
State Senator
24th District


Their quick responses inspired me and I sent them both this reply:

Dear Senator,

I appreciate your considered response to my letter concerning the Marriage Equality Bill. While we are clearly in disagreement, I have an understanding of how you view this issue. Since you invite a response, I ask for a moment of your time to consider the following.

In lieu of marriage, you say you would support civil unions for same-sex couples. These would in theory provide the legal protections and privileges of marriage. This solution is one that satisfies the contractual necessities of marriage, but does not address the emotional necessities. The Marriage Equality Bill is as much about expressing love as it is about guaranteeing civil rights. Marriage is in many ways a public pronouncement of a couple's love and commitment. That marriage becomes an identity for the two, forever joined and facing the challenges of life together. That is, when the marriage works out. But all loving couples should have the ability to marry, because when it does work out the union makes our society stronger.

The emotional value of the word and concept of marriage cannot be underestimated. Imagine if we told parents who adopt a child that they have the same rights and privileges as parents and can determine the proper upbringing of their child, but they cannot call themselves mother and father. You get all the rights, but you don't get the name. You can enjoy a mutually enriching life with your child, but you can't be called Mom and Dad. Or Mom and Mom. When we think of the word marriage, we must ascribe to it the same emotional importance we give to matriarchal and paternal identities. From this perspective, I hope that you understand why restricting same-sex couples to civil unions is an unacceptable alternative.

Please share with me your thoughts and reaction, and I thank you for taking the time to respond.

(I took the photo above of Governor Paterson speaking at the Marriage Equality Rally, May 17, 2009.)

Episode One

I thought that a good way to help support the passing of the Marriage Equality Bill in New York State would be to write to the State Senators who opposed or were undecided on the measure. I could present my reasoned argument in favor of marriage equality and ask for a response.

I found a site online called The Albany Project, which broke down the senators' positions on the bill by yeses, noes, and question marks. The research going into this information seemed thorough and sincere, so I took that as my base - 39 senators who were not supporting marriage equality.

I wrote this letter and sent it via email and U.S. mail to each senator.

Dear Senator,

I am writing to encourage you to vote in favor of the Marriage Equality Bill. The issue of marriage equality is one of civil rights, and this bill is an opportunity for New York State to remind the nation that all citizens must be treated without bias under the law. As a senator of this great state, your responsibility is not only to represent the interests of your constituents but also to ensure that the rule of law is fair and equitable. Gay New Yorkers pay taxes and contribute to the state economy as do other law-abiding citizens, and their right to express love and commitment through the institution of marriage should not be abridged.

It can be difficult to take a supportive stand for marriage equality when many New Yorkers still oppose the concept of same-sex marriage. But just as in times past when the rights of women and people of color were denied and debated, the country was able to recognize its inequalities and enact corrective legislation, despite the dissension of those unprepared or unwilling to move forward. As we now know, providing equal rights to those groups was a moral imperative, and we are no less responsible for ensuring that gay Americans are afforded the same privileges.

I am a heterosexual man, married and the father of three. Whether or not the Marriage Equality Bill is passed will not change my immediate family situation. But I cannot truly value my own rights while those of others are breached. Inherent in our democracy is the equal treatment of all citizens. I appeal to your sense of fairness and justice, and I ask that your commitment to democracy guide your vote on this bill.

I would like to know if you are in favor of marriage equality. If you are not, please explain the rationale for your opposition. I appreciate your response to this letter, and I thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

David Terhune

Here are the names and addresses of the senators I contacted:

George Onorato, onorato@senate.state.ny.us
28-11 Astoria Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11102

Karl Kruger, kruger@senate.state.ny.us
2201 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11229

Ruben Diaz, diaz@senate.state.ny.us
1733 East 172nd Street, Bronx, NY 10472

Darrel J. Aubertine, aubertin@senate.state.ny.us
317 Washington Street, 4th Floor, Watertown, NY 13601

David J. Valesky, valesky@senate.state.ny.us
416 State Capitol Building’ Albany, New York 12247

William T. Stachowski, stachows@senate.state.ny.us
2030 Clinton Street, Buffalo, New York 14206

Kenneth P. LaValle, lavalle@senate.state.ny.us
325 Middle Country Road, Suite 4, Selden, NY 11784

John J. Flanagan, flanagan@senate.state.ny.us
260 Middle Country Road, Suite 203, Smithtown, New York 11787

Owen H. Johnson, ojohnson@senate.state.ny.us
23-24 Argyle Square, Babylon, NY 11702

Carl L. Marcellino, marcelli@senate.state.ny.us
250 Townsend Square, Oyster Bay, NY 11771

Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., fuschill@senate.state.ny.us
5550 Merrick Road, Suite 205, Massapequa, New York 11758-6238

Dean G. Skelos, skelos@senate.state.ny.us
55 Front Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Frank Padavan, padavan@senate.state.ny.us
89-39 Gettysburg Street, Bellerose, NY, NY 11426

Martin J. Golden, golden@senate.state.ny.us
7408 5th Avenue, 1st Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11209

Andrew J. Lanza, lanza@senate.state.ny.us
3845 Richmond Ave., Suite 2A, Staten Island, NY 10312

William J. Larkin, larkin@senate.state.ny.us
1093 Little Britain Rd., New Windsor, NY 12553

John J. Bonacic, bonacic@senate.state.ny.us
201 Dolson Avenue, Suite F, Middletown, NY 10940

Roy J. McDonald, mcdonald@senate.state.ny.us
Hedley Bldg., Suite 1004, 433 River Street , Troy, NY 12180

Hugh T. Farley, farley@senate.state.ny.us
2430 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Betty Little, little@senate.state.ny.us
5 Warren Street, Suite 3, Glens Falls, NY 12801

Joseph A. Griffo, griffo@senate.state.ny.us
207 Genesee Street , Utica, NY 13501

John A. DeFrancisco, jdefranc@senate.state.ny.us
Room 802 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247

James L.Seward, seward@senate.state.ny.us
41 So. Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820

Tom W. Libous, senator@senatorlibous.com
1607 State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street , Binghamton, NY 13901

Michael F. Nozzolio, nozzolio@senate.state.ny.us

413 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247

Catharine Young, cyoung@senate.state.ny.us
Westgate Plaza 700 W. State Street, Olean, New York 14760

Dale M. Volker, volker@senate.state.ny.us
4729 Transit Road, Suite #5, Depew, New York 14043

Michael H. Ranzenhofer, ranz@senate.state.ny.us
8203 Main Street, Suite 4, Williamsville, NY 14221

George D. Maziarz, maziarz@senate.state.ny.us
2578 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Suite 600, Wheatfield, NY 14304

Brian X Foley, bfoley@senate.state.ny.us
State Office Bldg, Suite 2A-1, Veterans' Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788

Shirley L. Huntley, shuntley@senate.state.ny.us
161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 504, Jamaica, New York 11432

John L. Sampson, sampson@senate.state.ny.us
9114 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236

Ruth Hassell-Thompson, hassellt@senate.state.ny.us
959 E. 233rd Street, Bronx, NY 10466

Kemp Hannon, hannon@senate.state.ny.us
224 7th Street, Garden City, NY 11530

Thomas P. Morahan, morahan@senate.state.ny.us
158 Airport Executive Park, Nanuet, New York 10954

Vincent L. Leibell, leibell@senate.state.ny.us
1441 Route 22, Suite 205, Brewster, NY 10509

Stephen M. Saland, saland@senate.state.ny.us
3 Neptune Road, Suite A19B, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601

George Winner, winner@senate.state.ny.us
228 Lake Street , Box 588, Elmira, NY 14902

Joseph E. Robach. robach@senate.state.ny.us
2300 W. Ridge Road, Rochester, NY 14626

(I took the photo above at the Marriage Equality Rally, NYC, May 17, 2009)

Before I proceed with The David Terhune Show, I want to make clear that this is not The Gramma Show. In this video, my mother (referred to as Gramma for the sake of the camaraperson - my daughter and her granddaughter) tried to take over The David Terhune Show with her own show. But I think I cleverly thwarted that attempt and emerged the victor. C'mon, all you... 'hunes!