Do I spot a trend?
«No Name Set», 15 Sep 2005 23:19:48
The government seem very keen on trying to ban things.
According to the radio news this lunchtime, they were trying to
ban the possession of material useful to terrorists.
After recent events, this could include a tube map!!
Or a rucksack....
Any chances we could pick up something here to use as a parallel
example of the government indulging in knee-herk responses and
ending up with totally daft legislation - giving us another
"dangerous dogs" act, in effect?
Unfortunately, some journalist at the Beeb must have had the
same thought as me about rucksacks, as I haven't heard the same
phrase used on subsequent broadcasts.
Has anyone else heard anything about this that sounds usable??
--
Rosemary
Amelie, 16 Sep 2005 15:08:58
there seems to be a similar trend in the us - from banning internet satelite
images that might be of use to terrorists to ultra-right wing nannyism. I
repost this from an American Group for your information.
A Dom friend from our Atlanta group recently attended their annual meeting
of the NCSF. Some interesting notes were that they are strapped for cash
because two of the major fundraising events had to be cancelled. That is a
terrible thing, considering that they are our community's strongest voice in
D.C. Also, from his email:
Ladies and Gentlemen, Leather Friends and Family,
I've returned from my recent trip to Baltimore and the NCSF annual
meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and a fire in my belly. I
also have mixed feelings of desperation and hope. Desperation
because until this weekend I did not realize how close to the
financial edge that the NCSF is operating, hope because there is a
light at the end of the tunnel, which I will explain
later.
With a humble heart I come to you this evening to ask a huge favor
of you. Not for myself, not for the families who have lost
everything in the recent hurricane disaster, not for a leather
family in need.
I'm asking for your help on behalf of a nation that doesn't even
realize it needs help.
I'm asking on behalf of the millions of our leather brothers and
sisters who remain silent about their desires and lifestyle choices
out of fear of reprisal.
I'm asking on behalf of the millions of poly-family members who
can't insure the partners they can't legally marry.
I'm asking on behalf of the millions of swingers who have their
clubs raided and shut down and their members arrested because of
over-zealous prosecutors looking to make a name for themselves.
I'm asking on behalf of YOU, my brothers, sisters, friends and
family in leather.
In the United States today we live in a social climate that is
increasing conservative and with federal and sometimes state and
local agencies that are finding it easier and easier to cave in to
pressure from ultra conservative, religiously based special interest
groups. Because of the great strides our gay and lesbian friends
have made in their struggle to have their rights recognized, to get
out of the closet and achieve mainstream tolerance, we, the leather,
poly and swing communities, have become the new "boogeyman". We who
practice alternative sexuality are "the enemy". We, who have done
nothing more than decide for ourselves who and what makes us happy
and whole, are the next big target because we are "different".
Folks, the NCSF, the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, stands
as both sentinel and voice for our alternative lifestyle
communities. In 2004, the NCSF responded to over 740 requests for
assistance. To date in 2005, NCSF has responded to well over 300
requests, ranging from the highly public lawsuits against the
Communications Decency Act and the increased restrictions of U.S.C.
Title 18, Section 2257 (the record keeping requirements extending to
secondary providers of sexually explicit content), to child custody,
divorce, and domestic violence cases that never make the paper. So
far this year, the NCSF has performed 46 Educational Outreach
presentations to swing, poly and BDSM groups, and civil authorities.
The NCSF has always operated on a shoestring budget but this year,
expenses have increased while income has decreased. Two of the
NCSF's _MAJOR_ fundraising efforts this year (including BR!) aren't
happening. That's a loss of over $20,000 dollars in 4th quarter
income alone. Using current budget figures and what's in the bank,
NCSF has just a wee tad more than 1 month's operating capital. Yes,
it's that bad. NCSF has helped our community until there is nothing
left to help with.
There _is_ a light at the end of the tunnel. There are exciting plans
underway now for some major changes that should provide additional
funding AND additional opportunities to build bridges within our
diverse communities. I don't have much more information than that,
but this won't happen until mid-November at the earliest. And NCSF
needs our help NOW to get through the next few months.
How can you help? There are several ways:
1) JOIN THE NCSF AS AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER. As a member of T3WD or
other Coalition Partner group, you can join for as little as $10.00
a year. Go to the NCSF web site,
http://www.ncsfreedom.org/membership/CP_Indiv_app.htm and
fill out the application. Be sure to list T3WD as the Coalition
Partner you are a member of, unless you are the member of another
NCSF Coalition Partner. If you do not belong to a group that is a
Coalition Partner, go to
http://www.ncsfreedom.org/membership/Indiv_app.htm Membership is
$25/year, but remember, this goes almost entirely to education,
outreach, and services. The NCSF only has 1 paid employee, EVERYONE
else is a volunteer!
2) Donate directly to the NCSF. Donate to either the General Fund or
to the Communcations Decency Act Defense Fund. The attornies
fighting that battle are doing it pro bono (for free), but there are
still filing fees, document fees, court costs, expenses for expert
witnesses, etc. that HAVE to be paid. Supreme Court battles are
EXPENSIVE. Go to http://www.ncsfreedom.org/howtopay.htm to make an
online unrestricted donation.
3) Come to the T3WD Vendor's Fair and stop by the Fund Raiser Table.
We'll be raffling off items, a scene with ME (and yes, I'll bottom
for a good cause, or Top you, winners choice, negotations will
follow!), and I will have some NCSF bumper stickers, window clings,
and PINS (I have 10 pins, buy 'em all and I'll get more!). ALL
PROCEEDS TO GO TO NCSF. T3WD will send the check, but you will have
something nifty to go home with and the knowledge that you have done
a great good.
Ladies and gentlemen, I wouldn't ask you for this if it wasn't
important. We all need to pitch in and get the NCSF over the hump
or we may lose the most effective voice we kinksters have ever had
in our corner.
Yours In Kink,
- Geoff
----- Original Message -----
"Rosemary" , 16 Sep 2005 15:08:58
To:
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:11 PM
> The government seem very keen on trying to ban things.
>
> According to the radio news this lunchtime, they were trying to
> ban the possession of material useful to terrorists.
>
> After recent events, this could include a tube map!!
>
> Or a rucksack....
>
>
> Any chances we could pick up something here to use as a parallel
> example of the government indulging in knee-herk responses and
> ending up with totally daft legislation - giving us another
> "dangerous dogs" act, in effect?
>
>
>
> Unfortunately, some journalist at the Beeb must have had the
> same thought as me about rucksacks, as I haven't heard the same
> phrase used on subsequent broadcasts.
>
> Has anyone else heard anything about this that sounds usable??
>
>
> --
> Rosemary
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
> visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/Backlash
>
> To leave the Group, email: Backlash-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
>
> Report abuse
> http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D3271426&mid%3D528
>
>
Nigel Meek, 16 Sep 2005 16:58:04
Amelie – As a small favour, can I ask you to switch off the “request receipt” option on the emails that you’re sending to the Backlash Smartgroup? (At least that’s what’s happening by the time that they’re redirected to my own email address.)
As for the message that you’ve forwarded, I’m not sure that – using it merely as an example - hyperbole about “millions of our leather brothers and sisters” and “millions of poly-family members” and “millions of swingers” would play out too well here in the UK.
At both the meeting at Conway Hall and some posts to the Backlash Smartgroup there’s been the suggestion that we from the Libertarian Alliance and the Campaign Against Censorship are somewhat embarrassing “extremists” when it comes to opposing censorship. Very likely! But I fully accept the view that irrespective of WHAT one says, HOW one says it ought to be done in a tone of respectability and restraint (sic), particularly when addressing “official” people and bodies.
Nigel Meek
Libertarian Alliance (http://www.libertarian.co.uk)
Campaign Against Censorship (http://www.dlas.org.uk)
Society for Individual Freedom (http://www.individualist.org.uk)
Author wrote:
> there seems to be a similar trend in the us - from banning internet satelite
> images that might be of use to terrorists to ultra-right wing nannyism. I
> repost this from an American Group for your information.
> A Dom friend from our Atlanta group recently attended their annual meeting
> of the NCSF. Some interesting notes were that they are strapped for cash
> because two of the major fundraising events had to be cancelled. That is a
> terrible thing, considering that they are our community's strongest voice in
> D.C. Also, from his email:
> Ladies and Gentlemen, Leather Friends and Family,
> I've returned from my recent trip to Baltimore and the NCSF annual
> meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and a fire in my belly. I
> also have mixed feelings of desperation and hope. Desperation
> because until this weekend I did not realize how close to the
> financial edge that the NCSF is operating, hope because there is a
> light at the end of the tunnel, which I will explain
> later.
> With a humble heart I come to you this evening to ask a huge favor
> of you. Not for myself, not for the families who have lost
> everything in the recent hurricane disaster, not for a leather
> family in need.
> I'm asking for your help on behalf of a nation that doesn't even
> realize it needs help.
> I'm asking on behalf of the millions of our leather brothers and
> sisters who remain silent about their desires and lifestyle choices
> out of fear of reprisal.
> I'm asking on behalf of the millions of poly-family members who
> can't insure the partners they can't legally marry.
> I'm asking on behalf of the millions of swingers who have their
> clubs raided and shut down and their members arrested because of
> over-zealous prosecutors looking to make a name for themselves.
> I'm asking on behalf of YOU, my brothers, sisters, friends and
> family in leather.
> In the United States today we live in a social climate that is
> increasing conservative and with federal and sometimes state and
> local agencies that are finding it easier and easier to cave in to
> pressure from ultra conservative, religiously based special interest
> groups. Because of the great strides our gay and lesbian friends
> have made in their struggle to have their rights recognized, to get
> out of the closet and achieve mainstream tolerance, we, the leather,
> poly and swing communities, have become the new "boogeyman". We who
> practice alternative sexuality are "the enemy". We, who have done
> nothing more than decide for ourselves who and what makes us happy
> and whole, are the next big target because we are "different".
> Folks, the NCSF, the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, stands
> as both sentinel and voice for our alternative lifestyle
> communities. In 2004, the NCSF responded to over 740 requests for
> assistance. To date in 2005, NCSF has responded to well over 300
> requests, ranging from the highly public lawsuits against the
> Communications Decency Act and the increased restrictions of U.S.C.
> Title 18, Section 2257 (the record keeping requirements extending to
> secondary providers of sexually explicit content), to child custody,
> divorce, and domestic violence cases that never make the paper. So
> far this year, the NCSF has performed 46 Educational Outreach
> presentations to swing, poly and BDSM groups, and civil authorities.
> The NCSF has always operated on a shoestring budget but this year,
> expenses have increased while income has decreased. Two of the
> NCSF's _MAJOR_ fundraising efforts this year (including BR!) aren't
> happening. That's a loss of over $20,000 dollars in 4th quarter
> income alone. Using current budget figures and what's in the bank,
> NCSF has just a wee tad more than 1 month's operating capital. Yes,
> it's that bad. NCSF has helped our community until there is nothing
> left to help with.
> There _is_ a light at the end of the tunnel. There are exciting plans
> underway now for some major changes that should provide additional
> funding AND additional opportunities to build bridges within our
> diverse communities. I don't have much more information than that,
> but this won't happen until mid-November at the earliest. And NCSF
> needs our help NOW to get through the next few months.
> How can you help? There are several ways:
> 1) JOIN THE NCSF AS AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER. As a member of T3WD or
> other Coalition Partner group, you can join for as little as $10.00
> a year. Go to the NCSF web site,
> http://www.ncsfreedom.org/membership/CP_Indiv_app.htm and
> fill out the application. Be sure to list T3WD as the Coalition
> Partner you are a member of, unless you are the member of another
> NCSF Coalition Partner. If you do not belong to a group that is a
> Coalition Partner, go to
> http://www.ncsfreedom.org/membership/Indiv_app.htm Membership is
> $25/year, but remember, this goes almost entirely to education,
> outreach, and services. The NCSF only has 1 paid employee, EVERYONE
> else is a volunteer!
> 2) Donate directly to the NCSF. Donate to either the General Fund or
> to the Communcations Decency Act Defense Fund. The attornies
> fighting that battle are doing it pro bono (for free), but there are
> still filing fees, document fees, court costs, expenses for expert
> witnesses, etc. that HAVE to be paid. Supreme Court battles are
> EXPENSIVE. Go to http://www.ncsfreedom.org/howtopay.htm to make an
> online unrestricted donation.
> 3) Come to the T3WD Vendor's Fair and stop by the Fund Raiser Table.
> We'll be raffling off items, a scene with ME (and yes, I'll bottom
> for a good cause, or Top you, winners choice, negotations will
> follow!), and I will have some NCSF bumper stickers, window clings,
> and PINS (I have 10 pins, buy 'em all and I'll get more!). ALL
> PROCEEDS TO GO TO NCSF. T3WD will send the check, but you will have
> something nifty to go home with and the knowledge that you have done
> a great good.
> Ladies and gentlemen, I wouldn't ask you for this if it wasn't
> important. We all need to pitch in and get the NCSF over the hump
> or we may lose the most effective voice we kinksters have ever had
> in our corner.
> Yours In Kink,
> - Geoff
> ----- Original Message -----
: "Rosemary" , 16 Sep 2005 16:58:04
> To:
> Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:11 PM
> Subject: [backlash] Do I spot a trend?
> > The government seem very keen on trying to ban things.
> >
> > According to the radio news this lunchtime, they were trying to
> > ban the possession of material useful to terrorists.
> >
> > After recent events, this could include a tube map!!
> >
> > Or a rucksack....
> >
> >
> > Any chances we could pick up something here to use as a parallel
> > example of the government indulging in knee-herk responses and
> > ending up with totally daft legislation - giving us another
> > "dangerous dogs" act, in effect?
> >
> >
> >
> > Unfortunately, some journalist at the Beeb must have had the
> > same thought as me about rucksacks, as I haven't heard the same
> > phrase used on subsequent broadcasts.
> >
> > Has anyone else heard anything about this that sounds usable??
> >
> >
> > --
> > Rosemary
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
> > visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/Backlash
> >
> > To leave the Group, email: Backlash-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
> >
> > Report abuse
> > http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D3271426&mid%3D528
> >
> >
Ian, 16 Sep 2005 17:16:11
I feel I must respond to this posting effectively asking Brits to
support the US leather communities.
In the UK there are BDSM/ leather community Organisations comprising
members of those communities acting for and on behalf of those
communities. One such organisation is the SPANNER TRUST of which I am
a trustee. The Trust is working to change the UK law regarding BDSM
and to educate opinion makers about BDSM. The Trust is financially
stretched and if we are to utilise the Human rights Act to seek a
judicial review of the Spanner case [R v Brown and Others] to force
the government to recognise that consensual sexual activities which
cause no lasting harm are no business of the law, then the Trust
needs financial support. That will have far more impact on UK
resident members of this list than assisting the NCSF. To find out
what the trust has been doing / is doing and to make a donation, see
www.spannertrust.org
Ian
At 15:08 16/09/2005, you wrote:
>there seems to be a similar trend in the us - from banning internet satelite
>images that might be of use to terrorists to ultra-right wing nannyism. I
>repost this from an American Group for your information.
>
>
>A Dom friend from our Atlanta group recently attended their annual meeting
>of the NCSF. Some interesting notes were that they are strapped for cash
>because two of the major fundraising events had to be cancelled. That is a
>terrible thing, considering that they are our community's strongest voice in
>D.C. Also, from his email:
>
>Ladies and Gentlemen, Leather Friends and Family,
>
>I've returned from my recent trip to Baltimore and the NCSF annual
>meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and a fire in my belly. I
>also have mixed feelings of desperation and hope. Desperation
>because until this weekend I did not realize how close to the
>financial edge that the NCSF is operating, hope because there is a
>light at the end of the tunnel, which I will explain
>later.
>
>With a humble heart I come to you this evening to ask a huge favor
>of you. Not for myself, not for the families who have lost
>everything in the recent hurricane disaster, not for a leather
>family in need.
>
>I'm asking for your help on behalf of a nation that doesn't even
>realize it needs help.
>
>I'm asking on behalf of the millions of our leather brothers and
>sisters who remain silent about their desires and lifestyle choices
>out of fear of reprisal.
>
>I'm asking on behalf of the millions of poly-family members who
>can't insure the partners they can't legally marry.
>
>I'm asking on behalf of the millions of swingers who have their
>clubs raided and shut down and their members arrested because of
>over-zealous prosecutors looking to make a name for themselves.
>
>I'm asking on behalf of YOU, my brothers, sisters, friends and
>family in leather.
>
>In the United States today we live in a social climate that is
>increasing conservative and with federal and sometimes state and
>local agencies that are finding it easier and easier to cave in to
>pressure from ultra conservative, religiously based special interest
>groups. Because of the great strides our gay and lesbian friends
>have made in their struggle to have their rights recognized, to get
>out of the closet and achieve mainstream tolerance, we, the leather,
>poly and swing communities, have become the new "boogeyman". We who
>practice alternative sexuality are "the enemy". We, who have done
>nothing more than decide for ourselves who and what makes us happy
>and whole, are the next big target because we are "different".
>
>Folks, the NCSF, the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, stands
>as both sentinel and voice for our alternative lifestyle
>communities. In 2004, the NCSF responded to over 740 requests for
>assistance. To date in 2005, NCSF has responded to well over 300
>requests, ranging from the highly public lawsuits against the
>Communications Decency Act and the increased restrictions of U.S.C.
>Title 18, Section 2257 (the record keeping requirements extending to
>secondary providers of sexually explicit content), to child custody,
>divorce, and domestic violence cases that never make the paper. So
>far this year, the NCSF has performed 46 Educational Outreach
>presentations to swing, poly and BDSM groups, and civil authorities.
>The NCSF has always operated on a shoestring budget but this year,
>expenses have increased while income has decreased. Two of the
>NCSF's _MAJOR_ fundraising efforts this year (including BR!) aren't
>happening. That's a loss of over $20,000 dollars in 4th quarter
>income alone. Using current budget figures and what's in the bank,
>NCSF has just a wee tad more than 1 month's operating capital. Yes,
>it's that bad. NCSF has helped our community until there is nothing
>left to help with.
>
>There _is_ a light at the end of the tunnel. There are exciting plans
>underway now for some major changes that should provide additional
>funding AND additional opportunities to build bridges within our
>diverse communities. I don't have much more information than that,
>but this won't happen until mid-November at the earliest. And NCSF
>needs our help NOW to get through the next few months.
>
>How can you help? There are several ways:
>
>1) JOIN THE NCSF AS AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER. As a member of T3WD or
>other Coalition Partner group, you can join for as little as $10.00
>a year. Go to the NCSF web site,
>http://www.ncsfreedom.org/membership/CP_Indiv_app.htm and
>fill out the application. Be sure to list T3WD as the Coalition
>Partner you are a member of, unless you are the member of another
>NCSF Coalition Partner. If you do not belong to a group that is a
>Coalition Partner, go to
>http://www.ncsfreedom.org/membership/Indiv_app.htm Membership is
>$25/year, but remember, this goes almost entirely to education,
>outreach, and services. The NCSF only has 1 paid employee, EVERYONE
>else is a volunteer!
>
>2) Donate directly to the NCSF. Donate to either the General Fund or
>to the Communcations Decency Act Defense Fund. The attornies
>fighting that battle are doing it pro bono (for free), but there are
>still filing fees, document fees, court costs, expenses for expert
>witnesses, etc. that HAVE to be paid. Supreme Court battles are
>EXPENSIVE. Go to http://www.ncsfreedom.org/howtopay.htm to make an
>online unrestricted donation.
>
>3) Come to the T3WD Vendor's Fair and stop by the Fund Raiser Table.
>We'll be raffling off items, a scene with ME (and yes, I'll bottom
>for a good cause, or Top you, winners choice, negotations will
>follow!), and I will have some NCSF bumper stickers, window clings,
>and PINS (I have 10 pins, buy 'em all and I'll get more!). ALL
>PROCEEDS TO GO TO NCSF. T3WD will send the check, but you will have
>something nifty to go home with and the knowledge that you have done
>a great good.
>
>Ladies and gentlemen, I wouldn't ask you for this if it wasn't
>important. We all need to pitch in and get the NCSF over the hump
>or we may lose the most effective voice we kinksters have ever had
>in our corner.
>
>Yours In Kink,
>- Geoff
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
"Rosemary" , 16 Sep 2005 17:16:11
>To:
>Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:11 PM
>Subject: [backlash] Do I spot a trend?
>
>
>>The government seem very keen on trying to ban things.
>>
>>According to the radio news this lunchtime, they were trying to
>>ban the possession of material useful to terrorists.
>>
>>After recent events, this could include a tube map!!
>>
>>Or a rucksack....
>>
>>
>>Any chances we could pick up something here to use as a parallel
>>example of the government indulging in knee-herk responses and
>>ending up with totally daft legislation - giving us another
>>"dangerous dogs" act, in effect?
>>
>>
>>
>>Unfortunately, some journalist at the Beeb must have had the
>>same thought as me about rucksacks, as I haven't heard the same
>>phrase used on subsequent broadcasts.
>>
>>Has anyone else heard anything about this that sounds usable??
>>
>>
>>--
>>Rosemary
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>--
>>If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
>>visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/Backlash
>>
>>To leave the Group, email: Backlash-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
>>
>>Report abuse
>>http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D3271426&mid%3D528
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>--
>If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
>visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/Backlash
>
>To leave the Group, email: Backlash-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
>
>Report abuse
>http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D3271426&mid%3D530
Ian Gurnhill
Spanner Trust trustee
www.spannertrust.org
Know the Law, Help Change the Law
The Spanner Trust always tries to ensure that all information
provided is accurate and up-to-date. However, the law can change and
is open to interpretation. Before relying upon any statement made by
the Spanner Trust you should take your own independent legal advice
and the Spanner Trust cannot accept any liability whatsoever
Amelie, 16 Sep 2005 20:33:04
I was not psting to ask for support, just posting the excerpt for interest
to show that the same sort of thing is happening in America and how it is
being handled.
----- Original Message -----
"Ian" , 16 Sep 2005 20:33:04
To:
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2005 5:15 PM
>I feel I must respond to this posting effectively asking Brits to
> support the US leather communities.
>
> In the UK there are BDSM/ leather community Organisations comprising
> members of those communities acting for and on behalf of those
> communities. One such organisation is the SPANNER TRUST of which I am
> a trustee. The Trust is working to change the UK law regarding BDSM
> and to educate opinion makers about BDSM. The Trust is financially
> stretched and if we are to utilise the Human rights Act to seek a
> judicial review of the Spanner case [R v Brown and Others] to force
> the government to recognise that consensual sexual activities which
> cause no lasting harm are no business of the law, then the Trust
> needs financial support. That will have far more impact on UK
> resident members of this list than assisting the NCSF. To find out
> what the trust has been doing / is doing and to make a donation, see
> www.spannertrust.org
>
> Ian
>
>
> At 15:08 16/09/2005, you wrote:
>>there seems to be a similar trend in the us - from banning internet
>>satelite
>>images that might be of use to terrorists to ultra-right wing nannyism. I
>>repost this from an American Group for your information.
>>
>>
>>A Dom friend from our Atlanta group recently attended their annual meeting
>>of the NCSF. Some interesting notes were that they are strapped for cash
>>because two of the major fundraising events had to be cancelled. That is a
>>terrible thing, considering that they are our community's strongest voice
>>in
>>D.C. Also, from his email:
>>
>>Ladies and Gentlemen, Leather Friends and Family,
>>
>>I've returned from my recent trip to Baltimore and the NCSF annual
>>meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and a fire in my belly. I
>>also have mixed feelings of desperation and hope. Desperation
>>because until this weekend I did not realize how close to the
>>financial edge that the NCSF is operating, hope because there is a
>>light at the end of the tunnel, which I will explain
>>later.
>>
>>With a humble heart I come to you this evening to ask a huge favor
>>of you. Not for myself, not for the families who have lost
>>everything in the recent hurricane disaster, not for a leather
>>family in need.
>>
>>I'm asking for your help on behalf of a nation that doesn't even
>>realize it needs help.
>>
>>I'm asking on behalf of the millions of our leather brothers and
>>sisters who remain silent about their desires and lifestyle choices
>>out of fear of reprisal.
>>
>>I'm asking on behalf of the millions of poly-family members who
>>can't insure the partners they can't legally marry.
>>
>>I'm asking on behalf of the millions of swingers who have their
>>clubs raided and shut down and their members arrested because of
>>over-zealous prosecutors looking to make a name for themselves.
>>
>>I'm asking on behalf of YOU, my brothers, sisters, friends and
>>family in leather.
>>
>>In the United States today we live in a social climate that is
>>increasing conservative and with federal and sometimes state and
>>local agencies that are finding it easier and easier to cave in to
>>pressure from ultra conservative, religiously based special interest
>>groups. Because of the great strides our gay and lesbian friends
>>have made in their struggle to have their rights recognized, to get
>>out of the closet and achieve mainstream tolerance, we, the leather,
>>poly and swing communities, have become the new "boogeyman". We who
>>practice alternative sexuality are "the enemy". We, who have done
>>nothing more than decide for ourselves who and what makes us happy
>>and whole, are the next big target because we are "different".
>>
>>Folks, the NCSF, the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, stands
>>as both sentinel and voice for our alternative lifestyle
>>communities. In 2004, the NCSF responded to over 740 requests for
>>assistance. To date in 2005, NCSF has responded to well over 300
>>requests, ranging from the highly public lawsuits against the
>>Communications Decency Act and the increased restrictions of U.S.C.
>>Title 18, Section 2257 (the record keeping requirements extending to
>>secondary providers of sexually explicit content), to child custody,
>>divorce, and domestic violence cases that never make the paper. So
>>far this year, the NCSF has performed 46 Educational Outreach
>>presentations to swing, poly and BDSM groups, and civil authorities.
>>The NCSF has always operated on a shoestring budget but this year,
>>expenses have increased while income has decreased. Two of the
>>NCSF's _MAJOR_ fundraising efforts this year (including BR!) aren't
>>happening. That's a loss of over $20,000 dollars in 4th quarter
>>income alone. Using current budget figures and what's in the bank,
>>NCSF has just a wee tad more than 1 month's operating capital. Yes,
>>it's that bad. NCSF has helped our community until there is nothing
>>left to help with.
>>
>>There _is_ a light at the end of the tunnel. There are exciting plans
>>underway now for some major changes that should provide additional
>>funding AND additional opportunities to build bridges within our
>>diverse communities. I don't have much more information than that,
>>but this won't happen until mid-November at the earliest. And NCSF
>>needs our help NOW to get through the next few months.
>>
>>How can you help? There are several ways:
>>
>>1) JOIN THE NCSF AS AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER. As a member of T3WD or
>>other Coalition Partner group, you can join for as little as $10.00
>>a year. Go to the NCSF web site,
>>http://www.ncsfreedom.org/membership/CP_Indiv_app.htm and
>>fill out the application. Be sure to list T3WD as the Coalition
>>Partner you are a member of, unless you are the member of another
>>NCSF Coalition Partner. If you do not belong to a group that is a
>>Coalition Partner, go to
>>http://www.ncsfreedom.org/membership/Indiv_app.htm Membership is
>>$25/year, but remember, this goes almost entirely to education,
>>outreach, and services. The NCSF only has 1 paid employee, EVERYONE
>>else is a volunteer!
>>
>>2) Donate directly to the NCSF. Donate to either the General Fund or
>>to the Communcations Decency Act Defense Fund. The attornies
>>fighting that battle are doing it pro bono (for free), but there are
>>still filing fees, document fees, court costs, expenses for expert
>>witnesses, etc. that HAVE to be paid. Supreme Court battles are
>>EXPENSIVE. Go to http://www.ncsfreedom.org/howtopay.htm to make an
>>online unrestricted donation.
>>
>>3) Come to the T3WD Vendor's Fair and stop by the Fund Raiser Table.
>>We'll be raffling off items, a scene with ME (and yes, I'll bottom
>>for a good cause, or Top you, winners choice, negotations will
>>follow!), and I will have some NCSF bumper stickers, window clings,
>>and PINS (I have 10 pins, buy 'em all and I'll get more!). ALL
>>PROCEEDS TO GO TO NCSF. T3WD will send the check, but you will have
>>something nifty to go home with and the knowledge that you have done
>>a great good.
>>
>>Ladies and gentlemen, I wouldn't ask you for this if it wasn't
>>important. We all need to pitch in and get the NCSF over the hump
>>or we may lose the most effective voice we kinksters have ever had
>>in our corner.
>>
>>Yours In Kink,
>>- Geoff
>>
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
: "Rosemary" , 16 Sep 2005 20:33:04
>>To:
>>Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:11 PM
>>Subject: [backlash] Do I spot a trend?
>>
>>
>>>The government seem very keen on trying to ban things.
>>>
>>>According to the radio news this lunchtime, they were trying to
>>>ban the possession of material useful to terrorists.
>>>
>>>After recent events, this could include a tube map!!
>>>
>>>Or a rucksack....
>>>
>>>
>>>Any chances we could pick up something here to use as a parallel
>>>example of the government indulging in knee-herk responses and
>>>ending up with totally daft legislation - giving us another
>>>"dangerous dogs" act, in effect?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>Unfortunately, some journalist at the Beeb must have had the
>>>same thought as me about rucksacks, as I haven't heard the same
>>>phrase used on subsequent broadcasts.
>>>
>>>Has anyone else heard anything about this that sounds usable??
>>>
>>>
>>>--
>>>Rosemary
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>--
>>>If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
>>>visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/Backlash
>>>
>>>To leave the Group, email: Backlash-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
>>>
>>>Report abuse
>>>http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D3271426&mid%3D528
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>--
>>If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
>>visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/Backlash
>>
>>To leave the Group, email: Backlash-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
>>
>>Report abuse
>>http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D3271426&mid%3D530
>
> Ian Gurnhill
> Spanner Trust trustee
> www.spannertrust.org
> Know the Law, Help Change the Law
>
> The Spanner Trust always tries to ensure that all information
> provided is accurate and up-to-date. However, the law can change and
> is open to interpretation. Before relying upon any statement made by
> the Spanner Trust you should take your own independent legal advice
> and the Spanner Trust cannot accept any liability whatsoever
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
> visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/Backlash
>
> To leave the Group, email: Backlash-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
>
> Report abuse
> http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D3271426&mid%3D532
>
>