Radio Nut Case Michael Savage on Prop 8

Thank you Media Matters for bringing this to our attention:

Savage: "If you're insane, hate the family ... hate your mother and father, hate the Bible, hate the church, and hate the synagogue," you oppose CA gay marriage ban

Summary: On his radio show, referring to a California ballot initiative that would amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage, Michael Savage stated: "If you're insane, hate the family, hate man and woman, hate your mother and father, hate the Bible, hate the church, and hate the synagogue, of course you're in favor of 'no' on Proposition 8." The next day, Savage said that "people who don't have families ... don't understand what the family unit is. It's the strongest bond on Earth, which is why homosexual marriage is such a threat to civilization itself."

On the October 29 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Michael Savage said of a California ballot initiative that would amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage, "[T]here's a ballot initiative on homosexual marriage that is more important than you could imagine. It's called Proposition 8, and you must vote 'yes' if you're sane. If you're insane, hate the family, hate man and woman, hate your mother and father, hate the Bible, hate the church, and hate the synagogue, of course you're in favor of 'no' on Proposition 8." The next day on his program, Savage stated: "[T]he people who don't have families don't understand that, as difficult as family life is, life is impossible without it. They don't understand that. They don't understand what the family unit is. It's the strongest bond on Earth, which is why homosexual marriage is such a threat to civilization itself."

Media Matters for America has documented Savage's history of making on-air anti-gay statements. For example, on October 1, Savage asserted that "the government has no right to force people to accept homosexual marriage. It is why the West is dying. It is why we're melting down as a nation." During that broadcast, Savage also said of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom: "Today it's the gays, tomorrow it'll be a man marrying a horse. If he could get elected saying that a man should be allowed to marry a mule -- a donkey or a mule, he would do that, too, saying it's a civil right to marry a mule -- that any man should have the right to have sex with an animal, because that's his right and the animal isn't complaining about it." Media Matters also noted that on his June 16 show, Savage said, "It's not a joke when you pervert an institution like marriage, which is in trouble enough," and added, "Our children are being destroyed by this."

Additionally, as Media Matters noted, Savage formerly hosted a television program on MSNBC but was fired after he described a caller as a "sodomite" and told him to "get AIDS and die." Savage has also repeatedly referred to "the homosexual mafia," claimed that "the homosexual dance of death" is the "seminal issue of our time," compared gays to "drug addicts," and repeatedly called gay parenting "child abuse."

Talk Radio Network, which syndicates Savage's show, claims that Savage is heard on more than 350 radio stations. The Savage Nation reaches at least 8.25 million listeners each week, according to Talkers Magazine, making it one of the most listened-to talk radio shows in the nation, behind only The Rush Limbaugh Show and The Sean Hannity Show.

From the October 29 broadcast of Talk Radio Network's The Savage Nation:
SAVAGE: Now, in the state of California, which leads both for the good and the bad in many ways politically, there's a ballot initiative on homosexual marriage that is more important than you could imagine. It's called Proposition 8, and you must vote "yes" if you're sane. If you're insane, hate the family, hate man and woman, hate your mother and father, hate the Bible, hate the church, and hate the synagogue, of course you're in favor of "no" on Proposition 8, which is where most of the Democrat politicians are, because they are exactly what you think they are.

From the October 30 broadcast of The Savage Nation:

SAVAGE: What it is, is that a family man knows that life is filled with briars and stones and this and that, and that the -- they have -- the people who don't have families don't understand that, as difficult as family life is, life is impossible without it.
CALLER: Yes, yes. On Daryl --
SAVAGE: They don't understand that. They don't understand what the family unit is. It's the strongest bond on Earth, which is why homosexual marriage is such a threat to civilization itself.
—H.D.

News, News, News & More News on CA Against Hate

KFMB (CBS – TV) San Diego -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q70tRZ9EDlc&eurl=http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/StopTheLies

Philadelphia Inquirer -- http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20081028_Bryn_Mawr_couple_back_Calif__gay-marriage_ban.html

Grand Rapids News -- http://www.mlive.com/grpress/news/index.ssf/2008/10/local_money_fights_gay_marriag.html

Philadelphia Bulletin -- http://www.thebulletin.us/site/index.cfm?newsid=20180999&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=8

Philadelphia Gay News -- http://epgn.p2ionline.com/Flip/Sitebase/index.aspx?adgroupid=149509&view=double&pageno=1&webstoryid=15574502

Michigan Pride Source -- http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=32757

Blogs

Jewish Atheist -- http://jewishatheist.blogspot.com/2008/10/mormons-dominating-fight-against-gay.html

Lateral Link -- http://www.mormonlawyers.com/2008/10/for-mormons-californias-prop-8-battle.html

Michael-In-Norfolk -- http://michael-in-norfolk.blogspot.com/2008/10/mormons-bankroll-antigay-marriage.html

World-Press Weblog -- http://achievementgap.wordpress.com/2008/10/24/dishonor-roll-top-11-yes-on-prop-8-donors/

Dude In DC -- http://dudeindc.blogspot.com/2008/10/old-white-men-mormons-and-prop-8.html

On Line Medical Help -- http://mckinziebobby.livejournal.com/50313.html

Gay Mormon Dad -- http://gaymormondad.blogspot.com/2008/10/mormon-power-grab-its-tearing-families.html

Marriage Equality -- http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/2008/10/ca-yes-on-8-lau.html

Marriage Equality News -- http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/2008/10/mormons-accusat.html

GayBloger -- http://gaybloger.com/?p=791

Yahoo News -- http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081023/ap_on_el_st_lo/gay_marriage_1

FullosseousFlap -- http://flapsblog.com/2008/10/24/what-happens-when-you-publicly-oppose-california-proposition-8-and-traditional-marriage-you-get-a-letter/

Ravenhurst -- http://ravenhurst-ravenhurst.blogspot.com/2008/10/more-no-on-h8.html

Gaylink News -- http://www.gaylinknews.com/prdetail.cfm?id=13889

Fox & Hounds -- http://foxandhoundsdaily.com/blog/joel-fox/threatening-businesses-over-proposition-8

The Bobster -- http://www.nnnforum.org/forums/showthread.php?t=140564

JJTabbagian -- http://www.jtdabbagian.com/2008/10/27/national-communication-association-lands-in-the-middle-of-laborgay-rights-dispute-as-members-plan-a-shadow-convention/

California Progress Report -- http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/10/thou_shalt_not.html
Towleroad -- http://www.towleroad.com/2008/10/prop-8-update.html

L A Times -- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/10/los-angeles-dod.html

Kevin Hunter -- http://kevinhuntersblog.wordpress.com/2008/10/29/top-yes-on-8-donors-written-up-in-home-town-papers-john-templeton-jr-1-million-elsa-prince-450000/

Gay City News -- http://www.gaycitynews.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20183083&BRD=2729&PAG=461&dept_id=568857&rfi=6

Biblical Marriage -- http://protectbiblicalmarriage-christinewjc.blogspot.com/2008/10/commentary-hate-in-name-of-love.html

Lavender News -- http://news.lavenderliberal.com/2008/10/30/top-yes-on-8-donors-written-up-in-hometown-papers-john-templeton-jr-1-million-elsa-prince-450000/

Ballot Pedia -- http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Californians_Against_Hate

Mega Donors From Out of State Press Coverage

News Alert October 29, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Top Yes on 8 Donors Written Up in Home Town Papers
John Templeton, Jr. - $1 Million & Elsa Prince - $450,000

LOS ANGELES, CA – Californians Against Hate would like to share some excellent news coverage on two of the top four largest individual contributors to California’s Yes on Proposition 8 campaign. John Templeton. Jr. of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, who together with his wife contributed $1,000,000 to the campaign to take away same-sex marriage in California, were the subject of a big feature story in yesterday’s Philadelphia Inquirer by David O’Reilly
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20081028_Bryn_Mawr_couple_back_Calif__gay-marriage_ban.html

The Templetons have given more money to take away marriage equality in a state 3,000 miles away from there’s than anyone with the exception of California’s Howard “Howie” Ahmanson of Newport Beach. These two are ranked #1 and #2 on the “Dishonor Roll” posted on Californians Against Hate web site. The “Dishonor Roll” lists all 741 contributors of $5,000 and more to the Yes on 8 campaign as of October 18th http://www.californiansagainsthate.com/

John Templeton, Jr. of Bryn Mawr, PA

In the last week, Elsa Prince of Holland, Michigan who gave $450,000 to the Yes on 8 campaign had two big stories written about her in prominent Michigan newspapers. The first appeared in the Detroit Free Press in the paper’s leading political column, Politically Speaking on October 22nd http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081022/NEWS15/810220314/1008/NEWS06

The story covered her mega contribution of nearly half a million dollars, and also the commercial that Californians Against Hate produced staring an Elsa Prince look-alike. The commercial was produced by John Keitel and his Shelter Productions and is appearing on Current TV. It depicts a little boy playing her grandson, who looks up innocently and asks her, “Why did you give so much money, Grandma?” http://current.com/items/89433673_baseball_boy_2008

Aunt Paula playing Elsa Prince in the commercial

In yesterday’s Grand Rapids Press, there is also a feature story on Elsa Prince by Ted Roelofs http://www.mlive.com/grpress/news/index.ssf/2008/10/local_money_fights_gay_marriag.html

The story covers Mrs. Prince’s $450,000 contribution to Yes on 8 and her son-in-law Dick DeVos’ $100,000 contribution to Florida’s Amendment 2, which would also prohibit same-sex marriage in that state. DeVos is the son of Amway co-founder Richard DeVos and was the unsuccessful Republican candidate for Governor of Michigan in 2006. Elsa Prince’s son, Erik is the most famous family member. Erik Prince is best know as the founder and head of Blackwater Worldwide, the highly controversial private defense firm hired by the US Government in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“These out of state mega donors sure don’t like gay marriage,” said Fred Karger, Campaign Manager of Californians Against Hate. “It seems like there are far more important causes to give their millions of dollars to instead of sending it all the way to California to hurt so many people in our state, whose only crime is wanting to get married just like they can.”

Californians Against Hate began in July of this year, and its mission is to let the world know who are the major contributors to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign.

Videos Targeting Black Voters

From Super Star Vincent Jones:

I co-produced some No on 8 PSAs targeting Black voters. I was wondering if you could post them on your blog with an urgent plea to pass this one on any GLBT friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxPOJiGv9hE

And these two on to any of their friends, especially Black women:

Three Generations of Women Against Prop 8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ybB7mY7J4g

No Matter Who You Are Vote No on Prop 8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwh-vqw_z2s

These are really good!

IS NOM NOW SUPPORTING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE? IS THAT A LESBIAN COUPLE ON THE NOM WEB SITE??

MEMORANDUM

TO: Maggie Gallagher, President, National Organization for Marriage
Brian Brown, Executive Director, National Organization for Marriage

FROM: Fred Karger, Campaign Manager, Californians Against Hate
http://californiansagainsthate.com/ 619-592-2008

DATE: October 27, 2008

RE: Glad to See You Now Support Same-Sex Marriage!
___________________________________________

I have received countless emails from both of you over the last several months. You have always attacked newly married couples, donors to No on 8, elected officials, others who support equality and me as a way to raise money. Well, imagine my shock and awe when I visited your web site the other day and saw that you apparently have a lesbian couple in flash mode who appear on your home page. Below is a photo of what looks like two women who are interspersed with non same-sex couples on the NOM site. We at Californians Against Hate applaud your support for equality by featuring this happy looking couple on the NOM web site: http://www.nomcalifornia.org/site/c.htJSJaMQIuE/b.3958623/

Photo Courtesy of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) Web Site

I certainly hope that you won’t take this couple off your web site now. It is such a wonderful statement to have a same-sex couple on the web site of the National Organization for Marriage. Now that we’re playing for the same team, I am sure that you will want to officially oppose Proposition 8. Maggie, stand with us and applaud California for leading the way as it did 60 years ago when it stood first among states and allowed interracial marriage. You see Californians are used to doing the right thing and leading the nation in civil rights and equality.

Also, Maggie, since you literally wrote the book, The Case for Marriage: Why Married People are Happier, Healthier, and Better Off Financially (Doubleday, 2000), it makes sense that you would embrace gay marriage and feature a same-sex couple on your web site. Are they lucky enough to be married? Is that why they are smiling? Are they now happier, healthier and better off financially, too? By the way I snapped up a copy of your book on Alibris. It was a real steal at only $1.99 http://www.alibris.com/search/books/author/Gallagher,%20Maggie

I have been curious about something when I get all of your emails. You say that you are the National Organization for Marriage California, but most of the emails from Brian are signed using your New Jersey address:

Brian S. Brown,Executive Director
National Organization for Marriage
20 Nassau Street, Suite 242
Princeton, NJ 08542
bbrown@nationformarriage.org

Your latest email (copy below), has your California address on it. So I thought I’d drop by 1530 East First Street, #218 in Santa Ana. What a surprise, no sign up or any NOM presence. It instead is the tiny CPA office of John G. Brown. Any relation? Is the NOM California office also in New Jersey?

As we move into the final week of the campaign, I keep thinking about how your early backers and you placed Proposition 8 on the ballot here in California. You both helped lead the effort to qualify this initiative constitutional amendment by raising $2 million to hire the thousands of paid signature gatherers to put his hateful initiative on the ballot. What a shame it is that over $60 million has been spent by both sides in this election. It seems to me that the $60 million could have been spent in so many other ways to help people instead trying to hurt them.

I hope that you will realize the error of your ways and join with us in the final days of this election and do the right thing, and back Marriage for All, so that the millions of gays and lesbians in California have the opportunity to be, in your words, “Happier, Healthier and Better off Financially.”

Copy of Brian Brown email from October 24, 2008

I come to you today with one final, urgent appeal for Prop 8. The need has never been greater. Working with ProtectMarriage.com and the Yes on 8 campaign, we have just 5 days to raise the $3 million needed to put Prop 8 over the top.

Please use this hyperlink to make one final emergency contribution of $50, $100 or even $500 in support of Proposition 8. Please click here today to make a generous contribution to help put Prop 8 over the top! (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=gvLULgM0LqKZLjI&s=ciLRL3PHLkJWJ3NLLvH&m=lvJ1JhOSKgL7G)

Over the past two weeks, our opponents have raised an amazing $11 million, as Hollywood liberals, labor unions, and gay marriage activists have responded to a last-minute fundraising blitz.

Just over the past month, the No on 8 campaign has received major gifts from: * Brad Pitt ($100,000) * Steven Spielberg and wife Kate Capshaw ($50,000 each) * George Lucas ($50,000) * Ellen deGeneres ($100,000) * Suze Orman, TV financial expert ($10,000) * T.R. Knight of Grey's Anatomy ($50,000) * Monica Rosenthal of Everybody Loves Raymond ($25,000) * John August screenwrite for Charlie's Angels ($50,000) * California Teachers Association ($1,000,000) * Hollywood Producer Steve Bing ($1,000,000 matching gift) * California Teachers Union Issues PAC ($2,000,000) * California Nurses Association ($40,000) * Service Employees International Union ($100,000)

And just Tuesday night Barbra Streisand, Melissa Etheridge and Mary J. Blige highlighted a $25,000 a plate fundraiser that raised $3.9 million for the No on 8 campaign. Unfortunately, these last-minute millions flowing in to the No on 8 campaign are being used to buy ads that deceive voters about the truth of same-sex marriage.

It's already clear the only way our opponents will win is by deceiving voters about gay marriage. Right now they are working frantically to ensure voters that gay marriage will never impact their children in schools -- despite the reality of what is going on right now in Massachusetts. We can't let them get away with it.

The No on 8 is now spending $1 million a day to mislead California voters about Proposition 8. . . . And if we can't match them, we will lose. It's that simple.

Please use this hyperlink to help stop Hollywood liberals and labor unions from deceiving California voters. Please make a last-minute emergency contribution today to combat these deep pockets funding the gay marriage campaign. (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=9oJGIVNyFjJMJZK&s=ciLRL3PHLkJWJ3NLLvH&m=lvJ1JhOSKgL7G) (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=9oJGIVNyFjJMJZK&s=ciLRL3PHLkJWJ3NLLvH&m=lvJ1JhOSKgL7G) I can't overstate the significance of this last-minute fundraising push. Over the past 2 weeks, our opponents have out-raised the ProtectMarriage coalition by a 9-1 margin, taking back the overall fundraising lead.

More importantly, without additional funding for Prop 8, our opponents will outspend the Yes on 8 campaign by as much as $3 million per week between now and November 4th. The latest polling shows the Yes on 8 campaign ahead -- but barely -- as the latest CBS News poll shows Prop 8 winning by a narrow 48-45 percent margin. We know that TV ads make a big difference in the campaign, as our own TV ads have been widely credited with producing a 10-point swing in the polls as Prop 8 surged into the lead earlier this month.

We simply cannot afford to let ProtectMarriage and the Yes on 8 campaign be outmanned and outfunded in these final two weeks. Already our coalition is historic in terms of the grassroots support we have received from all across the state. If we fail to step up now, all may be lost. We simply cannot take that risk.

So many of you have already given so much to stand for marriage. Yet we are now coming back to all of our supporters for one more, last-minute, donation to save Prop 8. Will you join me in doing all we can to make sure Prop 8 passes, preserving marriage in California and sending a clear message to the rest of the nation?

With just two weeks left until the election, this will be our final fundraising appeal for Prop 8. But as part of the Yes on 8 Coalition, we need your help today.

Please don't wait. . . . Please make any contribution you can. And please do it today. Working together we can build a strong margin of victory to send a message to the nation. Don't risk looking back with regret on November 5th. Use this hyperlink to make your most generous contribution today. (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=chKMI4OKLmITK9J&s=ciLRL3PHLkJWJ3NLLvH&m=lvJ1JhOSKgL7G) (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=chKMI4OKLmITK9J&s=ciLRL3PHLkJWJ3NLLvH&m=lvJ1JhOSKgL7G)

We need your help today through a last-minute emergency contribution. Thanks for all you are doing.

Blessings,

Brian S. Brown Executive Director

National Organization for Marriage California

1530 East First Street, #218

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Toll-Free: (888)-201-8929bbrown@nationformarriage.org

www.nomcalifornia.org (http://www.nomcalifornia.org/)

Utah Mormon Money

NEWS RELEASE October 24, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Mormon Money Watch: Utah Mormons Gave $159,500 to Yes on 8 Campaign in Last 2 Weeks

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Mormon Power grab continues in California to eliminate same-sex marriage. Some big contributions have come into the Yes on 8 campaign in just the last 2 weeks in $1,000 and over amounts. Utah Mormons have given $159,500 just since October 10th. This represents 52% of the overall total of $307,840 that has come in from Utah Mormon families in over $1,000 increments alone. There have also been thousands of additional dollars in under $1,000 contributions contributed.

There are some well know Mormon names among the major contributors. Carol Smith of Murray, Utah gave $50,000 on October 17th. Jay Clark, a Salt Lake produce dealer gave $25,000 on October 13th. Brent Andrus, owner of Huntington Hotels of Park City, Utah gave $20,000 on October 16th. Katherine Carter of Salt Lake donated $15,500 on October 17th. Francis Magleby of Provo gave $25,000 on October 20th.

The Mormon Church has mobilized its members like never before in their quest to take over the Yes on 8 campaign. On June 20th, three days after same-sex marriage became legal in California, the top leadership in the Church, known as the First Presidency, sent a letter to be read to all Mormons to "do all you can to pass Proposition 8." The Wall Street Journal reported on September 20th, that church members were told "their souls would be in jeopardy" if they do not donate money.
Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake City Tribune did a great story on all the Mormon money coming into the Yes on 8 campaign: http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_10798324

And Rick Jacobs’ Courage Campaign has started a letter writing campaign to Mormon President-Prophet Thomas S. Monson called “Thou Shalt Not Lie.” Here is the link: http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/StopTheLies According to their web site; “It is designed to “fight back against the lies and protect fundamental rights of Californians.”

For lots more coverage on the Mormon Power Grab, the Mormon Money Watch and many other stories on Californians Against Hate visit our blog: http://californiansagainsthate.blogspot.com/
Californians Against Hate will continue to monitor the money and other activities of the Mormon Church during the closing days of the campaign.
-- end --

Mormon Money and Other News Coverage

Television

KGET TV Bakersfield -- http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=c6c65004-b367-4956-9d90-ee8eb02e3c05

Newspapers & Magazines

Washington Post -- http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2008/10/faith-based_boycotts.html

Detroit Free Press -- http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081022/NEWS15/810220314/1008/NEWS06

The Salt Lake Tribune -- http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_10798324

Washington Blade -- http://www.washingtonblade.com/2008/10-17/view/columns/13451.cfm

AP -- http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hZmLBrL36NObNyMR0ghXN7vB5hYwD940GN1G0The

Atlantic -- http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/the-mormon-fact.html

Blogs

The Advocate -- http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid64163.asp

Bilerico -- http://www.bilerico.com/2008/10/bolthouse_boycott_is_over.php

Such is Life -- http://suhedreams.blogspot.com/2008/10/prop-8-update-your-help-still-needed.html

Lavander Newswire -- http://news.lavenderliberal.com/2008/10/11/californians-against-hate-publishes-updated-dishonor-roll-of-over-740-contributors-of-5000-and-more-to-yes-on-prop-8/

My Gay Minneapolis -- http://www.mygayminneapolis.com/inthenews/local-news/los-angeles/bolthouse-implement-gayfriendly-programs/

L A Gay Life -- http://www.lagaylife.com/

Gay Link News -- http://www.gaylinknews.com/prdetail.cfm?id=13856

Gay Guide Miami -- http://gayguidemiami.com/inthenews/local-news/los-angeles/bolthouse-implement-gayfriendly-programs/

2015 Place.com -- http://www.2015place.com/2008/10/combined-gay-news-headlines-t5t-1_11.html

The Valley’s Other Fruit -- http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2008/10/your-weekly-queer-news-update.html

Fresh Plaza -- http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=30667

Queers United -- http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/09/demonstration-against-bolthouse-farms.html

Grace Newswire Blog -- http://gracenewswriter.blogspot.com/2008/10/mcdonalds-yields-to-anti-gay-boycott.html

Bay of Fundie -- http://www.bay-of-fundie.com/archives/518/brief-analysis-of-the-yes-on-8-side

NGBlog -- http://nlsngrc.blogspot.com/2008/10/saturday-stuff.html

Stonewall News -- http://www.stonewallnews.net/pages/full_story?page_label=news&id=315506--b-b-LDS-Pepperdine-connection-dubious&widget=push&article--b-b-LDS-Pepperdine-connection-dubious%20=&instance=secondary_stories_left_column&open=&

News Blaze -- http://newsblaze.com/story/20081021120101zzzz.nb/topstory.html

Dennis Prager Column -- http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/opposition_to_california_propo.html

Alter Net -- http://www.alternet.org/sex/103824/the_mormon_church_is_leading_the_fight_against_gay_marriage_in_california/?page=2

Rincon Hill -- http://www.rinconhillsf.org/2008/10/22/1029

Straight Talk on Marriage -- http://straighttalkonmarriage.blogspot.com/2008/10/mormon-power-grab-its-tearing-families.html

Love Journal -- http://once-a-banana.livejournal.com/173140.html

Box Turtle -- http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/10/22/4083#comment-19458

On Top -- http://ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=2593&MediaType=1&Category=26

Gay Blogger -- http://gaybloger.com/?p=759

Bilerico Project -- http://www.bilerico.com/2008/10/mormon_power_grab_its_tearing_families_a.php

Gay City News –
http://www.gaycitynews.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20175119&BRD=2729&PAG=461&dept_id=568857&rfi=6

Mike Tidmus -- http://www.miketidmus.com/blog/2008/10/23/they-pull-a-knife/

Red Country -- http://www.redcounty.com/national/2008/10/opposition-to-ca-proposition-8/

Box Turtle Bulletin -- http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/10/23/4145

Mormon Money Watch

NEWS RELEASE October 22, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Mormons Continue to Dominate California’s Yes on Prop 8 Campaign
New Total of $19.15 Million!!!

LOS ANGELES, CA – Californians Against Hate calculated the latest major contributions of $1000 and up to the Yes on Prop 8 campaign over the last 3 week period: October 1st – 21st. The updated figures continue to show that Mormon families are dominating the campaing by giving a staggering 77% of all money raised. The new Mormon total is $19.15 million contributed by over 59,000 Mormon families in just over 3 months. This Mormon power grab continues at the same level -- 77% of the $24.89 million raised by the Yes on 8 since July 1, 2008. Non-Mormon donations are now at $5.74 since July 1, which represents 23% of the total.

There have been some large donations by Non-Mormons such as another $95,000 from Howard “Howie” Ahmanson of Newport Beach, bringing his total to just under $1 million at $995,000. Josephine Templeton of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania ($100,000) bringing that family’s total to $1 million and Robert Hurtt of Orange, CA, owner of Container Supply Company who gave an additional $250,000 bringing his total to $550,000. However, during the past 3 weeks, the majority of money continues to pour in from Mormon families in California and now many big donations are coming in from Utah.

Elsa Prince Commercial

NEWS RELEASE October 22, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Michigan Millionaire Elsa Prince Staring In New Commercial
She Gave $450,000 To End Gay Marriage
Commercaial is On Current TV
She is the Mother of Blackwater’s Erik Prince

LOS ANGELES, CA – Californians Against Hate http://www.californiansagainsthate.com/ released its 2nd television commercial today staring Yes on Propositon 8 mega donor Elsa Prince of Holland, Michigan. Prince whose contributions total $450,000, makes her the 4th largest individual donor to the campaing to eleminate same-sex marriage in California. Here is the link to the Elsa Prince commercail on Current TV:
http://current.com/items/89433673_baseball_boy_2008

Elsa Prince serves on the Board of Directors of James Dobson’s Focus on the Family and Dobson’s Washington, DC lobbying arm, the Family Research Council (FRC). She is one of Dobson’s most loyal followers and has given millions of dollars to his organizations.

The Real Elsa Prince at James Dobson’s FRC Grand Opening

Prince’s son is far more famous than she; Erik Prince is the founder and head of Blackwater, the private security firm that has a $500 million annual contract with the US Government to provide private armies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Erik Prince appeared before Congress last year, which concluded that Blackwater was, “…staffed with reckless, shoot-first guards who were not always sober and did not always stop to see who or what was hit by their bullets.” [New York Times, October 1, 2007]

The Californians against Hate commercial features the innocence of Elsa's young grandson bewildered by his grandmother's mega contribution to Yes on 8. It is very similar to "Daisy Girl - 2008" http://current.com/items/89364765_daisy_girl_2008
which stars San Diegan Terry Caster whose family gave $293,000 to Yes on 8. Both commercials are patterned after President Lyndon Johnson's famous ad "Daisy Girl -1964" with a little girl, a daisy and a nuclear bomb explosion. That is arguably the most famous political commercial in American history. http://electioncenter.military.com/2008/06/lyndon-johnsons.html

Filmmaker John Keitel and Paula playing Elsa Prince

The commercial was filmed, directed and edited by John Keitel of Shelter Productions. Some of John’s other work can be seen at: http://current.com/people/JohnKeitel

Californians Against Hate was formed in July of this year to bring attention to the major donors to the Yes on 8 campaign.

Mormons Donate 77% of Money To End Gay Marriage

NEWS RELEASE October 20, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Mormon Families Donate 77% of Money to California’s Yes on Prop 8 Money Since July 1st – Mormons Take Over the Campaign

LOS ANGELES, CA – Californians Against Hate http://californiansagainsthate.com/ today released the results of its latest tabulation on the contributions to Yes on Proposition 8. Campaign Manager, Fred Karger released the numbers in his column in today’s Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-karger/mormon-power-grab-its-tea_b_136018.html

“We have identified the Mormon contributions to Yes on Prop 8 and it totals $18.64 million contributed by 59,000 Mormon families in just over 3 months. This Mormon power grab represents 77% of the $22.88 million raised by the Yes on 8 campaign since they qualified their initiative for the November 4th ballot,” said Karger. “It is a staggering amount of money and an even more staggering percentage of the overall campaign receipts. The Mormon Church based in Salt Lake City, Utah has hijacked the campaigns in both California and Arizona where voters face constitutional amendments to end same-sex marriage. Mormon families have given nearly all of the $6.9 million in the Arizona effort to pass Proposition 102.”

Karger wrote about the effects of these massive contributions on families who are forced to make huge contributions to Yes on 8 by Mormon Church elders. “These public donations to ban same-sex marriage are tearing apart families,” concluded Karger in today’s blog entry.

Full Huffington Post Story Below and at this link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-karger/mormon-power-grab-its-tea_b_136018.html

Huffington Post by Fred Karger

Posted October 20, 2008 11:40 AM (EST)

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Mormon Power Grab: It's Tearing Families Apart
By Fred Karger

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose followers are more widely-known as Mormons, has swooped into two election battles against gay marriage this year. The Mormon Church is exercising its might in both California and Arizona like never before. If passed on November 4, Proposition 8 in California would immediately eliminate the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry. In Arizona, Proposition 102 would write this discrimination into their Constitution by defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. In both states, the Mormon Church has hijacked these campaigns.

On June 20th, three days after same-sex marriage became legal in California, the top leadership in the Church, known as the First Presidency, sent a letter to be read to all Mormons to "do all you can to pass Proposition 8." The Wall Street Journal reported on September 20th, that church members were told "their souls would be in jeopardy" if they do not donate money. Mormons are already required to give 10% of their income to the church, so these donations dig further into the savings accounts of its followers.

Despite tough economic times, an amazing 59,000 Mormon families have succumbed to substantial pressure from church elders, and have given huge amounts of money to California's Yes on 8 campaign. These Mormon families have given a staggering $18.6 million since June 1st and the total grows daily. This represents 77% of all money raised and 88% of all individual money raised (not including funds from the big out of state organizations). In Arizona where a gay marriage ban is back on the ballot after losing just two years ago, Mormon families have contributed nearly all of the $6.9 million to the Yes on 102 campaign. What is going on here?

Blog reports are popping up indicating Church elders are calling certain members and arranging one-on-one visits to discuss a prearranged "suggested donation amounts." The Wall Street Journal reported that one conference call arranged by the Church had between 40 and 60 participants. A Church elder told everyone on the call that he should give $25,000 to Yes on 8. Analysis of the California Secretary of State website shows that worked. There have been 81 contributions of $25,000, and dozens more of between $26,000 and $$500,000.

Not all members are convinced this is the best idea. Andrew Callahan stood up to the church's call for donations, saying it struck of discrimination, and he refused to donate. This incredible display of coercion explains why many members are scared to say no. Callahan's case is going to be reviewed AFTER the election.

An article by Daniel Scarpinato in the September 17th Arizona Daily Star details a growing opinion that this battle represents Mormon attempts to clean up its battered image. With court cases continuing to link Mormon fringe groups and polygamy, this could be a crafty attempt to resuscitate their image, at the expense of gays and lesbians.

Last week in Salt Lake City, a group of 40 Mormons who support gay marriage delivered protest letters and bundles of carnations to church headquarters in an appeal to end the church's support of the ballot initiatives to ban same-sex marriage.

These courageous protesters were there to "out" the Mormon Church for forcing so many Mormon families to give vast sums from their savings to these two ballot propositions. Because of this Church mandate, families are being torn apart.

How many of these tens of thousands of Mormon families, who have contributed the $18.6 million, have gays and lesbians in their immediate family? How many parents are forced to give thousands of dollars publicly at the expense of their gay son or lesbian daughter? What about a gay brother or sister in the family? Or an aunt or uncle or cousin or brother-in-law who is gay? What permanent damage does this cause these innocent victims of the Mormon Church's power grab? How many families will be irreparably damaged by their actions?

In its quest to show the Catholics, Christians, Evangelicals and other religions that it has the money and power to take over these hateful campaigns, they are hurting more than just those from whom they wish to take away equality. They are tearing apart the very families they claim they are there to help.

Ask The Mormon Church To Remove Pepperdine's Name From Yes on 8 Commercials

ACTION ALERT October 17, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Mormon Church President Called Upon to Honor
Pepperdine University President’s Request
to Have Their Name Removed From Yes on Prop 8 Ads

LOS ANGELES, CA – Californians Against Hate today sent a letter to Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and asked him to use his influence to have the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign remove any reference to Pepperdine University in its advertising. Pepperdine University President Andrew K. Benton released a memorandum on October 15th to all University Students and Staff explaining Pepperdine’s neutrality and its desire to have its name pulled from all advertising. Pepperdine first made this request two weeks ago, but as Mr. Benton states in his memorandum, the campaign has “refused” to do so. Pepperdine’s name is used in conjunction with one of its Assistant Law Professors, Richard Peterson who is also a member of the Mormon Church.

The Mormon Church has made the passage of Californians Proposition 8 its major priority. Mormon Church members have given in excess of $18.8 million as of October 1st – over 77% of all the money raised by the Yes on 8 campaign since June 1, 2008.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION RIGHT NOW!

CALL THE MORMON CHURCH PRESIDENT AND ASK HIM TO USE HIS INFLUENCE TO HAVE THE YES ON 8 CAMPAIGN REMOVE PEPPERDINE’S NAME FROM ALL ADVERTISIING – THEY ARE NEUTRAL. THEN CALL RON PRENTICE AND FRANK SCHUBERT, THE LEADERS OF YES ON 8, AND DEMAND THAT THEY REMOVE PEPPERDINE’S NAME IMMEDIATELY.

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL, BUT LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY SHOULD HONOR PEPPERDINE’S REQUEST.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!

Contact Information for Letter Recipients:

President Thomas Monson 801-240-1000 email: OwenTL@LDSChurch.org

Ron Prentice, Chairman Yes on 8 Campaign 951-354-8362

Frank Schubert, Campaign Manager 916-448-4234 email: frank@schubertflintpa.com


Copies of both the letter from Californians Against Hate to Mormon Church President Thomas S. Monson and the memorandum from Pepperdine President Andrew K. Benton are below:

October 17, 2008

Thomas S. Monson
President
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
50 W North Temple StSalt Lake City UT 84150
VIA FAX 801-240-1899

Dear President Monson:

I am writing today to ask your immediate help in honoring the most recent request of Pepperdine University President Andrew K. Benton of October 15, 2008 (see memorandum below) to remove the name of Pepperdine University in connection with all Yes on Proposition 8 advertising on television, radio, the internet and direct mail. The University first stated its neutrality right after the Yes on 8 commercials featuring Assistant Law Professor Richard Peterson began airing over two weeks ago. Pepperdine officials have repeatedly asked the Yes on 8 campaign to remove their name from all advertising. The Yes on 8 campaign has “refused” their request. As the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a man of decency and honor, I would hope that you would do everything within your power to have the Pepperdine reference removed from all Yes on 8 advertising immediately.

The Mormon Church has made this campaign their number one priority since your letter was read to all church members on June 29, 2008: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/california-and-same-sex-marriage

The Mormon Church has by all its actions over the last 4 months assumed nearly complete control over the campaign to eliminate same-sex marriage in California.

Members of the Mormon Church have contributed over $18.6 million -- 77% of the $22.8 million raised by Yes on 8 since June 1, 2008. The Mormon Church is organizing all its members, issuing press releases, sending out millions of hand addressed letters to voters, using its missionaries and former missionaries to walk nearly every precinct in California, phoning millions of voters, asking college students from BYU and other schools to come to California to work on the campaign, broadcasting messages to all your members http://www.preservingmarriage.org/videos.html and I am sure many more activities of which we are unaware.

Even Assistant Law Professor Richard Peterson, who is the subject of the Pepperdine request, is a member of the Mormon Church. http://www.pepperdine.edu/pepperdinepeople/2005fall/features/advocate.htm

We at Californians Against Hate hope that you will apologize to President Benton and every Pepperdine student, faculty member and alumni for this blatant disregard of their request and honor it immediately.

We look forward to your response.


Sincerely,

Fred Karger
Campaign Manager
Californians Against Hate
http://californiansagainsthate.com/
619-592-2008

cc: President Andrew K. Benton, Pepperdine University
Ron Prentice, Chairman, Yes on 8
Frank Schubert, Campaign Manager, Yes on 8

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: University Students and Staff
FROM: Andrew K. Benton
RE: University Neutrality and the 2008 Election
DATE: October 15, 2008

As many of you are aware, a series of political ads on radio and TV has drawn much unwanted attention to Pepperdine. The ads, advocating for Proposition 8, feature one of our professors and lists his affiliation with the University.

I want to convey the following concerning this matter: Pepperdine University remains steadfastly neutral during election periods in all political campaigns, and this includes the debate over Prop 8. We respect our faculty, staff, and students' right to be involved in the political process; indeed, we encourage engagement in the political process.

The Yes on 8 Campaign is using the Pepperdine name in a manner in which we do not approve. We asked the campaign to separate more clearly their partisan cause from our University's name, but they refused. We ask all who are affiliated with the University to take care not to implicate the University in their respective political causes.

Finally, we ask our students, faculty, and staff to help clear up misunderstandings with those who may ask concerning Pepperdine's perceived role in a campaign in which it is not involved. We appreciate your understanding, assistance, and patience during what has been a trying time for many at Pepperdine. I urge you to familiarize yourself with the 2008 candidates and issues, and vote your conscience.

-- end --

Lots More News Coverage From Around the World

Newspapers

Los Angeles Times -- http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-juice9-2008oct09,0,4032084.story

Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot -- Cindy Frazier -- http://coastlinepilot.com/cpblogger/cfrazier/

South Florida Blade -- http://southfloridablade.com/2008/10-2/news/localnews/5118.cfm

San Diego Union Tribune -- http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20081007-9999-1n7prop8.html

Produce News -- http://www.producenews.com/StoryNews.cfm?ID=8130

Television

KGET-TV Bakersfield -- http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=c6c65004-b367-4956-9d90-ee8eb02e3c05

Blogs

Boya Venkateschwarlu MCJ-- http://venkey.blog.co.in/2008/08/28/gay-activists-target-businesses/

Queercents -- http://www.queercents.com/2008/10/01/ask-the-readers-keep-buying-bolthouse/

Feed Buzz -- http://www.buzzfeed.com/eliot/bolthouse-ban

Daily Koz -- http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/5/171142/9458/387/530481

Basic Rights Oregon -- http://www.basicrights.org/?cat=2

2015 Place -- http://www.gaywired.com/Article.cfm?Section=66&ID=20395

Basic Rights Oregon -- http://www.basicrights.org/?p=381

Alliance Power -- http://allianceofpower.blogspot.com/2008/10/boycott-bolthouse-farms-says-glbt-group.html

Topix Chicago -- http://www.topix.net/news/gay/2008/10/glbt-org-announces-boycott-of-bolthouse-farms

Gay Blog Headlines -- http://www.gayblogheadlines.com/2008/10/combined-gay-blog-headlines-t15g-1_1656.html

Gay Link News -- http://www.gaylinkcontent.com/prdetail.cfm?id=13784

GLBT Digest -- http://rayslistglbtnews.blogspot.com/2008/10/glbt-digest-october-06-2008.html

Queer Cents -- http://www.queercents.com/2008/10/01/ask-the-readers-keep-buying-bolthouse/

Box Turtle Bulletin -- http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/08/17/2670

Basic Rights Oregon -- http://www.basicrights.org/?p=396

Queers United -- http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/10/bolthouse-farms-has-change-of-heart.html

Basic Rights Oregon -- http://www.basicrights.org/?p=403

Knowledge for Thirst -- http://www.knowledgeforthirst.com/2008/bolthouse-ban-ends/

Good As You -- http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2008/10/for-those-who-b.html

G & L Activism -- http://www.goodasyou.org/

To Form a More Perfect Union -- http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/2008/10/ca-improvements.html

Queerty -- http://www.queerty.com/gay-activists-call-off-bolthouse-boycott-20081009/

On Top -- http://ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=2520&MediaType=1&Category=26

Gay City News -- http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=c6c65004-b367-4956-9d90-ee8eb02e3c05

Kevin Hunter -- http://kevinhuntersblog.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/californians-against-hate-publishes-updated-dishonor-roll-of-over-740-contributors-of-5000-and-more-to-yes-on-prop-8/

Towleroad -- http://www.towleroad.com/2008/10/alert-propositi.html

glaadBlog -- http://glaadblog.org/index.php/2008/10/09/top-stories-today-10092008/

Edge Boston -- http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=81666

Joe My God -- http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2008/10/bolthouse-farms-boycott-ends.html

2015 Place -- http://www.2015place.com/2008/10/combined-gay-news-headlines-t5t-1_09.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Settlement Reached Between Bolthouse Farms and Californians Against Hate
“Don’t Buy Bolthouse” Campaign Ends Today

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS ISSUED TODAY BY FRED KARGER, CAMPAIGN MANAGER OF CALIFORNIANS AGAINST HATE.

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Today Californians Against Hate has reached agreement with Bolthouse Farms and will immediately end its “Don’t Buy Bolthouse” campaign.

Jeffrey Dunn, President and CEO of Bolthouse Farms, has provided us with a compelling perspective which clearly demonstrates the separation between Bolthouse Farms and the Bolthouse Foundation and its founder, William Bolthouse and provides us with confidence that Bolthouse Farms is committed to working productively with the LGBT community. Furthermore, Bolthouse Farms has embarked on a comprehensive diversity program designed to support inclusiveness in its dealings with all stakeholders including the LGBT community. The LGBT program includes scholarships, event sponsorship and activation, as well as support for community organizations working on LGBT equality issues. These community organizations include The Williams Institute, Human Rights Campaign, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Equality California Institute, The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Bolthouse Farms has also demonstrated internal commitment through its human resource management by implementing changes in its corporate HR policies. Bolthouse Farms has recently added medical benefits to same-sex partners of LGBT employees, and it will work quickly toward achieving a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.

We are encouraged and grateful for Bolthouse Farm’s support of full equality for all.

NOTE: Link to today’s L A Times Story on Settlement:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-juice9-2008oct09,0,4032084.story

-- end --

Dishonor Roll Released -- 741 Yes on 8 Donors Listed

NEWS RELEASE October 8, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Californians Against Hate Publishes Updated Dishonor Roll of Over 740 Contributors of $5,000 and More to “Yes on Prop. 8”

LOS ANGELES, CA – Two days after the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign released its voluminous campaign report of all the money raised and spent during the previous 4 months, Californians Against Hate posted all its donor’s names, cities, business affiliations (when available) and contributions of over $5,000 on its web site’s Dishonor Roll:

http://www.californiansagainsthate.com/index.html

Since it lasted posted the names and dollar amounts on the Dishonor Roll back in September, there have been and additional 629 donors of $5,000 and more. The top 12 include the #1 donor to Yes on 8, The Knights of Columbus, the political arm of the Catholic Church out of New Haven, CT which gave $1,275,000 to end marriage equality in California. They are followed closely by the National Organization for Marriage located in Princeton, NJ which gave $941,134.80. Then John Templeton, Jr. of Bryn Mawr, PA at $900,000. He is the son of the late John Templeton who founded Templeton Funds, and just passed away this year at 95 years old. Then comes Howard “Howie” Ahmanson, heir to the Home Savings and Loan fortune, who upped his contribution from $600,000 on our last report to $900,000 as of October 1st.
The next 8 top association and individual donors who must really not like same-sex marriage either are in order:

American Family Association, Tupelo, MS $500,000

Elsa Prince, Holland, MI $450,000

Focus On the Family, Colorado Springs, CO $439,643.66

Concerned Women for America, Washington DC $409,000

Robert Hurtt, Orange, CA $300,000

Terry Caster & Family, San Diego, CA $293,000

Dorothy Nielson, La Verne, CA $150,000

Doug Manchester, San Diego, CA $125,000

Following these 12 are 8 more who gave $125,000 and $100,000. They are followed by 721 more donors of $5,000 and more, an unprecedented number of contributors of this magnitude to a California ballot initiative.

“I am guessing that these huge numbers represent the handy work of the Mormon Church, which made these contributions almost mandatory,” said Fred Karger, Campaign Manager of Californians Against Hate. “We got this information from a recent Wall Street Journal story, by Mark Schoofs, who was able to uncover the methods that were used to get the thousands of contributions by individuals or their companies to the Yes on 8 campaign:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122186063716658279.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Additional information on the mega- Mormon contributors can be found on the Mormons for Proposition 8 web site: http://mormonsfor8.com/

“It appears that at least 75% of the $25 million raised by Yes on 8 is from members of the Mormon Church. It is very disheartening to see the names of the hundreds of people from all over the United States who have given $5,000 and more who feel that strongly about same-sex marriage in California. It seems like there are so many other causes to give their millions of dollars to, where it could really help people instead of hurting them,” concluded Karger.
-- end --

Don't Buy Bolthouse Demonstration Washington, DC

NEWS RELEASE October 6, 2008 Contact; Fred Karger 619-592-2008

“Don’t Buy Bolthouse” Washington, DC Demonstration Held At Whole Foods
3rd Demonstration in Last 3 Weeks

WASHINGTON, DC – At its third demonstration in 3 weeks, an enthusiastic group of dedicated volunteers spent Sunday afternoon in front of the Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFMI) in the heart of Washington’s Gay Neighborhood. This protest follows similar ones held in Los Angeles and New York the previous two weekends. The demonstrations against Bolthouse Farms are because of a $100,000 contribution from William Bolthouse, Jr. to California’s Protect Marriage – Yes on Proposition 8 Campaign. If passed, Proposition 8 would eliminate same-sex marriage in California.

Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC http://www.mdcp.com/ a Chicago based private equity firm, currently owns 72% of Bolthouse Farms and Bolthouse family members own 28%. William Bolthouse, Jr. owns Bolthouse Properties, and leases over 7,000 acres to Bolthouse Farms that is used to grow their crops.

Demonstrators held up signs and handed out “Don’t Buy Bolthouse” flyers to hundreds of shoppers entering the Whole Foods Market. The flagship store is located just a few blocks off DuPont Circle in the heart of the capitol’s heavily gay district. The store is 40,000 square feet and is the largest Whole Foods in Washington, DC. Whole Foods carries Bolthouse Farms Drinks in the produce section of its store.

William Bolthouse’s huge financial support was one of the main reasons that this constitutional initiative qualified for the November 4th ballot. His money helped enable Protect Marriage to hire hundreds of paid professional petition circulators to collect the signatures necessary to qualify this initiative for the ballot.

Mayita and Anderson the Mighty Duo Out Front of Whole Foods
Andrew and John, Who Have Been Together for 7 Years, Live in Salt Lake City, But Joined in the Demonstration

Joey, Jason and Ward Ready for the Next Shopper

“We will continue to work hard to get the message out to the gay and lesbian community and our millions of friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers all over the United States to “Don't Buy Bolthouse.” In the weeks ahead, more demonstrations may be held around the country. Everyone across the United States will be aware of Mr. Boathouse’s $100,000 contribution to eliminate marriage in California,” said Fred Karger, Campaign Manager of Californians Against Hate, which organized Sunday’s Washington, DC demonstration and the two held the previous weekends at Ralphs Supermarket in Los Angeles and Whole Foods Columbus Circle in New York.

Metro Photographer Taking His Shot

Anderson Explaining Why to Not Buy Bolthouse

There are many other juices, carrot brands, coffee drinks and salad dressings available without the Bolthouse name attached. Right next to the Bolthouse drinks at Whole Foods you can choose from Odwalla, Purity, Naked Natural Energy, Jamba and Evolution. Lots of options – just “Don’t Buy Bolthouse.” Check out our web site for more on “Don’t Buy Bolthouse” http://www.dontbuybolthouse.com/

Mayita Met Two Californians Happy to Hear About the Public Awareness Campaign

DC Greg Proclaiming the Marriage Should be For All

And go to our blog for more great pictures from our Washington, DC. New York and Los Angeles demonstrations: http://californiansagainsthate.blogspot.com/

“William Bolthouse’s $100,000 contribution is an insult to gay and lesbian Americans,” concluded Karger. Why should we spend our hard-earned money buying Bolthouse Farms’ products only to have it used against us?”

On September 20, 2008, Fred Karger released a letter explaining our actions and the reasons for “Don’t Buy Bolthouse” in a letter that was faxed to Bolthouse Farms Chairman, Andre Radandt (William Bolthouse’s son-in-law) and William Bolthouse, Jr. A copy of the letter can be found at: http://www.dontbuybolthouse.com/letter.html

Bolthouse Farms likes to say that William Bolthouse, Jr. is not involved in the company, but a quick look on its web site http://www.bolthouse.com/html/trade_company_history.html says that the third (William Bolthouse, Jr.) and fourth Bolthouse generations (Andre Redandt, his son-in-law) operate the company.

-- end --

Don't Buy Bolthouse Washington, DC Demonstration

Media Advisory October 4, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 619-592-2008

Sunday Demonstration at Whole Foods Market
Washington, DC Flagship Store in Heart of Gay Neighborhod

William Bolthouse, Jr. Gave $100,000 to California’s Yes on Proposition 8 to Eliminate Same-Sex Marriage

WASHINGTON, DC – Californians Against Hate will hold a small mid-day demonstration tomorrow, Sunday, October 5th at 12:00 noon in front of Whole Foods Market – 1440 P Street, NW, Washington, DC. The demonstration is part of a national campaign to ask American consumers to “Don’t Buy Bolthouse” (Farms) fruit, vegetable and coffee drinks, carrots (they are the 2nd largest producer in the world) and salad dressings. Demonstrators will hand out flyers to shoppers and ask them to “Don’t Buy Bolthouse,” because of the mega-contribution by company founder William Bolthouse, Jr. to end gay marrige in California. Over the last two weeks, similar demonstrations were held in Los Angeles and New York.
William Bolthouse contributed $100,000 this year to California’s Protect Marriage / Yes on Proposition 8 Campaign. If passed on November 4th, this constitutional initiative would eliminate same-sex marriage in California. His huge financial support was one of the main reasons that Proposition 8 qualified for the November 4th ballot. His money helped enable the committee to hire hundreds of paid professional petition circulators to collect the signatures necessary to qualify this initiative for the November ballot.

Two weeks ago, Fred Karger, Campaign Manager for Californians Against Hate sent a letter to Bolthouse Farms Chairman, Andre Radandt (William Bolthouse’s son-in-law) and in it he said:

“As of Saturday, September 20, 2008, we will embark on an effort to get the message out to the gay and lesbian community and our millions of friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers all over the United States to “Don't Buy Bolthouse.”

There are many other juices, carrot brands, coffee drinks and salad dressings available without the Bolthouse name attached. Right next to the Bolthouse drinks you can choose from Odwalla, Purely Juice, Naked Natural Energy, Jamba and Evolution. Lots of options – just “Don’t Buy Bolthouse.”

We have set up a web site, too: http://www.dontbuybolthouse.com/

“William Bolthouse’s $100,000 contribution is an insult to gay and lesbian Americans. Why should we spend our hard-earned money buying Bolthouse Farms’ products only to have it used against us?” concluded Karger.

-- end --

Check Out All Our News Coverage

Bay Area Reporter -- http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3328

The Advocate -- http://www.gaywired.com/Article.cfm?ID=20439

The Advocate.com -- http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid62084.asp

Blogs

Gay Wired -- http://www.gaywired.com/Article.cfm?Section=66&ID=20395

Towleroad -- http://www.towleroad.com/2008/09/joan-rivers-add.html

News Blaze -- http://newsblaze.com/story/20080920064801tsop.nb/topstory.html

Marriage Equality News -- http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/2008/09/ca-prop-8-oppon.html

Lavender Newswire -- http://news.lavenderliberal.com/2008/09/20/dont-buy-bolthouse-demonstration-saturday-in-hollywood/

Protect Marriage Equality -- http://blog.protectmarriageequality.com/2008/09/22/boycott-launched-against-bolthouse-farms/

Gay News Blog -- http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2008/09/boycott-launched-against-bolthouse.html

On Top Magazine -- http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=2427&MediaType=1&Category=26

AIDS – Write.org -- http://aids-write.org/?p=912

Gay News Blog -- http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2008/09/gay-marriage-proponents-target-business.html

San Diego Home -- http://sandiegomeetup.com/blog/2008/09/22/know-the-players-californians-against-hate-cah-publishes/

Oh No! -- http://noceleb.com/10/no-moar-carrot-juice/

Pink News -- http://www.pinknews.co.uk/aroundtheworld/2008/09/gay-marriage-proponents-target-business-owners/

The Majority Report -- http://www.camajorityreport.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=3600&ptid=9

Inland Empire Blog -- http://mycitycorona.blogspot.com/2008/09/local-contributes-to-yes-on-proposition.html

The Edge Boston -- http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=79499

Bilerico Project -- http://www.bilerico.com/2008/09/bolthouse_farm_madness.php

California Majority Report -- http://camajorityreport.com.s9111.gridserver.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=3600&ptid=9

Life In Dreaming -- http://alifeindreaming.blogspot.com/2008/09/dishonor-roll.html

Majority Report -- http://www.camajorityreport.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=3611&ptid=9

Odwalla -- http://www.100-search.com/2008/09/29/odwalla/
The Bilerico Project -- http://www.bilerico.com/2008/09/daisy_girl_2008.php

Instant Riverside.com -- http://www.instantriverside.com/riverside-ca-news/proposition-8-donors-protectmarriage-equality-ca/2008/09/30/

Ravenhurst -- http://ravenhurst-ravenhurst.blogspot.com/2008/09/californians-against-hate.html

On Top -- http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=2474&MediaType=1&Category=26

NGBLOG -- http://nlsngrc.blogspot.com/2008/09/californians-against-hates-tv-ad.html

Gay Link -- http://www.gaylinknews.com/prdetail.cfm?id=13784
http://news.

Lavender Newswire -- http://news.lavenderliberal.com/2008/09/30/cahs-first-ad-takes-aim-at-a1-storage-caster-familys-293000-to-prop-8/

2015 Place.com -- http://www.2015place.com/2008/09/2015place-daily-combined-gay-news.html

Gay Blog Headlines -- http://www.gayblogheadlines.com/2008/10/combined-gay-blog-headlines.html