While most of the debate over Gay marriage revolves around what to call it and who must perform it, the real crux of the issue are the rights and responsibilities granted to a couple by the state. Same-sex couples are discriminated against in not receiving over 1,100 rights and benefits that are provided by Federal law to heterosexual couples. These include inheritance rights, survivorship rights, medical rights, and financial and property rights.

The Economic Stimulus plan agreed to by the Congress and the White House is a prime example of the disparities that same-sex couples encounter in taxation. Under the proposed plan, a single person earning up to $75,000 per year would receive a $600 tax rebate. A married couple earning up to $150,000 would receive $1,200. Above the $75,000 single and $150,000 married limits the tax rebates are phased out.

Given these rules, Gay and Lesbian couples with primary wage earners are at a distinct disadvantage to their straight counterparts. Take these scenarios as examples:

Bob and Mary are a married straight couple. Bob works part time and earns $20,000 per year. Mary works full time and earns $95,000 per year. Their total household income is $115,000. Since their household income falls below the $150,000 join threshold, they would receive the full $1,200 tax rebate.

Madge and Cheryl are a Lesbian couple. Cheryl works part time and earns $20,000 per year. Madge works full time and earns $95,000 per year. Their total household income is $115,000, however, since their relationship is not legally recognized, the rules for single taxpayers would apply to them. Cheryl would be entitled to a $600 tax rebate but Madge would be excluded from the rebate due to her income being above the $75,000 limit.

In essence, the government would be applying a $600 “Gay Tax” to Madge and Cheryl for being Lesbians in a committed relationship instead of being a heterosexual married couple. And while this is just a scenario for discussion, in reality there will be thousands of Gay and Lesbian couples affected by this proposal and by the “Gay Tax” imposed by the Democratic Congress and Republican President.

I know that $600 doesn’t seem like much money, but this $600 is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of financial and legal discrimination that Gay and Lesbian couples face from our government every day. We must pay higher taxes on inherited property, pay taxes on spousal health benefits (if available), and we lose Social Security survivor benefits that our partners worked their entire lives to build. In short, Gay and Lesbians face not only social, but financial discrimination due to the policies and laws of the United States. It just doesn’t seem fair, does it?

Have you missed me?

I’ve missed you.  It’s been a month since I last posted ANYTHING on the site.  I’ve been an incredibly busy beaver lately, and I joined a gym, which has been taking up a lot of time.

Hope you’re still around.  I’m getting a video ready for posting soon.  Don’t give up on me!

Your Pal,

justin

Emily at Political Artwork has been kind enough to showcase two of Michael’s photos from the January 27 March on Washington. The photos are included as part of a virtual installation of HR 508, a measure proposed by Representative Lynn Woolsey that would bring our troops home within 6 months.

I encourage everyone to check out the site. Emily has compiled some incredible photos from the March and has an archive of very pertinent Political Artwork.

To see more of Michael’s photos from the event, check out our Flickr photoset.

Michael and I will be in the nation’s capital this weekend to participate in the United for Peace March on Washington. I encourage everyone to check out the site and see if there are people from your state or country attending. There are charter buses coming from most every state, so you may be able to get cheap transport to attend.

If you plan to be there for the March, email me and let me know. Revolution is always more fun with friends! Also, I know a few of you live or work in DC. If anyone wants to get together for coffee or cocktails, get in touch! I’d love to meet a few JustinFeed viewers.
-Justin

UPDATE:  I just received this info from Nicole at CampusProgress.org.  Campus Progress/Center for American Progress is offering students financial assistance to offset the cost for them to travel to DC.  They are also hosting a free breakfast/speakers panel the day of the protest.  It’s great that organizations like this are reaching out to students to involve them in the debate.  Check out http://www.campusprogress.org/tools/1390/no-escalation-in-iraq-march-on-washington if you are a student and sign up to get some of your travel expenses paid.  More info on Campus Progress/Center for American Progress on Wikipedia.

Dear Friends:

After an exhausting holiday break, President Bush is reported to be finally ready to release his plan for the new “Way Forward” in Iraq. Bush is reportedly planning to call for troop increases of between 6,000 and 20,000 troops to secure Baghdad. He will also likely unveil a jobs program to bribe Iraqis into laying down their arms.

Unfortunately, this plan has been criticized by everyone from Democrats to Republicans to the very Generals that are waging the war for the President. The belief that even more soldiers should be sacrificed in this war is seen as misguided at best and criminal at worst. Our troops deserve better leadership. Our country deserves better leadership.

We have lost thousands of troops to a war that was built on lies and that continues to be fought for all the wrong reasons. We have thousands more wounded troops who are struggling to return to their lives. These are our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, cousins, uncles, aunts, husbands, wives, and friends. We cannot continue to be silent.

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