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Harvey Milk Day Quest Continues


Harvey Milk Day Quest Continues
Senator Mark Leno, a San Francisco democrat legislator, and supporters, are continuing their efforts to create a “special day of significance” in honor of Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk, believed to be the first openly homosexual politician, has become an icon among radical homosexual activists. Their desire to enshrine him as one of America’s national heroes is another attempt to influence children and further mainstream the homosexual lifestyle into the America’s culture. Senate Bill (SB) 572, authored by Senator Leno, would require the governor of California to annually proclaim May 22 as “Harvey Milk Day.” The measure would also “encourage” schools to conduct commemorative ceremonies and informational programs regarding Milk’s life and his contributions.
SB 572 is a reintroduction of a bill (AB 2567) previously introduced by Senator Leno and vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008. The governor stated in his veto message, that while he respects the intent of the author, he believes, “[Milk’s] contributions should continued to be recognized at the local level by those who were most impacted by his contributions.” 
Since Governor Schwarzenegger’s veto of AB 2567, Harvey Milk Day proponents have been active in attempting to change the Governor’s position and increase awareness of Harvey Milk to all Americans. In early 2009, Hollywood film-makers produced Milk, which was embraced by Hollywood elites and won an Academy Award. In July, President Barak Obama named Harvey Milk as a Medal of Freedom recipient, which is awarded to civilians who “make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interest of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavor. Finally, only last week, despite his veto, Governor Schwarzenegger selected Harvey Milk as one of 13 California 2009 Hall of Fame inductees.
In spite of all the efforts to establish a Harvey Milk Day, public opposition is strong. Many parents recognize the inherent problem of creating socially-driven causes into our schools and classrooms. Since early July, parents and concerned citizens have been flooding legislators’ and the governor’s office with their concerns, stating their opposition to the proposed legislation. A recent email blast by Equality California, a leading homosexual activist group, encouraged its supporters to increase their lobbying of the Legislature and the governor because of the overwhelming response of concerned parents opposing the measure.
Equality California, as recently as last week, again urged its members to contact the governor in response to a letter from the Secretary of Education recommending the governor once again veto the measure. Rest assured, groups that seek to push non-academic social agendas, such as Harvey Milk Day, will not cease in their efforts. Families, parents and all Californians who are concerned about the direction of our schools must remain vigilant and engaged. Let your voice be heard and take action by visiting our website. Governor Schwarzenegger also needs to hear from you. You can use twitter to let him know your concerns.
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