Unconventional Sources

If you’ve ever known an Upstate New Yorker, you know how sensitive they can be about the whole Upstate/Downstate distinction. Say that they’re from New York, and they’ll say, “Yes, but I’m not from that New York.”

They have good reason for being so conscientious with their identity. Upstate New York is a very different kind of place than New York City and Long Island – culturally, geographically, and economically.

So, it makes sense that if there’s going to be coverage of the Green Party in New York State, there ought to be separate coverage for Upstate New York. That’s what Upstate Greens intends to provide, writing about issues and events that matter particularly to Green Party members and enthusiasts in Upstate New York.

In New York State, legislation has been proposed that would establish with certainty the legal ability of same-sex couples to have equal access to marriage rights. That’s something that’s guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America, which guarantees equal protection under the law. Still, even though New York State is a progressive state, it’s not certain that the marriage equality legislation will pass. Some backwards Democrats are joining Republicans in trying to deny equal rights.

The web site Marriage NY is working to organize citizens to mount a grassroots campaign to ensure marriage rights are respected, and all couples in New York, heterosexual and homosexual alike, have equal marriage rights.

It’s a project of the New York Civil Liberties Union. Thanks to them for their work on this subject.