Date: Thu, 27 Apr 1995 07:50:10 -0400 (EDT) From: David Casti Reply-To: Beyond.The.Closet@Bendnet.com Subject: ACTION ALERT: Oregon Submitted by: Beyond.The.Closet@Bendnet.com Bill Wyatt, Chief of Staff, (503) 373-1565 Beyond The Closet is trying to get Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber to meet with Floyd Cochran, and we could use some support from out of State. After a futile attempt to get the two of them together in Bend, OR last week we are going to try to get the two of them together ASAP. Why, you may ask? Well the so called "logic" is that having the Governor meet with Floyd and issue a joint statement against hate groups would send a strong message to the people of Oregon about rascism, bigotry and hatred. One of the tacks which has been taken in many rural communities in which it is not acceptable to speak in a positive fashion about Lesbigay people is to address bigotry in general and slip heterosexism into the mix. It would look good for Oregon to have the Governor take a public stand with Floyd, especially with the national attention Floyd is getting in the wake of the bombing in Oklahoma City. On a more missionary note, it could help boost attendance at Floyd's talks and draw more attention to the work we are all doing to counter hate and bigotry in Oregon. Which could boost our efforts at home and help Oregon's tarnished image accross the nation. So, would all ya'll please take a few minutes as soon as possiible to call the Governor's Chief of Staff, Bill Wyatt (503-373-1565), and ask that the Governor to discuss the growth of the white supremacist and militia movememts in Oregon and make a joint press appearance Q especially valuable since Floyd has been touring Oregon and learning from local people about how they feel, and what is going on in their back yard. If you have had Floyd in your community (especially those of you from outside Oregon) tell Mr. Wyatt the importance of Floyd's visit to your community and why you feel it is important for the Governor of Oregon to meet with Floyd. I will be calling Mr. Wyatt later this week, so call soon! If you have any questions contact me at Thank You, Bruce Amsbary