One Positive Step-One Step to Go and a Look at Minnesota

Yesterday afternoon the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Freedom to Marry bill to allow same-sex marriages in the state. Now the bill goes on to the Senate where it is expected to pass. I'm not counting on anything until we've achieved true success and the bill is signed into law, but we've taken one more very important step in the right direction.

The first battle is won but the war still rages on. One more
hurdle to pass.

I was on my computer last night sending an email to my Senator and urging him to vote in favor of the bill. I'm not 100% sure when it comes up in the calendar, but the session is winding down so I expect it to be soon. I really want this signed into law before the end of the legislative session this year. I want to be living in a state that acknowledges civil liberties in the manner of our heritage.

Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes. This is one from
the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the border with Canada.

Minnesota has a proud heritage of being at the forefront of liberal ideals and causes. We have had serious movers and shakers coming from the ranks of those who lived in this land of 10,000 lakes. So as I move into a weekend and salute mothers tomorrow, I thought I'd take a little time to celebrate my adoptive state.

I've loved Prince for many years - so talented (and not too
bad looking either).

Famous musicians include LaVerne, Maxene and Patti Andrews (The Andrews Sisters), Bob Dylan, Judy Garland and Prince Rogers Nelson

E G Marshall left a large legacy of film roles behind him.

Actors include E.G. Marshall, William Demarest, Jessica Lange, Jane Russell, Wynona Rider and Kevin Sorbo.

F Scott Fitzgerald - such a pretty boy.

On this weekend of "Gatsby" (new movie) opening in the theatres, authors from Minnesota include F Scott Fitzgerald, Garrison Keillor, Sinclair Lewis, and in a related publication - Charles Schultz of "Peanuts" fame.

Hubert Horatio Humphrey was Vice President under Lyndon Johnson and
ran for President in 1968 where he lost to Richard Nixon.

And of course I can't ignore the politicians - both good and bad from my adoptive state. These include two vice presidents - Hubert Horatio Humphrey and Walter Mondale, an infamous senator Eugene J McCarthy, and a Supreme Court Justice - Warren E Burger.

Walter Mondale was Vice President under Jimmy Carter and ran
for President in 1984, losing to Ronald Reagan.

Are there others? Of course there are. Like any state in the union, we have had our famous and our infamous people and I'm sure there are many that you could add to my small sampling above. In fact, I can think of at least four more actors right now. But like all lists, this must come to an end. Have a wonderful Friday...