I am a proud member of the chorus of those singing President Obama and Vice President Biden’s praises following their courageous endorsement of marriage equality, but I am left wondering where Sen. Casey is in his evolution on this issue. Six years ago, when Casey ran against Rick Santorum, it was enough to simply support civil unions. But in 2012, when 22 other Senate Democrats, the president and vice president of the United States and at least eight Pennsylvania mayors have endorsed marriage equality, supporting separate-but-equal politics of the past just doesn’t fly.
Equality Pennsylvania, and our friends at Freedom to Marry, the Courage Campaign and Pennsylvania Diversity Network, have sent literally thousands of letters to the senator’s office encouraging him to endorse marriage equality. But that hasn’t been enough. LGBT voters need to make it clear to Sen. Casey’s office that we need his leadership in Washington on this crucial issue affecting our lives and our families.
— Adrian Shanker
President, Equality Pennsylvania
In reference to “Man sues 12th St. Gym,” May 11-17:
The 12th Street Gym offered to call an ambulance for Mr. [Joseph] Montgomery but he declined this help. He was escorted to the emergency room by other members and trainers. The 12th Street Gym offered to have staff escort him after he refused ambulance service, but he declined this help. Our general manager followed up promptly with Mr. Montgomery and was told by Mr. Montgomery that he was “fine”; additional calls to Mr. Montgomery were not returned. His injuries were only reported to our business as serious once Mr. Montgomery retained an attorney.
The 12th Street Gym takes its responsibilities to its 6,000 customers very seriously. In those rare instances where an injury concurs, our business extends every available resource to assure timely, effective care to the injured party.
— Rick Piper
Owner, 12th Street Gym