Legal Commentary

Got notes today from Russ Curtis, LTN's photo editor, and Ed Jorcyzk, formerly of MoFo's IT team, both Californians.

Wonderful news from Russ -- he and his partner, Mark Russell, have decided to tie the knot today. CONGRATS.

Here's their letter on why today's the day:

Russ and I have been in a loving relationship for 12 years. Five years ago my sister became pregnant with her fifth child, she was unable to care for her new baby along with her other four children. After a long conversation with my sister we decided that we would raise her youngest child as our own and keep our family together.  wo weeks later Russ and I brought home Elizabeth. I named her after our maternal grandmother who not only lived to be 100 years old but also put herself through college to earn a teaching degree in the 1920?s.  My Gran has always been an inspiration for me. Adopting Elizabeth was such an amazing event for us as we never thought we would be parents.

Three years later my nephew Vance (13 at the time) was having a lot of trouble living with his mom. After a family meeting (Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents) it was decided that I was the best equipped to take over his parenting.  Russ was very supportive and Vance moved in right away. As Vance is Elizabeth?s half brother we were excited that Elizabeth would be raised with one of her siblings.

In 2007, Chris the kids other half brother came to live with us.   He was 12 and had been missing his brother terribly.  When my sister had to work away from home and was not able look after Chris.  We gladly took Chris for the summer and then when he asked to stay we were honored.   We had another extended family meeting after which Chris was allowed to stay with us.

My family is large and very loving and despite the challenges my sister has faced she remains in her children?s lives and an integral part of our family.

Having children has been such a blessing for both of us.  We are honored to have them in our family and are devoted to them. Many people expressed their surprise at our ?generosity? but it is these three wonderful children who have enriched our lives beyond any measure. 

We are getting married because we are in love and are devoted to each other.  By being married we hope to provide our children with a more stable family structure.  We want our children to know marriage is a very serious institution in our culture, one that should be honored and taken seriously.  There are many people who do not think love makes a family, and that our family is not valid.  Our family values are based in love, devotion, compassion and respect for all.  We believe marriage is a beautiful and honorable commitment between two people who are unafraid to dedicate their lives to each other come what may.

Please support our family and others like ours by voting NO on Proposition 8 this November 4th.

Thank you for your consideration

Mark Russell & Russ Curtis

(From left to right) Vance 16, Russ (with Lewis), Elizabeth 5, Mark (with Kodi) and Chris 12.

? Ed Jorczyk is also pushing to defeat Prop 8, and asking his pals to help spread the word:

E-mail everyone you know and care about and get them to help us defeat Prop 8.  Quickly and easily send them a message here.  

Volunteer your time. We are running the largest visibility campaign to get out the vote for Election Day. Will you join us?
Make a donation. The other side is trying to raise $2 million dollars in the next few days. It is absolutely essential in order to win that we match them, to keep our ads on the air. Your donation will help us reach undecided voters who need to hear that Prop. 8 is wrong and unfair.