Faith Versus Duty

Andrew Callahan

Gay marriage is one issue both presidential candidates have been treading lightly around. But in California, voters will decide whether to accept Proposition 8 and ban gay marriage, or keep gay marriage legal. The amount of money both sides have spent on the issue has now reached record-breaking levels.

The driving force behind Proposition 8 is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Andrew Callahan was for decades a devout Mormon, and eventually became a High Priest. But he’s recently broken ranks with the church over its stand on gay marriage. Andrew is not gay, but he explains to Dick Gordon his personal connection to the issue - and why he feels it may be worth getting excommunicated over.

• Read Andrew Callahan’s blog
• Read both perspectives on Proposition 8 here and here

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Tough Job - Child Welfare Specialist

Aaron Willis

Aaron Willis wrote us the following note: "I am a Child Welfare Specialist in rural Oklahoma conducting investigations of child abuse and neglect. Every time I tell someone what I do the standard response is 'I could never do that job!' I'm thinking this career would be a great one to feature in your Tough Jobs segment; it's incredibly "tough" but also has the potential for great reward. The work invariably changes one's world view!" Aaron tells Dick how his own world view has changed.

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Your Story - Seeing the Queen

Harry Atwood at the spot he saw the Queen - More >>

Harry Atwood was recovering from a disfiguring soccer accident when his wife told him Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother were right next door at a little theatre. Against his better judgment, Harry climbed the stairwell to street level to get a better view. To Harry's horror, the royals caught a glimpse of Harry's face and were visibly repelled. Harry talks with Dick about how he'll never forget the Queen's expression at that instant.

• See what Harry's face looked like

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The Right to Vote

Heather Sticka

Heather Sticka voted for the first time in the 1996 presidential election. Then she fell in with the wrong crowd and ended up taking part in a bank robbery. After her conviction, she lost the right to vote.

Heather hasn't cast a ballot in twelve years. But her home state of Nebraska now allows felons who have completed their sentences to vote. As she tells Dick, her dream of finally feeling that she's a citizen again is about to come true.

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Home in a Vacant Lot

Adrian Moreno

Even before the economy started to slide, Adrian Moreno was engaged in an experiment to get by on much less. He moved his family to a vacant lot on the far outskirts of San Diego within earshot of the Mexican border.

At first, they lived in a tepee. When that didn't work out, Adrian built a house on the property for about $10,000.

Adrian talks with Dick Gordon about how he - an archaeologist - taught himself construction and the art of living lightly.

• See photos of the house, barn, and chicken coop

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Medicine at Any Cost

Julie De Lara - larger >>

Julie De Lara's son had suffered terrible seizures since he was a baby. When she finally found some medicine that could help him, she was ready to go get it immediately. It was at the home of a nurse.

When Julie arrived, it appeared that no one was home. So she opened the door a crack and three German Shepherds lunged at her, baring their fangs. Julie tells Dick about what she did to get the medicine for her son.

• See a recent photo of Julie's son, Michael.
• Learn more about Dravet Syndrome
• Read a piece called "Courage" by Julie

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The Perfect Industry

Amy Crooks

Amy Crooks thought she had a great job in the perfect industry. She was a mortgage broker. But the crisis in the mortgage industry has caused havoc throughout the economy, and many mortgage brokers like Amy have now lost their jobs.

Amy was well compensated, but since being laid off from her job, she has found that being a former mortgage broker is not doing her any favors. As she tells Dick Gordon, she has even seen job postings that explicitly state "mortgage brokers need not apply."

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Accidental Disrobing

Ian Rushforth

Ian Rushforth worked at a small airport in New York state where he would regularly assist celebrities. He was left all alone one night to assist someone disembarking from a small chartered plane, and he knew she had to be someone important, but he couldn't quite place her face. It was pouring, and Ian slipped, accidentally disrobing her. While watching the movie "Big" weeks later, he realized exactly who she was: actress Mercedes Ruehl.

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