For those of us who are conservative and gay...
GOProud Kick Off
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OK, a couple of points, here:
1) While some conservatives may get all warm and fuzzy about The Reagan Era, I recall that while thousands of gay men died from AIDS, Reagan refused to so much as utter the word in public for several years. And the reason for his reticence? THE PEOPLE DYING WERE GAY.
This leads me to my second point:
2) When are you going to realize that your party HATES YOU? You will never, ever be accepted by the vast majority of heterosexual conservative republicans. NEVER. Stop pretending there is a snowball's chance in hell it will ever happen. What is it about this simple, obvious truth that escapes you? They believe you are a dangerous, sick pervert; that you do not deserve to be seen as their equal personally or professionally; that you are going to, deservedly, spend eternity burning in hell.
But hey, good luck with the whole GOProud thing. Certainly, the Log Cabin Republicans must be ecstatic; they are now the SECOND most self-defeating social organization on the political landscape.
1) While some conservatives may get all warm and fuzzy about The Reagan Era, I recall that while thousands of gay men died from AIDS, Reagan refused to so much as utter the word in public for several years. And the reason for his reticence? THE PEOPLE DYING WERE GAY.
This leads me to my second point:
2) When are you going to realize that your party HATES YOU? You will never, ever be accepted by the vast majority of heterosexual conservative republicans. NEVER. Stop pretending there is a snowball's chance in hell it will ever happen. What is it about this simple, obvious truth that escapes you? They believe you are a dangerous, sick pervert; that you do not deserve to be seen as their equal personally or professionally; that you are going to, deservedly, spend eternity burning in hell.
But hey, good luck with the whole GOProud thing. Certainly, the Log Cabin Republicans must be ecstatic; they are now the SECOND most self-defeating social organization on the political landscape.
Good Luck To GOProud
Although I'm an unwavering Democrat, I support gay Republicans in their effort to show the national party the light. The cause of gay rights will only be helped if both major parties have strong, clear GLBT activism in their ranks. Agreed, both Log Cabin and GOProud have an uphill battle. But there are many conservative and gay Republicans who want a voice; more power to them. Still, right now, the GOP has far bigger problems on its plate--as Democrats who lived in the aftermath of the 1980 election well remember. It's deja vu all over again.
Although I'm an unwavering Democrat, I support gay Republicans in their effort to show the national party the light. The cause of gay rights will only be helped if both major parties have strong, clear GLBT activism in their ranks. Agreed, both Log Cabin and GOProud have an uphill battle. But there are many conservative and gay Republicans who want a voice; more power to them. Still, right now, the GOP has far bigger problems on its plate--as Democrats who lived in the aftermath of the 1980 election well remember. It's deja vu all over again.
Oh Lawdy, help me find the door.
Thanks Peter!!! Greatly appreciated!!!
andrewinorlando
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People seem to believe that for the Republicans to win again, they would have to abandon their conservative values and principles. WRONG. People have short memories, people are fickle, there is no real loyalty (after all, politics makes strange bedfellows). It won't take long for many to forget the damages done over the last 4 years and people who switched allegiances and voted democrat will again vote republican. It's much like childbirth....if women actually remembered the pain they experienced giving birth to their first child, who in their right mind would go and do it again????
Good Luck To These Guys . . .
I am pleased to see this, not because I often vote Republican, but rather it is clear that GLBT people won’t have a full voice in governing this country until both major parties accept us.
I am confused as to why any gay Republican would spend much time worshipping at the Reagan alter. I’ve never believed that Reagan himself was anti-gay, and he did help defeat the disastrous Briggs Initiative in ’78. However, when he once again needed to step up to the plate and provide some leadership as President in the first years of the AIDs epidemic, he couldn’t be bothered. Nobody will ever know how many people, both straight and gay, died as a result of the Reagan administration’s general disinterest in addressing what became the defining health epidemic of the second half of the twentieth century. It’s ironic that it took the death of Rock Hudson and the loud mouth of Elizabeth Taylor, both of whom knew Reagan, to embarrass the government enough to make AIDS funding even a small priority.
Reagan’s administration also marked the beginning of an era that saw a sea change in the Republican Party. Out went a party of true conservative values such as smaller government and minding one’s own business. In came a party with too many loudmouthed louts implying that they were entitled to rule by divine right since God Himself must be Republican. Somewhere along the way they pretty much lost sight of the fact that many of the founders of this nation wanted freedom from religion as much as they wanted freedom of religion.
I hope these guys succeed on making some headway in the Republican Party – they certainly have their work cut out for them.
I am pleased to see this, not because I often vote Republican, but rather it is clear that GLBT people won’t have a full voice in governing this country until both major parties accept us.
I am confused as to why any gay Republican would spend much time worshipping at the Reagan alter. I’ve never believed that Reagan himself was anti-gay, and he did help defeat the disastrous Briggs Initiative in ’78. However, when he once again needed to step up to the plate and provide some leadership as President in the first years of the AIDs epidemic, he couldn’t be bothered. Nobody will ever know how many people, both straight and gay, died as a result of the Reagan administration’s general disinterest in addressing what became the defining health epidemic of the second half of the twentieth century. It’s ironic that it took the death of Rock Hudson and the loud mouth of Elizabeth Taylor, both of whom knew Reagan, to embarrass the government enough to make AIDS funding even a small priority.
Reagan’s administration also marked the beginning of an era that saw a sea change in the Republican Party. Out went a party of true conservative values such as smaller government and minding one’s own business. In came a party with too many loudmouthed louts implying that they were entitled to rule by divine right since God Himself must be Republican. Somewhere along the way they pretty much lost sight of the fact that many of the founders of this nation wanted freedom from religion as much as they wanted freedom of religion.
I hope these guys succeed on making some headway in the Republican Party – they certainly have their work cut out for them.
Nobody here
would ever accuse me of being a fan of the Republican party.
That said, we have got to see to it that the Republicans are saved from the horrible, wing-nut christianists who have taken over the party.
When someone like Peggy Noonan or Meagan McCain is treated as she was (see her essay on gay rights, link) then it is just plain scary.
Peter, best of luck with this. If the party continues to drift the way it has, we are all in trouble. First, because there is no other genuine opposition to the Democrats. Second, because
'tis true, people have short memories and at some point, the Republicans will be back in power. The thought of this current group taking the reins of government again is terrifying.
The Tory party was out of power for a very long time, and they went through a near 10 year period of denial before they finally got rid of their wingnuts. Today, a homosexual or a transgendered can support the conservatives in the UK without being afraid that they will take away his or her marriage. Not only are the publicly in favor of us marrying, there's a decent chance the conservative politician may, himself, be in a SSM.
Same here in Germany, outside of Bavaria.
It is possible to be fiscally conservative and gay. I am.
www.towleroad.com
would ever accuse me of being a fan of the Republican party.
That said, we have got to see to it that the Republicans are saved from the horrible, wing-nut christianists who have taken over the party.
When someone like Peggy Noonan or Meagan McCain is treated as she was (see her essay on gay rights, link) then it is just plain scary.
Peter, best of luck with this. If the party continues to drift the way it has, we are all in trouble. First, because there is no other genuine opposition to the Democrats. Second, because
'tis true, people have short memories and at some point, the Republicans will be back in power. The thought of this current group taking the reins of government again is terrifying.
The Tory party was out of power for a very long time, and they went through a near 10 year period of denial before they finally got rid of their wingnuts. Today, a homosexual or a transgendered can support the conservatives in the UK without being afraid that they will take away his or her marriage. Not only are the publicly in favor of us marrying, there's a decent chance the conservative politician may, himself, be in a SSM.
Same here in Germany, outside of Bavaria.
It is possible to be fiscally conservative and gay. I am.
Meghan McCain On Gay Marriage, Log Cabin, And The GOP - Towleroad Gay News
Meghan McCain, the daughter of Senator John McCain, has a column in today's Daily Beast discussing her recent statements in support of marriage equality and her upcoming speaking engagement at the Log Cabin Republican convention. Says McCain: "I am a woman who despises labels and boxes and...
www.towleroad.com
I have no problem whatsoever with someone being fiscally conservative and gay. My question is this: Why on earth do you align yourself with the Republican party? There hasn't been a fiscally conservative/smaller government bone in its body for decades. Reagan himself increased spending, expanded the size/scope of government, and raised taxes.
The notion of the Republican party being fiscally responsible is a figment of your imagination. It's a halluciniation.
You can rail against what Obama and Co. are doing to help revive the economy, but do you think for even a moment that if Republicans were in power they'd be doing anything differently? They would be forced to bail out the very same corporations. As infuriating as that is, we cannot allow giants like AIG, etc. go under, as it would not only be catastrophic for our own economy, it would have a similar effect on economies around the world. And may I remind you that it was Reagan who moved us toward the deregulation/weakening of oversight which led us to our current sorry state.
And on top of that, you throw your support behind a party in which the vast majority of its membership despises you and people like you? Who don't want you to have the same rights they have? Who proudly and actively use gays as a wedge issue to promote fear and hatred among their membership? Who sincerely believe that giving you the same rights they have will destroy our society? Who use the Bible as proof you are an abomination in the eyes of God?
That's a lot to give up for a notion of fiscal conservativism that doesn't, and hasn't, and will most likely never again exist in your party.
You may as well believe that GM is going to take back the Frigidaire brand and start producing solid-tub washers with pulsators. In fact, I think the chances of that happening are more likely than the Republican party ever becoming what you wish it to be.
The notion of the Republican party being fiscally responsible is a figment of your imagination. It's a halluciniation.
You can rail against what Obama and Co. are doing to help revive the economy, but do you think for even a moment that if Republicans were in power they'd be doing anything differently? They would be forced to bail out the very same corporations. As infuriating as that is, we cannot allow giants like AIG, etc. go under, as it would not only be catastrophic for our own economy, it would have a similar effect on economies around the world. And may I remind you that it was Reagan who moved us toward the deregulation/weakening of oversight which led us to our current sorry state.
And on top of that, you throw your support behind a party in which the vast majority of its membership despises you and people like you? Who don't want you to have the same rights they have? Who proudly and actively use gays as a wedge issue to promote fear and hatred among their membership? Who sincerely believe that giving you the same rights they have will destroy our society? Who use the Bible as proof you are an abomination in the eyes of God?
That's a lot to give up for a notion of fiscal conservativism that doesn't, and hasn't, and will most likely never again exist in your party.
You may as well believe that GM is going to take back the Frigidaire brand and start producing solid-tub washers with pulsators. In fact, I think the chances of that happening are more likely than the Republican party ever becoming what you wish it to be.
Eugene,
Um, I can only assume you are not talking about me here.
I am a yellow dog Democrat!
Registered member of the Democratic party since the day of my 18th birthday!
I have been active in gay rights since I was 14.
I am a firm advocate of Gay and transgender rights.
That doesn't change that fact that you can be a Democrat and still believe in fiscal responsibility, something Republican, as you mentioned, no longer are capable of.
I also firmly believe that someday, the Republicans will be back in power. When that day comes, I would rather it be a Meagan McCain than a Caribu Barbie or the exorcist-who-can't-give-a-decent-speech, Jindal.
Peter H. is one of the very few conservatives around here who actually has shown decency and honestly good manners towards those of us on the left and has taken quite a bit of criticism for it, while also defending us (especially me) from the extremely nasty queens on the right around here.
I don't understand his position, either, but I certainly appreciate that he is a gentleman.
Um, I can only assume you are not talking about me here.
I am a yellow dog Democrat!
Registered member of the Democratic party since the day of my 18th birthday!
I have been active in gay rights since I was 14.
I am a firm advocate of Gay and transgender rights.
That doesn't change that fact that you can be a Democrat and still believe in fiscal responsibility, something Republican, as you mentioned, no longer are capable of.
I also firmly believe that someday, the Republicans will be back in power. When that day comes, I would rather it be a Meagan McCain than a Caribu Barbie or the exorcist-who-can't-give-a-decent-speech, Jindal.
Peter H. is one of the very few conservatives around here who actually has shown decency and honestly good manners towards those of us on the left and has taken quite a bit of criticism for it, while also defending us (especially me) from the extremely nasty queens on the right around here.
I don't understand his position, either, but I certainly appreciate that he is a gentleman.
Some forgotten facts of the era
Even Reagan abandoned reaganomics early on since we went from a creditor nation where other people owed us money to a debtor nation owing money around the globe.
Some actual history:
Reagan oversaw the biggest tax increase since WWII, go look at your Social Security history.
No one ever talks about the fact that Reagan talked tough against aggressive nations like Soviet Russia on camera (pandering to the "far" right), but would sit down with them cordially and come to compromise off the camera. Thats a realist in my book.
Also no one ever talks about the fact that Reagan was a President who oversaw the lowest US Military fatality rate in 100 years, along with Carter and Ford. The deaths in the Falklands were mostly errors on our part. It was his policy that avoided getting the US embroiled in wars around the globe.
I agree the current Republican party needs a major wakeup call and shift in its policies but for the far right to claim Reagan as an icon of conservative-ism is not clear thinking.
To my way of thinking he was a Realist.
I knew the former head of the Log Cabin Repubs personally. I used to ask why do you even try, they are never going to listen to you and so far they haven't.
It maybe time for real old style Republicans to move on to a new politcal base, certainly there have been grandchildren of Republican icons that have already said this and are threatening to leave.
I just don't see how you are going to turn heads around that are so fixated on what they percieve as the historical truth when it isn't. Ya can't fight crazy or myth.
I wish you luck Gay Republicans, it's not a road I'd choose.
Maybe the new party should be called the Roosevelt Party or the Realist Party?
Anywho, my point is you can't cafeteria shop history to suit your agenda you have to look at take the WHOLE thing in. If you don't then you are going to generate errors in thinking because you haven't got the whole truth.
My 2cents.
Even Reagan abandoned reaganomics early on since we went from a creditor nation where other people owed us money to a debtor nation owing money around the globe.
Some actual history:
Reagan oversaw the biggest tax increase since WWII, go look at your Social Security history.
No one ever talks about the fact that Reagan talked tough against aggressive nations like Soviet Russia on camera (pandering to the "far" right), but would sit down with them cordially and come to compromise off the camera. Thats a realist in my book.
Also no one ever talks about the fact that Reagan was a President who oversaw the lowest US Military fatality rate in 100 years, along with Carter and Ford. The deaths in the Falklands were mostly errors on our part. It was his policy that avoided getting the US embroiled in wars around the globe.
I agree the current Republican party needs a major wakeup call and shift in its policies but for the far right to claim Reagan as an icon of conservative-ism is not clear thinking.
To my way of thinking he was a Realist.
I knew the former head of the Log Cabin Repubs personally. I used to ask why do you even try, they are never going to listen to you and so far they haven't.
It maybe time for real old style Republicans to move on to a new politcal base, certainly there have been grandchildren of Republican icons that have already said this and are threatening to leave.
I just don't see how you are going to turn heads around that are so fixated on what they percieve as the historical truth when it isn't. Ya can't fight crazy or myth.
I wish you luck Gay Republicans, it's not a road I'd choose.
Maybe the new party should be called the Roosevelt Party or the Realist Party?
Anywho, my point is you can't cafeteria shop history to suit your agenda you have to look at take the WHOLE thing in. If you don't then you are going to generate errors in thinking because you haven't got the whole truth.
My 2cents.
PS
I want to agree fully with: Panthera here!
"Peter H. is one of the very few conservatives around here who actually has shown decency and honestly good manners towards those of us on the left and has taken quite a bit of criticism for it, while also defending us (especially me) from the extremely nasty queens on the right around here.
I don't understand his position, either, but I certainly appreciate that he is a gentleman."
Jon
I want to agree fully with: Panthera here!
"Peter H. is one of the very few conservatives around here who actually has shown decency and honestly good manners towards those of us on the left and has taken quite a bit of criticism for it, while also defending us (especially me) from the extremely nasty queens on the right around here.
I don't understand his position, either, but I certainly appreciate that he is a gentleman."
Jon
