Gay Republican Group Won't Endorse Bush

[estranged4life]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Leaders of the largest group for gay men and lesbians in the Republican Party voted overwhelmingly against endorsing President Bush for re-election because he favors a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, The New York Times said on Wednesday.


The board of the Log Cabin Republicans voted 22-2 on Tuesday night against endorsing Bush, the newspaper said, citing a spokesman for the group.


Log Cabin in 2000 endorsed Bush against Democrat Al Gore, and in 1996 endorsed Republican Bob Dole against incumbent Democrat Bill Clinton.


The group in February criticized Bush for supporting the amendment. "Writing discrimination into our Constitution violates conservative and Republican principles," Executive Director Patrick Guerriero said at the time. "This amendment would not strengthen marriage -- it would weaken our nation."


A call to the group was not immediately returned.
Log Cabin last month supported statements by Vice President Dick Cheney, who has a lesbian daughter, that an amendment banning same-sex marriages is unnecessary.


Cheney said he believes individual U.S. states should decide whether to sanction such marriages, but accepted Bush's decision to pursue a ban as administration policy.


The group has also criticized what it calls "flip-flops" by John Kerry, the Democratic presidential nominee, for statements that he opposes same-sex marriages but also opposes amending the Constitution to ban it.


Log Cabin, however, has supported Republican positions on what it has called "issues that bring us together: lower taxes, strong national defense, personal responsibility and a commitment to individual liberty."


About 1 million gay men and lesbians voted for Bush in 2000, Log Cabin has said.

[sparky]

Those Log Cabin Republicans are idiots. They make about as much sense as African Americans for David Duke.

[The Tower]

Those Log Cabin Republicans are idiots. They make about as much sense as African Americans for David Duke.

Truer words have never been spoken... :thumbsup:

[ShangriLaTroubl]

Those Log Cabin Republicans are idiots. They make about as much sense as African Americans for David Duke.


Regardless it is believed that this Gay Republicans group helped Bush in the 2000 campaign.

Chris

[dissention]

Those Log Cabin Republicans are idiots. They make about as much sense as African Americans for David Duke.

:thumbsup: They truly are stupid when it comes to endorsing candidates. They were swatted so much by Dole, McCain, and Bush that I'm surprised they haven't disbanded. They serve no purpose other than to make me laugh. :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

See - I think they are serving a noble cause even though I usually disagree with their choices for candidate and think they are mostly beating their heads against a brick wall. I mean it is easy to bash them, but harder to remember they are on the front line if you will of the worst enemies of civil rights for gay people. They are working to change those enemies from within. I think that is noble and better than no one there at all. I think it is frustrating for them because they are, like all other gay people, hated by those they are trying to change. So, I give them a little slack rather than bash them :shrug:

But, everyone has a right to their opinion, etc. :cool:

[Johnny Stew]

I tend to think of the term "Gay Republican" as an oxymoron.
In regards to economic issues, etc., I can understand it... but when it comes to civil rights and equality issues, I have to admit that it completely baffles me that there are gay and lesbian Republicans.

I couldn't endorse a party that actively and vocally seeks to discriminate against me.

Jason has a good point... they're working hard to make changes within the party, and that IS a noble ideal.
It's just a shame that they're met with such resistance and animosity.
The Republican party treats them like an annoying insect, in need of a good squishing, and isn't the least bit interested in working with them or for them.

[The Tower]

See - I think they are serving a noble cause even though I usually disagree with their choices for candidate and think they are mostly beating their heads against a brick wall. I mean it is easy to bash them, but harder to remember they are on the front line if you will of the worst enemies of civil rights for gay people. They are working to change those enemies from within. I think that is noble and better than no one there at all. I think it is frustrating for them because they are, like all other gay people, hated by those they are trying to change. So, I give them a little slack rather than bash them :shrug:

Well...... for me, politics is more of an overall war, rather than a few selected battles. The social aspects of U.S. politics are infinitely more important to the average gay person versus any kind of financial/"less government" crapola.

They would be much better served if they tried to sway Democrats to a more fiscally conservative postition, rather than trying to get scuzzbag Republicans to give up their bigotry. At least then they'd be serving the best interests of gays, while attempting some form of fiscal reform.

Anyone with a brain can see that Democrats are much more open minded to the idea of controlling government waste and fair tax reform versus the republican perspective towards the "gay agenda".

Log Cabin republicans are just greedy bastards. They sell-out gay rights and self-respect for the love of the all-mighty dollar. The best way to fight against republicans is to strengthen the Democratic party- not to support your enemy.

[strandinthewind]

Well...... for me, politics is more of an overall war, rather than a few selected battles. The social aspects of U.S. politics are infinitely more important to the average gay person versus any kind of financial/"less government" crapola.

They would be much better served if they tried to sway Democrats to a more fiscally conservative postition, rather than trying to get scuzzbag Republicans to give up their bigotry. At least then they'd be serving the best interests of gays, while attempting some form of fiscal reform.

Anyone with a brain can see that Democrats are much more open minded to the idea of controlling government waste and fair tax reform versus the republican perspective towards the "gay agenda".

Log Cabin republicans are just greedy bastards. They sell-out gay rights and self-respect for the love of the all-mighty dollar. The best way to fight against republicans is to strengthen the Democratic party- not to support your enemy.

Well, they are not selling out here because they are not supporting W solely because of his stance on the hate legislation :shrug:

I think the Democrats are not exactly the best friend of homosexuals. I mean look at Clinton who talked a great game but could not come when called for during his entire presidency a la the DOMA, Don't Ask Don't Tell, AIDS funding, etc. :shrug: So, I think and essentially always have said that while the Democrats may appear friendlier on the surface (how could they not when compared to the Republicans actually put forth the legislation the D's vote for :shrug: ), the facts suggest both parties need changing through education and the LCR are trying to do just that. I do not see how that can be a bad thing :shrug:

Note: I make no comment on the fiscal policy of either party in this argument. That is another argument for another day :cool:

[The Tower]

Well, they are not selling out here because they are not supporting W solely because of his stance on the hate legislation :shrug:

No, they ARE selling out because by choosing not to support anyone (instead of supporting Kerry) they are allowing Dubya a numerical advantage- which is soooooo important this year. Basically, they're just another form of Nader for this election.

I think the Democrats are not exactly the best friend of homosexuals. I mean look at Clinton who talked a great game but could not come when called for during his entire presidency a la the DOMA, Don't Ask Don't Tell, AIDS funding, etc. :shrug: So, I think and essentially always have said that while the Democrats may appear friendlier on the surface (how could they not when compared to the Republicans actually put forth the legislation the D's vote for :shrug: ), the facts suggest both parties need changing through education and the LCR are trying to do just that. I do not see how that can be a bad thing :shrug:

Democrats are the best friends we've got at this point- meaning those that actually have a chance to do something with regard to gay rights. Remember, these kinds of social changes take decades to come to fruition. Any baby step is welcome from me.

Besides, Clinton had to compromise. He had no choice in the matter and I greatly respect him for all of his extraordinary efforts. Diplomacy is key. If I had been President during his term, I would have issued the executive order as Commander in Chief dissolving all military discrimination against homosexuals. I also would not have been re-elected. Thank gawd Clinton had the vision to try to get the best deal he could during the climate of the time AND that he was able to be re-elected.

Hell, if he could be on the ballot for this election you bet your ass Dubya would definitely be history!

[Johnny Stew]

I think the Democrats are not exactly the best friend of homosexuals. I mean look at Clinton who talked a great game but could not come when called for during his entire presidency a la the DOMA, Don't Ask Don't Tell, AIDS funding, etc. :shrug: So, I think and essentially always have said that while the Democrats may appear friendlier on the surface (how could they not when compared to the Republicans actually put forth the legislation the D's vote for :shrug: ), the facts suggest both parties need changing through education and the LCR are trying to do just that. I do not see how that can be a bad thing :shrug:

I applaud the Democratic party for their stance against anti-gay policies, though I do feel any criticism that they're not doing enough, is certainly justified.

I feel their hearts are in the right place, but then they flinch and back down in order to not entirely alienate people on the cusp.
It's understandable... you have to appeal to as many people as possible. And that's not an easy thing to do. You also can't put any one group's needs above any other's.

However, I also feel that there are times when they should be more forceful on certain issues. They need to make a very vocal stand, not a wimpy one.

Life is all about compromise... but then there are times when we have to know what's too important to compromise.

As I've said, I'm perfectly willing to compromise on the "gay marriage" issue... so long as civil unions are recognized by all, and so long as civil unions are re-structured to allow gay couples the maximum amount of protection and rights possible.
And I'm not talking about special rights... I'm talking about EQUAL rights.

If religious institutions and conservative groups want to protect the word "marriage," then fine... let them have it. It's just a word.
Just so long as my rights are equal to those of heterosexuals, I'd gladly find another word to describe the relationship between my mate and myself.

So yes, I am disappointed that our Democratic politicians often talk a good game, and then flinch when the chips are down... but, and I've said this a million times, at least they are not actively seeking to further limit our rights, like the Republican party is doing.

I agree with Tower, that the Log Cabin Gays would be better served by trying to make the needed improvements to the Democratic party, rather than trying to budge those stubborn, immovable elephants.

[dissention]

Well, they are not selling out here because they are not supporting W solely because of his stance on the hate legislation :shrug:

Honey, they sold out when they endorsed Dole and Bush a few years back. :shrug:

I think the Democrats are not exactly the best friend of homosexuals. I mean look at Clinton who talked a great game but could not come when called for during his entire presidency a la the DOMA, Don't Ask Don't Tell, AIDS funding, etc. :shrug: So, I think and essentially always have said that while the Democrats may appear friendlier on the surface (how could they not when compared to the Republicans actually put forth the legislation the D's vote for :shrug: ), the facts suggest both parties need changing through education and the LCR are trying to do just that. I do not see how that can be a bad thing :shrug:

Surely you can't suggest that Democrats aren't better than Rpeublicans when it comes to gay rights. That's just absurd. If it weren't for the Democrats, the Constitutional amendment would have passed in the Senate, my dear. If weren't for Democrats, Vermont wouldn't have same-sex civil unions. If it weren't for the Democrats, gays wouldn't be able to serve in the military at all. Give credit where credit is due.

[strandinthewind]

. . . Surely you can't suggest that Democrats aren't better than Rpeublicans when it comes to gay rights. That's just absurd. If it weren't for the Democrats, the Constitutional amendment would have passed in the Senate, my dear. If weren't for Democrats, Vermont wouldn't have same-sex civil unions. If it weren't for the Democrats, gays wouldn't be able to serve in the military at all. Give credit where credit is due.

No, I said (emoticons omitted):

I think the Democrats are not exactly the best friend of homosexuals. I mean look at Clinton who talked a great game but could not come when called for during his entire presidency a la the DOMA, Don't Ask Don't Tell, AIDS funding, etc. So, I think and essentially always have said that while the Democrats may appear friendlier on the surface (how could they not when compared to the Republicans actually put forth the legislation the D's vote for ), the facts suggest both parties need changing through education and the LCR are trying to do just that. I do not see how that can be a bad thing

_______________________________________________________

So, yes, the D's are marginally and comparatively better, but they are far from the ideal that people seemingly suggest and flock to somewhat blindly and IMO based on unsupported rhetoric esp. from Clinton :shrug: I mean the DOMA initiated and fosters the same hate that W seeks to perpetuate in a Const. Amendment and Clinton signed that in his lame duck term. There is no explaining that one away - at least for me :shrug: AND - yes, gay people are allowed to serve in the military as long as they never tell anyone anything about the lives they are risking for their country :rolleyes:

In the end, I think all politicians are slime on this issue with the sole exception of Howard Dean, and he is pretty slimy on most other issues :laugh: Such is the current politics - "pick the one that offends you the least" :cool:

[dissention]

Here is what the LCRs sent out via email:

Log Cabin Republicans National Board has decided to withhold
its endorsement from President Bush. Below is the text of a news
release sent out this morning that outlines our principled
reasons for this decision. We appreciate your support as we work
to build a more inclusive Republican Party. Together, we can
build a better Republican Party and a stronger America.
------------------------------------------------

News Release
For Immediate Release
September 8, 2004


Sounds like a lot of hot air and pussy-footing around. And I'm going to call Christopher Barron to tell him that, too.

[Johnny Stew]

Sounds like a lot of hot air and pussy-footing around. And I'm going to call Christopher Barron to tell him that, too.

Is there any organization that has your number blocked yet? :laugh: :xoxo:

Seriously though... give 'em hell, Harry! :D

[The Tower]

"Every victory by fair-minded
Republicans is a victory for the future of our party. We have
made it clear that we can either be the party of Arnold
Schwarzenegger and Rudy Giuliani or we can be the party of Alan
Keyes and Rick Santorum," continued Guerriero.

You have got to be kidding me..... The Log Cabin morons think that the "party" of Ah-nuld and f**kface Giuliani is admirable?!?!? :eek: :eek:

Typical of their idiocy. Does no one possess a f**king memory???

[irishgrl]

with his daughter and all?....seriously folks, the Republicans in bed with the Religious Right are all but wearing white robes under their clothes....and dont get me started on their agenda against Women...

[RavenOfRhiannon]

I actually have a good friend who is a Log Cabin. We even get along very well. I have a great admiration for them for even attempting the things they do. There is also a book titled 'Party Crasher' by the old exec director of Log Cabin Rich Tafel. Very good reading for those mystified by the 'Gay Republican' tag.

[strandinthewind]

I actually have a good friend who is a Log Cabin. We even get along very well. I have a great admiration for them for even attempting the things they do. There is also a book titled 'Party Crasher' by the old exec director of Log Cabin Rich Tafel. Very good reading for those mystified by the 'Gay Republican' tag.

I do as well. And, I have seen him dejected and humiliated. But, I have seen him rise above it and actually convince people I never thought could be convinced that he was not an outcast, degenerate, etc., and then get them to vote for a pro gay issue. So, I think that they/he are doing a good deed and I would HATE to be in that position, esp. considering the Republican party has been under the influence of the religious right for so long :shrug:

[dissention]

Is there any organization that has your number blocked yet? :laugh: :xoxo:

Seriously though... give 'em hell, Harry! :D

:lol: There must be some out there!

About a year ago, I emailed Aaron Brown of CNN to tell him what a ****ty job he was doing. He fired off quite a nasty message to me, which I replied to, only to have him send me another. I swear, the guy doesn't know how to do his job. One time he said in an interview that the media shouldn't question the president. :laugh: What an idiot.

[sparky]

It's all very amusing, this Gay Republican thing. One on hand I suppose it's charming. Like a Parrakeet dive bombing Godzilla. In the big picture though, it is simply ridiculous. It would be one thing if the bile spewing, reptilian homophobes were the only problem within the Republican Party. But they are the tip of the iceberg. At one time, the party actually had economic policies that could help the country. Ancient history, that. Those policies would date back to the time when big business actually treated employees with respect and decency. However, that is a concept that has been dying a lingering, putrid death for my entire working lifetime.
If these LCR chumps think that if only they can convince the nutbag religious extremists to "love us and hate our sin" than the party will be hunky dory and good for the country - they are far more idiotic than they appear to be.

[The Tower]

If these LCR chumps think that if only they can convince the nutbag religious extremists to "love us and hate our sin" than the party will be hunky dory and good for the country - they are far more idiotic than they appear to be.

Oh but they are, my dear... they are!!

:xoxo:

[strandinthewind]

It's all very amusing, this Gay Republican thing. One on hand I suppose it's charming. Like a Parrakeet dive bombing Godzilla. In the big picture though, it is simply ridiculous. It would be one thing if the bile spewing, reptilian homophobes were the only problem within the Republican Party. But they are the tip of the iceberg. At one time, the party actually had economic policies that could help the country. Ancient history, that. Those policies would date back to the time when big business actually treated employees with respect and decency. However, that is a concept that has been dying a lingering, putrid death for my entire working lifetime.
If these LCR chumps think that if only they can convince the nutbag religious extremists to "love us and hate our sin" than the party will be hunky dory and good for the country - they are far more idiotic than they appear to be.


OUCH :laugh:

Again, I say any work to try and change minds is good work and these far religious right wingers are apparently, according to my friend who has made some changes in peoples' ways of thinking, more willing to listen to a friendly face than what they deem a crazy screaming liberal - but others will disagree I guess :cool:

[The Tower]

Again, I say any work to try and change minds is good work and these far religious right wingers are apparently, according to my friend who has made some changes in peoples' ways of thinking, more willing to listen to a friendly face than what they deem a crazy screaming liberal - but others will disagree I guess :cool:

I'm not interested in changing the minds of idiot, ignorant, blind-faith morons. I just want them to get it over with and die.

[amber]

I'm not interested in changing the minds of idiot, ignorant, blind-faith morons. I just want them to get it over with and die.
ah, but they never do, unless someone changes their minds...they just keep breeding humans like themselves...then there are more, and more...AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!! :shocked:
amBER

[The Tower]

ah, but they never do, unless someone changes their minds...they just keep breeding humans like themselves...then there are more, and more...AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!! :shocked:
amBER

Well, I can still dream, can't I????

[amber]

Well, I can still dream, can't I????
of course, Towie... :D The contents of my head mainly consist of tube dresses, books about people who turn into animals, and FM.... :rolleyes: :lol: :lol:
AMber

[strandinthewind]

I'm not interested in changing the minds of idiot, ignorant, blind-faith morons. I just want them to get it over with and die.


OMG - Bitter - party of one :laugh:

(I am just joking :cool: )

[dissention]

It's all very amusing, this Gay Republican thing. One on hand I suppose it's charming. Like a Parrakeet dive bombing Godzilla. In the big picture though, it is simply ridiculous. It would be one thing if the bile spewing, reptilian homophobes were the only problem within the Republican Party. But they are the tip of the iceberg. At one time, the party actually had economic policies that could help the country. Ancient history, that. Those policies would date back to the time when big business actually treated employees with respect and decency. However, that is a concept that has been dying a lingering, putrid death for my entire working lifetime.
If these LCR chumps think that if only they can convince the nutbag religious extremists to "love us and hate our sin" than the party will be hunky dory and good for the country - they are far more idiotic than they appear to be.

A gay Republican is akin to a cockroach putting his stamp of approval on Raid; it's mind-numbingly idiotic.

The fact is, any group of people who would even want to promote the message of "love the sinner but hate the sin" when related to gay human beings is no friend of gays and lesbians; they hinder the cause more than the support it. By promoting that line of thinking, they're simply feeding into more hatred and, IMO, sell out the gay and lesbian community.

My main beef with the Log Cabin Republicans is that instead of using their brains to help gay rights and issues nationwide, they're concentrating all of their efforts on "reforming" a political party that fundamentally disapproves of their lifestyles. With Reagan, the Republican party was hijacked by right-wing religious wackjobs and the problem has only gotten worse over the years. By the time the LCR's came along in 1996, they were so overdue that nothing they did or said could make any sort of difference to the party. Presidential candidates snubbed them, returned their campaign contributions, refused to meet with them, etc. Yet, the LCR's continued to support them, the very same people who are against the way they live their lives and refer to them as degenerates and deviants.

There is no difference between the George Bush of today than the George Bush of 2000. He made his opinion on gay men and women abundantly clear in 2000, yet they endorsed him. Now they praise him for everything else but his stance on gay and lesbian rights. If I was gay, I'd take great offense to that. I thinkthat, in the end, their obsession with reforming the party has clouded their judgement to what the real issues here are and that makes them not only ineffectual, but transparent.

So, the LCR's can kiss my ass. They serve no purpose.

[The Tower]

OMG - Bitter - party of one :laugh:

:eek: Well, I never!!!!

Me..... ??? Bitter????


:nod: :thumbsup: :xoxo:

[The Tower]

A gay Republican is akin to a cockroach putting his stamp of approval on Raid; it's mind-numbingly idiotic.

There is no difference between the George Bush of today than the George Bush of 2000. He made his opinion on gay men and women abundantly clear in 2000, yet they endorsed him. Now they praise him for everything else but his stance on gay and lesbian rights. If I was gay, I'd take great offense to that. I thinkthat, in the end, their obsession with reforming the party has clouded their judgement to what the real issues here are and that makes them not only ineffectual, but transparent.

So, the LCR's can kiss my ass. They serve no purpose.

BINGO!!!

I'm willing to be open-minded and work with those who at least have the ability to take a look at their position and say, "well, it's possible that there could be more to it".

But trying to work with Satan himself is just ludicrous.

[sparky]

A gay Republican is akin to a cockroach putting his stamp of approval on Raid; it's mind-numbingly idiotic.

The fact is, any group of people who would even want to promote the message of "love the sinner but hate the sin" when related to gay human beings is no friend of gays and lesbians; they hinder the cause more than the support it. By promoting that line of thinking, they're simply feeding into more hatred and, IMO, sell out the gay and lesbian community.

My main beef with the Log Cabin Republicans is that instead of using their brains to help gay rights and issues nationwide, they're concentrating all of their efforts on "reforming" a political party that fundamentally disapproves of their lifestyles. With Reagan, the Republican party was hijacked by right-wing religious wackjobs and the problem has only gotten worse over the years. By the time the LCR's came along in 1996, they were so overdue that nothing they did or said could make any sort of difference to the party. Presidential candidates snubbed them, returned their campaign contributions, refused to meet with them, etc. Yet, the LCR's continued to support them, the very same people who are against the way they live their lives and refer to them as degenerates and deviants.

There is no difference between the George Bush of today than the George Bush of 2000. He made his opinion on gay men and women abundantly clear in 2000, yet they endorsed him. Now they praise him for everything else but his stance on gay and lesbian rights. If I was gay, I'd take great offense to that. I thinkthat, in the end, their obsession with reforming the party has clouded their judgement to what the real issues here are and that makes them not only ineffectual, but transparent.

So, the LCR's can kiss my ass. They serve no purpose.


And when they're done kissing yours, they can start on mine. As a friend of mine says, they can kiss my ENTIRE ass.