Sarah Palin (Alaska Gov) McCain's VP

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

Brandon.... I'm not someone who thinks the only important issue is gay rights. There are many and numerous issues that are important to me.

However probably not the same ones that are important to me (which is why there are multiple parties in the USA)

However -- despite everything the Log Cabin Republicans insist -- I still don't understand the concept of voting for politicians who are actively seeking to oppress you or make sure that you remain oppressed.

Actually the LCR's are very specific about the candidates they endorse.. they seek inclusive candidates mostly (Olympia Snowe, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc..) Or at least those candidates who don't seem to have an "agenda" against the LGBT community. I do think it is possible to not be for gay marriage yet not hate us either.

politicians who actually CREATE legislation to deny us rights

Let's leave Bush out of this!

I’ve long believed that the government should remain neutral on gay issues, neither discriminating against us nor offering us preferential treatment. Many gay activists, however, insist politicians reach out to us and identify us by name.

[Johnny Stew]

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

However probably not the same ones that are important to me (which is why there are multiple parties in the USA)

That's possible. But, then again, maybe there are many issues we feel the same about. National security is a concern of mine -- and I find it laughable when folks act like Republicans are the only ones who can adequately protect our country.

Seriously, a Democrat isn't going to be lax on an issue like that either. Most especially not after 9/11.

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

Actually the LCR's are very specific about the candidates they endorse.. they seek inclusive candidates mostly (Olympia Snowe, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc..) Or at least those candidates who don't seem to have an "agenda" against the LGBT community. I do think it is possible to not be for gay marriage yet not hate us either.

Yes, there are Republican politicians who support gay rights -- and I'm always pleased to see that. Unfortunately though, the majority of people who vote Republican are also voting for the politicians who actively work against us. Obviously, or they'd never make it into office.

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

I’ve long believed that the government should remain neutral on gay issues, neither discriminating against us nor offering us preferential treatment. Many gay activists, however, insist politicians reach out to us and identify us by name.

If we were treated as equals, it would be a different story. But we have a long way to go. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not asking for preferential treatment. I want no more rights than what my brother has as a straight man.

He could meet a girl tonight, get married tomorrow, and it would be recognized and accepted in every single state in this country. They can file jointly on their income tax forms, they can share health benefits and insurance, etc.

Meanwhile, I've been with the same man for almost four years now, and we have none of those rights. Yet I pay taxes just like my brother does. I vote, I contribute to the economy, and so forth.

I guess I just don't see how that's fair, but I want to make it clear that I don't necessarily feel we need a stake in "marriage." It's really just a word, and the other little kiddies can keep their monopoly on it if they wish. Just so long as we're granted civil unions that provide us an equal amount of rights and protection.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

That's possible. But, then again, maybe there are many issues we feel the same about. National security is a concern of mine -- and I find it laughable when folks act like Republicans are the only ones who can adequately protect our country.

Seriously, a Democrat isn't going to be lax on an issue like that either. Most especially not after 9/11.

I agree that Democrats care about the safety of our country.. I don't call anyone unpatriotic unless they really deserve it.. like William Ayers! lol.

I think thats the problem with our parties in this day and age. Both sides seem to be overrun with extremists. You have to either be Michael Moore or Jerry Falwell. I mean, come on.. are you freaking kidding me!!!

Yes, there are Republican politicians who support gay rights -- and I'm always pleased to see that. Unfortunately though, the majority of people who vote Republican are also voting for the politicians who actively work against us. Obviously, or they'd never make it into office.

Fighting for understanding and change is the ONLY way we are going to change this.. You know.. "The good fight".

If we were treated as equals, it would be a different story. But we have a long way to go. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not asking for preferential treatment. I want no more rights than what my brother has as a straight man.

He could meet a girl tonight, get married tomorrow, and it would be recognized and accepted in every single state in this country. They can file jointly on their income tax forms, they can share health benefits and insurance, etc.

Meanwhile, I've been with the same man for almost four years now, and we have none of those rights. Yet I pay taxes just like my brother does. I vote, I contribute to the economy, and so forth.

I guess I just don't see how that's fair, but I want to make it clear that I don't necessarily feel we need a stake in "marriage." It's really just a word, and the other little kiddies can keep their monopoly on it if they wish. Just so long as we're granted civil unions that provide us an equal amount of rights and protection.

agreed.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Now if you all will excuse me.. Brandon has a hot date he has to get ready for! YAY! The first one in a while.. So we shall continue this discussion later I suppose.


WISH ME LUCK!


And I'll try to avoid political discussions seeing as how I'm sure he either 1) doesn't care or 2) is not a republican!

[Johnny Stew]

Originally Posted by Brwn_eyes0511

Now if you all will excuse me.. Brandon has a hot date he has to get ready for! YAY! The first one in a while.. So we shall continue this discussion later I suppose.


WISH ME LUCK!


And I'll try to avoid political discussions seeing as how I'm sure he either 1) doesn't care or 2) is not a republican!

Woo-hoo! Have fun, B.!

And, yeah, it's always a good idea to avoid politics and religion on a first-date. Although, on the other hand, it's a good way to see if he has a brain and can hold his own in a conversation.

Unless of course you're not worried if he has a brain.