Gay Republicans seek recognition (Rudy Mentioned)

CNN ^ | 8/1999 | Maria Hinojosa

[pissant]

NEW YORK (CNN) -- These days, it seems as if it is good politics for conservatives to address the annual convention of gay Republicans.

"Keep pushing the Republican Party because you're pushing it in the right direction," New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani told the Log Cabin Republican convention over the weekend.

That is a far cry from the 1992 Republican convention, when the party's far right wing attacked the gay community.

"Bill Clinton and Al Gore represent the most pro-lesbian and pro-gay ticket in history," said Pat Buchanan at the 1992 GOP convention.

The convention crowds responded with enthusiasm. But now, some Republican candidates are taking a less confrontational approach.

[pissant]

Revoke their tax exempt status, for starters. Fine them. Charge them with hate crimes. You name its coming unless we grab the bull by the horns.

[pissant]

I have no intention of letting Rudy take it. If he does, it will be the death of the GOP as a conservative party.

[Joan Kerrey]

but just support things like civil unions, and domestic partner benefits then I could care less and would say welcome to the club.

---

My sentiments exactly. One way to assure democrat's control of all three branches is for the GOP to practice divisive politics.

[spikeytx86]

I don't remember him attacking anyone over Gay's in the military, just him voicing his opinion. As I said, Personally I could care less if gays wanted to serve in the military I applaud their patriotism. That said, I believe it is a matter for our leadership in the armed services to decide and not politicians. And I would bet that most who were against them were also social conservatives.

[spikeytx86]

Feel better now?

[MinnesotaLibertarian]

I take it that you're a social "conservative". I have some shocking news for you - the traditional conservative base is small-government, Goldwater conservatives. The ones who need the new party are the social "conservatives" who have been destroying the GOP. Or, they could go back to their old party, the Democrats. After all, they've never really changed their big-government ways.

Also, don't mistake me for a Rudy supporter. I am very much against his candidacy, just for very different reasons.

[pissant]

And a better way yet is to be democrat light. Ask the Tories in England how that swerve left has served them since they rejected Thatcher.

[pissant]

The military is a conservative place by and large. God Country Family. It is no place for the gay agenda to be played out. Goldwater was a fool for thinking it should be.

[stockstrader]

No question that Rudy will SPLIT the Party WIDE-OPEN. If he gets nominated, NO QUESTION that the Republican Party will cease to exist in its present (as a predominantly conservative Party) form.

His nomination will be the perfect time for a TRUE conservative party. The hand-writing may not be on the wall yet,,,but the writing has started.

This country just does NOT need TWO political parties to the 'left-of-center'.

[spikeytx86]

Who is calling anyone theocrats here?

I find most elected socons to be full of crap and just shilling for votes and money and the same for most socon special interest groups. Most socons are god fearing loving folks who try their best to walk in the image of Christ and I my self am (though imperfectly) starting that walk. That said, I find most self professed elected values republicans and their special interest groups to be anything but religious but mockeries of anything remotely Christian.

[Kahonek]

"Revoke their tax exempt status, for starters. Fine them. Charge them with hate crimes. You name its coming unless we grab the bull by the horns."

How would this work, though? You think that a church could be charged with a crime for not performing a gay marriage in the U.S.? I can see this happening in Europe or Canada, but it seems the First Amendment is crystal clear on this. Don't you think that churches who refuse to perform interracial marriages would have been charged by now if it were possible?

[Sunsong]

I think they really are, literally, suicide for the GOP. The GOP has put itself where it's reliant on a chunk of voters who constantly threaten not to show up to polls if every one of their demands is not met - positions which alienate the majority of other voters. In this last election, the GOP did very poorly among independents, and there was poor turnout among their supposed "base", because they pouted and stayed home.

You put it well. I cringe sometimes when I come on this site and read the nastiness and the hatred that comes out of the *purist* types. I know that the Terri Schiavo demands and vitriol hurt the GOP. And the outright hatred of anyone who doesn't agree with them 100% is so over the top that *normal* people want nothing to do with them.

I live in Utah - a pretty conservative state - and I have friends who are naturally conservative in their thinking and their love of freedom - but they are so turned off by the Alan Keyes types and the immaturity coupled with a desire to dominate - that they just will not associate with the GOP. Those who will not vote or will vote third party if they don't get their way - probably should be written off. The '08 presidential election is going to require being able to appeal to independents and even democrats. Alan Keyes doesn't even appeal to the GOP(s).

[stockstrader]

As I say (ad nauseum) here....

Liberal Republicans like Rudy--are more dangerous than liberal democrats--because liberal Republicans BLUR THE DISTINCTION between liberalism and conservatism---

MAKING LIBERALISM MUCH MORE ACCEPTABLE!!

[spikeytx86]

Thinking gays should be allowed to serve is not pandering to the gay agenda. I personally am content with don't ask don't tell. As in the private sector, I believe one's bedroom life is no ones business but their's and Gods.

[LtdGovt]

Goldwater supported Reagan, and was very keen to have been part of that 1980 revolution, the year when conservative Christians broke for the GOP.

Reagan was very close to Goldwater, except on cultural issues. Remember Reagan's beautiful 1964 speech? It is a gem.

[Digger]

"Keep pushing the Republican Party because you're pushing it in the right direction,"

No, it goodby Republican party. You pushed your big tent to the point that it is Dem-light. Hope both of factions of the corrupt "Two-Party Cartel" ^&^% off & die.

[madprof98]

I find most self professed elected values republicans and their special interest groups to be anything but religious but mockeries of anything remotely Christian.

You and Jim Wallis. He's a Democrat hack. But he's OK with abortion, so I guess that makes him a good Christian.

[pissant]

I guess that would be the upside. I think I'll get out in front and create that Conservative Party.

[MinnesotaLibertarian]

Did you even read what I wrote? Because your response seems to have absolutely nothing to do with what I said.

[spikeytx86]

And not one statement on social issues period in the 64' speech! Just fighting socialism and communism and preserving America!

I can't help but wonder if a speech like that was made today but substituting communism for the GWOT, how many peoples first reaction would be "yeah, but well do you stand on the gay agenda!"