[BlueNgold]

I think this thread is a prima-facia case for why the issue of gay rights should be quite simply omitted from the party platform. If the Republican Party is to take a stance it should be to leave it alone. National support should not be offered on either side of the issue because there is no broad consensus within the party on the issue. Why should the party spend time and money on an issue that does not garner vast support within the party? The party should be about forwarding those core policies and political ideas on which the overwhelming majority of its members agree.

Can I get an 'Amen' for political pragmatism?

[Miss Marple]

I will go along with you on that.

Another thing I have noticed is how liberals bait the trap, and conservatives fall into fighting amongst themselves every time.

Racicot could not refuse to meet with the homosexual group, without being branded a bigot and ending up with ACT UP camped on the RNC steps 24/7. I imagine the original request for a meeting was to get that sort of reaction.

Instead, he defused that situation by meeting with them and listening. Then, of course, Bauer and his group cannot simply make a quiet phone call to find out what's going on. Nope, they take the bait, and publish a silly "open letter" and demand a meeting, in which they threaten the RNC with walking if THEIR agendas are not met!

Divisive politics rears its ugly head again, this time started by the left but escalated by the right. It is foolish and counterproductive, unless you want to see Kerry or Dean elected.

[Trace21230]

"Can I get an 'Amen' for political pragmatism?"

Yup, I think more and more people in the Republican Party realize that handing over the reins to PR geniuses like Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, etc. is the equivalent of committing political suicide.

Religion and politics are not the same thing and the Republican platform should not be the Bible.

Trace

[Chemist_Geek]

Can I get an 'Amen' for political pragmatism?

From me, yes, but not from far too many loudmouths more interested in some sort of purity than in actually winning elections...