Stonewall Warriors A.N.S.W.E.R. 31 Germania St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Phone: 617-522-6626 Fax: 617-983-3836 |
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Posted on 03/25/2007 6:11:52 AM PDT by SJackson
The same Beltway experts who declared Sen. John McCain of Arizona the GOP front-runner, even as he under-polled fellow presidential contender Rudolph Giuliani, now parrot equally dodgy concepts. When Republicans meet "the real Rudy," they will abandon New York's former mayor like cattle fleeing a burning barn. Then, the wobbly Washington wisdom continues, Giuliani's three marriages, and his less-than-solidly-right-wing views on gays, guns and gametes will torpedo his buoyant presidential hopes.
These seers now detect unhappiness with the GOP aspirants. They cite a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll in which 26 percent of Republican primary voters were dissatisfied with Giuliani, McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, among others. However, 56 percent called these choices satisfactory. This mirrors the 57 percent of conservative Republicans who preferred Giuliani, versus 31 percent for McCain. More broadly, Republicans backed Giuliani by 38 percent to McCain's 24, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's 10, Romney's 8, and 2 percent each for Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
But what if voters like Giuliani better upon understanding his pre-9/11 performance? Educating Republicans on his complete mayoral record - and soon - may be Giuliani's best bet for extinguishing the lingering grumbling about his candidacy.
Americans vividly remember Giuliani emerging from the ashes of Sept. 11 like a latter-day Churchill rising from the rubble of the London Blitz. However, these involved and informed citizens knew startlingly little about Giuliani's other mayoral achievements:
Through robust policing, Giuliani drove overall crime down 56.1 percent, while chopping homicides 66.6 percent, from 1,946 in 1993 to 649 in 2001.
Following national trends, abortions on Giuliani's watch dropped 16.9 percent, while taxpayer-funded Medicaid abortions plunged 23 percent.
Gotham's foster-care population fell 38 percent as Giuliani helped loving families adopt 17,804 boys and girls.
By fighting fraud and finding work for legitimate beneficiaries, Giuliani cut welfare rolls 58 percent, starting two years before federal welfare reform. Giuliani renamed welfare offices "Job Centers."
Giuliani privatized 23,625 previously confiscated, city-owned dwellings, 78 percent of supply, benefiting family and individual homeowners and tenants.
Giuliani dumped Gotham's 20 percent set-aside and 10 percent overbid bonus for minority and female contractors. "The whole idea of quotas to me perpetuates discrimination," he explained. He initiated this on his 24th day in office, far exceeding any colorblindness legislation Congress even debated during the 12-year "Republican Revolution."
Giuliani's $10 million Charter School Improvement Fund helped 3,286 pupils in 17 new charter schools, up from $0 and zero campuses in 1997. He ended tenure for school principals, so slackers could be sacked. He also stopped social promotion; students needed to complete grade-level work to matriculate.
Ex-pornography mecca Times Square now welcomes families, tourists and locals for fully clothed musicals like "The Lion King" and "Mary Poppins."
Beyond these socially conservative victories, Giuliani governed as a Reaganesque supply-sider:
Giuliani scrapped three taxes and slashed 20 others, lowering Gotham's tax burden by 17 percent and saving individual and business taxpayers $9.8 billion.
While inflation averaged 3.9 percent, Giuliani's average spending grew 2.9 percent annually. If the departed GOP Congress were that fiscally disciplined, the next federal budget would be $2.275 trillion - $625 billion cheaper than proposed.
While hiring 12 percent more cops and 12.8 percent more teachers, Giuliani sliced other positions 17.2 percent. Overall, the municipal headcount fell 3.1 percent.
Rudy got this done thanks largely to a management style that he described recently at a $2 million Manhattan fund-raiser: "I'm impatient and single-minded about my goals."
Before Giuliani's enemies caricature him as a divorce-driven, abortion-peddling, gun-grabbing transvestite, he should familiarize Republicans with his mayoral accomplishments. From Westwood to Washington's echo chamber, Rudy Giuliani and his supporters should specify how he rescued America's largest left-wing city through Reaganite social and economic reforms.
I don't think most voters care.
This is so predictable. Post an article about Rudy and the crusty conservatives endlessly fight with the pragmatic conservatives, and the attacks get more vicious and personal over time. What a way to have a movement!
We need the debate, but let's not destroy viable Republican candidates. The media will try to do that for us. Let's put the candidates to a fair and honest test and see who emerges as the strongest. (This from a former George Allen suppporter).
This obsession with homosexuals (a significant part of Rudy's NYC constituency) is bordering on the pathological. It might make sense if some posters were in prison and understandably afraid to pick up the soapbar off the floor. Otherwise, what are you so worried about?
If you don't care about NAMBLA, what about ANSWER then?
Stonewall Warriors A.N.S.W.E.R. 31 Germania St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Phone: 617-522-6626 Fax: 617-983-3836 |
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There are other electable Republicans out there. IMO Newt, Thompson, even Hunter though I admit he's failing. The test is winning the primaries. If Newt or Thompson or Hunter can win the nomination, they can win the Presidency.
And you're correct in pointing out that the way to win the nomination, particularly against a candidate vulnerable on social issues, isn't painting him as too gay-friendly or an adulterer. You can be gay-friendly and oppose civil-unions, you can have one wife and act immorally, and if someone is pro-choice, they're not a murderer.
Have you missed the numerous times Giuliani has referred to Islam as a great religion that has been "hijacked" or the references to "fringe Islamic radicals". After his GOP convention speech Giuliani was criticized for parroting the same mealymouthed rhetoric about Islam that the current administration is known for. If you're looking for straight talk about Islam you're not going to get it from Giuliani.
THE STONEWALL REBELLION LIVES
Contingents of Queers Against War, Racism, and State Repression March in Pride Parades Across the Country
by Su Docekal and Bob Schwartz
"I've been alienated by the Abercrombie & Fitch pride-is-buying-power-trend, but things are looking up," declared Rhyd, Seattle's self-described anarchystfag, as he surveyed his city's noisy, rowdy and diverse antiwar contingent of some 250 people.
From Seattle to New York, Pride Parade contingents were fielded by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer folk and straight allies to protest US war abroad and racist profiling of Arabs, Muslims and South Asians and attacks on civil liberties at home. Warmly received, and joined by some onlookers, the contingents proved that LGBTQ activism is alive and well.
In Chicago, It's "Stop the Hate, Stop the Fear"
Chicago's anti-war contingent in the June 30 Pride parade, numbering about 75 and organized by the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, sought to identify GLBT people with the scapegoating now being directed at Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians.
"As Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people we know what it's like…to be attacked on the streets by perfect strangers, simply for being who we are," read the 7,000 handbills passed out at the parade and at the African-American Gay Pride event that evening. We know what it's like "to have our government target us for 'legal' discrimination and abuse…to have our houses of worship vandalized and destroyed by those who hate us."
Large banners proclaimed, "Defend Civil Rights at Home, No 'Collateral Damage' Abroad, Stop This War!" and "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered People & Allies In SOLIDARITY with Arabs, Muslims, South Asians Against Racial Profiling." Three other banners carried by allied activists defended Mumia abu-Jamal, slammed patriarchy and war. Chants rang out: "Stop the Hate, Stop the Fear, Immigrants Are Welcome Here," and "Arabs and Muslims Under Attack, What Do We Do? Act Up, Fight Back," were among them.
CABN is a member of the city-wide Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism, and has been involved in numerous demonstrations to oppose the war in Afghanistan, defend "detained" immigrants and support to the struggle for Palestinian liberation. Participating organizations numbered about 15 and included Chicago A.N.S.W.E.R. [Act Now to Stop War and End Racism], Refuse & Resist, International Socialist Organization, Palestine Aid Society, the Green Party, Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism, Students Against Sweatshops, October 22nd Coalition, Chicago Comiittee to Free Mumia abu-Jamal, the Revolutionary Communist Party and Youth Brigade, the latter being a drum corps headquartered in a public housing project.
Seattle "Takes no Pride in War"
In Seattle, a bright pink and black banner that read "We Take No Pride in War" led off the contingent, one of the largest in the parade, also on June 30.
"1, 2, 3, 4, We Don't Want Your Racist War; 5,6,7,8, Go Home and Masturbate," elicited a roar of approval from the crowd. "Pussy Power, Not Bush Power," and "No Blood for Oil" were also popular. The protest was seen as a natural outgrowth of earlier queer efforts to support Somali and Arab immigrants who have been targeted by federal investigators, and participation in actions against the Bush war machine. "So it was natural that we'd want that voice heard at our own pride celebration," said one organizer from Radical Women.
Thousands of parade spectators took flyers explaining why GLBT people are organizing against war and defending immigrants.
Organizations endorsing the action included Dyke Community Activists, Pride at Work-Seattle, Seattle Women's Action Network, Earl Grey is Dead [an anarchist poetry magazine], Freedom Socialist Party, International Socialist Organization, the Not in Our Name Project, Refuse and Resist-Seattle, and Palestinian Solidarity Committee.
"US Out of the Middle East" is Portland Chant
In Portland, Oregon, the "Out, Loud, and Proud Against the War" contingent of about 30, was one of the few political groups in the parade on June 16. Banners proclaimed "Stop Terrorist Witchunts," and "Stonewall was a Riot; Now We Need a Revolution" as participants chanted "We Want Justice, We Want Peace; U.S. Out of the Middle East." Picket signs were carried and strapped to several strollers featuring slogans such as "No forced Marriage for Women on Welfare" and "Freedom to Marry for Same-Sex Couples."
Eduardo Martinez-Zapata, a Chicano socialist who came with his children noted, "It is invigorating to see the solidarity between people of color, feminists, veterans, sexual minorities and straights out here defending the gay community and to end this war on all of us."
Participating groups included Portland Peaceful Response, the local antiwar coalition; Radical Women; War Tax Resisters; Freedom Socialist Party; and Northwest Veterans for Peace.
And in San Francisco, and New York.
San Francisco fielded a Pride parade contingent of about 30 people organized by Pride at Work. Affiliated with the AFL-CIO, Pride at Work is the queer caucus of the national labor federation. "Maybe GLBT folk can prod the federation into taking an antiwar stance. For now the AFL-CIO is letting the same government that has made it hell for workers in the United States, chart its course in the so-called War on Terror," said Tina Beacock, A PAW member marching in Chicago.
In New York on June 23, there were several antiwar groups in the parade including the International Action Center, which includes the Workers World Party, carrying a banner declaring "No Pride in Occupation." Radical Women marched, as did a group whose name means "Black Laundry" in English that carried signs in Hebrew and English denouncing Israel's attacks on Palestinians. [This group was also represented in the Tel Aviv GLBT parade with the same message.]
At the New York rally, veteran activist Leslie Feinberg spoke. A transgender lesbian and an editor of the Workers World newspaper, she identified herself as a socialist revolutionary, and commended the parade organizers for having the courage to invite her to speak in NY given the reactionary climate of the time.
"We have to put war, racism, and attacks on civil liberties on our movement agenda," said Feinberg. To back war and reaction would be a grave error, she said. "It emboldens the most conservative, reactionary currents; demoralizes and isolates the most progressive. The movement gives its proxy to the same reactionary rulers who oppress its ranks."
Feinberg conterposed to this defeatest strategy followed today by LGBT groups like the Human Rights Campaign [HRC], the gay liberationists ignited by Stonewall. "The left wing of the gay movement stood up for the Vietnamese against the Pentagon war. We fought Cointelpro, movement sabotage by the FBI. We defended the Black Panthers . . .and women's liberation movement from murderous state attacks. This expression of unity won tremendous respect and solidarity with our movement from struggling peoples here and around the world," she asserted.
Speaking at the Seattle rally, Radical Women member Christina Lopez sounded a similar note on the current struggle. Recognizing the then upcoming Independence Day, Lopez challenged her audience to ignore the dummed down patriotism of Ashcroft, Bush and the jingoist Democrats and instead, "Celebrate what the Fourth of July really stands for: a revolution that won freedom of speech, the right to assemble, and the right to trial by a jury of peers. It took a second revolution, the Civil War, to end slavery. And its going to take a third revolution to win a world where there is joy and peace, where everyone has a home and enough to eat and we are free to love whom we choose."
The fact that these contingents popped up independently in parades across the country shows the depth of queer anger at where this country is headed. Young people, fed up with the growing presence of corporate floats and beer trucks on pride day, are bringing the spirit of Stonewall back. "I always wondered why mainstream gays settled for 'Queer as capitalism will let us be Folk.'" said Rhyd from Seattle, "I get kinda angry."
Is the national gay leadership listening?
______________
Su Docekal is a member of Radical Women and Freedom Socialist Party, living in Seattle.
Bob Schwartz is active with Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, a gay liberation organization; living in Chicago.
Contact CABN at cabnstopthehate@aol.com
WWW at cabn.org
I agree. My only issue with Newt is that the media's past portayal of him (ultra-right-wing...yada yada), would be an issue, and even though he's absolutely brilliant and would be a great president, enough swing voters wouldn't be receptive because of the label. Just a thought. I don't know a lot about Hunter yet, and Thompson surely has a solid record, and would keep Christian conservatives happy. GWB was a solid candidate in both of his elections, but I was truly surprised at how many voters chose Gore/Kerry. What has become a huge issue in modern elections is the liberal press, and how their negative portrayal of ANY republican impacts voters - and loses us votes. Just as valid is how the liberal press chooses to completely ignore any negative issues about democrats. They'd have a tougher time bashing Rudy. He's never been a target of the liberal media - he's more controversial within his own party. He'd be a leader in the truest sense about the most important issue we face: the war on terror.
>>>>He'd be a leader in the truest sense about the most important issue we face: the war on terror.
For WHICH side?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1806421/posts?page=44#44
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1806421/posts?page=50#50
My favorite line...
When Republicans meet "the real Rudy," they will abandon New York's former mayor like cattle fleeing a burning barn.
Love it!
Right, that's the problem, FR has been infiltrated.
Are you insinuating ANSWER is not a leftest organization?
No, I'm stating, not insinuating, that because Rudy, along with NYC's Mayor and NY's Governor, is an honorary Stonewall board member, he not defacto a supporter of ANSWER.
I admit, I don't think GWB is a complete pawn or either the Saudis or the neocons, and I do think Arab terrorists brought down the Trade Center, so you'll understand why this conspiracy nonsense isn't appealing.
If you think it's the way to derail Rudy's campaign, have at it, but the people who point out it's counterproductive are correct.
Honorary member that throws parties for them?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1806421/posts?page=50#50
Most often referred to as whistling past the grave yard.
Simply not true. The NYT has gone after him like a dog fighting for a bone. They despise Rudy. That's a positive for him.
Yet, another example of what incredible liars the Rudy apologists. If abortions dropped in New York, it certainly was NOT because of his policies or position on the issue, which included supporting taxpayer-funding for it and receiving donations from pro-abortion groups like NARAL.
So, tell us, how does supporting public financing of abortion reduce it? How does speaking before pro-abortion groups like NARAL and proclaiming abortion to be a right reduce the number of abortions?
All Rudy and his apologists are doing is proving they are every bit as dishonest as Slick Willie and handlers.
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