Posted on 03/17/2003 10:49:32 AM PST by mountaineer
When asked in a recent survey how much confidence they have in President Bush and his administration to "make the right decisions" regarding the use or non-use of the U.S. military to attack Iraq, some 31 percent of self-identified gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered American adults stated that they are somewhat or very confident.
In contrast, 60 percent, nearly double the number, of heterosexual adults nationwide expressed confidence in the president to "make the right decisions."
These are highlights of a nationwide Harris Poll of 2,271 adults, of whom about 6 percent self-identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered.
"American leadership at home and abroad requires public trust, especially at tough times like these," said Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications, who conducted the online survey February 19-25.
"These findings make clear, however, that this often-marginalized group of citizens, GLBT Americans, expresses deeper feelings of alienation with the Administration's decision-making and the prospects of a war in Iraq. Also, given that gays and lesbians would serve the nation bravely yet are not allowed to serve openly in the armed forces, their skepticism may run even deeper."
Almost seven out of 10 (68 percent) GLBT adults feel that President Bush prefers a military attack on Iraq rather than trying to achieve his main goals without an attack, compared with 51 percent of heterosexual adults surveyed.
In addition, when asked, "Would you favor or oppose military action in Iraq if President Bush believes Saddam Hussein is hiding weapons of mass destruction but U.N. weapons inspectors cannot find any and the United Nations does not vote in favor of an attack," over half (56 percent) of GLBT adults say they would oppose attacking Iraq, while just over one third (35 percent) of heterosexuals said they would oppose such an attack.
The finding for all adults who were asked this question – gay and non-gay – was 45 percent in favor of attacking Iraq, 36 percent in opposition, and 19 percent stating they don't know.
Regarding Saddam Hussein and Iraq's alleged ties to al-Qaeda terrorists, however, there appears to be a closer resemblance between the opinions of gay and non-gay adult Americans. Forty-five percent of GLBT respondents believe there is some link, and 49 percent of heterosexual adults agree.
This is old news... they threatened to veto any new Security Council resolution days ago.
I guess I should care what a weird part of the society thinks?
"Sexual diversity in Iraq? No one recognizes it. 'Gay' is certainly not a word mentioned at the dinner table." In Iraq, treating homosexuals with fairness and respect never becomes an issue since homosexuals are not considered to be people: "Iraqis see gays and lesbians as dirty animals. One doesn't talk with them or associate with them--like the untouchables in India, they simply do not exist." The refusal to acknowledge difference in Iraqi culture is augmented by the fact that, unlike in America, Iraq's political, religious and societal mores are established and maintained by the same, single dictator.
In Iraq, where the one philosophy that governs all of life declares homosexuality to be a crime against God and state, homosexuals are shunned in every way and suffer from an overwhelming lack of allies: "Iraq still practices an-eye-for-an-eye justice. If you steal, they chop off your hand. I shudder to think what they do to gays and lesbians." link to story
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