Homosexual . . . gay . . . faggot . . . dyke . . . lesbian . . . and a host of other kind and not-so-kind terms we commonly hear at Republican functions are part of the dirty little secret of the Republican Party. I have recently attended a number of Republican events where mostly the ultra right-wing of the party have been in attendance. I have listened to discussions of Harvey Milk Day, gay marriage, and other homosexual-related topics, discussions that are filled with hate and intolerance.
What strikes me most is the hatred I hear in people’s voices as they talk about an “abomination unto God” all the while discussing the importance of honoring God and living a righteous life. I have to wonder if these people realize how hateful and bigoted they really sound.
I do not take issue with those who don’t agree with the homosexual lifestyle when their disagreement is based on Biblical principles. But those same principles teach us not to hate our brothers and sisters. And what I see is hatred for the person, rather than for the action.
I have written in the past about being raised Pentecostal, which certainly does not condone the homosexual lifestyle. But at the same time, I have a lot of good friends who are openly gay. I cannot hate them for that. And the one question I have for those who think all gays are bound for hell. What happened to God’s forgiveness? I hate to break it to all of you, but if He isn’t forgiving, then every last one of us is headed for exactly the same place. Except for those whose dying breath is to ask for God’s forgiveness, every one of us will have a lot of fast talking to do on Judgment Day because we all sin, intentionally or unintentionally, every day and most of us don’t ask for forgiveness after every little sin.
But whether homosexuality is a sin or not, is forgivable by God or not, or is normal or perverse, is not the point of this post. The real point is that all of those self-righteous Republicans do not have a clue just how many of our most respected Republican leaders are closet homosexuals. Right here in San Bernardino County, many of our highest-ranking Republicans, past and present, are guess what? Gay. That’s right. And you don’t even know it. You talk trash right in front of them. That is pretty shameful, if you ask me. And really Christian-like, huh?
Perhaps, if Republicans would stay out of people’s bedrooms and spend more time trying to be a bit more compassionate, we would once again regain our glory as a party. Yes, Republicans are picking up ground, but “Decline to State” is picking up even more ground. Most families in this country share the core values of the Republican Party but far less are comfortable enough to want to be labeled “Republican” if it means being labeled a bigot. We are our own worse enemies.
Republicans do not have to compromise their core values to be more inclusive. They only have to act with compassion rather than hate. That seems to be a lesson they cannot learn or accept.
I think this column would be useful reading.
Its written by a group of gay guys in Chicago who were Hillary supporters who ended up becoming big McCain/Palin supporters in 2008 and do get mobilized to stand up against the Obama agenda.
http://hillbuzz.org/2010/05/08/conservatives-do-themselves-no-good-by-attacking-gays-you-are-throwing-away-allies-every-time-you-allow-this-to-happen/
Homosexuality isn’t the issue, it is the idea that one minority group can force their ideals down my and others collective throat! Keep it to yourself and nobody can openly discriminate. Nuff said.
Even when people try to keep to yourself, people still get discriminated and harassed.
The issue is people do not want to see, or hear about the LGBT people in our community and nation as a whole.
All I want is equal rights and nothing more than that.
Unfortunately many of the central committee meetings are nothing more than a game of steer the queer. (eg: DeVries/Lopez/Folkens) and I dont know “fighting the gay agenda creates jobs or reduces the unemployment rate in California and especially the San Bernardino County and Riverside County area or get young people or decline to state voters to register as Republican.
When those who use the Bible to justify their bigoted position that homosexuality is “wrong” start living by all the rules in the Bible that apply to ALL US CHRISTIANS … then … and only then … should anybody take them seriously when they rant about homosexuality being “against” their religion.
Why would any gay or lesbian be Republican?
Republicans fancy themselves ‘strong on foreign defense,’ yet remain distracted by their war on gays and lesbians wishing to serve in military.
So what if you want to see less business regulation if it translates to open season on homosexuals in the workplace. As you read this, the GOP is trying to block the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
Even you believe Republican’s tend to be tougher on crime, consider their opposition to adding sexual orientation to hate crimes legislation. Wake up! They’re not tough on crimes against you.
And what good are GOP tax breaks when your family will likely be denied them? Without a marriage certificate, check out what happens when one partner dies. The government swoops in and takes a big cut of the survivor’s inheritance. And forget about social security survivor’s benefits.
If it’s the Republican promise of less Government that you like, how does that reconcile with their commitment to stand between you and your partner, or their efforts to strip a woman’s ’right to choose?’ That is not less Government.
Regardless of what you may like on a Republican platform, don’t expect access to any benefits. Instead you can count on being made scapegoat for any failures.