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OPINION | class
Bi-Partisan Blunders
By ROBIN BRAND & BILL SMITH
Mar. 30, 2007
GENERAL PETER PACE ignited a political firestorm recently by offering his
personal view that homosexuals are "immoral," while defending the
controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The national debate that
followed provided an interesting window into the ever-evolving psyche of the
American political establishment as it comes to terms with how to address
issues relating to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.
The 2008 presidential candidates were immediately asked whether or not they
agreed with Pace's statement. Their responses showed that the intense debate
over gay rights still finds our most seasoned political leaders—both
Democrats and Republicans—stumbling and mumbling their way through an issue
that remains front and center in today's political arena.
Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) first responded to
Pace's comment by saying, "that's for others to conclude." Barack Obama
ducked the question. To his credit, John Edwards showed leadership by flatly
disagreeing with Pace—a positive shift after being widely criticized along
with John Kerry for awkward references to openly gay Mary Cheney in both the
2004 vice presidential and presidential debates.
Republican candidates fared even worse. Ultraconservative Sam Brownback went
so far as to praise Pace's remarks. Other Republican hopefuls were nowhere
to be found, including supposedly gay-friendly Rudy Giuliani. Mitt Romney
was for gays in the military before he was against it. And John McCain has
morphed from giving an inspired speech on the U.S. Senate floor against an
anti-gay federal constitutional amendment to cutting TV ads for an Arizona
amendment that would have banned domestic partnerships.
This collective set of bipartisan inconsistencies and pandering should
offend all Americans regardless of political persuasion, sexual orientation
or religious views.
From Tim Hardaway and Isaiah Washington to our 2008 presidential field, too
often we see public figures revising their remarks, going into rehab or
coming up with clever strategies to explain away their anti-gay gaffes. Of
all people in the country, those who write and pass our nation's laws and
policies need to understand that language matters. For this reason, we must
hold our national figures accountable.
IN FACT, OUR presidential aspirants should look to the American public for
direction on gay issues. Recent national surveys have shown Americans
support ending discrimination in housing and employment, support allowing
gays to serve openly in the military and support recognizing committed gay
and lesbian relationships. The Oscar-hosting Ellen is a household name, and
almost a decade has passed since "Will & Grace" were welcomed into America's
living rooms.
Pace's comments, and more importantly the lack of an adequate response from
our federal candidates, sends the signal to the 6.6 million taxpaying gay
Americans that they should not enjoy the same full and equal seat at
America's table as the rest of the American taxpayers.
Two things are very clear: Most of our presidential candidates don't
understand how to talk about gay-related issues; and gay Americans and their
straight allies should watch very closely before hitching their wagon to any
of the current presidential candidates for 2008.
As the election season approaches in earnest, fair-minded voters need to be
smart and strategic; we must insist candidates invite gays and lesbians to
the table. Support candidates at the local and state level who are leaders
on these issues, as they are the ones who become officials on the federal
level.
Voters should also remember that we have been fooled before. In 2000, then
"compassionate conservative" George Bush pronounced himself "a better man"
for meeting with gay people only to propose an offensive anti-gay
constitutional amendment to gain re-election. Former President Clinton,
heralded as the great hope for gay people, also left many sorely
disappointed.
WHAT ADVOCATES FOR equality are seeking is simpler than most people believe:
equal opportunity to participate fully in American life.
At a time in our country's history when American patriots, both gay and
straight, are on the front lines defending our freedom, we should demand
nothing less than a commander-in-chief who stands up for full equality for
all Americans. This can only be done by talking openly and honestly about
gay and lesbian Americans and their families. Anything else is simply
outdated, out of touch and out of step with the American public today.
[http://www.nyblade.com/print.cfm?content_id=5020]
*Robin Brand is the chief operating officer of Gill Action and a Democrat.
She can be reached at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Bill Smith is the national
political director of Gill Action and a Republican. He can be reached at
[EMAIL PROTECTED] *
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(c) 2008 The New York Blade | A Window Media Publication
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