Subscribe to Breaking NewsRuby-Sachs: As gay rights take a hit, perhaps another lesbian in Congress?
, 365gay blogger 11.06.2008 5:13pm EST
Right now there are three out gay congressional representatives, Jared Polis (CO), Barney Frank (MA), and Tammy Baldwin (WI). But when Rahm Emanuel accepted the chief of staff position in the Obama administration a short list of replacements was released. The great surprise? Deb Mell, the first out lesbian elected in an Illinois race, has thrown her hat in the ring. For those who are reeling from Prop 8 losses, this is a glimmer of hope.
Sorry, but you can’t expect too much democratic help in this next term. Democrats are trying to consolidate their lead, and to do that they are going to be moderate. Their main goals are going to be to get the country back on track, and they can’t chance taking on controversial subjects that will energize the republican base and recreate an environment of conflict. I’m sorry, but gay marriage is off the table for democrats.
What we need to push for is non-discrimination laws. We should push for a repeal of the don’t ask don’t tell policy, especially now since recruitment is short. These sorts of changes can be enacted without upsetting moderates.
I believe marriage is something we need to fight for on our own. We need to get together and get ballot initiatives of our own to repeal these amendments. If we continue a sustained effort every election to repeal these laws, we may just be able to bankrupt the these organizations that fight against our equality. I think that’s what WE need to do. Democrats have to focus on showing leadership and unity, so THEY cannot take on divisive subjects. It’s up to us to fight for marriage.
Why is there nothing on this website about the LA protests of the past two days!
Get with it LOGO!!!!!
She just won her first election on Tuesday to the state house. She has never served a day in office. Her largest claim to fame is being related to the IL governor by marriage and getting arrested protesting for marriage rights. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deb_Mell
No more excuses, Democrats.
You’ve got the White House in electoral vote landslide (364-174). You have a commanding majority in the House of Representatives (259-176). You have a decent majority in the Senate (57 to 43, perhaps one more once all the recounts are done).
If we don’t see some tangible results by 2012, I suspect we’ll have an electoral bloodbath that’ll make 1994’s “Republican Revolution” look like dinner at Olive Garden. We’re talking about 1968 style mayhem here. Expectations for this government are very high right now. As they should be.
I look forward to any wonderful changes that may come from President Obama and his four term. I’m still not going to give up on mankind and our leaders.