Subscribe to Breaking NewsVanasco: I like John McCain
I like John McCain.
That’s what I came away with after his speech last night.
I disagree with him about energy policy, taxes, the role of government and most strongly over social justice issues.
And I was angry that he took a swipe at gays and lesbians by saying that he would support judges “who dispense justice impartially and don’t legislate from the bench.” That was clearly a reference to “activist judges,” which is what social conservatives cry every time we win back our rights in court.
I’m not going to vote for him.
But he seems to have learned the right lessons from being a prisoner of war – that people need other people, that America is an idea that is worth fighting for; he seems to believe many things I do – that all people are created equal, that because we are so blessed to live in this country, it is our obligation to “fight for the rights of the oppressed,” that social justice is crucial to a free society.
Of course, with the choice of the very anti-gay Sarah Palin, he isn’t giving signals that he believes that those same rights, that same fight, applies to gays and lesbians. And Republican delegates are 93 percent white, so it’s not so clear other oppressed people are on board.
Even so. He gave a stem-winder of a speech. His honest exploration of his time as a prisoner, his humbleness and regret, was moving. His words about reaching out to all Americans, about committing to service, about the American ability to work hard and solve our nations challenges, about education being the “civil rights challenge of this century,” all these were good words.
That’s the America I believe in, too.
John McCain and I disagree on important issues. But he is a good candidate. He’s not my candidate, but a worthwhile challenger to Barack Obama.
Doug, I completely agree with the need for comprehensive healthcare reform. The system as set up is broken and has been for some time. I worked as a Social Worker for a while. (If you call 7 long years a while.) The people that desperately needed help were the ones that received the least to meet even the most basic of needs. The people that would con and knew how to work the system were the ones that benefited and prospered.
John, my time as a Social Worker for Human Services is one of the things that helped shape my opinion and idea of government. The waste was incredible and the system was set up to help no one that truly needed it. I was in many meetings where I would say, “if this were a business we would be out of business.” I remember every October we would be told how much of the budget remained and were told to spend every dime of it to ensure that we could ask for a larger budget the next year. We were told to order anything and everything that we could think of, whether we needed it or not.
I graduated from High School in 1986. I grew up from the start of the Aids Epedimic. Do you remember when they announced on the news how many cases of Aids there were in each state? Do you remember when people did not know the difference between HIV and Aids? I remember when so called “good people” were afraid to touch someone that had “that disease.” I remember when it was called “the gay cancer.” I remember Ryan White being kept from school as people were afraid their children would get that disease from being in the same class and playground. I remember Social Workers – SOCIAL WORKERS! – in the 90’s that would throw pens away and disinfect their offices after meeting with HIV/Aids clients!!!! I remember coming out to my dad and him crying and saying that he did not want me to get Aids and die. Ohhh, the education that was involved just with family, alone. I remember when the Aids Quilt could be displayed in just a small corner of the park.
I remember ACT UP and what it meant to just scream and hollar to not just be accepted but to be even acknowledged as a human being! I remember when there were no characters in the movies or on television that were positive roles for gay people. If there was someone that was gay, they were demented or evil. The first gay character I can remember was on SOAP and even that, most of us could not identify with the portrayal.
I grew up at a time that there were not Gay/Straight alliances in school. It was an environment that even the hint of being “queer” was reason to be beat up, daily. I know people that were put in the hospital for being suspected of being gay. It’s one of the things that drove me into playing sports and to lifting weights. As I grew physically I was in a position to stand up for the “underdog” and to this day will fight anyone that may be bashed. (Yes, I’m very good in a fight.)
I once met George Bush, Sr. in college. I was impressed what a genuinely caring man he was. Though, I’ve never met W., it would seem as they are from completely different families. He shows none of the caring or skills that his father exhibited. (I suppose that is why he and Bill Clinton get along so well.)
I don’t want any political party to court my vote. I’m too old and too tired of empty promises. I want results, actions and examples. (shades of ACT UP ) Do not patronize me with empty campaign promises that I know you are not going to follow through with. I’ve been lied to by both Republicans and Democrats. I know members of both major parties on both a friendly and sometimes intimate level. Make no mistake, the higher level players treat this as a game. And to get to the higher levels, it’s a game that they play very well. It always surprises me that so many politicians take a stance that is completely opposite to what they know as true and fair. I wish that people would not sit back and say, “well X candidate is better than Y candidate” – when neither are acceptable. (I know, more shades of ACT UP)
As for my EX, as previously noted we were together for 7 years. WOW, we have known each other for about 13 years. He is an amazing man. One of the most intelligent people that I’ve ever met. Politically, we’re very different. He’s pro-choice, a pacifist and I think he’d rather abstain from voting than vote anything but Democrat. But you know, I’d lay down my life for the man in a heartbeat.
OK, I’ve rambled enough. And as for the beer, you’re right. I’ll have it draft (La Batt Blue or Bud Light) and I’ll even buy your bottle.
Docpatmac,
“You may like him if you wish, but I think you should keep your editorial opinions to yourself.”
“Editorial opinions” are what blogs are all about.
Sincerely,
James
Hey John,
Ihave a nephew John. He and his girlfriend just had a baby boy Friday, and named him John.
I’ll be available anytime for that beer man. Make mine a mich lite. c u Peace
Call me Doug
Trace,
Wow, thank you. You totally and bravely humanized yourself, and I owe you an apology for indicating you may have been a blogging imposter and saying you were misguided. While we disagree on who can best serve this country as President, I understand much more where you are coming from and appreciate that you are no longer blogging caricature in my head. You have an important voice that should be heard.
I bet we could actually sit down and have a beer (you probably draft something and me a bottle of lite something).
I think it is a testiment to your character that you and your ex have remained good friends and your wonderful family embraces him as their son.
Just a little about myself, I am a Democrat, who lost 2 lovers (that’s what we called our spouses last century), to AIDS, both in the 1990’s. I remember the Democratic and Republican responses to HIV funding and care during the first decade of the epidemic, and that largely shaped my political views today. What was astounding to me was I had to pursuade many Republican HIV+ friends why it was in their best interests on HIV/AIDS issues to vote for Clinton over daddy Bush. The blind loyality of these HIV+ gay Republicans shocked me, as I thought a cure might be found with adequate finding, but not with the meager crumbs being offered under Reagan’s 2 terms and daddy Bush in his first term. Eventually, many told me they did vote for Clinton. And although we still do not have a cure, we are much further along on that path than if daddy Bush had a second term.
As many bloggers have pointed out, there are stark differences between McCain and Obama on policy issues. And that is why I support Obama. I want a politician and a political party to court my vote, even if they do not give me 100% of what I want.
And Doug Loves You, thank you also for your post. I hope you join me and Trace for our virtual beer.
Trace dude,
Thanks for writing. It was none of my business anyway.You should see the way people respond to my pressence.
Im 54, disabled from amputation of my left leg due to diabetic infections. I’m lucky to have medicaid which has been a godsend, believe me. Ididn’t know how damn near impossible it is to get our govt. to help you. One of my deepest concerns is health care for everyone. Iwon’t bring up the excuses we hear as to why we don’t have them. You should already know them. We need to demand a solution to this worldwide shame. It may not be the most important issue for lots, but if you don’t have your good health, what else will matter to you.Idon’t expect pity, just acknowlegement’ It’s deadly serious folks.
I own a 34 year old moblle home in suburban Indy. Ihave a great man who’s been with me for32 years and he’s my world.His name’s Phil. He makes fun of me being on these chatlines as he calls em. hE HOWEVER SPENDS HOURS PLAYING SOLitaire on our pc. So I have to wait to do things a computer was made for. ha, we’ll kill each other some day. No just kidding. Too much love there and he’s too sexy to imagine not having, which want all the time.sigh
wE HAVE A LITTLE{42LB.}beagle, Maggie. My baby,sister and best friend. Sh’s always here with me while Phil’s at work. I would be so lonely if she weren’t here. She is an alphafemale most definitely,very territorial and dominant. Our favorite sat. ch. is Animal Planet and our fave show It’s Me or the Dog.
It’s too pretty a day here to dwell on such serious subjects so I just wanted to chat Thanks for reading. Share your story, spread some cheer today. I’ll read and write back sometime today Have a great day everyone and Peace
Jennifer, Were you and I watching the same speech? This was at the RNC Right? I almost fell asleep at McSame’s droning on and on about his POW experience, and come on, how much mileage can he get out of it anyway, it was over 40 years ago. He struck me as completely out of touch with the problems confronting the American public, not once did he mention ending the War In Iraq, getting the economy back on track with a sound fiscal policy. All he did was echo Bush, and since his speech was written by a former Bush Staffer, it’s no wonder. You are dead on the money when you say he has no clue about the GLBT community and never has. He’s actively voted for the DOMA, and against women’s rights almost 100% of the time. He score 0% on NARAL’s score sheet. You may like him if you wish, but I think you should keep your editorial opinions to yourself. You do yourself a misservice by elucidating them.
Doug, I’m just a good old Bubba Bear here. All male, not confused and sure of who I am. Most of my friends are gay. I can get along with most people as I respect others opinions as long as they respect mine.
I probably spend too much time in the gym, or on my motorcycle, at work or workin around the house. Still have enough time concentrate on friends and family. I never lose focus on the people around me as that’s what is truly important.
I’ve had my time as a Circuit Bear. Them days are behind me, but I know very much about that aspect of our community. That being said, I do not believe in drug control as it should be the decision of any adult. This so called “War on Drugs” has done more to divide & destroy than any recreational use would have caused. I’ve been clean and sober for many moons and believe that is really the best way to approach life.
I look like many southern bears do. I’m more comfortable in jeans, t shirts and work boots. I don’t have any designer clothes and probably never will. I would never take a job that did not allow me to have face fur. I earn a good income (with a company that has earned a 100% score for gay causes) and own a house on almost an acre of land. Have a cat and a dog. I’m Christian (Episcopalian to be exact), can shoot a gun, smoke cigars/dip Skoal and recycle (Go Green!) . I am Pro-Life with the exception of the safety/life of the mother. *I believe that choice ends when someone decides to use or not use contraceptives.* (Honestly, this is something that gay folk should be intimately familiar with!)
My stepmother has held political office as a Republican. I know many politicians from all ranges of government. I once received a tour of the White House by Nancy Reagan. (She actually is like a little grandmother and not the “witch” that many made her out to be.) My grandmother, on the other hand, is an ardent Democrat. She loves Jimmy Carter and thinks that the Clinton’s walk on water. She told me that it was her wish to see Hillary elected President as she wanted to see a woman in the White House before she died. The remainder of my family is mostly Independent. Me, I’m Libertarian. (Go Neil Bortz!) I never vote “the party.” I am one of the few that shows up at the polls with research I’ve done to make informed votes. I am 100% Red, White and Blue and believe this country to be the most amazing country on Gods Green Earth. Even at that, I have friends in countries around the world and have relatives in Austria and Germany.
….. And that should take care of most of the questions.
Dear Trace,
How are you? I’m fine today.
I also have questioned your gender. Not in a bad way but from your wording sometimes it appeared to me you might actually be female. Ithought maybe your name is pronounced Tracy.
Sorry to but in Iwas just being a busy body.
Itoo wish people will start to really think on what’s happening here. Peace
John, I can assure you that I’m not Kari. I’m assuming that Kari is a female, and I’m one of those guys that is not “in touch with his feminine side.” Though, she is an example that not all gays think as the majority of those that post here.
And no, I am not LGBT. I am a Proud Gay male that has been “Out” to everyone (family, friends, co-workers, neighbors) for years. I have been in one long term relationships. We are still best friends (even had breakfast this morning) and my family adores him. After we broke up, my father told him that he’s always be family.
You can hardly call 365gay.com a cross section of the gay community. Seriously, most of my friends (in fact 90%) are gay. I live just outside of a city that has one of the largest gay populations in this country. I would bet that 95% of the gay people I would ask have never heard of this site and would only come to it through the LOGO site.
If you’ve read my posts you will note that I’m not necessarily a McCain or an Obama supporter. I’m Libertarian by nature in that I am fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I want the government out of everyone’s life and to turn back the nanny state that this country seems to be turning to. I’m honestly not certain who I will vote for when it comes to President. I would prefer that Bob Barr or Ron Paul would receive more media attention. If that happened their campaigns would be a bit more legitimate.
And I would prefer to vote for someone that supports Gay and Lesbian rights. Currently, I just don’t see any major candidate that does. As I’ve said, Obama has shown us nothing. McCain is appealing but panders too much to his base for there to be a good comfort level. I probably would have leaned more towards Obama had Hillary been selected. Yes, the Clinton’s are the ones that gave us Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and DOMA, but I think that was more on Bill’s part than Hillary’s.
Right now it’s just a complete mess as to what has been presented us. I’m amazed that so many do not look at these things objectively.
Tom,
The Clintons have had their time and their say in the White House. Time for America to move on. Biden has had long senatorial experience and is strong on knowledge of defense and foreign policy and Obama chose well. We don’t need more of a testy Mrs. Clinton prone to quickness of temper and to bulging eyes when the news media talks to her in a way that does not please her. The news media are not to be the “personal pets” and “cheerleaders” for any polittician and are to ask tough questions of people in politics. So that the politicians can be put on notice that the American people expect from them very quick wits and readiness for just about anything that could happen and at the same tome a cool and graceful response from the politician being interviewed.
We the American people need to know that especially our Pres and our VP are ready and capable of dealing with on a moment’s notice crises both national and international without loosing their cool, their nerve and without falling to pieces or temper tantrums.
As far as experience is concerned, I’d like to direct some people to this site:
http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2008/Info/experience.html
Quick summary; experience dosen’t really matter. Our most experienced President was James Buchanan, and he is consistently ranked as the worst president, where as Lincoln; who had about as much experience as Obama does now, is always ranked in the top 5 (usually top). Not saying Obama’s the next Lincoln; just saying that experience doesn’t really matter.
My thoughts on the matter? If Republicans wanted McCain as president; then they should’ve voted for him in the 2000 primaries. When he was still sane.
Obama speaks of a paradigm shift in our country. As long as I can remember, politics has been angry and devisive. (I only remember Papa Bush on). I’d like to see things change. Fifteen years from now I wanna be able to tell my nieces and nephews that I was on the right side of history. I’m tired of hiding in shadows.
Trace,
Just a quick question, do you also blog by the name Kari? Both of your posts sound like they are written by the same misguided creatures.
LGBT people – which by the way are you really one of us or a straight imposter? – vote to promote their vision of what is best for the world. like everyone else.
And crucial to that vision, is supporting politicians that at least relate to us as full human beings, rather than an obstacle to obtaining the favor and votes of the ultra-conservative religious right. McCain needs the votes of that demographic – no matter how prehistoric their views on equality. Thus, McCain will never support full equality for us, or even promote further equality, for our community.
That is why on today’s 365gay.com main question, who will you vote for President, more than 90% of respondents support Obama and less than 10% support McCain. It reflects both self interest, and a more humane view of the world.
Are you a straight blogger for McCain’s campaign, or are you really one of us. If you are really one if us, then jump in baby, the water is warm. It feels good to vote for people who believe in LGBT equality.
Ty, there will actually be many gays that vote for Obama, McCain, Barr and even Nader. Gay men and women are not some monolithic group that votes in mass. Many actually look at everything that is put out and do not blindly follow a specific party that has really done nothing but take gay dollars.
And by the way, don’t have a ManHunt account. (and never will)
Trace –
This is not an election where you can glibly divert the gay vote away from Obama.
You are either with us or against us ! We are solidifying a vote here, voting as a block so that our voice is heard. Mmkay ?
If you want to buck the gay rights trend, you will risk any gains, and be forced to take two steps back.
You shall be relegated to tea rooms and paddy wagons, get arrested and very possibly murdered, all without a legitimate partner to share your life with.
Since you obviously don’t appreciate what the Democrats have done for us, and what the Republicans have done against us, you can now oficially add “Closety Masochist” to your Manhunt profile.
I agree Kyle. I would prefer that it were evident that 365gay did not support McCain or Obama.
Neither candidate has a strong (and in case of Obama, any) record on gay rights, causes or the like.