The Moderate Republican

Log Cabin Tussle

Sometimes gay politics can be like the crabs in the barrel; one crab works hard to keep the other one from climbing out. So goes the latest rumor mill going on concerning Log Cabin Republican. The anonymous blogger, Gay Patriot has an "exclusive" story about how Executive Director Pat Guerrerio has gone from being against Bush to actively supporting Kerry. He talks about "sources" who have brought information to him, but really shows no evidence of who they are.

He also accuses their PR person of an extreme heresy: supporting John Edwards in 2003. I think it was poor judgement on Barron's part, but in the larger picture, who cares? I'm more concerned with what the religious right is doing concerning gay Americans than I am if Barron support Edwards at some point.

So what is the effect of all this? Well Stephen Miller who runs the Independent Gay Forum Website thinks this is making Log Cabin look less like loyal Republicans. he writes:

"If Bush does win (about which I'm still doubtful), who will have access to his White House? Certainly not the highly partisan Human Rights Campaign and National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, both Democratic Party fronts that have burned their bridges to even GOP moderates. And, alas, not LCR, unless perhaps Barron makes way for a less-blemished Republican (or a better defense is forthcoming), and Guerriero becomes less concerned about winning Cheryl Jacques' and Matt Foreman's approval."

Does anyone really believe that Log Cabin will have access to the White House if Bush is re-elected? Log Cabin has been locked out of the White House since 2003 and I'm pretty sure that Bush will do all in his power as a lame duck to shore up the theocon base. Miller is smoking something to think that we still have access to W's ear.

For anyone to say that Guerrerio should not complain so loudly is silly. This President sold us out. He met with gay Republicans and talked about how his life was changed and then proceded to support an amendment that would not only ban gay marriage but any other arrangement that was drawnup between same-sex couples. Guerrerio knows he's out of the loop, so he has nothing to lose. I say, go Pat for speaking his voice.

Finally, Miller says this:

"How about talking about the need for vigilance in Iraq, personal social security accounts and market-based health care reform, Patrick, as well as tort reform and standing up to the trial lawyers' lobby. If these aren't in your vocabulary, and aren't being emphasized in your public appearances and press interviews, then something really is seriously amiss at LCR."

Whatever, Stephen. One of the things that I've loved about Log Cabin is that we don't talk about other issues besides gay rights, like a lot of leftist gay groups do. (What does gay rights have to do with the war in Iraq?) We believe that there are other groups to talk about those issues. And it's not like LCR doesn't talk about these issues. This is from LCR's Website:

" Gay and lesbian Americans who believe in limited government, strong national defense, lower taxes, personal responsibility, and free markets belong in the Republican Party. Democrats who favor big government, higher taxes and more regulation don't represent our values and beliefs. That means leaving the GOP is not an option for gay Republicans. We can be true to our conservative principles while working to make the GOP more inclusive and tolerant."

So please, enough with the "we aren't being loyal" whine. We are loyal Republicans, but we can only be loyal to leaders who are loyal to us. If loyalty means blind obedience because, hey W gonna give us lower taxes while not supporting our rights, then LCR is better off not joining.

Posted by Dennis at October 26, 2004 12:29 PM