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Wayne Besen
PO Box 25491
Brooklyn, NY 11202
The sound of Speaker Pelosi sounds sweet to the weary ears. It was also quite blissful to see that incompetent, arrogant fool Donald Rumsfeld leave in disgrace and dishonor for failing this nation. And how about that nutjob Santorum exiting stage right!!!!
There is quite a bit to celebrate in this election. Smile, we won.
It was gratifying to see a few right wing measures fail, particularly the anti-gay marriage/benefits referendum in Arizona. This was a huge victory for gay rights. We can also celebrate the fact that in the seven states where anti-marriage bans passed, the margins were noticeably smaller than in the past. While not a win, it is major progress, for sure.
It appears that the marriage hysteria has largely passed. We have a long way to go, but the irrational fear that marked the early days of the debate have subsided a bit.
In South Dakota, a vote also passed that overturned a Draconian measure outlawing nearly all abortions. Mainstream America spoke and they told the Religious Right to shove off and mind their own damn business.
The voters finally got it right. Let's hope that Senator Macacawitz falls in Virginia, so we can also take the Senate.
We should all go out and get drunk this weekend to celebrate this magnificent election. And if you don't drink, go dancing!
20 Comments:
Here! Here! I, for one, am breathing a sigh of relief.
posted by Anonymous, at
11/08/2006 8:04 PM
I live in S.C. While I'm very happy that Dems. took the house, I have to also accept that the anti-gay marriage bill has passed in my state. is it possible that this constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage be overturned or do I have to wait 50 years or so?
50? Naw. Maybe 20. Until kids like my kids come of age. Grant it, I'm not in your state. But kids are more intuitive than they were in my generation. They know what's what and they will take care of business. I have faith.
posted by jekelhyde, at
11/08/2006 8:55 PM
Arizona has a DOMA that bans both in-state same-sex marriage and recognition of valid out-of-state gay unions.
Moreover, Arizona has no statutory anti-discrimination protection for gays.
"We can also celebrate the fact that in the seven states where anti-marriage bans passed, the margins were noticeably smaller than in the past. While not a win, it is major progress, for sure."
Reminds me of an episode of the Simpsons where Homer says something like, "Great news, SAT scores are declining at a slower rate."
posted by Anonymous, at
11/09/2006 5:14 AM
Gemorrah wasnt built in a day honey--give it time. The relatively short amount of time that it has taken the average heartland type american to become less freaked out over gays in general and gay marriage in particular is still amazing. We have the much increased visibility in the media to thank for a lot of that. People fear what they dont understand; and hate what they fear. B. Queer
posted by Anonymous, at
11/09/2006 8:03 AM
Ken, I grew up in South Carolina (and left years ago)and was also sad to see that hateful amendment pass by such a wide margin. A lot of work needs to be done there, but I don't believe we will have to wait 50 years. I give it 15 years and gay equality won't be an issue anymore. Change is coming rapidly. There are certainly some Carolina folks who will never be convinced, but they are the same unreconstructed Confederates who think South Carolina should secede from the union again. I believe their kids have very different ideas.
posted by Sam, at
11/09/2006 10:17 AM
B Queer - you are so right. Titus said (famous Roman soldier) We often hate the ones we harm. (Meaning we do bad things to other people and then decide on why we hate them and why they deserved it) Which of course is wrong but nonetheless human nature. In time, things will change. Perservere.
posted by Anonymous, at
11/09/2006 11:50 AM
This election is terrific! Six months ago, we all hoped that we would win, and we said that America would be in huge trouble if the people didn't make a big change. And a big change has been made! This is great. The G.O.P. congress took on the legislative objectives of the religious right and America responded by giving total control to the Democrats! Of course, while the Iraq war made up most of the discontented vote, the religious right has nonetheless been seriously damaged.
posted by Anonymous, at
11/09/2006 12:47 PM
The Dems have to prove themselves now, and a lot of people are praying for them to fail. Personally, I'm dubious of their will and ability to withstand Right Wing pressure. We're all going to find out if they're up to the enormous task of restoring the moral credibility of the United States. But Wayne is right, we have reason to celebrate now, and we so seldom have it. Let's take advantage of the opportunity while it's here.
posted by DC HAMPTON JACOBS, at
11/09/2006 2:12 PM
The SC results are frustrating, but we have made stuning progress in barely one generation. In a world where Doogie Howser, Dr. George O'Malley, and one of the 'N Synch Boys are the new face of gay people, it becomes harder by the hour for the bad guys to demonize us. It is, of course, insulting that our rights should be subject to popular vote (can you imagine if we had held votes on racial desegregation in the schools in the 1950's), but we will eventually win those votes, and soon. Just today Mexico City established gay civil unions! This in a devoutly Catholic country! States like SC will either get with the program or they will suffer economically as bright, tolerant young people and enlighted corporate employers relocate. So take heart, look at that blue map of the US and smile.
posted by Anonymous, at
11/09/2006 11:55 PM
All of these state constitutional amendments could be instantly wiped away with a single Federal Court decision. More likely, I think, is a state-by-state repeal. Watch Chris Matthews TV Show when he has politicians before a live college audience. Whenever the politician inevitably says that s/he is against gay marriage, the entire room erupts into boos and catcalls. It is only a matter of time. I mean, how long can people believe that Doogie Howser is a threat to the morals of America? Come on now.
posted by Anonymous, at
11/10/2006 11:41 AM
