"I don't really like gay people."

[Miss Philicia]

Stereotypical gay people frustrate me

LOL

watch this @ 1:39... PLEASE MARY WORK THOSE HAND GESTICULATIONS

poor thing... ain't nothin' like a gay Repiglican, is there?

http://www.queerty.com/goprouds-gays-dont-really-like-gay-people-20110212/

[WillyWump]

Hissey's an ass and makes no sense. but he's a cute ass.

-Will

[Joe K]

Matt Hissey, a junior at Westchester University who volunteers with GOProud, was at Thursday night's party hosted by Andrew Breitbart — to deliver the soundbite heard 'round the gay world: "I don't really like gay people." Already dubbed "Matt Hissey-fit," the young man who loves himself some tea partying exclaims, "Stereotypical gay people frustrate me." And isn't Hissey just the quote machine, telling a reporter before the party, "We believe that conservatism is a vast umbrella. We're just another demographic the conservatives have." Well, not "someone who puts on a total act. I understand some guys are feminine, which is fine. But some guys are at some points normal, straight-acting, and the next moment they're jumping up and down."

He must have the same speech writers as Sara Palin. I cannot help but notice his own self loathing with his last comment, but I'm sure the bleach has gone to his head.

[Matty the Damned]

Hissey? Talk about a walking fucking stereotype right there in the name.

Now y'all know that Matty the Damned is not given to making sweeping generalisations that are outrageous in tone and style, but I think I can be forgiven on this occasion.

Gay conservatives are the worst people on earth. Worse than terrorists, telemarketers and Ted Haggard.

They are lickspittles of the most odious kind. I can only hope Miss Hissey and his kind are cursed with the worst arse cancer Mike Huckabee's vicious psychopath of a god can devise. May the Log Cabin collapse upon all of them.

Fuckheads.

MtD

[GSOgymrat]

Okay, I'm going to get completely blasted here but I agree with an element of what he is saying. Yes, Matty, he is one of the worst people on earth... when he said Sarah Palin the reporter should have whacked him up side the head with that microphone... However I also don't like it when people turn their gay flames on and off. I don't like chameleons who when they are around church people act righteous, with college guys start saying "yo dude", then with gay people start saying "Mary". I appreciate and admire people who are genuine and comfortable with who they are. I particularly admire people who dare to be different because in this neck of the woods that takes courage.

[buginme2]

Gay conservatives are the worst people on earth. Worse than terrorists, telemarketers and Ted Haggard.

They are lickspittles of the most odious kind. I can only hope Miss Hissey and his kind are cursed with the worst arse cancer Mike Huckabee's vicious psychopath of a god can devise. May the Log Cabin collapse upon all of them.

Fuckheads.

MtD

Don't be shy..How do you really feel?

[Joe K]

Okay, I'm going to get completely blasted here but I agree with an element of what he is saying. Yes, Matty, he is one of the worst people on earth... when he said Sarah Palin the reporter should have whacked him up side the head with that microphone... However I also don't like it when people turn their gay flames on and off. I don't like chameleons who when they are around church people act righteous, with college guys start saying "yo dude", then with gay people start saying "Mary". I appreciate and admire people who are genuine and comfortable with who they are. I particularly admire people who dare to be different because in this neck of the woods that takes courage.

No blasting from here, because the behavior you describe is that of a "hypocrite" and they come in all flavors.

[anniebc]

LOL@ Ford..and yes the reporter should have decked him the minute he mentioned Sarah Palin.

I heard like when he like saw himself on TV he went all crazy like and started jumping up an down like..but that could just be a rumour like started by Sarah Palin..you know how she loves to lie.

Aroha
Jan

[Matty the Damned]

Okay, I'm going to get completely blasted here but I agree with an element of what he is saying. Yes, Matty, he is one of the worst people on earth... when he said Sarah Palin the reporter should have whacked him up side the head with that microphone... However I also don't like it when people turn their gay flames on and off. I don't like chameleons who when they are around church people act righteous, with college guys start saying "yo dude", then with gay people start saying "Mary". I appreciate and admire people who are genuine and comfortable with who they are. I particularly admire people who dare to be different because in this neck of the woods that takes courage.

No blasting from here, because the behavior you describe is that of a "hypocrite" and they come in all flavors.

With great respect, I think this is bullshit.

In the course of my daily life I deal with representatives of blue collar unions and if you were to observe such meetings you would think me the butchest thing that creation ever shovelled shit into. I have an extremely ocker (look that word up) affectation.

But, when it suits me, I can be one of the Great Flamers. All hairpins and ladies' gloves. And I assert my right to use either style as I see fit.

It's about having an authentic voice for any occasion.

I should add that I'm totally out of the closet and have been all my life. I've also never hidden my HIV status after diagnosis. Iyamwotiyam.

But just because the some of you Swishy Petes can't dial back the Liza doesn't mean the rest of us have to be so limited.

MtD

[GSOgymrat]

It's about having an authentic voice for any occasion.

Authentic being the operative word. Many people aren't.

[Miss Philicia]

With great respect, I think this is bullshit.

In the course of my daily life I deal with representatives of blue collar unions and if you were to observe such meetings you would think me the butchest thing that creation ever shovelled shit into. I have an extremely ocker (look that word up) affectation.

But, when it suits me, I can be one of the Great Flamers. All hairpins and ladies' gloves. And I assert my right to use either style as I see fit.

It's about having an authentic voice for any occasion.

I should add that I'm totally out of the closet and have been all my life. I've also never hidden my HIV status after diagnosis. Iyamwotiyam.

But just because the some of you Swishy Petes can't dial back the Liza doesn't mean the rest of us have to be so limited.

MtD

Preach, Sister Fire!

[phildinftlaudy]

In the course of my daily life I deal with representatives of blue collar unions and if you were to observe such meetings you would think me the butchest thing that creation ever shovelled shit into. I have an extremely ocker (look that word up) affectation.

But, when it suits me, I can be one of the Great Flamers. All hairpins and ladies' gloves. And I assert my right to use either style as I see fit.

It's about having an authentic voice for any occasion.

But just because the some of you Swishy Petes can't dial back the Liza doesn't mean the rest of us have to be so limited.

MtD

Two snaps and a rewind Matty --- errr, I mean, right on dude!

[drewm]

So...

[drewm]

I thought a Hissy was a fit. What in hell...no wait...who in the hell is Hissy and why does she matter?

[Matty the Damned]

Back to the video, did anyone else clock the carpet-muncher handling the microphone like it was a double headed dildo?

Delivered direct from the Central Stereotype Supply Department, methinks. I can just imagine the production meeting.

"Who are we gonna send to interview those Log Cabin Lillies from GOProud?"

"Why not that coloured androgyne we got on loan from the Womens' Holistic Dance Collective?"

"Ebone? Yeah, she'll sort the men from the boys."

MtD

[woodshere]

Two things.  First ditto to Matty's thoughts about having an authentic voice for any occasion.  And second, I will never understand how any gay or lesbian can vote for a Republican candidate.  I don't care how much you agree with their fiscal policies, the Party and the vast majority of it's members are totally against gays and lesbians.  Larry Kramer is right on track when he says that they hate us.  Log Cabin and GoProud members are disillusioned if they think they are anything other than cocksucking fags to the Republican Party hierarchy.

[Joe K]

I think the two operative words here are "authentic" and "genuine". I think most people become stereotypes when they are unable to just be natural, whatever that may entail. I'll take authentic and genuine any time, over some contrived way of acting.

Two things.  First ditto to Matty's thoughts about having an authentic voice for any occasion.  And second, I will never understand how any gay or lesbian can vote for a Republican candidate.  I don't care how much you agree with their fiscal policies, the Party and the vast majority of it's members are totally against gays and lesbians.  Larry Kramer is right on track when he says that they hate us.  Log Cabin and GoProud members are disillusioned if they think they are anything other than cocksucking fags to the Republican Party hierarchy.

But without them, who would "service" all those closeted Republicans?

[thunter34]

Two things.  First ditto to Matty's thoughts about having an authentic voice for any occasion.  And second, I will never understand how any gay or lesbian can vote for a Republican candidate.  I don't care how much you agree with their fiscal policies, the Party and the vast majority of it's members are totally against gays and lesbians.  Larry Kramer is right on track when he says that they hate us.  Log Cabin and GoProud members are disillusioned if they think they are anything other than cocksucking fags to the Republican Party hierarchy.

Agreed.  I have to admit to being somewhat of a one issue voter - in the sense that it just does not matter to me how much a candidate may intrigue me in any number of ways, if he or she obviously doesn't value my worth as an equal citizen, it's just this pesky little detail that I just can't get past.

Of course, it helps me in that regard that people of this stripe usually reveal themselves to be bigots in all sorts of other ways as well.

[Miss Philicia]

Here's a question, for those "one issue voters" (of which I am not): if Republicans suddenly embraced gay rights would you start to vote for them, meaning their policies?

It's always been my gut feeling that 50% of gays are only fake liberals by default on that one cock-sucking issue.

[Jeff G]

Here's a question, for those "one issue voters" (of which I am not): if Republicans suddenly embraced gay rights would you start to vote for them, meaning their policies?

It's always been my gut feeling that 50% of gays are only fake liberals by default on that one cock-sucking issue.

I wasn't always a liberal so who knows , maybe a new better philosophy will be born with a cooler bumper sticker .

[thunter34]

Here's a question, for those "one issue voters" (of which I am not): if Republicans suddenly embraced gay rights would you start to vote for them, meaning their policies?

It's always been my gut feeling that 50% of gays are only fake liberals by default on that one cock-sucking issue.

Well, in my case, most likely not.  I suppose the wording of my post isn't the best.  What I mostly meant is that most of those candidates blow it with me right out of the gate with some form of hate speech.

There have been some Rep. candidates, particularly at the local level, who have sometimes had what sounded like better strategies for dealing with local problems over the years, but I'm generally too scared of them in an overall mindset kind of way...and they get scarier to me the higher up the ladder you go.

Being Democrat or Republican, to me, seems to be about a philosophy toward life as much as anything...and my life philosophy would have to be that of a Democrat.

I want nationalized healthcare, for example...and I can say that I know I would have been all for it with or without teh AIDS.  I didn't need an illness myself to believe that healthcare ought to be not just a right, but a VALUE as an American.  And I'm mystified why this doesn't seem to be so for so many others.  

But no...I think my social perspective - beyond just cocksucking - would tend to make me Democrat regardless.

[Hellraiser]

Here's a question, for those "one issue voters" (of which I am not): if Republicans suddenly embraced gay rights would you start to vote for them, meaning their policies?

It's always been my gut feeling that 50% of gays are only fake liberals by default on that one cock-sucking issue.

I actually touched on this a few months back.  I still don't think I would vote republican, but I really don't love the democrats either.  Unfortunately in a 2 party system you have to pick the lesser of two evils sometimes.  I'm pretty evenly divided on the major issues. Socially: Liberally, Economically: Conservative.  To me though I'd rather have the money mis-managed a bit and the social issues in line than the other way round.  Right now the Republicans economic platforms are just nightmarish: "Increase spending and cut taxes!".  Whereas Democrats seem to champion a lot of issues which are important to them to raise votes, but then have no real strong ideas about how to pay for them, because apparently cutting spending/raising taxes are both dirty words.  If I could have a look at the national budget I would gut it with a machete.

[Dachshund]

Whereas Democrats seem to champion a lot of issues which are important to them to raise votes, but then have no real strong ideas about how to pay for them, because apparently cutting spending/raising taxes are both dirty words.  If I could have a look at the national budget I would gut it with a machete.

If I remember correctly the last time we had a balanced budget AND a surplus was during the Clinton administration. Quickly squandered by the Bush administration.

[David_CA]

I'm pretty much with Matty on this one.  At work, most don't know I'm gay, though I know for a fact two do (friends as well as co-workers).  I don't act flaming at work; I try to act professional.  When I'm not at work, I'm a bit more relaxed, and one's likely to see a pretty butch guy and a big ole queen all rolled into one.  It doesn't make me any less of a 'real' gay man.  Actually, it's just me being me.  It's like using profanity; there's a time and place for it, but it's not generally appropriate in a professional setting.  In reality, it's hard for me not to have a choice word or two in every sentence, but I adjust to the situation.  As Wanda Sykes says "I'ma be me."

I think what bothers me is two-faceness... when 'family values' proponents cheat or are closet queens, when those who preach against gays have a regular trick on the side, or when gay men (or women) judge and criticize other gays just because they are being themselves which sometimes means adjusting to a situation... something that the judging queen should be familiar with.


Also,

If I remember correctly the last time we had a balanced budget AND a surplus was during the Clinton administration. Quickly squandered by the Bush administration.

It's funny how so many seem to forget this; it's not like it was THAT long ago.

[GSOgymrat]

Here's a question, for those "one issue voters" (of which I am not): if Republicans suddenly embraced gay rights would you start to vote for them, meaning their policies?

It's always been my gut feeling that 50% of gays are only fake liberals by default on that one cock-sucking issue.

Gay marriage is a niche issue that is used more by the Right to consolidate their voter base than the Left to actually extend civil liberties.

Why would anyone who has ever had a health problem vote Republican? Why would anyone who makes under $250,000 a year vote Republican? Why would anyone who isn't Christian vote Republican? Why would anyone who cares about environmental issues vote Republican (drill, baby, drill!).

That said, I am still completely pissed  that Obama and the Democrats caved to Republicans and renewed the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Why average Americans are not up in arms about that is beyond me. Do people still believe trickle down works? Look around!

[woodshere]

Here's a question, for those "one issue voters" (of which I am not): if Republicans suddenly embraced gay rights would you start to vote for them, meaning their policies?

It's always been my gut feeling that 50% of gays are only fake liberals by default on that one cock-sucking issue.

Even if the Republican Party valued me as a person we would still disagree on a host of issues...health care, abortion, gun control, views on religion and its non role in government, govt safety regulations, immigration, assistance programs for low income, the tax structure.....  I really don't see me ever voting for a Republican.

[Dachshund]

Gay marriage is a niche issue that is used more by the Right to consolidate their voter base than the Left to actually extend civil liberties.

Why would anyone who has ever had a health problem vote Republican? Why would anyone who makes under $250,000 a year vote Republican? Why would anyone who isn't Christian vote Republican? Why would anyone who cares about environmental issues vote Republican (drill, baby, drill!).

That said, I am still completely pissed  that Obama and the Democrats caved to Republicans and renewed the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Why average Americans are not up in arms about that is beyond me. Do people still believe trickle down works? Look around!

America has become a plutocracy without a whimper.

[thunter34]

Even if the Republican Party valued me as a person we would still disagree on a host of issues...health care, abortion, gun control, views on religion and its non role in government, govt safety regulations, immigration, assistance programs for low income, the tax structure.....  I really don't see me ever voting for a Republican.

What Woods said. 

[aztecan]

Republicans are nothing more than sock puppets for the corporate world order, and they are well greased, in more ways than one, for their efforts.

They preach Jesus and rail against the social decay they claim the Democrats are cauising as a smokescreen.

They care about nothing but their bottom line, the almighty dollar, euro or whatever.

These goproud and log cabiners are little more than bastard step children at the family picnic. They are tolerated as long as they know their place.

It is people like Hissey the prissey and the lipstick lesbian who says she favors libertarianism who give gays and lesbians a bad name.

But that's just my opinion.

HUGS,

Mark

[mecch]

I'm glad there are some out gay republicans. Nellies included.  Its a step. At least they aren't closet cases at the same time they are supporting hypocritical policy.  Next step they do the difficult work of negotiating their rights as gay with the Republican platform and Republican power. (And overcoming their own gay stereotypes and prejudices.)   Lots of one-step removed from power Republicans are gay and even pro-gay rights.

[komnaes]

Authentic being the operative word. Many people aren't.

Hard to live up to the gold standard..

[thunter34]

Quentin Crisp 4evah!   


Yeah...I get absolutely confounded how often I hear gay people fawn over folks like Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and that whole lot.

Most of the time, they counter back that I'm acting like a cookie cutter gay...but I can't understand how they get past the fact that their heroes are constantly derisive of them and basically saying they have no standing in America.  Is it some sort of masochistic thing?

If I'm just a gay cookie, make me one tough one.

[Miss Philicia]

Must be a Georgia thing.

[Hellraiser]

If I remember correctly the last time we had a balanced budget AND a surplus was during the Clinton administration. Quickly squandered by the Bush administration.

I was actually a huge clinton supporter.  (Well Hillary anyway, I was a bit too young for Bill).  I guess we can cue the apocalypse because you and I just had an exchange where there was no ill will or verbal assault.  I also hated the first Bush term and thought there was absolutely no way he would get voted in a second time, boy was I wrong.

[drewm]

Here's a question, for those "one issue voters" (of which I am not): if Republicans suddenly embraced gay rights would you start to vote for them, meaning their policies?

It's always been my gut feeling that 50% of gays are only fake liberals by default on that one cock-sucking issue.

I am more conservative that at any point in my life. I loathe the far left and the far right equally. I wish there was another political party for those of us with common sense.

[Matty the Damned]

I am more conservative that at any point in my life. I loathe the far left and the far right equally. I wish there was another political party for those of us with common sense.

What about the Near Left? Are they ok?

MtD

[drewm]

What about the Near Left? Are they ok?

MtD

LOL MTD.

[Matty the Damned]

LOL MTD.

But in all seriousness, what do you consider to be the Far Left? Barney Frank? Bernie Sanders? Or does dear old Al Gore give you the irrits? Or is it something more traditional like the Red Army Faction?

I mean I think it's pretty clear what folks mean when they talk about the Far Right (Hello Mr Beck!) but I keep hearing people chuck around the term "Far Left" and am never quite sure who, or what, they mean.

MtD

[Assurbanipal]

There is a strain within the Republican Party that is very attractive -- it is after all the party of Lincoln, while the Democrats were the pro-slavery types.  And there are still some Northeastern and Western Republicans who say that they remain Republicans because it is the party of ideas, of markets that give individuals free choices instead of imposed statist requirements.

But the strain seems fainter every year.

getting back to the clip -- would the quote still stand without the word gay?  Seemed to me he might not like people generally

Assurbanipal

[drewm]

That's fair. I consider the ilk of Keith Olbermann as the far, far left. Glenn Beck and Hannity of the far, far right.

[Matty the Damned]

That's fair. I consider the ilk of Keith Olbermann as the far, far left. Glenn Beck and Hannity of the far, far right.

Oy. I sit way to the left of Olbermann (I'm a democratic socialist) and I consider myself fairly mainstream Left. o.O

If we ever met In Real Life, you'd probably have a stroke as soon as you shook mah hand.

MtD

[Assurbanipal]

That's fair. I consider the ilk of Keith Olbermann as the far, far left. Glenn Beck and Hannity of the far, far right.

Are you reacting to their political views or their displays of petty ego?  All the people you list are really quite pretentious types. 

How would you class Rachel Maddow or Paul Ryan? (Same or more extreme politics, but don't come across as jerks the way the first three do)

[tednlou2]

There is a strain within the Republican Party that is very attractive -- it is after all the party of Lincoln, while the Democrats were the pro-slavery types.  And there are still some Northeastern and Western Republicans who say that they remain Republicans because it is the party of ideas, of markets that give individuals free choices instead of imposed statist requirements.

But the strain seems fainter every year.

getting back to the clip -- would the quote still stand without the word gay?  Seemed to me he might not like people generally

Assurbanipal

Lincoln would not recognize the party he started.  He and Jesus would be big 'ol flaming liberals..lol.  Southern Dems back in the day don't represent the dems today.  All those Dems in the south changed to republicans after Johnson signed something into law.  What was it again? 

I read an interesting article in response to something that MSNBC's political director, Mark Murray had to say about the country leans right.  Mark Murray is that cute guy on MSNBC who looks like a squirrel with nuts in his mouth.  I just want to cuddle him.  Some of my friends claim he is gay, but I digress... 

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8794489

[Dachshund]

I am more conservative that at any point in my life. I loathe the far left and the far right equally. I wish there was another political party for those of us with common sense.

The idea of a far left is nonsensical. Without mentioning a talking head, give me the political leaders and the policies of this far left you loathe.

[mecch]

I suspect that a political party only changes from within, from its own members.  One hopes that when enough Medhan McCain generation types get more power they'll swing the image more to center and the policy less to hypocrital bait and switch. 

"I am concerned about the environment. I love to wear black. I think government is best when it stays out of people's lives and business as much as possible. I love punk rock. I believe in a strong national defense. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient and accountable. I have lots of gay friends. And, yes, I am a Republican."

The point is that we are complicated and live contradictions but it is possible to have some political and moral integrity, while not denying our compromised "positions" and "discourse".  I think that is the basic challenge of the Republican party - all Public Relations and no integrity.  It seems to us on the left that it really is, deep down, all about immediate returns to big business, the rich, establishment power, and the Koch brothers.  And yet through smoke and mirrors it attracts members who would seem to make strange bedfellows with the group running the show. 

One enraging thing about the Republican Party is that indeed it seems to be screwing over a good deal of its own members, and they dont even seem to know it, or they do and rationalize it away.  Just the right environment for self deluded gays like the one in the video.  Wish everyone would wake up and be a bit more honest.

[Miss Philicia]

There is a strain within the Republican Party that is very attractive -- it is after all the party of Lincoln, while the Democrats were the pro-slavery types. 

I understand what you're saying, but it's non-sensical in the context of today's politics.  Republicans began as a progressive party -- "far left" even, especially during Reconstruction with the "Radical Reppublican" wing.

Both parties, pre-Civil Rights era, had liberal factions.  Everything changed after that.  Have you read "Nixon Land"?  Great book.

[Assurbanipal]

I understand what you're saying, but it's non-sensical in the context of today's politics.  Republicans began as a progressive party -- "far left" even, especially during Reconstruction with the "Radical Reppublican" wing.

Both parties, pre-Civil Rights era, had liberal factions.  Everything changed after that.  Have you read "Nixon Land"?  Great book.

I was basing it on relatively recent conversations and observations (the (19)90's). I think it is still an evolution that many Republicans face as they move from being local office holders into larger political spaces.

 A former co-worker of mine became a rather senior player in Republican politics and it was interesting and a bit disturbing to watch his views evolve as he had to face the very right wing voters in the primaries.  Prior to that point we had some rather long conversations and he clearly felt linked to a tradition that included Lincoln, "the party of ideas", Olympia Snowe...

and yet he had to accomodate the ideas of the very socially conservative right wing in a manner that was a bit foreign to him before he could win his primaries.


(I read the NYTimes Book Review of Nixon Land, but din't quite get around to the book so maybe I'm parroting some dimly remembered points...)

Oh, and a disclaimer -- I'm a progressive Democrat now, but I have not always been one either.  As I aged I moved gradually to the right ...stopped voting socialist by the late 80's.  So my views are defintely from the outside looking in.

[Miss Philicia]

The idea of a far left is nonsensical. Without mentioning a talking head, give me the political leaders and the policies of this far left you loathe.

I hope we don't have a cock sucker buying into the "San Francisco Values" meme and Nancy Pelosi, as it's just GOP dog whistling for hatin' on teh homos.  But hey, those boys down in Texas buy into all of that crap from the time they emerge from the womb.

[aztecan]

Here is the party of the future.

http://www.dsausa.org/dsa.html

[thunter34]

One enraging thing about the Republican Party is that indeed it seems to be screwing over a good deal of its own members, and they dont even seem to know it, or they do and rationalize it away.  Just the right environment for self deluded gays like the one in the video.  Wish everyone would wake up and be a bit more honest.

Seriously.  I mean....even going beyond the fact that they have a queer son standing right in front of them, I've been absolutely baffled watching my parents march lockstep with Republicans, apparently in complete agreement about their business and taxation policies all while grandually losing nearly everything they own - and shrieking about nationalized healthcare as they run around frantically trying to still find and afford healthcares for themselves.

I just do not understand.

[thunter34]

Seriously.  I mean....even going beyond the fact that they have a queer son standing right in front of them, I've been absolutely baffled watching my parents march lockstep with Republicans, apparently in complete agreement about their business and taxation policies all while grandually losing nearly everything they own - and shrieking about nationalized healthcare as they run around frantically trying to still find and afford healthcares for themselves.

I just do not understand.

Oh yeah...not to mention again, their queer kid with the AIDS.  (which I guess I just did)

[CaptCarl]

   This Hissey person makes me want to vomit. To be clueless as to spew that sorta shit is an amazing display of denial. I myself can get quickly annoyed with the gayboys who seem to think that in order to be gay, it is imperative to live up (down?) to the stereotype of the lisping, mincing, nelly hairdresser personae that so much of the right believes us all to be. I have a number of conservatively minded friends who no longer hate teh gays since getting to know me, and mostly they put it down to the fact that I'm just an average guy. Need help doing the brakes on your car? Sure, I'll be there with my toolbox. That guy who's with me? That's my partner, is there a problem? I have found if you act like it isn't any big deal to be gay, most people around you will respond in a similar manner. But if you insist on acting like a screaming queen, you'll turn a lot of people off. Sure there are those who will never come around, and I don't waste my time with them, but I have found that most people who don't like gays have never actually known one. So when the time comes that they are finally confronted with a Gen-Yoo- Wine Hommasexshul, that introduction can influence their future thoughts, feelings, and ultimately, votes.

   As far as politics goes, I likely will never vote a straight (no pun intended) ticket. Neither party has all the answers. There needs to be a willingness to truly listen to the other sides point of view, as well as a willingness to accept the possibility that your belief might not be the best solution to a given situation, The biggest problem in America is that few people are able to admit that they are wrong, resorting instead to trying to shout down the oppsition until they just give in. Just look at any major debate, Abortion, Gun Control, the Death Penalty, etc. It gets to a point that people lose sight of the issue at hand, instead only caring about being "right" All they want to hear from you is "My God! You're right! I was such an asshole all this time to disagree with you!" This is a shitty way to set policy, and both sides, Right and left are just as guilty of doing it. This type of mentality is exactly how we got dragged into the whole stupid fucking Iraq mess.

  Do your best to see where words are being used to manipulate your thinking on a subject in order to get yur vote, and beware the five second sound-bite. Always check the facts, even the ones that back up your beliefs. And don't forget to take the time to look for subtle hypocrisy, it is everywhere. From the conservative politician who votes Pro-Life, while simultaneously voting to go to war, to the environmentally freindly candidate who uses a chartered jet to travel all around the country, and owns a 10,000 square foot home that consumes more energy than some third-world countries.

   Remember too, to check your own life as well. We all have room for improvement. Ghandi once said something about becoming the change you wish to see inthe world. It is good to keep this in mind.

Peace,
CaptCarl

[pozniceguy]

the whole issue of "Left vs Right"  can be sorted by  the standard of   "walk the talk"   check the voting record of the persons you are trying to categorize...if you are trying to do that...  doesn't matter whether local or national at some point they have to commit to support / not support issues  in front of them..     it can become pretty clear quickly where some one stands and why on any particular issue...  that's the way to challenge them when they spout support   and vote in the opposite way.   whatever issue is really important to you vote for the ones that will actually support that when the time comes.   both with policy and money issues (  sometimes hard to separate those) there will be votes to be counted....  and records are kept  of who voted for/against or abstained...

personally I try not to be too attracted to the "emotional" issues  tend to gravitate to the "real issue"....   Taxes, Health care, redistricting,foreign policy  and education  to name the primary ones....immigration policy  and energy policy also but second to the others
since they will be largely driven by them

Nick

[drewm]

I have heard things come out of both Olbermann's and Beck's pie-holes that have made me want to vomit. You can take ideology from both sides and come to common ground conclusions that should suit everyone or further the goal of making us a better civilization.

I guess my loathing is more for egotistical reasons than it is the views they espouse. This is my opinion, whether anyone else agrees or disagrees is their own, individual ideological decision. There are loonies on the extreme left and loonies on the extreme right. Period. I am not going to be baited into naming names to create an even greater divide, however, I do agree with some of the analysis on here from others.

Lincoln would likely not recognize the GOP as it is today. CaptCarl said: There needs to be a willingness to truly listen to the other sides point of view, as well as a willingness to accept the possibility that your belief might not be the best solution to a given situation, The biggest problem in America is that few people are able to admit that they are wrong, resorting instead to trying to shout down the oppsition until they just give in. I agree.

Our system was based on the idea that out of debate, heated and serious, would come a better form of governance for all of us. Listening seems to be key to making better informed decisions and the so-called commentators like Olbermann and Beck are only listening to themselves and the narrow prism they view the world through.

[Matty the Damned]

I have heard things come out of both Olbermann's and Beck's pie-holes that have made me want to vomit. You can take ideology from both sides and come to common ground conclusions that should suit everyone or further the goal of making us a better civilization.

OK, but what sort of things have they said that make you want to have a technicolour yawn? Moreover what might some of these "common ground conclusions" be? I, for one, am very keen to know what you lot in the Extreme Centre think should be done to fix our crazy little planet.

I guess my loathing is more for egotistical reasons than it is the views they espouse. This is my opinion, whether anyone else agrees or disagrees is their own, individual ideological decision. There are loonies on the extreme left and loonies on the extreme right. Period. I am not going to be baited into naming names to create an even greater divide, however, I do agree with some of the analysis on here from others.

Indulge yerself! Name and shame, honey! I'll help you to start out:

"Ann Coulter is a complete ****"

You fill in the blanks for us.

MtD

[denb45]

OK, but what sort of things have they said that make you want to have a technicolour yawn? Moreover what might some of these "common ground conclusions" be? I, for one, am very keen to know what you lot in the Extreme Centre think should be done to fix our crazy little planet.

Indulge yerself! Name and shame, honey! I'll help you to start out:

"Ann Coulter is a complete ****"  

You fill in the blanks for us.

MtD

"Ann Coulter is a complete ****"miss-guided FAG-HAG who's lost her way   and shes only that way cuz it puts $$$$ into her Bank Account..but no one in here , that I know of, has EVER agreed w/ her antics, me included  

[drewm]

Ann Coulter is an egotistical bitch.

[drewm]

Basically if government would get out of my pants and bedroom, let the church be the church and stop trying to buy it's way out of this economic downturn, I would be satisfied. The expansion of the free markets and not sending our manufacturing base overseas would be nice while letting anyone who wants to get married to marry whomever they wish.

[Assurbanipal]

Basically if government would ...stop trying to buy it's way out of this economic downturn,

This is an interesting idea.  Let's explore it a little (if Miss P doesn't mind yet another additional hijack)

You seem to be suggesting that government should NOT expand during an economic downturn.  Well, OK then that implies that government should instead expand when the economy is on the upswing and contract when there is a downturn?

But that is not a very effective use of your tax dollars.  When the economy is expanding there is a lot of competition for resources.  If government expands then, it will have to pay higher prices to get the same amount of stuff done.  Whereas if government expands during a recession it can get a lot of things accomplished with cheap labor AND put people to work.  Just like we built all those courthouses and post offices with cheap labor during the 30's.  And it is a better deal on average for taxpayers, because their government is using more labor and resources when they are cheap and fewer labor and resources when they are expensive. 
 
Assuming you are going to be a taxpayer for a long time doesn't it make sense that your government should get more done when resources are cheap and spend less when they are expensive?

[thunter34]

O Captain, my Captain....

I fear if I use subtle hypocrisy as a yardstick, I may not find ANYONE to vote for...or even feel qualified to vote myself.



(And harpy....Ann Coulter is a complete harpy.)

[denb45]

O Captain, my Captain....

I fear if I use subtle hypocrisy as a yardstick, I may not find ANYONE to vote for...or even feel qualified to vote myself.



(And harpy....Ann Coulter is a complete harpy.)

Harpy ....... Ann Coulter is Medussa, one look and she'll turn you to STONE 

[Matty the Damned]

Basically if government would get out of my pants and bedroom, let the church be the church and stop trying to buy it's way out of this economic downturn, I would be satisfied. The expansion of the free markets and not sending our manufacturing base overseas would be nice while letting anyone who wants to get married to marry whomever they wish.

So you want to expand free markets but prevent the US manufacturing sector diminishing because it can't compete with cheaper markets in other parts of the world?

No disrespect darl, but I don't think you can have both those things.

MtD
(Who is no free marketeer)

[CaptCarl]

O Captain, my Captain....

I fear if I use subtle hypocrisy as a yardstick, I may not find ANYONE to vote for...or even feel qualified to vote myself.

Unfortunately, this is very true. It can lead to despair if you think too hard on it, but I guess that you have to find the hypocrisy that does the least amount of damage and hope for the best. And hoping for the best as it relates to politics, is a pretty pointless endeavor.

(And harpy....Ann Coulter is a complete harpy.)

   I find this statement a complete insult to hard-working Harpies everywhere. Due to her, ummm, unique(?) personae, I feel we need to invent a word, or term that specifically applies to her. I would like to nominate Matty for this task, as he is easily the most derogatorily eloquent person who I know

CaptCarl

[drewm]

I can want. I am under no delusions it would ever happen...
 

[tednlou2]

Seriously.  I mean....even going beyond the fact that they have a queer son standing right in front of them, I've been absolutely baffled watching my parents march lockstep with Republicans, apparently in complete agreement about their business and taxation policies all while grandually losing nearly everything they own - and shrieking about nationalized healthcare as they run around frantically trying to still find and afford healthcares for themselves.

I just do not understand.

My partner's family are all Republicans--except for his mother.  His mother use to be all secretive about her politics.  We had no idea whether she was a dem or repub, until recently.  After Bush screwed things up so bad, she began to vocalize her opinions.  My partner and I just can't figure the rest out.  His father was very big on investments, so they would have plenty of money to maintain their lifestyle and so he could retire early.  He was suppose to retire about 6 years ago, but he couldn't because he had lost half of his investment wealth.  So, he continued working never blaming Bush policies.  When we'd ask him about all the gains he saw under Clinton, he would say it was the republican congress responsible for that.  On other issues, they aren't religious except for the bitch sister-in-law I've talked about before.  When Clinton was president, they were against intervention in other countries.  When Bush was prez, they were all for going into Iraq.  They will complain about food stamps, but not a peep about the over $1 Trillion spent in Iraq thus far.  Clinton should have been impeached, but Reagan selling arms to Iran to fund the Contras was a good thing--even though that really was an impeachable and illegal act.  It is hard to comprehend that kind of thinking.  Well, I guess if you only listen to FOX News and Rush, you get a certain point of view and your own facts.   

That bitch sister-in-law was just saying how her health insurance went up $55 a week.  She said she was now paying around $10k a year for a family plan.  I explained to her that I believe the national average for a family plan is somewhere around $13,000/year (the employees share) and how rates have gone up something like 140% since 1999 while inflation had only increased around 28%.  That was all from memory and I'm sure not exact figures.  I believe I'm in the ballpark.  But, she blamed "ObamaCare".  I said health reform is what we need to make healthcare more affordable.  She still insisted she was paying more to give healthcare to others.  Finally I gave up and I told her the Baby Jesus would appreciate her helping out sick folks more than all those hollow shout-outs to God she likes to give.  She didn't appreciate it. 

[komnaes]

.. free markets ..

Isn't the whole concept of "free" "market" just like "virgin" "birth"?

Shaun (who is NOT a fan of Hayek)

[mecch]

Let's get back to hating on self-hating fags.  If there's anything left to say, that is.
....
Nothing left to say? Ok this just in on deluded Republicans.  

"Colin Powell's Former Chief Of Staff Lawrence Wilkerson Claims Powell Was 'Manipulated' Into Making Case For Iraq War (VIDEO)"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/17/colin-powell-lawrence-wilkerson-iraq-manipulated_n_824884.html

"Uygur: Do you think the Vice President's office manipulated you and Secretary Powell into giving a speech?
Wilkerson: Absolutely. Absolutely."

Well duh, Chief of Staff.  We all watched that speech at the UN and democrats all saw it was a crock of shit.  And you knew it was flimsy and embarrassing. And yet you still made the speech. Point your finger at yourself.  

I believe Clinton voted for the war out of sheer cynicism. (In preparation for the Presidential run).  

Which seems to tie in with those in this thread observing their Republican relatives' delusional beliefs.

Senators who voted no:

* Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii)
* Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico)
* Barbara Boxer (D-California)
* Robert Byrd (D-West Virginia)
* Lincoln Chaffee (R-Rhode Island)
* Kent Conrad (D-North Dakota)
* Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey)
* Mark Dayton (D-Minnesota)
* Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)
* Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin)
* Bob Graham (D-Florida)
* Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii)
* Jim Jeffords (I-Vermont)
* Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts)
* Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont)
* Carl Levin (D-Michigan)
* Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland)
* Patty Murray (D-Washington)
* Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island)
* Paul Sarbanes (D-Maryland)
* Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan)
* The late Paul Wellstone (D-Minnesota)
* Ron Wyden (D-Oregon)

[thunter34]

 I find this statement a complete insult to hard-working Harpies everywhere. Due to her, ummm, unique(?) personae, I feel we need to invent a word, or term that specifically applies to her. I would like to nominate Matty for this task, as he is easily the most derogatorily eloquent person who I know

Agreed.  I also quite like the idea of using her name as the meaning of something rather horrid....like we did with Santorum (which can be a bitch to clean out from under the nails).

[thunter34]

It really despairs me how often it seems people are willing to sacrifice the lives of others out of something like mere cynicism or personal gain.

[Miss Philicia]

Agreed.  I also quite like the idea of using her name as the meaning of something rather horrid....like we did with Santorum (which can be a bitch to clean out from under the nails).

You might enjoy this:

http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/08/rick-santorum-google-problem-dan-savage

[thunter34]

You might enjoy this:

http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/08/rick-santorum-google-problem-dan-savage

Freakin' FANTASTIC.  I enjoyed that very much.

[Hellraiser]

You might enjoy this:

http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/08/rick-santorum-google-problem-dan-savage

That makes me so incredibly happy.

[CaptCarl]

You might enjoy this:

http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/08/rick-santorum-google-problem-dan-savage

BWA-HAAAAHHAAAAHHAAA!!!!! Poor lil' Ricky. I laughed so hard I blew boogers (which, ironically, resemble Santorum) all over my keyboard...

CaptCarl

[drewm]

ROFLMFAO

[Matty the Damned]

You people make Rick's daughter cry.

MtD

[Joe K]

You people make Rick's daughter cry.

MtD

As if! Her parents made her cry by dressing her in that awful outfit.

[mecch]

He looks like a tool and what a douchey family.

[Cliff]

The doll has the same dress too?  Wow.    Great one Matty.

[CaptCarl]

You people make Rick's daughter cry.

MtD

Matty-
   As much as I love you , I feel it is unfair to blame us for the misery this entire family seems to be suffering. We eagerly await your humble apology...

   The younger daughter, is clearly upset at being dressed in a hideous plaid costume so that she matches her Mrs. Beasley doll. Mommy apparently took Olympia Dukakis a bit too seriously when she said, "The thing that seperates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize" in Steel Magnolias.

   The son on the right just farted. Not too bad in and of itself, but it was a wee bit on the wet side, and now there's some Santorum running down his leg. A leftover, no doubt, from the previous night's hijinks at the Kristian Kids Kamp he was attending.

   The elder daughter knows that the Maid found her illicit stash of Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls CDs hidden away in an old Birkenstock box in her closet. How can this be explained? She knows she's busted. Big Time.

   Mom clearly is thinking about getting laid. (Though not by Ricky) The wistful downturn of her mouth speaks volumes. Something to do with the butler, the stableboy, a pair of handcuffs, and several yards of Saran-Wrap.

  The son mostly hidden by Daddy's shoulder? Well it's hard to get a read on him, but I would wager it has something to do with cursing the gene pool that has doomed him to spend his life with real hair that resembles a bad toupee.

   Dad, as usual, is completely oblivious to the chaos around him. Instead, he is already picking out which of his wife's many strap-ons they'll break out when he wins the election and the Lincoln Bedroom becomes their (Christian Coalition approved) Bower of Connubial Bliss

  This, at least, is my interpretation.

CaptCarl