Re: Election 2008

Wolfen,

I was going to let this entire issue go, but I kept thinking as I played Lego Batman...do I want a friend (ie. surrogate, if we're talking politics) speaking for me? And shouldn't I be speaking for myself? So I will try to explain in the easiest possible terms for everyone. I apologize ahead of time for the derailment and feel free to skip this if you wish.

Being gay is not the only thing which influences my politics. Sure, when a politician mentions same sex marriage or adoption or any other hot button (wedge) issue, my ears perk up no matter what they say. I'd be an idiot not to take an interest. But beyond being a gay man, I am an American citizen. A white male. A brother, son, boyfriend, friend, confidante, colleague and a host of other things. So when I hear or see someone put me into a box based on one thing without knowing the first thing ABOUT me, I can't help but take offense.

You see, being gay is not different than being straight or bisexual or asexual. Regardless of what you or others may think, I don't live a "lifestyle." I live my life. I go to work, I cook, I clean. I go out with friends, I pay taxes, I enjoy my movies. I go on vacation, I read, I write, I enjoy my football and baseball and basketball, I go to the gym every morning...you get the point. The only difference between you and me is that I crawl into bed next to my boyfriend of four monogamous years. I assume you sleep next to your wife or girlfriend.

We do not sleep around, go to bars, do drugs and hardly drink. I am extremely lucky if my eyes are still open at 11 pm on any given night of the week. So to say we will never agree because I hold a certain set of beliefs while you hold a different set is absurd. We both want the same things, I assume. A good economy, good jobs, happy lives with the people we love and all that other jazz.

But I can not and will not support policies or politicians who, in my viewpoint, discriminate against me or jeopardize the things I want in my life. I realize Clinton-a Democrat-signed both the Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell into law. And I also realize not all Democrats are great while all Republicans are evil. To that end, two people can be friendly to one another even if they do not agree on all the issues. I have friends from around the world with a dozen different backgrounds, genders, viewpoints and sexualities. We get along because we respect one another as human beings. Human beings who deserve the same rights and privileges regardless of factors.

Wolfen, I don't talk about this here very often (if at all) because it has nothing to do with anything most of the time. I have not talked to my parents in about three years now because I had the nerve to introduce my boyfriend to my grandmother. They objected to that strenuously and would like to have a relationship with me, but not Jim (the boyfriend). I find to be discriminatory and won't stand for being discriminated against. By anyone.

I have seen friends of mine be harassed because they are gay. I've been on the receiving end of said harassment when I was doing nothing more than listening to my iPod, walking outside my house after work. I have even been dangerously close-twice-to committing suicide because I was gay. Because I could never be what my parents wanted me to be. I'd venture to say you've never been in that position because you're straight.

I know how I felt the morning I heard about Matthew Shepard being strung up and left to die. I felt vulnerable and exposed and disgusted. Do you think he or other LGBT people would die needless deaths if our political leaders took a stand for basic human rights around the world? Do you think we'd have a culture that is okay with mocking MY community if there weren't two different sets of laws: one for heterosexuals and one for homosexuals?

So I'm sorry if my being a gay white male in this country offends you or means there is no way we'll reach a common ground. I'm similarly sorry if standing up for the things I believe in-like true patriotism, not a flag lapel pin in place of patriotism-ticks you off. I do not believe the invasion of Iraq was warranted or legal. I do not believe using ME as a wedge issue to bring out conservative voters in past years was the right thing to do. I do not believe insisting I will bring about the downfall of western civilization is anything but terror tactics. I do not believe for a minute John McCain and Sarah Palin are the people to lead this country in any way, shape or form. I do not necessarily believe Barack Obama is the panacea to all our problems. But I do believe in his message of change.

I can not and will not support a man (McCain) who supports amending the Constitution of the states to write discrimination into it. I can not and will not support a man (Bush) who wanted to cofidy a marriage is between a man and a woman. I can not and will not support a party who gladly takes endorsements with one hand and then bitch slaps that same group with the other. You want me to entertain the thought of supporting a Republican? Global warming, alternative energy, balancing the budget, getting the hell out of Iraq, repealing DADT and DOMA...that's all a start.

Want more? Use that $700 billion loan to Wall Street as a great economic stimulus package for Americans. With roughly 200 million taxpaying Americans, each person would get roughly $35,000. Take out 20% taxes and you get $28,000. If every person even spent HALF their check, do you have any idea how much money would go back into the economy? People could pay off their cars or make a sizeable dent in their mortgages. They could buy brand new cars or go on vacation or put money away in IRA's and 401(k)s and savings accounts. They could afford the price of gas and pay for their children's college and health care. All without worrying about paying for groceries tomorrow.

No. McCain wants less regulation over Wall Street. You are kidding, right? This is what got us in trouble in the first place...and he wants to continue it? (Mind you, I am not saying the Democrats are necessarily any better on this bailout disaster...)

Wolfen, regardless of what you may think, being gay is not the be all and end all of my life. My life is simply my life. It's not a gay life or a gay lifestyle. It's a life. Just as yours isn't a straight lifestyle.

As far as I'm concerned, this part of the conversation is over. If anyone wants to get a hold of me about it, feel free to e-mail or message me. Otherwise, back to our regularly scheduled conversation...like tonight's debate.

Jason

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[Post edited by JJ79 on Sep 26, 2008 - CDT 7:22 PM]

FOUR MIN. 2 GO UNTIL LIFTOFF! BOOOOOOOOOOYA!!!!!!)"~

From the debate so far, I'd say it's safe to assume that either of these guys has twice the IQ of President Bush.

REMOVED.

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[Post edited by bladerunner1 on Sep 27, 2008 - CDT 5:47 PM]

"What we need is another war!"
- from Peter Jackson's "Dead-Alive"... aka Brain Dead.


Sorry, as a Canadian I'm not going to comment on what I believe are the best solutions to America's problems. I've had enough flak this week. I just wish the Liberal party could find a replacement for Dion before the upcoming election. It sucks when you have no one to vote for.

Sky,

Welcome back. I'd thought we lost you.

John

It would be great to rewatch the debate with a pop up video style subtitle track featuring the actual facts. McCain didn't side with veterans and veterans affairs he most recently voted against them (the 21st Century GI Bill veterans associations are against him).

There was also no mention as far as I heard-I got caught on the phone for the second half-that the current Department of Energy says domestic oil drilling would do nothing until 2030...and only drop the price of gas pennies if that.

To me, they both took a little while to get their debate feet. Neither was a terribly great speaker early on, though both got better as time went by. A lot of McCain's jokes seemed forced (the pen, for instance). Are we electing a comedian or a president? Obama didn't come out with the fervor he has at rallies and such, which is something I was hoping he'd bring. I wanted him to throw the ball back at McCain every time "he doesn't understand" got thrown out.

(BTW, Henry Kissinger DID confirm to Katie Couric he supported talks with Ahmadinejad, or another high ranking official, without preconditions. Which is exactly what McCain said he did NOT support.)

McCain also came off as being mean at times. Obama "doesn't understand" yet Obama also said he agrees with McCain. Seriously, it can't be both ways. Does this really change anything to me? Nope. It does reaffirm, to me, McCain isn't all there (why continually remind everyone of your age?) and Obama presents himself like a president.

Jason, waiting for Thursday

the debate sucked. we are doomed.

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[Post edited by bladerunner1 on Sep 27, 2008 - CDT 5:50 PM]

While I didn't think he hit a "home run", I believe McCain clearly got to Obama a number of times, with the young Dem visibly on edge whenever he got rebutted (although he gave some good comebacks to McCain a few times). While McCain's behaviour was mainly 'cool' and composed, Obama was willing to interrupt McCain many times, whereas McCain instead usually waiting until Obama finished his speech before responding back. I missed the last 10 minutes or so, due to a phone call, so will need to catch the replay.

They both handled themselves well on -their- sides of the issues, so then it's up to each voter to determine which would serve them and the country best. I still feel that McCain (unlike Obama or Bush), as President would control spending and budgets better. And he definitely is more qualified on international foreign policy (in my opinion).

-JOE- (Love Hendrix!)

removed.

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[Post edited by bladerunner1 on Sep 27, 2008 - CDT 5:24 PM]