Got my first nasty/hate email

[lupita]

I just got elected chair of the Democratic County last December, and I found a nasty email in my inbox.

Here are some excerts of this little jewel:

"I did NOT vote for Kerry based on the Democratic Party platform supporting gay marriage. I will not support the 2008 presidential candidate nor the party if they continue to insist on supporting the gay agenda

I will not support any Democratic candidates, in any election, as long as gay marriage is part of the platform.

The Democratic Party was the representative of the workers. They stood between business owners and wage earners. They fought hard for fair wages, benefits, worker rights, overtime, unions and families.

What the hell happened?

Now all we hear from the Democratic Party is gay sex, gay marriage, gay rights, abortion. All of these issues are immoral. Little wonder you lost the damn presidency and Congressional seats. Wake and stop allowing the ultra liberal gays from killing the party off completely.

It is time to swing the party back to real family values. You either will and regain power or you will lose more seats. It is up to you.

Remember, conservative, religious, moral Democrats are your foundation but they are jumping off your sinking ship. The quagmire of disgusting filth is more than party loyalists can bear.

You stop this gay agenda right now. No civil unions either. Living Trusts will take care of all unmarried legalities. Gay unions are all about wanting to make their perverted sex appear normal. It is not. Slowly they want to move into the mainstream and appear normal. Next someone will demand to marry their sister or dog. You won't be able to stop them if you set a precedence.

I am so angry you can't even imagine what level of rage I feel. I hope it is coming through..."
-----------------------------------------------------------

I would like to respond in a professional way. Any suggestions?

Lupita

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. The GOP brought up the "wedge Issue" of marriage rights

but the DNC is a party of civil rights, and that includes marriage. The DNC is also open to multiple faiths and the choice of not having faith at all.

This person sounds like a Repub trying to make you rework your platform, but I could be wrong. There are anti-gay marriage Dems out there.

Good luck on framing your reply!

*hugs*

----------------------------------------------------------
Save our country one town, county, and state at a time!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm#why

[really-looney]

34. Massachusetts Supreme Court and SF Mayor

Helped greatly to bring the issue to the forefront

[renaissanceguy]

41. That's an excuse.

This has been an issue the past decade. The push to use courts and the mayor's actions were to protect a class of citizens from fundamentalist bullies.
http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues.16472020

[Lexingtonian]

48. yep, blame the messengers

I guess you didn't get the memo on how the Supreme Court of Hawai'i ducked out the matter over the course of five years of litigation- check out the Baer v Mi'ike lawsuit story, 1991-96 - and then things got slightly better in Vermont. The Massachusetts legislature then fumbled around with it for two years, not wanting to go either way, but the state turned out to have a Supreme Court that had the courage to speak the obvious.

Btw, ever hear the old adage 'Justice delayed is justice denied'?

[asjr]

2. I don't know if you could reply. It is so hard to try to wipe away

hate. This person must be eaten alive with hate.

[mcscajun]

6. I don't know that you should reply.

It's not like anything you say is going to sway this person. They may not even be what they claim. And if I had to respond to this, it would take me a while, 'cause first I'd have to screw my head back on after it spun itself off reading this diatribe. Where do you begin with something like this?

[flygal]

38. I agree with asjr

I think in your postion you'll see a lot of that. If you address the hate with any reasonable answer they'll just keep hating you back until they hear what they want - which is more hate.

[renaissanceguy]

42. Simply ask the person how gay marriage affects him or her

personally. How does a lesbian couple in the next town affect that person's relationships? Does it take away their marital rights? Does it change how they conduct their own relationships?

Challenge the person to get to know a gay or lesbian person...even better, a gay couple. I'm willing to bet the couple is human and not related by blood.

http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues.16472020

[Name removed]

52. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[skypilot]

58. The lifestlye.

Let me start by just saying::eyes: Let me ask you, what exactly is "the lifestyle"? It's really funny because that is the term that straight swingers use to describe their scene--the lifestyle.

[greyfox]

62. I don;t think we can say such filth

on the forums here without getting kicked off... but let's just say DATING and "sleeping" with same sex... the style of life... and yes, there is a "straight" style as well I assume... being normal.

[skypilot]

68. I said straight SWINGERS.

And simply dating and sleeping with someone--of whatever gender--does not constitute a "style of life"--unless you absolutely LIVE for sex. Frankly, greyfox, from the posts of yours that I've read--including the one that I am now responding to--I'd say that you are on the wrong message board. It's been nice talking to you.

[greyfox]

69. Nope...

I am on the right one. Have a nice day.

[skypilot]

70. Not for long.

*

[greyfox]

78. Why?

Because I have an opinion? That's what the Boards are about.

[skypilot]

83. No.

Because your "opinions" are SO obnoxiously contrary to everything this board is "about". It's fine to have your obnoxious "opinions". You are just expressing them on the wrong message board. I'm surprised that the moderators haven't caught up to you yet. But they will.

[greyfox]

84. Then I am to assume

that everyone here on these Boards are anti-Christian, etc? The board bosses have beebn very nice and I have had NO problem with them in all the time I have been here. What forum would YOU suggest? I voiced an opinion just as you and others did.

[skypilot]

85. Don't change the subject.

I am talking about you offensive "opinions" about gays. If the board bosses have been very nice to you then all I can do is repeat that I'm suprised they haven't caught up with you yet. As to what forum I would suggest, with your offensive "opinions" about gays and their "lifestyle" or "style of life" I would suggest the obvious, FreeRepublic.com.

[greyfox]

86. Oh I see....

all Democrats must embrace the gay lifestyle. Hmmm... I have serious doubts about that.

[skypilot]

88. You don't have to embrace a damned thing...

...but if you are going to come here and refer to the gay "lifestyle" as "such filth" as you did in one of your earlier posts then you are on the wrong board and I certainly don't have to "embrace" your opinion and if the moderators are being nice to you then you must have slipped under their radar somehow.

[greyfox]

89. What evahhhhhhhhh

make nice.

[skypilot]

90. Make nice???

With someone who thinks that I have a "lifestyle" that can be described as "such filth"??? Yeah, right. Make nice, indeed.

[Name removed]

91. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[skypilot]

93. Then don't think so much about it.

That's what the Republicans do. Worry about other people's sex lives.

[Pushed To The Left]

103. "Anti-Christian"?

I'm seeing this term used by the right-wing a lot these days to describe anybody who doesn't agree with the religious right. Am I anti-Christian? No. Am I opposed to the politics of the religious right? Hell yes!!

Don't let yourself be brainwashed by the cheap labor conservatives. They don't give a damn about Christianity. They worship the almighty dollar. They manipulate religious people with wedge issues like abortion and gay marriage so they will be distracted and won't notice that their rights are being taken away in the name of corporate profits.

[FredScuttle]

71. Go on.....you know you want to say it

C'mon. You're just itching to say the word "felching" whilst rubbing your thigh.

[RetroLounge]

61. Bullshit. It is Hate plain and simple

Hiding behind some faux-Christianity as an excuse for hatred is bullshit and certainly not Christian either.

RL

[greyfox]

63. Nope.

It's not.

[comsymp]

72. Where did you get the mistaken impression that

" if they are Christians for instance, there is no other stance than ot speak out against the <gay> lifestyle"-

That statement flies in the face of nearly all of Christ's teachings.

[greyfox]

73. Really?

"men working with men that which is unseemly" -- etc... God abhors such... study awhile and come back... no one said hate the gay person... but the lifestyle...well... sorry, but that's what happens with sin...we all sin... so we all fall into that category -- but this thead turned to this subject sooooo....

[comsymp]

74. Sorry, wrong answer

Maybe you should do a little studying.

Christ - you remember him: Jeshua ben Joseph, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of Kings/Son of Man, etc - didn't say any of that. He did, however, say "Judge not lest ye be judged," among other things.

Now, if you're a Paulist, OTOH, that's fine. But please don't confuse Paulists with Christians- they have a bad enough rap right now.

[greyfox]

75. Oh brother...

do you need a study course.... wow...

Nuff said --- no sense in arguing. Have a great day..

;)

[comsymp]

79. Perhaps, then, you could recommend such a course?

I'd really like to "understand" how Christ is credited with the words of one of his followers, written decades after his death.


(word of advice from an oldtimer - take it or leave it, and this doesn't apply solely to your attempt to buttress your personal prejudice in this instance: if you're gonna offer opinion as fact, expect it to be challenged)

[greyfox]

81. Last word....

God inspired Paul -- remember God? That was the Father ... and HE said His word was inspired and he used men to write it down... now... just take some time off the Boards and get into a personal study... pray and allow Holy Spirit (remember Him?) to teach you... THAT will be the BEST course.

GOD bless.

[comsymp]

82. Sorry, but as your Holy Spirit teaches bigotry and hate, I'll stick with

mine, who tends to focus on things like stewardship, charity, love, peace and all those other nasty, left wing ideals that you and your friends despise. Judgmental sanctimoniousness, from what I've read, pisses him off.

But hey, chacun à son goût, baby. (another Jesus-ism)

And for the record, Paul wasn't all that keen on husband-wife nookie, either.

And bless you, too~

[gollygee]

76. Did you read the email?

Did that email not sound hateful to you? If not, why didn't it?

[oldcoot]

77. The person who wrote the original letter is clearly full of hate

She is willing to overlook the various disasters created by the Bush administration (including Iraq) and the Republicans because she is so angry that the Democrats would support gay and lesbian marriage. In other words, she cares less about her country than whether or not gays get married.

[DesEtoiles]

3. Send this info back:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=97401

[lupita]

8. Love it! n/t

[DesEtoiles]

17. And more Republican misdeeds here:

http://www.americaheldhostile.com/cheating.html

http://debate.uvm.edu/impeachment/fishbone.html

[RBHam]

4. Send him this link...

And then ask him whose "agenda" he follows?

The Pink Triangle: The Nazi War Against Homosexuals

Summary

Richard Plant's book The Pink Triangle: The Nazi War Against Homosexuals is a comprehensive work that details the maltreatment of homosexuals under the hands of the men in the Third Reich. The book explores the rise in power of the Nazi party and the increase in sexual prejudices that came with them, the early twentieth century rise of a vigorous homosexual emancipation movement, the virulent homophobia that underlay the Nazi desire to annihilate Germany’s homosexuals, and the evolution of official Nazi policy toward them, including the recurring strategies for the degradation, imprisonment, enslavement, and extermination. The main focus explores the Nazi's policy towards homosexuals and the tactics that were developed in order to remove them. The book also describes the horrors that were inflicted upon those gay men while imprisoned in concentration camps and while they were tortured by the hands of Himmler and his SS. This is revealed through diaries, documents never before translated, and interviews with and letters from survivors

http://www.history.ucsb.edu/faculty/marcuse/classes/33d/projects/homo/TaraPinkTriangleNaziWar.htm

[lupita]

11. Thank you very much! n/t

[Liberty Belle]

33. Yes, that, and also give him info about pro-worker, pro-family issues.

Kerry supported raising the minimum wage, for instance. And Dems want to fight to protect the family, too--promoting affordable healthcare, keeping jobs from being outsourced overseas, protecting overtime pay, guaranteeing a living wage for all workers, providing real education improvements (not leaving every child behind!), funding college grants for low and moderate income families, cleaning up our air and water, and protecting Social Security for our parents, our grandparents, ourselves, and our children.

Bush, of course, has weakened or tried to weaken every one of these things.

[Lex]

5. This is a prime example of the GOP talking points getting out

and the GOP framing the issues because they have the bullypulpit more than we do (they have FauxNews, Rush, Hannity, Boortz, and the whole echo chamber).

[DesEtoiles]

7. Send this link about lesbian sex book authored by LYNNE CHENEY

http://www.whitehouse.org/administration/sisters.asp

[DesEtoiles]

12. And this: GOP Donors Cash in on Smut

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15644-2004Dec21_3.html


GOP Corporate Donors Cash In on Smut



By Terry M. Neal
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 21, 2004; 6:24 AM

...
In fact, just as the Democratic and Republican elites both profit from creating and selling popular entertainment, red states and blue states don't differ much in their consumption of it.


In my recent Yahoo Political Players interview with Tucker Carlson, the conservative writer and CNN Crossfire co-host asserted that the red/blue divide is rooted in the dismay many Americans perceive in the vast social and cultural changes happening in the country and the fact that the masses of people in middle America blame a distant, coastal elite for fostering those changes.


"The people who run the Republican Party are elites just like any other elite, and they don't share the same cultural concerns as the center of the country," said Carlson. "They don't -- they're all pro-choice on abortion, they're all pro-gay rights, they're all thrice married, you know what I mean? And they summer in the Hamptons, too. And so they don't have anything in common, that's true, with evangelicals who make up the bulk of their party."


A LOT MORE -- DETAIL ABOUT HOW FOX MAKES MONEY BY SELLING SMUT

[DesEtoiles]

27. And this: Study shows abortion INCREASING bc of *'s policies

Study Finds Abortion Rising Under Bush, Linked to Economic Policies


WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ – An independent study by an ethics professor at Fuller Theological Seminary who is also trained in statistical analysis finds that, contrary to popular assumption, abortion has risen in the U.S. during George W. Bush's presidency and that the increase is linked to economic policy.


"Under President Bush, the decade-long trend of declining abortion rates appears to have reversed," said Glen Stassen, Lewis B. Smedes Professor of Christian Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary, a leading evangelical divinity school. Citing connections to rising unemployment and soaring healthcare costs, Stassen noted that "economic policy and abortion are not separate issues. They form one moral imperative."


"If we are to be truly pro-life, we must focus on real people and the conditions that lead women to seek abortions," said Wallis. "Jobs, healthcare, and a living income must be part of a pro-life agenda."

http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=sojomail.display&issue=041013#5

[lupita]

29. I had seen this one, but didn't have the link. Thank you!

[Pushed To The Left]

104. Kerry should have used that

in his campaign! We need to make sure to use that in 06 and 08!

[Mz Pip]

9. It wasn't

the Dems that made an issue of gay marriage. Bush was the one who jumped on the bandwagon against gay marriage, blathered on about the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman and called for a constitutional ammendment banning gay marriage.

Who are these ultra liberal gays he is talking about who are killing the Democratic Party? Can he name names? I doubt it.

The Democratic Party is still about fair wages and workers rights - issues that the Republicans eclipsed with their endless family values BS that did nothing but create a divisive mood, which judging from the comments was quite successful.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[renaissanceguy]

43. The Democratic Party is about equal opportunity.

The government should protect equal opportunity, not legislate morality. It's too bad if someone does not understand sexual orientation, race, or whatever. Just because one person has hangups about two consenting adults does not give them the right to bully a minority. http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues.16472020

[crispini]

10. Tell them to stop watching Faux.

Seriously, don't phrase it like that, but you may want to suggest that the Democratic party is not the all-gay all-the-time party that they seem to think, and I suspect that this person is imbibing this impression from the right wing media.

And I agree with the poster above that thinks that this is probably a freeper.

Ooo, you might also want to ask the writer some questions. What is their experience with the party? are they a PC or just a disgruntled ordinary person? where are they coming from with this? Try explaining how the party platform is written and invite them to become a precinct chair and be a delegate to the next platform committee or however you do it in your state.

Just some thoughts, HTH.

[Der Blaue Engel]

24. "you may want to suggest that the Democratic party is not the all-gay all-

the-time party that they seem to think"

No, please don't. We don't need to apologize for supporting equal protection under the law for all and not being the party of hate. This is the very sort of letter that a racist would have sent about the immoral mixing of the races or "sexually loose" people of color at the beginning of the civil rights movement.

It would have been wrong to try to "whiten up" the party then, and it is wrong to "straighten it up" now.

[crispini]

28. Sigh. I knew that would get misinterpreted.

I don't exactly know how to put it, but the letter in the OP was just soooooo focussed on the gay issue, as if the Dems are going to come out with a law tomorrow that will force everyone into gay marriages (remember that Onion piece?). It's laughable. Thus my suggestion re: Faux news, which is really where I bet this letter writer is getting 100% of their info. That was where I was kind of going with that, although I obviously didn't put it very well. :shrug:

[Der Blaue Engel]

30. I know what you're saying

The right definitely uses a kind of "gay panic" to their own twisted purposes. But I still think that we shouldn't give people like that any ground whatsoever by trying to reassure them that we aren't "as bad as they think." (I don't mean to imply that those are your words, either, just that it might amount to that in the ears of the letter writer.)

[hfojvt]

60. It is not giving them ground, it is looking at the big picture

Is any Democrat going to agree with 100% of the platform? Is the gay-marriage issue the most important one on the platform? It is to some, but it is not the reason that I vote Democratic. My issues are working class, peace, environment, and so on. The marriage issue is just not that important to me, although I think it is sad that so many Democratic voters also vote to ban gay marriage.
I see the issue the same way it was framed in Doonesbury - if you are against gay marriage, then you are endorsing gay promiscuity. The issue is not gay vs. hetero, it is marriage vs. promiscuity, and I am on the side of marriage.
For a working person to abandon the Democratic party over the issue of gay marriage is cutting your own throat because you do not like what some people are doing in their own bedrooms. Guess what, they are still doing it whether they are allowed to marry or not.

[Der Blaue Engel]

95. Well my issues are civil rights

And I think that encompasses the entire argument. :shrug:

Because it's not really the "gay-marriage issue." When we frame it that way, it's easier for us to lose sight of the real issue of equality, because that particular issue (gay marriage) may not seem like an important one.

Personally, I couldn't care less about marriage as an issue. My opposite-sex partner and I recently had a commitment ceremony without the legal entanglement, because it just isn't one of our issues.

But I feel very strongly that people should be able to choose that option for themselves, regardless of their color, religion, or sexual orientation. And I don't think that's something that constitutes a small part of the big picture.

If a working person is willing to abandon the Democratic party over the "issue of gay marriage," I believe that person is not truly pro-civil rights, and therefore the party probably isn't really what they're looking for. So telling them that it isn't central to the platform will probably have little effect.

As you said, they're still doing it whether they're allowed to marry or not, but I don't think that person's goal is to stop them from "doing it," but to deny them any semblance of legitimacy. To sanction gay marriage is to say that they are equal citizens under the law. And true Homophobia cannot stand to think of that happening.

[question everything]

13. The Democratic Party always stood for civil liberties and equal rights

for all. The Democratic Party has always protected individual rights against the intrusion of powerful parties - be it the government or major corporation.

The only mistake that we did this past elections was that we allowed the other side to hijack the issues.

The right for privacy is the corner stone of both reproductive rights and gay rights and the Democratic Party will continue to defend these rights.

These issues, however, are not what most Americans face in their daily lives. The right for decent, stable jobs, the right for access to decent health care, the right for secure, dignified retirement have eroded with the Republican administration that has promised and delivered on favoring large corporations: pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The Republican administration actually welcomes the outsourcing of jobs and consider service jobs as manufacturing ones.

The Republican administration continues to reward the richest people in our country while million others lose their jobs, or see reduction in income and increase in the cost of their health care. At the same time, millions see the value of their retirement continue to erode with the blessing of this administration.

This is what the Democratic party is fighting for. For the security and dignity of each and every American, including and especially the ones who may not fall into the description of an "average American."

Abortion and gay rights are very private issues that no one - not a government entity and not an employer - should have anything to say. This is a right of privacy that is guaranteed by the Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court and should not be used by the enemies of the common man to create a diversion from the real concerns of all working Americans.

(something like that)

[renaissanceguy]

44. Better yet...

ask the person which is more threatening to their safety:

1) Spreading terrorism by waging illegal wars, losing jobs by outsourcing and corporate preferential treatment, and losing your ability to speak and act freely.

or

2) A gay couple in the next town who own a home, have two kids, and mind their own business.

Unless this person is a closet homosexual (which many gay bashers seem to be), they have no reason to say #2.
http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues.16472020

[AP]

14. Offer to meet the writer out for a beer -- you'll buy if the writer

lets you try to explain why you're a demcorat and what you believe in.

Ask if you can invite a reporter.

[EC]

15. I always want to know

what they consider the "gay agenda"?

[jmowreader]

16. Sounds like a freeper. Ignore.

Because if I tried responding, a couple of FBI agents would be at my door.

[lupita]

19. Actually, she is a grandma, and I have her real email address!

Somehow, I would like to reach out to her, and make her see she is wrong.
I am getting some pretty good ideas from here though

THANK YOU ALL!

[GreenPartyVoter]

20. The best way for her to get it is for one of her grandkids to come out

----------------------------------------------------------
Save our country one town, county, and state at a time!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm#why

[oldcoot]

80. Do you know how old her grandkids are?

I wonder if her hatred of gays and lesbians will give her much comfort if her grandchildren are drafted.

[ChairOne]

18. LOL - try blogging.... get those all the time......

I myself don't respond at all to such drivel - I can't bend that low. But if you're more flexible than I, several possible responses leap quickly to mind:

(a) The professional brush-off:

Thanks for your response. While I can't reply personally to every one... yadayadayada

(b) Professional engagement:

Thanks for your response. I believe that this nation should be a nation of fairness, justice, and equality for all - and that includes gay people. I'm curious about exactly why you feel differently. Just for example: How, specifically, does the marriage of two gay people hurt either you or your marriage?

(c) Unprofessional brush-off:

Thanks for your response. I'm sorry to learn that you disagree so strongly with the principles of justice and equality for all. You may wish consider conducting a diligent search for a political party that more accurately represents your beliefs.

(d) Can of whoop-ass:

Thanks for your response. The only one who is interested in marrying their sister is your father - I suppose that leaves the dog for you, you bigotted yokel klansman. I only pray that you're one of those jumping off our just and right ship, to join your one-toothed skinhead friends in the sea of crony-istic zealotry. Thanks again for your response.

EDIT: spelling.

[lupita]

22. LOL! You are brilliant!

I am going to save this page!

[ChairOne]

25. Woohoo! *Two* people think so! lol

Good luck - don't take such things too hard - there's a lot more of those people out there than is worth getting hot n bothered over....

:)

[lupita]

26. I know, I just want to do a really good job as Chair...

Thank you for your humor. It made my day!

[DesEtoiles]

21. the person who sent you that e-mail is GAY and afraid of it

[sffreeways]

39. exactly n/t

[Hippo_Tron]

23. Tell this guy to go fuck himself

Or at least that's what the Vice President is advocating.

[Oversea Visitor]

31. Personally

This mail does not deserve a reply at all. Gay are just people. I dont think they was given a choice on this, there are scientific reason given for their gay tendency. They were born that way.

A simple question to him is what will he do if a son of his was born gay. Does it means he cannot be consider as people. Does it means that he lose all his right.

God is the Creator, he create me, as I grow my cells multply. Are they male or female?

Sex is sex and there are laws dealing with porn.

I am sorry but this issue has been converted into a politic issue. And the best way is not to further walk down this road. Leave it to the court of law. The issue is one of people rights.

If you want to respond then he should answer the question.
Are gay people too?

[renaissanceguy]

45. This is a fundamental problem.

Fundies believe that gays can be changed. They won't listen to scientific evidence (look at evolution). They will disregard anything that is contrary to their own bigotry.

Instead of fighting them, let them learn on their own. Challenge them to get to know a gay person or couple. Meanwhile, work on THINKING Americans who can be persuaded by logic.

http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues.16472020

[RevCheesehead]

100. You are wise.

I agree - this person really doesn't want an answer - they wanted to tell you about their anger.

That means this person is not ready for a conversation. The only thing you will get is an argument.

[Behind the Aegis]

32. a suggestion

If you have the energy and time and wish to reach this person, you need to understand the root of their bigotry toward gays. To start of with why democrats should support gays will fall on deaf ears, if the root of the bigotry is not overcome. It will also save you heartache if you try to "correct" the root of the problem, and realize she is not going to budge. Just a suggestion.

[jdj]

35. the pre-fab gay agenda, courtesy of Fox News.

Although gay, I did not support any of this movement for gay marriage. I didn't oppose it, but I just couldn't get into it at this time, because we HAPPEN to be at WAR. And I'm a peacenik, a hippie freak, not a patriobot of any stripe.

But ask this person why there is NOT ONE WORD in their letter about the IRAQ WAR and the deaths of our soldiers? Not to mention 100,000 civilians? Not one word. This is not a coincidence, this is media manipulation, and the right needs to be shamed for this, and anyone that fell for it needs to be shamed for it. What is this country coming to when "good democrats" like this person claims to be can oppose our party based on something non-threatening when American soldiers are being blown to bits every moment in Iraq, and committing acts under duress (or not) the psychological repercussions of which they will never escape, no matter how far away from Iraq they travel. Where is the concern for American soldiers in the hearts of our so-called patriots? I just don't understand it, I guess I never will.

[unpossibles]

36. this is from a freeper

I recognize the argument all too well:

"Next someone will demand to marry their sister or dog. You won't be able to stop them if you set a precedence."

[bling bling]

37. Here is my idea:

Dear Mrs. xxxx,

Thank you very much for taking the time to write to me. The message I understood from your e-mail is that you are very angry at the Democratic Party. You feel that the Democrats have focused too much attention to changing the definition of marriage in order to allow Gay couples the legal right to marry. This must certainly be an important issue for you as you indicated you would not vote for another democrat as long as Gay marriage was part of the party platform.

The Democratic Party's top priorities are affordable health care for people like you and me, quality education for our children, and keeping the economy strong so that people like us have a good opportunity to find a job and provide for our families. To the Democrats, these are the fundamental priorities that keep America strong and prosperous.

It is clear to me that your priority does not match up with our priorities. As much as we would like to have your support, we can not allow our goals to be sidetracked and maligned by people who are so consumed with their hatred towards other Americans that they use their most important contribution towards our Democracy -- their vote -- to vote against their own best interests and the best intrests of the majority in our country - the working class.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write. Please feel free to write again any time.

Sincerely,
xxx

[lupita]

51. thank you- I liked this one a lot! n/t

[MsTryska]

56. damn. that's way better than my input.

that should really bust the writer's bubble.


thanks, but we don't want want your vote. Have a nice day. :hi:

[Laurab]

96. I like bling bling's letter, with maybe the addition

of jdg's points about the war and the people dying. I never knew gay marriage was part of our platform, just that the rethugs said it was. Civil rights, however, is a whole 'nother story. Bling bling's line about the people "so consumed with their hatred towards other Americans" pretty much sums up the chumpass base. Since the anti-gay marriage agenda seems to work so well, i don't think the rethugs are going to give it up, so the ignorant will continue to vote FOR war, death and destruction, and AGAINST their own best interests. The stupidity of some americans is so stunningly...well, stupid.

[RevCheesehead]

102. I'd leave out the third paragraph.

Let the reader make that decision - I wouldn't hand it to her. It sounds too much like an ultimatum (and we are supposedly welcoming and inclusive, right?)

The other thing which strikes me about that paragraph is that it sounds like the writer is making decisions about the Dem. platform. That just isn't done on the local level.

You MIGHT want to state something like "both Democrats and Republicans have strong feelings about this issue, and neither party is in complete agreement about homosexuality, gay rights, and civil liberties for all Americans."

The first two paragraphs are strong. They could stand alone.

[blueblitzkrieg]

40. Pro - Gay marriage is part of the Democratic Party platform?

Since when?

This lady doesn't know what she's talking about!

Also, she's a bitch!

[Lexingtonian]

46. I know the type....

1. Tell her to stop believing her reactionary buddettes and Republican media. Racism and homophobia are, unfortunately, very high in her demographic (and they talk each other into it), and due to their low quality and quantity of education, they're highly gullible and suggestible and exploitable.
2. She's going to have gay men and women in her line of descent. Her ancestry and kin group has some number of them. It's statistics.
3. Her hatred is projection- displaced anger- at not having been properly valued herself. Acknowledge it, and ask her to admit it to herself. Tell her it's wrong and her grievance is with chauvinism/bigotry, which she should not indulge in herself.
4. The Democratic Party is the party of FDR, but the days of the party accepting bigotry against women, blacks, Latinos, Indians, foreigners, and gay people are over. FDR only tolerated it so that Southern Democrats would go along with the New Deal, and began integrating the government, i.e. the military.
5. As far as the Democratic Party is concerned, gay rights- including the privileges of secular marriage, fall under the plain language of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. It's her sources- probably Republican- who wrongfully pretend otherwise. In fact, the Democratic interpretation is proper and the original intention.
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

6. Don't take the attack completely seriously. It's venting, even if it is ugly, and most elderly people who write this sort of crud are actually just looking for someone to explain things to them that they're ashamed to admit they can't figure out for themselves. Consider it Stroke Personality. She knows she deserves a sharp reply, and you should give her one, but she's hoping you leave the door open a crack. Show a little humor (while still taking the substance, rather than the form, of her plea seriously). You got an email rather than a paper letter or phone call because she doesn't completely want to lose face and is ashamed of what she's doing. But she doesn't know how else to deal with her anxiety that the Party may no longer be about people like her. You will have to tell her that her interests matter, are key and respected, but that in a country of 300 million people and a lot of resentment politics and irrationality at work, it's hard to keep the media focus on things that are important and hard work.

[housewolf]

47. What has happened?

The Democratic Party was the representative of the workers. They stood between business owners and wage earners. They fought hard for fair wages, benefits, worker rights, overtime, unions and families.

What the hell happened?
---------------

Explain that what happened is that conservative fiscal and labor policies initiated in the 1980's have eroded unions and labor by dismantlling unions and trade policies that have sent so many manufacturing jobs overseas. The Democratic Party still represents workers but that part of the base has shrunk considerably.

[xchrom]

49. ''wanting to make their perverted sex appear normal.''

this person's mind is dwelling in a place you do not want to go.
gay sex is normal -- as normal hetero sex.
however this person is telling you there is some deep perversion lying inside of themselves.
something very dark and sinister -- even if it is a grandma.
grannies can be off-center too.

[shayes51]

50. A simple "I'm sorry you feel that way."

[peacebird]

53. Used to be common wisdom that interfaith marriage was the deathknell

of society...

then it was letting the colored mix socially with the whites would be the end of the world as we know it...

then it was interracial marriages would be the end of the world as we know it...

now it's allowing gays to have equal rights with heteros is going to be.......

perhaps try asking this person if they want to repeal equal rights for non-whites? how far BACK do they want us to roll the protections of the law? just asking?

[MsTryska]

54. Dear Sir Madam,

Whether you approve or not, People of differing sexuality form yourself, are also part of the Democratic Party, and we appreciate their support. By having the support of Gays and Lesbians, we, as a party, will be better able to work on those issues that affect ALL of our citizens. Regardless of whether or not you approve of someone else's lifestyle, the Democrat party is not about being exclusionary, but inclusionary. If we chose to be exclusionary, what would be the point of a 2-party political system?

Sincerely,
you.

[izzybeans]

55. I would say

professionally speaking, the Dem. party is a big tent party. However, we check our biggots at the door where they can wallow in the dung piling high in the elephant's pin with the others. Have a nice life!

Sincerly,

Democratic Party County Chair

[Kingshakabobo]

57. Claims to be a Democrat but says "you" lost, "you" will lose etc.

He/she is a repug.

Don't bother.

[immoderate]

59. Love when they give you the ammunition.

You could write that the e-mail says:

The Democratic Party was the representative of the workers. They stood between business 
owners and wage earners. They fought hard for fair wages, benefits, worker rights, overtime, 
unions and families.

Then say:

If you want a party that opposes all work benefits, and patronizes your homophobia, the Republicans would love you. If you favor work benefits and support human right for all people, then Democrats want you. You'll have to determine which party needs hypocrites such as yourself.

This one is easy.

--IMM

[WMliberal]

64. link them to the party platform

It doesn't say we support legalization of gay marriage. Also check to see if this person is on the roster. Might just be a rethug pretending to be a Democrat.

[DownNotOut]

65. Are you kidding?

Your the Dem chair in your county and you need to ask an internet forum how to answer professionally. Based on this fact, Id say your post (as chair) is a mistake.

[Laurab]

97. Interesting you'd think that....

of course shubby doesn't ask for advice, either.

[merh]

66. Just let the irate goof ball that wrote this know that the

Democratic party supports civil rights. We, as a party, can't pick and chose who it is that is entitled to have their rights protected, we must work to see that every individual's rights are protected. It is just that simple.

[bobbyboucher]

67. "Just vote Republican you ape". How's that?

It'd take years to get through that thick skull.

[BiggJawn]

87. Guess they figure all gays are wealthy...

"The Democratic Party was the representative of the workers. They stood between business owners and wage earners. They fought hard for fair wages, benefits, worker rights, overtime, unions and families."

Yeah, so? Just the Straight workers?

" Next someone will demand to marry their sister or dog."

Ohhhhhhhh......Somebody needs to broaden their horizons beyond that "Fair and Balanced" FAUXNOOZ, I see....

[TWiley]

92. It sounds like mail from a repuke, and not a Democrat.

I am not so sure that "Conservative Moral Democrats" are our foundation either.

However, I would focus on this:

<snip>

<<<The Democratic Party was the representative of the workers. They stood between business owners and wage earners. They fought hard for fair wages, benefits, worker rights, overtime, unions and families.

What the hell happened?>>>

<snip>

I would state that the Democratic party is STILL for those issues as well as Civil Liberties, and the Environment.

What happened was that the republicans made this a wedge issue during the 2004 Presidential Campaign. John Kerry did not take a position on that issue. At least not one that I can recall.

I would also tell him that the Democratic Party supports his right to vote any way he wishes.

Most likely, you have been the victim of a psychological attack which originated from a Fundamentalist Conservative Christian Republican, and not a Democrat. They are probably trying to get you to become more like THEM.

[superconnected]

94. Wow that person has a big chip on his shoulder

Sounds like a Christian who believes in excluding everyone from going to Heaven except those who follow purity laws.

Why is he Christian when he is clearly old testament? Same question I've always wondered about the fundamentalists.

I think the author is a fundamentalist. He just doesn't want to say he's a republican, which he is.

[Rockerdem]

98. Our party better not give up GLBT rights

That would be one thing that would lose me. We are the party of inclusion and equality, and if we lose a few blue collar fundies in the process, so be it. Let them count on * for the size of their paychecks, the losers.

[porkrind]

99. Come up with some impersonal form letter

like "Thank you for your input and continuing support of progressive issues". That should tick them off. Really though, why waste your time responding? This person can't be convinced, and you will just be wasting time talking with them.

[Pushed To The Left]

101. When Democrats supported the civil rights

movement in the 60's, they lost votes too. But they did the right thing! This person writing you reminds me of one of those "Dixiecrats" that left the Democratic party because it wasn't racist enough. If this person's bigotry is more important to him or her than "fair wages, benefits, and worker rights" are, then he or she is not a strong Democrat to begin with.

[HeatherG.]

105. She is Misinformed

The official democratic party platform doesn't even support gay marriage. It is not so much that the democratic party platform is so focused on abortion, gay marriage, and other polarizing issues. It is that the media especially Fox knows that talking about these issues hurts democrats. Since they know it hurts democrats they invite people on tv all the time to talk about these issues. That way they can get socially conservative economically liberal people to vote republican. If you can convey that to the lady somehow that would be good. I doubt it will change her voting though.

[thinkingwoman]

106. as a publisher

I get hate mail frequently.

I always respond politely with formal "thank you for your letter" type of BS.

And I don't let them get to me, which takes a lot of effort sometimes.