Dan Savage: 'The uselessness of the Dems has resulted in gay checkbooks snapping shut'

[Newsjock]

Source: The Stranger

... The hope when we open our wallets for Democrats—and vote for them—is that electing a Democratic president and Congress will result in significant progress on our issues. That's not just our delusional hope; that was an explicit promise made to us by Democrats. Once the Democrats were in power, everyone from Obama on down promised us, we would see real and significant progress on our issues: an end to DADT and DOMA, action on ENDA, a president willing to use the bully pulpit to aggressively defend our rights. But if, as we've seen, working to elect a Democratic president and give Democrats control of Congress results in no progress on our issues—no action on DADT, ENDA, or DOMA—then why the fuck should we bother?

... Being reminded that DOMA and ENDA were signed by a Democratic president—thanks again, Bill—didn't move many of us into McCain's camp in 2008. We know who are friends are—our pathetic, ineffectual, useless friends—and we know who are enemies are. But the uselessness of the Dems has resulted in gay checkbooks snapping shut and it's definitely contributing to the "enthusiasm gap" that threatens to hand control of Congress to Republicans.

... So here's where we're at: everyone who cares about gay issues is mad at the Democrats. The homophobes are angry because the Democrats suggested that they might do something about gay rights; gays and lesbians are furious with the Democrats for failing to do something—failing to do anything—about gay rights. Since doing nothing pisses off the gay haters just as much as doing something, perhaps the Dems should've have done something and won the enthusiastic support of someone.

Heckuvajob, gang.

Read more: http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/09/01/really-cant-see-myself-voting-republican

[Pisces]

1. He also said he is not a one issue voter and will be voting democrat

because he's not an idiot.

[ruggerson]

2. If the exit polls are right we are 4-6% of the electorate (or more)

and since we vote overwhelmingly Democratic, we are 10% + of the Democratic vote.

If we don't vote, the Democratic party is fucked. Royally.

[jaxx]

4. And then nothing will ever be done.

Is it worth it?

[griffi94]

7. i'm not sure, but i think the issue is that

many in the LGBT community feel like nothing is already being done.

[MadHound]

8. Please be patient, change is on the way.

:banghead:

[TBF]

14. Nothing is being done now. What's the difference? nt

[dickthegrouch]

3. It would be foolish not to vote dem

but I for one refuse to give the National party another cent until they make a real contract, to change things, rather than empty promises.

[Fumesucker]

5. That's what gays get for believing politician's "explicit promises"..

As soon as they have your money and your vote they do whatever the fuck they want anyway.

[HughMoran]

6. "Really Can't See Myself Voting Republican" is the actual title of that piece

:eyes:

pathetic.

[inenemyterritory]

9. Unfortunately,

2 of my gay friends agree, despite my pleas.

Hope I can change their minds before Nov.

[QC]

11. Have you tried listening to them?

Sometimes gay people know a surprising amount about gay lives and gay issues.

[Pisces]

13. Agree with Dan? Then we can count on their vote. Maybe you didn't

read the entire article.

[keopeli]

10. I concur wholeheartedly. And, I'm not the one being divisive, either.

I will vote for the Democrats in the Fall. But, what is that worth, really? I've learned the Dems need both votes and money to win. The issue is not who for or will I be voting, as with many other gay Americans. The issue is have you shown a return on my investment.

I gave heartily to the Dems in 08, 06, 04, 02, 00, 98...it goes on. But, this year, nada. And that is reflective of the return I've had on my investment.

While you're reading this, remember that I'm just a second class citizen. I can't marry or enjoy the rights of 90% of Americans because I'm hated for being me. I'm half way through my life, and though progress has been made culturally, the politics have reflected the exact opposite. Both parties have worked against me and gay people to curry favor with bigots for votes.

Can you really say I'm being a defeatist by not contributing to the Dems? Look at where I am in society. As Dan Savage says, "if, as we've seen, working to elect a Democratic president and give Democrats control of Congress results in no progress on our issues—no action on DADT, ENDA, or DOMA—then why the fuck should we bother?"

I don't want Republicans back in power ever. EVER! But, honestly, I'm just a second class citizen. So, my only real hope is that Dems will change that. When they show hostility toward correcting this injustice by DEFENDING DOMA, postponing changing DADT, what am I to do?

Remember what Rham said. We're just idiots who will vote for Dems anyway, even if they lie and spit in our face. And, he's right. We will vote Dems. Just, don't ask us for money!

And, btw, the Gay lobby has a lot of money that they (we) would happily donate to a party that stood up for us through action and not just words.

Peace to all of you. I hope the Dems can pull this one off.

[struggle4progress]

12. I thought the House had voted for DADT repeal and we were waiting on the Senate

where Republicans were shrieking they'd block it