''An organization's endorsement means nothing if it does not have to be earned.''

September 8, 2004 1:51 PM

Log Cabin Republicans Vote to Withhold Endorsement from President Bush.
posted by reklaw (58 comments total)

Does this actually matter? I mean, are the Log Cabin Republicans going to vote for Kerry?
posted by cmonkey at 2:06 PM on September 8, 2004

It matters in that there are about 45,000 gay republicans in florida. What percentage of these pepole not voting for Bush will be enough for the republican establishment to take notice?
posted by Space Coyote at 2:12 PM on September 8, 2004

I'm glad that the Log Cabin Republicans finally came to their senses. They've always reminded me of a dog that gets kicked over and over again, but still follows the abusive master because it just wants to be loved. I mean, the Republican party throws them a bone once in a while and sends someone to speak at one of their meetings, but will hardly concede anything of substance. I'm surprised it took them this long to acknowledge it, Bush has been talking about the anti-gay marriage amendment for months now.
posted by kamikazegopher at 2:14 PM on September 8, 2004

Well, I never understood their "change from within" plan of attack -- how much credibility do/did they have with the GOP?
posted by jca at 2:19 PM on September 8, 2004

I think this matters a great deal. The Republican party is groaning under the weight of trying to be everything to everybody, while casting gross dispersions on the "loony left" strawman that they've built. In other words, they don't really represent anything anymore, except making those who follow them feel good about being one of "us", instead of one of "them".

This was bound to happen. Sooner or later someone had to notice that the Republican agenda goes in all directions, but only accomplishes those agendas that streak to the far right. If Republican moderates are finally waking up, then it doesn't matter if they vote for Kerry, as long as some of them don't vote for Bush. This race is close, far closer than the Bush apologists will let even themselves believe. A victory for Kerry now, regardless of whether he is a lefty or not, will have a corrective influence on the Republican party. I don't much care, because a Kerry victory assures that moderates win in the long run (those that lean right, or left as I do). I would love to see the Republicans take their party back from the awful influence that controls it now.
posted by Wulfgar! at 2:21 PM on September 8, 2004

Gay America has been a non-priority for the Republicans, especially this year. And if this cutting-loose of 45,000 Gay Republicans, and the publicity therefrom, attracts at least that many evangelicals to the polls who wouldn't have bothered before -- and who knows, it just might -- then they're ahead of the game.

Of course, they're turning their back on another whole demographic, but it's obvious that representation of the needs of every American will take a back seat to getting enough of your guys out and getting enough of their guys to stay home.

(Which, coincidentally, is what this Bush-will-obviously-win 10-point-lead crap coming from the networks is all about. Discouraging action. Really, why bother?)
posted by chicobangs at 2:22 PM on September 8, 2004

I know a woman who works on this issue in California. In the course of a legislative campaign she got pregnant and had a child, and so she took the opportunity to have her breast milk tested. It tested positive for perchlorate. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a child and want to nurse it, but know that your milk contains poison. Even if breastmilk is still better than the alternatives, the knowledge that you are poisoning your child as you are feeding has to be one of the most extreme violations of basic humanity.
posted by alms at 2:23 PM on September 8, 2004

Wait, so you mean they actually finally realized what party they're in?
posted by apollonia6 at 2:24 PM on September 8, 2004

Space Coyote , who cares? We know electronic votes can be forged without a paper trail. If you're expecting democracy, you've been fooled into thinking it still exists here.
posted by fleener at 2:25 PM on September 8, 2004

If you're expecting democracy, you've been fooled into thinking it still exists here.

That's not helpful at all. The right to have your vote counted, and your beliefs heard does still exist here. Claiming that it doesn't is the kind of defeatist crap that will ensure your cynical prognosis in the future. If votes are tampered with, its a crime, not the norm or expectation.
posted by Wulfgar! at 2:28 PM on September 8, 2004

Um... alms, I think you're just one thread off.

And chico, I seriously doubt there were more than one or two evangelicals who were planning not to vote for Bush because his party had a largely unrecognized splinter group of homosexuals. I get your point, but it seems a little far-fetched.
posted by soyjoy at 2:28 PM on September 8, 2004

In other news, jews decide that that Hitler fellow was not a very nice person...

(sorry for the Godwin...)
posted by jpburns at 2:29 PM on September 8, 2004

What's all this about Log Cabin Repubs and breast milk?

Well, anyway, it is significant in one important respect: last time around the LCR's campaigned actively for Bush, and the result was about 1 million gay votes. An unusually high number for a Republican candidate. Hopefully, this time around, at least 990,000 of those folks will swing the other way.
posted by spilon at 2:38 PM on September 8, 2004

I'm sure you're right, soyjoy, but -- I'm trying to figure out the line of logic here.

If your only goal is to get re-elected (and I'm assuming it is), then every group you lose must be replaced by a group you gain. I just don't see where the upside is to this one, aside from the hardcore people we don't see much of in these here parts, who will heed Pat Robertson's call that now that the queers have been driven out of the party of the Lord, it's okay to go forth and vote for the Man You Know Is Right.

Votes are all they care about. So how does this get them votes?

on preview: 'swing the other way.' heh heh.
posted by chicobangs at 2:56 PM on September 8, 2004

NEWS FLASH!!!

Gay Republicans Vote To Stop Getting Repeatedly Kicked In The Groin
"We Finally Realized It's Actually Excrutiatingly Painful"
posted by solistrato at 3:03 PM on September 8, 2004

Yeah, but the Bush twins attended a gay wedding, doesn't that count for anything with those ungrateful Log Cabin Republicans? :)

Barbara: So do you think Dad will realize this is payback for stealing our stash?

Jenna: No, that was uncle Karl, you ditz!
posted by jackspace at 3:21 PM on September 8, 2004

And if this cutting-loose of 45,000 Gay Republicans, and the publicity therefrom, attracts at least that many evangelicals to the polls who wouldn't have bothered before -- and who knows, it just might -- then they're ahead of the game.

I'm genuinely curious about this, because I've heard this general line of reasoning elsewhere regarding the Bushies' support of a gay marriage ban and other "traditional values" issues. Is there actually a significant number of people on the evangelical Christian right who wouldn't be voting at all otherwise? It seems counterintuitive to me that there would be many people in that demographic who haven't made up their mind already to vote for Bush. In other words, if they're disinclined to vote at all, why would this latest volley over the issue make much of a difference?

I guess I just find it hard to believe that there's a potential 45,000 other Bush-voters in Florida who were thinking of sitting out this election until today. Bush has always been "the traditional values" guy that actively appealed to the evangelical Christian right -- not just in this race, and not just over the question of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Hasn't that base long since been mobilized?
posted by scody at 3:21 PM on September 8, 2004

I assume that post means they will not endorse him but it does not mean that election time they also will not vote for him? Or does it mean they will vote for a Democrat for president? Or not vote at all?
posted by Postroad at 3:32 PM on September 8, 2004

Konolia?
posted by dash_slot- at 3:54 PM on September 8, 2004

I assume that post means they will not endorse him but it does not mean that election time they also will not vote for him? Or does it mean they will vote for a Democrat for president? Or not vote at all?

It simply means that the organization itself will not endorse Bush. It doesn't tell us anything about how its members, or others who hold that organization's endorsement in some esteem, will vote.

I'd be really surprised if Bush got any significant number of gay votes this time around, though.
posted by me & my monkey at 3:57 PM on September 8, 2004

Good move on the part of this organization. It's a sane and measured response to disagreement--why can't Metafilter be more like Log Cabin?
posted by ParisParamus at 3:57 PM on September 8, 2004

PP, I'm going to buy you some knitting needles and yarn, because you need a better hobby than trolling on MeFi.
posted by solistrato at 4:04 PM on September 8, 2004

PP makes a moderate and sensible remark - gets called out anyway.

News at 11.
posted by dash_slot- at 4:06 PM on September 8, 2004

I don't endorse Bush either.
posted by sic at 4:08 PM on September 8, 2004

I withhold my endorsement of ParisParamus.

Is that better, dash_slot?
posted by scody at 4:13 PM on September 8, 2004

a Kerry victory assures that moderates win in the long run

Is everyone paying attention?
posted by rushmc at 4:23 PM on September 8, 2004

Few mefites do, scody - and I've certainly wanted to take issue with some of PP's comments. Even so, he made a mild, uncontroversial remark and got whacked.

Just seemed like people do it out of habit is all.
posted by dash_slot- at 4:24 PM on September 8, 2004

Beating up on PP has become a bit of a reflex here I think.
posted by clevershark at 4:33 PM on September 8, 2004

Beating up on PP has become a bit of a reflex here I think.

it's a sane and measured response.
posted by quonsar at 4:42 PM on September 8, 2004

it's a sane and measured response.

Quonsar, I'm going to buy you some knitting needles and yarn, because you need a better hobby than trolling on MeFi.
posted by Espoo2 at 4:47 PM on September 8, 2004

Me still ♥ q-man!
posted by dash_slot- at 4:48 PM on September 8, 2004

The reality is that many of you can't handle someone who significantly disagrees with you, tries to make his points with some humor and hyperbole, but isn't a troll. How binary and primitive: either someone is left of Center, or someone is a troll.
posted by ParisParamus at 4:56 PM on September 8, 2004

I apologize to all for the detour into PPLand.
posted by solistrato at 5:08 PM on September 8, 2004

Paris, I've asked you with all respect to state your position and stand to your guns. You avoid, obfuscate and waffle. If you're not trolling at this point, then the burden of proof, for whatever position you might have, is on you; not those terrible left-of-center meanies. You claim X and then claim Y and then claim we're being mean to you. Come on, whiner, talk the talk that backs your walk ... or shut the fuck up. You're accusing people of calling you out for teasing with nothing, because you've claimed contradictory stances and offered nothing. That would make you the lame one, bright boy, in case you haven't noticed ...

And in case you still don't get it, that would make you a troll, which you bitch about being called. You're fishing for response. You're being a troll, and then fishing for more response by denying it. Can I be more plain? Have some courage or shut the fuck up, PP!
posted by Wulfgar! at 5:12 PM on September 8, 2004

Man, would I not like to have a beer with you.
posted by ParisParamus at 5:15 PM on September 8, 2004

I apologize to all for the detour into PPLand.

Personally, as a gay man, I love PPLand - oh, wait a minute, I think I, uh, never mind.
posted by me & my monkey at 5:30 PM on September 8, 2004

What the hell? Here's what Paris said:

Good move on the part of this organization. It's a sane and measured response to disagreement--why can't Metafilter be more like Log Cabin?

Now, what part of that is trollish in the slightest? I could have said it myself. Paris has certainly been, shall we say, childishly confrontational in the past, popping into threads to make some silly one-liner just to watch the denizens froth, but he seems to have been making more of an effort to actually converse lately, and this particular comment is completely unexceptionable. Those of you who let your bash-Paris reflexes blind you to what he's actually saying should be ashamed of yourselves, or at least think about how your reflex response might make others think of you. Dialogue = good. Random vituperation = bad.
posted by languagehat at 5:34 PM on September 8, 2004

Assuming that you're not being sarcastic, I don't think I'd much like having a beer with you either, Paris. And if you are being sarcastic ... no thanks. Not until you straight talk, for once. Your first comment in this thread was a good start, but ... I prefer my deception in football games.

For what it is or isn't worth, Paris, I wouldn't have said jack-shit to you in this thread if you hadn't come out whining about liberal attacks. You've cried "wolf, (BITCHES)" enough to draw fire, Congratulations. Pay the consequences of your actions.
posted by Wulfgar! at 5:42 PM on September 8, 2004

languagehat, just so that you are aware, PP's response was completely rational and sympathetic. And, considering past behavour, could also be a completely misdirective bullshit ploy. He has loosely argued that invading any country that *might* show signs of becoming a nuclear power is acceptable, in his eyes. He has stated that he will enjoy the shocked and explosive reaction of all us "lefties" when Bush gets re-elected (or elected for the first time if you will). Blaming others for not accepting the word of an established troll ... not so sensible, I'm thinking.
posted by Wulfgar! at 5:59 PM on September 8, 2004

I like to think of our response to PPs post as similar to that of GWs, Attack them BEFORE they become a problem. I though PP would Like the refreshing Neo-Con solution....
Pre-emption Rules....
posted by Elim at 5:59 PM on September 8, 2004

He was on topic.
We now aren't.
posted by dash_slot- at 6:06 PM on September 8, 2004

I think it was Paramus' parting snark at MeFi that provoked the negative response. Basically being charitable towards the log cabin repubs insofar as he can use it as ammo against the community he continually participates in.

Sort of like the angry alcoholic mother who points out what a nice holiday dinner the people on TV are having.
posted by Space Coyote at 6:06 PM on September 8, 2004

Wow, I thought this was a thread about the Log Cabin Republicans. When in reality, it was a clever ruse to lure in ParisParamus and discuss his trolly ways.

ParisParamus? Do you hear that voice? This is your Mefi life... [Band plays].
posted by kamikazegopher at 6:16 PM on September 8, 2004

I am mildly surprised that this is not a bigger story. I should think a sizable portion of his base breaking off would warrent a story on, say, the front page of CNN. The best I could find in a major media source was a tiny mention on the ABC page.

Of course, now that I've written this, it has probably appeared everywhere. I think that might be a law somewhere, "the minute you publically complain about a story not being covered by the major media, that story will be covered by the major media."
posted by Joey Michaels at 6:31 PM on September 8, 2004

I should think a sizable portion of his base breaking off...

Man, that happened to me once. Hurt like hell.
posted by sklero at 6:39 PM on September 8, 2004

I think that might be a law somewhere, "the minute you publically complain about a story not being covered by the major media, that story will be covered by the major media."

If only.
posted by callmejay at 7:00 PM on September 8, 2004

Well, If I'm Karl Rove (and sometimes when my underwear is too tight I feel like him), I'm thinkin': "Alienate the Gays, loose a million votes, motivate the 4 million evangelicals that sat out the last election, not a bad trade".
posted by prodigalsun at 7:02 PM on September 8, 2004

I have to say, while PP often comes across as a raving loon, I thought this was a very sane, non-partisan and reasonable statement.

I thought someone had hijacked his account.

Sorry, completely OT.
posted by wilberforce at 7:18 PM on September 8, 2004

I only "come across as a raving loon" when the ambient dialog merits it, or the premise of the post, itself, is absurd or "loon."
posted by ParisParamus at 7:30 PM on September 8, 2004

I've noticed several sane comments from PP lately. It has been very surprising and very pleasant to see.
posted by five fresh fish at 7:38 PM on September 8, 2004

I'm on that page. PP's been both amusing and insightful recently. The troll label doesn't apply in this thread.
posted by namespan at 7:53 PM on September 8, 2004

Are we tired of this yet?
posted by ParisParamus at 9:16 PM on September 8, 2004

PP and I once discussed bathroom renovation.....truly :

It was at the end of a heated political (what else?) thread, and I was, in fact, installing a toilet in my house. PP and I exchanged some technical points about the process.

Indeed, I've recently had an amicable exchange with a noted right-wing (not PP) Mefi-ite about eating Habanero peppers.

We're all mammals here, even primates as well - except for all of you goddamned aliens. What are you, anyway - lizards ?
posted by troutfishing at 9:26 PM on September 8, 2004

The reality is that many of you can't handle someone who significantly disagrees with you

I guess that's just an example of many illustrating why bashing PP has become a reflex for many here.
posted by clevershark at 10:13 PM on September 8, 2004

What the hell happened to this thread? There was a decent discussion happening here a few hours ago.

Snap out of it. Topic, people.



Does anyone think prodigalsun's line was being used by Rove or someone as a strategy for attracting votes from the batshit-insane-far-right?

Is there a study anywhere that could possibly support this?

I'm guessing no, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.
posted by chicobangs at 10:30 PM on September 8, 2004

Are we tired of this yet?

Paris, don't make me sorry I defended you.

We're all mammals here, even primates as well - except for all of you goddamned aliens. What are you, anyway - lizards ?

/shifts shape, slips from room
posted by namespan at 11:41 PM on September 8, 2004

Prodigalsun's Line (def.) The amount of voters you need to alienate to inspire a greater number of voters to support you. Attempting to cross Prodigalsun's Line is a risky maneuver, since failure means you alienate a bunch of voters and don't receive any gain.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:06 PM on September 9, 2004

Victor Ashe has declared he has been Dubya's bitch for the last time dammit!
posted by nofundy at 5:28 AM on September 10, 2004