On the eve of Massachusetts’ special election to fill Ted Kennedy’s vacant U.S. Senate seat comes word that the National Organization for Marriage is making the most of its unlimited long distance plan and backing a robo-call campaign to encourage voters to back Scott Brown, the anti-gay (or is that “anti-gay,” with air quotes?) contestant facing off against Attorney General Martha Coakley. That’s typical, but annoying. Unless of course you’re a bleeding heart liberal who is no fan of Coakley, either.
Refusing to debate her opponent. Her arguably questionable record as AG (bungling a rape case and making deal with child molesters). And the unresolved scandal about whether she used campaign finances from her state campaign to finance her federal Senate campaign.
In the end, the obvious vote is for Coakley, not Brown. Coakley helps ensure health care reform — itself not close to a perfect solution — passes. And that the Senate will have the votes to, perhaps one day, kill things like Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act, something we expect Coakley to back, given she’s taking on the federal government in a DOMA lawsuit.
But as with all things politics, there’s no perfect answer. Brown is, unquestionably, a terrible candidate for LGBTs. Except we’re also curious what will happen to Coakley’s DOMA challenge if she vacates her attorney general post; will her office continue to pursue the suit?
How about we take this to the next level?
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Lance Rockland
I would vote for her if I lived in Massachusetts.
Michael W.
A vote for Scott Brown is a vote for Hillary. Once he wins and health care fails to pass, the Obama administration will crash and burn, setting the stage for Hillary to resign and take down Obama in the next Democratic primary.
John from England(used to be just John but there are other John's)
@Michael W.:
Uh huh.
With all that backing she had with the Dem party and the love of her we saw during her campaign.
Anyhow, how do Obama and Hilary differ in rights for gays? Isn’t she anti-gay marriage?
Jesse
I’m tired of voting for Democrats who plays to gays and then do squat for us. I can’t vote but my grandmother in MA can and she won’t be voting for Conkey.
tjr101
I couldn’t care less if the candidate is not perfect. When deciding who to vote for I do comparisons between the candidates on the issues that matter to me.
Scott Brown lives in MA and has seen gay-marriage the last 5 years and he still doesn’t support it. He doesn’t support health-care for all but sure is a guaranteed vote for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. He’s another NO vote for DADT, ENDA and DOMA.
I don’t expect Brown to win, but then again I didn’t expect Chris Christie to win in NJ. Stranger things have happened.
dfrw
I live in Massachusetts and I will be voting for Martha Coakley. However, I fear that she’s going to lose. I am not very happy about that. Scott Brown has a legislative record and public comments that prove he is anti-gay. He’s a right-wing Republican cloaked as a moderate. In either case, he’s no friend to gays. Martha Coakley on the other hand, has been supportive of gays and her record and public comments show it.
1EqualityUSA
TJR101, The goal of the right and NOM is to undo same sex marriage. Robert P. George has made it clear that same sex marriage cannot exist in any state. You tube him speaking to Mormons. Shine some light on him. Here’s an article to read as well:
http://alcinousbanquet.blogspot.com/2009/12/robert-p-george-slaying-dragons-and.html
John from England(used to be just John but there are other John's)
@1EqualityUSA:
The issue you in the US have is that even gays in your community don’t want/care about gay marriage, DADT, DOMA etc, which is why Barron of GOProud has gone out on record to support this guy. And there are a lot of gays who also support this guy.
You’re on your own. There is no such thing as a gay community. Your best best is to create a community of str8, white, gay, black, yellow, brown, fat, trans, thin, lesbian etc people who support progressive ideals.
It’s sad but I can’t see this changing.
We’re different in the UK, although we’re conservative country, we’re not as insane as you guys when it comes to issues. I mean even when people try to be insane…it doesn’t wash and people quickly distance themselves…
1EqualityUSA
I hear you, John from England(used to be just John but there are other John’s).
me
I’m voting for neither coakley nor brown. I don’t want either to win.
Brian NJ
After that report from Americablog and Queerty that the Administration actually had never formulated any plan to repeal DADT, I came to believe that Democrats would never do it, or repeal the much more controversial DOMA So I don’t really think it is the worst thing if Brown gets in. The Democrats have no intentions of taking action, so saying that it will be worse with Brown is not reasonable.
The one glimmer of hope is if in the polling they see gay supports sharply slipping and it is affecting outcomes. Then I think the Democrats may reconsider the “no plan for gays — but copious promises” strategy that they are employing.
They have to be made to know the fountain does not flow forever, and won’t believe it until they see it. Supporting the Party actually is encouraging the opposite result than intended at this point.
Dasher
@2 Michael W. — I never thought about it before, but what you say makes sense: a vote for Scott Brown is a vote for Hillary.
I don’t vote in Massachusetts any more, but I would be tempted to hold my nose and vote for Brown, just to teach the do-nothing Democrats a lesson. They are clearly dragging their feet on gay issues, that’s for sure. And the military seems to be running Obama, not the other way around. They will stall the repeal of DADT until at least the end of his first term. What’s the problem? The Democrats control the White House and both houses of Congress. Their failure to accomplish much is due to a failure of leadership by the President.
I was talking to a Democrat friend of mine in Massachusetts who was a Hillary supporter (she won the Presidential primary there). He told me he is voting for Brown because women just can’t cut the mustard in high positions, and because Coakley is a hack. This may all be true, but when a lifelong Democrat liberal in Massachusetts starts talking like this, something is radically wrong in that state.
dontblamemeivotedforhillary
Coakley won’t make it because it’s a referendum on Obama!
Alex Sarmiento
Just what this country needs: a fucking straight white Christian douchebag in power. Ugh. Martha has her flaws, but I’d rather she win than Cosmo Slut Brown. What’s so good about him anyway?
dfrw
Well, Scott Brown opposes gay marriage, opposes the repeal of DOMA, opposes the repeal of DADT, and thinks that gay people having children is not normal. His public record and his public comments bear these claims out. On the other hand, Martha Coakley is the AG who filed against DOMA and she’s been openly supportive of gay people. Democrats haven’t done much for us lately, but hate crimes legislation was passed and FMA has been DOA in Congress. The choice is clear, the day is tomorrow, Tuesday, January 19th, 2010. Vote Martha Coakley as the next US Senator from Massachusetts.
dfrw
Oh, and in case you need a little reminder about Scott Brown, I give you this:
Scott Brown opposes you.
Ebenezer
I hope the republicans win. The democrats have been a joke.
terrwill
Problem is this, in special elections the incumbent party tends to have a much lesser turn out. Dems have held that seat since the 1950’s first JFK then Ted. The Dems outnuber Reps in Ma. like 3 to 1 but many see this as a referendum on Obama and especially health care. Although the unions now are in a protected class being exempt from the “cadillac tax” on their plans. I am truly glad I don’t live in Ma. because I still haven’t decided whom I would cast a vote for. You have a true Catch 22. Because if you vote for Coakley you give the current adminsitration will have no motivation to change course and begin thinking about the people who voted for change. On the other hand you are voting for Brown a tried and true rightwing nutbag. In the end I think I would hold my nose and vote for Coalkey and hope that BHO uses the closeness of this election as a huge freakin wake up call. I like so many others never felt as great on election nite in my entire life. I felt that we truly gave a huge FU to the rightwing and their wicked minions. I am hoping that Obama is riding the Presidential training wheels and will begin to produce the adminstration and change we all thought was coming……….
dontblamemeivotedforhillary
Brown is 10 points ahead since Obama visited. It’s called a Barack-lash! Coakley screwed up with a simple Sports faux pas. The Democrats are now cast as the party of Foie Gras!
schlukitz
No. 8 · John from England(used to be just John but there are other John’s)
@1EqualityUSA:
The issue you in the US have is that even gays in your community don’t want/care about gay marriage, DADT, DOMA etc, which is why Barron of GOProud has gone out on record to support this guy.
Your comment really struck home for me, John.
While I am a senior citizen of 73, I am and have always been a liberal with respect to equality for gays and a supporter of same-sex marriage.
Not so for my gay friends in my age bracket back home in Tampa, Florida, however. In fact, I have been accused by several of them of “always talking about gay rights and told that they do not wish to hear any more about the matter when I am in their company!!!
Needless to say, I no longer spend time in their company.
So much for changing the hearts and minds of the non-believers, one at a time. Especially old queens who don’t love themselves very much.
I am reminded of the lyrics of a country/western song by Hank Williams “Why can’t I free their doubtful minds and melt their cold cold hearts?”
Brian NYC
@schlukitz: “So much for changing the hearts and minds of the non-believers, one at a time. Especially old queens who don’t love themselves very much.”
Old queens die. Old bigots die, too.
The future of LGBT Equality is in the hands of the young people. If we just had a strategy to win.
Ted B. (Charging Rhino)
If you don’t mind being ignored while having your pocket-picked, vote Coakley.
If having DADT and ENDA postponed indefinitely so the Democrats can exploit it yet again in 2012 and 2014 for raise funds, vote Coakley.
If you don’t mind being thrown under the bus yet-again, vote Coakley.
If being repeatedly treated as a ATM doesn’t offend you, vote Coakley.
Otherwise, vote your conscience…
scott ny'er
Sometimes it’s the lesser of 2 evils, no? And Coakley seems like that candidate from what I’ve read here.
schlukitz
No. 21 · Brian NYC
The future of LGBT Equality is in the hands of the young people.
I agree!
1EqualityUSA
I don’t. Schlukitz, you have been more involved in equality issues than most of the youngsters. I value your insight and passion for this issue. Equality needs to be in everyone’s hands, including straights!
schlukitz
Dear Equality, it’s very kind of you to come to my defense, as a senior citizen, but I fear that I am not representative of my age group.
I do appreciate your comments, however, and could not agree with you more about Equality needing to be in everyone’s hands, including straights.
We are all on the same boat called Planet Earth and if we don’t all row together, and in the same direction, we risk the possibility of capsizing and sinking together.
A pleasant night’s rest to you from this old night owl. 😉
1EqualityUSA
Queer Union could get us rowing in the same direction, harnessing all of our energy and money will keep us afloat. Well, Mr. Schlukitz, I must go to work. It’s raining cats n’ dogs here! My kitties are hoping they’ll get a sister. Dream on. Take care.
terrwill
@schlukitz: Schultzy, again the wise older sage of the Queerty threads speaks the truth! Unfortunately the success of the Gay struggle rests with we youngins…..The older population are simply too set in their ways to change their thinking. Gen X and Y are so exposed to Gays that it is no biggie. ‘Cept for those being raised as Stepford children by righwing lunatics, the acceptance of all things Gay increases substantialy as the age of respondents goes down. I have been to the local Gay center here and interacted with SAGE folks and very few of them care to get involved in any discussions about issues any more. As I have stated before things will get much better for the Gays, we simply have to wait for the older narrow minded bigots to F off and die (literally)………
dontblamemeivotedforhillary
@Terrwill Generation X are mainly in the Forties, so you probably want to denote Generation Y, or the Millenials or the Obama Generation. Very young voters treat US Elections like American Idol and will only turn up maybe once in their generation to vote for, in this case, “Hope”. Obama had a mandate and failed his liberal core, angered the Moderates and energized the Independent base who have decided to punish his do-little administration. The election in Massachusetts is as much about the wrong candidate (yes, Martha, you do shake hands at Fenway Park in the Cold!) as it is about anti-incumbency “Throw the bums out” which will probably continue into November 2010. As a same-gender loving person denied my Civil Rights and a registered Democrat, I will never vote for Obama again, seeking a third way out of the duopoly of American Idol, oops, the US Presidential Elections in 2012.
Brian NYC
@schlukitz: I appreciate all you’ve done for the Movement. We all do. Our problem is we have very few young people involved and we need everyone.
I have been accused of apathy, but I still believe we don’t have any direction. We don’t have a cohesive plan. We need a way to re-ignite a real, sustainable movement. I think young people are willing (in fact, eager) but they are disappointed and frustrated with HRC, Democrats and most of Gay Inc.
A strategy to actually win would help.
Arroway
“Never once in my 54 years have I ever once heard a gay or lesbian person who’s politically active say one thing about anything that was not about them. They don’t care about minimum wage, they don’t care about any other group other than their own self because you know, some people say being gay and lesbian is a totally narcissistic thing and sometimes I wonder.” – Roseanne Barr
Righteous indignation! Gnashing of teeth! Blustery huffing and puffing! And such hurt feelings! From coast to coast, Barr’s comment just pissed SO many off.
And yet…I read this site, and other gay blogs. Sure, it’s understandable that issues will be viewed through the lens of gay rights *at first*. But when does your overall humanity kick in? I don’t agree with Brown on gay rights issues (it is noteworthy that many Dems outright ignore the fact that Obama’s position on gay marriage overall is identical: pro-civil union, anti-marriage, a position he has made clear from the beginning), or probably on a lot of other issues as well. But, if a candidate doesn’t agree with you 100% on gay issues, are they permanently damned?
My LesBiGayTransStraightQuestioning Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings-of-Indeterminate-Gender-Who-Reject-The-Bourgeois-Male/Female-Social-Construct, listen to me: It’s really NOT all about you.
1EqualityUSA
Arroway, There were people who likely said, “We need housemaids being paid seven dollars a week, we want them to clean and pick cotton and they NEED the work! How rude that they demand to be treated equally! There goes the neighborhood! It’s not about you!” We’ve had het’s jammed at us from sappy songs such as, (synthesizer and cutsie guitar “We’ve only just begun….to live….heartbreak and promises….a kiss for luck and we’re on our way….we’ve only just begun…” Yeah. Just because gays are saying we, too, exist, you obnoxiously say, “It’s not about you.” Go to Hell.
1EqualityUSA
Here Arroway: A hetero-normative song for you to swoon to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__VQX2Xn7tI
schlukitz
No. 31 · Arroway
It’s really NOT all about you.
Oh, Really now? How rude of us LGBT people who are trying to get a sense of who we are and where we stand in the scheme of things.
And if it is not about us, then just who the heck is it about? Not you…that’s for sure!
I second 1EqualityUSA. Go to hell.
1EqualityUSA
Hey Schlukitz, you night owl! How the Hell are you? I’m off for eight days now. Pooped! Did you see in the video how the hets were sitting in the “Y’ and the “O” and the “U”? I thought that that was especially poignant, given the subject in post #31…I’m going to paint and pet cats. Twelves make me feel like a stranger to them. Be good. I’m sorry I told that guy to go to Hell. I’m tired and don’t want to hear how we gays are self-centered. This self-centered gay didn’t even get lunch today HELPING OTHERS. What a wad. Coakley losing disappoints me. I’m so fried on Democrats. Obama is not living true to his heart. Take care.
schlukitz
Hey, sweetheart. My fave Internet lady makes an appearance. You’ve been missed. 🙂
I am fine. Thanks for inquiring. And how be you…aside from being tired out for your twelve? Painting and petting cats sounds like a perfect way to mellow out.
Yes. I did notice the positions the hets were seated in the video. Poignant, indeed. 😉
No need to apologize about telling Arrowass to go to hell, which is why I seconded your comment. He had it coming. I was a bit shocked to see you post that…but you know what?
I loved it! HeeHee.
You take care too.
John Doe
@Jesse: I get so tired of homos and lesbos being the biggest hypocrits i,ve ever witnessed, warping the truth, what is normal, natural and common sense!! ..and (by ANY ANY ANY DISHONEST, ILLEGAL, PURELY SELFISH and all means) demandingly forcing it down the throat of of “NORMAL” (and yes I do mean NORMAL COMMON SENSE)people ..Totaly grossing us out! Get a Clue!!
schlukitz
No. 37 · John Doe
Enter someone who one could hardly describe as being “with it”, replying to a thread that has been dead of a month. Right on top of things, aren’t you, John?
@Jesse: I get so tired of homos and lesbos being the biggest hypocrits i,ve ever witnessed, warping the truth, what is normal, natural and common sense!! ..and (by ANY ANY ANY DISHONEST, ILLEGAL, PURELY SELFISH and all means) demandingly forcing it down the throat of of “NORMAL” (and yes I do mean NORMAL COMMON SENSE)people
Don’t look, Ethyl!
.Totaly grossing us out! Get a clue!!
Hmm. The only one gross here, is you, dude, especially with your lousy spelling. While we are busy look for that clue you referred to, perhaps you might want to consider consulting with your Funk and Wagnalls Dictionary?
Oh, and I do agree with you wholeheartedly.
You are common. No doubt about it.