Frustration among gay Democrats at the White House's unwillingness to make their issues a first-year priority -- or even, in some cases, to acknowledge them -- is boiling over today in the form of a move to boycott Democratic National Committee fundraising.I've already received, and discarded, several fund-raising letters from the DNC. I will continue to support individual candidates whose positions on issues I care about are consistent with mine, and chances are these will probably be Democrats. (I was very pleased to see Chellie Pingree at the big No on 1 rally on election night.) I will almost certainly contribute to the state party, because a whole mess of state-level politicians put themselves on the line for my community.Gay donors have long been a pillar of the DNC's support -- its treasurer, Andy Tobias, is a veteran gay fundraiser -- and of financial support for Democrats more broadly.
"[T]his campaign is temporary, and is only meant to help some friends - President Obama and the Democratic party - who have lost their way," Americablog's John Aravosis and Joe Sudbay write. "Candidate Obama promised during the campaign to be the gay community’s 'fierce advocate.' He and the Democratic party have not kept their promise."
They're asking readers to pledge not to give to the DNC, OfA, or Obama's campaign "until the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is passed, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) is repealed, and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is repealed -– all of which President Obama repeatedly promised to do if elected."
But what we mainly get from the national leadership is a whole bunch of words, which cost nothing and affect little more. I look forward to my first fund-raising call from the DNC, so I can explain in exacting detail why it is I won't be giving them any money. My community isn't feeling a lot of love right now, and I don't have a lot of love to pass on. When the dust settles, perhaps the President et al will turn some of their attention to helping us out. In the meantime, not one thin dime more.
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I honestly believe withholding money from he party does not work. It did not work when civil rights legislation was needed and it will not work now. I leave you with the only two words that work. ACT UP!
ReplyDeletePS Mr. President, GET A BIGGER PLATE!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jim, especially on equal rights, but hanging onto your cash until an issue or candidate you believe in really need it seems a pefectly logical way to vote with your wallet.
ReplyDeletePS After you get a bigger plate to handle equal rights, Mr. President, get a chafing dish, too, because there are political appointments you haven't never made yet and we're stuck with the same jerkwads a year later, you know what I'm saying?
I'm not entirely sure that the comparison to the civil rights movement is apt, in this case. Perhaps I am mistaken. Regardless, I'm going to see how this goes.
ReplyDeleteThe net effect will probably be minimal, but at least I'll know my money is going toward candidates whose support has already been demonstrated.
Dan, If it not civil rights what is it? Since when are you treated as an equal person in this society? I refer to visitation rights, Social Security, Federal laws (1106 that do not apply to you). It is far more than equal rights. Until our rights are given to us on a federal level we will not have any real rights and I for one will not take any hand-outs, I am better than that. Where is our rage? Withholding a few dollars (compared to big business... just ask Joe Lieberman) will not do squat for us. Yes it will make you feel better, but we do not need to feel better, we need to take action on a national level. Can you remember the fear minorities placed on whites years ago? The establishment caved in then and it will again, but not before we threaten mass disruption. But I see your point of withholding precious dollars when proper. Since our defeat on yes we are becoming more and more hostile, less tolerant of haters. Good thing I am not the Queen of Hearts.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I was unclear. I think comparing the fight for marriage equality, the repeal of DADT, etc, etc, etc to the civil rights struggles of the 1960s is totally apt. I think comparing the strategy of withholding monetary support for political parties from the one context to the other is inapt.
ReplyDeleteI say withhold money, services, support, votes and whatever they will listen to. It is just so unfair to see a radicalized Muslim open fire at a military base and we as gay persons (of all colors and denominations) are not allowed to serve openly. He was a doctor and becoming radicalized over many months yet they kept him. You are a doctor and a good solid citizen with a family and they do not want you. Nuf said! ACT UP! Is my 60's radical hippie showing?
ReplyDeleteUJ! You are finally catching on! Democrats (and Republicans) don't care about you, or me, or Dan. All they care about is lining their pockets and rewarding their friends. You and I don't qualify as friends, to be sure.
ReplyDeleteSo yes, take the metaphorical baseball bat, hit them over the head a couple of times to get their attention, and then make your request known. Vote for anyone but an incumbent. Don't give either party a dime. Misbehave.
JG, Don't qualify as friends? What an understatement! I am heartbroken we will not share a beer in the Rose Garden. I would probably spike it with a roofie anyway.
ReplyDeleteSorry I was unclear. You and I don't qualify as friends **of Democratic politicians in DC.** That's why they are spending my children's money with wild abandon, and telling you to go pound sand on the subject of gay rights. They don't care about you in the slightest, except as a source of money and votes. And you are not going to get anything that might upset larger Democratic special interest groups. You are hosed.
ReplyDeleteBut hey, keep sending in the checks and don't forget to vote Democratic. Next time, for sure!