What a bunch of morons!
The Link
[ September 23, 2004, 06:39 AM: Message edited by: bobby78751 ]
Full Version: Black gay Republican group endorses Bush
In a related story, Chickens for Col. Sanders and Roaches for Raid have welcomed this news with open arms.
I'm waiting to see who one of their sub-groups, the "Black, Gay, Jewish Republicans" endorse before deciding who I'll vote for.
Have you seen my dignity? I think I've misplaced it somewhere. frown
These guys share office space with the "Korean Transgender Bungee-Jumpers for Bush."
One of them is actually named Faggett; we thought it was a spoof at first, but if you google the organization's name, you see they had a presence at the recent convention. They're also young: the head is 22, and another is 18.
QUOTE
\"Anthony Falls and Kendrick Faggett, both of Dallas, are looking forward to representing their community at the Republican National Convention in New York City. Falls, 22, and Faggett, 18, believe they are the first black gay delegates from Dallas to attend a Republican National Convention. Both are members of the Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus.
Falls and Faggett said they became active in politics about one year ago.
Watching political debates and news coverage intrigued him and influenced him to become politically active, Falls said.
\"I wanted to know exactly what they were talking about instead of saying I wonder what that was about,\" Falls said.
Faggett said that he became active in politics because he wanted to help bring about change in society.
\"By doing this I think I'll be helping myself in the long run and my community as well,\" Faggett said.
Falls said that he and Kendrick plan to identify themselves as same gender loving individuals at the convention. They are openly gay in their South Dallas community, he said.
Falls said that he was attracted to the Republican Party because he appreciates its values concerning family, education and business.
\"Those are values I would like to instill in myself and other people my age,\" Falls said.
The Republican Party could change and become more inclusive of the GLBT community, Falls said.
\"You have to be at the table to see how everything is working and be involved in the working,\" Falls said.
Falls and Faggett said they became active in politics about one year ago.
Watching political debates and news coverage intrigued him and influenced him to become politically active, Falls said.
\"I wanted to know exactly what they were talking about instead of saying I wonder what that was about,\" Falls said.
Faggett said that he became active in politics because he wanted to help bring about change in society.
\"By doing this I think I'll be helping myself in the long run and my community as well,\" Faggett said.
Falls said that he and Kendrick plan to identify themselves as same gender loving individuals at the convention. They are openly gay in their South Dallas community, he said.
Falls said that he was attracted to the Republican Party because he appreciates its values concerning family, education and business.
\"Those are values I would like to instill in myself and other people my age,\" Falls said.
The Republican Party could change and become more inclusive of the GLBT community, Falls said.
\"You have to be at the table to see how everything is working and be involved in the working,\" Falls said.
If this wasn't so desperately sad I would be laughing my ass off. Oh never mind. I am laughing my ass off. 
I need a laugh right now guys and gals!! Hurricane Jeanne is headed my way. Does anyone want a cheap home on the Florida coast? Anyone? eek!
I need a laugh right now guys and gals!! Hurricane Jeanne is headed my way. Does anyone want a cheap home on the Florida coast? Anyone? eek!
Based on this article, I bet a big part of their pro Bush stance is to position themselves against the Dallas Log Cabin Republicans (and the national LCR that withheld its endorsement). They think that "[t]he White gay community is one of America's last strongholds for White Supremacy."
QUOTE
The Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus (ALBRC)... is conducting the third day of demonstrations and protest marches against alleged White Gay Racism in Dallas, Texas and America.
\"I am sick and tired of seeing the white gay rights movement continue to hijack the Black civil rights movement and make these situations one and the same,\" stated Anthony Falls, Chairman of the ALBRC and recently elected the first Black openly gay Republican Precinct Chairman in Texas.
Today's protest and demonstration comes on the heels of the first demonstration which took place on Friday afternoon through the heart of the white gay community in Dallas; the Oak Lawn Crossroads area. About twenty Black SGLs marched through the predominately white gay community, shouting. This was apparently in reference to the astounding disparity in AIDS Relief funding in the Dallas area. Black citizens in Dallas County comprise 45% of all AIDS cases yet Black organizations, providing AIDS relief, only receive 7% of the 20 million dollars in federal funds coming into the county this fiscal year.
\"White gay clubs in Dallas, and throughout America, have the audacity to have 'Negro night' once a week (a designated night when Blacks are welcomed in white gay clubs) in the 21st Century. How much more racist and disrespectful can you be,\" asked Adrian Harris, Vice Chairman of the ALBRC.
On last Saturday, at a huge rally held in the Oak Lawn area in support of Marriage for Gays and against the constitutional amendment for defense of marriage, the ALBRC staged a highly vocal and visible counter protest and demonstration against what it considers 30 years of unchecked and unbridled racism by the White gay community against Black gays and lesbians. The protest march was again taken through the heart of the Oak Lawn community to the astonishment and amazement of the local gay patrons and shopkeepers. The protesters were met with some racial slurs and threats.
\"I am sick and tired of seeing the white gay rights movement continue to hijack the Black civil rights movement and make these situations one and the same,\" stated Anthony Falls, Chairman of the ALBRC and recently elected the first Black openly gay Republican Precinct Chairman in Texas.
Today's protest and demonstration comes on the heels of the first demonstration which took place on Friday afternoon through the heart of the white gay community in Dallas; the Oak Lawn Crossroads area. About twenty Black SGLs marched through the predominately white gay community, shouting. This was apparently in reference to the astounding disparity in AIDS Relief funding in the Dallas area. Black citizens in Dallas County comprise 45% of all AIDS cases yet Black organizations, providing AIDS relief, only receive 7% of the 20 million dollars in federal funds coming into the county this fiscal year.
\"White gay clubs in Dallas, and throughout America, have the audacity to have 'Negro night' once a week (a designated night when Blacks are welcomed in white gay clubs) in the 21st Century. How much more racist and disrespectful can you be,\" asked Adrian Harris, Vice Chairman of the ALBRC.
On last Saturday, at a huge rally held in the Oak Lawn area in support of Marriage for Gays and against the constitutional amendment for defense of marriage, the ALBRC staged a highly vocal and visible counter protest and demonstration against what it considers 30 years of unchecked and unbridled racism by the White gay community against Black gays and lesbians. The protest march was again taken through the heart of the Oak Lawn community to the astonishment and amazement of the local gay patrons and shopkeepers. The protesters were met with some racial slurs and threats.
There are plenty of gay Republicans who disagree with the Log Cabin Board's decision not to endorse. Log Cabin admits at least 250 members have resigned since that decision was announced two weeks ago.
For anyone who thinks the non-endorsement was driven by principle, they are wrong. It was driven by an attempt to appeal to those who consider themselves "gay first, Republican second." Leaving those of us who consider ourselves Republicans first, gay second, to look elsewhere for leadership and organization.
Gay Patriot summed it up very well in his recent blog:
The link
For anyone who thinks the non-endorsement was driven by principle, they are wrong. It was driven by an attempt to appeal to those who consider themselves "gay first, Republican second." Leaving those of us who consider ourselves Republicans first, gay second, to look elsewhere for leadership and organization.
Gay Patriot summed it up very well in his recent blog:
The link
QUOTE
GayPatriot tells LCR to stick it!
To no one's surprise, the organization that used to represent gay
conservatives -- Log Cabin Republicans -- once again stabbed President Bush
in the back by withholding their endorsement. Not that anyone at
Bush-Cheney '04 probably really cares at this point.
<http://www.logcabin.org/logcabin/press_090804.html>http://www.logcabin.org/logcabin/press_090804.html
Now many of you will be puzzled by my position on this. Let me make it
clear. I'm not happy with President Bush's stance on gay issues any more
than John Kerry's. But what LCR used to provide to gay conservatives during
the time Rich Tafel headed the organization was something that Patrick
Guerriero has squandered -- a 'place at the table' of the Republican
decision-making levers of power. How do we have our voices heard now, Patrick?
Yesterday I reflected that gay marriage is not a battle to be fought now.
The evidence is that in every state, voters are rejecting initiatives by
wide margins. By doing so, the gay liberal elite have virtually invited the
culture war. What did they expect??
As an American first, Republican second, and gay American last.....
President Bush will get my vote because he is fighting for American
principles first and in a time of war -- that is all that matters to me.
(See my gay marriage item from yesterday).
As I stated in my email to LCR, they are not a REPUBLICAN organization
anymore.... they are just another liberal gay group satisfied with
populating black tie events for the social gay elite circles, just like the
Human Rights Campaign organization.
LCR's paid leadership and board members need to reflect on the unique role
that the organization used to play in Washington.
They also need to be doing more to stop the civil rights violations of
individual gay Republicans by Michael Rogers and his goons. LCR does have a
unique role to play in this debate. But they are doing no more than making
terse statements. As Bob Dole said in 1996 when LCR endorsed
him....\"Where's the outrage????\"
In fairness, Christopher Barron has responded, but I will not publish his
email response unless I get permission to do so.
From: <mailto:GayPatriot2004@aol.com>GayPatriot2004@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 9:44 AM
To: admin@logcabin.org; <mailto:press@logcabin.org>press@logcabin.org
Subject: Shame on you.
Please take the word \"REPUBLICAN\" out of your organization's name.
You are no more a Republican organization than the Human Rights Campaign
is\"non-partisan.\"
If you spent more time fighting the civil rights violations happening to
Republican gay staffers on Capitol Hill by Michael Rogers... and less time
cozying up to your gay liberal friends at HRC, etc., perhaps your
organization would still have some relevance.
Instead, you are simply another shrill gay liberal group whose leader hails
from the state of Massachusetts.
I hope Ed Gillespie sues you to take back the word Republican.
You disgust me.
-GayPatriot
If Bush wins re-election, it's going to be despite the non-endorsement of Log Cabin, which means GLBT Republicans will have even less influence in the second term than we have now.
To no one's surprise, the organization that used to represent gay
conservatives -- Log Cabin Republicans -- once again stabbed President Bush
in the back by withholding their endorsement. Not that anyone at
Bush-Cheney '04 probably really cares at this point.
<http://www.logcabin.org/logcabin/press_090804.html>http://www.logcabin.org/logcabin/press_090804.html
Now many of you will be puzzled by my position on this. Let me make it
clear. I'm not happy with President Bush's stance on gay issues any more
than John Kerry's. But what LCR used to provide to gay conservatives during
the time Rich Tafel headed the organization was something that Patrick
Guerriero has squandered -- a 'place at the table' of the Republican
decision-making levers of power. How do we have our voices heard now, Patrick?
Yesterday I reflected that gay marriage is not a battle to be fought now.
The evidence is that in every state, voters are rejecting initiatives by
wide margins. By doing so, the gay liberal elite have virtually invited the
culture war. What did they expect??
As an American first, Republican second, and gay American last.....
President Bush will get my vote because he is fighting for American
principles first and in a time of war -- that is all that matters to me.
(See my gay marriage item from yesterday).
As I stated in my email to LCR, they are not a REPUBLICAN organization
anymore.... they are just another liberal gay group satisfied with
populating black tie events for the social gay elite circles, just like the
Human Rights Campaign organization.
LCR's paid leadership and board members need to reflect on the unique role
that the organization used to play in Washington.
They also need to be doing more to stop the civil rights violations of
individual gay Republicans by Michael Rogers and his goons. LCR does have a
unique role to play in this debate. But they are doing no more than making
terse statements. As Bob Dole said in 1996 when LCR endorsed
him....\"Where's the outrage????\"
In fairness, Christopher Barron has responded, but I will not publish his
email response unless I get permission to do so.
From: <mailto:GayPatriot2004@aol.com>GayPatriot2004@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 9:44 AM
To: admin@logcabin.org; <mailto:press@logcabin.org>press@logcabin.org
Subject: Shame on you.
Please take the word \"REPUBLICAN\" out of your organization's name.
You are no more a Republican organization than the Human Rights Campaign
is\"non-partisan.\"
If you spent more time fighting the civil rights violations happening to
Republican gay staffers on Capitol Hill by Michael Rogers... and less time
cozying up to your gay liberal friends at HRC, etc., perhaps your
organization would still have some relevance.
Instead, you are simply another shrill gay liberal group whose leader hails
from the state of Massachusetts.
I hope Ed Gillespie sues you to take back the word Republican.
You disgust me.
-GayPatriot
They are all retarded idiots. :mad:
Hula,
How misguided...
How misguided...
QUOTE
HulaBoy:
If Bush wins re-election,...
He needs to win an election before he can win re-election.If Bush wins re-election,...
QUOTE
HulaBoy:
...it's going to be despite the non-endorsement of Log Cabin, which means GLBT Republicans will have even less influence in the second term than we have now.
And, please give me an example of how the LCR has influenced this regime. Please, tell me, I'm waiting for a response.
...it's going to be despite the non-endorsement of Log Cabin, which means GLBT Republicans will have even less influence in the second term than we have now.
QUOTE
As an ... Republican second, and gay American last..... [/QB]
I guess that is the entire point for most gay people; how can you possibly not be true to yourself before your political party?How is it possible to join a political movement that despises and degrades you? That treats you as irrelevant, and has said that you should be imprisoned for who you are, who you have no choice but to be?.
I always knew that in WW2 the Germans set up councils of Jews to deal with administration of jewish areas and people. They often chose who went to the death camps and ovens first. They turned over resistance leaders to the Nazi's. They were even appointed as guards and given minimal weapons that they brutally used on their fellow inmates.
Many people do not know that they treated Gays the same way. They co-opted gays and made them work against their fellow prisoners so that they could either remain alive or fight for a slightly larger scrap of food.
Thankfully most of these people were hunted down after the war and treated as war criminals.
The point is that this is happening politically here - the R party has deliberately chosen to totally ostracise gays. Yet many gays still support them because they are hoping for some scraps of power, influence, or freedom.
I will not apologise to anyone for who I am.
I demand the Freedoms accorded everyone else under the US Constitution. I demand the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I will not bow to those who wish to create a Theocracy. I will not sit on the floor and beg for scraps from a full table.
To quote my favorite founding father "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." B Franklin
Rob
[ September 23, 2004, 09:25 AM: Message edited by: ITJock ]
You're not getting it.
For this small group, the opposition is not Bush, but white Dallas gays (which is funny to me cause I keep thinking of that 'lip gloss queen from Dallas' term).
Their position is that of a rebel, "Whatever you're for, I'm against."
The Dallas Log Cabin (and the national org) won't endorse Bush. So they will. This really isn't about Bush.
From a local point of view, it's a shrewd political move: the small, marginalized group of black Republicans makes nice with the national party and gets press for endorsing Bush. Meanwhile, their opposition, the local white LCRs, are now painted as both racist and disloyal to the party. Double score.
For this small group, the opposition is not Bush, but white Dallas gays (which is funny to me cause I keep thinking of that 'lip gloss queen from Dallas' term).
Their position is that of a rebel, "Whatever you're for, I'm against."
The Dallas Log Cabin (and the national org) won't endorse Bush. So they will. This really isn't about Bush.
From a local point of view, it's a shrewd political move: the small, marginalized group of black Republicans makes nice with the national party and gets press for endorsing Bush. Meanwhile, their opposition, the local white LCRs, are now painted as both racist and disloyal to the party. Double score.
The opposition isn't just white Dallas gays...it's against the progress of the entire gay community! Where does the madness end? These idiots also took a NATIONAL stand against gay marriage!
The Link
[ September 23, 2004, 09:51 AM: Message edited by: bobby78751 ]
The Link
[ September 23, 2004, 09:51 AM: Message edited by: bobby78751 ]
Hulaboy,
There's all kinds of wrongness with your position. And I could try to point it out, but you definitely seem like someone who's intelligent enough to have already thought about anything I could throw at you. Which then begs the question, What benefit do you experience by aligning yourself with a Party that tries to make sure that you stay a second class citizen?
Yes, it's a great strategy to have gay people represented in both major political camps. But when one effectively declares war on you, isn't it time to take a stand against that party? Don't consider FMA a declaration of war? Well, suppose that instead of just trying to pass an amendment banning gay marriage, the Republican party decided to pass an amendment making it illegal to engage in any same-sex sexual activity? Would you still agree with GayPatriot that the LCR "stabbed" President Bush in the back (even though it's actually Bush who stabbed the LCR in the back?)? What if the Republicans tried to pass an amendment to sequester all homosexuals to the desert in Utah? Would you still believe that going against the Republican party is wrong?
Under what circumstances would the LCR be justified in its decision to not endorse the Republican candidate?
There's all kinds of wrongness with your position. And I could try to point it out, but you definitely seem like someone who's intelligent enough to have already thought about anything I could throw at you. Which then begs the question, What benefit do you experience by aligning yourself with a Party that tries to make sure that you stay a second class citizen?
Yes, it's a great strategy to have gay people represented in both major political camps. But when one effectively declares war on you, isn't it time to take a stand against that party? Don't consider FMA a declaration of war? Well, suppose that instead of just trying to pass an amendment banning gay marriage, the Republican party decided to pass an amendment making it illegal to engage in any same-sex sexual activity? Would you still agree with GayPatriot that the LCR "stabbed" President Bush in the back (even though it's actually Bush who stabbed the LCR in the back?)? What if the Republicans tried to pass an amendment to sequester all homosexuals to the desert in Utah? Would you still believe that going against the Republican party is wrong?
Under what circumstances would the LCR be justified in its decision to not endorse the Republican candidate?
As much as I'm tempted to label the ALBRC's actions as foolish and misguided, being a minority, I can definitely empathize. For people of color in this country, being a minority results in more discrimination than being gay does. If it's true that there's a huge disparity in the allocation of HIV resources in the Dallas area because of racial issues, I might do the same thing they're doing.
Yes, it's short-sighted, but if I or my friends were dying of AIDS, the short-term's all that's guaranteed. Marriage equality is great... but only if you're alive.
The actions of the ALBRC provide a great opportunity to explore the issue of racism in the gay community... at least I'd rather view it that way than as just another bunch of bone-headed people currying favor to their oppressors. It'd certainly be a more productive discussion.
Yes, it's short-sighted, but if I or my friends were dying of AIDS, the short-term's all that's guaranteed. Marriage equality is great... but only if you're alive.
The actions of the ALBRC provide a great opportunity to explore the issue of racism in the gay community... at least I'd rather view it that way than as just another bunch of bone-headed people currying favor to their oppressors. It'd certainly be a more productive discussion.
The GOP problem with gays isn't just about the FMA. Keep in mind that the Republican platform this year was against civil unions as well.
I'm sure there are plenty of gays who can deal with no marriage. But to be against civil unions...that's more than damning, and is just about as anti-gay as a party can be.
Back to the black gay Repub group in Dallas:
Their opposition isn't a stance against gay marriage (though it is nominally). It's against white gays who claim civil rights and discrimination (and a parallel to black civil rights) in fighting for gay marriage, yet are racists themselves.
From Bobby's link: They think it's hypocritical for "White gays and lesbians to base their claims for rights to marry upon prejudice, discrimination and civil rights violations, when they are prejudiced, discriminatory and disrespectful of Black gays' and lesbians' human rights each and every day."
It's a local beef. They're attempting to flex their muscle nationally at the expense of the Dallas LCR. And, as Pierre points out, this isn't some bone-headed support of Bush. It's a calculated attempt to call attention to racism in their local community (and I guess some of the urgency and rebelliousness has something to do with AIDS funding).
It's kinda funny how everyone was so quick to label them morons.
I'm sure there are plenty of gays who can deal with no marriage. But to be against civil unions...that's more than damning, and is just about as anti-gay as a party can be.
Back to the black gay Repub group in Dallas:
Their opposition isn't a stance against gay marriage (though it is nominally). It's against white gays who claim civil rights and discrimination (and a parallel to black civil rights) in fighting for gay marriage, yet are racists themselves.
From Bobby's link: They think it's hypocritical for "White gays and lesbians to base their claims for rights to marry upon prejudice, discrimination and civil rights violations, when they are prejudiced, discriminatory and disrespectful of Black gays' and lesbians' human rights each and every day."
It's a local beef. They're attempting to flex their muscle nationally at the expense of the Dallas LCR. And, as Pierre points out, this isn't some bone-headed support of Bush. It's a calculated attempt to call attention to racism in their local community (and I guess some of the urgency and rebelliousness has something to do with AIDS funding).
It's kinda funny how everyone was so quick to label them morons.
The use of the term "same-gender-loving," which is a militant term coined, I believe, by writer Cleo Manago, and used frequently by writer James Earl Hardy and others, was the giveaway for me.
I understand the frustration with the white gay community, which continues to marginalize not only black people, but all non-whites, women, and so on, but at the same time, don't these guys realize that it is a LIBERAL rather than CONSERVATIVE philosophy that in fact opens the door to greater acceptance of difference, of those who are on the margins of any social group, etc.? The true conservative philosophy preserves and conserves the status quo, which is why many in the conservative camp have issues with the right-wing Christians, with proto-fascists, with the neo-cons, and with the people who are bloating up the government and fighting wars that were not justified or necessary. None of these stances is CONSERVATIVE--and a conservative approach to issues of racial injustice in the white gay mainstream community isn't going to change much.
Also, as "gay.patriot" notes, there are attacks on gay GOPers in terms of their social service protections, and so on. It's not just FMA, or even the GOP 2004 platform. LEt's also not forget that most of the leading Congressional GOPers, along with W, SUPPORTED the anti-gay-sex laws that prevailed in many states, which also allowed the concept of gay sex as criminal behavior to taint civil law and foster discrimination. Conservatives were not FOR the striking down of those heinous laws; libertarians and liberals were. And fortunately, we got the correct ruling in Lawrence v. Texas, which also advanced the notion, existing since our founding, of equal protection under the law.
At any rate, I don't think they're morons, especially after reading more of what they've written. I have often gotten so frustrated with leaders in the (white) gay community I've dealt with that I wanted to scream, but then again, I have been fortunate to come across very progressive, leftist gay/bi/trans/sgl/homo people who are working hard to make opportunity and equality available for ALL, not just those who already have it.
[ September 23, 2004, 11:08 AM: Message edited by: fantomas ]
I understand the frustration with the white gay community, which continues to marginalize not only black people, but all non-whites, women, and so on, but at the same time, don't these guys realize that it is a LIBERAL rather than CONSERVATIVE philosophy that in fact opens the door to greater acceptance of difference, of those who are on the margins of any social group, etc.? The true conservative philosophy preserves and conserves the status quo, which is why many in the conservative camp have issues with the right-wing Christians, with proto-fascists, with the neo-cons, and with the people who are bloating up the government and fighting wars that were not justified or necessary. None of these stances is CONSERVATIVE--and a conservative approach to issues of racial injustice in the white gay mainstream community isn't going to change much.
Also, as "gay.patriot" notes, there are attacks on gay GOPers in terms of their social service protections, and so on. It's not just FMA, or even the GOP 2004 platform. LEt's also not forget that most of the leading Congressional GOPers, along with W, SUPPORTED the anti-gay-sex laws that prevailed in many states, which also allowed the concept of gay sex as criminal behavior to taint civil law and foster discrimination. Conservatives were not FOR the striking down of those heinous laws; libertarians and liberals were. And fortunately, we got the correct ruling in Lawrence v. Texas, which also advanced the notion, existing since our founding, of equal protection under the law.
At any rate, I don't think they're morons, especially after reading more of what they've written. I have often gotten so frustrated with leaders in the (white) gay community I've dealt with that I wanted to scream, but then again, I have been fortunate to come across very progressive, leftist gay/bi/trans/sgl/homo people who are working hard to make opportunity and equality available for ALL, not just those who already have it.
[ September 23, 2004, 11:08 AM: Message edited by: fantomas ]
The Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus' stance against gay marriage is somewhat calculated as is their endorsement of Bush. What they are doing is affirming a socially conservative political trajectory in black politics--the politics of respectability. They want Americans--white AND black to see that being gay doesn't necessitate a "liberal" stance (which they categorize as negative) and they want to show black folks that black gay people can not only take a morally acceptable stand, but they can also take a morally superior stand, thus, their stance against gay marriage and white gay racism. Notice, their protest in Oak Lawn was allegedly met with "racial slurs and threats." To them, this would show that the allegedly "liberal" white gay establishment is just as racist (and thus, less morally acceptable) as the conservative Right has been made out to be. Couple that racism with what they perceive to be a hijacking of the African American civil rights language, and I think you can see their cynicism regarding the Democratic Party.
That said, I think they're a bit misguided. They'd probably be better off abandoning both parties and either starting their own (the Really Hard Road) or joining the Libertarian Party (just A Damned Hard Road).
That said, I think they're a bit misguided. They'd probably be better off abandoning both parties and either starting their own (the Really Hard Road) or joining the Libertarian Party (just A Damned Hard Road).
I find it interesting that people like the ABLRC and Gay Patriot often complain about the lockstep mentality of the gay community, enforcing some sort of communal will at the expense of individual members, yet they cannot seem to wrap their minds around the concept that following the lead of the Republican party without comment or criticism is at least as limitting, and probably more so. This idea that not endorsing Bush would somehow lessen the influence of a group that has a demonstrable track record of not having any influence is naive. During the 2000 campaign Bush met with LCR and other gay people (one can hardly call them representative). Has he done so officially since the election? In the election the number of gay votes for Bush appears to have been more than the margin of victory (I don't have the numbers in front of me, so I could be wrong on that). Yet once in office, not only did Bush consistently work against the best interests of gay Americans, but he has not even acknowledged our existence past clumsy attempts at repression. If the gay support for a Republican candidate evaporates in this election, it will be noticed. The Republican party will have to come to a decision. It will either moderate its rhetoric and policies when it comes to gay issues, or it will continue to take the hard line and write off those votes. Why give them the opportunity to continue the hard line and keep the votes? That's not inclusion. That's not working from within. That's being a patsy. If lower taxes are that important to you, vote Libertarian.
Ill admit that I have very little interest in the club/bar scene here in Dallas (or anywhere else for that matter) but Im skeptical about the "white clubs" having 'Negro night.'
QUOTE
RazorbackTX:
Ill admit that I have very little interest in the club/bar scene here in Dallas (or anywhere else for that matter) but Im skeptical about the \"white clubs\" having 'Negro night.'
I haven't been in a while, but if I remember correctly, the Village Station had a "straight night." I believe it was Wednesdays. I can't recall being in a gay bar (something I've admitedly done very infrequently) when there weren't people of color there. The one exception might have been a stop in at the Roundup on a very slow night, but then again, that was a night I wasn't paying much attention to people around me wink
Ill admit that I have very little interest in the club/bar scene here in Dallas (or anywhere else for that matter) but Im skeptical about the \"white clubs\" having 'Negro night.'
QUOTE
RazorbackTX:
...but Im skeptical about the \"white clubs\" having 'Negro night.'
Yeah, I thought that was only on the Corny Collins show in HAIRSPRAY.
...but Im skeptical about the \"white clubs\" having 'Negro night.'
kalabro, agree with your summary of what they're doing--well put btw. Disagree that it's misguided--I think it's rather brazen of them. And, considering where they're from, and what they're fighting (not Bush nationally, but white gays locally), find it quietly admirable as a political move. It's smart to align themselves as a properly Republican group (and one loyal to the national group/Bush) if it sticks it to their local enemies.
QUOTE
find it quietly admirable as a political move. It's smart to align themselves as a properly Republican group (and one loyal to the national group/Bush) if it sticks it to their local enemies.
That is what I think is misguided by their endorsement of Bush. It doesn't really accomplish much in the way of embarrassing the LCR, nor does it really "shame" the white gay establishment in Dallas. All it does is make for a nice news clip that people can ponder for Koffee Klatch ("He's Black, He's Gay, He's Republican. I'm verklempt. Discuss."). At the end of the day, they're a niche within a niche in the Republican Party that will be trotted out in order to make a show of "diversity" in the party (as long as they oppose same-sex marriage and the like ), but will ultimately have zero influence in the party.
The actions of the ALBRC provide a great opportunity to explore the issue of racism in the gay community...
I disagree. I don't know the Dallas scene. But it would not surprise me to find racism among white gays. Or among white women in the feminist movement. Or among white trade unionists. And so on.
I have sure seen sexism among gay men. Would I be providing an opportunity to explore the issue of gay male sexism if I joined in with those who call AIDS (which rarely affects lesbians) a gift from god because it is ridding the GLBT movement of sexist gay men? Do I fight racist and sexist union leaders by strikebreaking? Please!
Racism and sexism must be confronted and not swept under the rug (although I am skeptical of the "Negro nights" claim!). But this is done within the movement, not by opposing the reasonable and fair demands of the movement.
There are differences between racial oppression and the oppression of GLBT. But saying (white) GLBT folks can hide while most African-Americans cannot is making a virtue of oppression. It's saying that GLBT folks, by living a lie our entire lives, are escaping oppression when in fact it is just a different form of oppression.
And there are parallels between the fight for same sex marriage rights and the fight against miscegnation laws. The opposition is using the same arguments, even the same bible quotes. And the same spiel about "activist judges" overturning the "will of the majority".
I disagree. I don't know the Dallas scene. But it would not surprise me to find racism among white gays. Or among white women in the feminist movement. Or among white trade unionists. And so on.
I have sure seen sexism among gay men. Would I be providing an opportunity to explore the issue of gay male sexism if I joined in with those who call AIDS (which rarely affects lesbians) a gift from god because it is ridding the GLBT movement of sexist gay men? Do I fight racist and sexist union leaders by strikebreaking? Please!
Racism and sexism must be confronted and not swept under the rug (although I am skeptical of the "Negro nights" claim!). But this is done within the movement, not by opposing the reasonable and fair demands of the movement.
There are differences between racial oppression and the oppression of GLBT. But saying (white) GLBT folks can hide while most African-Americans cannot is making a virtue of oppression. It's saying that GLBT folks, by living a lie our entire lives, are escaping oppression when in fact it is just a different form of oppression.
And there are parallels between the fight for same sex marriage rights and the fight against miscegnation laws. The opposition is using the same arguments, even the same bible quotes. And the same spiel about "activist judges" overturning the "will of the majority".
kalabro, This group's problems (allegedly disproportionate AIDS funding, racism) aren't the same problems facing the Dallas or national LCR (gay marriage). If this move gets this small group of black Republicans recognition from the GOP, it could be a first step in whatever courtship they plan to have black AIDS organizations get more federal funding. Again, when it comes to "influence" on the party, their battle isn't so much with the party being against gay marriage and civil unions. Their problem's local. I see this more as a my enemy's enemy is my friend thing. And some showboating.
[quote]
\"White gay clubs in Dallas, and throughout America, have the audacity to have 'Negro night' once a week (a designated night when Blacks are welcomed in white gay clubs) in the 21st Century. How much more racist and disrespectful can you be,\" asked Adrian Harris, Vice Chairman of the ALBRC.
On last Saturday, at a huge rally held in the Oak Lawn area in support of Marriage for Gays and against the constitutional amendment for defense of marriage, the ALBRC staged a highly vocal and visible counter protest and demonstration against what it considers 30 years of unchecked and unbridled racism by the White gay community against Black gays and lesbians. The protest march was again taken through the heart of the Oak Lawn community to the astonishment and amazement of the local gay patrons and shopkeepers. The protesters were met with some racial slurs and threats.
[/quote][/QB][/quote]
This is such BS. I've lived in Dallas for 4 years, and my partner and I go out at least several times a month to various bars/clubs. I've never heard of 'Negro night'. And I don't even know what he means by "White gay clubs." There are blacks, whites, hispanics, etc. at every club I've been to (even the Country Western bar). I've also never heard of the "huge" rally that was supposedly held in Oak Lawn.
This is such a complete nonsense story. If they want to raise an issue about AIDS funding, fine, but they've lost any credibility in the way they're going about it.
\"White gay clubs in Dallas, and throughout America, have the audacity to have 'Negro night' once a week (a designated night when Blacks are welcomed in white gay clubs) in the 21st Century. How much more racist and disrespectful can you be,\" asked Adrian Harris, Vice Chairman of the ALBRC.
On last Saturday, at a huge rally held in the Oak Lawn area in support of Marriage for Gays and against the constitutional amendment for defense of marriage, the ALBRC staged a highly vocal and visible counter protest and demonstration against what it considers 30 years of unchecked and unbridled racism by the White gay community against Black gays and lesbians. The protest march was again taken through the heart of the Oak Lawn community to the astonishment and amazement of the local gay patrons and shopkeepers. The protesters were met with some racial slurs and threats.
[/quote][/QB][/quote]
This is such BS. I've lived in Dallas for 4 years, and my partner and I go out at least several times a month to various bars/clubs. I've never heard of 'Negro night'. And I don't even know what he means by "White gay clubs." There are blacks, whites, hispanics, etc. at every club I've been to (even the Country Western bar). I've also never heard of the "huge" rally that was supposedly held in Oak Lawn.
This is such a complete nonsense story. If they want to raise an issue about AIDS funding, fine, but they've lost any credibility in the way they're going about it.
QUOTE
And some showboating.
Definitely some showboating. "Hey, look at US! We're really different!! We're not like those other Negroes who blindly support the Democrats!! Look!!!"I don't see how endorsing Bush gets them the extra HIV/AIDS funding that they need. It's highly unlikely that this pitiful band of rebels (wink wink to the Star Wars fans out there) is going to captivate the GOP so that they shame the local honchos into forking over more money or respecting black gay people en masse. If anything, this group is marginalizing itself from it's core constituents--black gay people. Sure, some independent contrarians as well as some curious looky-loos will show up to meetings and possibly get involved, but gay politics in Dallas aren't likely to change because the ALBRC has cried racism.
Oh god, the young rebels Falls and Faggett (I still wonder if this is an art collective joke) as the Sith, forming an alliance with the Emperor. But that would make the lip gloss queens from Dallas Jedi, and that's not quite right. Okay, they're showboating.
Let’s suppose this is showboating. Again, what does that tell us about how people of color might feel in the Dallas gay environment? I’ve never been to Dallas, but if I give ALBRC the benefit of the doubt, I would have to assume that they feel marginalized immensely by the gay community there.
It’s directly akin to gay people in this country feeling marginalized by the fact that Bush is trying to legislate his view of us as second class citizens. If we come down on people like GayPatriot for putting his political affiliation before his sexuality when it’s obvious that his sexuality is the more salient factor determining his rights in this country, then why should we come down on people of color who put their race before their sexuality when it’s obvious that race is the more salient factor determining their well-being in this country?
Ms. De Blazer, you said, “Do I fight racist and sexist union leaders by strikebreaking? Please!” But that same line of thinking can be used to justify Hulaboy and GayPatriot’s thinking. Why should they break against the Republican Party just because a part of their identity is being marginalized by that Party? Your statement could easily be amended by them to read, “Do I fight heterosexist Party Leaders by strikebreaking? Please!”
And yes, I would definitely be a strikebreaker if I found out that my union leaders saw me first as a minority, and then, as a far second, a fellow union worker, when such perceptions lead them to act in ways against my best interest.
It’s directly akin to gay people in this country feeling marginalized by the fact that Bush is trying to legislate his view of us as second class citizens. If we come down on people like GayPatriot for putting his political affiliation before his sexuality when it’s obvious that his sexuality is the more salient factor determining his rights in this country, then why should we come down on people of color who put their race before their sexuality when it’s obvious that race is the more salient factor determining their well-being in this country?
Ms. De Blazer, you said, “Do I fight racist and sexist union leaders by strikebreaking? Please!” But that same line of thinking can be used to justify Hulaboy and GayPatriot’s thinking. Why should they break against the Republican Party just because a part of their identity is being marginalized by that Party? Your statement could easily be amended by them to read, “Do I fight heterosexist Party Leaders by strikebreaking? Please!”
And yes, I would definitely be a strikebreaker if I found out that my union leaders saw me first as a minority, and then, as a far second, a fellow union worker, when such perceptions lead them to act in ways against my best interest.
A little background on the leader (Don Sneed) of this very small group.
It's my opinion this guy will do anything for attention and he's been horrible for the gay community here in Dallas. My black friends have no complaints and I know of NO "Negro Nights" at the bars. That is ludicrous!
QUOTE
A black gay AIDS official who is accused of racial discrimination in an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint filed by five of his black employees also faces trial on an accusation that he attempted to strike a former employee with a sword.
QUOTE
The arrest marks a resumption of legal problems for the AIDS official, who was appointed last year by President Bush to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Sneed’s record includes convictions for theft by check, forgery, possession of controlled substances, passing a counterfeit drivers license and failure to identify himself to a sworn officer, according to public records.
The records show Sneed, who has been involved in AIDS services in Dallas since 1994, has served time in prison and was released on four years’ parole in 1991.
Sneed said that the Presidential Advisory Council was aware of his criminal record at the time of his appointment in January 2003. He acknowledged that he abused alcohol, marijuana and cocaine until 11 years ago, when he stopped using the substances.
The records show Sneed, who has been involved in AIDS services in Dallas since 1994, has served time in prison and was released on four years’ parole in 1991.
Sneed said that the Presidential Advisory Council was aware of his criminal record at the time of his appointment in January 2003. He acknowledged that he abused alcohol, marijuana and cocaine until 11 years ago, when he stopped using the substances.
QUOTE
Wedell said that Sneed’s recent allegations that white AIDS officials were attempting to take resources away from minority AIDS services organizations seemed implausible. He noted that Sneed had returned unspent Ryan White funds that county officials had authorized for disbursement to Renaissance III.
“Until Mr. Sneed handed back his government money that he claims people are out to take from him, he was a member of the North Texas HIV Services consortium,” Wedell said. “Mr. Sneed’s organization gave the money back. No one took it from him.”
EEO Complaints, Criminal History “Until Mr. Sneed handed back his government money that he claims people are out to take from him, he was a member of the North Texas HIV Services consortium,” Wedell said. “Mr. Sneed’s organization gave the money back. No one took it from him.”
QUOTE
In response to what he views as an ongoing effort against the black gay community, Sneed said he plans to step up his “information demonstrations” by uniting with black churches that oppose marriage rights for same-sex couples.
The protests are planned for the gay retail and entertainment district along Cedar Springs Road in Oak Lawn, where black gay protesters have assembled for the past two Sundays, said Sneed. The black gay protesters want to draw attention to the disparities between the “social, economic and political power” of the white gay community compared to the black gay community, he said.
“We’re targeting the Crossroads because of the ongoing inherent and oftentimes covert racism that black same-gender-loving people have been subjected to by our white gay and lesbian brothers and sisters for many, many years,” said Sneed, who is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and leader of the local Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus.
The protests are planned for the gay retail and entertainment district along Cedar Springs Road in Oak Lawn, where black gay protesters have assembled for the past two Sundays, said Sneed. The black gay protesters want to draw attention to the disparities between the “social, economic and political power” of the white gay community compared to the black gay community, he said.
“We’re targeting the Crossroads because of the ongoing inherent and oftentimes covert racism that black same-gender-loving people have been subjected to by our white gay and lesbian brothers and sisters for many, many years,” said Sneed, who is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and leader of the local Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus.
QUOTE
Sneed accused white gays of ignoring blacks who have AIDS.
“It is wrong for our brothers and sisters who have through their own devices achieved such power and wealth to just totally abandon and disregard the suffering from AIDS that my people are still caught in,” said Sneed.
Most federal money for AIDS services in Dallas goes to white organizations rather than to ethnic minority ones, he said.
Sneed said that more funding should go to minority organizations, because black and Hispanic people, especially young males, are now the hardest-hit by AIDS.
Amanda McKeen Simpson, a spokeswoman for the Dallas County Health and Human Services department, denied that the county favors organizations run by whites when it distributes AIDS funds. The contracts are competitively bid, she said.
Although 24 percent of federal grant funding goes to minority AIDS agencies, 63 percent of the money reaches minority patients, Simpson said.
About 44 percent of the funds go to programs for black patients, she said.
More on Sneed “It is wrong for our brothers and sisters who have through their own devices achieved such power and wealth to just totally abandon and disregard the suffering from AIDS that my people are still caught in,” said Sneed.
Most federal money for AIDS services in Dallas goes to white organizations rather than to ethnic minority ones, he said.
Sneed said that more funding should go to minority organizations, because black and Hispanic people, especially young males, are now the hardest-hit by AIDS.
Amanda McKeen Simpson, a spokeswoman for the Dallas County Health and Human Services department, denied that the county favors organizations run by whites when it distributes AIDS funds. The contracts are competitively bid, she said.
Although 24 percent of federal grant funding goes to minority AIDS agencies, 63 percent of the money reaches minority patients, Simpson said.
About 44 percent of the funds go to programs for black patients, she said.
QUOTE
As Saturday’s rally against amending the Constitution to bar gays from marriage ended, about a dozen protesters dressed in black marched around Robert E. Lee Park calling for an end to racial discrimination.
The Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus presented brief demonstrations on three consecutive days beginning last Friday. The group’s leader, Don Sneed, said the actions were designed to protest inequality in funding for HIV services in the black community and the racial divide in the Dallas gay community.
The Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus presented brief demonstrations on three consecutive days beginning last Friday. The group’s leader, Don Sneed, said the actions were designed to protest inequality in funding for HIV services in the black community and the racial divide in the Dallas gay community.
QUOTE
Demonstrators carried the flag to remind people they are Americans, he added. “We’re black. We’re gay. We’re American. We’re proud. And we’re not going anywhere,” Sneed said. “This is our Stonewall.”
He said this weekend, on the eve of legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts, black Republican caucus members decided “enough is enough.”
“It is an international disgrace and an affront to every black man, woman and child in the United States for the Massachusetts Supreme Court to start marriage for gays on the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Topeka Board of Education Decision,” Sneed said.
Many blacks believe that the gay civil rights movement is “piggybacking” on the black civil rights movement, Sneed claimed. The movements are not the same, he said.
When Rosie O’Donnell, and her partner Kelli Carpenter, went to city hall to get married, “they didn’t have to get federal troops to come in and escort them,” Sneed said.
Sneed Loves to get Press He said this weekend, on the eve of legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts, black Republican caucus members decided “enough is enough.”
“It is an international disgrace and an affront to every black man, woman and child in the United States for the Massachusetts Supreme Court to start marriage for gays on the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Topeka Board of Education Decision,” Sneed said.
Many blacks believe that the gay civil rights movement is “piggybacking” on the black civil rights movement, Sneed claimed. The movements are not the same, he said.
When Rosie O’Donnell, and her partner Kelli Carpenter, went to city hall to get married, “they didn’t have to get federal troops to come in and escort them,” Sneed said.
QUOTE
Local gay AIDS services leader Don Sneed says he has mathematical and scientific proof that God exists.
Sneed, whose family attended a black Southern Baptist church when he was growing up, said he started studying world religions on his own when he was a teenager. His studies have led him to the conclusion that God’s existence can be proven through a number that shares the name of his video, “The God Num-ber: Mathematical and Scientific Proof of the Exist-ence of God.”
Sneed, whose family attended a black Southern Baptist church when he was growing up, said he started studying world religions on his own when he was a teenager. His studies have led him to the conclusion that God’s existence can be proven through a number that shares the name of his video, “The God Num-ber: Mathematical and Scientific Proof of the Exist-ence of God.”
QUOTE
Sneed said he believed if he could find a mathematical equation or a number to represent God that could be understood by the masses, people would “quit playing these games in the name of God.”
Sneed said he believed people might start to understand God in their own mind and not just go by what someone said 3,000, or even 6,000, years ago.
“We need to, I think, have a more realistic concept of what God really is,” Sneed said. “We live in a society where people want stuff explained to them in an easy format,” Sneed said.
Sneed said he started making “The God Number” about a year ago.
The video was filmed at the House of Osiris Learning and Re-Creation center. The center is funded primarily by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sneed devises mathmatical equation for God and has a video to plug Sneed said he believed people might start to understand God in their own mind and not just go by what someone said 3,000, or even 6,000, years ago.
“We need to, I think, have a more realistic concept of what God really is,” Sneed said. “We live in a society where people want stuff explained to them in an easy format,” Sneed said.
Sneed said he started making “The God Number” about a year ago.
The video was filmed at the House of Osiris Learning and Re-Creation center. The center is funded primarily by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
QUOTE
One of Dallas’ HIV service organizations will receive about $220,000 less from the Texas Department of Health due to the actions of its executive director, officials said.
Renaissance III, a South Dallas agency targeting black men who have sex with other men, will lose about $200,000 supporting the Popular Opinion Leader, an initiative executive director Don Sneed called unhelpful and likely to put more people at risk for contracting HIV.
Sneed loses more AIDS funding Renaissance III, a South Dallas agency targeting black men who have sex with other men, will lose about $200,000 supporting the Popular Opinion Leader, an initiative executive director Don Sneed called unhelpful and likely to put more people at risk for contracting HIV.
It's my opinion this guy will do anything for attention and he's been horrible for the gay community here in Dallas. My black friends have no complaints and I know of NO "Negro Nights" at the bars. That is ludicrous!
Sneed sounds like the gay Alan Keyes. eek! 
QUOTE
A black gay AIDS official who is accused of racial discrimination in an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint filed by five of his black employees also faces trial on an accusation that he attempted to strike a former employee with a swor...
The arrest marks a resumption of legal problems for the AIDS official, who was appointed last year by President Bush to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Sneed’s record includes convictions for theft by check, forgery, possession of controlled substances, passing a counterfeit drivers license and failure to identify himself to a sworn officer, according to public records.
The records show Sneed, who has been involved in AIDS services in Dallas since 1994, has served time in prison and was released on four years’ parole in 1991.
Sneed said that the Presidential Advisory Council was aware of his criminal record at the time of his appointment in January 2003. He acknowledged that he abused alcohol, marijuana and cocaine until 11 years ago, when he stopped using the substances.
Oh my God, with this record, is he a member of the Bush family? He definitely can roll with DUI-Cheney and some of the other GOP thugz!The arrest marks a resumption of legal problems for the AIDS official, who was appointed last year by President Bush to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Sneed’s record includes convictions for theft by check, forgery, possession of controlled substances, passing a counterfeit drivers license and failure to identify himself to a sworn officer, according to public records.
The records show Sneed, who has been involved in AIDS services in Dallas since 1994, has served time in prison and was released on four years’ parole in 1991.
Sneed said that the Presidential Advisory Council was aware of his criminal record at the time of his appointment in January 2003. He acknowledged that he abused alcohol, marijuana and cocaine until 11 years ago, when he stopped using the substances.
[ September 23, 2004, 05:53 PM: Message edited by: fantomas ]
Wow! This guy Sneed sounds like a case, all right!
He joins with opponents of gay rights to protest the fact that gay people want civil rights? oi vey
On a serious side, because the issue of racism has been raised. What is the source of racism? Is it GLBT civil rights? Gays and lesbians generally? Gay bars in Dallas? Racism is pervasive (the only ones who seriously say otherwise are some politicians and talk show hosts, mostly Republican) but I don't think the source is Dallas bars!
What bugs me, really bugs me, is that Bob Herbert of the NY Times and others have pointed to the disenfranchising of thousands, at least, of African-American and other national minority voters. Fake "felons list" where a person discovers on election day that he/she has lost the right to vote simply for having a name similar to that of a convicted felon. In Florida police visited the homes of elderly and disabled African-American voters who used absentee ballots in the last election, saying they were investigating "fraud". This was after a statewide investigation had concluded there was no fraud in absentee ballots. Many of these voters were threatened. Quite a few say they won't vote again. In numerous precincts in several states, African-American and Hispanic voters are told they have to present a photo ID to vote, although there is no such requirement. At some precincts with large Black and Latin populations unidentified persons have videotaped citizens going in to vote. Native Americans in the Dakotas have reported similar harassment. Just this week it was reported that fliers were sent to African-American voters in two states telling them (totally falsely) that if they are behind on rent or utilities or if they have unpaid traffic or parking tickets they will be arrested when they go to vote.
Not a word from these supposed fighters against racism, although IMHO voting is a more fundamental issue of civil rights than Dallas gay bars.
EVEN if the ridiculous charge of "Negro nights", which those in the area deny, were true, why would that translate to endorsing Bush? I can see them saying they endorse Bush because they support his policies on such-and-such issues (whether I agree is a different question) but are they seriously claiming that Bush will end racism among white gays and lesbians?
Yes, I realize I am soapboxing. These two guys sound like a couple of losers with no base anywhere (and one of them is apparently as much of a crook as Ahmed Chalabi) who are trying to get attention. The funny thing is do they really think the Republican "base" wants ANYTHING to do with self-identified Black gay men?
He joins with opponents of gay rights to protest the fact that gay people want civil rights? oi vey
On a serious side, because the issue of racism has been raised. What is the source of racism? Is it GLBT civil rights? Gays and lesbians generally? Gay bars in Dallas? Racism is pervasive (the only ones who seriously say otherwise are some politicians and talk show hosts, mostly Republican) but I don't think the source is Dallas bars!
What bugs me, really bugs me, is that Bob Herbert of the NY Times and others have pointed to the disenfranchising of thousands, at least, of African-American and other national minority voters. Fake "felons list" where a person discovers on election day that he/she has lost the right to vote simply for having a name similar to that of a convicted felon. In Florida police visited the homes of elderly and disabled African-American voters who used absentee ballots in the last election, saying they were investigating "fraud". This was after a statewide investigation had concluded there was no fraud in absentee ballots. Many of these voters were threatened. Quite a few say they won't vote again. In numerous precincts in several states, African-American and Hispanic voters are told they have to present a photo ID to vote, although there is no such requirement. At some precincts with large Black and Latin populations unidentified persons have videotaped citizens going in to vote. Native Americans in the Dakotas have reported similar harassment. Just this week it was reported that fliers were sent to African-American voters in two states telling them (totally falsely) that if they are behind on rent or utilities or if they have unpaid traffic or parking tickets they will be arrested when they go to vote.
Not a word from these supposed fighters against racism, although IMHO voting is a more fundamental issue of civil rights than Dallas gay bars.
EVEN if the ridiculous charge of "Negro nights", which those in the area deny, were true, why would that translate to endorsing Bush? I can see them saying they endorse Bush because they support his policies on such-and-such issues (whether I agree is a different question) but are they seriously claiming that Bush will end racism among white gays and lesbians?
Yes, I realize I am soapboxing. These two guys sound like a couple of losers with no base anywhere (and one of them is apparently as much of a crook as Ahmed Chalabi) who are trying to get attention. The funny thing is do they really think the Republican "base" wants ANYTHING to do with self-identified Black gay men?
QUOTE
danimal:
Sneed sounds like the gay Alan Keyes. eek! :rolleyes:
No, more like a gay Jesse Jackson, in light of his financial shenanigans and race baiting. I wonder who his Mel Reynolds will turn out to be?Sneed sounds like the gay Alan Keyes. eek! :rolleyes:
I'm surprised no one has posted/posited the suspicion making the rounds within LCR on this affair: that it's another Roveian device to discredit LCR, especially on the heels of our non-endorsement of President Bush. Our Dallas Chapter has kept its distance from Sneed & Co. over the years, so his remarks against them may reflect that as well. But to cry "racism" - and especially to decry a lack of AIDS funding that Sneed himself helped create - is especially hypocritical in light of his record.
I think this guy's 15 minutes of fame are up.
Ms. de Blazer, break it down! (I'm so glad s/he's on this board!)
A concern for me is that many Black religious individuals will find the apocalyptic arguements of the "Christian Right" irresistible in the current "war" climate. There are many middle-class religious Blacks who are members of large, well-funded fundamentalist churches who cannot rap their minds around an interpretation of scripture that compels them to either vote against anyone who seems to defy it or to not vote at all. The latter has been their choice in past elections. Voter drives may change that.
"Our Dallas Chapter has kept its distance from Sneed & Co." (gmginsfo)
I love this jeopardy question...
Answer: The most f'd up gay republicans!
Question 1: Who are Log Cabin Republicans?
Question 1A: Who are the Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus?
____
Alex Trebek: "correct answer Ironjohn! - please make your next selection'
Ironjohn: "I'll take 'hello pot-meet kettle' - for $200.00 - Alex!"
.
I love this jeopardy question...
Answer: The most f'd up gay republicans!
Question 1: Who are Log Cabin Republicans?
Question 1A: Who are the Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus?
____
Alex Trebek: "correct answer Ironjohn! - please make your next selection'
Ironjohn: "I'll take 'hello pot-meet kettle' - for $200.00 - Alex!"
.
Mr. Sneed has been removed from the Presidential Advisory Council. Shocking! eek!
NEXT?
QUOTE
Donald Glynn Sneed, executive director of the South Dallas AIDS services group Renaissance III, was removed from the President’s Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS last week.
Sneed said that he was notified of the action on Dec. 6. It was connected to the departure of Tommy G. Thompson, secretary of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, he said.
“Having been appointed by Secretary Thompson, and with his moving on, I have received notice that my appointment has been rescinded, and my input and advice are no longer required,” Sneed said in a statement.
Sneed failed to return phone calls.
Bill Pierce, a spokesman for the Health and Human Services Department, offered no explanation for the action. Sneed was the only member asked to step down, and Thompson’s departure was not a factor, he said.
Sneed said that he was notified of the action on Dec. 6. It was connected to the departure of Tommy G. Thompson, secretary of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, he said.
“Having been appointed by Secretary Thompson, and with his moving on, I have received notice that my appointment has been rescinded, and my input and advice are no longer required,” Sneed said in a statement.
Sneed failed to return phone calls.
Bill Pierce, a spokesman for the Health and Human Services Department, offered no explanation for the action. Sneed was the only member asked to step down, and Thompson’s departure was not a factor, he said.
QUOTE
Sneed staged several protests in Oak Lawn against the gay white community this year. He attributed many of his legal and financial problems to “old-line white gay AIDS organization” leaders who wanted to discredit him for the benefit of their agencies.
Sneed, who identifies himself as a “black grassroots Republican,” said he plans to devote more volunteer time to fighting the “scourge of marriage for gays which would have a most detrimental effect on the black family should it come to pass.”
The activist claims that the “homosexual power elite,” such as the Human Rights Campaign, has a stranglehold on the domestic AIDS relief budget.
Good Riddance to Another Gay Republican with Power Sneed, who identifies himself as a “black grassroots Republican,” said he plans to devote more volunteer time to fighting the “scourge of marriage for gays which would have a most detrimental effect on the black family should it come to pass.”
The activist claims that the “homosexual power elite,” such as the Human Rights Campaign, has a stranglehold on the domestic AIDS relief budget.
NEXT?
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