Kerry's answer to the "Is being Gay a choice" question (bravo)

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 9:37pm

Eloquence happens. And in the first half hour, yet. This was, to my mind, the compassionate response many of us have waited for. An actual FACT was finally introduced by Kerry -- gay people are gay in God's eyes, and arrive on the planet that way -- that has long been avoided. Bravo. It leveled the cold, distancing response of Bush.

Updated On: 10/13/04 at 09:37 PM

[Matt_G]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 9:38pm

I reccommend everyone reads Kerry's interview in this week's Advocate. It's a very interesting interview where he actually discusses his views on marriage and everything else relevant to our community.

[CurtainUp]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 9:57pm

I don't get the Advocate being a straight female, but I care deeply about this issue. Can someone post the answer?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 10:01pm

Dammit. I was all excited to read Ms. Butler's statement on the subject.

[DAME]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 10:18pm

Curtain up; look for it on line

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 10:33pm

Honest disclosure: I've been A.B.B. until tonight. But this evening, I was deeply moved by Kerry's far more humane responses, to the gay rights issue (No,the gay identity issue), the abortion issue, and the brief moment when he invoked his Mama saying "integrity..." I got him, for the first time, and I'm glad.

[Albin]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 9:12am

Bush's reply was typical. "I don't know." Wow. He put a lot of thought behind that one. Why didn't he say what was really on his mind? "I don't care."

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 9:15am

What's really interesting is the republican response to Kerry's statements, specifically bringing up the fact that Dick Cheney has a lesbian daughter. They are positively frothing at the mouth, calling "Foul!", and shouting that this shows what kind of scum Kerry is -- how dare he name names during the debate?

What a load of sh*t. Isn't it common knowledge that Dick Cheney has a lesbian daughter? Hasn't Mary Cheney publicly acknowledged that she's a lesbian and has a partner? It's as if stating a fact like that is somehow a slam to the Cheneys.

Another example of rampant homophobia -- being lesbian isn't a curse, it's a frikkin' FACT -- like saying someone has blonde hair or is left-handed.

We've got enough problems on our hand without the repugs using faux homophobic outrage to further their position. It clenched it for me (as it if wasn't clenched already....) Updated On: 10/14/04 at 09:15 AM

[ckeaton]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 9:17am

I have admit that I was holding my breath when that question was asked. I care for my gay brothers and sisters, and I wanted to see if he would hint to any changes in policy with regards to this issue.

I was saddened to see that he didn't even answer the question, and blew the initial question off. The question wasn't about marriage, it was about "lifestyle". Kerry's answer didn't bowl me over, either, but it was a step in the right direction.

I continue to disagree with the president on this issue.

[shesings]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 9:24am

This issue in general infuriates me. Not so much the particular question, but the marriage part that all ties in to it. What is everyone so scared of? What will allowing two people of the same sex really do to the sanctity of marriage? Are people going to suddenly start turning gay? Will buildings collapse? Peoples wedding bands burst into flames? I just don't see what the big deal is. I am a straight female, who will be getting married in the near future, and I don't think allowing gay people to get married will affect my life 1 bit. My marriage won't be less meaningful! The bottom line is that gay marriage doesn't affect the country at all. Except for swaying votes. It pisses me off beyond belief. How we can be the most powerful nation in the world, and yet be so completely immature on this issue. I hope that people will learn a little tolerance. Protecting the sanctity of marriage! I know it's been said before, but aren't Britney SPears and JLo the ones we really need to be worrying about? God people amaze me. And dissapoint. I just want to scream out to the entire nation - "GET OVER IT!" And to those who think gay marriage will destroy their precious sancitity - a big old - "F*CK YOU!!!"

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 9:34am

rlbgbc: You nailed it, and took the words outta my mouth about the Cheney's "outrage." They treat a simple fact of daughter Mary's being as a ... handicap. It was presented as being on par with Edwards comments on Reeve. You know, Reeve couldn't walk, Mary can't marry a white man from Wyoming.

That's been Cheney's subtext along, his "compassion" takes on the tone of a man who has a cross to bear, like, sigh ... yes, we "understand" these "issues," because we "have" (are stuck with, but must handle) a gay daughter. Interesting, accusing Kerry of "exploiting" their daughter -- an out lesbian. How did he exploit someone who has postiviely identified herself ... as who she is? Their outrage tells us everything about their true feelings about what it means to be gay -- and to be the mom and dad of a gay child. They should attend a meeting, or at least the website, of PFLAG. They'd learn they're Dick and Lynn Normal, not parents of a cripple.

CKeaton: much appreciate your thoughtful post here. Bush had a real opp last night to heal his relationship with everyone from Log Cabin fellas to simple moderate Republicans who don't demonize gay people; he failed. Anyway, I hope that whoever wins in November, we all continue to reach across the aisle or chasm on an issue that really shouldn't be a political party matter.

Updated On: 10/14/04 at 09:34 AM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 9:38am

"What will allowing two people of the same sex really do to the sanctity of marriage?"

That is the question Bush never answers (well, one of many). He constantly talks about protecting the sanctity of marriage, but never explains what that really means. But I have much more to say on the subject of the debate in another thread...

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 9:59am

Ckeaton says: "I continue to disagree with the president on this issue."

What are the issues you DO agree with him on? (Again, serious question, not baiting you.)

[leomaxfrank]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 10:31am

in quick response to Bush's sanctity of marriage plea - which is total Bullsh*t for a few reasons - but here's the one that bothers me the most. MARRIAGE ISN'T SACRED ANYMORE - or SANCTIMONIOUS! When you have TV shows called Who Wants to Marry a Midget, divorce rates are 60% and sh*t like that - all of those arguments go out the window. IF marriage was a religious entity in this country, which it is not, I would have to say "well you got me there dubya", but the fact is - Marriage is not holy, and/or sacred. Sure, it can be beautiful and life-altering - but sacred it is not.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 10:38am

Here's one, it's not the best, but it's the first one that I could find:
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=off&thread=149013#149061

You are not the first person to ask it. I was answering that question well before you raised your pretty little head, and I will well after. Pay attention the last few lines though. I know that you can argue my points, thank Google. I also know that my party has availible to it pros for every single con you post. I don't want to get in a copy an paste war over beliefs. I don't have the time. But thanks for playing.

[robbiej]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 10:43am

don't you people get it????

gays do EVERYTHING better. if we were allowed to marry, we'd show up our poor hetero friends yet again!!!

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 10:44am

Thanks, Ckeaton, but if it comes down to Social Programs, Economy and Defense, I'll stick with Kerry.

Bush just seems to have failed miserably in each.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 10:48am

As I said, that's not it... just the tip of the iceberg. If some journalist would like to write it all up for me, you could do one of your famous copy and past post jobs on it. Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V, yeah!

I don't want to pollute this thread with animosity in re: other issues. Back on topic, please.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 10:56am

Did anyone see Kathy griffith on After-Hours on MSNBC after teh debate?? She RIPPED into Joe Scaraborough about what he said about that exchange. I LOVED her.

[Zola Q. LaPlaya]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 11:08am

Robbie: I hear I owe you a little somethin'-somethin' for saying my name at SO2.

I'm all cleaned out and ready.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 11:10am

Kerry's was pandering. Again.


"What will allowing two people of the same sex really do to the sanctity of marriage?"

Personally, I don't give a sh!t if two gays want to marry. I've said it before and I'll say it agiain.

Didn't Kerry say he's against gay marriage and only in favor fo civil unions?
You'd think THAT would piss off the homosexual community.

Bush want's to change the Constitution.. that pisses off the homosexuals and I understand why.

Kerry want's states to choose. So you and your partner get married in California. Then while driving through Missouri you get in a wreck. Your partner is hurt, you want to see him/her, the doctor then says "In Missouri You're not married. The waiting room is over there."

So why doesn't THAT piss you off?

Is it just because Bush comes out and says what he believes and Kerry dances around the issue?

[Zola Q. LaPlaya]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 11:13am

Yup, it does piss me off, Rodalicious. Kinda. I have to admit that I don't really care about being married. I care much more about equal benefits and that's what Kerry's in favor of.

Kerry is head and shoulders above Bush on this issue. Please don't take me on -- some of your fellow travelers are still might bruised from their encounter.

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 11:17am

Pissed Off!

Sure!

But does anyone honestly expect either of them to openly endorse same sex marriage and still hope to get elected?

At least I have a chance of dancing with Kerry, whereas Bush would rather have me barred from the ballroom! Updated On: 10/14/04 at 11:17 AM

[SNAFU]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 12:01pm

When it comes to Gay marraige (or Gay rights of any sorts) I have always thought that both parties are pretty much the same. With the Republicans you KNOW up front what you are getting. They wear their distain on their sleeves. The Democrats give you that condescending smile and the "I feel your pain." line while doing nothing.
With Bush and Repubs we know our enemy at least!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/14/04 at 12:06pm

sounds like you know the dems are also