Namo--
"Conservative"--Yes, the Campaign Fund is conservative; I suspect that is an inherent characteristic for an organization designed to lobby on the Hill year in/year out, Democrat or Republican. I just don't see it as a perjorative label for a lobbying group and I certainly don't see it as "unforgivable".
"...demonstrated again and again not only their willingness, but their desire and ability to disenfranchise any group of people or idea that they think will inhibit their ability to get crumbs from the table of the powers that be..."
Well, it's nicely worded, but I'm not sure what you're saying. I'm interested to know of specific examples of their "disenfranchisement" of someone. When I was in DC, the whole NAMBLA thing was on the boil, and the Campaign Fund stood behind them on principle. Still--it's certainly possible you know of situations where difficult groups or ideas were cut loose; again, strategic decisions are made as part of the political process. When you are one of the ones cut loose, it's easy to cry foul, but it's the job of a lobbying organization to set a goal and keep their eye on the big picture.
Cheryl Jaques????? She wasn't too radical--she was incompetent. I have never read or heard a word to indicate that the board or staff felt she was radical. Do you know something I should know?
An equal sign? I think that says it. And it's the perfect symbol for the HRC--you can live in Old Town Alexandria and work at the D.O.D. and put it on the bumper and not feel to "radical".
Bottom line--I think the Campaign Fund performs a necessary function, and I think their caution, their compromises and their appeasements suit their mission. They are one voice, one strategy among many in a far-flung campaign. If their style doesn't suit you, join the Guerilla Girls, but let's not cannibalise our own movement. (Which doesn't mean we shouldn't criticize. I should say that I thought the campaign fund really f**ked up the '04 election.)
"They have never understood, and no reason that they should.
But if anybody could . . . " --SS