Is because I was busy composing an essay on gay marriage for publication. So it disturbs me that conservative forces in the Senate have pushed the FMA forward towards a vote, claiming they’ll find out who’s for and against gay marriage. Of course, they completely remove the prospect that one could be against gay marriage and also against using the Constitution to score political points, but that’s what Republicans do. They couch the issue in so narrow a black-and-white space that all shades of grey are deemed irrelevant. And said forces have galvanized the President to advocate for the amendment. I happen to agree with Andrew Sullivan that this tactic is likely to result in party cleansing. Substitute social moderate for ethnicity, won’t you?
Personally, I’m proud to live in a region of America where grey still counts, even if most legislators leave me frustrated with their “straights-only” marital views. At least one source, however, points out that the FMA could backfire on the Republicans and help Kerry, but I remain skeptical. Far too many Americans are simply far too willing to be led by the Bible and leaders who ascribe to fire and brimstone thinking. Fortunately, some light-hearted activism has risen from embers. I guess I swish on my fellow queer friends’ and loved ones’ behalf.
Unlike Andrew Sullivan, I’m not as at peace with those gays and lesbians who still work closeted within the Republican party and administration. I’m not at all certain I agree with the outing pressures two activists are engaging in, but I certainly understand the frustration. To me, queers working within the system and letting their legislators get away with jumping on the FMA bandwagon are appeasers. Sullivan’s expressed plenty of frustration with political appeasements in international matters, so it behooves me to point out this facet of the argument.
I do, however, understand where Sullivan’s coming from. He’s simply extending his belief in privacy to queer employees within the administration. Part of me admires that resolve. But part of me’s also angry enough to understand why the pressure to out may be necessary. Yes, internal conflict here, just as in the Jack Ryan case.
FYI: John Aravosis’ and Mike Roger’s sites.
An aside of note: Although the pressure that Advocates for Youth have received at the hand of the current administration isn’t exactly news, the rippling fallout is. Bad enough we’re losing scientists and there’s so much disrespect from the right for science that the number of youths going into the sciences is plummeting, but now we’re facing the same thing in the sex ed front. If you’re an open-minded parent, run out and buy up as many teen sex guides as possible not of the abstinence-only ilk and leave them laying around the house. Drive up the numbers for these books and show America that you believe in comprehensive sex education. Create a “take back the information” grass roots drive.
Knowledge is power, you know?
P.S. Still mourning but feeling OK enough to blog. More as the week progresses.
