A Gay For McCain

As we get closer and closer to Nov. 4th, it seems as if more and more of the water cooler discussions at work centers around the upcoming election.

I was in a meeting today when the topic surfaced and a colleague was once again ranting against John McCain. She feeds off of adversity and purposefully directed her tirade toward the sole Republican in the room. She ended by gesturing at me and saying, “Jerry, back me up on this!”

When I shook my head in protest, her eyes widened. “But you’re voting for Obama, right? I mean you’re gay!” When I told her I was voting for McCain, she gave me a condescending “oh, right” which translates into “oh yeah, you’re from Tennessee so you must be racist.”

I tried to explain I’ve never been a single issue voter and don’t plan to become one now. I enumerated the issues that matter to me in addition to gay rights, like the economy, national security and energizing small businesses, but she didn’t hear any of it.

I’m not sure which is more insulting, the thought all gays think exactly the same way or if I’m not voting for Obama, I must be racist. Or what about the assumption gays must naturally vote Democrat. Last time I checked, neither party is exactly beating down the door to usher in the time of great gay enlightenment.

It led me to wonder...how many gays and lesbians are supporting McCain this year and for what reason? Let us know!

Comments

[Ken]

While it's true that neither candidate is for full 100% equal rights, I have just noticed that when there has been a republican in the white house who really has no concern for not just gay rights but "protections".
I recall sometime back when George Bush Sen, was in office I was severly gay bashed(almost lit on fire) and the police&detective told me that if this was the life choice I was making then I deserved whatever comes to me, it always appears that all the homophobes come out of the woodwork when they know a republican President who cares nothing about enforceing hate crimes laws to protect the GLBT community. Now I know some who are heterosexual who vote for McCain feels that hate crimes against gays don't mean anything to you or if your a log cabin gay self loathing republican who feels you deserve all discrimination and hatred that comes your way then feel free to vote for McCain/Palin, It's your right.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

So, Michael, what was McCain's alternative legislation that he wanted to introduce and what were its tenets?

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/05/mccain_to_obama_dont_demagogue.php

Apparently you are either ignorant to the alternative and why, or you already had planned on voting BO and are just trolling on the thread.

Neither position speaks well for you.

[Johann_Ivan]

"THE DEMOCRATS HAVE HAD POWER IN THE CONGRESS FOR TWO YEARS NOW AND HAVE DONE NOTHING FOR GAY "RIGHTS". ANYONE HEARD OF D.O.M.A. ?"

Good for you. The Dems didn't deliver what you wanted ala gay legislation so you decide to support those adamantly opposed to homosexuals on the grounds that something is "wrong" with us and that being gay is a "choice". Brilliant move.

And if they had... Bush vetoed SCHIP (healthcare for KIDS). I'm sure he would have been really hesitant to veto pro-gay legislation.

Excellent cognitive reasoning skills.

Tell GEICO I said hello.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

Johann, you need to get the clue. Yes, Republicans have an inherent issue with gays, however, your experience of the world around you is limited. I lived in NY and worked in the movie/tv industry and saw plenty of discrimination and wanting to silence those who would be gay.

If it were all that great then why don't all GAY actors, singers, performers just come out? We all know why.

Republicans have their problems. Outside gay marriage, for the most part, they leave people alone to live a life of free choice, save abortion. No doubt.

If you REALLY were American through and through, you'd encourage government out of the business of marriage altogether so that ANYONE can marry, there is NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ANYONE WHO WANTS TO GET “MARRIED”; legal contracts for ALL AMERICANS - gay, straight, dogs & goats.

You're such a victim; don't you have a Judy Garland record to go listen to?

Honestly!

[bobnd]

I have a McCain/Palin sign in my yard. The last time I checked it was a Democrat who had his pants around his knees and recieved a blow job in the oral office. The housing crisis should not be blamed on Bush, it should be blamed on Reid, Dodd, Pelosi, Bill Clinton, Janet Reno, Franklin Raines and at the very worst Jimmy Carter. We are living a repeat of 1976 if Obama is elected. Obama is a socialist, he rewards laziness and government is not the solution, its the problem.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

bobnd - LOL! That was brilliant and funny!

Cheers!

[Johann_Ivan]

"Johann, you need to get the clue. Yes, Republicans have an inherent issue with gays, however, your experience of the world around you is limited. I lived in NY and worked in the movie/tv industry and saw plenty of discrimination and wanting to silence those who would be gay."

Show me where Democrats (party platform or major Dem support org), in recent times, have labeled gays a "threat" to American Families.

I've shown you several examples of where the GOP and its supporters view gays as a "threat", "abnormal", etc. Can you do the same, in the context of the Dems?

Btw, what about the other (non-gay) issues? Economy? Foreign Policy? Govt spending? Size of govt? Energy? Education?

PS: Have you ever considered the other issues (besides the "gay" ones)? Or would those possibly make the GOP appear in a bad light?

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

Johann, here's a question for you:

What creates the outcomes of your life?

[Johann_Ivan]

"I have a McCain/Palin sign in my yard. The last time I checked it was a Democrat who had his pants around his knees and recieved a blow job in the oral office."

Excellent point.

Last I checked, it was a Republican trying to fondle under age boys in our illustrious capital. Foley, anyone?

Airport intercomm: "Paging Senator Craig, Paging Senator Craig..."

Paging Dan Burton of Indiana....

(Rodney Dangerfield voice):

"What Clinton has to do with contemporary Republican idiocy, I have no idea..."

Then again, when all else fails, blame a Clinton. I wonder, is there an expiration date on this excuse?

(IE: Can't blame Clinton after 2010..2020..2030..? Or is it forever the red herring of last resort?)

[Johann_Ivan]

"Johann, here's a question for you:

What creates the outcomes of your life?"

Personal ambitions executed within the context of the social compact, constrained by social environmental factors (legal, economic, socio-political) bounded by personal ethos.

Alex, I'd like to buy a vowel.

[ryan]

i completely agree. total mccain supporter here, in boston no less. the stakes are too high this election. there is a lot i like, and dislike, about both candidates. i believe in balance and would welcome a democrat as president, but i truly believe mccain is the only choice...

[Jim- A gay for obama,]

To all the soldiers voting for McCain.. shut up.. dont ask don't tell... I wanted to serve our country, but would have had to commit perjury to do it.. Thank you for serving, but I can't support any bigot based political party. that denied me the right to serve my country because I am gay. I love this country and fight for what is right, with my vote.. my vote for Obama, my vote no on 8

[ryan]

let's start blaming carter more too...

[corrective_unconscious]

>Outside gay marriage, for the most part, they leave people alone to live a life of free choice

You self hating, deranged, lying Log Uncle Tom Cabiners are so sad.

McRage opposes ENDA, opposes hate crimes legislation, opposes adoptions by gay people, opposes public sector domestic partner benefits, supports Don't Ask, Don't Tell and actively works to constitutionally bar marriage equality. So much for your idiotic claim that the Republikkkan Party has live and let live policies, let alone the personal attitudes of its constapo and talibangelical base.

BTW, for the morons whining about "socialism," I assume therefore, since you're not abject liars, that you want public schools, libraries, fire and police departments, public roads, unemployment benefits, workman's comp, Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security done away with...all of which are socialist by definition.

Just admit it: You love tax cuts for the rich and "elective" wars more than ANYTHING else in the known universe.

[Johann_Ivan]

"Obama is a socialist, he rewards laziness and government is not the solution, its the problem."

Do you consider the 700B bailout of our "job-creating", "productivity-driven", "No-need-to-regulate-us-to-death" Financial sector to be socialism? Why or why not?

Do you consider GM seeking government assistance to purchase Chrysler socialism? Why or why not?

Do you consider subsidies to oil companies to be socialism? Why or why not?

Do you consider the Eisenhower Interstate System to be a form of socialism? Why or why not?

Do you consider the no-bid contracts awarded to Halliburton socialism? Why or why not?

Do you consider the outsourcing of military functions to contractors at higher cost a form of a) socialism, or, b) proof that private companies are more cost-efficient than ....

oh wait. From a numeracy standpoint (math), it doesn't add up. Scratch this question, it clearly has a reality bias.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

Johann, let me help you out:

Personal choice

As such, EVERYONE lives the life they have created through each and every personal choice.

Liberals are nothing about such, they are about making others think that they will save them, take care of them; forced dependency.

Liberals are anything but liberal.

At least my vote will counteract yours.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

No, "corrective", yours is a life of being a victim, self-identifying with other victims and them blaming everyone else who doesn't bow down to your whims & demands.

You don't want to accept accountability and take ownership of your personal choices in life for which you are apparently incapable of being response-able to such choices.

As such, you view life through this paradigm.

Diseased thinking is that which doesn't understand FREEDOM at its most objective simplicity whereby ALL AMERICANS and ALL HUMAN BEINGS in this world live life at their own self-governance, self-evaluations, self-reliance and self-correction.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

"corrective" BTW - no one is stopping you from becoming "rich" except you.

Whatever choices you make through your personal decisions regarding your priorities, are what create or dismantle your endeavors of success.

[Johann_Ivan]

"Johann, let me help you out:
Personal choice"

You mean personal choice as in, Terry Shiavo?

Oh wait, you surely mean as in abortion?

Or do you mean passing a flag amendment to counteract existing amendments which allow someone to burn the American flag?

Or is it in offering gays the choice to not serve or to not serve in the military?

Perhaps you refer to the choice of gay couples to adopt?

No no, you must surely mean the choice to be secure in our possessions without due process? (think: military intelligence. you'll figure out the snark).

So many choices the GOP supports, I'm confused as to which ones you refer.

[the_real_sweedie]

I have no respect what so ever for any gay person voting for McCain, well.. I should say I don't have any respect for anyone voting for McCain, but gay republicans are seriously screwed up. Palin has (recently) said that she supports a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage throughout the country (something she did not say at the debate with Biden). By supporting the McCain camp you're supporting the fact that gay people are viewed differently from straight people and never will have equal rights. So as a gay man, I can with no apologizes whatsoever throw my middle finger in your face.

I'm not from the states so I cannot vote, but let me tell you this, if McCain would've been running in an European country, people would laugh at him... his VP pick, his sly campaign, his "Obama is a socialistic muslim terrorist" type of swagger. Seriously, people across the sea are laughing at you, I'm laughing at you.

Swallow (hehe) your so called pride and your incorrect "Obama will take all my money and build schools" - type of whine and think logically for a second. With all the facts on the table, who will give you more tax breaks? Obama. Who will be most likely to solve the financial crisis? Obama. Who will try his best to bring home the troops from Iraq as fast as he can, and not dillydallying around with some type of notion that the united states always have to WIN a war (Define win, btw)? Obama. Who will invest a lot of money into solving the energy crisis? Obama. Who will make sure that gay people have the same rights as everyone else in the form of civil unions? Obama. I can go on and on...

What will McCain do for this country?? Be a Maverick? Cause that's gonna solve this crisis that the whole world is in right now... Obama is probably one of the smartest persons in this country, if that's not enough to lead a country, then I don't know what is...

And no, I do not think you're racist if you're voting for McCain, stupid, stubborn, and inconsiderate of others, yes, but not racist. Unless you actually are racist, then yes, in that case, I think you're racists...

[corrective_unconscious]

> Have you asked yourself why Clinton had to compromise the military policy, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”?

Republikkkan bigots like Thurmond and Helms and the Joint Chiefs threatened a revolt, that's why. (And don't think the far fewer and less homophobic, Democratic politicians such as Senator Nunn got a pass, either.)

Same for DOMA. It's overwhelmingly about the constapo and talibangelical pressure. The trick is to get as many of the right wing bigots' representatives out of government as possible - starting with rank hater and liar Palin and senescent, pseudo bigot McRage - so that basic human rights for gay people and others can make some progress in this country.

[corrective_unconscious]

>No, "corrective", yours is a life of being a victim, self-identifying with other victims and them blaming everyone else who doesn't bow down to your whims & demands.

No you sick homophobe, I don't accept politicians who wish to maintain and enact pogroms. It's beyond crazy that (allegedly) gay and lesbian people would permit themselves to be treated as less than by bigoted, talibangelical politicians such as Palin. The victims are the ones who would accept these severe abrogations of equal rights that McRage and his cohorts openly advocate. So fck you, you liar.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

Yes, Johann, PERSONAL CHOICE

Nowhere did I state, nor would I, that Republicans don't have issues to work through and self-correct.

However, they are much better at such self-correction than liberals.

Republicans are more likely to be self-sufficient than liberals.

You can choose to live your life at the expense of everyone else or you can choose to be self-governing.

Liberals are not about self-governing, they are about forced dependency.

Why not dialogue and discuss the very fundamental view of your life which seeks to either:

Be accountable and take ownership of your personal choices and be response-able for those choices

or

That you want others to save you

This understanding about yourself is fundamental about how you direct your life and the outcomes to expect.

Applying this understanding and formula to all aspects of one’s life relinquishes all accountability to each individual; no one can save you from this reality. Nor can you find relief from such just because you refuse to see reality for what it is – that is what we call denial.

[Pacwriter]

Iconicscooter, I know you love your big words, but sometimes, they don't particularly communicate your point. Perhaps it's the difference between understanding the denotation of a word and its connotation. In any case, moving on...

There are certain fundamental aspects of government that are inherently socialist. Defense, police, fire departments, trash pick-up, social security, medicare, etc. In general, I think we can agree that we like these and probably want to keep them. Many of us grumble about the DMV, but it's hard to imagine what life would be like without it.

Almost every (if not every) other developed nation in the world has an at least largely socialized healthcare system. Why does that scare us so much? I was recently in Australia and I was sick--had to visit doctors in Sydney and Melbourne. The quality of care was high, and the prices were low--the two visits TOGETHER cost me roughly half of what one visit to my doctor would cost here in LA.

Is quality affordable healthcare for all such a terrible thing? What about making sure every child in this country doesn't go to bed hungry? To me, that's the role of government, because if we leave that up to the free market, we'll have what we have now: lots of uninsured people (who cost us all much more when they end up in the hospital, because guess who foots the bill via higher premiums) and lots of children who don't get enough to eat.

My mother was a social worker for more than 30 years, and she worked with a number of people who were on welfare. Rarely did they enjoy being on welfare or just want to sit back and collect their checks. But often, the only jobs they could get paid so little (and meant that they might have to leave their kids home alone and unsupervised, or pay for childcare that they couldn't afford) that it made more sense to stay on welfare. Which party was against raising the minimum wage for so long...?

Sure, there are choices we all make that we have to live with. If you decide to buy the Ferrari and choose to drive it without insurance and wreck it, tough. You made a choice. But there's also such a thing as insisting on fundamental fairness, whether that means that people should have a right to marry or adopt children regardless of their sexual orientation, that there should be equal pay for equal work, or that everyone should have a right to quality medical care. To me, and I think to most liberals--when did liberal become a dirty word, particularly since it's the conservatives who want to look into our bedrooms, ban offensive books, etc?--those are rights of all Americans, not just people who have the right color, gender, orientation or income.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

So "corrective" we'll put you down for permissible lack of ownership regarding personal choice.

Yes, we gays do love our victim icons and the victim mentality.

Good for you.

I could swear I hear a Judy song playing in the background.

[Nikko]

I am a gay man, but being gay does not make up every thing about who I am. I am gay this is true, and their is allot more to me as a human being then just being gay. I voted for John McCain and Sarah Palin, because I believe they will make it a safe place to live in. I know that John McCain will handle terrorism and international relations more better then if Obama was president. Every one that I have spoken to that is gay and plans on voting for Obama. They say he is more for gay rights more so, then John McCain. On the other hand he is taking some of our freedom away. I am not a big business owner nor do I own a business, I just feel that its wrong, Obama wants to fine big business owners if they don't choose the health insurance that Obama mandates. It might not seem like it lies on the lines of taking our freedom but if you take a look at it, its taking our freedom away when we have to choose someone else's way or else. What will he come up with next! When will be the next time he, says "Do it my way or be fined".....the health insurance that Obama speaks of, I feel is a start of taking our freedom away.

[Rain City Blues]

I have issues with the Democrats, because they refuse to defend GLBT civil rights as part of their party platform. The truth is, I'm no voting pro-Democrat at all. I'm voting anti-Republican, because while the Dems ignore us, the Repugnant Party seems to attack us every chance they get. Bloomberg told the courts they shouldn't legalize Equal Marriage in NY, Schwartzeneger refuses to sign any Equal Marriage Bill coming from the state legislature, Bush tried to pass the FMA and almost all the Red States tried to pass bills limiting marriage to a man and a woman. Almost every politicians in elected office that has openly attacked us as a menace has a little (R) after his name.

Do I like the Dems? No. But I dislike the Repugnants far worse. Which is why I'm voting Democrat for every elected office.

[the_real_sweedie]

Why was my comment deleted? Can someone say censorship?

[the_real_sweedie]

I expect an e-mail explaining why my comments where deleted...

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

Pacwriter - there is no choice for which a person makes that has not created the life and situation for which he or she now faces.

More self-governance; less government

Too many aspects of society could be well run by private business which has ACCOUNTABILITY to the general public.

If they don't do it well, the market (the people) speaks and they rise or fall as a result.

Education and the opportunity to make such purchases of education are replete within this nation. There is no excuse for someone not being successful.

A person’s limitation doesn’t warrant him or her to entitlement programs.

Life if full of limitations.

If we don’t get that, then everyone ought to file a class action law suit against Michael Phelps since NONE of us will EVER swim that well; why should he be able to earn such wealth and have so much in life?

However, equality is about opportunity, not about everyone earning the same amount of money; not everyone having all the same toys. That's called ambition when someone makes a choice to work hard, save and purchase those goods & services that they subjectively most value.

Bottom line: are you about FREEDOM or not?

Every time you take away personal choice you attempt to manipulate and control others.

BTW – the word “fair” is simply a revelation of a person who is a victim and not self-governing.

“Fair” is a subjective word that is personally and subjectively decided by each individual.

A “shared” agreement of what is “fair” only means that people agree, it doesn’t mean that it’s correct.

Iranians “agree” that what is “fair” is that Jews are stinking corpse and should be destroyed. Doesn’t mean they’re correct.

[the_real_sweedie]

ok, nevermind, they were just hidden. Still though... :)

[b]

I wouldn't be surprised if neither candidate did anything for gay rights. Atleast with republicans who know where you stand, the dems will change their stance on a whim, depending which way the polls go.

Also if Obama wants to help with the economy and such why doesn't he give away some of his millinos of dollars from his campaign fund

[corrective_unconscious]

>So "corrective" we'll put you down for permissible lack of ownership regarding personal choice.

I suppose that your un-parsable nonsense above means that you cretins whining about alleged "socialism" DO want to do away with public libraries, schools, roads, police and fire departments, unemployment benefits, Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid.

Let's be clear once and for all: It is the talibangelical and constapo homophobes like McRage and Palin who want to restrict personal rights and personal choice, across the board.

OTOH, I have already acknowledged that the self hating Log Uncle Tom Cabin types put tax cuts for the rich and "elective," lying wars above everything else. So I've acknowledged your choice.

[Johann_Ivan]

"Nowhere did I state, nor would I, that Republicans don't have issues to work through and self-correct.

However, they are much better at such self-correction than liberals. "

They are? Can you provide evidence of this?

Bush: Tax Cuts
McSame: Would continue SAME policy

Bush: Iraq
McSame: If it takes 100 years

Bush: Less regulation
McSame: Free the Markets, baby!

Bush: Terrorists are out to get ya!
McSame: Might have to "bomb bomb bomb Iran"
Palin: You Betcha!

Bush: Ultra conservative justices
McSame: Same mold as Scalia

Wow. What a maverick!

[Greggieboy]

i think that we should be more worried about our country and the economy than marriage thats just me i do believe that everyone should have a choice in the matter yes but there is alot more going on in the world especially the economy in the us to worry about than someone being homophobic

[Johann_Ivan]

"Republicans are more likely to be self-sufficient than liberals."

Like Enron? MCI? Merrill Lynch? AIG? Chrysler? Exxon Mobile?

Oh wait. You mean, self-sufficient as in "our handouts are fenced through a corporation before we buy our Welfare Cadillacs"

Self sufficient - as in, it's sufficient for myself if my government welfare check is made out to my corporation before I get my hands on it and blow it on a jet?

Sorry. GOP = Welfare Queens. Without government subsidies, bailouts, no-bid contracts, it would implode.

I know, I know. The whole financial collapse is the fault of Clinton and/or Carter. If it wasn't for those damned liberals, we'd have a Contract With America and a balanced budget! Oops.. we did.. when a Democrat was President.

But..But... he got a blowjob! If it hadn't been for that damned bj, our economy and wars would be running along splendidly!

[Chad]

I love reading about the "oppression" the Republicans put the gay community through over the past 8 years, but I've yet to read about one single piece of anti-gay legislation that has passed.

The FMA? Sure Bush pushed it, but that was more of a campaign stunt than anything else. (PS - McCain voted against it both times.) All the ballot initiatives that have restricted marriage popped up only after courts started legislating from the bench. IMO, Massachusetts has done more harm to the gay community in legalizing marriage that way than anything Bush could've thought up.

I'm supporting McCain-Palin.

[Johann_Ivan]

"Let's be clear once and for all: It is the talibangelical and constapo homophobes like McRage and Palin who want to restrict personal rights and personal choice, across the board."

Look, just because gays get a special mention in the GOP Platform does not mean the GOP is hell-bent on punishing people for making the choice to be gay.

Just because major GOP allies, such as choice-loving, personal-responsibility advocating, freedom embracing, religious mega-churches claim gays are sinful, a threat to the American Family and shouldn't be allowed to adopt, is no reason to think the GOP isn't for personal choice. You choose to be gay = you choose to be an enemy of the American Family.

Look, just because Bush couldn't be bothered to put down "My Pet Goat" while the country was under attack but could fly back to Washington as part of an intervention in the Terry Shiavo fiasco is not reason to think the GOP is anything but about choice.

Hey, call me crazy, but modifying our constitution to bypass one of our key forms of self expression and outlaw flag burning is absolutely not a reason to think the GOP doesn't embrace personal choices.

The Patriot Act? Why bother the judicial branch for warrants when the party of "we know exactly where Saddam's WMDs are" assures us they will only target those who are deserving of government intrusion.

And as for their standard-bearers, McMaverick has chosen not to repudiate Bush's policies. What a maverick! He's gonna self-correct the Republican Party without even having to take a different position on any of the substantive issues. Now THAT takes talent.

And just in case the Maverick doesn't make it, we'll have Sarah "the Bush doctrine is Bush's world view" Palin to step in and change things up. After all, the best way to change things is to first start with abject ignorance of what current policies actually are.

Hell, maybe we can even bring back Rumsfeld if we play our cards right.

I mean, look, when you're the GOP you run government with the idiots you have, not the idiots you wished you had.

It's all about choice:

The choice to believe that the GOP, after consistently pursuing dead-end policies will suddenly decide to abandon said policies.

-or-

The choice to recognize that assclowns aren't going to act any differently just because they got some new makeup.

[Johann_Ivan]

"i think that we should be more worried about our country and the economy than marriage thats just me i do believe that everyone should have a choice in the matter yes but there is alot more going on in the world especially the economy in the us to worry about than someone being homophobic"

I agree. Clearly, we need to try something different. Might I suggest the following new strategies:

1. More tax cuts
2. Less government regulation
3. Pick a country in the Middle East and invade it. Their oil reserves will pay for the war and we'll be greeted as liberators.
4. Invest heavily in corporate America, using tax payer $$ to further ensure we remain a Free Market economy (it's only socialist if a govt check goes to an individual - corporations don't count)

[Derek Geiger]

I am personally voting for McCain. I've always been a republican and always will be a republican regardless of my sexual orientation. Being a single-issue voter is something I never want to become. Although the right to marry and have a family is something that concerns me, I believe we have bigger issues to face right now such as the war and the economy that may have to take priority at the moment. It comes across as a little selfish when people argue those points. Our right to marry and have a family will come in due time, it will just take time.
Something else that concerns me is the lack of experience and knowledge in the field Obama seems to have. The one thing he is good at is public speaking, but being a good public speaker is NOT enough to successfully run a country. I believe he's full of empty promises and doesn't realize the vast requirements needed to create such "change".
another issue I don't seem to understand is why everyone seems to dislike Palin so much. Part of the reason I'm voting for McCain is that she is his vp, and hopefully she can do some good in such a corrupt government system.

Just because you're gay doesn't mean you are a democrat, and I'm tired of being filed into that stereotype : )

[TonyWinPHX]

Well, according to Joe the Average Joe and Johann_Ivan I should just change my vote, which has already been cast thankfully, and vote for Obama and his no experience, zero sense (more aptly called his non-sense), policies that would make America a socialist nation.

But as long as Homo's believe that they are going to get their rights I guess that's OK.

It is plainly obvious that most people have never studied economics or bothered to pay attention to understand that the economy is a cycle and that all of the problems you see now were happening in the 1980's, this time around, just to a greater extent due to greedy lenders, banks, and investors that had no care as to what they were doing to you and me.

This election is going to make one thing perfectly clear if Obama wins, anyone, I MEAN ANYONE, no matter the background, education, or experience ANYONE can be president.

Here's your candidate:

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYhv75q_b6o&feature=related

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuMxKQhqCbc&feature=related

Have fun with that.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

Johann, it can be asserted then that you didn't like the Iraq war.

Not because it brought a level of freedom to other human beings regardless of who & where they live in this world since we are part of this world, but because you just hate Bush.

Good for you; reveal that you want what you want and to hell with everyone else.

You're super!

Oh, and how many times does the woman fall into the street having been beaten by her husband before the neighborhood says, "Enough"?

According to your stance, it doesn't matter; it's none of your business.

Outstanding! Your parents must be proud. Oops, they probably taught you such swill. My bad.

[Johann_Ivan]

"I love reading about the "oppression" the Republicans put the gay community through over the past 8 years, but I've yet to read about one single piece of anti-gay legislation that has passed."

Oh, that's nothing. You wanna see something *really* hilarious?

Try listening to drivel about how Republicans are about fiscal responsibility, Free Market Capitalism, efficiency of the private market.

For real shits and giggles, watch them launch a war and promise it'll pay for itself, we'll be greeted like liberators.

Now - and this is the absolute funniest shit I've seen - watch the Republicans accuse their Democratic rivals of Socialism as they demand 700 billion for the finance industry.

Then - and this is the kicker - they'll wrap themselves in a cloak labeled personal responsibility, holding a Bible, waving a Flag and insisting it's Bill Clinton's fault.

[Gregory - iconicscooter (gay.com)]

"If you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can probably count on Paul to support you" - George Bernard Shaw

Obama is convincing "Paul" that he's going to get something that he, in the end, isn't going to get.

Bravo! to Libs; if it weren't for non-sense, BO wouldn't have any at all.

[jason]

as the author of this article states that people feel if you are from the south and not voting for obama "you must be racist"

i am originally from arkansas and i am voting republican for the first time in my life for many different reason.

obama has been a member of church that stands for nothing but racism. being a african american himself he should know what discrimination is.....but he is not for legalization of gay marriage.

hmmm do i want him as president.....NO! i would hope that we would expect more from someone with his background.

does this mean i am racist just because i have a higher standard in what i believe should be the leader of our country????

[Johann_Ivan]

"I am personally voting for McCain. I've always been a republican and always will be a republican regardless of my sexual orientation. Being a single-issue voter is something I never want to become."

Based upon 2006 and predictions for 2008, the rest of the country must be comprised heavily of single issue voters worried about homosexuals.

I mean, other than gay rights, the Republicans seem to be doing a splendid job.

Keep up the great work!

[eccehomo99]

I wonder if the people saying Obama is a militant rasicist Muslim are going to take responsibility for those words after he wins. Even if he loses, what good have you done to paint such a picture of a U.S. Senator? No one yelled "Kill Him" in Democratic rally's, not against Ted Kennedy, not even against Bush. In USA Today..today, there was a half-page ad asking if a Christian -could- vote for Obama. Stooping to such lows is an indicator of two things: 1) They will pull any strings or say anything to make you vote their way (with little in return, as our economy is showing) and 2) They are desperate.

And too the soldier attempting to defend his place in the occupation and castration of Iraq, I wonder if he, maybe he knows where those W.M.D.'s are, or where Al-Qaeda began it's formlation of plans with Saddam, or you know...those plans. For whatever reason, I doubt it.

[Cody]

McCain...

We really don't know how 'left' Barack is. His rhetoric were extreme left - all throughout the primaries and into these final weeks. I don't want to hold up the nation in larger governments. A supermajority Obama-Reid-Pelosi triad will force us away from the checks and balances that made our nation great.

Gay rights should be started at the state level. If we in Washington State can't get Dem. Gov. Gregoire to pass gay marriage, but let her squander (in one term) the budget surplus (created by Democrat Locke), we should shoot ourselves in our own foot. Furthermore, private entities (CORPORATIONS!) have been on the forefront of gay rights.

Don't shoot yourself in the foot.

I don't like social conservatives, but I can't let my future kids (ones I hope to have) be held up in the creation of unwanted expensive bureaucracy (i.e. dept of education created by Carter, as well as the dept of energy) Education is best held as a state issue, better equipped to focus on what their children needs. Rights to adopt, Rights to marriage, Rights to Visitation... all state level government.

Let Barack have four more years in the Senate - GET HIM TO VOTE ON AN ISSUE - give him time to define himself away from those whacked out associations. Let Biden get his stories straight.

A moderate four years is way better than buyer's remorse of a Carter second term (Just as we were after his first term - 18% interest, who the hell is gonna buy a house then?). As far as McCain and gays, his top aide is gay. Stay center, smooth into some Reagan-esque years, and hopefully the next 'Clinton' (i.e. moderate democrat) will finally get some gay traction.

And, there won't be gear-shifting backlash where we get two really extreme candidates in 2012.

[Johann_Ivan]

Why I'm voting for McCain:

10. He's a maverick (no evidence required)

09. He has executive experience (he's a Senator, for fuk's sake!)

08. "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" - with wit like that, we'll definitely win hearts & minds

07. He comes from a humble background of Admirals and his stay-at-home wife helps make ends meet by running a beer stand, unlike that Elitist Obama who grew up with a silver spoon.

06. He served in the military (yes, yes, I know Kerry did too but *that* was different. Latte drinkin', limo drivin', ketchup heirs don't get to count their military service unless it was state-side in the National Guard)

05. At 72, McCain will bring the required energy and contemporary knowledge to the table in order to continue Bush's policies - but THIS time, they'll work.

04. Any party which can lambast the other's Presidential candidate as being out of touch with "real americuns" over a $400 haircut whilst giving their VP choice a 150K shopping spree, including a 3K handbag for said VP's 6 year old daughter, definitely has their priorities straight.

03. Intellectualism is for liberal sissies & when you need a doctor. Real Americuns want a leader they can have a beer with.

02. Tax & Spend is so pase'. Tax Cuts & Spend is the new "in" thing.

And finally..... the number one reason I'm voting McSame:

Because if Putin is afraid of Sarah Palin, I sure as hell don't wanna piss her off.

[HT]

Being gay/bi/whatever is part of a person's life. To have it dictate everything a person does because one's sexual arousal has to be appeased first, regardless of universal statistics... well, that's just pathetic.

Remember, we are ~5% of the population, and of that only 10% of us want this civil union or "marriage" thing. I see no reason to make that a compelling reason to vote; few want it. What do people want, to keep America and its economy going and viable? That is what I will vote for. And isn't it even better both candidates, uh, came out in terms of their viewpoints - which seemed honest, and not one that's going to impact my life and, far more to the point, I understand and tolerate their point of view too. Which makes me a minority of a minority of a minority. (Don't hate ex-gays either; if they're a valued part of a community, find out why.)

Either way, vote for issues that affect the largest quantity of Americans because that eventually affects us all, our country, and all our country and officials influence. Vote with your conscience. Not with your sex organs. Please.