Committed to Freedom at a Conservative Confab
Tonight I both gain a deeper appreciation of Stephen Green and a better understanding of why I feel more comfortable at conservative confabs than gay ones.
I’m in Santa Barbara now, semi-drunk blogging, actually the buzz is wearing off from the two delicious dirty martinis (the beverage which honors Goddess Athena) I had before dinner at the annual retreat of the David Horowitz Freedom Center.
It is the very name of David’s center (which I emphasized for the benefit of some of our critics) which explains why I am comfortable here. Conservatives today, at least the serious ones, those committed to a tradition begun in Philadelphia more than two hundred and thirty-two years ago, continuing through the founding of the GOP in the 1850s, the election of the first Republican president in 1860, the intellectual fervent engendered (in large part) by Bill Buckley in the 1950s, spearheaded by Barry Goldwater the following decade, championed by Ronald Reagan in his speeches and political campaigns of the 60s, 70s and 80s, (culminating with his electoral success in the three presidential elections of that last decade) see freedom as the defining idea of our movement.
We seek to preserve freedom at home and defend it abroad.
While conservatives promote freedom, the gay groups, even the ostensible Republican one, have become obsessed with equality, with the largest among them adopting the equal sign as its logo.
Perhaps, I should talk with the organizers of this event about supporting a gay group committed to advancing freedom, understanding that the greatest enemies of gay people are not social conservatives in the West who may question (what they call) our lifestyle and oppose legislation benefiting us, but Islamic theocrats who execute gay people in jurisdictions where they predominate and seek to destroy the nations with political systems which allow us to live freely.
And for those who think all conservatives are narrow-minded anti-gay troglodytes, well, you should know that when I have identified myself to my fellow participants, I have named this blog (which gives them a good idea of my sexuality) and they have treated me better than the average denizen of West Hollywood upon learning I am a Republican who voted for George W. Bush in 2004. Heck, they even have a lesbian moderating the first panel tomorrow morning. And I’m not the only one psyched to see Tammy tomorrow. A number of people here have expressed admiration for that gun-toting talk show hostess.
There is something more I wanted to say, something about the idea of freedom. Maybe I already said it, if not in this post, in some other. But it’s that idea which animates modern conservatism. And it’s why I’m proud to call myself conservative. I just wish more gay people would understand the meaning of that word and would see how modern American conservatism better serves our interest than does a pursuit of the amorphous idea of equality.
A free society is one which allows a great diversity of individuals and groups to build their own communities and pursue happiness in their own ones. But, a society built on that notion of equality means an ever-increasing government enforcing that concept and so limiting opportunities for individual advancement and achievement. And making it ever more difficult for individuals to live their own lives as they see fit.
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Man, you’re good when your drunk! You need to keep a handle of Jack by your computer.
Couldn’t agree with you more. Frankly, I don’t understand how more people can’t see that liberalism and their neo-socialism actually stifles freedom.
I suppose they believe it’s good to reign in the freedoms of those they don’t like and they hope like hell that snake won’t rear back and bite them in the ass. The reality is that while they’re hoping, they’re getting bit. Their “leaders”, however, have a way of distracting their attention by pointing the finger at perceived enemies. Liberals hope like hell that the people won’t be smart enough to figure out that they’re getting bit.
Frankly, I think that’s an insult to everybody’s intelligence. I just don’t understand why so many people allow it to continue. It’s offensive and bewildering.
Take for example the liberal’s hysterical squealing like Ned Beatty that Bush was eroding our rights and freedoms. Didn’t happen. MEANWHILE, the liberals erode our freedoms to smoke where we want, eat trans-fats if we want, buy whatever lightbulb we want, hire whomever we want, drive whatever we want, send our kids to school wherever we want, do what we want with our retirement money etc. etc. etc.
I will never believe for one second that there’s actually a democrat who gives a damn about what’s best for everybody. They care about getting absolute power, maintaining absolute power, keeping the masses ignorant, and keeping them under their thumbs so they can control all.
It’s sick, twisted and perverted.
If it worked, they wouldn’t be running around pretending they’re conservative come election time.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — May 31, 2008 @ 3:11 am - May 31, 2008
And as far as Bush playing the “fear card”, on his best day even if he wanted to, he would be no match for the liberal left. They’re the masters of manipulating anger, fear and hatred.
What’s inspirational about Obama or Hillary’s campaigns?
Comment by ThatGayConservative — May 31, 2008 @ 3:13 am - May 31, 2008
I’m jelous you were at the Freedom Center.
This website
http://www.centermediaarchives.com/
is the video/audio archive of David Horowitz’s Freedom Center.. You’ll see many many speeches by many different speakers of the Security/Talk Radio/Political/Anti-Jihadi world.
To the philosophical opponents of this blog, I suggest you view these videos if you want to know what is on the mind of some of the best thinkers on the Right.
I love Tammy Bruce, I have so much admiration for her… she taught me that I dont have to lose my distinictiveness for the sake of the group.
And of course the speakers devoted to Anti-Jihadism are simply the bravest people in this country outside our military.. doing a job that is just as criticall…. doing what they can do culturally defend this country against the onslaught it is under from the America-hating Left, and the America-destroying Muslims.
Comment by Vince P — May 31, 2008 @ 4:55 am - May 31, 2008
It sounds like you’re having a great time. And surprisingly awesome for having a few martinis in the system. I’ll echo what ThatGayConservative wrote - everyone on the left thought Bush would be the one who would be somehow oppressing the gay community and infringing on civil rights when the left (in Chicago) protects me from those evil things like foie gras and constantly raising my taxes to pay for broken social programs. It’s the do as I say, not as I do party.
I still believe that we live in the best country in the world, where you can come from nothing and through hard work, make a better life for yourself because of the freedom that this amazing country provides. I wonder if there’s even a single democrat who believes that anymore.
Comment by Nick — May 31, 2008 @ 10:02 am - May 31, 2008
Your final paragraph says it all. Freedom over equality.
But as TCG says, the more freedom, the less power people in government have. This yearning for power is as strong in some people as the yearning for freedom is to others.
Have a wonderful weekend, and keep us updated!!
Comment by Leah — May 31, 2008 @ 10:52 am - May 31, 2008
Have a great weekend in SB.
Comment by Ted — May 31, 2008 @ 10:52 am - May 31, 2008
honoring Athena? Must be gin not vodka because I think she’s associated potatoes and I can’t imagine an owl flavored drink.
I didn’t remember her associated with the juniper thro?
Comment by Kevin — May 31, 2008 @ 11:51 am - May 31, 2008
I always have to wonder when I hear lefty gay people talk about their admiration for socialist programs like nationalized healthcare why they don’t realize what a threat to freedom and their lifestyle it could become. Maybe not right away, but over time, with the rampant promiscuity in the gay community, I can imagine scenarios in which an anti-gay campaign could be launched in the name of public health or some other allegedly high-minded concern. (After all, Castro’s imprisonment of gays was part of his attempt to remove decadent western influences from Cuba.)
Comment by Kurt — May 31, 2008 @ 12:40 pm - May 31, 2008
Kurt: That’s a good point.
Not only that, gays were very concerned about their HIV test results getting into the hands of insurance companies or employers. Well why in the world would you want the government to know everything about your health.
Plus what Kurt warns about (national health care rationing service and denying service to people due to political considerations) is already happening in the UK where NHS is denying some services to smokers and teh obese.
Comment by Vince P — May 31, 2008 @ 1:23 pm - May 31, 2008
No, Kevin, Athena is associated with the olive tree and a dirty martini is characterized by extra olive juice.
Comment by GayPatriotWest — May 31, 2008 @ 5:11 pm - May 31, 2008
David Horowitz Freedom Center
Hmmm, must be right next door to the Osama Bin Laden Center for Non-Violent Change, the Yassar Arafat Center for Judaic Studies, the Jeremiah Wright Center for Race Relations, the Peter LaBarbera Center for LGBT Studies, George W Bush Center of Public Speaking, Planned Parenthood Daycare, Bill Clinton Center for Marital Fidelity, Hillary Clinton’s Charm School, Anton Levay Christian Center, well you get the picture.
Can a group of people who use the word freedom so much be completely clueless about what it really means? What you folks call freedom is a “me first, screw everyone else;think like I do or I will accuse of treason; practice my religion or you are a terrorist; bow down to an image of Reagan or you are not American; heterosexuals are best, homos should be gratful for anything massa give them; money in my pocket is good, money in yours is an entitlement; violence by me is good, violence by you is a threat to freedom; hate liberals, democrats, leftists and well basically anyone who isn’t a far right pseudo-conservative storm trooper” abomination which is about as far from American or Judeo-Christian as Mars is from Earth.
Since we are still a free country, that is as long as the mentality you represent has little power, you are free to believe as you will. Should enough people actually swallow your poison then I suppose you could gain control. Such a scenario would signal the last days of the USA as a land of freedom and justice for all. May that day never come.
Comment by Dave — June 1, 2008 @ 8:41 pm - June 1, 2008
Freedom means just that Freedom.
Wow you’re clueless.. Totally clueless. It’s the Left that is threat of your freedoms. It’s the Left that wants an ever enlarged government to do and know everything about you.
You’re whining that someone might call you a traitor? What you suggesting.. that someone should not be able to call you a traitor?
You dont know what you’re talking about. What you want is a world where no one criticizes you. Where everyone is forced to suck your dick and pay for your every need.
Fuck that. Freedom means you’re on your own.
Comment by Vince P — June 1, 2008 @ 9:00 pm - June 1, 2008
Oh yeah Vince I forgot, it’s the Left that wants to tap our phones, track our ‘net usage and read our email. And it’s the Left that has bent over for every little invasion of privacy that this corrupt administration has asked for, and it’s the Left that tells us what we can do sexually and who with, and it’s the Left that’s attempting to jam it’s version of Christianity on the whole country through the laws and constitutions, and it’s the Left that is trying to control what is shown on our televisions and it’s the Left that’s pulling it’s kids out of public schools because they don’t want them learning anything but the same propaganda that the parents believe. I don’t give a shit who calls me what and feel free to criticize me I just look at the source. What I do care about is that the hate spewing perversion that tries to disguise itself as conservatism these days is going to do irreversible damage to this country and to the world. The future depends on the ideas that are represented by the folks who are idolized on here being rejected by the civilized world. There are millions of conservatives who treasure real freedom, but their voices are not heard on this blog. Horowitz conservatism, Coulter conservatism, Savage conservatism, Limbaugh conservatism, Townhall conservatism, Freeper conservatism, these are ALL about control of others, freedom for the few not the majority. It thrives on disdain for others, hatred of those who oppose them, and taking control by any means necessary. That is NOT freedom and if you cannot see that then you take what comes from it. Every single person who aligns with this destructive force will pay in the end and it won’t be the liberals and it won’t be the left it will be those you have sold your souls to who will kill you because you don’t belong in their vision. They want a white, heterosexual, Christian, English speaking world and everyone else is disposable. Well, they’ll keep a few Jews around because they think that will trick Jesus into coming back, then you’re toast just like the rest. Choice, an evil word to use here I know, is available now but it won’t always be. No one says you have to be liberal, or agree with left wing politics or hug trees or march against wars, but you do have to be a human being who respects others, and that is the first thing that died on the rancid right. Sane conservatism is an absolute necessity to balance the excesses of the Left, where did it go? is it dead or just being held captive by the extreme and does anyone on here actually care?
Comment by Dave — June 1, 2008 @ 11:47 pm - June 1, 2008
Oh yeah Vince I forgot, it’s the Left that wants to tap our phones, track our ‘net usage and read our email.
Indeed it is.
it’s the Left that tells us what we can do sexually and who with
Yes — with its denigration of monogamy and its insistence that promiscuity is good.
it’s the Left that’s attempting to jam it’s version of Christianity on the whole country through the laws and constitutions
Yes — by banning any form of public religious expression and insisting that religious belief makes one unfit to vote.
and it’s the Left that is trying to control what is shown on our televisions
Yes — with its rancid “fairness doctrine” and its threatening of networks and television stations that aired programs critical of the Clintons with yanking their broadcast licenses.
and it’s the Left that’s pulling it’s kids out of public schools because they don’t want them learning anything but the same propaganda that the parents believe
Yes — because they know that, by abolishing standards for teaching math and science, children might grow up to question leftist doctrine and dogma, so instead of teaching children in schools, they indoctrinate them.
You claim to respect people, Dave; if so, why are your posts nothing but diatribes of hate?
Answer: because you only “respect” people who do as you say, believe as you do, and, as Vince aptly put it, a situation where “everyone is forced to suck your dick and pay for your every need”.
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — June 1, 2008 @ 11:59 pm - June 1, 2008
Wow Dave nice rant.
The fact remains.. the Left wants a larger govt in control of every part of our lives, and conservatives want as small a govt as possible.
The Left leads to collectivism and the loss of individual freedom.
Comment by Vince P — June 2, 2008 @ 12:26 am - June 2, 2008
NDT: Yeah the Clipper chip… how fast Dave forgets huh?
And how about Echolon? And Know Your Customer.
Comment by Vince P — June 2, 2008 @ 12:28 am - June 2, 2008
Dave, in your broadsides against conservatives, you fault the mentality I represent as having little power and suggest we’re clueless about freedom. And something about my poison Could you please then give me an example of how that mentality is antithetical to freedom?
As to your second comment, take a moment to understand the limited circumstances in which the Administration seeks to tap phones, etc. It’s to intercept terrorist communications and so protect us. But alas, you seem to have pulled it out of context in your screeds lacking any facts whatsoever. Just pile.
Comment by GayPatriotWest — June 2, 2008 @ 2:42 am - June 2, 2008
So Dave, please tell us ignorant folk what, exactly, freedom is?
BTW, you described the left so well in your last expulsion of vomitus. These are my faves:
As you know, in regards to anti-gay laws, the right can’t hold a candle to the liberal left.
First of all, shouldn’t it be a parent’s FREEDOM to decide how they want their children educated? Shouldn’t they have the FREEDOM to decide where their children are educated? And isn’t it the liberal left who does everything in their power to stifle that FREEDOM?
Parents want the vouchers. They want the FREEDOM to send their kids to better schools. The liberal left wants to maintain the status quo of failing schools and failing students just to keep their union masters (top contributors) happy.
What’s more, the liberals love keeping kids uneducated. Otherwise, they’d see Barack Hussein Pussama and the left for the frauds they are.
You have no fucking idea what you’re talking about, do you? You just rely on what others tell you to think about them.
So what’s this freedom you’re talking about?
Comment by ThatGayConservative — June 2, 2008 @ 3:02 am - June 2, 2008
Almost forgot:
If by “Christianity” you mean Global Warmism (the biggest erosion of FREEDOM ever to come down the pipe), you’re spot on. BTW, last I checked, we only have one constitution. Much to your chagrin, I’m sure.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — June 2, 2008 @ 4:55 am - June 2, 2008
#10 - “Athena is associated with the olive tree and a dirty martini is characterized by extra olive juice.”
Hey Dan, if you REALLY want to honor Athena, try a dirty martini made with ouzo instead of vodka or gin. They kick ass.
And TGC, right on. You told it like it is.
Regards,
Peter H.
Comment by Peter Hughes — June 2, 2008 @ 11:27 am - June 2, 2008
Peter, did you mean to say “ouzo instead of vermouth”?
For a martini, generally I’ll use a ratio of 4-5 of either vodka or gin, to 1 of vermouth. 4-5 of vodka or gin to 1 of ouzo sounds yummy. But 4-5 of ouzo to 1 vermouth doesn’t…
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — June 2, 2008 @ 1:42 pm - June 2, 2008
(just because the vermouth would poison the ouzo… I have fond memories of doing frozen ouzo shots in college..)
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — June 2, 2008 @ 1:44 pm - June 2, 2008
#21 - “Peter, did you mean to say “ouzo instead of vermouthâ€?”
Yes, ILC. Mea culpa. I misspoke. (Note to B. Hussein Obama - this is how you fix misstatements.)
And for heaven’s sake, please don’t mix ouzo with gin or vodka, unless you want to call Ralph on the big white phone all night long.
Frozen ouzo shots? Ewwww……………..
Regards,
Peter H.
Comment by Peter Hughes — June 2, 2008 @ 4:10 pm - June 2, 2008
Again, I meant to say “ouzo with vermouth.”
Sorry, it’s Monday.
Regards,
Peter H.
Comment by Peter Hughes — June 2, 2008 @ 4:10 pm - June 2, 2008
Dave certainly paints a clear picture of the futility of dialog with someone who erupts in stream of consciousness discord. Folks who cannot prove a point or concede a point soon imprinted with the habit of wiring endless strings of pointless charges together which leaves the thoughtful listener speechless.
Comment by heliotrope — June 2, 2008 @ 5:05 pm - June 2, 2008
Martinis? Total fag drink. What’s next? Pink Cosmos?
I’ll kick it with Jack, thank you.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — June 2, 2008 @ 5:47 pm - June 2, 2008
#26 - Jackie D is overrated. Try Ancient Age or Old Crow. Now THERE’S a sippin whiskey for ya.
Truth be told, Hubby found a little-known brand marketed here in Texas called Rebel Yell. And even though he’s not a bourbon man, he bought it for the totally un-PC name on the label.
You should have seen the cashier’s face when she saw the name on the bottle. PRICELESS!
Regards,
Peter H.
Comment by Peter Hughes — June 2, 2008 @ 6:23 pm - June 2, 2008
All this chat about martinis makes me wonder if you folks have kept track of what has happened to the old standby. Today, you can mix vodka, lemoncello, cassis, Welches concord grape juice with mint Listerine and call it a martini. Of course, you will still need to float a chocolate coated ping-pong ball in it. (A big chunk of raw tuna is also acceptable.)
Comment by heliotrope — June 2, 2008 @ 6:41 pm - June 2, 2008
I prefer the classic version - most of the time. A chocolate martini is nice, once in a while. And I’d try Peter’s version.
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — June 2, 2008 @ 7:08 pm - June 2, 2008
That’s probably his intended game plan.
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — June 2, 2008 @ 7:10 pm - June 2, 2008
#27
Isn’t that the stuff on the bottom shelf, plastic bottles and about $8/handle? I first heard of Rebel Yell when I was working in a liquor store there on FM 1960. I’m fairly certain I’ve seen it here in Florida though I don’t look for it.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — June 3, 2008 @ 1:37 am - June 3, 2008
#31 - “Isn’t that the stuff on the bottom shelf, plastic bottles and about $8/handle?”
Not here it isn’t, TGC. But definitely try out Rebel Yell - made in Lexington, Kentucky and sold only in glass bottles.
It’s perfect for mint juleps. Or just on the rocks, like we Southerners prefer. PLEASE do not mix it with 7Up or Coke - it’s not McCormick’s.
Regards,
Peter H.
Comment by Peter Hughes — June 3, 2008 @ 1:37 pm - June 3, 2008
Ah the olive tree.
I forgot those go in martinis. Manhattan’s take cherries, which don’t have a cool an association (altho the flower means mortality and passing in the East).
Comment by Kevin — June 3, 2008 @ 11:17 pm - June 3, 2008
oops. Missed that. Rebel Yell ain’t bad in a mixed drink. The othe rlocal Buffalo trace has an off taste. But for straight sipping, Bookers.
Comment by Kevin — June 3, 2008 @ 11:19 pm - June 3, 2008
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#33 - Best manhattan I ever had was actually in Manhattan - at the Oak Room of the Plaza Hotel in 1996. Perfect bourbon, easy on the bitters and the biggest cherry you saw in your life.
Somewhere in the world it’s happy hour!
Regards,
Peter H.
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