Get Ward Connerly to Speak Out Against Prop. 8
Just returned from the Republicans Against 8 meeting. While I can’t disclose everything that was discussed there, I can put forward an idea that came to me in the course of the meeting. If advocates of gay marriage are serious about defeating this initiative (now with the new wording, banning gay marriage), they would get a prominent conservative leader to cut radio and TV ads opposing it.
Back in 1978, the immediate past Governor of the Golden State, Ronald Reagan, spoke out against that year’s Proposition 6, the Briggs Initiative which would have prevented gays from teaching in public schools. When the measure was defeated, its author then-State Senator John Briggs “was asked by reporters who was to blame for its ignominious defeat, and he simply replied: ‘Ronald Reagan.’“
Given that the current Republican Governor of California does not enjoy the same favor among conservatives that his predecessor enjoyed, his opposition to the initiative might not sway as many conservatives as did the Gipper’s opposition to Prop. 6 thirty years ago. So, we need find a conservative leader, respected on the right and who opposes the measure to do now what Reagan did then.
Ward Connerly who has come out strongly for domestic partnerships would be the ideal candidate to make the case to wary conservative voters. We love him for spearheading opposition to racial preferences in government programs.
Yes, this conservative leader is toxic to many on the left. But, I would dare say that the great majority of Californians who dislike the man are already predisposed to voting against Prop. 8. His opposition will not change their views. At the same time, many of those undecided on the proposition (as well as many in favor) hold this good man in high regard. By tapping Connerly as a spokesman, opponents of the measure could more effectively reach out to voters to whom they might otherwise have a hard time appealing.
If the leaders of “No on 8″ really want to defeat this measure, they would ask Ward Connerly to speak out on their behalf. They might not like the man, but they do have common cause on this one issue. And shouldn’t their goal be its defeat?
This man who has been effective in passing one state ballot proposition in the Golden State could be most effective in defeating another.
Let’s see if the “No on 8″ forces are more committed to defeating this measure than they are to sidelining a controversial conservative who shares their goal on this one issue.
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Allow me to throw a little iced-water onto the enthusiasm and say: don’t expect the gay left to be practical. They are more concerned with theatrics. After all, having 8 pass would be GREAT for them and the assorted professional victims in the not-for-profit sector. (Great quote by PJ O’Rourke comes to mind thinking of those in that line of work: “Earnestness is just stupidity gone to college”) If the self-appointed cadres of the Gay Party gave a damn about practical results, the word “marriage” would have never been uttered; instead a silent campaign of trying to change individual laws that inconvenience same-sex couples would be the course of action. Pardon the digression, but what I am saying is: don’t be surprised if there is more interest in being pure and alienating voters over trying to woo them by working with someone like Ward Connerly
Comment by E.N. — August 17, 2008 @ 3:28 am - August 17, 2008
E.N., you’re probably right.
Comment by GayPatriotWest — August 17, 2008 @ 1:51 pm - August 17, 2008
This sounds like a good idea. Do the Republicans Against 8 have any plans to ask Ward Connerly to do just that? In other words, are the actions of gay conservatives necessarily tied (or held back, as the case may be) by the current gay organizations currently fighting Prop. 8?
Comment by GMRinSAN — August 17, 2008 @ 4:21 pm - August 17, 2008
I disagree vehemently with Connerly’s campaign against affirmative action. That said, it’s fine with me if he speaks out against Prop. 8. GPW’s analysis is persuasive. It’s too bad that he undermines his own case by closing this post with a tedious left-versus-right snipe. If the “left” (whoever that is, exactly) won’t give Connerly a bullhorn, the right can do it. It’s not as though the right needs the left’s permission to speak. People (on left and right) who are more interested in polishing the ideological chips on their shoulders than working to defeat Prop. 8 are worse than useless.
Comment by Steve — August 18, 2008 @ 3:05 pm - August 18, 2008
Can I ask why more political blogging isn’t happening here lately. Especially since such relevant events have been going on…the saddleback debacle for BHO etc.
Comment by Gene in Pennsylvania — August 18, 2008 @ 8:34 pm - August 18, 2008
So discrimination is fine as long as white males are the target, right?
Comment by ThatGayConservative — August 19, 2008 @ 1:45 am - August 19, 2008
To repeat, people (on left and right) who are more interested in polishing the ideological chips on their shoulders than working to defeat Prop. 8 are worse than useless.
Comment by Steve — August 19, 2008 @ 9:22 am - August 19, 2008
This is something that I have contended for on many issues (DADT etc) if issues such as this would also include conservatives that may support what they are trying to accomplish instead of alienating us in the decision making process. The clout one can bring to the change if they did this could be amazing. I am constantly disappointed that they do not seeking to understand the conservative side and adjust their rhetoric to get us on board –I think they would be be surprised at how many would actually help them .
It is easy to speak to people who agree with you, quite another to go into the Lion’s den and make the story convincing there. I see liberals always prefer the easy route; they avoid debates, lean on the media and other “forces” to magically make things happen… this seems to be the mantra for any of the “gay” issues they wait for the congress, president, Supreme Court, circuit court-or - whomever to force everyone else to see their way.
Comment by Colocelt — August 19, 2008 @ 11:12 am - August 19, 2008
#4. But the victim routine here would have to end, no? What?!?! Get your own bullhorn? (And, besides, I don’t remember this blog being too happy when Log Cabin Republicans used footage of Cheney speaking about freedom and equality.)
Comment by jimmy — August 19, 2008 @ 11:55 am - August 19, 2008
Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, you do have quite the imagination. Did the Vice-President speak about “equality,” the watchword for the gay groups nationwide?
And don’t you understand the tension between freedom and equality?
Comment by GayPatriotWest — August 19, 2008 @ 12:24 pm - August 19, 2008
I still kinda wonder though, what plans Republicans Against 8 have for publicity, ads, etc. I see from their website they have a good roster of prominent California Republicans. With his ability to reach wide audiences through wit and humor, Dennis Miller would be another great spokesman.
I see also that LCR is the primary (sole?) organization for the website. I’ll be sure to join the site, and contribute, and also receive updates which I assume will be forthcoming. It would be great if Gay Patriot.net had a link on the Republicans Against 8 site.
Let’s not worry about what the left-leaning gay organizations are doing or not doing. It’s heartening to see gay conservatives add their voices and take up the mantel themselves. Something to be encouraged.
Comment by GMRinSAN — August 19, 2008 @ 2:12 pm - August 19, 2008
That would be an excellent idea, if the 4 scum on the CA Supreme “Court” hadn’t decided to rewrite the CA State Constitution in order to invent a “right” to Same Sex “Marriage”.
Since they did engage in that illegitimate abuse of power, the proper response, for anyone who values democracy, is to support Proposition 8, and return the law to what it was before the dishonest actions of those 4 “judges”.
Comment by Greg Q — August 20, 2008 @ 4:17 am - August 20, 2008
Good suggestion, Dan. I’d love to see Ward speak on this! I’ve certainly admired his life story and his stance against racial quotas.
Comment by John — August 20, 2008 @ 1:45 pm - August 20, 2008