I don't get political on here too often. I don't think people come to my blog to discuss the economy, the war, or politics in general. However, sometimes, things that happen are important enough - or relevant enough - to get a mention on Bi Like Me.Now that the political election campaigns have started, we can see what the alternatives are to another 4 years of Obama. We jettisoned Bush for Obama a mere 4 years ago. Are were ready to return the Republicans to the helm?
Sarah Palin is no longer in the news. She has tossed aside political aspirations for now (thank god!). Michele Bachman has dropped out of the race. You remember her - her husband has a clinic which proposes to convert gays - yes CONVERT them to being straight through prayer! Now the Republicans have basically whittled down the candidates to the best..the elite..Romney, Santorum and Gingrich..the Republican's Moe , Larry and Curly.
While I may agree with the tenants of smaller government and less taxes of the Republican agenda - you have to look past that to see the social issues are just too extreme. Yet, each of them has courted the far right..and the competition is to see how conservative each of them can be in order to obtain their backing and votes. Abortion? They think it should be illegal..even in the most extreme of circumstances. Birth Control? Also opposed. It seems like an attempt at "one up-man-ship" for votes.
Romney has flip-flopped on the issue of same sex marriage. Although same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, Romney signed a pledge to appoint officials, particularly judges, who oppose same-sex marriage. He has said he would defend the Defense of Marriage Act and has signed a pledge to support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
Gingrich, who cheated on his wife of 17 years and married a woman 23 years younger making her his third wife, is also, not surprisingly, opposed to same sex marriage. Gingrich says that sexuality is “a combination of genetics and environment,” but it is not predetermined and is ultimately based on an individual’s decision. He also believes that a ‘gay and secular fascism’ is attempting to impose its values on the rest of the country. That such a lifestyle is fundamentally sinful. To Mr.Gingrich I can only say: "Thank you, Mr. Family Values."
Santorum, one ups them all. He has consistently made anti-gay comments comparing gay marriages to inanimate objects, saying children would be better off with a parent in prison as opposed to two loving same-sex parents, or calling open military service a ‘tragic social experiment’. He has even said he would pray for Dan Savage, the creator of the "It Get's Better" campaign. Santorum has proven that he thinks LGBT people are second-class citizens not worthy of dignity or respect. Yet, he continues to thrive in the primaries..increasing his success at every stop.
Is that the view of the majority of America? No abortion? No birth control? Anti-gay? It makes me scared and even embarrassed that it could be so. How could people be so closed minded - so backwards in their thinking?
Obama, while not hugely successful, has at least given us pretty much what he promised. Even though his agenda may not be popular, things like Health Care reform was a platform in his election. In addition, he got us out of Iraq, eliminated Osama Bin Laden, and has supported the actions that brought about huge changes in the Middle East via the "Arab Spring."
His handling of the economy has come under some fire. However, he was handed a financial crisis when he took office and he addressed them through bailouts and incentives that brought the Country back from the brink of disaster.Maybe you're not an Obama fan. Yes, he could certainly do better. But, the options are limited. At least with him, you know he's not overtly lying to you about Weapons of Mass Destruction, or always on vacation or has a secret religious agenda. He works hard for the things he believes in and wants to make the world a better place for his family and ours.
The Republicans? They're artifacts of the closed-minded, homophobic eras of the way people used to think.
