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Monday, February 2, 2009

Homo Quite a Reach

Posted by Dan Savage on Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 10:29 AM

So Michael Steele—the new head of the GOP—says he intends to "reach out" to supporters of gay rights. Steele opposes same-sex marriage and backs constitutional amendments banning marriage equality—but only at the state level, which some see as a sign of Steele's moderation. Because, hey, at least Steele doesn't want to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage—and he doesn't! Unless the states, all of them presumably, fail to ban same-sex marriage. Then Steele does support a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

Keep reachin', Michael.

This is the GOP's new position on gay rights: We will "reach out" to you, meaning "we will chat amiably with you about our efforts to deny you your rights." Michael Steele will use the word "gay" in the same sentence with the phrase "reach out." John McCain will go on Ellen and tell Ellen that he wishes her and Portia every happiness. But he wants to ban same-sex marriage, of course, so he's wishing Ellen every happiness save that happiest-day-of-your-life happiness.

Sorry, GOP, but you don't get any points for being polite about oppressing us.

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Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment

It's as if they're permanently stuck in the Wayback Machine, with a setting somewhere between 50 and 300 years before our time.

Posted by Will in Seattle on February 2, 2009 at 10:35 AM

Sad to day, Steele is from MD. And is it just me, or is Steele's head too small for his body?

Posted by Rob in Baltimore on February 2, 2009 at 10:36 AM

You know, a lot of these congressmen/women who are in favor of banning same-sex marriage are probably personally against banning it, but have to appear to be in favor of it because they'd get voted out of office if they went against their constituents.

Just sayin...

Posted by Urgutha Forka on February 2, 2009 at 10:37 AM

Perhaps they intend to reach AROUND the gay community, which is nice as they've been fucking y'all as hard as they can.

Posted by dwight moody on February 2, 2009 at 10:45 AM

This seems to be the GOP's new tack on every issue. "Moderation." "Bi-partisanship." Yeah, they're more than happy to sit down and amiably chat, as long as it doesn't involve them changing their position on anything.

Wonder what it's going to take for them to get it through their concrete-skulled heads that a clear majority of the people have had enough of their bullshit.

Posted by Fifty-Two-Eighty on February 2, 2009 at 10:53 AM

Speaking of reaching...

Unless the states, all of them presumably, fail to ban same-sex marriage. Then Steele does support a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

What?

Posted by w7ngman on February 2, 2009 at 10:55 AM

@6 - He's referring to this (from the link):

Steele: Gay Marriage Is A State Issue, But Supports A Federal Amendment. In August 2004, the Washington Times reported that, "[Steele] said each state should decide the issue, but added that he supports President Bush's efforts in calling for a constitutional amendment to define marriage, because some states are unwilling to act." [Washington Times, 8/26/04]

Posted by Julie in Eugene on February 2, 2009 at 11:01 AM

It kinda reminds of that Dusty Springfield song "Wishin' and Hopin'". Republicans wish that gay people would vote for them, or at the very least wish that people who like gay people would vote for them, but refuse to actually do or say things for that vote. But I guess you can always count on the Republicans to be out of touch with reality.

As my Pa likes to say, "hold one hand out for wishes and one for shit and see which fills up faster."

Posted by Yes I call my father Pa, he's from Oklahoma on February 2, 2009 at 11:08 AM

They're set somewhere back several decades before Runymede.

Posted by Auntie Dogma on February 2, 2009 at 11:10 AM

Ah. Weird.

Posted by w7ngman on February 2, 2009 at 11:12 AM

He's wasting his time.
All the Gays in America will be serving honorably and openly in Obama's military.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Posted by HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA on February 2, 2009 at 11:19 AM

I'm torn. On the one hand, I'm thrilled that an African American (Steele) and a woman (Palin) are the faces of the Republican Party now. It's an incredible change.

On the other had, I find everything about them to be absolutely appalling.

Wasn't it George Carlin that said "there's really no point to sexism and racism. Once you get to know people you'll find all kinds of other reasons to hate them."

So very, very true.

Posted by Original Andrew on February 2, 2009 at 12:49 PM

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Posted by [[[[[ on February 2, 2009 at 12:54 PM

Posted by Comment Deleted on February 2, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Posted by Comment Deleted on February 2, 2009 at 1:01 PM

maybe by "reach out" he means "reach out and convert them to being straight?"

Posted by slackerina on February 2, 2009 at 1:06 PM

Don't be torn or confused by the selection of Mr. Steele. The Republicans do this often. They find a token who's willing to get power oppressing the people they are the token of. Thurgood Marshall was replaced by Clarence Thomas, fascist version of Marshall. Condaleeza Rice was another token who proved herself a worthless oppressor. And if they think Mr. Steele will attract any minorities they should think again. They may attract the masochists but nobody else.

Posted by Vince on February 2, 2009 at 2:07 PM

Thank you for continuing to hit the nail on the head, Dan.

The Republican approach to gay rights reminds me of the "South Park" episode where Cartman had to be nice for some reason because he wanted something from Kyle.

So, Cartman shows up at Kyle's wearing a really nice sweater.

Kyle asks Cartman if he understands that there is a difference between being a nice person and wearing a nice sweater.

Cartman just stares back because he truly does not comprehend.

Posted by Glossy on February 2, 2009 at 10:23 PM