Some fascinating results from a Daily Kos poll

Daily Kos has published tables summarizing the results of a phone poll among self-identified Republicans taken in January 2010. Some of the results are predictable enough: Most believe that or are at least unsure if Barack Obama is a "socialist" (a term prone to incorrect interpretation, of course) and a racist who wasn't born in the US and who "wants the terrorists to win" (whatever that means). I pretty much expected to see results like that, despite many people telling me that the images of people yelling precisely those things on TV are a media distortion. The poll numbers seem to suggest that at least a very large proportion of self-identified Republicans actually believe those ideas or are at the very least open to them.

But what is interesting is to see a quantification across different demographic and geographic slices of the forms of anti-gay sentiment among those responding to these poll questions. Three-quarters do not think people like me and my partner should be permitted to be married. Two-thirds don't believe we should enjoy any Federal or state benefits (the same enjoyed by straight people) at all, although sadly the poll did not include a follow-up question regarding whether or not gay people should still be required to pay taxes.

Almost three-quarters don't even think people like my partner should be allowed to teach in public schools. Incidentally, he's a great teacher and much-loved and respected by his students and fellow teachers. But, alas, most Republicans seem to think that his being gay disqualifies him from teaching, his PhD and devotion to teaching notwithstanding.

One other thing jumps out: A majority oppose sex education and even think birth control should be illegal. Now there's a formula for teenage pregnancy if ever I saw one.

Now of course not all Republicans think the way these poll numbers suggest. But the fact remains that most self-identified Republicans seem to. It's small wonder that the GOP members in Congress and across the country in many state legislatures vote the way they do.

Here's the link to the poll: http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2010/1/31/US/437

Secaucus and cronyism

Secaucus and cronyism

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Don't Ask, Don't Give

On the Saturday after the marriage equality bill failed in the New Jersey state senate, thanks in large part to turncoats in the Democratic Party, I received a phone call from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee asking for money. I didn't give the caller money. I gave him a message: with no action on DOMA, ENDA and DADT despite having majorities in both houses of Congress and, for a year, a self-proclaimed "fierce advocate" for gay rights in the White House who has failed to exercise leadership of any meaningful sort on these issues, the DCCC cannot then come back and ask me for money. After all, they can then use that money to support candidates who will do nothing for my community and may even oppose our issues. I told the caller not to bother calling back until there is concrete action on DOMA, ENDA and DADT.

With that, it's good to read this blog entry on AMERICAblog showing one gay man's hand-written response to a fund-raising letter from the Democratic National Committee. It expresses the same anger shared by many of us who have given, time and time again, our money, our votes, and our volunteer hours to the Democratic Party, with little in return. AMERICAblog's John Aravosis has called for a Don't Ask, Don't Give campaign and I've gladly joined. I will certainly contribute to individual candidates who, by their actions (as opposed to their promises), have demonstrated support for the LGBT community. But for the Democratic Party at large, this ATM is closed for business.

Bicyclists of New Jersey: here's something you can do to increase access

As reported in the WalkBikeJersey blog, the Scudders Fall I-95 bridge over the Delaware and which connects Ewing, NJ with Lower Makefield, PA will be undergoing reconstruction. The bridge currently does not include a pedestrian/bike path but, by writing an email through this link, you can petition for one to be included. The email is prepopulated and ready to go thanks the efforts of the folks at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. I'm doing my part. Please do yours if you value cycling as an alternative to cars or just for recreation along the beautiful Delaware River.

A message to gay youth everywhere: come out and be proud

My friend Matt shared with me his contribution to I'm From Driftwood, a compilation of first-hand testimonials from young gay people across the country about their coming out experience. Here is Matt's testimonial to his coming out and serves as a reminder of just how important being out is and gives hope to teens across the United States who live in fear of coming out to their families and in their communities:

Apple adds iTunes Store page for Haiti donations

Apple adds iTunes Store page for Haiti donations

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Scott Brown is NOM's man in the Mass. special election

Tomorrow is the special election in Massachusetts to fill the late Ted Kennedy's seat. The National Organization of Marriage, which has devoted itself to making sure same-sex couples never achieve equal rights anywhere in the United States (e.g. Maine and New Jersey), has launched robocalls in support of Republican and one-time Cosmo centerfold Scott Brown. A description of the call is in this article. Brown opposes marriage equality. His Democratic opponent, Martha Coakley, support equal rights for lesbians and gay men.