This past Thursday I was asked to consider joining the local Democratic City Committee as a voice of the LGBT community. In addition, I was asked to attend an event on this coming Tuesday evening where the state party leadership will be in attendance. I accepted the invitation with a warning that I am none too happy with the Democrats and, in fact, am an advocate for the "Don't Ask, Don't Give" campaign. I asked are you sure you want to hear what I've got to say, because the Democratic leadership probably isn't going to like what I have to say. On issues ranging from DADT repeal to employment non-discrimination protections, Democrats give plenty of lip service in terms of supporting full legal equality for LGBT citizens, but fall miles short on delivering real action. The sell-out DADT repeal compromise that might not even pass the U.S. Senate is a perfect example of nice talk but only less than half measure action. Ironically, Act on Principles has a new post on what the LGBT community needs to tell the Democrats are the new operating rules. They mirror my own thoughts and I will certainly deliver this message come Tuesday. Here are some highlights:*
RULE ONE(Democratic Treasurer rule):
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Old Rule: It is more important to win a Democratic House and Senate Majority than lose that majority or potential majority fighting for LGBT equality. And both are mutually exclusive of one another. This rule can also apply to the Presidential race.
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New Rule: It is AS important to fight for LGBT equality, as winning or keeping a House and Senate Democratic Majority. And neither are mutually exclusive. This rule also applies to the Presidential Race.
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RULE TWO:
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Old Rule: Money and support will be given by the LGBT community to Democratic candidates, in turn for the expectation that they will be supportive of LGBT issues.
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New Rule: Money and support will “earned” by Democratic candidates who demonstrate CONTINUED SUPPORT of LGBT issues.
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RULE THREE:
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Old Rule: LGBT donors will give to Democratic candidates and Committees first (DNC, DSCC, DCCC) and expect leadership on LGBT equality later.
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New Rule: LGBT donors will FIRST expect Democratic candidates and Committees (DNC, DSCC, DCCC) SUPPORT for equality, and will DONATE LATER.
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RULE FOUR (Harold Ford Rule):
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Old Rule: African American and/or Southern Democrats get a pass on advocating for LGBT equality.
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New Rule: African American and Southern Democrats are expected to be MORE VOCAL for LGBT equality as those communities are disproportionately impacted by homophobia and inequity.
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RULE FIVE:
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Old Rule: It is ok and understandable if a Democrat refers to his or her culture, religion, or upbringing as reasons not support full LGBT equality.
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New Rule: It is offensive and no longer acceptable if candidates embrace the bigotry of their culture, religion and/or upbringing as reasons not to support full LGBT equality.
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RULE SIX:
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Old Rule: If LGBT community supports Democratic candidates and the candidate is successful in their race, the LGBT community can then ask the newly or re-elected Democrats to support equality. If key votes or legislation are not delivered, the candidate should continue to receive the same support during re-election.
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New rule: If LGBT community supports Democratic candidates and the candidate is successful in their race, the LGBT community will demand the newly or re-elected Democrats to support LGBT equality. If key votes or legislation are not delivered, the candidate WILL NOT and SHOULD NOT receive similar support during re-election.
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Will the Dems like the new rules? I doubt it, but it is time for LGBT Americans to stop being used by Democrats who claim to be gay supportive and then never follow through. Barack Obama's broken campaign promises illustrate the cycle that must be broken. How many times do we have to be played for suckers before we say NO MORE?
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RULE THREE:
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Old Rule: LGBT donors will give to Democratic candidates and Committees first (DNC, DSCC, DCCC) and expect leadership on LGBT equality later.
.
New Rule: LGBT donors will FIRST expect Democratic candidates and Committees (DNC, DSCC, DCCC) SUPPORT for equality, and will DONATE LATER.
*
RULE FOUR (Harold Ford Rule):
*
Old Rule: African American and/or Southern Democrats get a pass on advocating for LGBT equality.
.
New Rule: African American and Southern Democrats are expected to be MORE VOCAL for LGBT equality as those communities are disproportionately impacted by homophobia and inequity.
*
RULE FIVE:
*
Old Rule: It is ok and understandable if a Democrat refers to his or her culture, religion, or upbringing as reasons not support full LGBT equality.
.
New Rule: It is offensive and no longer acceptable if candidates embrace the bigotry of their culture, religion and/or upbringing as reasons not to support full LGBT equality.
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RULE SIX:
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Old Rule: If LGBT community supports Democratic candidates and the candidate is successful in their race, the LGBT community can then ask the newly or re-elected Democrats to support equality. If key votes or legislation are not delivered, the candidate should continue to receive the same support during re-election.
.
New rule: If LGBT community supports Democratic candidates and the candidate is successful in their race, the LGBT community will demand the newly or re-elected Democrats to support LGBT equality. If key votes or legislation are not delivered, the candidate WILL NOT and SHOULD NOT receive similar support during re-election.
*
Will the Dems like the new rules? I doubt it, but it is time for LGBT Americans to stop being used by Democrats who claim to be gay supportive and then never follow through. Barack Obama's broken campaign promises illustrate the cycle that must be broken. How many times do we have to be played for suckers before we say NO MORE?
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