Five Guidelines for LGBT Contributions In The Political Process

Speaking of donations, David Mixner has five guide lines on his blog today that make perfect sense. As the button on the right column of this blog indicates, I do not believe that the LGBT community should continue to allow itself to be used as an ATM machine by Democrats that talk a good game but then do nothing whatsoever to pass gay friendly legislation. Back during the 2008 campaign, I hear Obama in person make pro-gay statements that made some of in the crowd almost have tears in our eyes. He sounded SO convincing and sincere. The problem is that he apparently meant absolutely none of it. He is slick alright - as other too many of the other Democrat elected officials. Here are David's suggested guidelines which I endorse:

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So what is a major or minor donor to do? We must refuse to contribute to anyone that has not proven their loyalty to the LGBT community. . . . there are places that we can effectively place our money and still be good citizens. Plus, in the process send a powerful message. Here are my guidelines five guidelines to giving:
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1. Do not contribute to Democratic party committees like the DNC, DSCC and DCCC. They will use the funds to not only elect our allies but also Blue Dog Democrats. Even if they set up a 'special committee' for us that will enable them to loosen funds for candidates who are opposed to our freedom.
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2. Contribute directly to only those candidates who have proven by either by vote or sponsorships of legislation their commitment to our issues.
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3. Contribute to LGBT candidates who most often know how to fight like hell for us. The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund is one of the most effective groups in Washington,DC.
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4. Contribute to our own community and its battles for freedom especially as our young resort to more traditional civil rights tactics.
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5. Contribute to defeating our enemies at the local level which is a very powerful message to send those that oppose us.

Finally, do not be charmed by fancy appeals, hot parties, invites to special places and personal attention. Hold strong and let them know your five guidelines for giving. For nearly two decades we have poured money into the political process only to be ignored or betrayed time and time again.

Are Gay Rights Organizations Selling Us Out?

I have often felt that some of the leadership of national LGBT organizations - HRC in particular - set more store on attending exclusive dinners and seeking out opportunities to hob nob with senior politicians than forcefully working to advance full LGBT equality. After all, the day that full equality arrives, they will be out of a job. Now some blogs like Pam's House Blend and an Article in Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper, are suggesting that the repeal of DADT may be delayed due to a deal made by some of our "leaders" in the LGBT movement. Seeing far too many casualties of this sick policy in this area on a regular basis, this betrayal both sickens me and makes my blood boil. The arrogance of some of the national organizations is truly maddening. Here are highlights from Stars and Stripes:

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The House of Representatives has had a bill to overturn the law pending since March, but no hearings have been scheduled on the measure. Bill sponsor Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-Calif., collected 147 co-sponsors for the legislation but publicly said she wouldn’t push for passage without support from the president.

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An official with the House Democratic leadership said the House is committed to repealing “don’t ask” but has agreed with civil rights groups to put new hate crime legislation and a workplace nondiscrimination bill on the legislative calendar before taking up the military issue.

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The hot-potato game between the White House and Capitol Hill is fueling frustration among gay-rights advocates, who strongly supported both Obama and the Democratic slate of congressional candidates during last year’s election. Both the president and lawmakers promised during the campaign to overturn the “don’t ask” law.

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“I don’t begrudge people for seeking political cover,” said Nathaniel Frank, a researcher at the liberal Palm Center and author of a book about the military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers. “But Congress is looking to Obama as the head of the Democratic Party. Obama is saying that Congress needs to act and the military needs to get ready. This is a passing of the buck.”

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But planned changes don’t contain any privacy or anonymity guarantees. Edmund Burns, spokesman for the Office of Personnel Management, said everyone applying for benefits is essentially “outing” themselves and their partners. That means a Defense Department employee with a same-sex partner in the military could run afoul of the “don’t ask” rules. Pentagon officials said they are not aware of any plans to adopt special guidelines shielding benefits information from “don’t ask” investigations.

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If you ask me, besides boycotting the DNC fundraisers, LGBT donors might want to shut off the money ATM to some of our "leaders" who leave our rights by the side of the road as they dash off to invites from the White House and other soirees.