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Time for Gays to Go Nader on Democrats

Fundraising boycott a good idea but doesn't go far enough

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 11, 2009 1:46 AM CST

(Newser) – The two-party system gives gay Americans a terrible deal, and the proposed gay boycott of Democratic National Committee fundraising is a big step in the right direction toward changing the situation, writes Emma Ruby-Sachs. Cutting off funds to the party will push Democrats toward eliminating discrimination against gays and could lead to some real changes—but diverting those funds to third-party candidates would be even more effective, Ruby-Sachs urges in the Huffington Post.

Standing liberal candidates in close races on an "equal rights, populist platform with support for social services and equality under the law" would make the Democrats rapidly start paying attention to the votes on the left they've been taking for granted, Ruby-Sachs writes. "Ralph Nader tried this and managed to strike fear into the heart of major political parties for many years to come," she notes. "Let's play on this fear."

Gay rights advocates march by the White House in Washington last month.
Gay rights advocates march by the White House in Washington last month.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Lauren Hendricks, 20, of Tallahassee, Fla., left, and Cameron Tolle, 21, of Cincinnati, Ohio, chant with thousands of gay rights advocates during a march in Washington last month.
Lauren Hendricks, 20, of Tallahassee, Fla., left, and Cameron Tolle, 21, of Cincinnati, Ohio, chant with thousands of gay rights advocates during a march in Washington last month.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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While many countries give voters four or more options at the polls, Americans are forced to decide between a centrist party with conservative social views or a right-wing party with outlandishly offensive views. - Emma Ruby-Sachs

I think the freeze in fundraising is a great idea. I also think the problem with the gay rights agenda in Congress has more to do with the political system than the particularly spineless nature of most Democratic representatives. - Emma Ruby-Sachs

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 33 comments
USAHomeofthebrave
Nov 11, 2009 12:56 PM CST
Derni-- As an educated african-american who has experienced hate for being a conservative,black and a christian I have seen far more hate from the left than from the right. I do not believe in forcing a person to believe in God and I do not believe in forcing a person to accept the gay lifestyle. You do your thing and I'll do mine.
Derni
Nov 11, 2009 12:43 PM CST
Gays might get a little push as the Gov't and relgious groups take aim at atheism in America-the new hate group in a country where people actually beiieve you must have faith or believe in a God-what a crazy and uneducated lot!
Stuart
Nov 11, 2009 11:25 AM CST
So you helped elect W. Congratulations - that was smart. And this is just a stupid

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