[Previous entry: "Critter risks banishment in the name of free speech"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "AWB ban will die"]
09/09/2004 Archived Entry: "Gays won't endorse Bush"
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY The Log Cabin Republicans -- the gay and lesbian R group -- has refused to endorse the R candidate for president. And the Pink Pistols have just issued a news release endorsing Libertarian Michael Badnarik. (I don't see the release on their site yet, so I'm posting the e-mail copy behind the more link, along with the Badnarik campaign's appeal to the Log Cabin folks.)
WE'RE HERE, WE'RE QUEER ... AND WE'RE VOTING LIBERTARIAN
Pink Pistols endorses Badnarik for President
Boston, MA - Some politicians think that the Second Amendment is obsolete. Some politicians think that the Second Amendment is for duck hunters and competitive shooters. But one presidential candidate knows who the Second Amendment is for: Everyone, especially those who, disarmed, face victimization.
"The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is the cornerstone of civil society," says Michael Badnarik, the Libertarian Party's 2004 presidential nominee. "It's the ultimate recourse, not only against foreign invasion or repressive government, but against bigotry when bigotry becomes aggression."
Pink Pistols, a national organization dedicated to educating the alternative sexual community on the need for armed self-defense, has endorsed Badnarik's candidacy.
"We're excited to endorse the only candidate in this election who stands for equal rights -- and the means to defend those rights -- for everyone," says Douglas L. Krick, founder of Pink Pistols. "With the 'major' parties competing to see who can be most strident in encouraging different standards for the queer communities, it's more important than ever that we stand up for ourselves -- and support candidates who stand with us."
Badnarik, 50, of Austin, Texas, welcomes that support. "Pursuit of political reform is best exercised through the ballot box and the jury box," he says. "But ultimately the cartridge box must be there, especially when lives are at stake. In America today, it's still considered acceptable in many places to attack gay men and lesbians for no other reason than who they are. When that happens, the victim can't wait for a police officer or a jury to try to sort things out."
Badnarik is also on record in favor of same-sex marriage. "It's a religious and community matter -- the government shouldn't be in the business of licensing marriage, or of excluding anyone from it. That came about as a means of preventing interracial marriage -- racism imposed by government. It's no different when applied to consenting adults of the same sex."
Pink Pistols currently operates 43 chapters in 29 states. Its members support gun rights and armed self-defense.
With 43 confirmed states at this time, Badnarik is leading the third-party ballot access race. According to Zogby International, he also leads among undecided voters, where his eight percent draw is equal to the sum of the support for Nader, Cobb, and Peroutka combined.
###
-------------------------------------------------
Text of letter sent to the Log Cabin Republicans:
Log Cabin Republicans
Attn: Chris Barron
Political Director
1607 17th St N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
202.347.5306 (office)
202.347.5224 (fax)
September 9, 2004
Dear Mr. Barron,
Congratulations on your decision to withhold your endorsement from President Bush for 2004. Your commitment to the rights of gays and lesbians is admirable, and it is refreshing to see a political organization with the integrity to adhere to its principles. Your resolution commands respect.
Libertarians feel that you may appreciate hearing what our presidential candidate, Michael Badnarik, has to say. Mr. Badnarik believes in the equality of gays and lesbians and their personal decisions in marriage. A strong defender of the Constitution, he supports smaller government, less intrusive taxation, and the rights of individuals. His positions on many issues are very similar to those about which Log Cabin Republicans are so very passionate.
It is time to change the views of Americans who may be undecided or misinformed about gay rights issues. There is much about which the LCR and the Libertarian Party agree. It would truly be enlightening for both groups to work together.
It should prove to be mutually beneficial for Mr. Badnarik to address one or more groups of Log Cabin Republicans before Election Day. Please contact us to schedule a talk or interview with Michael Badnarik. We would be happy to host or co-host any such event. I may be reached at (512) 637-6867 or communications@badnarik.org.
In liberty,
Stephen P. Gordon
Communications Director
Badnarik/Campagna 2004
Posted by Claire @ 03:10 PM CST
Link