Islamist death threats reach the blogosphere. I guess it had to happen.
A CHASTENED REPUBLICAN: Yes, this was an emotional election. Here’s one reader response:
As the election approached, I became deeply critical of you due to your decision to vote for Kerry. My vote for Bush wasn’t motivated by homophobia or any other “values issue.” (Is homophobia a family value?) Like many people in Connecticut, I supported Bush because I thought, after 9/11, that he would be preferable to Kerry as a wartime leader. I understand why people think I’m wrong about that. It’s no accident, however, that Bush lost to Kerry in New Jersey and Connecticut by a lot less than he lost to Gore in those same states in 2000. It sure wasn’t because Rove turned out the homophobic vote up here.
But seeing things a little more clearly and calmly now, I have to say that I am embarrassed by what happened to gays this year. They were crassly exploited by the political party I supported, and the other party didn’t do enough to protect them. Not enough people stood up to say “this is wrong.” I sure as hell didn’t. I just wanted my guy to win. I’m sorry that happened.
I realize that this apology is probably worth a bucket of warm spit to you. But you should know that I’ve talked to several other people who voted for Bush, but now have the same sense of buyer’s guilt I do. I think that means that next time they start trying to take people’s rights away, maybe more of us will stand up and say “this is wrong.” I solemnly promise that I will.
I only hope that the majority of Repuhblicans who do not want to scapegoat and target gay couples will stand up and be counted in the next few years. We need them desperately.
The Dish 