When I turned 18 in 1991, I was thrilled to finally have the ability to vote. I was a product of the MTV generation where my knowledge of politics was limited to MTV's "Rock the Vote" commercials. My first election was the 1992 presidential election. I voted for Bill Clinton. I also voted for him in 1996. As my political knowledge started to shift from MTV to talk radio and cable news, I began to realize the major mistake I had made. Since then; being part of the gay community, I've developed a love for political adversity when someone from my community would question how gay I was since I voted Republican. I also noticed that coming out as a Republican in my community is far more dramatic than coming out as a gay man to the rest of the world. Needless to say, the contempt I have received has transformed from something that made me nervous and uncomfortable to something I am most proud of. I'm a total news junkie, a full-time accountant, and a single guy who loves the outdoors more than anything. I've made many friends throughout my blogging experiences and look to make many more.
Conservatism transcends gender, race, sexual orientation and other inherent, unchangeable qualities in any person who subscribes to those values. I am proof of that statement. I am a gay Republican from Texas. I feed on politics and try my best to lend my voice to the conservative movement with my own unique perspective on events – local, national and international. I cannot be pigeonholed into the GOP, - I believe that conservative principles trump any party affiliation. However, I believe that Republicans offer the best hope of securing the vision of our forefathers and the future of our nation. It is up to people like myself to challenge the GOP to do what is in the best interests of this country in furthering the conservative cause while simultaneously opening up to those of us who are the new generation of the grassroots conservatives. This is one of my forums for achieving those goals.
philip@redstategay.com
My parents taught me from a young age to pay attention to what's going on in the world around me and to really, genuinely care. I was raised in a very religious household; consequently, I learned early on that homosexuality was a big no-no. It took me a long time to accept the fact that I was gay. Everyone else knew it before I did! At first, I had to reconcile my orientation with my beliefs, and for a time I questioned those beliefs. But my politics haven't changed: I'm quite conservative and I refuse to apologize for it, even with the gay community openly calling me a deviant for my politics. Today, my parents and I don't necessarily agree on everything, but I dig and study every little thing before I make up my mind. I don't believe that feelings should be considered so heavily when deciding what your position is, and I've seen too many brilliant people dragged down by their emotional reactions. I try to make purely intellectual conclusions and to really be open-minded, even if I don't always succeed. I'm originally from Texas and currently working as a fraud investigator and an EMT in Arizona, hoping to eventually get back home (unless some amazing girl steals my heart here!).
texas.cowboi@yahoo.com
I would like to thank Steve, Mel, and Philip for having me as a contributor. I look forward to working with them in the effort to expose the fantasy-land in which the Left lives and exists! ;-)
I'm a 38 year old gay man. Prior to becoming politically aware I would have described myself as socialist. At the time, I didn't recognize my beliefs as socialist because I didn't pay enough attention to politics to know what that meant. It wasn't until after I started educating myself on politics that I realized socialism for what it was. I guess the Left didn't have enough time to get their grubby little hands on my mind before I became completely indoctrinated! Various events eventually forced me to educate myself. I was exposed to conservatism and classical liberalism. Our Founders built our system of government around protection of the individual over the collective. Since I was gay I initially believed this was contradictory to my orientation. I soon discovered that not only was that not the case but that retaining our constitutionally limited government as set forth by the Founders was necessary for my continued existence and freedom as a gay man that I enjoyed. The issue of gay marriage is a policy or civil issue; not a philosophical one. I'm also an avid proponent of Ayn Rand's Objectivist philosophy. I believe, having studied her philosophy at great length, Objectivism provides man his best opportunity at retaining his individual freedom and supporting that freedom through Objectivist governance as well.
proudgayconserv@aol.com
I remember being 17 years old, watching as the 1992 Presidential Election results rolled in. I was powerless to stop the election of the philandering Governor of Arkansas, William Jefferson Clinton. Little did I know that Bill Clinton would be the “best” Democratic U.S. President of the last 50 years.
The stark difference between liberalism and conservatism has been clear to me ever since. While conservatism isn’t fun and sexy, it is rooted in historical fact and the absence of ideology. In contrast, liberalism is very popular, especially among our nation’s youth. It is popular in large part because it deals in ideologically emotional headlines and buzzwords, with very little reality mixed in. The bottom line is that liberalism seeks to change the very fabric of our society, while conservatism realizes that our founding documents provide the necessary bedrock for American exceptionalism.
As a gay man, I find true conservatism to be the only way to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Keeping government small, keeping it out of our lives and keeping it out of our wallet are the core conservative principles that allow me to be who I am, strive for success as an individual, and be part of the greatest country on this Earth, the United States of America.
mark.ciavola@rightpride.org
steveflesher
Philip
Mel Maguire
proudgayconserv
Mark Ciavola
ugh. Cindy Sheehan is a lunatic. A Raving Lunatic!
You lost to the Big Machines. Everything you said in your letter is right on. The Democratic party has failed all America by it’s refusal to do what they said they would do and do …END THE WAR….all for the sake of who will be elected in 2008. They have now clearly put themselves in the very same mold as the Republican party….they are no different.
I used to think Ralph Nader was a nut for wanting to be president, but now I really believe it’s people like him who will one day break up the Republican/Democratic self-centered monopolies that are more concerned with being elected and power than what is really best for the citizens of the USA.
Hopefully this breakthrough will come before the USA is ruled by a dictator…but then again isn’t that already the case.
CJ:
Putting themselves into the same mold of the Republican party would require by in large to sticking to one position. Bush (love him or hate him) has not flip-flopped on his positions. Many Republicans in the Senate have caved into caterwauling but the base of the Republican party’s views have pretty much remained consistent since we invaded in 2003.
In terms of the self-centered monopolies you mentioned, I have to be candid and say that I don’t see this as much on the Republican side as I do on the Democratic side. I guarantee, once the primaries are won, you will see a major flip-flop on the Demcrat side to attempt to win the moderates needed to win the actual election. Voters pay attention more now than ever before and they will remember the crucial vote last week that the Democratic candidates voted against.
Anyone in their right mind knew that we couldn’t set guidelines or pull out of Iraq. All of the big-wig Republican candidates now pretty much support staying until things are stable.
That’s an important first step to providing us with the assurance needed. Everything after that is debatable.
Steve
Steve
It seems to me that most Iraqi’s would prefer the USA to leave, but once again only the BIG USA under GW Bush knows best. So reflected by your comment about people in their right mind. As we know anyone who goes against the grain is unpatriotic.
As to politics in the country can’t you see there is no longer government for the people and by the people. That was long gone with George and the Republicans. It’s all about power now and the Republicans pretty much make it clear that is all they want.
It’s only a matter of years before the USA goes the way of the Roman empire. It can’t be stopped anymore. The people will one day see the light.
Regarding people in their right mind supporting the war, I offer this -
put aside why we went, that will be a debate from now until the end of the world.
we’re there. what happens if we leave right now and leave it? and making a fair estimation of what will happen, how can anyone in their “right mind” support leaving now?
There is no debate why the USA went there. Everyone knows it was because Bush needed the oil for all your SUV’s and to avenge his daddy…..plus stupidity, greed, ignorance, etc etc… So you see there is no need for any further debate. It’s quite clear why he did what he did!
You assume that what will happen will be a mess if the yanks pull out. Maybe not….maybe once the Yanks are out of there the people just might sort things out on their own. Remember Vietnam??? I don’t recall them falling to pieces after the Yanks left…in fact isn’t the USA kissing their butt these days….
So there are other opinions as to what will happen besides what Chaney, Bush and all the Republicans believe. Get it through your head….Americans are no longer looked up to anymore anywhere in the world and are no longer the only country that can solve problems in the world. Just look at the booing at the Miss Universe pageant yesterday in Mexico….Miss USA was booed to death….that is pretty much what the world feels about the USA. The only thing keeping you on top is your huge arsenal of nuclear weapons.
The USA is not the savior of the world any longer….so get out of Iraq and let the people there try and sort out the mess Bush has created.
What are you talking about CJ? Countries all over the entire world are electing conservative leaders! Australia, Canada, FRANCE, England – conservatism is very popular throughout the world and the way foreign countries are voting and judging by the way your OWN Democrats are voting in Congress is not indicative of a world that hates America, hates the idea that we deposed of Saddam, and in fact indicates that these crack-pot theories of “the world hates us, and 99% of the country hates the war” are nonsense.
Yes I remember Vietnam. I remember our troops never lost a single battle during that war. I also know that liberals carped about every single casualty as if it was a shock that casualties happen during a war – who knew? I disagree that we left because of the way the media started portraying our progress.
Unlucky for you, people DO remember Vietnam and remember what happens when we cave into a bunch of whiners (like Walter Kronkite.)
Finally, I don’t own an SUV. But Hillary Clinton owns limos and a private jet. Al Gore owns limos, SUVS and a private jet. Barack Obama loves SUV’s. Those greedy gas guzzling Democrats – they must be stopped!
At least now we know why Democrats keep voting against their base and keep approving funding so thanks for at least clearing that up.
What are you smoking….you think the world loves…get a grip man and read other news websites on here besides those made and grown in the USA like Fox. Americans travel the world with Canadian flags on their jackets. In fact people from the USA are being told when travelling to say they are Canadians.
All I can say is I feel totally sad and sorry for you…I mean it has to be very difficult to have the beliefs you have and still see yourself as intelligent….Wow!
And just because Conservatives are being elected only means that more and more people are losing it….
The saddest part is that one can’t tell the difference between a Republican and a Democrat in the USA any more. They are both seeking power for themselves and that is the bottom line. Too bad there isn’t room for a 3rd party. Nader is more right about what he has been saying everyday.
Okay first you say that the entire world hates us. But on the other hand, more and more people are losing it because they vote for conservatives?
Are they losing it because they hate us so much? Or do they hate us so much because they are losing it? Which is it?
I’m trying really hard to get the metaphor here but I honestly do not have to read news outside of the United States to hear insinuations of international hate coming from all sections of the planet – all I have to do is watch Barbara Boxer or Nancy Pelosi give a speech. The last I checked, news networks other than Fox broadcast these.
If some Cindy Sheehan-nut is running around with Canadian flags on their jackets, it doesn’t mean anything other than they are simply nutty people.
The fact that everyone knows that they are doing this (like you seem to) means that they aren’t too good at lying about where they are from. That is not indicitive of an American ashamed of its country. It’s simply indicitive of a nut trying to get attention.
Being that the case, I say: Canada can have them! Historically, all of the worst Americans wound up going there anyway – while all of the most successful Canadians move here and proudly admit it.
CJ: what are you smoking? I’ve never been told to lie about my nationality when traveling abroad, and I never will. In fact I’m proud to say I’m a citizen of the United States and never faced any ill will – not in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Luxembourg or any other place I’ve traveled. People may not like my government, and that’s just fine; I most likely don’t like theirs either.
Oh, and I read a variety of news sources my friend. Not just CNN or the Guardian. You might want to heed your own advice.