NOTE: Pictures posted on the regular version of the list are deleted from the digest and are archived separately. Viewing them requires a password available exclusively to list members. Member Profiles posted to the list are also moved into a separate viewing area, but do not require a password. Please click here to browse through them.

silverfoxesclub-digest
Sunday, November 5 2000
Volume 01 : Number 035

In this issue:

-Change of plans ***Voting Alert*** (several postings related to this)
-Bush appears at college that bars gay students
--List info at the Clubhbouse
-Coppinger ordination revoked
-The Last Debate: Barney Frank & Rich Tafel
-Clubhouse Thanksgiving Cards
--------------------------------------
- Date: Sat, 04 Nov 2000 21:32:32 GMT
From: "Dennis O"

Subject: Change of plans..*** VOTING ALERT ***

NOTICE!!!!!

As it turns out,, there is yet another change of plans..

Please note, that as a result of something the Democrats said, the following is now true...

Don't be surprised that there is now a change..

After all.. it was Clinton that promised US equal treatment in the military and then gave us the "Don't Ask Don't Tell Thing".

Don't Ask.. Don't Tell, should never have been accepted by the President; as that policy puts the burden on Gay People to hide their sexual orientation even more then what what was true before the change in policy took place. Now, the way that it stands is .. It's the Gay's fault if they find out that the Enlisted Person is Queer. How about addressing the issue that it is wrong to discriminate in terms of any employment,, either in the Military or otherwise.

Clinton got our votes eight years ago with promises, and then was real quick to sign into policy a program that was actually against our better interest. Who was he thinking about when he did that???

Also, don't forget that Clinton signed a bill that would allow State Governments to ignore any state that passes a law that would allow Gay Marriages. That was a detrimental act when at the same time we were making progress in Hawaii.

As it tuned out, Hawaii did not legalize Gay Marriage and Clinton did not help our fight with his actions.

If Clinton is so supportive of the gay Lifestyle,, then why is sodomy illegal in his home state of Arkansas???

I would rather have a person in political office that I do not agree with.. then a person that promises to be my friend and then Screws ME. I can respect a person that has a difference of opinion,, but I do not like to be lied to. I understand that people are different and that not everyone agrees with me. But I can not understand how a Man like Clinton can lie to the Gays and the Gays still think the Democrats are ALL GOOD???

To think that all Democrats are GOOD and all Republicans are BAD is just a stupid BIGOTED way to be. How about just voting for the best person rather than voting for a person because a title or label. It seems to me that a lot of Gays want there to be only one party in this Country. Well the Two Party system of Government works for me.

*** VOTING ALERT ***

Due to an anticipated voter turnout much larger than originally expected, the US Census Bureau and the Electorate Voting Commission have determined that current polling facilities may not be able to handle the load all at once.

Therefore, Republicans are requested to vote on Tuesday, November 7, and Democrats on Wednesday, November 8. Please pass this message along and help us to make sure that nobody gets left out.

Thanx for letting make my comments..

An Irish Gay Republican.. Dennis O'
------------------------------

(Several postings responded to the above:)

From: "Bob Z"
Someone sent out a message that included: "I can respect a person that has a difference of opinion, but I do not like to be lied to." Then went on to send this LIE: *** VOTING ALERT *** etc.
So the question is: meant as a joke or a lie?
p.s. People can hate Clinton and still beleive in the Democratic Party. You're not voting for him.

From: "Ben Boxer"
Well said, Dennis, but may I remind you that Bill Clinton is not running for President. And your apparent Republican hero, George W. Bush, spoke on Friday at a college where gays and lesbians are not welcome as students, which would include you.

From: "Vic Fandrich"
I do not like getting in the middle of political arguments. Does anyone ever really change their minds in such a debate? But, I feel I must respond to the note from Bob about the lie or the truth! I thought I was gullible!! If anyone thinks this is for real, I feel sorry for you. It was meant ONLY as a joke, and not intended to make people think we have 2 days of voting this year. Come on, you don't really believe that, do you? VIC

From: PlaytekUCN@aol.com
So what us Green party members dont get to vote now?

From: sxysxtys@webtv.net
Yes you all get to vote. There are not 2 voting days, only one, this coming Tuesday. I hope the guys in the various parties will vote for one of the two men that WILL be elected. I realize it is a "statement" if you belong to one of the other parties BUT let's face it....a Democrat or a Republican is gonna win and pray it isn't BUSH.

From: Clark
If Bush is elected, I'm moving to Canada!

From: TS
I guess true Americans aren't allowed to vote, either... WELL,,,FELLAS!!! This heinz variety ALL AMERICAN is going to do his constitutional-given right & do my duty to my- self & my country-besides do my jury duty-& that is to VOTE!!!,,,Wanna see my ballot?????,,,wanna watch me pull my lever????,,,you'll have to wait 'til the 8th!!!!hehehe!
just me, as always a listfriend!, tim!!! ;-)

From: "jbellag"
AMEN

----------------------
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2000 15:16:40 -0800
From: "Ben Boxer"

Subject: Bush appears at college that bars gay students

Headline:
Bush appears at college that bars gay students
(The Advocate, 11/03/00)

Text:
Bush appears at college that bars gay students Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush began his campaign day Friday with an appearance at a conservative Christian college that bars gay and lesbian students. Bush spoke to an overflow crowd at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich., a school that says its mission is to enable young men and women to apply a Christian worldview in their chosen field of study. The school, founded in 1941, has 1,400 students. Its code of conduct bans every form of immorality, including immoral sexual behavior, homosexuality, lying, stealing, and cheating. The school also prohibits social dancing, smoking, and gambling. Bush appeared at the school with actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The visit was quickly criticized by supporters of Bushs Democratic opponent, Al Gore. The message he sends by going to this school is that he condones this practice of discriminating against gay and lesbian students...as well as gay and lesbian Christian students who choose to attend a school of their faith, said David Smith, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, which has endorsed Gore. They ban social dancing there, yet clearly George W. Bush is continuing his own dance with the extreme right wing. It sends an awful message. Gore spokesman Doug Hattaway also criticized the choice of Cornerstone for an event, noting the criticism that Bush endured earlier this year when he appeared at another Christian conservative school, Bob Jones University, which banned interracial dating. Youd think Governor Bush would think twice after his debacle at Bob Jones University, Hattaway said. Bush spokesman Ray Sullivan told Salon.com, Were aware of the guidelines, and promised a more definitive statement at a later point.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2000 18:33:29 -0800
From: "Ben Boxer"

Subject: List info at the Clubhbouse

Several of you have reported problems finding your way through the maze of previous links to the info about this list.

I have tried to make it easier for you to find your way around. Please go to http://www.benboxer.com/index2.html (the second page of the Clubhouse) and scroll down to the new Button Box which contains direct links to the list's Home Page, the Digest Archives, the Image Archives, the Profiles and the Profile Submission Form.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2000 15:16:40 -0800
From: "Ben Boxer"

Subject: Coppinger's ordination revoked

Ben Boxer notes: The continuing saga of the chaplain of the Arizona State Legislature, who came out as gay on National Coming Out Day last month, is a striking example of the persecution all of us may face when the Religious Right and the Republican Party Platform are seen as the "saviors" of our society. Helping them gain a firmer foothold in U.S. government by failing to use the power of our personal vote in next week's election is a burden we deserve to carry if we can vote against them, but don't.

Headline:
Coppingers ordination revoked

Text:
Charles Coppinger, the Arizona state legislature chaplain who came out as gay last month, has had his ordination revoked by the church that ordained him, The Arizona Republic reports. The Christ Church of the Valley sent Coppinger a letter saying that we regret that you have chosen to reject us as partners in your ministry. The letter did not cite Coppingers sexual orientation, although Coppinger says the letter is a smoke screen. They didnt tell the honest reason for revoking my ordination, and that is because I was created a gay man, Coppinger told the paper. Sure, Im worried. Theres an understanding that the legislative chaplain ought to be a credentialed minister. Coppingers decision to come out created a firestorm of controversy, with some Republicans who had supported him in the past telling him that he should resign. A decision on his chaplaincy is likely to be made when the legislature convenes in January.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2000 01:25:15 -0800
From: "Ben Boxer"
Subject: The Last Debate: Barney Frank & Rich Tafel

The Last Debate: Barney Frank Rich Tafel

This Week's Topic:

What would the next two years look like if the Republicans continue to control Congress versus if Democrats control one or both houses of Congress?

Rep. Barney Frank (Democrat) If the Republicans control Congress, their leaders will do everything to block legislation to vindicate the rights of the GLBT community, and everything to pass legislation that cuts back our rights.

The Democratic leadership will do exactly the opposite -- support legislation to protect us, and work against measures penalizing us.

This year, despite majorities voting in favor of a sexual orientation and gender inclusive hate crimes bill, the Republican leadership killed it. The Democratic leadership in both Houses is committed to passing this bill and ENDA.

In a Republican Congress, the Committee chairs will be hostile, while the Democrats will be strongly supportive. Even where there is one friendly Republican, the Democratic alternative would be better -- Jim Jeffords would be replaced by Ted Kennedy as Chair of the Health and Labor Committee.

When legislation does get to the floor, party is also relevant: Democrats support fairness for GLBT people by 80% or more, while the Republicans vote 85% or more against us. There are a handful of Republicans who vote with us on substance -- although they won't challenge their leadership on procedures. But the Democratic opponents of these supportive Republicans are almost always better.

There is no race for Congress with a Republican being attacked for a pro-gay stance. There are dozens where a Republican campaigns against a Democrat for supporting us.

In Utah, the Republican Campaign Committee chaired by Tom Davis runs anti-gay ads against the Democrat because the Human Rights Campaign and I have contributed to him. That is, the 100% anti-gay line-up of the Republican leadership includes Davis, who voted against the hate crimes bill, and whom Log Cabin cites as the one gay-friendly GOP leader.

Barney Frank has represented the Fourth Congressional District of Massachusetts since he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980. The Almanac of American Politics dubbed Frank "a political theorist and pit bull at the same time." Politics in America noted Frank's ability to "match liberalism with hard-nosed pragmatism in order to move the legislative ball." In The House Representative Frank is a member of the committee on the Judiciary and the committee on Banking and Financial Services.

Rich Tafel (Republican) The best way to predict the future is to study the past.

During Democrat control of both House and Senate, we saw no leadership on AIDS issues and no advances on gay issues. Throughout the 80's gay Democrats successfully shifted blame for these failures to Presidents Reagan and Bush. This strategy worked until Democrats took control of the House, Senate and White House in 1993: the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was enacted and signed with Democrat majorities, and it cost more people their federal jobs than anything enacted under Republican control.

During this same period, Democrats didn't deliver on their campaign promise to pass legislation protecting gays in employment. In fact, we couldn't even get House Democrats to schedule the hearing. Clinton's Administration even balked at sending a representative to the Senate hearing.

Looking forward, don't expect Democratic House and Senate control to move our agenda. They view us as a base vote and ATM. They know they can scare us back into their column come election time.

This political calculus would change if Nader makes a strong showing and is perceived as a viable force in the Democratic Party. Then, Democrats fearing a progressive rebellion might move some gay legislation.

Should Republicans win, we can expect more of the same. If gay votes and money go overwhelmingly Democrat as they have before, it will be hard to make a case for moving any issues.

Surprisingly, on the issue effecting our community budget-wise annually, we've done better under a GOP Congress -- who now lead the Democrat President for AIDS funding. Also, regarding fast-tracking drugs, the GOP Congress fought Democrats to stream-line FDA approval and get people with AIDS medication faster, thus saving lives.

Rich Tafel, executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, was named one of the nation's 30 most influential gay leaders by Newsweek and has twice made Out magazine's top 100 list. Tafel founded the Log Cabin Republicans in 1990 and today it is the nation's largest gay Republican organization and the single largest gay source of campaign contributions to gay-supportive Republican candidates.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2000 02:37:17 -0800
From: "Ben Boxer"

Subject: Clubhouse Thanksgiving Cards

The Thanksgiving Virtual Greeting Cards http://www.pisgahweb.net/maturemen/cards/ are already at the Clubhouse, along with two dozen other cards to send to friends and lovers. T'giving is only three weeks away. They're FREE, so think about it.
------------------------------
End of silverfoxesclub-digest V1 #35
************************************