Tis the question that stumped me for a number of weeks now. I can’t believe it has been such a hard decision to make in the first place. As mentioned prior, I am gay, extremely comfortable with my individuality, but have a unique perspective on gay politics. I do a lot of work with the Stonewall Democrats, the national political organization representing the LGBT community, the local chapters here in DFW, and the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby in Texas. I’m a strong contributor to the “family” as it has come to be called. If there are some things you can say about our "family" it is that we have a lot of money, a lot of energy, we are not afraid to stand up and fight, and we are always eager to volunteer for progressive causes. Being on the receiving end of discrimination and bigotry go a long way in developing a thick skin and overwhelming appetite to stand up and fight for your civil liberties. All said and done, the community is a giant machine of resources for any campaign should they choose to associate with us.

So what’s the problem? Well, I live in Texas, and members of the LBGT community have yet to be invited to the table of brotherhood that Martin Luther King spoke so eloquently about on the footsteps of the Lincoln memorial. Yes, I know, Dr. King was referencing blacks and whites coming together. That being said, if you can’t see the collations between Dr. Kings reference to the divide spirited by hate against African Americans, compared with the divide spirited by hate against the gay community today, then there is likely no reasoning with you. If it is not the African American community today, it’s the Hispanic community the next, and the LGBT community the next, and women on the next day. It’s never enough that we must continue staining the rich blessings of freedom and liberty with elements of hate, divide, and bigotry against minorities, still, till this day, in the 21st century. Remarkable when you think of what little progress we have made on so many fronts since the founding of our nation.

This November in Texas a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage is on the ballot. This amendment is already a law on the books as of 2003, and was ceremonially signed by Governor Rick Perry at the Cavalry Cathedral in Fort Worth on June 5th. Perry during the signing even went so far as to suggest Lesbian and Gay military veterans leave the state if they don’t like the laws, so that should paint a picture of how extreme he is on this issue. Bold for a cheerleader from Texas A & M (Aggieland) where cadets are trained and a military atmosphere is strong. I would say he isn't in a position to tell ANY veterans what they should or should not do. Since the governor is in a tough battle internally during the primary against Republican State Comptroller Carole Keeyton Strayhorn, as well as against a new rising star and strong progressive candidate in former congressman Chris Bell, his campaign resorted to the gay card in their effort to pander to the extreme religious right. A rallying of the ole' faithful base of support in a ramp up to November '06. The LGRL is mounting an offensive to defeat the amendment in November, and promising that if clubs and individuals across the state endorse their efforts they will repay in kind with rebuilding of database and polling systems in progressively active areas of the state. A reward that the LGBT is more then capable of funding, and a reward that would speed up our rebuilding process here for progressives across the state dramatically. Great offer, but at a high price, and a definite risk for any candidate or organization in Texas who wishes to compete in 2006.

Strategically, I could see where endorsing this effort by the LGRL would be the kiss of death. Any candidate would be immediately hammered repeatedly by their conservative opponent to the point the progressive candidate can never regain their footing or mount a campaign offensive on their own. Their boat would sink before hitting the water. That’s my brain talking. My heart and my conscious forced me to ask when the hell are we going to start standing up to these bastards and telling them directly that you will no longer bash us around like a piñata for self political gain? These individuals are personally attacking a community to strengthen their opportunity to retain their unethical and immoral leadership roles. Last night, at our Mid-Cities meeting, we were asked by the LGRL for their support in their efforts. We cast a vote, and overwhelmingly it was decided that we do endorse the effort to fight the amendment in November. I proudly voted in favor of this, after displaying a great deal of reluctance at first to do so. I have prided myself on keeping in tact my dignity and principles as I’ve worked with so many others to rebuild the party here in Texas with a new strong and inclusive message. I’ve done nothing but fight since I became involved in politics, why would I not stand and fight on my own behalf? Part of me is ashamed I was reluctant to quickly endorse this effort, but internal debate and ideological struggle is a healthy thing. Qualities our leaders today desperately need. Ultimately, my heart and my conscious guided my principles. Thank goodness for that inner voice of reason.