Time for a Scorched Earth Strategy

[Brian_Expat]

I've been reflecting on the state of gay politics the last couple of weeks (see my earlier thread here) and have come up with a couple of ideas.

It's clear that the Democrats have declared to the Republicans that it's OK to target us. In fact, several Democrats are joining the fray now that the Marriage Amendment has been revived.

I suggest that perhaps we should illustrate to Democrats the dangers of abandoning gays -- that by doing so, they also lose what THEY think is important. Some ideas:

1) Frequent sponsors of anti-gay legislation like the anti-gay Amendment in red states should be targeted for being politically knocked down. Stephanie Herseth, the Dakota Democrat who is an enthusiastic supporter of the amendment banning marriage and civil unions, and an outspoken opponent of DP benefits, would be one. Jennifer Granholm, the Michigan Democrat governor who cancelled the health care benefits of gay state employees' families, would be another.

They should face a primary challenger in the next Dem primary. If that fails, then gay community activists should endorse and campaign for a third party candidate or even give money to their Republican challenger. Ugly, yes, but it sends a clear message -- if you're a Democrat, extreme homophobia will not "save" you, it will BURY you.

2) Social Security is being turned into a big free-for-all by Democrats and Republicans alike. Both sides are using it as a cudgel against gay families (especially the Republicans). Since gay families are mostly excluded from SS benefits anyway (except personal benefits), the gay political establishment should announce that it doesn't care what happens to SS as long as gay people are shut out. Any party that brings gay people into Social Security will receive the first endorsement -- be it the Dems, the Reps or a third party.

We should also be taking steps to develop our own pension funds for gay people and ensuring that there are gay-friendly retirement options for gays and lesbians (there are very few at the moment and they're all for the wealthy). Put our money where our mouths are and build up an investment fund of our own to take care of our own. Once Democrats and Republicans see we're emancipated from their SS politicking, they might reconsider their respective positions.

In fact, it might be a good idea to set up a fund ANYWAY, especially if the Republican privitization plan railroads ahead.

This is scorched earth politics, but we cannot count on our allies to help us anymore, this much is clear. If Dems are going to stick us in the middle of the battlefield and use the heavy artillery on us from the rear (and tell us to stop complaining because Republicans are using nukes), we should form a circle and bring out our own heavy weaponry. We've been far too compliant to the DLC types for too long and it's literally killing us.