The lunatic fringe and religious right that Goldwater warned us about has unfortunately taken over one of our nation's major parties - his party.
I actually have tremendous respect for the late Goldwater.
http://www.worldpolicy.org/globalrights/sexorient/1994-0713-goldwater.htmlWashington Post, 13 July 1994
Job Protection For Gays
By Barry Goldwater
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Last year, many who opposed lifting the ban on gays in the military gave lip service to the American ideal that employment opportunities should be based on skill and performance. It’s just that the military is different, they said. In civilian life, they’d never condone discrimination.
Well, now’s their chance to put up or shut up.
A bipartisan coalition in Congress has proposed legislation to protect gays against job discrimination. Congress is waking up to a reality already recognized by a host of Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, Marriott and General Motors. These businesses have adopted policies prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation because they realize that their employees are their most important asset.
America is now engaged in a battle to reduce the deficit and to compete in a global economy. Job discrimination excludes qualified individuals, lowers workforce productivity and eventually hurts us all. Topping the new world order means attracting the best and creating a workplace environment where everyone can excel. Anything less makes us a second rate nation. It’s not just bad—it’s bad business.
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