Rush: Gay Marriage About to Explode as an Election Issue (in the Dems' faces)

Rush Limbaugh Show | 2/19/04 | LS

[LS]

Reading from articles about Barney Frank and by Ken Schrag about the SF mayor, it is clear that the "gay marriage" issue is becoming a time bomb. Dems such as Schrag and Frank are warning this is a big problem, especially if the Dem Party as a whole gets tagged with this issue.

Folks, while I've always thought this would break the GOP's way, I never thought it would be a "defining" issue. But Rush was quoting info on the "Defense of Marriage" bill that CALIFORNIANS passed by an overwhelming margin not long ago. This issue by itself puts California "in play" (my gosh, and even Massachusetts?), and could raise utter hell with the Dems' electoral map, not to mention Feinstein's (Boxer's? Who is up?) re-election.

[biblewonk]

I think it will blow up in their face too.

[Rutles4Ever]

Allow me to re-visit a previous post of mine today...

This is turning into a runaway train, and I firmly believe this is Bush's opportunity to win this election:

Make this priority #1. Kerry's trying to steal thunder from the military successes, and he's succeeding. The economic issues are a "push" at this point. Bush needs to make the Marriage Ammendment his focus because Kerry cannot win on this. If Bush takes a firm stand, Kerry will have to respond. If he supports the ammendment, he will alienate the far left. If he has to openly oppose it, he will alienate the moderates and undecided Catholics.

I know it's unorthodox ("it's the economy, stupid"), but I think this social issue is MUCH more crucial than the RNC is giving credit for.

[Astronaut]

I participated in an online poll on the KIRO TV web site. The results were 60 - 40 opposed to gay 'marriage' in WA. And this is commie liberal Seattle! Gay 'marriage' is a great issue for the GOP. Let Bawney Fag be the spokesman for the democrats on this. If played correctly, this court be Lurch's "Willie Horton."

[GiveEmDubya]

It is going to be an issue in the fall. A poll I saw said that 66% or something like that oppose gay marriage, and these lefty Democrats are pushing for and allowing for just that.

This can help Bush out quite a bit if he plays it right.

[I still care]

To me the major problem is the people vote one way, and Dems use judges and oneupmanship to just negate their votes.

The SF mayor's ignoring of the law puts me in mind of the way Nevada voters ended up with a tax increase that they voted down, by way of judges.

When the Democrats talk about taking the country back, I am in mind (with Bill o'Reilly) that it is time elected officials start being held accountable for enforcing the law the PEOPLE vote in.

[LS]

There is even more to it than that. We've seen recent lawsuits in Utah to re-institute polygamy on the basis of the USSC overturning the Texas case, and there is no legal way to prohibit multiple "wives/husbands" or even marriage to animals if the logic of Lawrence is invoked. Once that becomes clear, the numbers will go much higher than 60/40.

[VRWC_minion]

If so, Bush doesn't need to lift a finger.

[cripplecreek]

I think the gay marriage issue is only a symptom of the real problem of judicial activism. Our president has allready defined himself fairly clearly on this issue. Democrats may find themselves in more trouble over judicial activism and fillibusters than they realize.

[MrB]

If those folks in Utah push hard enough and loud enough (even if they don't really want it),

it will show that the slippery slope argument that leftists always poopoo is a clear reality.

Funny that in reality, the left wants absolutely NO standards of behavior, but when you ask them "what's next?" they always say that this issue, right here, is as far as they want to go... (until tomorrow).

[GraniteStateConservative]

Call me skeptical. Kerry has come out against gay marriage, not for it. He says his position is the same as Dick Cheney's ("I think states are likely to come to different conclusions [on civil unions], and that's appropriate. I don't think there should necessarily be a federal policy in that area. I think we ought to do everything we can to tolerate and accommodate whatever kind of relationships people want to enter into." -- October 5, 2000). Maybe if you talk about judicial activism as a grand issue rather than just this one thing.

[george wythe]

In my opinion, it's time for Republicans to keep a low profile on this issue:

When your enemy is in the process of self-destructing, you should leave him alone.

The SF mayor's stunt plus the upcoming Massachusetts gay marriages in May will help Bush get re-elected.

Furthermore, I suspect that gays won't be able to help themselves, and they might have a massive gay weddding (like the Moonies do) to coincide with the Democratic Convention in Boston.

Mark my words. The Loony Left is our friend (remember Dean?) These punks can alienate the middle-of-the-road voters very quickly.

I would like conservatives to push for a Republican supermajority in the US Senate (63+ seats), and I'd like to see 3 or 4 Jesse Helms to be elected this fall

[Destro]

Is that why the Republicans not acted on this issue much until election time? To use as a glag burning like polarizing issue against the Dems? I think it is so because they use the term constitutional ammendment-in politco talk that means we are all for it to gain votes and will do nothing to push it through. Congress has the authority - under the same ruling from the Supreme Court that banned polygamy (Reynolds VS USA) to ban Gay marriage across America by majority vote. Why has the Republican dominated congress refused to do so? Cowardice? Stupidity? Or political opportunisim? I am tired of the yo-yo play on my nation's well being.

[LS]

It ought to be obvious to you that NO statute law is going to deal with this, because of the USSC ruling. State courts and federal courts will simply say that these laws run counter to "right to privacy" or some other nonsense.

An amendment is the only way to go here.

[freekitty]

I agree with you. Until you stop all this negating the people's vote; it will continue.

[american spirit]

The only reason this'll be a campaign issue is that neither political party has the guts to publicize their appalling record on illegal immigration, soaring deficit spending, the FTAA and it's impact on our sovereignty, the Iraq debacle,etc. They're working overtime to make sure they can dupe the American public into thinking this is THE issue for the 2004 election. The alleged leadership of both parities is full nothing but useful idiots, marxists in drag and traitors.

[LS]

I disagree. Kerry will be unable to separate himself from his state and Bush can maneuver him into some clear pro-gay positions. I think Kerry is in trouble on this.

[LS]

Well, this was sort of Rush's point---that this issue will cause them to implode. However, Bush will HAVE to clearly define Kerry/Dems as pro-"gay marriage" to reap the benefit.

[Steely Tom]

Freeper Jim Noble observed (in a thread last weekend) that Gay marriage is the Stalingrad of the culture wars.

I thought that was a particularly apt characterization.

(steely)

[rushmom]

I'm getting very cynical. Tell the senior citizens that their medicare will be in jeopardy if they vote for people that will halt gay marriage, or tell the farmers their subsidies will be at risk if they vote for people who will halt gay marriage, and the seniors and the farmers will volunteer to perform the ceremonies.

[LS]

Iraq wasn't a "debacle." It's called a "victory." And, more important, we now have three in a row (Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya). Within a few years, Bush will have the whole region turned into a democracy, which will drastically reduce the ability of the islamofascists to pursue their terrorist activities.

[King Black Robe]

It is about darn time. But I no longer believe in stories of backbone sightings. I've got to see the Republican Party actually working on this before I will believe it. So far I've seen very little.

[Destro]

amendment is code word for "we will talk about it to fire up our base but will take no action beyond calling for an amendment".

The Supreme Court already authorized congress' ability to define marriage in its ruling on polygamy. The Supreme Court in that very same decision ruled that marriage is by definitiona public act and not a private one.

I am sorry but the Republican congress and the president are either cowards - legal morons - or manipulative politicians if they claim they can not ban gay marriage without an almost impossible to get amendment to the constitution.

[mwl1]

Fine. If Kerry wants to demonstrate his opposition to gay marriage, let him vote for the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage sometime right after Labor Day.

He cannot duck the issue. He will also be forced to vote on making the tax cuts permanent, on judges, on defense appropriations, and all sorts of things he will not want to vote on. Either way he votes, he loses either his base or alienates the middle of the American electorate. And we get him off the campaign trail for much of September and indeed part of October too.

We are so very fortunate to control the legislative calendar heading into this election.

[Destro]

The only reason this'll be a campaign issue is that neither political party has the guts to publicize their appalling record on illegal immigration, soaring deficit spending, the FTAA and it's impact on our sovereignty, the Iraq debacle,etc.

Red flag distraction issue that can be waved at people's faces. I am anti gay marriage but all of a sudden America is in jeopordy by waves of queers seeking to tie the knot? More so then those other issues you mentioned?

[LS]

No, I am sorry. You apparently didn't read the Lawrence decision, because the court clearly said that in fact statute law won'd do it. And "amendment" is code word for "amendment." There have been more than 20 of them.

[TexasCajun]

Talk about Hypocrites, the 'Rats and Media support the civil disobedience of the S.F. Mayor in marrying same-sex couples while trashing Judge Roy Moore for his civil disobedience!

[Destro]

Like the flag burning amendment?? What ever happened to that?

[LS]

Wow. Talk about Rush being "cutting edge." This was just posted:

"Bush for Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage-Source "

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1081279/posts

[LS]

That was frivolous and unnecessary. If you equate the two, we have nothing to discuss.

[LiteKeeper]

INTREP - ELECTION2004

[BlessedByLiberty]

Absolutely correct. This may be the fissure that breaks the Judge gridlock. The SF Chron Manifesto reported that Barney Frank and others warned Newsom the timing was all wrong. Kerry is going to try and straddle this one and won't be able to.

This is a shot in the culture wars that will wake up voters who are not paying close attention. Here in the Bay Area the local newscasts are pushing the story with lots of video of the 'happy (male/male female/female) couples' kissing. It is infuriating many parents and people who usually could care less what someone does in the bedroom.

As long as the Media/Dems force this coverage the more angry the middle gets.

[Destro]

What I am saying is pass an anti gay marriage law now!! If you want areal campaign issue that would do it! Force Kerry to take a side. If it is struck down fine-amendment process here we come. If it is not done now then it is a phony issue designed by Karl Rove to shore up the disafected Republican base for Bush.

[Jim Noble]

I think the gay marriage issue is only a symptom of the real problem of judicial activism

BINGO!

When do the Miguel Estrada ads start running?

[Judith Anne]

You're right. And I agree. Hope they keep pushing it in people's faces.

[LS]

Ok, I'll go along with that---but why take the step (purely political) of passing a LAW that you know will be overturned when you can use that time and effort to pass an AMENDMENT that cannot be?

[Jim Noble]

Freeper Jim Noble observed (in a thread last weekend) that Gay marriage is the Stalingrad of the culture wars.

But I stole it from another Freeper, and I couldn't find it again when I wanted to cite it.

Would the real author please claim credit?

[american spirit]

Keep on dreaming....you're obviously not keeping up with the numbers of young men being sacrificed in that shooting gallery over there or the lack of info on WMD. As I said these idiots from either party do not have the stones to confront the American people with the truth....that's why issues like gay marriages take on a life of their own and with the help of the "useful mediots" it gets blown way out of proportion....kinda like MJ/Martha/Kobe, etc.

[Judith Anne]

First of all, it doesn't have to be done on your timetable. Second, people won't forget. Third, this is going to be tried in several more states, keeping it in the media. Fourth, the people getting these invalid marriage licenses are going to be in the courts, and getting publicity, and castigating Republicans.

No need to do a thing. When your enemy is destroying himself/herself, don't interfere. ;-D

[Destro]

that you know will be overturned I do not agree with that. I think it would not be- in any case win - win.

[Destro]

That is playing politics and with me it is republic before Republican. I did not vote for George W. Clinton for president so he can play politics with my nation's well being.

[eboyer]

Excellent.

The sooner we see that both parties are the enemy the better.

Now lets officially put to an end the claim that Republicans are for smaller government and power to the states.

[LS]

I certainly do not agree with that statement. And there is NO WAY I would support the "pro-choice" Libertarians, the party of death.

[biblewonk]

I understand exactly how you feel. This issue had me so fired up 4 weeks ago I was going to pull my vote from the Republican party and vote for the 1st 3rd party person that sounded like a real Christian. Not that I have seen the light now or anything, but I did start to think of who benefits the most from me doing that. It's the homos who seem to benefit and it is also them making this a big issue right now.

Think about it, the marriage license means nothing and getting married means nothing as far as their depravity is concerned. The sin they commit remains the same. They simply want to make W look bad and put their perversion in our faces. Every day that I turn on the TV my kids are treated to more "same sex marriage" discussion and images.

Sure I'm outraged. I just wonder what the best course of action is. They despise everything about W and the republican party and Christianity. I think W's staying in office is the most damage we can hope to do to their cause.

[LS]

Glad no one agrees with you. AQ would love it. More planes into skyscrapers. Maybe next time, they can use a dirty bomb. No threat there. It's all made up by Bush. Puh-lease.

Iraq was a long-term BRILLIANT move to introduce some measure of stability and democracy there, and in the short term cut the terrorists off at the knees.

[BlessedByLiberty]

There is another important aspect to this issue that church and temple goers should begin to bring up with their clergy and congregations.

Will churches be forced to perform marriage ceremonies for same sex couples even if that is diametrically opposed to the teachings of that particular religion? Will the gays sue under equal protection, discrimination? Will churches lose their tax exempt status? Of course, that is the ultimate goal, right?

[Judith Anne]

George W. Clinton? Is that what you call President Bush?

Disgusting.

[Judith Anne]

Excellent point, well made.

[BushisTheMan]

...kinda like MJ/Martha/Kobe, etc.

Well, Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and Kobe Bryant are all part of the "elite" Democratic base who thinks the rules are for other people but not for them.

Along with these people are the judges who want to write their own laws. Now we have the major of San Fran actually going against the wishes of the people.

Folks, this is a culture war and we need to step up now and stop these people from forcing America to be Amerika.

[RetiredArmy]

It is ok for a liberal S.F. mayor to break the law. Let a conservative break the law and the goon squads will break down your doors and the IRS will come get everything you own.