It is sad, but there are those within our community who are hindered by their perspectives. Just like many anti-gay people, they can only think in terms of “us” and “them” and so in their minds, a “Republican” has a specific race, age, gender, and viewpoint. Stereotypes not only drive but define their thinking. Rather than be angry, let’s pity those who are so limited intellectually.

Fortunately, most BTB readers are a bit more mature and nuanced than that.

We have two candidates who found it “unfortunate” or “embarrassing” and who expressed opinions that suggest that a soldier not be viewed in terms of their sexuality (a position inconsistent with DADT).

We have one candidate who a noted homophobe who is flailing about over the issue and whose anti-gay animus is hurting him within the Republican Party. (Even if some share his animus, they see it as a liability to a candidate).

And we have six who are terrified of the issue.

It isn’t that long ago that booing a person simply for being gay would have been acceptable within Republican ranks. So, regardless of how pathetic it is, it’s improvement.

When Gary said “I am representing the Republican Party that is tolerant,” what he means is obvious except to those who stereotype, and just have to attack and insult. He means that he represents Republicans who are tolerant and accepting and who don’t think gay people are evil.

Some rabid Democrats may hate the idea, but about 25% of Republicans, according to polls, want marriage equality. A majority wanted DADT abolished. The Religious Right may dominate the party, the way they used to dominate the Democrats (remember the “Solid South” was solidly Democratic and solidly racist, but there is a wing of Republicans who hate that. Instead of attacking people who represent that wing, which is about the most self-defeating thing possible, those people should be embraced.

But we have gay Democrats who are happy to treat Johnson worse than they would Santorum. Why? Because Santorum represents the hate they want to see in the Republican. Johnson represents exactly what they don’t want to see: an open, accepting party. And they are putting their political party ahead of the gay community.

BTW: I have voted for just one Republican in my life. I have meet Gary and discussed gay rights with him. If he got the nomination (which I doubt will happen) then I would vote for him immediately, and no one else. I’m glad he is there because it is people like him who have to change the GOP.

Evidently Johnson must belong to a different Republican Party. How can a political party that appears to be anti everything, except no taxes for the rich, be termed as tolerant? This is the party that would rather try to destroy a President than do what is best for the country and its people. “Tolerant” is definitely not a word I would ever use in regards to the Republican party.

(Cue the question and the booing)

Cue the footage of the candidate (whomever it is) from that moment

And a voice is heard:

while a soldier was speaking booing could be heard on the stage. What did [insert candidate name here] do? Nothing, as a matter of fact, (s)he refused to speak for the soldier for several days, even when given the opportunity top do so. When asked to make a statement, the same thing: nothing… Is this the president you want for America? One that does nothing?

Cue more footage of the booing, and if there is footage of the candidate in stony silence while hearing the booing, even better.

TRiG.