Identity politics sucks

PJM founder Roger L. Simon has weighed in on CPAC’s decision to kick out gay conservatives, and Andrew Breitbart’s decision to support them:

…I had to speak out personally in immediate support of my friend Andrew Breitbart regarding GOProud. I too will not be attending CPAC next year unless the ban of this organization is lifted. Frankly I am appalled by the decision of CPAC’s new management and I hope they will rescind as soon as possible. If they don’t, I won’t be there. I urge others to deliver the same message.

I can’t very well threaten to boycott CPAC, as I have never been to CPAC. But why would they want to promote the idea that conservatism means opposition to homosexuality? If “conservatism” means forcing people to take political positions based on what they do with their genitalia (judging them by the content of their orgasms instead of the content of their character), how is that different from the identity politics it claims to oppose?

What I like about gay conservatives is that they don’t fit the stereotype of either.

Where is it engraved in granite that if you are gay you have to be a socialist?

Similarly, where is it engraved in granite that if you are opposed to socialism, you have to oppose homosexuality?

 


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6 responses to “Identity politics sucks”

  1. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I hate socialism, and I couldn’t care less if people of either gender are into innies or outies. I figure the way my mind works, I DON’T want to imagine my friends in bed (with anyone. I mean, that’s not how I think about them. Ew.) And though imagining political figures in bed with other unlikely political figures is something very funny, it’s also brain-bleach inducing. The only time I care whom friends or acquaintances sleep with/are in love with/are living with/married to is when I’m making up a guest list!

  2. John S. Avatar
    John S.

    I’m the only conservative/libertarian gay person I know, although I do have one acquaintance at work who trends libertarian (although he just bought a Chevy, so that makes him a little suspect…)

  3. Chas Avatar

    This is the sort of thing that keeps from registering as a Republican—the hang-ups on social issues like same-sex marriage and the willingness to trash environmental protection.

    Where is the party for fiscal conservatives who *do not* get into a lather over gay marriage or abortion or prayer in public places?

  4. Ben David Avatar
    Ben David

    where is it engraved in granite that if you are opposed to socialism, you have to oppose homosexuality?
    – – – – – — – – – – – – – – –
    The “Conservative” label also includes a respectful, cautious approach to traditional social norms, not just economic policy.

    That means opposing “progressive” attempts to dismantle/dilute traditional marriage and family, and “define deviancy down” – in Senator Moynihan’s memorable words.

  5. silverfiddle Avatar

    Ben David: Not all gay people want to tear it all down.

    Accepting gays into your ranks is not endorsing the behavior any more than allowing in adulterers endorses that behavior.

    If the GOP doesn’t wise up and embrace personal liberty, it will be done as a political movement.

    Acknowledging personal liberty that does not infringe the rights of others is a cornerstone of our constitutional republic.

  6. silverfiddle Avatar

    I meant to add that endorsing personal liberty (a God-given right) does not mean you have to endorse what people do with their individual freedoms.