ACT On Principles

Since 1969, the LGBT community has been a political force to be reckoned with.  We have numbers, money, and the organizations to move our politicians to support LGBT equality and oppose anti-LGBT legislation.  Unfortunately, we often find ourselves, as the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell vote proved, in a place of compromise for the greater good, and our organizations and leadership have often step down from holding our elected officials accountable.  History shows that we will again be asked to remain quiet  as we face the upcoming 2010 mid-term elections for the opportunity to retain control of the House and Senate.  I ask that we do not.

Rule One (Democratic Treasurer rule):

• Old Rule:  It is more important to win a Democratic House and Senate Majority than lose that majority or potential majority fighting for LGBT equality.  And both are mutually exclusive of one another.  This rule can also apply to the Presidential race.

• New Rule:  It is AS important to fight for LGBT equality, as winning or keeping  a House and Senate Democratic Majority.  And neither are mutually exclusive.  This rule also applies to the Presidential Race.

Rule Two:

• Old Rule: Money and support will be given by the LGBT community to Democratic candidates, in turn for the expectation that they will be supportive of LGBT issues.
• New Rule:  Money and support will “earned” by Democratic candidates who demonstrate CONTINUED SUPPORT of LGBT issues.

Rule Three:

• Old Rule: LGBT donors will give to Democratic candidates and Committees first (DNC, DSCC, DCCC) and expect leadership on LGBT equality later.
• New Rule:  LGBT donors will FIRST expect Democratic candidates and Committees (DNC, DSCC, DCCC) SUPPORT for equality, and will DONATE LATER.

Rule Four (Harold Ford Rule):

• Old Rule:  African American and/or Southern Democrats get a pass on advocating for LGBT equality.

• New Rule: African American and Southern Democrats are expected to be MORE VOCAL for LGBT equality as those communities are disproportionately impacted by homophobia and inequity.

Rule Five (Joe Lieberman Rule):

• Old Rule:  It is ok and understandable if a Democrat refers to his or her culture, religion, or upbringing as reasons not support full LGBT equality.

• New Rule:  It is offensive no longer acceptable if candidates embrace bigotry of their culture, religion and/or upbringing as reasons not to support full LGBT equality.

Rule Six:

• Old Rule: If LGBT community supports Democratic candidates and the candidate is successful in their race, the LGBT community can then ask the newly or re-elected Democrats to support equality.  If key votes or legislation are not delivered, the candidate should continue to receive the same support during re-election.

• New rule: If LGBT community supports Democratic candidates and the candidate is successful in their race, the LGBT community will demand the newly or re-elected Democrats to support LGBT equality.  If key votes or legislation are not delivered, the candidate WILL NOT and SHOULD NOT receive similar support during re-election.