Reply #10: AGree 100%

[RinaJ]

On the surface it seems like the logical thing to do might be to step away from this. But that's a short-term solution, and quite honestly I believe the Rethugs would crucify us for trying to copy them, as well as lose us the support of many in the gay community. In the long run, I think we stand to gain many more young people over the next four years, who are a lot more tolerant of at least considering civil unions. This might also help us among conservative gays who are feeling betrayed by the Republican party, but don't trust the Democrats enough to switch at this point. And considering the way so many here seemed ready to abandon championing their rights, I can't say I blame them at this point.

We can continue to champion gay rights AND introduce new points of arguments into it, such as the right to visit sick partners and sharing benefits and such. The same thing goes for abortion rights. This is the time to get firmer in the core ideals of the Democratic party, which is fair and equal treatment for everyone.

I will never conced that we have to "fight dirty" like the Republicans to win. If we do that, then it won't matter how many far-reaching and noble platforms we claim, we will look no better than them to potential new voters who might be open to our ideas, but turned off by seeing the same underhandedness as the Republicans, and deciding not to vote at all. THAT'S what's killing us at this point, the lack of being a clear alternative to the other party. It was never going to happen overnight. It took the Republicans decades, but the one thing they had was patience to wait until their time came. We have to be willing to do the same, no matter how many body blows we take along the way.