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n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 11:37 AM Feb 2012

Maryland Republican: Meeting gay couples left me 'changed person'

Last edited Fri Feb 24, 2012, 03:31 PM - Edit history (1)



Maryland State Sen. Richard Madaleno, right, hugs Rep. Maggie McIntosh, center, and Rep. Mary Washington, all openly gay members of the Maryland General Assembly, in Annapolis after the Senate approved a gay marriage bill. (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press / February 23, 2012)


By Ian Duncan
Washington Bureau
February 23, 2012, 5:18 p.m.
A chance shake-up of Maryland House of Delegates seating assignments brought Republican Wade Kach face to face with gay couples who had come to make the case for a gay marriage law, and might have proved decisive in its final passage through the state's General Assembly on Thursday.

In an effort to get the bill to the House floor, a special joint committee was formed and legislators were left scrambling for seats. Kach, who had previously backed attempts to define marriage as between one man and one woman, found a space right next to the witness table.

"I saw with so many of the gay couples, they were so devoted to another. I saw so much love," he said. "When this hearing was over, I was a changed person in regard to this issue. I felt that I understood what same sex couples were looking for."

A week later, Kach voted for the gay marriage bill on the floor of the House of Delegates, one of only two Republicans to do so. Their support proved vital, as the bill squeaked through the 141-member chamber on a 72–67 vote. The bill's passage through the Senate also was close – it passed 25-22 Thursday – and Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat and a strong supporter the law, is expected to sign it soon.

more
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-maryland-gay-marriage-republican-supporter-20120223,0,3727286.story
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Maryland Republican: Meeting gay couples left me 'changed person' (Original Post) n2doc Feb 2012 OP
du rec. nt xchrom Feb 2012 #1
Ai-yi-yi-yi-yi! Apparently change is possible...knr joeybee12 Feb 2012 #2
Souls CAN be saved. And eyes CAN be opened. calimary Feb 2012 #45
Just one of the reasons closets have to go. William769 Feb 2012 #3
I'm not positive but I think there are enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot this year. hootinholler Feb 2012 #4
Not yet. They couldn't start collecting until after it passed yesterday Orangepeel Feb 2012 #10
Harvey Milk zipplewrath Feb 2012 #5
I think that's why homophobia doesn't have as much of a foothold with younger people yurbud Feb 2012 #8
My daughter tells me onlyadream Feb 2012 #39
That's exactly right, and why coming out is so crucial. MNBrewer Feb 2012 #11
Yes, yes, yes. Remember Me Feb 2012 #34
+1 fishwax Feb 2012 #32
Beautiful! BlancheSplanchnik Feb 2012 #6
he won't be a Republican for long. Either he will leave the party or the party will squeeze him out yurbud Feb 2012 #9
Republicans don't change. I wonder what dirt they had on him. nt valerief Feb 2012 #7
No they can come around on issues. at least the ones that aren't total idealogues... Salviati Feb 2012 #12
Republican pols are paid to not come around. It must be dirt on him. valerief Feb 2012 #16
You hit the nail on the head... Yooperman Feb 2012 #20
Republicans tooeyeten Feb 2012 #44
Actually many people do change and evolve arikara Feb 2012 #14
Hillary Rodham for one. Elizabeth Warren, 2. Linc Chaffee, 3. MADem Feb 2012 #47
There are various Republicans who've come around on different issues ProudToBeBlueInRhody Feb 2012 #27
Oooops! The page is gone. Funny. nt LaydeeBug Feb 2012 #13
direct link n2doc Feb 2012 #15
There is more joy in Heaven over a repentant sinner than over a thousand saints Jack Rabbit Feb 2012 #17
WOW! FiveGoodMen Feb 2012 #18
I feel empathy for the plight of Afghan women and I've never met one, LeftinOH Feb 2012 #19
You're only seeing half the picture. nolabear Feb 2012 #33
Thank you for that thought.... dougolat Feb 2012 #37
Yay! wildeyed Feb 2012 #21
I'm sorry, but this deserves a big "Well, duh." Vattel Feb 2012 #22
Well, somebody's going to get a primary challenge. Bruce Wayne Feb 2012 #23
It's so frustrating that he had to see it to believe it. But I guess that's only human. Brickbat Feb 2012 #24
Hey Richard. Why don't you look at your party's primary Doctor_J Feb 2012 #25
I love it when the hard-hearted see the light. DeSwiss Feb 2012 #26
Change is possible. Efficiency is still an issue. saras Feb 2012 #28
Spam deleted by uppityperson (MIR Team) dsgerhe Feb 2012 #29
This is great it feels like bizzaro world only in a good way for a change. Kalidurga Feb 2012 #30
Where there's Life, there's Hope. annabanana Feb 2012 #31
K&R imagine if we could all sit next to Iranian, Afghan, or Iraqi families................! grahamhgreen Feb 2012 #35
Too many Repubs think it's about the sex, which makes sense.... Beartracks Feb 2012 #36
Love. Because that IS what this is all about. AllyCat Feb 2012 #38
That was heartwarming. shcrane71 Feb 2012 #40
To me it does not matter how someone comes to support equality... iandhr Feb 2012 #41
formerly "Against equality?" tooeyeten Feb 2012 #43
How are people so isolated from one another? tooeyeten Feb 2012 #42
He might be drummed out of the corps, but he'll be a better person for it in the end! nt MADem Feb 2012 #46
Spam deleted by uppityperson (MIR Team) sfghrtjr Feb 2012 #48
So Then, Why Are You Still A Republican? jorgebob28 Feb 2012 #49

calimary

(80,693 posts)
45. Souls CAN be saved. And eyes CAN be opened.
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 03:52 PM
Feb 2012

It's just really hard to achieve, but not every "heart" on the other side of the aisle is that hardened. I said "heart" because I seriously don't think many republi-CONS have one. I think what exists in its place might be a rock, or maybe a cash register.

hootinholler

(26,449 posts)
4. I'm not positive but I think there are enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot this year.
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 01:06 PM
Feb 2012

Should that happen D turnout will be critical in a state where Obama is relatively safe.

It's not over, but it is a tremendous step in the right direction.

Orangepeel

(13,933 posts)
10. Not yet. They couldn't start collecting until after it passed yesterday
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 02:52 PM
Feb 2012

They don't have to wait until the Governor signs. They need something like 55,000 total; a third by the end of May and the rest by the end of June.

It is expected that opponents of equality will be able to get the signatures (courts recently ruled that signatures can be collected online) so you are right that turnout of liberals is important.

http://thedailyrecord.com/2012/02/24/maryland-gay-marriage-opponents-begin-referendum-effort/

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)
5. Harvey Milk
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 01:14 PM
Feb 2012

He was fond of pointing out that the more people that "knew" a gay person, the fewer bigots there were. The GOP noise machine has a hard time fighting against first person knowledge. It's much harder to stereotype a person when you actually know the whole person.

yurbud

(39,405 posts)
8. I think that's why homophobia doesn't have as much of a foothold with younger people
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 02:48 PM
Feb 2012

In my generation, there were ZERO out gays in my high school (let alone middle school).

Even though gays get a lot of crap in K-12, kids at least know them, and most are no more afraid of them than of the fat kid or the jock or the student body president--they are just part of the social landscape.

 

Remember Me

(1,532 posts)
34. Yes, yes, yes.
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 12:35 AM
Feb 2012

First, re the OP, I love redemption stories. A Republican dropping some of his homophobia? Priceless.

And yes, it beautfully demonstrates one reason coming out is so crucial. I was absolutely riveted during my recent re-review -- and posting -- of one of my favorite books, Homophobia, A Weapon of Sexism by Suzanne Pharr which has been used in a lot of women's studies programs. This paragraph says so much to me and also demonstrates a really good reason to be out, IMO:

"Because I had not hid as a lesbian, I endured life-threatening phone calls, police harassment at my house, personnel committee meetings that I was not allowed to attend, and finally a large public hearing where I was made to stand outside while others went in to testify whether my being a lesbian affected my work. I survived this attack in large part because I was visible and because I had good supportive women around me. Those who led the attack were not primarily concerned with my lesbianism; they were looking for an opportunity to challenge my effectiveness and fire me. They mistakenly thought I would want to keep my sexual identity hidden and would be most vulnerable in that area. They also discovered that in the Arkansas Ozarks good character and ethics can sometimes have a greater impact than sexual identity. "

BlancheSplanchnik

(20,219 posts)
6. Beautiful!
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 02:40 PM
Feb 2012

That is a rare republican--one who is capable of seeing that human beings are human beings, and deserve respect.

How does he manage to stay in that party of lies?

(heads up: photo is misleading. It's not a photo of the republican Kach who allowed his human compassion to over ride the ideology.)
Here's Wade Kach (R)

Salviati

(6,002 posts)
12. No they can come around on issues. at least the ones that aren't total idealogues...
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 03:20 PM
Feb 2012

the problem is that they have no empathy. They cannot understand peoples problems unless they themselves are personally faced with the same problem, or perhaps in some cases like this one, the issue is presented directly to him by people they know well.

How many people think that Dick Cheney would be lobbying for marrige equality if his daughter wasn't gay? I sure as heck don't.

valerief

(53,235 posts)
16. Republican pols are paid to not come around. It must be dirt on him.
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 03:39 PM
Feb 2012

Republican people may come around, but not pols. That's not the deal they've struck with the GOP.

Yooperman

(592 posts)
20. You hit the nail on the head...
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 05:11 PM
Feb 2012

100% agree!!

Until an issue affects them directly they (repugs) don't seem to care. Whether that be gay marriage ... healthcare... the unemployed...ect.. ect....



I have to give this republican credit though... he will certainly face some wrath from those that are blinded by hate. But it is kinda like republicans have to come out also to show others in their party that it is the right thing to do.....the more that change their position... more will have the courage to do what is right instead of blindly following the party line.

YM

tooeyeten

(1,074 posts)
44. Republicans
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 02:40 PM
Feb 2012

the party of the self-absorbed. Just think voters select these people that reflect their views, not to uphold the Constitution.

arikara

(5,562 posts)
14. Actually many people do change and evolve
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 03:25 PM
Feb 2012

I've known lots of people who held certain views when they were younger, but life and experience has helped them shape other views as they grow older. And in the end, republicans are only people.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
47. Hillary Rodham for one. Elizabeth Warren, 2. Linc Chaffee, 3.
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 09:54 PM
Feb 2012

Of course people evolve, if they are smart and are inclined. People often overcome their conditioning.

Unless they're dead. Then, they just get baptized by Mittsy's Mormons!

ProudToBeBlueInRhody

(16,399 posts)
27. There are various Republicans who've come around on different issues
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 09:34 PM
Feb 2012

Lincoln Chafee.....for example.

I think it's sad you are so cynical. Not every Republican known to man is a hardcore Santorum-style hatemonger. If someone has the ability to open their heart and mind to sit down with real people who are affected by this issue, they'll realize their opposition to it is pointless and cruel. You're dismissing and undermining the true moral of the story by just acting like it must have been a political move.

Jack Rabbit

(45,984 posts)
17. There is more joy in Heaven over a repentant sinner than over a thousand saints
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 03:44 PM
Feb 2012

Let the heavens sing for Mr. Kach.

LeftinOH

(5,341 posts)
19. I feel empathy for the plight of Afghan women and I've never met one,
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 05:04 PM
Feb 2012

nor am I female. His epiphany on this issue is nice an all, but there is something to be said for having an innate ability to "feel" the arguements of an issue on its intellectual and logical points alone. Some politicians (but not nearly enough of them) are equipped with this kind of empathy; he's not one of them.

nolabear

(41,915 posts)
33. You're only seeing half the picture.
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 11:16 PM
Feb 2012

People with an innate ability to feel empathy can be frightened out of it (for no good reason) or be deeply invested in identifying with something that throws up barriers. It's not that it isn't there; they just incorrectly perceive that there's a cost. If logic and exposure can bring out that latent ability who are we not to welcome them with open arms?

dougolat

(716 posts)
37. Thank you for that thought....
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 06:39 AM
Feb 2012

.....I find it hopeful and heartwarming when someone grows up a bit more.

 

Vattel

(9,289 posts)
22. I'm sorry, but this deserves a big "Well, duh."
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 06:01 PM
Feb 2012

I mean, you'd think someone in that position in the 21st century would have already known that gay couples can be loving. Oh well, I'm glad Rip van Winkle is rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
25. Hey Richard. Why don't you look at your party's primary
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 07:44 PM
Feb 2012

and then move your spotty white ass over to the one that sane people belong to. If this guy stays a Repuke he's a fucking hypocrite.

 

DeSwiss

(27,137 posts)
26. I love it when the hard-hearted see the light.
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 09:33 PM
Feb 2012
- When they do, we're all that much more free and that much more blessed......



[center]


[/center]
 

saras

(6,670 posts)
28. Change is possible. Efficiency is still an issue.
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 10:23 PM
Feb 2012

Obviously, not EVERY republican who is exposed to gay couples goes through this.

But it would be wonderful to know what was different this time.

And even more wonderful to be able to reproduce it.

Response to n2doc (Original post)

Kalidurga

(14,177 posts)
30. This is great it feels like bizzaro world only in a good way for a change.
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 10:50 PM
Feb 2012

Next I want to read that a Republican met with an unemployed person and found out that they are not lazy just out of work for the moment.

Beartracks

(12,761 posts)
36. Too many Repubs think it's about the sex, which makes sense....
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 04:18 AM
Feb 2012

... to them because they think EVERYthing's about sex. But if, like Rep. Kach, you can see the issue as being about love, companionship, and security, you can finally learn that these citizens aren't seeking "gay marriage" -- they're simply seeking "marriage equality."

======================

AllyCat

(16,031 posts)
38. Love. Because that IS what this is all about.
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 10:56 AM
Feb 2012

The Repukes will probably kick him and the other R that voted for it out of the party now. But he now understands on some level.

iandhr

(6,852 posts)
41. To me it does not matter how someone comes to support equality...
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 12:48 PM
Feb 2012

... is matters that they do it. This is a great story how a Republican who was against equality saw our gay brothers and sisters has humans and worthy of equal rights. This country would be a better place if there were more like him.

tooeyeten

(1,074 posts)
43. formerly "Against equality?"
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 02:36 PM
Feb 2012

Why did this person decide to represent the citizens of the state and run for office?

tooeyeten

(1,074 posts)
42. How are people so isolated from one another?
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 02:34 PM
Feb 2012

But then don't legislators take oaths to uphold Constitution of the US and their state whether they know LGBT community or not?

There's some absurdity here, isn't there?

Response to n2doc (Original post)

jorgebob28

(22 posts)
49. So Then, Why Are You Still A Republican?
Mon Feb 27, 2012, 12:21 PM
Feb 2012

After the ignorance your party shows time and again, why are you still a Republican?

"I saw with so many of the gay couples, they were so devoted to another. I saw so much love," he said. "When this hearing was over, I was a changed person in regard to this issue. I felt that I understood what same sex couples were looking for."

Really, it took you this long to figure it out? You need to get out more often, my man.

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