Kerry "Drags" Cheney's Gay Daughter into the Political Fray, page 6

This is just another example of how polarized the country is. The Bush/Cheney base is inherently homophobic--of course it's something they will deny through their teeth, but this issue just highlights how uncomfortable the idea of homosexuality sits with them. Its better to keep it under wraps, or "don't ask, don't tell." The mere thought of using Mary Cheney's name associated with the word "lesbian" is inherently a smear--regardless of the fact that she is out and in a commited relationship with another woman.

The reason why the Cheneys' are seizing Kerry's use of her name is an opportunity to energize their base, which is anti-gay. That is why the Bushies are so appalled--how dare you remind our homophobic Christian base that we have a sinner in our midst?? Bushies equate this to their own tactic of the push-polling that Rove did in KKK country pointing out that McCain had a black baby.

Those who are not homophobic see the Cheneys' outrage for what it is--hypocrisy and a pure political play. Kerry didn't say anything about Mary Cheney that would be construed as disparaging to anyone unless they are inherently anti-gay. If Mary Cheney was so upset about being used a political pawn, why in god's name would her father further prolong her pain by incorporating it into his stump speeches? Why would her mother be mouthing off to any reporter that will listen about how upset she is? Kerry issued an apology to the Cheneys' when he first heard that they were upset (which they refused to accept)--why are they continuing to use this as an issue if it really is causing her so much pain?

The conservatives brought the family issue to the forefront. Family values are considered to be a priority for many people, especially Christians, when chosing their candidates. So it is only natural that people now dissect a candidates family when making their evaluation--Dick Cheney knew that he was bringing his whole family under scrutiny when he entered the public arena, even his gay daughter. By first denying that she was gay, and then using her to try to reach out to the homosexual community and putting her on the campaign payroll, he brought her further into the spotlight. Did he expect that the discrepancy between having a gay daughter and supporting a party that has a large Christian base that believes homosexuality is a sin wouldn't come back to haunt him later?

I truly feel sorry for his daughter--hopefully the Cheneys just put on this homophobic act for political reasons. However, I suspect by their behavior that they really just tolerate her sexuality and don't understand why she is the way she is. This is why Cheney doesn't really fight for her. If I had a gay child, I would be fighting for their rights, regardless of how my boss felt (even if he is the president.) Blood is thicker than water.

[edit on 15-10-2004 by lmgnyc]