Obama's OFA Silent On Maine's Anti-Gay Ballot Measure

From gay.americablog.com:

The Executive Director of Organizing for America [Mitch Stewart] sent an email to Mainers telling them to vote. Someone I know just got it:

"Tomorrow is Election Day once again in Maine. It's as important as ever for you to get out to vote. And just like you did last year, bring friends, family, and co-workers with you when you go to the polls."

Funny thing (or not), OFA forgot to tell Mainers what issues are on the ballot and how to vote on those issues. For example, there's no mention of Question 1, the measure to repeal Maine's marriage equality law - i.e., repeal gay marriage - in the email (really big surprise, huh?)

What a waste of time and energy. Progressives in Maine are working their butts off to save marriage equality. The Democratic Governor of the State, John Baldacci, signed the marriage law, which passed the Democratically-controlled House and Senate. Baldacci and members of the legislature have been campaigning tirelessly to save the new law from being repealed. Yet, OFA, an arm of the Democratic National Committee, couldn't even say: Vote No on 1.

Thanks for nothing, OFA, DNC and Obama administration. Time and time again, those folks have shown they are unabashed about injecting themselves into state level politics. But, not in Maine. And, not when gay issues are involved. They just won't do anything that might indicate support for marriage equality, support for gay equality. That might make Rick Warren angry.

Thanks for nothing, is right. A new month has begun and another opportunity for "hope" and "change" is lost.

Read the full text of Mitch Stewart's letter to Maine voters here.

Comments

[Tracy]

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this issue.

That aside, it seriously has to suck having your own party (quote-unquote) continually throwing you under the proverbial bus.

I'm being serious not snide. As an outside observer to liberal party politics, the gay 'voting bloc' keeps getting courted, only to get treated no better (when it comes to actual action) than if there were 'anti-gay' politicians in office.

It's like so much else politicians say - blah, blah, blah and fuck you all once I get elected. Why? Because in reality, it's almost always about them, not you (or me).

[PC]

It's time we stop supporting Democratic candidates who will not support marriage equality. I am disgusted that Dems continue to pander to the religious right. Let's boycott the Democratic party!

[Tracy]

I don't think they're pandering to the "Religious Right" at all.

They're 'pandering' to middle America, who still hasn't totally accepted the idea, although progress is being made.

You can look at stats (hypothetical) that a pro-gay marriage vote gets as negative or positive. Sixty percent might vote against it, but that means forty percent voted for it. And I'm guessing that's a hell of a lot more than would have voted in favor 'x' years ago.

Politicians are scared, rightfully so, about going against 'mainstream' America, because they'll get their asses thrown out. And rightfully so (in a strict interpretation), as they're elected by a majority of the electorate to represent them (the electorate).

My beef if I were on the Left, is that they keep pandering and never do anything. They pretend that they'll do 'something' for gays, and then they chicken-out and pretend they never knew you.

Unless you folks who endorse gay-marriage (and/or various other gay issues) start holding their feet to the fire, they're going to continue taking advantage of your votes and turning their backs on you once they're 'safe' in office.

And I guess that's your trump card - letting them know they're not safe.

The failure to making progress is that you keep letting them get away with it.

They sweet-talk you into getting your vote like a sleazy salesman bilking an old lady. And laugh all the way to the bank, or in this case, political office.

That's my opinion at least-

:)