Perhaps much of what Donald Krouse writes in the June issue (of his CALL TO ACTION column) may be valid, but there is one statement that I take exception to as to make me ignore anything else he writes. Why is it that the so many gays discriminate among themselves?

I am a gay Republican, and I do not appreciate being told there is no room for me in the party OF MY CHOICE. I have been a registered Republican since 1971, voted twice for Nixon, once for Ford, twice for Reagan, once for Bush, twice for Clinton, once for Gore, once for Kerry, and once for Obama (would have preferred another Clinton, but I couldn’t vote in the primary). Because I’m a Republican DOES NOT mean I go to the polls without my brain. I have always groaned at the idea that NO agenda deserves LGBT consideration other than LGBT issues.

I wouldn’t give two cents to any organization that outwardly treated anyone like I felt when I read Donald Krouse’s statement that, “It is time for (LGBT Republicans) to change party affiliation; otherwise we ask you to stay home June 8.” I was extremely insulted.

- Don Nelson

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Dear Don,

Thanks for writing about June’s CALL TO ACTION column. I understand your concern with the comment. I might add that my draft submission of the column did not include the statement that offended you. Most of the time I present my copy and then it is edited. I have given approval for this but sometimes the comments become a bit more volatile than I would express.

I stand by most of the comments about the Republican Party doing nothing to support LGBT citizens and I believe that if there is a friendlier party it is the Democrats. I have to admit that sometimes I wonder if we’re just getting lip service from them. I agree there are more issues than just LGBT concerns, but Hi-Desert LGBT News has a specific focus and my column will continue to reflect on appropriate topics.

That said, I believe everyone should vote his or her conscience … that’s the right thing to do. Your offense at the suggestion to stay home is understandable.

Again, thanks for writing.

- Don Krouse

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Like all editors, I often make revisions to items submitted for publication. That is not to say I always improve them. In hindsight, I recognize my revisions were heavy handed, partly out of my frustration with GOP homophobia and partly in an attempt to provoke a response. To that end, I suppose it was successful, but at too high a cost.

In his address at Joshua Tree Gay Pride, Nicole Murray Ramirez made the point that we cannot win our freedom as long as the Republican party is the enemy.

He suggests building bridges rather than burning them. Probably he is correct.

It is a fact, and not a matter of opinion, that the Republican Party is standing in the way of our freedom to marry and freedom to serve, and it is the GOP that does not want us protected on the job, at school, in the streets, nor while receiving medical care. For the time being at least, we still have the freedom to vote our conscious and my suggestion that gays who align themselves with our enemies stay home may be out of line. Without your feedback, it’s unlikely I would have come to such a conclusion. Thank you for that Don.

Now, if only you could help me understand what it is that attracts you to today’s Republican Party.

Mike Lipsitz, Editor
Comment to: HiDesertLGBTnews@aol.com