Why I stand with Dean (from the Washington Blade)

[Cheswick2.0]

http://www.washblade.com/2004/1-30/view/columns/dean.cfm


<snip>

BUT WHAT I really learned about Howard Dean was in the battle for civil unions. I was not just impressed with his resolve once he signed the bill, but in how he handled the aftermath.

He won that next election handily, but for six months Dean endured the most vicious campaign of his life. Vermont devolved into a minor civil war as neighbors dumped garbage on one another’s lawns. He wore a bulletproof vest because of death threats.

At public events, he was called “faggot” and every other epithet gay people have endured. For a time, Governor Dean became one of us, learning firsthand the depth of mistrust and even hatred that so many GLBT Americans endure. Howard Dean united and healed his state.

In those difficult days, when he sought my help and the help of the Human Rights Campaign, Dean never once asked for accolades or even a “thank you.” And when he asked for help, it was not just for his own re-election but to help save the seats of every Democrat and Republican who had voted for civil unions.


<more>

[Demobrat]

1. Our last best hope.

Too bad our country doesn't deserve him.

[mzmolly]

3. Damn right! Our Party Our Country don't deserve this man.

It's offensive what he's endured.

I am ready to suggest he run for Prime Minister of Canada before I immigrate. ;)

[liberalnurse]

6. It's close to a Biblical thrashing......

[Kolesar]

2. Give him two arms to cling to

I was surprised to learn how much political capital Howard Dean put into the civil unions bill. Don't let anybody say that Dr. Dean has not "exhibited real leadership". It takes a really brave leader to take an unpopular stand because he knows it is right--despite the electoral consequences (are any Democratic Senators listening?). Thanks for posting this.

[Armstead]

4. It shows how wrong the cliche is

One of the spinning talking points is that Dean had it easy as a liberal governor of a liberal state.

But that is just false and wrong. Vermont is as politically diverse as any otehr state. Probably more diverse in some respects because it doesn't fit into the neat categories.

And the tensions between left and right are sometimes as stark as they are anywhere. The state went through some really viscious battles. The fact that Dean was able to survive all that is a credit to his leadership.

[creativelcro]

5. Awesome post. Thanks.

[kayob1]

7. Unbelievable.

Enjoyed the article.

[killbotfactory]

8. Dean would make an awesome president

I'm with him till the end.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

9. "Dean's No Opinion, No Answer is Wrong Answer"

by Dean Corren

The interview with Howard Dean {OITM June, 1998} let him off too easily. Not having an opinion on whether lesbians and gays should have equal civil rights, marriage or otherwise, is an opinion - a very low one. Using the courts as a dodge is unacceptable. The courts have their job to do, executive and legislative elected officials have theirs. Basic political responsibility should require a clear position. Actual leadership would require much, much more.

He puts a chummier face on it, but morally, Howard Dean's position (especially to the degree expressed by his Attorney General's brief which could only be described as homophobic) is no different from his opponents'. While their positions might be summed up as, "We're not sure we like you enough to afford you the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else in our civil society," the Governor's position is "I'm not sure you're worth the price to my re-election campaign."

In the interview the Governor stated, "Since nothing is going to happen on this issue in the legislature until the court speaks there's no particular reason for me to take a public position on it." His attempt to link whether he makes his positions public to the actions of other branches of government is illogical and insulting. Failing any sense of responsibility on his part, the insistence of OITM and its readers' voting power should give him the "particular reason" he needs to decide to make his position public. Would environmental groups accept a refusal to take a position on clearcutting, NARAL a demur from supporting or opposing abortion, or even Wall Street a "no opinion yet" on capital gains taxes?

Clearly, Dean is either still waiting for the polling data to tell him his position, or he's seen it, and knows you wouldn't like it. But on an issue of fundamental civil rights, shouldn't "no position" or "secret position" be just as bad as the wrong position? The Governor is either with the GLBT community or he's against it. So far, he sure isn't with it.
http://www.mountainpridemedia.org/jul98/deanoped.htm



Elected leaders are trying to figure out their options and all of them, from the governor down, seem to have latched on to the court’s suggestion that domestic partnership might be legal.

“The Legislature will pass a domestic partnership bill and I’m comfortable with that,” Gov. Howard Dean said.

What was more interesting was what he was not comfortable with.

“It makes me uncomfortable, the same as anybody else,” Dean said of gay marriage. “The 4,000-year-old tradition of heterosexual marriage being an institution is something I think you have to respect. I think there are a lot of people in this state who are uncomfortable about the concept of gay marriage.”
http://www.mountainpridemedia.org/jan2000/news_scyes.htm

[chocolateeater]

10. Then he put his political career on the line

for civil unions. Go figure.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

11. Dean deserves the credit for signing the civil unions bill.

But it is revisionist history to cast his career as one that has championed gay rights.

[Cheswick2.0]

17. so exactly who has done more for Gay rights and gotten results?

?

[drfemoe]

20. It's called "service", as in "public servant" ...

an antiquated phrase replaced with *lawmakers*.

[chocolateeater]

21. Yes, I wish more *lawmakers* were real public servants. n/t

[Cheswick2.0]

15. I would say those articles ain't nothing but poop

Dean has done something about an issue Kerry can only talk about. Dean is a leader. Kerry has always been a follower.

[DemBones DemBones]

19. Kerry has been a senator for years but he was a liutenant governor

at one time, just as Dean was. Kerry was also a prosecutor. None of those are exactly "follower" jobs.

A governor can do nothing without a legislature's backing and legislators (including US senators and representatives) don't get as much credit for bills enacted as governors and presidents do. It does not follow that senators and representatives are not important leaders.

Kerry was also a leader in the military and his record would be a big advantage in a race against Bush.

[Cocoa]

12. signing that law took courage

Dean by many accounts was one of the best governors VT has had.

[Anwen]

13. Thanks so much for posting this..

Awesome read. Reaffirms every reason why I am supporting this man.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

14. I stand with Dean and anyone else on this side of this issue

but it doesn't mean he'll make the best President of the 7 guys left running.

[Cheswick2.0]

16. sure it does

Of course it means he'll make the best President out of the 7 running. Show me anyone else who has any real results in office. Some people talk and some go into action. Dean gets things done.

[DemBones DemBones]

18. Dean has touted his managerial skill, his knowledge of how to

balance a budget, but he neglected the oversight of his own campaign so long it was broke and he had to ask his staff to work for two weeks without pay "to keep the campaign out of debt." That's reprehensible, asking employees to do without to avoid debt. He should have taken out a loan.

Standing with a candidate who's been irresponsible and not calling him on what he's done wrong, is irresponsible.