I started out last night at the Eden Prairie High School, for the GOP's SD 42 Caucus. Asking for Media Credentials, The Nice Lady turneded me down - only true believers "those supporting the GOP" would be allowed in; when I asked her if ALL media would be denied entrance, suddenly A Nice Young Man produced an "observer" sign-in form. The Nice Lady still grilled me for my Media Card; fortunately Senator (and candidate for Gov.) Hann vouched for me. Personally, I like Sen Hann - and for that matter, Rep. Emmer, too. Disagree with their politics, but like 'em as people. Emmer's speech to the crowd gave 'em the red meat they crave. As I watched the crowd lapping it up, I noticed once again at this GOPer event: lilly white. COMPLETELY. As usual, at almost every GOPer event I've attended, not a single person not white.
Which, of course, contrasts sharply with what I saw at both the IP Caucus at the Eden Prairie Library and the DFL Caucus at the EP Middle School.
It's a mighty Small Tent those GOPers got. Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight.com took a look at that, essentially confirming what for many was conventional wisdom - overwhelming sameness; or as Silver called it, "McGOP."
And they profess to love their military; from the opening Invocation from Pastor Troy of Grace Church through the end of the "Program" that ended in-time for all those white folk to head for their assigned precinct rooms.
The thought struck me, at the choice of Grace Church's Pastor - even though they were all white at that caucus, I don't think there were any openly GBLT there. There's simply no room for THAT, in that Small Tent Party, either.
So, how will The Small Tent Party that professes to essentially love, honor, and respect the military, react to the Nation's highest-ranking officer, who told the Senates Armed Services Committee:
"It is my personal and professional belief that allowing homosexuals to serve openly would be the right thing to do. No matter how I look at the issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens." -- Admiral Mike Mullen
I'm guessing the reaction is not gonna be pretty. Won't be for Colin Powell either, 'cause he agreed:
"In the almost 17 years since the 'don't ask, don't tell' legislation was passed, attitudes and circumstances have changed," General Powell said in a statement issued by his office. He added: "I fully support the new approach presented to the Senate Armed Services Committee this week by Secretary of Defense Gates and Admiral Mullen." (NewYorkTimes)
Ruh-Roh. I think those guys are about to get Shinseki-ized.
Why? 'Cause that's NOT what the Small Tenters believe; no, NOT AT ALL. Far from it. How far? Let's look!!!
The Nation's top military calling for repeal of "Don't Ask-Don't Tell" (correctly, IMNSHO); the FRC saying homosexuality should be illegal.
Things in the Small Tent Party are gonna be mighty interesting, this cycle.....
