Republicans exploit gay issue; Fracture party

Darrell Crate, chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, appears to have made a back-room deal with sponsors of the anti-gay marriage petition to collect as many as 25% of the required signatures in exchange for access to the final database of names. Stacks of anti-gay marriage petitions attached to clipboards were handed out as early as September 22 at a Republican State Committee meeting.

MassGOP involvement in the anti-gay marriage amendment was not suspected to be this substantial as the Party is not an official supporter of the petition and many Republicans do not support the proposed amendment which is even more conservative than the one voted down by the Massachusetts legislature in September.

KnowThyNeighbor.org has been in touch with several angered Party members who feel that Crate's decision was made unilaterally and that he overstepped his bounds by not calling for a vote on the issue.

KnowThyNeighbor.org called Darrell Crate's office and spoke with MassGOP staffer Mark Rowe. When asked about involvement with the anti-gay marriage petition, Mr. Rowe initially tried to gloss over the issue saying that the Republican Party is very diverse and that the topic of same-sex marriage is "never discussed." He even went on to state that Darrell Crate respects both sides of the issue.

Upon being reminded that it was Crate who went door to door to Republican legislators during the 2004 ConCon's asking them to vote for the nastiest of the anti-gay marriage amendments, Mr. Rowe stated that Darrell Crate (who was hand-picked by Mitt Romney for his current position) was only acting on behalf of the Governor. As if Governor Romney isn't making a stand on the marriage petition now?

Emails sent from the Republican State Party Office reveal the depth of MassGOP involvement and ulterior motives.

From a September  25, 2005 email:

"We will be holding signature drives every weekend through November 13.  We will be helping Vote on Marriage to collect the 65,825 signatures needed to move the gay marriage ballot initiative forward.  If you would like to help with this effort, please contact the regional coordinator for your area."

And from a September 19, 2005 email by Matt St. Hilaire, political director for the MassGOP:

"The State Party’s goal is to identify thousands of voters statewide on a series of issues such as gay marriage, the tax rollback, illegal immigrant tuition, the death penalty, etc...  We will then share that data with our candidates next fall so they can target these voters with very specific mailings and phone calls..."

So the gay marriage issue is never discussed?  Give us a break!

When pressed, Mr. Rowe finally admitted to the Republican State Committee encouraging "grassroots activists" to get involved in the anti-gay marriage petition and he also defended the MassGOP's stance on databasing the names and addresses of the signers.

What is most disturbing is that the MassGOP seems to care much less about the substance of the issue than about getting the names for their database. Their emails make absolutely no reference to the social and moral arguments used by most petition backers. Instead, they make constant reference to the database and how it will be used to help Republican candidates target voters next year. I guess Darrell Crate could care less that thousands of families will be hurt by the amendment as long as he gets the names for his database?

By the way, take note that the same people who are so upset that KnowThyNeighbor.org is doing something so outrageous as allowing the public to have meaningful access to public information are themselves conspiring to create a secret database of names and addresses to be used as a means for disseminating mass propaganda in the upcoming election cycle.

Too bad for them that the database is likely to contain so many fraudulently obtained names that it will be useless as a true measure of voter sentiment. I guess that if you are going to sell your soul for votes, you shouldn't be suprised when you get screwed.

We encourage you to contact Republican State Senators and Representatives to let them know how you feel about the issue and to find out to what extent they are complicit in this secret deal.  Contact the Democrats too to make sure they know what's going on and to urge them to talk with their Republican peers. If you know anyone that is a contributor to the Massachusetts Republican Party, let them know how their money is being spent and encourage them to contact Mr. Crate with their dissatisfaction:

Darrell W. Crate, chairman@massgop.com
tel: 617-523-5005 fax: 617-523-6311

------------

Tom Lang & Aaron Toleos, Directors
Contact: (978) 335-0477, info@knowthyneighbor.org

Comments

[Edgar and Joshua Decelles]

Tom and Aaron -

Could it be possible to send GOP State Chair Darrell Cate some EGGPLANT casserole on EGGPLANT REMEMBRANCE DAY?

All GLBT citizens know all about GOP RNC Chair Ken Mehlman, so we don't have to send him some EGGPLANT. He can eat his portion in the closet.

It is our belief that Mr. Cate shouldn't read those lists on an empty stomach. He should have something to feed both his body and his soul. EGGPLANT will do just fine !!

[Sue]

I heard since KTN.org was announced the Mass GOP will no longer have to spend their time, money and resources databasing all the names since they can just copy and paste it from here.
hmmm....

[nate]

I guess, dear heart, that it makes KTN an equal opportunity provider......I for one think that the GOP has a cleaner deal with the Petition Gatherers than with us. ROFL.

Equal opportunity for all, now that is a neocon Republican value system......ROFL

[Paul Jamieson]

you mean Conservative Republicans are for the petition? What a shock.

Thanks neighbor, for that enlightening fact.

Hey neighbor, sounds like this may be backfiring.

[nate]

Paul, may I suggest that you read the initial posting by Tom and Aaron in beginning this thread?

The majority of Republicans in MA are liberal or moderate, especially on social issues. Crate, a hypocrite in action, used those very words in disingenuously stating that the GOP was neutral on this petition.

There are also many conservative Democrats who vote with neocons. There is no surprise for us there, either.

But you guys want to paint ALL Christians and ALL heterosexual couples with the ANTI-SSM brush, and it doesn't create the portrait that you want.

You are also speaking to grandparents and aunts and uncles of children growing up in SS married homes.

You have no right to teach your children intolerance for different sexual orientations. If you do, shame on you. They gay-bash the SS kids because they know that mom and dad says it is okay, because they don't have a family or a "marriage" home.

Now, I wonder if you were born gay instead of straight, whether or not you would not be fighting for your rights to marry. You bet your ass you would....

[nate]

THINK MESSAGE - REMEMBER THESE PERSONS WHO COME TO NEGATE YOUR RIGHTS, AND REMEMBER EGGPLANT DAY.....DECEMBER 7

[Paul Jamieson]

"The majority of Republicans in MA are liberal or moderate"

This proves to me that you really don't have a clue

[Tom Lang]

Sue,

The point that I was trying to make in this blog is that the public information involved in the initiative petition process (ie the names and addresses) have been so long the "domain" of the special interest and lobby groups that many others did not have the knowledge that this information is available to the general public.

I spoke with Darrell Crate's office and those young GOP state committee people who made the deal with VoteOnMarriage, I believe, took this public accessibility for granted. Of course I knew that making this information available to "everyone" meant just that--available to EVERYONE. Our governmental offices must provide "meaningful access" of information to all of us. Once it does, then these backroom deals, exchanges of "services," etc. would all be un-necessary. At the end of the day, you and I (Joe and Jane Public) would, through an open and clean Democracy, be truly responsible for our own lives as citizens of this Commonwealth.

What is interesting... I have found many Republicans to be quite understanding of what KTN.org is all about and trying to do. They much more than organizations such as MassEquality which unfortunately seem too often to play only the role of "special interest groups" much more than that of defenders of our Democracy.

I and KTN like to believe that once we can get our government working properly (not JUST working for OUR special interest) we will be able to accomplish so much more.

[Ghengis Cohen]

I think it's reasonable to assume that folks on the petition would rather receive mail from polititians who favor the petition cause, than have their names and addresses circulated to those who oppose the petition, for fairly obvious purposes.

Like I've said before, I respect the purpose of checking for fraud, but it seems that purpose only came in later, right?

The false and inflammatory statements about the petition's effect and intent, turn your legitimate use of the name list, into intimidation.

[Tom Lang]

Ghengis,

Our website, KTN.org, had a form on it where people would report fraud to us and it would be automatically forwarded to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office. This form was present on the website from DAY ONE. That is why KnowThyNeighbor.org was responsible for the first fraud reports going to The Statehouse, before any other group including MassEquality.

A funny thing, our form was supposed to be used by people AFTER their names appeared on our website but they were using it as a way to communicate with us and the Secretary about the deception and fraud that they were experiencing DURING the process.

Ghengis, do you participate in your local town government? Specifically town meetings (that is if you are a Massachusetts voter)? If so then you know this but if not, I will shed some light on this process... At a town meeting you are required to state your name and address if you stand up and offer your opinion in front of the other registered voters. When I vote on important issues (and some which can be quite politically charged) I raise my hand for ALL to see and people do "see."

At my town's recent meeting, a very heated vote was taken. This vote really split the town into two contentious sides. Let's just say it was the well established social class against the merchants in town who have been part of my town for decades. The businesses of the merchants would really be hurt substantially with a "yes" vote but a "yes" vote was more "socially" acceptable.
To make a very long story short, everyone knew how everyone else voted. The merchants who we all sitting up front turned around as we raised our hands and took note. The other side, the Selectman and the supporters of the bill did the same.

Is THIS intimidation? I can tell you that it is the way that town meetings have operated since the 17th? century in Massachusetts. I was forced to take into consideration, not just MY personal opinion, but what I may be doing to one or the other group, plus weigh out my inclusion in one group or the other.

The false belief that the initiative petition process is somehow a "private" participation by the electorate has somehow evolved due to increased complacency by voters and infrequency of "hot button" issues. The VERY PUBLIC nature of the initiative petition process and public accountability as well as "transparency" of this process is an essential and inherent part of it. Your slandering KTN.org and my intent and history of this website cannot and will not change this essential part of this democratic process.

[Ghengis Cohen]

I call it like I see it, Tom. And like I've said, I've observed how you conduct yourself here over the last couple weeks, to the point that I no longer believe that you intend to use intimidation to disrupt the democratic process. Nevertheless, I still think that the false and inflammatory statements about what the petition means, has a chilling and intimidating effect.

I'm sorry if you feel this is slander, because you've been a good host. What I have said is my honest impression from your front page and some other portions of the site. For example, you incorrectly imply that the petition signers don't think that "certain families should exist." At least one person on KTN has responded to that, threatening bodily harm to people who "try to break up my cousin's family."

[Tom Lang]

Ghengis,

Please do not warp facts. The homepage ASKS "Do they think some families shouldnt exist?" This is a question. In other words, a question that poses a thought or a direct question to those who signed. KTN has always been about communication.

Now that person who spoke about his cousin's family. To me he spoke in the vernacular by saying "I'll kick their butts" or something like that. Certain people speak like that. Did you take the time to ask that person what he truly meatn by that statement? And did you take the time to talk him out of it if he meant it "literally?" Please stop using examples like that to try to describe what KTN is all about. I have many emails from people on the opposite side who actually have threatened harm to gay people who would as much as "knock on their door." Not many of these types of emails at all but nonetheless they were sent off to the AG's office and I informed the abuser that I did that.

Funny, an editor from Bay Windows, Sue O'Connell, who does not like KTN.org, gave an example of reading in a blog somewhere of a "plot" of a gay person sending a gay magazine to one of the original 30 signers. She used this as an example to me of why KTN should not exist. My response to her was... "Did you email this person or post on the blog that doing something like this is not only infantile, but it really does nothing to open up lines of communication?" Of course her answer was "no."

Ghengis, we live in a civilized society with rules, regulations, laws and socially acceptable behavior. KTN.org has made it perfectly clear that communication if one choses be within "legal, civil and respectful parameters." People do make mistakes, people do act out of passion but it is my responsibility, your responsibility and everyone's responsibility to monitor our actual discourse. NOT to restrict or eliminate anyone's right to free speech and personal choice. When you cry that KTN's mere "existence" is "intimidating" you become the one who is ACTUALLY doing the intimidating.

[Ghengis Cohen]

Thanks for the rundown on how the process works in MA. This is the first I've heard of that -- my apologies if you've explained it before and I've missed it.

On first impression it seems materially different to be accountable to people you know, than being blamed by people you don't know. But I can see how you could get from there to here in good faith, meaning to simply extend the system onto the internet.

I'll think over what you've told me.

Thank you.

[Ghengis Cohen]

Looks like we cross-posted, Tom.

KTN.org has made it perfectly clear that communication if one choses be within "legal, civil and respectful parameters."

If I'd seen anything like that on the front page, or on the page containing the names and addresses, I never would have objected, Tom. I'm sorry if my complaint intimidated you. I'm not sure what leverage you have mistaken me to have. I assure you that I'm unimportant.

Tom, you've surely seen enough homophobic propaganda to recognize that a question like that is an implied statement. The question here is whether certain families constitute what we call marriage, or whether they constitute a material different kind of family form.

[Ghengis Cohen]

In response to your question, I have never lived in MA. I've spoken at a town meeting, but that town did not offer us any opportunity to "vote" in the manner you described. Sounds very Athenian.

Our website, KTN.org, had a form on it where people would report fraud to us and it would be automatically forwarded to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office. This form was present on the website from DAY ONE.
I stand corrected.

I did respond to that threatening message immediately on the thread.

[Ghengis Cohen]

I mean immediately after seeing it. I don't remember the elapsed time.

[Tom Lang]

Ghengis,

I thank you for having responded to that person and for taking part in
the blog. You are not unimportant.

Just so you know, we are working on an evolved version of the website
which will attempt to once and for all clear up any confusions that may
be present in the current website. What has been very difficult to do
as a director is to provide a website that 1) acts on behalf of our
government by attempting to provide meaningful access to public
information. KTN.org in many specific instances has taken the role of
our government. This needs to be done in the most neutral way
possible.
2) still remains truthful to our partisan stance on this particular
issue. Both needed to somehow be balanced. Though in the ideal world,
KTN.org should only have to be resonsible for #2.

This was a very daunting task considering that no one had ANY idea of
the confusion and loose ends that the current election laws, the AG'
Office and the Secretary of the Commonwealth would cause. Combine that
with the hiring of a company (Arno Political Consultants) which is an
alleged master of deception, the complacency of the electorate, this
highly charged issue, and the politics of the issue both within our
gov't and within the infighting gay lobby groups. It has been quite an
experience, but a very worthwhile one for KTN.org.

BTW, dont worry, our blogs are staying. This sort of transferrence of
ideas for all to view and take part in is absolutely essential.

Thank you all.

[John Hosty]

Paul, what does all your hate filled smugness get you? I guess I just miss it. Is this a game for you?

[John Hosty]

"There are those who say to you -- we are rushing this issue of civil rights. I say we are 172 years late."

Hubert H. Humphrey

"Success, recognition, and conformity are the bywords of the modern world where everyone seems to crave the anesthetizing security of being identified with the majority."

Martin Luther King, Jr

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."

Martin Luther King

"Civil Rights: What black folks are given in the U.S. on the installment plan, as in civil-rights bills. Not to be confused with human rights, which are the dignity, stature, humanity, respect, and freedom belonging to all people by right of their birth."

Dick Gregory

"A little less complaint and whining, and a little more dogged work and manly striving, would do us more credit than a thousand civil rights bills."

W. E. B. Du Bois quotes

"The liberals in the House strongly resemble liberals I have known through the last two decades in the civil rights conflict. When it comes time to show on which side they will be counted, they excuse themselves."

Shirley Chisholm quotes (American Politician, the first African-American woman to win a seat in the United States Congress

"I would have voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964"

Ronald Reagan

"We would like to live as we once lived, but history will not permit it."

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battles or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit"

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all—except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty."

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures."

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave."

Ghandi

[Joe S]

Tom...

Yes...it is a game for PAUL...he is a "pseudo-intellectual" who tries to intimidate others with his moderate abilities in the English language. The fact is that he is really nothing more then a tape recorder for the Christian wingnut right. He probably has never had an independent thought in his life. His long and angry tirades of vial and hateful rheteric only further demonstrates how unsure he is of himself. You see, what Paul fails to grasp is that when you have the truth on your side you can speak with "neutral clarity" and sway the many to your side. BUT, when you know what you are doing is inherently WRONG...you need to SCREAM AND HOLLER to get anyone to actually hear you. Trust me...since Paul Jamieson does not wish to discuss the issue in polite discord...he should simply be IGNORED....I personally have IGNORED everything this man has written for quite some time and I strongly advise that EVERYONE do the same. And just for the record...not because he does not agree...but because he cannot disagree civily and without trying to make this site into something that is not. Paul wishes us all to believe that you are posting the names of the signers as part of a "revenge plot" in order for the gay community and those that support them to carry out their evil intentions on his car or house because of what he believes. Nothing could be further from the truth and he knows it. The FACT is that he is simply MAD AS HELL because you both (Tom and Aaron) have created a site which sheds light on to the process...a process we ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT no matter what PAUL says. Again...please just IGNORE HIM and RECOGNIZE HIM for what he is and move on without notice.

[John Hosty]

Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side.

~Ghandi

His angry words and your cool intelect are what people need to see that have not already visited here. If you are not here, he still will be. I will not sit quietly in the presence of his prattle and have my silence be misunderstood as an admission of value to his points. I will not give him the luxury of thinking he has made a point so well I could not rebut it. Each angry statement he makes, each time he tries to twist the truth, he damns his own cause a little further, and I will be there to make sure justice is neither silent nor inactive.

[Joe S]

But you see my dear John...you have answered your own concern when you say "Each angry statement he makes, each time he tries to twist the truth, he damns his own cause a little further..."

And so he then becomes his own prosecuter....it is amusing actually to see him bluster, whine and moan about how misunderstood he is and how we here have made him such a "victim" by getting married and "ruining society"....he is sad actually...that is why I say...IGNORE HIM...but I also say...RECOGNIZE HIM...as it is wise advice not to try to pet the cobra in the garden....you just leave him be....and stay away from the fangs...

Don't you see, most people who think for themselves already know what a windbag he is...they don't pay him any mind....his arguments are shallow and hollow...just like he is. If you do react...do it for yourself to make yourself feel better not because you validate anything he has to say. I appreciate all your positive postings and uplifting messages to folk out there who may not totally understand what is like to have their civil rights threatened but also recognize the need for justice and equality.

Keep the faith!

Joe S.

[John Hosty]

I hope to hear more of your input here Joe. I recognize your words as wise and hope you share more. Stay active, others need to hear your voice and I need you too. I will keep the faith, you keep posting...

Love and peace to brother Joe

[Paul Jamieson]

No anger, just resolve. You see, you cannot defeat someone by bullying and intimidation.

It is my duty as a citizen of this country to stand up to intimidating people like you.

The forefathers would be ashamed of your practice.

The more you shout, the louder we will shout.

The more you try to destroy the fabric of the family, the more we will try to destroy you.

The more you try to make a mockery of the word neighbor, the more determined we are to shout you down.

This is a democratic Nation - LET THE PEOPLE VOTE.

[Paul Jamieson]

Joe seems to have formed an opinion of me by not reading my posts.

You have no idea how many people could read this blog and do serious physical damage to someone who signs this petition.

That is a reality, John, Joe, Aaron and Tom.

It is irresponsible.

Now why don't we list the names of all the people who are against this petition?

Howe would you feel if your position was taken out of context and someone did bodily harm to you and your family because of it?

This is not the way to go about it. Most reasonable gay people know this and have stated their opposition to this website.

And stop calling me a hater. It is the height of ignorance.