The Human Rights Campaign's brief flirtation with relevancy has come to an end, or rather a screeching halt, with the official announcement that Democratic abortion-rights activist Joe Solmonese will be its new leader. Not a surprise, as the appointment was leaked last week (see HRC to Red States: Drop Dead?).
HRC had been called on the carpet by its "allies" earlier this year for deviating, momentarily, from the leftist line of march when, after putting the hapless Cheryl Jacques out of her misery, then political director Winnie Stachelberg floated the idea that since private Social Security accounts could be bequeathed by gays to our partners (unlike current Social Security, which only spouses inherit), maybe it shouldn't be opposed at all costs, even if (gasp) Republicans were for it.
But never fear, the collective voice of the collectivist left rose up as one and threatened HRC with excommunication. In February, Stachelberg was "promoted" over to HRC's nonprofit foundation. And in further penitence, HRC is now embarked on a course to prove it's more left than the best (er, worst) of them.
In 2004, while taking in millions in donations from gay Americans, HRC virtually ignored state ballot initiatives to ban gay marriage, in order to focus on electing John Kerry - a supporter of state ballot initiatives banning gay marriage. Where is the outrage?
Update: Log Cabin put out a press
release. At first, taking the headline at face value, I feared
they were in fact sending a congratulatory message. But it's
actually pretty snide:
The selection of an experienced Democratic activist will allow HRC to solidify and strengthen Democratic support for equality. As the leading voice for moderate and conservative gay Americans, Log Cabin recognizes our unique responsibility to make new allies in the Republican Party," said Log Cabin Political Director Chris Barron.
"Log Cabin is expanding its commitment to work with people in the Heartland, conservatives in red state America, and with people of faith. In addition, we are pursuing an aggressive legislative agenda that includes Social Security reform...."
Well, it's good that somebody is going to focus on
something beyond solidifying MoveOn.org's support for gay
equality!