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To the Editors:
Re "Dems abolish gay outreach post," news, Feb. 3:
Under my chairmanship, the Democratic National Committee has neither abolished its LGBT outreach post, nor in any way downplayed LGBT outreach. In fact, the reforms I initiated have dramatically increased the resources brought to bear in our party’s effort to continue to stand with our friends and family in the LGBT community.
I created the DNC’s American Majority Partnership and placed it directly in my office so I can personally ensure that our outreach to core Democratic communities, including the LGBT community, is effective. AMP’s LGBT coordinator heads a permanent, DNCwide working group composed of talented staffers from every DNC department to enhance our LGBT outreach at the national, state and local levels.
The DNC’s "political desk" system has been replaced with a new and improved organizational structure and culture devoted to recognizing and promoting the rich diversity of the Democratic Party, and protecting and advancing equal rights for the communities we represent, including our friends and family in the LGBT community.
When I signed the nation’s first civil unions law in Vermont, I did so because I firmly believe gay and lesbian couples should have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to differing sex couples. I am as committed now as ever to expanding the rights of all Americans, and to fighting those who would enshrine discrimination in our constitutions.
And I am committed to systematically addressing and protecting the LGBT community from hate crimes, employment discrimination, health care disparities and other types of bias and bigotry.
In my time as DNC chairman, I have done nothing and would never do anything to undercut that effort. As we move forward, I ask you to stand with Democratic Party as we continue to fight for what is great about America, instead of dividing America for political gain.
HOWARD DEAN
DNC Chairman
Washington
Editors’ note: The Washington Blade stands by the story as reported.
Dupont ANC is hostile to Circle’s gay bars
To the Editors:
Re "New gay bar set to open in Dupont" (news, Feb. 3):
As the former owner of Mr. P’s, I can understand the enormous struggle the Fab Lounge had to get the approval of the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission to approve its license.
This board has always been against any gay bar. They impose restrictions that no straight bar would have imposed on them. Why should this bar close earlier than the one downstairs?
Unfortunately, Dupont Circle has changed since George Dotson opened Mr. P’s, and it has not changed for the better. For many years Mr. P’s fought vigorously with the most formidable neighbors.
It often cost many tens of thousands of dollars to fight these homophobes. By sheer determination and gay power was Mr. P’s ever able to remain open.
I salute the new owners of the Fab Lounge. I hope they succeed and prosper. The gays of D.C. need to again unite and elect gay-friendly ANC members.
JOHN G. MAKO
Washington
Delusional gay fools will be drop-kicked into hell
To the Editors:
Re "On the Record" (Feb. 3):
All this chatter is nothing but a bunch of meaningless blah, blah, blah, except of course for Shirley Phelps-Roper’s comment-—-that if you "turn this nation over to the fags, and our soldiers come home in body bags"- —-that hits the nail on the head.
You are a pack of delusional fools if you think all your chatter and movies are going to change the standard of God. This nation is doomed, because it has enabled you filthy fags who are never satisfied.
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback had no business watering down the insipid comment he made. The Bible is plain: You’re known by your fruits, and if you don’t like that use of words, take it up with God at the Judgment Seat.
This isn’t a "personal" or "sensitive" issue. You’re a bunch of hard-hearted sinners, and you’re headed straight to hell, along with all your enablers, including that instrument-of-Satan Bombastic Bigmouth Bush and all his friends (including Senator Brownback).
We’re the only ones who love you enough to tell you the truth. Stop the anal copulation and feces eating, or prepare to face God at the White Throne and get drop-kicked into hell. The rule is easy: No fags!
Magormissabib and have a nice day.
MARGIE PHELPS
Topeka, Kan.
Editors’ note: The letter writer is a follower of Rev. Fred Phelps, the anti-gay Kansas minister. The term "Magormissabib," found in the Bible’s book of Jeremiah, means "fear on every side."
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