The ‘06 Republican campaign strategy is taking shape . . .

[flamin lib]

They can't run on fiscal responsibility, not with the deficit. They can't run on a strong economy ‘cause nobody is buying the load of fetid dingo’s kidneys. They can't run on a strong defense, not after Iraq. They can't run on making you safe, not after the Katrina debacle. They can't run on strong borders, not with a guest worker program that looks strangely like amnesty. What’s left? You got it, Family Values.

When nothing else is left, go find somebody to hate and whip up a frenzy of fear among the radical religious right. Go get them gays before they destroy your marriage and convert your children!

In the next few months we will see a revival (pun intended) of the Defense of Marriage Constitutional Amendment. It’ll be tossed right in there next to the Flag Burning Amendment. Although I haven't noticed a rash of burning flags lately that one seems to be a perennial favorite.

What the 80% of Americans who consider themselves to be Christians (10% of which are convinced that Christianity is under attack) don't seem to understand is that marriage is a secular institution. You can have all the church services you like and be blessed up one side and down the other but until you file papers, you ain't married in the eyes of the law. Conversely, file the papers and never darken the door of a church and you’re just as married as you can be. Dobson, Robertson, Falwell and the other nut cases out there need to learn the difference between the legal state of a marriage and the religious ceremony of a Wedding.

I also predict a renewed interest in amending the constitution to make abortion a federal crime. There will surely be an attack on Roe v Wade in the courts with much political ballyhoo about activist judges.

So that’s the Republican platform again; God, Guns and Gays. Forget that they can't govern their way out of a paper bag with a roadmap and a razor blade. Forget that Bill Frist is being investigated by the SEC for insider trading. Never mind that Bush lied us into war. Set aside that Cheney outed a CIA operative and shut down Brewster Jennings, an international CIA operation. Ignore that Duke Cunningham took $2.5 million in bribes. Dismiss Shirlington Limousine Service providing hot & cold running prostitutes in the Watergate Hotel for top Republican lawmakers. Don't concern yourself with your share of the National Debt, currently about $38,000.

None of that matters as long as Republicans can generate hate and fear among their base so that gays can't get married.

[Coastie for Truth]

1. Be prepared for the "end run" around "defense of family"

The so-called "defense of marriage" laws and constitutional amendments will be the subject of floor fights and committee fights to derail them by banning "No-Fault" divorce and returning to the "Fault" divorce--

Fault based divorces are awarded to the "innocent and injured spouse" when the other spouse has:

* willfully deserted the marriage for a period greater than one year, committed adultery,

* endangered the life or health of the other spouse,

* entered into a bigamous marriage,

* been sentenced to prison for two of more years, or

* "offered such indignities to the innocent and injured spouse as to render that spouse's condition intolerable and life burdensome."

The idea is not enact the end of "No Fault" divorce -- but to defeat the "Defense of Marriage" attempts.

[janx]

2. I've noticed that too.

It's already starting.

[tjwash]

3. The '06 campaign?

That's been their platform since Eisenhower.

[NanceGreggs]

4. I, for one, couldn't be happier ...

I keep hearing that this will be their platform (family 'values'), and it just makes my heart sing every time I hear it.

Every time they talk about this crap in the present circumstances, their words are bolded and underlined: "WE DON'T GET IT. WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR LIFE IS LIKE, NOR DO WE INTEND TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT."

If you're out of work, have spent your savings, have lost your health care coverage, and you can't look for work out of town because you can't afford the price of the gas it will take for a long commute, the LAST thing on your mind is whether the gay guys down the street get to walk down the aisle or not.

And what the Republicans are telling this poor schmuck who's worried about where his next dollar is coming from is: "We're not going to do a THING to change your present situation, but we WILL make your neighbourhood safe from flag-burners."

Yeah, that's going to go get the vote out.

[warrens]

5. You forgot immigration

It doesn't seem to be getting the reaction they wanted, but they are going to pound it into the ground and portray Democrats as wimpy pushover bleeding hearts who are destroying the country.

[flamin lib]

6. Yeah, that one sort of backfired on them.

I've always wondered why gays are a danger to marriage. I'm straight and somehow I've never stood next to one of my gay friends and thought, "Dang, I'm startin' ta wont me some a dat!"

I've been hustled by gay guys and ungly women. All the same to me, just not interested.