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[April 2nd, 2008]

ENDORSE WITH YOUR BRAIN, NOT YOUR EMOTIONS

I understand that in his article, “Stand By Our Woman” (March 27, 2008), Byron Beck is using his column to let us know that he plans to vote for Hillary Clinton in the upcoming Oregon primary, and why his gay readers should follow suit.  He says he likes Clinton because she “takes no prisoners” and can “slug it out with the best of them.”  But he gives no true substance as to why he supports her—no mention of her stance on the important issues such as healthcare, the Iraq war, the economy—and instead alleges that since Clinton’s struggle seems to have run along the same trajectory as the modern gay movement we should all jump aboard the Hillary Express.  Clinton, Mr. Beck believes, “cares a helluva lot more” about him as a gay man than Obama  does.  But does she?

Let us not forget that the last time the Clintons were in the White House, the gay community was thrown under the political bus, and on more than one occasion. In my opinion, ushering in such policies as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act are funny ways of showing support.  What is surprising, and perhaps somewhat disappointing, is that Mr. Beck, as a spokesperson and advocate for the gay community, has either forgotten these policies or washed over them in his support of Clinton.

Scott Weimer
Southeast 14th Avenue

CORRECTION: The benefit for Bob Kramer (Table Scraps, March 19), an aspiring chef who was seriously injured when he was hit by a car while walking his dog with his wife, will be held on Sunday, April 6 (not Friday, April 4), at 5 pm at the Oregon Culinary Institute. WW regrets the error. Questions can be directed to chef Melanie Hammericksen at 961-6213.