I have the Sharks and the Jets theme stuck in my head after reading about this. Seems there was close to a throw down today at the Constipated Political Action Conference. No, it wasn't Bob Barr being booed for criticizing waterboarding although that did happen. Tsk tsk...he must have forgotten where he was, and with sulfur smell of Dick Cheney still fresh in the air...
Nor was it John Ashcroftsimilarly blaspheming by saying that civilian trials have a place and a purpose.
No, this internal battle was over gay rights which I suppose is some kind of step in the right direction considering that gay rights were being discussed at all. CPAC Conference Dissolves Into Right-Wing Civil War Over Gay Rights
The organization GOProud has fought for a seat at the conservative table. Not sure how they compare to the Log Cabin Republicans. In an ironic move that could only happen in the irony deficient GOP, GOProud's table was placed next to NOMs ( National Organization for Marriage ) the very much anti-gay and humor challenged organization responsible for some of the most unintentionally hilarious commercials like "The Gathering Storm" (cue thunderclaps).
Yesterday, on camera with CNN, they made nice with each other. NOM even suggested a beer summit which they've since played down. Anyhoo....seems the younger Libertarian conservatives were pleased that GOProud got to participate in this year's conference and their speaker Alexander McCobin, took time from his prepared remarks to acknowledge them:
For the video limited:
MCCOBIN: In the name of freedom, I would like to also thank the American Conservative Union for welcoming GOProud as a co-sponsor of this event. (loud boos) Not because of any politics, but because of the message that it sends: If what you truly care about is freedom, limited government, and prosperity, then this symbol is a step in the right direction, and look to the student movement for support! (heckling) The typical Student’s response is to be socially tolerant and fiscally responsible. Students today recognize that freedom does not come in pieces. It is a single concept that we must defend at all times.
OK. Reasonable enough. I don't agree with them politically but I can't argue with their call for social tolerance. Sadly he was met with loud booing. Following him the speaker from YAF (Young Americans for Freedom ... an organization with which I believe jailbird O'Keefe and friends are associated) took the podium:
For the video limited:
SORBA: I want to condemn CPAC for bringing GOProud to this event! (loud booing) I love it. I love it. Guess what. Guess what. Alright. Civil rights are granted in natural rights. Natural rights are granted in human nature. Human nature is a rational substance in relationship. The intelligible end of reproductive act is reproduction. Do you understand that? Civil rights when they conflict with natural rights are (yelling) No YOU sit down. The lesbians at Smith College protest better than you do. The lesbians at Smith College protest better than you do. Alright? Bring it. Jeff Frazee, guess what, you just made an enemy out of me, buddy. Yeah you, guess what. YOU just made an enemy out of me, thanks a lot.
Oh snap! Got that. "You have made an enemy out of me" (which means Bob Barr won't let them waterboard him but still).
And just so we're all clear...apparently Smith College is filled with angry protesting lesbians, and I'm 100% sure ( NOT) that Smith was mentioned since it was announced yesterday that Rachel Maddow will give the commencement speech.
One more cage match for the soul of the GOP. Baggers vs Libertarians. GOProud vs YAF. Palin vs anyone who costs her a buck. Ah good times.
Popcorn anyone?