Thought Theater

During the 2004 presidential election, much was made of John Kerry's statement, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it". The remark was said to be evidence that the Senator was a flip-flopper...although one could clearly argue that the Senator simply used questionable language to explain his reasons for voting for one bill and not the other due to the provisions contained in each bill. In the end, the GOP succeeded in depicting the Senator as a flip-flopper.

In my opinion, Mitt Romney, the former Governor of Massachusetts and current GOP presidential candidate, by comparison, provides a text book representation of a flip-flopper...one who has been willing to change his positions on social issues as if it were no more significant than the simple act of changing his socks. Romney has suddenly become a social conservative whose values are now magically aligned with those evangelical voters who form a significant segment of the GOP base.

The following video was just released by the Log Cabin Republicans...an organization of gays who remain members of the GOP despite the fact that the party platform advances positions to their detriment. In the video, Romney espouses his support for abortion rights, the upholding of Roe v. Wade, and opposition to the NRA. Romney has also been supportive of gay rights. The following is from a letter he wrote to Massachusetts Log Cabin Republicans.

"As a result of our discussions and other interactions with gay and lesbian voters across the state, I am more convinced than ever before that as we seek to establish full equality for America's gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent [Ted Kennedy]."

"I am not unaware of my opponents considerable record in the area of civil rights, or the commitment of Massachusetts voters to the principle of equality for all Americans. For some voters it might be enough for me to simply match my opponents record in this area. But I believe we can and must do better. If we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern. My opponent cannot do this. I can and will."

"We have discussed a number of important issues such as the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which I have agreed to co-sponsor, and if possible broaden to include housing and credit, and the bill to create a federal panel to find ways to reduce gay and lesbian youth suicide, which I also support. One issue I want to clarify concerns President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue" military policy. I believe that the Clinton compromise was a step in the right direction. I am also convinced that it is the first of a number of steps that will ultimately lead to gays and lesbians being able to serve openly and honestly in our nation's military. That goal will only be reached when preventing discrimination against gays and lesbians is a mainstream concern, which is a goal we share."

Now I've spent years listening to the GOP assail Massachusetts liberals...particularly Ted Kennedy...and if Mitt Romney feels he would be better suited to serve the interests of gays and lesbians in Massachusetts than Ted Kennedy, just what does that make Mitt? Did I miss our sudden entry into a Seinfeld episode of the "Bizarro World"...or is it possible that Mitt Romney has simply never met a position he didn't take? I'm betting on the latter.