The CPAC saga over the inclusion of GOProud as a sponsor seems to have finally been solved. Predictably the groups who loath
gays
The response on the blogs and elsewhere has been less upset than the boycotters might have hoped, even on the right.
David Weigel’s piece in Slate pointed out a few facts help clarify the “extent” of the boycott.
“UPDATE: It’s worth noting that while CWA was part of CPAC last year, the FRC was not. And as always, pay attention to how much the departing groups mention ACU’s finances in their decision.”
CPAC regular and blogger Jimmie makes it clear why these few groups are making such a fuss about GOProud.
“They’re GAY! Okay? Are you happy? I said it. Great. Now a bunch of ridiculous punters whose underwear are doubtlessly two sizes too small are going to boycott my blog, too.”
Outside the Beltway sees the resolution of this issue as a good sign for the conservative movement as a whole.
“[P]erhaps the conservative movement is becoming more libertarian, or returning to the libertarian roots that Ronald Reagan acknowledged in 1975, or perhaps it’s at least becoming more tolerant. and leaving behind the gay bashing of groups like the FRC and CWA. If that’s true, it’s a good thing.”
Gawker has even invented a new word for GOProud dubbing them “conservagays.” We shall see if the terms gets any legs on the internet.
“Washington’s annual Conservative Political Action Conference is always a major audition for Republican presidential candidates, who show up and tell interest groups whatever they want to hear. But in 2011, will the gays scare everyone away?”
The Other McCain on hearing the news ponders whether it will be the best CPAC “evah”, however is concerned about the self-marginalization activities of the groups “boycotting”.
“Given so many reasons to be excited about CPAC 2011, I’m disturbed to see that some people think this is a good occasion to marginalize themselves.”
Michael Barrone in an excellent piece examines the wider trend of issues like those about gays being less important in the American political discourse.
“But on the cultural issues that have been the focus of political contention we seem to have reached a status quo that, while not acceptable to some with strong views on both sides, is one most Americans can live with. The truce that Mitch Daniels called for and that his critics decry is a fact of life.”
It remains to be seen if this boycott will get any more takers. Many suspect that this February’s CPAC event will be their most successful in its entire history.
