One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

If you want proof that Karl Rove master-minded not only a political, but a moral victory this year, you need look no further than this article in the New York Times. It discusses a debate that is gaining momentum in the Gay Rights community that focuses on moderating their goals in lieu of future losses. Some are even thinking of supporting the President's plans in order to solidify support on some other gay-rights related issues.

I'm a little torn about this. On the one hand I think same sex marriages should be allowed for those who want them and there should be no constitutional amendment on banning same-sex marriages. At the same time, I'm quite cognizant of the fact that I'm in the minority and having a ban may be in the not-too-distant future. On the other hand I'm ticked off that there was such a huge surge of activity about getting married, demanding the right and making a noise about it, but no debate prior to the election year. I understand how emotional and personal the issue is, but if you want to accomplish something you need a plan. I have definitely meandered into the camp that suggests that the gay-rights issues were a card that Rove played to incite his minions and his adversaries alike; and it worked, because the gay community reacted with emotion rather than cogent, considered action. In my opinion, the latter would have given them much greater gains. It's just a shame that no one seems to have realized that the off-the-cuff movement could backfire so badly.

In other "news," the drug trade in Afghanistan is back to peak levels and beyond. Despite the existence of alternatives such as promoting the farming of hemp, the Coalition forces don't seem to be able to do stem the tide. Despite Mr. Karzai's righteous indignation, the problem is greater than the "drug mafia" he cited in a recent speech. It goes right to the doorstep of the Afghani warlords that no one seems to want to deal with. Apparently the War on Terror is intent on doing nothing in particular and everything in general.

To read more about the warlord situation in Afghanistan which will be a deciding factor Western success check out this article in Asia Times.

And finally, if you're up for it, here is an excellent multi-contributor article from the Nation including Noam Chomsky among others.