I read my partner's post about Pride Day--the fact that some of the local politicos didn't show up. Bob O'Connor and Dan Onorato really don't have too much of an excuse because their positions are probably relatively safe. But I agree, Bob Casey should have made an appearance, albeit even if it was short.

Now don't get me wrong, I think it's imperative that we vote for Casey. We may think he is "Santorum lite" and the fact that he didn't attend Pride Fest doesn't help alleviate that impression. But Ricky Santorum is much, much worse for our community. And the Democrats have to take back the house and senate if the Bush madeness overtaking our country is going to be stopped.

But here is where Sue and I diverge. The Republicans have been able to use guilt by gay association, and have been able to make us a punching bag for so long for one simple reason. We don't vote. We can't be bothered to get off our asses and take 5-10 minutes to vote. The apathy among gay people is huge and the Republicans--like my friend Bob's favorite target Karl "no shit sticks to me" Rove know it. Rove can use us as the proverbial boogey man under the bed because we allow it. Nobody stands up and fights him. And the Republicans know we're not a force to be reckoned with. Hell, we're too busy fighting each other for God sake!

Respect from politicans is to be earned. Not demanded. Not taken for granted. Earned. Earned by voting and exercising good citizenship. If we voted and became a political force to be reckoned with, neither Karl Rove nor Ricky Santorum could use us as punching bags.

So to all you queers who are bummed that Casey won, get over it, vote and show him that you're a force to be reckoned with. Maybe next time he'll make sure he attends Pride Fest.