Republicans and Social Issues.

Many oppose gay marriage and abortion as a states right issue. Each state should decide for them self not imposed by the Federal Government.

I think the gay marriage issue is mostly a religious issue. The big difference between Republicans and Democrats is that the Democratic politicians and subsequent policies are more easily swayed by the popular niche interst of the day -- they're people pleasers when time to grab votes. And this is why the left has SO MANY "causes." They have SO MANY different voting demographics. It's a FUBAR hodgepodge of vote-for-me bones thrown in the middle of the pack. How often do they live up to their end? Anyway... I say people pleasers because the Democratic politicians are, by and large, religious people who regularly state that they're not for gay marriage (of course, some have been known to change this opinion depending on who they're talking to). With Republicans, the politicians and the base are more on the same level in terms of religion and tradition. The right doesn't have nearly as many "causes," because a lot of people on the right don't really want anything in the end but to be left alone by the government. However, there are more secular individuals claiming the "right" as their side, and many of them, myself included, don't care what two consenting adults choose to do with their lives. The people-pleasing Republican politicians would be wise to leave this issue alone or to at least tackle it correctly. However, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think everything would be easier for everyone if "gay marriage" could be called something else and still give two gay people the same rights as a man/woman married couple. I think gay marriage is one of those slippery slopes, and if it IS an issue of civil rights, then what about 8 consenting adults who all want to marry each other? What about George Clooney in his hit sequel, Men Who Marry Goats? I'm not sure if you'll ever see pro-gay religious people with any substantial numbers. It's not necessarily a right vs. left thing here. Pro-gay Republicans would mean that the party is becoming more secular is all. Good thing? Maybe so, maybe not. I'm agnostic but find nothing wrong with the religious and traditional values, and I see no reason that the entire country should have to abandon every previously-held principle in order to appease sporadic niche groups. In other words, I don't see special interest taking hold of the Republicans like it has the Democrats.

Well one thing many people don't realize it that the Gay Marriage divide is based far more on age than political parties. Younger people are more likely to be democrats, which is why it appears democrats are more in favor of gay marriage. When you look at the actual politicians though, such as Biden, Obama, Clinton, etc., you'll see that very few of them support gay marriage. If you look at younger republicans though, you'll see that many, such as Margaret Hoover, and Meghan McCain, are actually in favor of gay marriage. As the population ages you'll see gay marriage become more accepted. Major social changes take time and that can often mean generations. Remember, we still have senators and congressmen that were in office during segregation.

I know what you are saying and all I can say is it is about time. With all the problems in the world do we really have to fight against the gay peoples rights to marry? To be honest, I think they should be allowed the same benefits as any other couple and I extend that thought to couples that choose not to marry but live together. I think that anyone setting up household together should get the same exact benefits as those that are married get. there should be a contract separate from marriage that allows those benefits. The argument against gay marriage seems to be a mainly religious one anyway. Let the religious people have their marriage ceremonies but let others that choose to be committed to each other beyond the traditional marriage rules have another option and contract and still get the benefits. What if I wanted to remain single but set up a household for financial reasons with my best friend who is also a single female? Neither of us is gay but we have been friends for years and we trust each other. I mean if the gay people get benefits...do we have to pretend to be gay in order to get those benefits? We could and who would know otherwise? It just makes more sense to let 2 adults sharing a life for whatever reason the same benefits. It does not have to be so complicated.

Hi Tee, I've always thought of Republicans in the US as being like the Conservatives here in Canada. The old Progressive Conservatives who were much closer to the center were swallowed up by the righter wingers that we have now and this group would rather turn back the clock. It would be good to see Republicans moving forward like that and I hope you are right but I wonder who Fundamentalist Christians would vote for then? Blessings.

Maybe they're FINALLY waking up!!! Obama proved that getting the gay vote can get you elected. A politician will sell their soul to the devil in order to get reelected. At this point in history that's exactly what they think they are doing!!! NEVER feel that a politician is on your side as they have ONLY one side....THEIR SIDE!!!