A couple of people that are standing up

Log Cabin Republicans are the definition of insanity 

By Johnny Trlica 

Commentary: There is considerable debate about the origins of the phrase, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.†Many people attribute the quote to Albert Einstein, one of the most significant scientific geniuses of the 20th century. 

Some others believe the phrase got its origins in a 1981 Narcotics Anonymous pamphlet that had a slightly different version: “Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results.†Whoever or wherever the quote came from, one thing is for certain: it is true and can be applied to today’s Log Cabin Republicans (LCR). 

Log Cabin Republicans of Texas were founded in 1989. The group of gays and lesbians’ goal is to build a stronger, more inclusive Republican Party. (Good luck with that). They, along with straight allies aim transform the GOP from the inside, working to overcome the forces of exclusion and intolerance. 

How’s that working for them, you ask? 

In 1990, they were denied a booth at the Republican State Convention. The GOP party platform called homosexuality “biologically and morally unsound†and compared same-sex relationships to “necrophilia, pedophilia, bestiality, or incest.†

In 1992, they were denied a booth at the Republican National Convention at the Houston Astrodome. There, Pat Buchanan said, “We stand with [President George H.W. Bush] against the amoral idea that gay and lesbian couples should have the same standing in law as married men and women.†

In 1998, Log Cabin Republicans were denied a booth at the Texas state convention. A group of their members protested outside and were met with accusations of being in the Ku Klux Klan and pedophiles. 

Things didn’t get any better for the clueless group in the new century. Their efforts for inclusion at every Texas Republican State Convention and at every national convention were rejected. To this day, LCR are still on the outside looking in. 

The Log Cabin Republicans pathetic attempt to get the Republican Party to be more inclusive and like them continues today. If after more than 30 years of asking, pursuing, begging and pleading, the one you want still has not reciprocated, give it up, gurl. It ain’t happening. You’ve become the Sally and Linus (of Peanuts fame) of politics. 

But there they were this past June at the GOP state convention in Houston. Sally was once again trying to get Linus to like her only to be rejected for the one-millionth time. “The Texas Republican Party refused a booth to a gay conservative group this weekend, during an event where neo-Confederate party activists also declared the 2020 presidential election illegitimate and called to repeal the Voting Rights Act,†reported Vice.com. 

After over three decades of desperately trying to be included in a party that clearly does not want them, respect them, or even acknowledge their right to exist, the LCR are no closer to their goals than they were when the first Bush was president. In fact, they may be losing ground. 

The platform adopted by the Texas GOP convention in 2022 says that “homosexuality is an abnormal lifestyle choice†and the party “opposes all efforts to validate transgender identity.†

Last week, Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) celebrated his gay son’s wedding less than a week after he voted against a bill that would protect his son’s right to have one. Only 47 of 211 House GOP members voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage bill. MAGA is thicker than blood! 

It’s time for Log Cabin Republicans to stop the insanity and realize that they will never, ever be accepted by the GOP. To borrow a line from Steel Magnolias’ Ouiser Boudreaux, “You’re makin’ a fool outta yourself, Clairee.†

There is a party that will accept them, though. The Texas Democratic Party issued a release directed at LCR. It reads: “Today, the Texas Republicans let hate and extremism define their party again as they rejected the application from the Log Cabin Republicans to become a coalition partner at their convention.†

First openly gay Texas legislator and former State Representative Glen Maxey issued the following statement: “Hate has no place in Texas. Texas Republicans’ decision to reject the Log Cabin Republicans is yet another example of how extremism and prejudice have come to define the Republican Party. It is dead wrong, and the Texas Republicans’ decision today only reinforces their idea that all people aren’t created equal. 

“In Texas and across the country, LGBTQ Americans have experienced discrimination time and time again for who we love. The fight for dignity and equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people is just beginning. LGBTQ Americans still face hurdles across our society. Everybody deserves to build a family, work, and live free from discrimination. 

“Texas Democrats are proud to champion legislation to end hate crimes, fight for non-discrimination ordinances, and advance LGBTQ rights because all of us are created equal. To every Log Cabin Republican, we have one message: You are welcome in the Texas Democratic Party. Come join us in the fight for equality and march with us as we strive for a more just, fair society.â€

The views expressed in this article are entirely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of MONTROSE STAR. Johnny Trlica is the administrator of the Houston Rainbow Herald Facebook page. Reach him at [email protected].

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