A new column has posted at The Guardian. I must admit, I felt the need to respond to the nature of the comments on my first article, simply because they highlighted one of my main complaints about the left–their hypocrisy on all issue they claim to be leaders on.

Here’s a snippet, and you can click through to read the whole thing. Hope you enjoy it.

On being out, proud and conservative

There’s a little something I noticed in the reaction to my first article here at the Guardian – a question tucked in the midst of the hundreds of pithy and thoughtful reader contributions – I was asked: what is it like to be gay and conservative?

After all, those conservatives hate the homos, don’t they? It must be very, very difficult for me, one concerned reader noted, to be among the intolerant and hateful.

Well, I do suppose I would rather bask in the unbridled sunlight of liberal values of fairness, tolerance and love so eloquently on display in many of the comments made on my first contribution here. I know, it seems like such an odd decision, to reject the Eden of the liberal establishment. Yet strangely, after having been on the left for so long myself, I began to wonder: how much love and understanding can one person take? […]

Having made my point, I trust, I’ll now slip out of my snark suit and share a little secret with you. The real story of bigotry and intolerance is the fact that it lives and thrives on the left. As a gay woman who spent most of her adult life pushing the cart for liberal causes with liberal friends in a liberal city, I found that sexism, racism and homophobia are staples in the liberal world…

As you might have gathered, I prefer the honest, decent and genuinely accepting friends and family I have in the conservative world. We don’t always agree on everything, but isn’t that the point? – being able to be yourself, make choices that best suit you, without fear of punishment or retribution. My friendships and relationships in the conservative world are not predicated on political correctness and enforced conformity of thought. They are based, instead, on mutual respect, honesty and understanding – concepts many modern liberals should consider revisiting.

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27 Comments | Leave a comment
  1. angelaisms says:

    Excellent column, but the comments just about made my eyes bleed. In case any of you don’t feel like holding your nose and delving in, here’s the theme: “Her real life experiences contradict my talking points! Somebody is clearly lying — it must be Tammy!! She’s clearly a self-loathing traitorous paid shill! SHILL!!!!” And then they wet themselves.

    I freely admit to not reading them all — that song and dance routine got old quick. But it kinda makes me also want to go to San Francisco and walk around downtown with a t-shirt that reads, “I’m a CONSERVATIVE … BOO!!!” in that scary, drippy Halloween font.

    • VIPER109 says:

      LOL some of the comments are like watching people argue over what color to paint the burning house.

    • makeshifty says:

      Yeah, I’ve heard that “shill” line, too. It’s in their dictionary of epithets for those who disagree with them, along with “racist”.

      I’ve heard more than once that liberals think that conservatives don’t really believe what they say they believe. I guess they believe that in our heart of hearts we agree with them, and for some reason we’re just not willing to admit it. Perhaps it’s because we’re all “filthy rich”, or we’re racists, maybe both, eh? That’s the only conclusion that makes sense (from a purely utilitarian perspective, that is). Harvey Mansfield, a conservative professor at Harvard, said that liberals believe that conservatism will pass away, and eventually everyone will believe in liberalism, once conservatives realize “the truth.” What “truth” he didn’t say. My guess is this “truth” comes from an atheistic perspective, which believes that liberty and natural rights are a comforting fiction of the ignorant who haven’t realized that there is no god to grant us our rights, and that the expectation of individual responsibility is unrealistic. In their view the reality is the notions of liberty and individual responsibility are destructive, and are just euphemisms for “neglect” of one’s fellow human beings. The reality to them is what’s happening on the ground, and the need to analyze it and manage it all for the sake of material equality. That’s the idea, anyway. In politics it never works out that way.

      One of these days I’m going to have to read “A Conflict of Visions,” by Thomas Sowell. He speaks to the need of the left to “own sincerity”. Here’s an excerpt of an interview with Peter Robinson, where they talk about this. Peter Robinson quoted from the book: “Where the wise and conscientious individual is conceived to be competent to shape outcomes directly, then his sincerity is crucial. Sincerity is so central to an unconstrained vision that it is not readily conceded to adversaries.”

      TS: “That goes back at least 200 years, that people who have the constrained vision understand that people will make mistakes. And so when someone says something they disagree with, that to them is just one of the examples of it. They see no need to question his sincerity or honesty, or whatever. For those with the unconstrained vision, what they believe seems so obviously true, that if you’re standing in the way of it, either you must be incredibly stupid, utterly uninformed, or simply dishonest.” [my emphasis]

      PR: “Let me read you a few of the terms that have been used to describe Sarah Palin: ‘Liar’ — Andrew Sullivan, ‘Cancer’ — David Brooks, ‘Jesus freak’ — Bill Maher, ‘Reactionary’ — Katha Pollitt, ‘Zealot’ — Maureen Dowd. Is that part of what’s going on here?”

      TS: “Yes. Yes. People like that find it very hard to believe that someone else could honestly, sincerely, and intelligently reach a different conclusion. They talk about how complex the world is, but it never seems to be complex enough that other people could’ve read the same evidence they’ve looked at and come up with a different conclusion.”

      An ironic thing I’ve observed with some liberals is they often deride conservative Christians, seeing them as rigid, ignorant, fundamentalists. Looking at how they see things, though, that there is only one way to interpret things, I see them as rigid, yea–even religious, ignorant, fundamentalists. What I used to find infuriating is that they will deny this observation completely. It seems to me that there was something seriously deficient in their education. I don’t say this because they disagree with me. It’s just that there’s no point in having a discussion with them, except in the case that I agree with them, which narrows the opportunities a lot.

      • sandyl says:

        View from a Liberal Mind’s Eye:

        “If I disagree with you, it is because I am enlightened, if you disagree with me it is because you are ignorant.”

      • BastiatFan says:

        Conflict of Visions is one of the best books ever, makeshifty. I make a point of reading it every couple years. Vision of the Annointed is also terrific.

  2. lord-ruler says:

    one of the people commenting said Tammy changed to being conservative because all of her friends were conservative and she just wanted to fit in. Yes Tammy is a follower and a conformist I know it.

  3. IloiloKano says:

    mutual respect, honesty and understanding

    Thank you, Tammy, for your respect of me and others, for your honesty and integrity, and for your teaching others that two people can disagree on some pretty basic issues, without either one actually being evil.

    I would like to think my manners and actions have always given the impression to others that I am one who gives, without first being shown, respect. However, as people often view themselves more noble than they truly are, I seriously doubt it.

    Yet, I do indeed affirm that you have first demonstrated respect for many, which only afterwards has been returned.

  4. Maynard says:

    Ah, the endless rhetoric “proving” one or the other side is tolerant or intolerant. I hate to get drawn into questions of the obvious; it’s like debating the value of two plus two. Case in point: Juan Williams. He appears on both Fox and NPR. So which scenario plays out: 1) Williams says something on NPR that offends Fox so much they summarily terminate him and trash him, or 2) Williams says something on Fox that offends NPR so much they summarily terminate him and trash him. You don’t need the talking heads to tell you what happened. Your eyes and your brain are capable of figuring out where tolerance and intolerance appear. (I suppose some clever debater might jump in and ask for a contrast to Helen Thomas, who lost her job after expressing an opinion. Of course, Helen had opined that the state of Israel should be wiped off the map, which isn’t quite the same thing as noting that 9/11 was perpetrated by Muslims, and that Islamic terrorism is an ongoing threat.)

  5. makeshifty says:

    How progressives see conservatives (a little satire by Steven Crowder).

  6. USApride says:

    Tammy your article was well written. You made your point quite clearly. I thought possibly just possibly you would get through to these individuals. Then……… I read the comments so full of hate and sarcasm. It must be awful to be so cruel , paranoid and cynical all the time. Somehow the concepts of mutual respect and decency are above their pay grade. All they could offer in the comments section is to insult and belittle you.

  7. Kimj7157 says:

    Terrific, effective piece. Your words can’t help but give some lefties pause.

  8. sandyl says:

    I nearly split a gut when they said Tammy was being “used.” Yes we all know what a dupe Tammy is… πŸ™‚ They will learn. Keep up the great articles Tammy.

    I do realize that some liberals will be afraid to speak out in support of Tammy because of the backlash, but I was hoping Tammy’s article would spur some intelligent debate. For a few it did, but not for most. Their logic made my head spin. Their “smarty pants” views actually revealed their own ignorance, and proved Tammy’s point brilliantly. Their proof of intolerance on the right? Opposition to gay marriage and “don’t ask, don’t tell.” They were clearly in support of these positions. The only thing that mattered was their opinion. No debate, no discussion. If you don’t support their positions, you are to be shunned and dismissed. Ironic, because I believe that is the very definition of intolerance.

  9. jeaneeinabottle says:

    They don’t want anyone to cross that line do they, talk about brainwashed. Tammy I came to you, so the one about you doing what your friends are doing is funny, peer pressure. I would like to say as a Christian, you are more Christian than most of my Christian friends. I was never taught in church to shun gays or anyone else, ever, I believe God made us, he made everyone for a reason. By the way you talk sometimes Tammy you already have a relationship with God, it’s a very personal thing, it’s hard to explain in words but I hear it. Anyhoo, I think you are a blessing Tammy, you always touch my heart with your honesty, it’s pure and refreshing, no wonder you left the left it’s very toxic. The education you give is priceless and I thank you, I can still be myself but a smarter version. Lord knows we needed someone to help us with all this political stuff, I never paid attention before, yes I’m one of those. Great article, keep them coming, you are doing the good! Ps: how you felt meeting Sarah is how I would feel meeting you. πŸ™‚

  10. danceswithtrout says:

    Tammy,
    My experience is if a Conservative is homosexual, he/she quietly leads their life.
    If a Democrat is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
    DWT

  11. danceswithtrout says:

    Tammy,
    Let me correct my previous post, if a Conservative is homosexual, he/she quietly leads their life.
    If a Liberal is homosexual, he/she demand legislated respect.

    There are many conservative Democrats. DWT

  12. mariamcbean says:

    Great article! It’s amazing what happens when Lefties are forced to think rationally. They cannot do it.

  13. trevy says:

    As a Christian, I hate the sin, but love the sinner. I am against homosexuality since the Bible says that’s a sin. But, I love you, Tammy, and I pray for you often.

  14. MACVEL says:

    Looking at the excerpt, it appears you mind-malmed with Ann Coulter.

  15. Perry says:

    I love what danceswithtrout had to say “…if a Conservative is homosexual, he/she quietly leads their life. If a Liberal is homosexual, he/she demand legislated respect.”

    I too am a gay Conservative. Gay Liberals have become the very people they used to hate. They are intimidating and entitled. I can hardly stand to be around them and their elitist ways.

    The world is in so much pain and the gay Liberals want to go to war over gay marriage. There really are bigger fish to fry. (no offense, danceswithtrout) πŸ˜€ I mean for the pun.

  16. larrygeary says:

    I loved the article. I couldn’t stomach the Guardian commenters.

    I wonder if you may run into a problem with the Brits’ concept of “the Right” and “Conservative”. I have no idea what “the Right” is like over there. Their concept of “the Right” over here is about as fanciful as one of those old maps with labels like “there be monsters here”. As for “Conservative”, I suppose by their definition Obama and Pelosi are Conservatives. My point is that even if the Guardian readers weren’t batshit crazy, there may still be a communications problem.

  17. Conservatarian says:

    Gay Conservative here, we exist, more than the Libs think. Went to a rally in Atlanta, GA for the person that should be Gov. of GA, Karen Handel….. and Palin was speaking – there were many gay conservatives there to see Palin. I actually got right up front got to speak to Palin for a few seconds and got a hug from here also, anyway……..back to the gay conservative thing – the Liberal San Francisco gay community does not represent me but they are what is commonly portrayed. Danceswithtrout and Perry are correct – gay conservatives live their lives and do not wear their gayness on their sleeves. I have a job, served in the military, pay my bills, active in the community, etc. Gay marriage is not even in my top 10 of what is important to this country. That said though, it is hard to align with the Right when the bashing is coming from that direction. But you have to pick a side, you really do, or your vote means nothing, and the Left is so wrong about so much. To the hetero’s I say “there is more that unites us than divides us”. We all have to work together to get this nation back on track. That is why I love the Tea Party, it is not about social issues and I hope it stays that way. I am thankful for Tammy Bruce, that finally there is a gay conservative voice out there, I hope her airtime expands to reach more people.

  18. DisgustedDem says:

    As a life long member of the Democrat Party as well as a male heterosexual moderate with left leanings, Tammy is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. I don’t recognize the Democrat Party or the Liberal Movement anymore. They CERTAINLY ARE NOT the organizations I grew up in and they DON’T represent ME ANYMORE. When asked, I proudly say I am an Independent now because the Democrat Party left me. I didn’t leave them. I am certainly NOT a Republican, and while I may not go along with Gay marriage, I do support civil unions with all the same protections of marriage, I do support the right to bear arms, and ANYONE who tries to take the First Amendment away, watch out because I WILL be coming for you. And I also support smaller government and self reliance. Not liberal causes but then I don’t mind helping someone get back on their feet, but I do oppose supporting someone for life who otherwise has no reason to NOT be out there supporting themselves. I am a practicing Christian and I am Pro Choice even though it isn’t something I would want to be a part of. But then who gave me God like powers to make life or death choices for anyone other then myself? I don’t even have a problem with the GOProud Group. They seem to have more on the ball than most other political groups and have America’s best interest at heart not just political breast thumping.

    Tammy, I don’t care if you are Gay. I don’t care if you are a green three headed monster. I don’t care if you USED to be liberal or are STILL liberal. I don’t care if you are a Feminist of any stripe. Anyone who stands up for what made this country the greatest country in the worlds history, I will be standing next to you and I got your back! Keep up the good fight girl!

    And yes, where the HELL IS Zell Miller now? We need him MORE than ever!

  19. ffigtree says:

    Excellent article Tammy! The comments following your article exemplifies the Lord of the Flies mentality exhibited by the left.

  20. redneckgal says:

    I too am a “Gay” conservative , but first and foremost I am a conservative. In the 59 years I have lived I too came to realize the hypocrisy of the left. I understand that this Nation and the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for my “individual freedoms” gave me the best chance to be successful in the greatest nation in the world.

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