Senator John Warner - "Proud to be a Republican"

            The Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia would like to thank our special guest of honor, Senator John Warner, for helping make this year's annual PAC fundraiser on June 12 a spectacular success.  The Senator opened his remarks by saying how proud his is to be a Republican and thanking LCR of Virginia for our participation in the process that enables all of us to have a democracy.  He also quoted Ronald Reagan, noting that "democracy is not a spectator sport."  We whole-heartedly agree with the Senator and thank him for endorsing our efforts to secure a place in the political debate that will determine the future of the Republican Party as we support inclusive candidates for local and statewide office.  The LCR-VA PAC raised over $5200 in this on-going effort to win back the Party we hold dear, fighting for the values that we cherish, like personal liberty, limited government, and free markets.

            After his remarks, the Senator opened the floor for questions.  Of course, one issue on all our minds is the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, enacted under President Bill Clinton.  Someone asked if Senator Warner would be willing to lead the charge to repeal the policy.  The Senator replied that there is a steady progression of understanding that will lead the Congress to review the policy, but he does not believe that now, during wartime, is the time to do so.  He noted the challenges that the military is facing with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he called the times too fragile and dangerous for any drastic policy changes.  We respect the Senator's insight and understanding of military matters but encourage him and all fair-minded members of Congress to remember that gays and lesbians often possess valuable skills and talents that the military desperately needs.  Sexual orientation does not affect a person's desire or ability to serve his or her country, and polls show that apparently a majority of the American people agree, as do most of our major allies, who have allowed gays and lesbians to serve in their armed forces for many years.
            Other questions that the Senator addressed were immigration reform, the hate crimes bill pending before Congress, weapons systems being used in Iraq and Afghanistan, our national energy policy, and the harshly partisan atmosphere on Capitol Hill.  Senator Warner stressed that Congress must secure our national borders before dealing with the millions of illegal aliens already in the country.  The public doesn't believe that Congress can or will tackle the problems, and it is up to Congress to prove that it can, he said.  The Senator also stated that he will support the hate crimes bill that recently passed the House, that he is a strong proponent of nuclear energy, and that he is not overly optimistic that the climate in the Senate will change any time soon given the near-even split in both houses of Congress.  Finally, a guest with both a lesbian teenager and a mentally handicapped daughter asked the Senator to remember gay teenagers and the disabled.  The Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia thanks guests and members who brought their children to this important event.  It reminds all of us, politicians and Club members alike, that we all have families and that discriminatory policies and attitudes affect us all.