On the decadence of Anglo conservatism and the vote on same-sex marriage in Germany
July 3, 2017
Anglo conservatism is in shambles. The UK Conservatives have lost their majority after pushing for an extreme hard Brexit and the party is totally divided on how to approach the issue; the US Republicans have turned into a populist-nationalist movement led by a third world-style egomaniac; the Canadian Conservatives are in the wilderness; and the Australian Liberal Party is controlled by right-wing fanatics who have made the moderate PM's life impossible. Perhaps this state of disarray has led them to spit bile at the most successful, non-Anglo centrist-conservative leader in decades, Angela Merkel. Many Anglo cons have criticized Merkel for her vote against same-sex marriage on Friday. Perhaps they should be reminded that none of them have been champions of LGBT rights (except, a segment of the UK Tories under former PM Cameron). The US Republicans are appalling on the issue; the Canadian conservatives have accepted equal marriage as they have no choice; and the Aussie Libs are still blocking any change on the legislation, making Australia one of the last Western countries without the freedom to marry. It's pathetic for them then to criticize Merkel on this issue. They hate her for her openness and compassion during the refugee crisis, which none of them showed even remotely.
No, I don't agree with Merkel's vote against same-sex marriage. But I'm smart enough to see beyond this single vote and appreciate her leadership standing up for liberal values in the world at a time when Anglo conservatives retreat into populist demagoguery and scapegoating of everything foreign.
To Anglo conservatives I say this: once you embrace and stop scapegoating those who are escaping from civil war, then dare to criticize Merkel on gay marriage. Before that, you have no moral authority. As for Merkel, I still trust her to lead the free world.
The graph above shows the support for equal marriage among the German political parties. Congratulations to Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen and CDU's Secretary General Peter Tauber, among 68 other CDU MPs, for standing up for equality under the law. They are the future of the party. And congratulations to the BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN, for being the first ones to push for this legislation. The freedom to marry is now the law of the land in Germany.
Posted by A.H..
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